JP2000196654A - Equipment control device and communication node - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a control signal transmission path for controlling a controlled device that can communicate with a center unit using an interface different from an interface with a remote control terminal directly from the remote control terminal or via the center unit. To provide a remote control terminal that enables management and selection. A controlled device having a bidirectional infrared interface and a unidirectional infrared interface, which can be controlled directly via the unidirectional infrared interface or controlled from the bidirectional infrared interface via an IEEE 1394 bus. Manages the correspondence between the function and the interface that can control it, and when receiving input from the user regarding the function, determines whether to use the unidirectional infrared interface, the bidirectional infrared interface, or the infrared interface according to the function. And sends the control signal from the selected interface.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device control device for controlling a controlled device such as an AV device using an interface using infrared rays or the like, and a communication node for relaying between the device control device and the controlled device. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, remote control terminals using infrared control signals are employed in many household appliances (including various appliances such as so-called white goods, AV appliances, etc.), and are located within a distance of several meters. Is widely used as a familiar tool for remotely controlling the user without leaving the place (or without moving to the vicinity of the device).

In recent years, in air conditioners, televisions, VCRs, AV components, etc., there are more types of functions that can be operated from a remote control terminal than functions that can be operated from control buttons arranged on a main unit. A wide variety of cases have emerged. This indicates that operations that were conventionally performed on the main unit have shifted to operations centered on remote control terminals, and user interfaces that take into account portability and ease of use have been implemented by many manufacturers. Is considered to be a common consciousness.

[0004] Although the number of devices controlled by infrared rays in the home is increasing, the control of each of these devices is complicated by the fact that a dedicated remote controller must be changed and operated. . In order to eliminate this complexity, there are many multi-remote controllers that can transmit and control an infrared control signal pattern unique to each manufacturer from one remote control terminal in advance. This means that a remote control code system (a set of operation signal patterns that are prepared in advance as standard for each manufacturer) corresponding to the device to be controlled is stored in an RO with a built-in remote control.
M, it is possible to freely select and set a signal pattern from a preset set for each button on the remote control terminal.

[0005] In addition, remote control terminals that can support not only operation signal patterns prepared in advance but also individual functions (for example, a function for calling a timer setting screen) for each device have appeared. This is a learning type that can be freely stored / set on the remote control terminal side, such as by using a serial interface to download the pattern of the infrared control signal corresponding to the individual function transmitted by the dedicated remote control of each device. It is called a remote control.

[0006] Some higher-grade AV equipment is provided with a remote control terminal equipped with a two-way communication function, so that not only a control signal is received from the remote control terminal but also a received signal. In some cases, the state of the device after the operation is returned to the remote control terminal based on the operation. A remote control terminal attached to such an AV device has a display function such as a liquid crystal panel, and operates the AV device in a mode (during reproduction, stopped, etc.), a volume state (main / rear speaker volume, effects, etc.). Type etc.) can be visually confirmed.

[0007] In many current televisions and VCRs, a channel display, a remaining tape amount display, a sound mode display, a volume display, and the like are displayed on a monitor on the main body or on a TV set as an output destination. With the advent of a high-performance remote control terminal, it has become possible to realize control between main units and functions cooperating therewith via a GUI on the remote control terminal side. In the future, the operation screen and status display of the remote control will be realized under software control, and it is expected that the functions will be further enhanced.

On the other hand, in addition to the conventional home appliance control method using an infrared signal as described above, a protocol for controlling home appliances via various networks has been proposed based on the digitalization of future home appliances. ing. For example,
Keyboard and mouse, PDA and P using infrared communication
IrBu that realizes control message transfer between C, etc.
s (IrDA Control Specificat
1394) and IEEE 1394 (IEEE 1394-1) which is expected to be an interface for connection between AV devices in the future.
995) AV / C which is the AV device control protocol
(AV / C Digital Interface C
ommand SetGeneral Specifi
ction) protocol and the like. Especially IEEE
On E1394, as a method of downloading a control screen or a control program of each device to a control terminal via an IEEE1394 bus, such as the learning type remote controller described above,
AVi (Home AV Interoperable)
standard) is also under study, and IEEE1
A framework for controlling home appliances via the 394 bus is being constructed. In addition to this, SWAP (Shared Wireless) proposed by HomeRF, a US standardization organization that examines standards for wireless communication interfaces in homes.
It is anticipated that the study of a control protocol between devices connected to each interface using a wireless interface called Bluetooth, which is proposed by Toshiba, Intel, or the like, will progress.

[0009]

With the digitalization of home appliances, it is expected that home appliances will have a plurality of interfaces. As a result, home appliances not only control messages based on conventional infrared signals, but also functions corresponding to control messages received from other interfaces of the home appliances and control messages transmitted from remote control terminals using conventional infrared signals, It is expected that a function to convert the message into a control message corresponding to the interface of another home appliance and retransmit the message will be required. However, such a study has not been advanced yet.

[0010] The remote control terminal also has various interfaces of the home electric appliance, and has a function of transmitting control messages using not only infrared signals but also other interfaces (wireless interfaces, etc.), and various functions in the home. It is necessary to have a function of collecting, creating, and managing information such as what kind of interface the home appliance has, and what interface should be used to transfer a control message to each home appliance. However, at present, such studies have not been advanced.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows a controlled device connected to one or more networks different from a network with a device control device to be connected directly from the device control device or to a communication node. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device control device and a communication node capable of managing and selecting a control signal transmission path when controlling indirectly via a device.

Further, the present invention provides a method for controlling a controlled device connected to a different network such as an IEEE 1394 network, a wireless network, a power line network, or a telephone line network directly from a device control device or indirectly via a communication node. Device control that dynamically recognizes the accessibility between the device control device and the controlled device when controlling, and when multiple access means coexist, can preferentially select the optimal control signal transmission path It is intended to provide a device and a communication node.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device control apparatus comprising: a first interface to a first network; a second interface to a second network; From a user relating to a function of the first controlled device that can be controlled via the first interface means or the second controlled device which can be controlled via a communication device capable of communicating via the second interface means User information input means for receiving an input of the first controlled device and first function information and first function information of the first controlled device when transmitting a control signal corresponding to the input information received by the user information input means. With reference to the correspondence between the interface information or the correspondence between the second function information and the second interface information of the second controlled device, Interface information extracting means for extracting interface information associated with the function, and first interface information and a first address for the first controlled device based on the interface information extracted by the interface information extracting means. Interface means for transmitting a control signal relating to the function with reference to the correspondence between the information and the correspondence between the second interface information and the second address information of the second controlled device. A transmission interface selecting means for selecting, and a control signal transmitting means for transmitting the control signal from the selected interface means are provided.

The first network and the second network are logically different networks, but may be physically different or the same. For example, if the first network is one-way Ir and the second network is two-way Ir, the same physical layer processing can be performed, but the first network is wireless and the second network is Is based on bidirectional Ir, a different physical layer process is performed. The device control device is, for example, a remote control terminal. The communication device is, for example, a center unit. The second controlled device is a node connected to the communication device via, for example, an IEEE 1394 bus. This node may also be the first controlled device that can be controlled via the first interface means. Further, the second controlled device may be the communication device itself. The correspondence between the function information and the interface information is, for example, a correspondence between a certain function and one or a plurality of interfaces capable of controlling the function for a certain device. For example, function 1 is possible only with Ir, and function 2
Is possible only with the IEEE 1394 bus, and function 3 is
r and the information indicating that it is possible with both the IEEE1394 bus. The correspondence between the interface information and the address information is, for example, for a certain device,
This is information indicating an address to be used by the own device when controlling using a certain interface. For example, IEEE13
When the device 94 is used, its own device first uses the second interface means (using the address Ir_1 of the center unit) (then the center unit is relayed using IEEE1394), and when using the Ir, the first interface is used. Using means (address Ir of the controlled device
_2 is used). And
When a certain function is instructed by the user, for example, a control signal is transmitted from the second interface means when the function can be controlled only by IEEE1394, and when the function can be controlled only by one-way Ir, A control signal is transmitted from one interface means. When the function can be controlled by either the IEEE 1394 or the one-way Ir, the selection is made between the first interface means and the second interface means.

Preferably, the correspondence between the first function information and the first interface information, the correspondence between the first interface information and the first address information, Correspondence storage means for storing at least a part of the correspondence between the function information and the second interface information and the correspondence between the second interface information and the second address information. May be further provided. The various types of information are preset in the device control device, acquired from the first controlled device via the first interface, and acquired from the communication device via the second interface. Combined methods are conceivable.

Preferably, first information for receiving at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information for the first controlled device. Receiving means, and second information receiving means for receiving at least one of the second function information, the second interface information, and the second address information for the second controlled device And a correspondence relationship between the first function information and the first interface information, based on information received by the first information receiving means, and the first interface First correspondence information creating means for obtaining at least one of information and a correspondence relationship between the first address information and storing the information in the correspondence storage means; From the information received by the receiving means, the correspondence between the second function information and the second interface information and the correspondence between the second interface information and the second address information are determined. A second method of determining at least one of the two and storing the determined result in the correspondence storage means.
And at least one of them.

Preferably, for the first controlled device, first function information about the first controlled device;
A first information requesting unit for requesting transmission of at least one of the first interface information and the first address information; And a second information requesting unit for requesting transmission of at least one of the function information, the second interface information, and the second address information. .

Preferably, there is further provided a priority adding means for adding a priority defined by a predetermined standard to a plurality of pieces of the interface information stored in the correspondence storage means for the same controlled device. You may do so. As the predetermined criterion, for example, power consumption, band / transfer rate, response speed, success rate, and the like can be considered. Also,
The specification of the user may be considered.

Preferably, a first interface address on the first network of the first controlled device is used as the first address information, and the second interface information is used as the second address information. Alternatively, a second interface address other than the interface for performing communication with the communication device of the controlled device may be used.

Preferably, the control signal transmitting means includes a signal output from the first interface to the first network and a signal output from the second interface to the second network. You may make it transmit by the same physical layer process.

Preferably, the user information input means includes:
A screen input unit that receives a user's desired processing request via the display screen of the own device control device may be provided.

Preferably, the user information input means includes:
A display screen creation display unit for creating and displaying a display screen for receiving a processing request from the user based on at least one of the first function information and the second function information may be further provided. . That is, the device control device may create the display screen.

Preferably, the user information input means includes:
A display screen correspondence information storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between control screen information of the own device control device and screen information created based on at least one of the first function information or the second function information. You may have it. That is, the screen information held by the device control device may be used.

Preferably, the apparatus may further include an interface selection result notifying means for notifying a user of a result obtained by referring to the correspondence storage means based on the interface information extracted by the interface information extracting means. As the notification, for example, when it is found that the control signal does not reach the target device on the selected path, the fact is notified. The fact that communication is not possible on the selected route may be known by referring to information held in the own device control device in addition to the case where communication is actually performed. preferable).

Preferably, when the control signal transmitting means transmits a control signal relating to the function from the selected interface means, the control signal includes at least one of the first address information and the second address information. May be added and transmitted.

Preferably, when transmitting the control signal relating to the function from the selected interface means, the control signal transmitting means adds path information for transferring the control signal to the control signal and transmits the control signal. You may make it.

Preferably, when transmitting the control signal relating to the function from the selected interface means, the control signal transmitting means can transfer the control signal to a controlled terminal which is the final destination of the control signal. Whether there is
A transfer path confirmation unit that confirms each time each control signal is transmitted may be further provided.

Preferably, through the interface means selected by the transmission interface selecting means,
The communication device may further include communication path establishing means for establishing a communication path with a controlled terminal to which a control signal related to the function is transferred.

Preferably, the first function information, the first interface information, the first address information and / or the second function information by the first information requesting means and / or the second information requesting means, A first information request control means for executing a transmission request of at least one of the second interface information and the second address information every time a control signal is transmitted from the own device control device. Is also good.

Preferably, the first function information, the first interface information, the first address information and / or the second function information by the first information requesting means and / or the second information requesting means, The information processing apparatus may further include a second information request control unit that executes a transmission request of at least one of the second interface information and the second address information at predetermined intervals.

[0031] The communication node according to the present invention (claim 18) may be configured such that the first interface means to the first network, the second interface means to the second network, and the first interface means. And control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal from a control device for controlling the own communication node, and first function information and first function information on a node communicable via the second interface means.
Destination identifying means for identifying a node to which the control signal is to be transferred, using at least one of the interface information and the first address information, and the control signal identified by the destination identifying means to be transferred. Control signal sending means for sending a signal received by the control signal receiving means to the node from the second interface means in accordance with the protocol of the second network.

The first network is based on, for example, bidirectional Ir, and the second network is based on, for example, IEEE.
This is based on the 1394 bus (note that the first network and the second network have different meanings from the invention of the device control device described above.

The communication node is, for example, a center unit.

The control device is, for example, a remote control terminal.

Preferably, a control device for controlling the own communication node via the first interface means includes:
The information processing apparatus may further include a first information notification unit that notifies at least one of the second function information, the second interface information, and the second address information of the own communication node.

Preferably, for a control device for controlling the own communication node via the first interface means,
Second information notifying means for notifying at least one of the first control information, the first interface information, and the first address information about a node communicable via the second interface means. May be further provided.

[0037] Preferably, at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information of a node communicable via the second interface means is stored. An information storage means may be further provided.

[0038] Preferably, the second function information of the own communication node, the second function information,
A first information request receiving means for receiving a transmission request for at least one of the interface information and the second address information, and the first interface means capable of communicating via the second interface means And at least one of second information request receiving means for receiving a transmission request for at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information of the first node. Means may be further provided.

Preferably, a node communicable via the second interface means is connected to the first node of the node.
Information collecting means for collecting at least one of the function information, the first interface information, and the first address information.

Preferably, at least one of the first function information, the first interface information and the first address information of the node connectable to the node connectable via the second interface means. May be further provided.

Preferably, said second network is I
A network conforming to the EEE1394 protocol, wherein at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information of the node is transmitted from a node connectable via the second interface means; HAVi protocol executing means for executing the process of collecting two pieces of information using the HAVi protocol may be further provided.

Preferably, an interface means for a third network different from the first and second networks and a route to the controlled device to which the control signal is transferred, identified by the destination identification means, are provided. When there are a plurality of paths, a signal path selecting means for selecting one path from the plurality of paths may be further provided.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a transfer processing result notifying means for notifying a result of the transfer processing of the control signal to the control device controlling the own communication node via the first network means. You may.

Preferably, for a node communicable via the second interface means, an interface means other than an interface means for the second network of the node via the second interface means. An external interface address information notification requesting unit for requesting notification of third address information regarding the third interface, and a node communicable via the second interface, which is notified of a result of the request by the external interface address information notification requesting unit. External interface information receiving means for receiving the third address information.

According to the present invention, even when a home appliance controlled by, for example, an infrared signal or the like has a plurality of interface functions, the home appliance can be smoothly controlled from the remote control terminal. . Also,
Home appliances can be controlled by a remote control terminal that effectively utilizes multiple interfaces of the home appliances, so it can flexibly respond to the position and movement of the user instead of the conventional home appliance control that is strongly affected by location and space. Possible home appliance control becomes possible.

It should be noted that the present invention relating to the apparatus is also valid as an invention relating to a method, and the present invention relating to a method is also valid as an invention relating to an apparatus. Further, the present invention according to an apparatus or a method has a function for causing a computer to execute a procedure corresponding to the present invention (or for causing a computer to function as means corresponding to the present invention, or a computer having a function corresponding to the present invention). The present invention is also realized as a computer-readable recording medium on which a program (for realizing the program) is recorded.

[0047]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

At present, home appliances that can be controlled by an infrared remote controller are widely used, but it is expected that new home networks (IEEE 1394 network, wireless network, power line network, telephone line network, etc.) will appear in the future. Therefore, it becomes necessary to control a device having an interface connectable to such a heterogeneous network from a remote control terminal.

In the present embodiment, roughly, an interface type that can directly or indirectly access a device is grasped, and preferably, the accessibility of a device to be controlled from a user who is a control subject to a device to be controlled is dynamically determined. ) By providing a function of preferentially selecting an interface to be actually used for control based on control signal transmission path information built in the remote control terminal in advance, thereby performing control based on this. is there.

For example, in addition to conventional one-way (one-way) communication and two-way communication using infrared control signals,
For equipment having one or more other network access means, such as an IEEE 1394 network, a wireless network, a power line network, etc., an optimal access means (preferably dynamically) from the remote control terminal to these equipment is provided.
A mechanism for selecting and performing actual control can be provided.

In the embodiment of the present invention, when a remote control terminal (device control device) controls a certain home electric appliance (controlled device) in the home, for a certain device, the remote control terminal directly controls the device. This will be described in detail with an example of a home network in which means and means for controlling via a center unit (communication node) are provided.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an example of a device configuration in a home network according to the present embodiment.

The remote control terminal 110 is a programmable remote controller having an infrared interface capable of receiving and emitting light and capable of two-way communication.

The center unit 101 is a communication node having an infrared interface capable of receiving and emitting light and capable of two-way communication. The center unit 101 transmits and receives a remote control signal to and from the remote control terminal 110, and controls a device node to be operated. It has a communication function of transferring software and various data to the remote control terminal 110 side. The center unit 101
Device 1394 node 102 to be controlled and IEEE1
394 bus 100 and the remote control terminal 11
0 and the node 102 between the IEEE 1394 bus 100
Can be relayed using.

The 1394 node 102 is the remote control terminal 1
10 is a device node to be controlled, and includes a one-way (light-receiving) infrared interface and an IEEE 139
It has two interfaces with four interfaces.

An apparatus having a two-way infrared I / F (in FIG. 1, remote control terminal 110 and center unit 10)
In 1), it is assumed that one-way infrared communication is also possible (it also has a one-way infrared I / F). Also, a network using a bidirectional infrared I / F and a unidirectional infrared I / F
The network by F is a network that is logically different.

Remote control terminal 110, center unit 1
01 and the 1394 node 102 have the device identification ID of their own node based on the infrared interface, respectively.
r_10, Ir_1, and Ir_2.

Further, the center units 101 and 139
Each of the four nodes 102 uses the EU as the device identification ID of its own node based on the IEEE 1394 interface.
I64 address (= A), EUI64 address (= B)
Have

FIG. 2A shows address information corresponding to an interface attached to the center unit 101 in the above configuration example. FIG. 2 (b) shows the IEEE
The node information (registry information) managed by the center unit 101 on the E1394 bus 100 is shown. FIG.
(C) shows the address information corresponding to the interface attached to the 1394 node 102. FIG. 2D shows address information corresponding to an interface attached to the remote control terminal 110.

Based on this information, the remote control terminal 110 sends each node (center units 101 and 139).
FIG. 2E shows the result of obtaining access means (routes) for the four nodes 102). This is the remote control terminal 11
When the center unit 101 is accessed from 0, Ir_1 needs to be selected as the infrared control signal transmission destination. When accessing the 1394 node 102 from the remote control terminal 110, the infrared control signal is transmitted to the center unit 10.
1 has an infrared interface (address Ir_1)
To the EUI 64
Node having address B (here, 1394 node 1
02), and access means 2 for directly transmitting (by one-way communication) an infrared control signal to the infrared interface (address Ir_2) of the 1394 node 102 directly. Indicates that a route exists.

In the access route information of FIG. 2E, it is assumed that both the center unit 101 and the 1394 node 102 are located at positions where the infrared control signal can be reached from the remote control terminal 110. If the remote control terminal 110 cannot directly transmit the infrared control signal to the 1394 node 102, the first access unit, that is, the center unit 1
01 and the protocol (AV
/ C) for the 1394 node 102.

Here, it is assumed that the information (including access means / route) list regarding the currently accessible nodes as shown in FIG. 2E is set in remote control terminal 110 by any of the following means. . For example, a method of adding a function that allows the user to explicitly set a preferential route manually to the remote control terminal, or a method in which the remote control terminal 110 inquires each device node using its own interface and automatically obtains information And a method of sending the information collected by the center unit 101 to the remote control terminal 110 and setting it. The method of automatically acquiring / setting the access means / route for the remote control terminal 110 is described in detail in the third,
This will be described in detail in a fourth embodiment.

In the example of FIG. 1, the interfaces attached to each device are only infrared rays and IEEE1394. However, the remote control terminal 110 is equipped with an interface such as wireless or IEEE1394. A configuration in which a network interface using a telephone line, Ethernet, or the like may be mounted. Note that the center unit 101 has
An example in which rnet is added will be separately described in detail in a second embodiment.

The center unit 101 is an infrared or IE
Although it can be realized in the form of a dedicated machine equipped with various interfaces and control modules such as EE1394, it can also be realized in the form of being integrated into an STB for digital broadcasting, a next-generation TV or VTR, an AV component center, or the like. good.

In the center unit 101, a list of devices that can be controlled through various interfaces (networks) is created / held. This procedure will be described in detail in the third and fourth embodiments. Note that this list may also be preset in the center unit 101.

Next, a “software module group” for controlling the control target node 102 is
The procedure up to setting to 10 will be described.

Control software modules (for example,
The “GUI module”, “control module body”, and “control signal code (protocol)” are usually prepared in a format that the node 102 to be controlled itself is prepared in the internal ROM. I have. The control software module uses infrared communication or other wired network media directly from the node 102 itself,
The data is sent from the main body of the node 102 to the remote control terminal 110 by using infrared communication via the center unit 101 connected to the network via the network. Or, in advance,
There is also a method in which a set of control software modules related to the control target node 102 is preset in the center unit 101 and transmitted to the remote control terminal 110. Further, the control software module may be built in the remote control terminal 110 in advance.

If the control software for the node 102 to be controlled is not installed in any of the above devices (node 102, center unit 101, remote control terminal 110), E
Obtain the URL of the device control software provider site using the UI 64 or the ROM information of the device, download the control software from the site via the Internet or telephone line, and set it on the remote control terminal 110 or the like. May be made.

In this method, the control target node 102 has X access interfaces and the remote control terminal 110
Has Y control interfaces, even if X is greater than Y, the center unit 10 that enables (X−Y) network access controls
By arranging 1 in the middle, control from the remote control terminal 110 via an interface belonging to all or some of (X-Y) terminals is also enabled.

That is, the center unit 101 functions as a repeater from the remote control terminal 110 to the control target node 102, and receives the control target node 102 based on a control signal (for example, an infrared control signal) from the remote control terminal 110.
To send out a control signal (protocol) via the target network.

Here, it is assumed that the 1394 node 102 provides a set of control software, and information contained therein will be described.

Originally, the control software provided by the control target node 102 is normally only a control signal code (protocol) for its own access interface, a control module main body, and a GUI module. Center unit 1
No module corresponding to the control signals, protocols, and GUIs exchanged between 01 is provided.

Therefore, it is assumed that a unique control signal code (protocol) is used between the center unit 101 and the remote control terminal 110. For example, the transmission format from the remote control terminal 110 to the center unit 101 is determined by the Home Appliance Association. Infrared remote control format (reader, custom code,
It is assumed that a center unit ID, a control target node ID, and a control operation instruction sequence can be specified in the data portion by using a parity portion and a data portion of a custom code.

G for the control target node 102 described above
Since the UI operation screen is basically assumed to be operated by a party who can directly access the control target node 102, the control software format as it is is indirectly transmitted from the remote control terminal 110 via the center unit 101. Can no longer be operated.

Therefore, based on the operation performed on the GUI screen of the remote control terminal 110, the control module main body of the target node 102 is called, and immediately before sending the control signal (protocol) to the actual interface, the control module main body is called. When the remote control terminal 110 is not equipped with an interface required by the remote control terminal 110, a mechanism for dynamically changing a transmission path so as to transmit a proxy signal (protocol) via the center unit 101 is provided.

Among the interface communication module modules related to transmission / reception of control signals called from the control module main body, for the interfaces not provided with the remote control terminal 110, the communication module is changed to the communication format by the proxy protocol to the center unit 101. It is created as a used pseudo communication module, and this is called from the control module body. That is,
Apparently from the control module body, the remote control terminal 11
0 appears to be equipped with all interfaces.

By the way, the function provided to the user by the node 102 to be controlled may be available or unavailable depending on access means (interface) to the node. In addition, there are cases where the operation becomes meaningless even if it can be used.

For example, when a function of displaying a menu from a VCR to a TV is considered, the menu screen display is meaningful if the user is in front of the TV screen, but via an IEEE 1394 cable or the like. However, when the operation is performed from another room, the operation becomes meaningless if it is used as it is. In such a case, it is necessary to consider the creation of an operation screen in which the “menu call function” is valid when directly calling the VCR via infrared rays, and is invalid (unusable) when using IEEE 1394. There is.

As described above, when the controllable function differs depending on the interface used when accessing the device node 102, it is considered that a GUI screen dedicated to each interface is created and the user controls the screen by intentionally switching it. Can be In order to realize this, the remote control terminal 110 is connected to the control node 1 by infrared control.
02, a GUI screen for indirectly operating through the center unit 101, a GUI interface for operating other interfaces or a network via a network, and a dedicated operation for each of a plurality of interfaces. It is conceivable to prepare screens individually. However, such multiple G for the same device
Switching and using the UI screen is a complicated task for the user. In some cases, the same control can be performed by an operation via a plurality of different interfaces.

Therefore, here, a certain control node 102
Remote control terminal 11
A mechanism is provided so that it can be called up from one GUI screen on the 0 side, and automatically selects an interface to be used according to the type of control when operating the remote controller.
This eliminates the need for the user to be aware of the physical interface.

However, there are cases where the user wants to be aware of the existence of the interface. For example, the remote control terminal 110
When the control signal from the control node 102 to the control node 102 becomes unreachable, the cause or recovery hint is presented to the user to make it possible to judge the next operation. For example, there is a case where it is desired to specify an interface to be used. In order to cope with such a case, a function capable of manually switching the interface may be mounted on the remote control terminal 110 side.

Here, the construction method of modules and control nodes / access route information required for automatically selecting an interface to be used in accordance with the type of control from the GUI screen as described above / How to use will be described.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the “control screen for control node 102” displayed on the remote control terminal 110 side. In the figure, a function group for which only infrared one-way control is valid is “function set 01”, a function group for which only IEEE1394 control is valid is “function set 02”, and infrared one-way control / IEEE139.
A group of functions for which both of the four controls are effective is called a “function set 10”.

A group of these control GUI parts (function set) and a hint (referred to as effective interface information) relating to an interface / path for which the operation of the part is effective is described as follows.
In the form of a data structure equivalent to an array or table,
It is prepared as a part of the control software module group of the control node 102. This is shown in FIG.

In this example, the control software module group (control screen GUI unit, control module main body, effective interface information, signal code set, etc.) is stored in the control node 102, and is directly from the control node 102 or the center. It is assumed that it is downloaded / set to the remote control terminal 110 indirectly via the unit 101 or the like.

When a set of control software for these nodes 102 is downloaded to remote control terminal 110,
On the remote control terminal 110 side, an attempt is made to make correspondence between the interface requested by the control software and the interface that can be used by itself. At this time, FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (d)
On the remote control terminal 110 side created based on the information
Refer to the information (the interface ID table in FIG. 4B) that an infrared interface capable of two-way communication is physically provided, and that control using IEEE1394 can be realized by passing through the center unit 101. Then, an operation of replacing each interface serving as an access means (IEEE 1394) required from the control GUI screen (function) with a proxy interface via the center unit 101 is performed (control signal transmission path information in FIG. 4C).

Actually, the remote control terminal 110 has passed through the center unit 101 via the IEEE 1394 (there may be a plurality of routes when the center unit 101 and the IEEE 1394 of the second embodiment pass through the center unit 101). When performing control, for example,
Using the currently available interface / path information obtained by the method described in the third and fourth embodiments, which access means is selected is determined.

Next, selection and determination of an access means for a device having a plurality of access means will be described.

When transmitting a control signal to a target device, there may be a case where a plurality of access means are present at the same time.
In this case, means to be used for actual control must be selected / determined from these. This is performed based on the priority specified on the remote control terminal side. There are two types of priorities that can be freely set (customized) according to the user's preference, and those defined within the system.

As examples defined in the system, there are a method of setting priorities in the order of lowest power consumption in a network route from the remote control terminal side to the control target device in advance, or a method of setting a large amount of power. When the control (function) of transferring the data of the remote control terminal between the remote control terminal and the control target device is executed, the priority is increased in the order of the path having the higher bandwidth / transfer rate, and the control from the remote control terminal is faster. A method of setting a higher priority in the order of the path that provides the response speed, a method of storing the transmission path of the control signal executed last time, and a method of executing the higher priority in the order of the path having a higher success rate, or a method of simply executing the internal system. , A priority for determining a default route is set, and a priority based on the priority is set.

On the other hand, if the user can freely set (want to set), for example, if the position where the remote control is used is always fixed (does not move) according to the user's use environment, Priority is explicitly specified for each device so that a scenario such as selecting a communication route via the center unit to a device in the next room by directly performing infrared control for the control device of the next room can be set. There is a method to do.

(Second Embodiment) In the present embodiment, a case where the center unit 101 has a plurality of interfaces different from the interface used for communication with the remote control terminal 110 will be described.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example in which an Ethernet interface is added to the center unit 101 of FIG.

The center unit 101 has IEEE1
A 1394 / Ethernet node 103 is connected by a 394 bus 100 and an Ethernet cable 120. The center unit 101 stores the bidirectional infrared interface address (= Ir_1) and the IEEE13
It has an EUI 64 address (= A) as a 94 identifier and a Mac address (= X). Also, 1
The 394 / Ethernet node 103 stores the bidirectional infrared interface address (= Ir_3) and the EUI 64
It is assumed that it has an address (= C) and a Mac address (= Y).

At this time, the address information corresponding to the interface held by the center unit 101 and the IE
The registry information on the EE1394 bus and the registry information on the Mac address are respectively shown in FIG.
(B) and (c) show. As described above, it is assumed that the center unit 101 has collected the node information on the IEEE 1394 bus and the node information connected on the Ethernet.

The interface and the address information corresponding to the nodes 102, 103 and the remote control terminal 110 are respectively shown in FIGS. 6 (d), 6 (e) and 7 (a).
(A).

As a result, access means information for each node created inside remote control terminal 110 is as shown in FIG. 7B.

Here, in particular, it is noted that when control from remote control terminal 110 to node 103 is performed via center unit 101, control can be performed via two types of networks (interfaces).

FIG. 8 shows an example of a control screen for the node 103.

Here, the function group effective only for the infrared interface (one-way / bidirectional) is “function set 01”, the function group effective only for the infrared interface (two-way) is “function set 02”, and only the IEEE1394 is effective. Function group is “function set 03”, and the function group effective for the infrared interface (one-way / two-way) and Ethernet is “function set 0”.
4 ”, infrared interface (one-way / two-way), IE
A function group effective for all of EE1394 and Ethernet is referred to as “function set 10”.

At this time, the effective interface information, the interface ID table, and the control signal transmission path information to be held by the control software for the node 103 are shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, respectively. ) (Corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment).

In this manner, in addition to the infrared interface Ir_1 which is an interface with the remote control terminal 110 to the center unit 101, two or more interfaces (IEEE 1394 bus 100, Ethernet cable 120) are connected, and a network is provided on each interface. When controlling the connected device node from the remote control terminal 110 via the center unit 101, the remote control terminal 110 sends the center unit 101 an address (EUI address C) of the node device to be controlled.
And Mac address Y), identification information such as a network type and a protocol type to be used is also transmitted. Specifically, in the format of an infrared signal (a reader section, a custom code section, a parity section of a custom code, and a data section) transmitted from the remote control terminal to the center unit, the center section I is added to the data section.
Following "D, control target node ID", "intermediate network ID to node" and control operation instruction sequence can be designated. Note that if the center unit can identify the via network ID to the node device to be controlled on the basis of the address of the transmitted node device, it is not necessary to transmit this ID from the remote control terminal. When a plurality of protocols are used on the same network type, a "protocol ID" designating this is also transmitted from the remote control terminal side. The center unit receives information on the network and the protocol from the remote control terminal, and performs node control based on the information on behalf of the remote control terminal.

(Third Embodiment) Next, the center unit as in the first or second embodiment is an IEEE13
It is connected to the H.94 bus and is used to register controllable devices to the center unit and to transmit IEEE139 to the remote control terminal.
An embodiment in which notification of a control message transfer procedure to devices on four buses can be executed via a network will be described.

Also in this embodiment, the actual control message is transmitted to the IEEE 139 connected via the center unit.
This shows a case where transmission can be performed to devices on four buses. In particular,
In the following embodiments, HAVi (HomeAV Interoperable) is used on each IEEE 1394 bus.
lit.) protocol is being executed, and the 1394 node serving as the center unit has the HAV
control node (i.e., FAV or IA)
V).

FIG. 10 shows a conceptual diagram of a network configuration example in the present embodiment.

In FIG. 10, a remote control terminal 1100 used by a user at home and an IEEE 1394 bus 1000
There is a center unit 1001 connected to. Remote control terminal 1100 and center unit 1001 can perform two-way communication by an infrared interface.

On the IEEE 1394 bus 1000 to which the center unit 1001 is connected, there is provided an infrared interface which only receives a normal infrared signal.
94 node 1002, a 1394 node 1003 having only an interface to the IEEE 1394 bus, a 1394 node 1004 having an interface to a wireless network, and a 1394 node 1005 having a bidirectional infrared interface similar to the center unit 1001 and the remote control terminal 1100 Exists.

Here, it is assumed that the HAVi protocol is executed on the IEEE 1394 bus 1000, and the center unit 1001 is a node having the FAV function in the HAVi protocol, and the center unit 1
Reference numeral 001 holds information on the function of each 1394 node on the IEEE 1394 bus in a register function in the own node. Further, in FIG. 10, there are home electric appliances that exist in the same space (at home) in a stand-alone manner. Node 1201 is a home appliance having a two-way infrared interface, and node 1202 is a home appliance having an interface to a wireless network.

Hereinafter, in the configuration as shown in FIG. 10, means for grasping the overall configuration for sending a control command from the remote control terminal 1100 to each home appliance (1394 node on the IEEE 1394 bus or a standalone home appliance) A method of determining a control command transmission method (specifically, a method of creating a table indicating a control command transmission procedure) will be described.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a processing procedure when a control command is transmitted from remote control terminal 1100 to each home electric appliance in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, first, the remote control terminal 11
00 recognizes the interface function of the home electric appliances in the home, and thereby creates a list of electric home appliances that can be directly controlled from the remote control terminal 1100. Next, remote control terminal 1100 selects a home appliance that can be a center unit from home appliances that can be directly controlled, and searches / registers a home appliance that can be further controlled through the center unit. Through such a series of processes, remote control terminal 1100 determines a list of controllable home electric appliances and a transmission procedure of a control command to the home electric appliance (which interface function is used to transmit the control command). Create the table shown. By using such a list of controllable home electric appliances and a control command transmission procedure table, the same home electric appliance control as in the first and second embodiments can be performed.

A specific processing sequence will be described below using the network configuration shown in FIG. 10 as an example. FIGS. 12A to 12C and FIGS. 13A and 13B show table information relating to the interface information created at each sequence stage.

The processing indicated by the solid line in FIG. 11 is based on the infrared signal, and the processing indicated by the dotted line is the processing performed by the wireless network.

(1) Remote control terminal 1100 searches for a node that can communicate with the infrared interface.

(2) The center unit 1001 capable of responding to the search in (1) through the infrared interface
And the 1394 node 1005 and the node 1201 respond. At this point, the fact that the center unit 1001 has the center unit function
I do not know. It is also assumed that each node responds by adding an EUI64 address as its own device ID. FIG. 12A shows a list of controllable devices created at this time.

(3) Remote control terminal 1100 searches for a node communicable with the wireless interface.

(4) In response to the search in (3), the 1394 node 1004 and the node 1202 which can respond via the wireless interface respond. Here, it is assumed that each node responds by adding an EUI64 address as the device identification ID of the own node. FIG. 12B shows a list of controllable devices created at this time.

(5) Remote control terminal 1100 transmits a confirmation message as to whether or not it has a center unit function to a node communicable with an infrared interface or a wireless interface.

(6) The center unit 1001 responds that it has the center unit function.

(7) The remote control terminal 1100 is connected to the center unit 1001
(Here, HA)
Request notification of registry information in the Vi protocol).

(8) The center unit 1001 notifies the remote control terminal 1100 of the registry information. At this time, based on the registry information notified by the center unit 1001, a list of devices recognized by the remote control terminal 1100 and controllable via the center unit 1001 is shown in FIG.
2 (c).

(9) The remote control terminal 1100 creates a list of controllable devices and a correspondence table of interfaces for control. FIG. 13A shows a list of controllable devices created at this time, and FIG. 13B shows an interface correspondence table.

(10) The remote control terminal 1100 sends out a control command to each device with reference to the interface correspondence table shown in FIG. At this time, the destination of the control command is identified by the processes (2), (4), and (8).
Is performed using the EUI 64 address of each device notified by the above.

By the above-described processing, it becomes possible to control each device existing in the home from remote control terminal 1100. As a specific control command transmission procedure, the center unit 1001 and the 1394 nodes 1002 to 1004 are based on the correspondence table shown in FIG.
To the center unit 1 from the infrared interface
A control command is transmitted via the IEEE 1394 bus 1000 via the 001. At this time, the center unit 1
001, the EUI of the destination of the sent control command
A 1394 node to which the control command is to be transferred is specified based on the 64 addresses. Similarly, a control command is sent to the node 1201 from the infrared interface, and a control command is sent to the node 1202 from the wireless interface. At this time, for example, if the center unit 1001 is down, transmission of a control command via the center unit 1001 becomes impossible. Therefore, in this case, 139
The control command is retransmitted to the four nodes 1002 and 1005 via the infrared interface,
By retransmitting the control command to the control command 04 via the wireless interface, the control command transmission process is enabled. However, the 1394 node 1003 is an IEEE1
Since it has only an interface to the 394 bus 1000, retransmission of control commands is not possible.

Further, the processing for constructing the information of the home electric appliances which can be controlled by the remote control terminal 1100 as described in the above processings (1) to (9) is performed when the remote control terminal 1100 moves or when the remote control terminal 1100 Such as a method of executing at an arbitrary timing such as when the power is turned on, a method of periodically collecting / constructing information at a certain time interval, and a method of executing each time a control command is transmitted from the remote control terminal 1100. Several methods are conceivable.

Here, communication is possible via an infrared interface or a wireless interface.
Devices connected to the 394 bus (13 in the configuration of FIG. 10)
94 node 1004), the device information obtained from the registry information received from the center unit 1001 in the above process (8) and the device controllable via each interface, received in the above processes (2) and (4). The correspondence between information must be clear. If these pieces of information are confused, it becomes impossible to specify the destination information of the control message transmitted from the remote control terminal 1100 and the interface used for transmitting the control command.
As a countermeasure for this, in the above processing sequence, the search processing from the remote control terminal 1100 (the above processing (1)
The response message to (3)) includes the E
The figure shows a case where a response is made by adding a UI64 address.

However, in reality, not all the devices shown in the configuration shown in FIG. 10 hold the EUI64 address. Therefore, all such devices have EUI
In addition to a method of identifying a device by its EUI 64 address, for example, by using a command via the IEEE 1394 bus, it is possible to know the address of an interface other than the IEEE 1394 bus of the device on the IEEE 1394 bus. There is also a way to do this.

Specifically, the interface of the 1394 node 1004 is a wireless LAN (IEEE 802.1
If 1), 48b used in IEEE802 system
If the interface of the center unit 1001 is IrDA, the MAC address of the
Each device can be specified using the identifier (for example, PFID) of the IrDA device defined in control specification. As a method of specifying each device, for example, each one existing on the IEEE 1394 bus is used.
Config holding 394 node device information
A method of adding information (external interface type and address) related to an external interface other than the IEEE 1394 bus to the translation ROM,
As a command of the AV / C protocol defined as an AV device control protocol on the 394 bus, a method of adding a command for collecting information on an external interface, or the like can be considered. Further, as a method using the AV / C protocol, a method of responding to the type and address of the external interface as response information to a SubUnit_Info command which is a search command for SubUnit information already defined in the AV / C protocol. Alternatively, a method of adding a command for collecting information on the external interface can be considered.

[0129] It is created at any time by such a method.
FIG. 1 shows a list of devices that can be controlled from remote control terminal 1100.
4 (a) to 4 (c) and FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). FIG.
The list of FIG. 4A corresponds to the list of FIG. 12A, and includes a list of devices that can be controlled from the remote control terminal 1100 by the infrared interface, including address information on the infrared interface. Figure 1)
The list corresponding to the list of FIG. 2B includes address information of devices that can be controlled by the wireless interface from the remote control terminal 1100 on the wireless interface. The list in FIG. 14C corresponds to the list in FIG. 12C, and information on external interface addresses (for example, addresses on an infrared interface or addresses on a wireless interface) of devices that can be controlled via the center unit 1001. It is a list that includes. These FIG.
FIG. 15A shows a list of devices that can be controlled by the remote control terminal 1100, which is created based on the list of (a) to (c), and is an interface used when transferring a control command from the remote control terminal 1100. The correspondence table of FIG.
(B).

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, when a single remote control terminal can be connected to a plurality of center units, devices connected to each center unit (for example,
A method of collecting information on devices connected via the IEEE 1394 bus) and selecting a center unit to transmit a control command from the control device based on the collected information will be described.

The present embodiment also shows a case where the HAVi protocol is executed on each IEEE 1394 bus, and the 1394 node serving as the center unit has the HA
It has a control node function in the Vi protocol.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of a network configuration example according to the present embodiment.

A network shown in FIG. 16 includes a remote control terminal 2100 used by a user at home and an IEEE 1
Center unit 200 connected to 394 bus 2000
1 and a center unit 2004 connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 3000. Remote control terminal 2100
And the center unit 2001 can perform two-way communication using an infrared interface.
The center unit 2004 can communicate with a wireless interface (in the example of FIG. 16, an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN interface is assumed).

Further, on the IEEE 1394 bus 2000 to which the center unit 2001 is connected, a 1394 node 2003 having a wireless interface and an IEEE
139 with only interface to E1394 bus
The four nodes 2002 are provided on the IEEE 1394 bus 3000 to which the center unit 2004 is connected.
5 and a 1394 node 2006 having only an interface to the IEEE 1394 bus.

Here, the IEEE 1394 bus 2000,
It is assumed that the HAVi protocol is running on the 3000 and the center units 2001 and 2004
The center unit 2001 has information on the function of each 1394 node on the IEEE 1394 bus 2000, and the center unit 2004 has information on the function of each 1394 node on the IEEE 1394 bus 3000. It is held in the register function in the node. Further, as shown in the third embodiment, the center unit according to the present embodiment obtains information on the external interface (type and address of the external interface) possessed by each 1394 node by the method described above. Shall be Therefore, in the present embodiment, the center units 2001 and 2004
When notifying information of controllable devices via the center units 2001 and 2004, registry information in the HAVi protocol (for example, E
A case is shown in which the external interface address of each 1394 node is also notified together with the UI64 address).

Hereinafter, in the configuration shown in FIG. 16, each remote control terminal 2100 sends home electric appliances (each IEEE 1394).
A description will be given of means for grasping the overall configuration for transmitting a control command to a 1394 node on a bus) and a method of determining a control command transmission method (specifically, a method of creating a table indicating a control command transmission procedure). I do.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a processing procedure when a control command is transmitted from remote control terminal 2100 to each home electric device in the present embodiment.

This processing procedure is basically the same as the processing procedure in the third embodiment.
The difference is that there are a plurality of center units that can communicate with 0. First, the remote control terminal 2100 recognizes an interface function of home electric appliances in the home, and then selects a home electric appliance that can be a center unit from directly controllable home electric appliances, and then, through the center unit, Further, search / registration of controllable home electric appliances is executed. After such a series of processes, remote control terminal 2100 creates a list of controllable home electric appliances and a table indicating a procedure for transmitting a control command to the home electric appliances.

A specific processing sequence will be described below using the network configuration shown in FIG. 16 as an example. 18 (a) to 18 (c) and FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (b) show table information relating to the interface information created at the stage of each sequence.

The processing shown by the solid line in FIG. 17 is based on the infrared signal, and the processing shown by the dotted line is the processing performed by the wireless network.

(1) Remote control terminal 2100 searches for a node that can communicate with the infrared interface.

(2) The IEEE1394 bus 20 capable of responding to the search of (1) through the infrared interface
Center unit 2001 and IEEE 139
The 1394 node 2005 on the 4 bus 3000 responds. Here, each node specifies an interface address (for example, IrDA) for specifying an infrared interface.
(PFID) of the response. further,
A list of controllable devices created at this time is shown in FIG.
(A).

(3) Remote control terminal 2100 searches for a node that can communicate with the wireless interface.

(4) The IEEE 1394 bus 200 capable of responding to the search in (3) via the wireless interface.
0 and the center unit 2004 on the IEEE 1394 bus 3000 respond.
Here, it is assumed that each node responds by adding 48-bit wireless LAN MAC address information as a wireless interface address. FIG. 18B shows a list of controllable devices created at this time.

(5) Remote control terminal 2100 transmits a confirmation message as to whether or not it has a center unit function to a node communicable with an infrared interface or a wireless interface.

(6) The center unit 2001 responds to the remote control terminal 2100 via the infrared interface that it has the center unit function, and the center unit 2004 notifies the remote control terminal 21 via the wireless interface that it has the center unit function.
Responds to 00.

(7) The remote control terminal 2100 notifies the center units 2001 and 2004 of information on devices that can be controlled via the center units 2001 and 2004, respectively (here, registry information in the HAVi protocol). Request.

(8) Center units 2001 and 200
4 notifies the remote control terminal 2100 of the registry information held in each center unit. At this time, the 1394 on each IEEE 1394 bus 2000, 3000
The external interface address of the node is also notified. At this time, the remote control terminal 2100 recognizes the center unit 2001 based on the registry information and the external interface information notified by the center unit 2001.
FIG. 18 (c) is a list of devices that can be controlled via.
Based on the registry information and the external interface information notified by the center unit 2004, the remote control terminal 2100
FIG. 18D shows a list of devices that can be controlled via the center unit 2004 and recognized by.

(9) The remote control terminal 2100 creates a correspondence table of a list of controllable devices and an interface for control. FIG. 19A shows a list of controllable devices created at this time, and FIG. 19B shows an interface correspondence table.

(10) The remote control terminal 2100 sends out a control command to each device with reference to the interface correspondence table shown in FIG. At this time, the destination of the control command is identified using the EUI 64 address of each device notified in the above process (8).

By the above-described processing, it becomes possible to control each device existing in the home from the remote control terminal 2100 in an environment where a plurality of center units exist on the network. As a specific control command transmission procedure, the center unit 2001 and the 1394 node 2 based on the correspondence table shown in FIG.
002 and 2003 from the infrared interface via the center unit 2001 to the IEEE 1394 bus 2
000, and the control commands are sent from the wireless interface to the center unit 2004 and the 1394 nodes 2005 and 2006 via the center unit 2004 via the IEEE 1394 bus 3000. At this time, the center units 2001 and 20
04, the EUI 6 of the destination of the transmitted control command
1 to transfer the control command based on 4 addresses
394 nodes are specified.

At this time, for example, the center unit 200
When the number 1 is down, transmission of the control command via the center unit 2001 becomes impossible.
Therefore, in this case, the control command can be transmitted to the 1394 node 2003 by retransmitting the control command via the wireless interface. However, since the 1394 node 2002 has only the interface to the IEEE 1394 bus 2000, it is impossible to retransmit the control command.

In the present embodiment, the case where the interface address of each infrared interface or wireless interface is used to associate each 1394 node with the infrared interface or wireless interface has been described.
A method using the EUI64 address of each 1394 node is also possible. The timing of obtaining the information of each interface address is determined by setting each 1394 node to each IE.
Several cases can be assumed, such as when the bus is added to the EE1394 bus, or when a bus reset occurs other than that. Further, the processing of constructing information on home electric appliances that can be controlled by the remote control terminal 2100 as described in the above processings (1) to (9) is performed when the remote control terminal 2100 moves or when the remote control terminal 2100 is powered on. Such as a method executed at an arbitrary timing, such as when a remote control terminal 2100 transmits a control command from the remote control terminal 2100, a method of periodically collecting / constructing information at a certain time interval, and the like. A method is conceivable.

The network used in the present embodiment,
Interface (infrared interface, wireless, IEEE
E1394 bus) is an example, and the present invention is applicable to other networks and interfaces.

In the present embodiment, the home network is taken as an example. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and offices, schools, stores, other buildings,
The present invention is also applicable to networks provided in facilities and the like.

Each of the above functions can be realized as software.

The present embodiment is also directed to a computer which records a program for causing a computer to execute predetermined means (or for causing a computer to function as predetermined means or for causing a computer to realize predetermined functions). It can also be implemented as a readable recording medium.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented with various modifications within the technical scope.

[0159]

According to the present invention, controlled devices connected to one or more networks different from the network with the device control device are controlled directly from the device control device or indirectly via the communication node. At this time, effective control signal transmission path management and selection can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of interface information / address information held by each node and access means information for each node created inside a remote control terminal;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a 1394 node control screen displayed on the remote control terminal side;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for constructing a function set created for controlling a 1394 node from a remote control terminal and interface / control signal transmission path information used for actual control;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a home network according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of interface information / address information held by each node;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of interface information / address information held by each remote control terminal and access means information for each node created inside the remote control terminal;

FIG. 8 shows 1394 / eth displayed on the remote control terminal side
Diagram showing control screen example of ernet node

FIG. 9: 1394 / Ethernet from remote control terminal
Diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for constructing a function set created for controlling a node and interface / control signal transmission path information used for actual control

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a home network according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence when home appliances controllable by a remote control terminal are collected using a network function and home appliance control is performed.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary view showing an example of a list of home electric appliances which can be controlled from the remote control terminal and which is created during the processing of the processing sequence of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary view showing an example of a table showing a list of home electric appliances which can be controlled from the remote control terminal and a transfer procedure of a control message to each electric home appliance, which are created during the processing sequence of the embodiment

FIG. 14 is an exemplary view showing another example of a list of home electric appliances which can be controlled from the remote control terminal and which is created during the processing sequence of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary view showing another example of a table showing a list of home electric appliances which can be controlled from the remote control terminal and a control message transfer procedure to each electric home electric appliance, which are created during the processing sequence of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a home network according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence when home appliances that can be controlled by a remote control terminal are collected using a network function and home appliance control is performed.

FIG. 18 is an exemplary view showing an example of a list of home electric appliances which can be controlled from the remote control terminal and which is created during the processing sequence according to the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an exemplary view showing an example of a table showing a list of home electric appliances which can be controlled from the remote control terminal and a control message transfer procedure to each electric home appliance which are created during the processing sequence of the embodiment

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 1000, 2000, 3000 ... IEEE13
94 bus 101, 1001, 100, 2004 ... center unit 102, 103, 1002 to 1005, 2002, 20
03, 2005, 2006 ... 1394 node 110, 1100 ... remote control terminal 120 ... Ethernet cable 1201, 1202 ... node

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Ken Saito, Komukai Toshiba-cho, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture 1 Toshiba R & D Center F-term (reference) 5K032 AA09 BA01 BA08 CC01 DA01 DA22 DB01 DB24 DB26 5K033 AA09 BA01 BA08 CB01 DA01 DA11 DA20 DB01 DB12 DB16 DB18 5K048 AA00 BA02 CA05 DA02 DA05 DB04 EA14 EB01 EB02 FB05 FB10 FB15 HA04 HA06

Claims (28)

[Claims] A first interface means for connecting to a first network; a second interface means for connecting to a second network; and a first interface controllable via the first interface means.
User information input means for receiving an input from a user regarding a function of a controlled device or a function of a second controlled device controllable via a communication device communicable via the second interface means; and the user information When transmitting a control signal corresponding to the input information received by the input means, the correspondence between the first function information and the first interface information for the first controlled device or the second interface information Interface information extracting means for extracting interface information associated with the function by referring to a correspondence between second function information and second interface information of the controlled device; and extracting by the interface information extracting means. First interface information about the first controlled device, A control signal relating to the function is transmitted with reference to the correspondence between the first address information and the correspondence between the second interface information and the second address information of the second controlled device. A device control device comprising: transmission interface selection means for selecting an interface means; and control signal transmission means for transmitting the control signal from the selected interface means. 2. The correspondence between the first function information and the first interface information, the correspondence between the first interface information and the first address information, and the second function. A correspondence storage unit that stores at least a part of information of a correspondence between the information and the second interface information and a correspondence between the second interface information and the second address information. The device control device according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. A first information receiving apparatus for receiving at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information for the first controlled device. Means, and second information receiving means for receiving at least one of the second function information, the second interface information, and the second address information for the second controlled device; And at least one of the first information receiving means and the information received by the first information receiving means.
And at least one of a correspondence between the function information and the first interface information and a correspondence between the first interface information and the first address information are obtained. A first correspondence information creating means stored in the means, and a correspondence relationship between the second function information and the second interface information, based on information received by the second information receiving means, At least one of a correspondence relationship between the second interface information and the second address information, and a second correspondence information creating unit stored in the correspondence storage unit. The apparatus control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit. 4. The first controlled device, wherein at least one of first function information, first interface information, and first address information of the first controlled device is provided. First information requesting means for requesting transmission of the second controlled device, second function information, second interface information, and second information of the second controlled device to the communication device.
4. The apparatus control device according to claim 3, further comprising at least one of: a second information requesting unit that requests transmission of at least one of the address information. 5. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a priority adding unit for adding a priority defined by a predetermined standard to the plurality of pieces of interface information stored in the correspondence storage unit for the same controlled device. The device control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The first address information as the first address information,
An interface that uses a first interface address on the first network of the controlled device, and performs communication with the communication device of the second controlled device as the second address information The device control device according to claim 1, wherein a second interface address other than the second interface address is used. 7. The control signal transmitting means sets the signal output from the first interface means to the first network and the signal output from the second interface means to the second network to be the same. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed by a physical layer process. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said user information input means has a screen input means for receiving a user's desired processing request via a display screen of the own device control apparatus. An apparatus control device according to item 1. 9. A display for creating and displaying a display screen for receiving a processing request from the user based on at least one of the first function information and the second function information. 9. The device control device according to claim 8, further comprising a screen creation display unit. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user information input means is configured to correspond to control screen information of the own device control apparatus and screen information created based on at least one of the first function information and the second function information. 9. The apparatus control device according to claim 8, further comprising a display screen correspondence information storage unit for storing the relationship. 11. An interface selection result notifying means for notifying a user of a result obtained by referring to said correspondence storage means based on the interface information extracted by said interface information extracting means. Item 11. The device control device according to any one of items 1 to 10. 12. The control signal transmitting means, when transmitting a control signal relating to the function from the selected interface means, includes at least one of the first address information and the second address information in the control signal. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein the device control device is additionally transmitted. 13. The control signal sending means, when sending a control signal related to the function from the selected interface means, sends the control signal with path information for transferring the control signal added to the control signal. The device control device according to claim 1, wherein: 14. The control signal transmitting means, when transmitting a control signal relating to the function from the selected interface means, can transfer the control signal to a controlled terminal which is the final destination of the control signal. 14. The apparatus control device according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer path check unit that checks whether or not each of the control signals is transmitted. 15. A communication path establishing means for establishing a communication path with a controlled terminal to which a control signal relating to said function is transferred via an interface means selected by said transmission interface selecting means. The apparatus control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: 16. The first function information, the first interface information, the first address information and / or the second function information by the first information requesting means and / or the second information requesting means. 2nd interface information, 2nd
16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first information request control unit that executes a transmission request of at least one of the pieces of address information every time a control signal is transmitted from the own device control device. The device control device according to any one of the above. 17. The first function information, the first interface information, the first address information and / or the second function information by the first information requesting means and / or the second information requesting means. 2nd interface information, 2nd
17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second information request control unit that executes a transmission request of at least one of the address information at predetermined intervals. Equipment control device. 18. A first interface means for a first network, a second interface means for a second network, and a control device for controlling the own communication node via the first interface means. Control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal of at least one of first function information, first interface information, and first address information of a node communicable via the second interface means. Destination identification means for identifying a node to which the control signal is to be transferred using the two pieces of information, and a signal received by the control signal receiving means for a node to which the control signal is to be transferred identified by the destination identification means. Control signal sending means for sending from the second interface means according to the protocol of the second network. Communication node. 19. A control device for controlling a self communication node via said first interface means, for a second function information, a second interface information and a second address information of the self communication node. 19. The communication node according to claim 18, further comprising a first information notifying unit that notifies at least one of the information. 20. A control device for controlling its own communication node via said first interface means, said first control information about a node communicable via said second interface means, 1 interface information,
20. The communication node according to claim 18, further comprising a second information notifying unit that notifies at least one of the first address information. 21. Information for storing at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information for a node communicable via the second interface means. 21. The communication node according to claim 18, further comprising a storage unit. 22. A first receiving means for receiving, by the first interface means, a transmission request for at least one of the second function information, the second interface information, and the second address information of the own communication node. Information request receiving means, and the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information of a node communicable through the second interface means by the first interface means. 22. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising at least one of a second information request receiving unit that receives a transmission request of at least one of the information. Communication node. 23. Collecting at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information of the node from a node communicable via the second interface means. The communication node according to any one of claims 18 to 22, further comprising an information collection unit that performs the operation. 24. For a node connectable via the second interface means, at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information of the node. The communication node according to any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising information notification request means for requesting notification. 25. The method according to claim 25, wherein the second network is an IEEE13.
94 is a network conforming to the H.94 protocol, wherein at least one of the first function information, the first interface information, and the first address information of the node is provided from a node connectable via the second interface means. 25. The communication node according to claim 18, further comprising a HAVi protocol executing unit that executes a process of collecting two pieces of information using the HAVi protocol. 26. An interface means to a third network different from the first and second networks, and a plurality of routes to the controlled device to which the control signal is transferred, identified by the destination identification means. 26. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising signal path selecting means for selecting one path from the plurality of paths, when present.
A communication node according to any one of the preceding claims. 27. The apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a transfer processing result notifying means for notifying a result of said control signal transfer processing to said control device controlling its own communication node via said first network means. Claims 18 to 26
A communication node according to any one of the preceding claims. 28. For a node communicable via the second interface means, the interface means other than the interface means to the second network of the node via the second interface means. An external interface address information notification requesting unit for requesting notification of third address information; and a node communicable via the second interface notified by the external interface address information notification requesting unit as a result of the request. The communication node according to any one of claims 18 to 27, further comprising: an external interface information receiving unit that receives the third address information.