JP2004140814A - Resource management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a resource management system which is easy to install and set and can realize reliable service provision.
A resource management server (5) manages information on a resource reservation status and information on a group of all electronic devices connected to hubs (10, 11). When connected to the port 21, the resource management server notifies the resource management server of information on the resource request and the group. The resource management server sets, as a network path, a path between the electronic device relating to the notification and the electronic device belonging to the same group, and determines whether it is possible to respond to a resource request relating to the notification on the set network path. judge.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a resource management system that reserves and manages resources such as network bandwidth and communication quality in a network configured by interconnecting a plurality of network electronic devices. In this specification, network resources are simply referred to as “resources”. In particular, the present invention relates to a technology for reserving and managing resources in a home network to which network-compatible home appliances such as AV electronic devices, telephones, and faxes are connected.

ネ ッ ト ワ ー ク In a network environment represented by the Internet, communication is performed by dividing information into units called packets and transmitting them. Transmission of packets is handled on a best-effort basis unless otherwise specified.

However, for multimedia data such as images and sounds, it is necessary to secure resources on the network path and guarantee communication quality in order to perform communication without disturbance.

As described above, a resource reservation protocol such as RSVP (Resource / Reservation / Protocol) is defined as an Internet standard in the IETF (Internet Engineering / Task / Force) using network resources as a reservation method.

In RSVP, resources required for multimedia communication are secured on a route with a communication partner before multimedia communication starts. By using RSVP, necessary resources can be secured for each stream before starting communication, so that communication quality can be guaranteed.

{As a method for realizing bandwidth reservation based on resource reservation, IETF defines DiffServ (Differentiated Services), IntServ (Integrated Services), and the like.

(1) In the resource reservation by RSVP, resource reservation is performed at the time of starting a service, and there is no guarantee that necessary resources can always be secured at the time of receiving a service. Therefore, satisfactory service may not be obtained as a result. This may be acceptable for common communication services.

ユ ー ザ However, users such as AV electronic devices such as TVs and VTRs installed in home networks and FAXes do not accept such a state. In other words, these electronic devices have a social wisdom that they can always be used stably and naturally, and it is not permissible that a situation in which they cannot be used depending on the time of day occurs.

Therefore, in a network connecting these electronic devices, resource reservation by RSVP cannot be said to be insufficient.

{Circle around (2)} In order to configure a network so that resources can always be secured, a high level of specialized knowledge is required, and it is difficult for ordinary users to install and set up. In a home network, a user who does not have specialized knowledge is expected to use it. Therefore, a technology that can be easily installed and set is required.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a resource management system that is easy to install and set and that can provide a reliable service.
JP-A-10-308776 (pages 3-6)

The resource management system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic devices are grouped by capability, a plurality of lower-layer transmission devices having ports to which the electronic devices are connected, and these lower-layer transmission devices are subordinate to the lower-layer transmission devices. An upper layer transmission device for relaying information between electronic devices connected to the device, a lower layer transmission device, and a resource management server for managing resources used for information transmission with the upper layer transmission device; The server manages information about the resource reservation status and information about all the electronic device groups connected to the lower transmission device, and the electronic device newly connects to the port of the lower transmission device. When the resource management server receives the notification, the resource management server notifies the resource management server of information about the resource request and the group. The path between the electronic devices belonging to the same group as the electronic equipment related, set as a network path, on the set network path, whether or not it is possible to correspond to a request resource on this notification.

In this configuration, by grouping the electronic devices according to their abilities, it is possible to perform a rational resource reservation by eliminating combinations of connections that are not very useful even if they are connected, such as telephones and VTRs.

Also, the user can reserve resources for giving and receiving services simply by connecting the electronic device, and can easily and reliably receive high-quality services.

In the resource management system according to the second aspect, when the resource management server can respond to the resource request related to the notification on the set network route, the resource management server updates the resource reservation status and reserves the electronic device. I do.

With this configuration, the reservation status can be updated in accordance with the resource request.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the resource management system, the resource management server generates image information indicating whether or not a request for a resource of the electronic device can be satisfied.

With this configuration, if image information is displayed, the user can easily know whether or not it can respond to the request for the resource.

In the resource management system according to the fourth aspect, when the resource management server cannot respond to the resource request of the electronic device, the resource management server generates image information for displaying a position on the network configuration that causes the inability to respond.

With this configuration, if this image information is displayed, the user can know the cause position and can take a countermeasure.

In the resource management system according to claim 5, the resource management server searches for an alternative port capable of responding to the request for the resource of the electronic device when the resource request cannot be satisfied. Is generated.

With this configuration, if this image information is displayed, the user can know the alternative port, and if an electronic device is connected to this alternative port, the service can be reliably provided.

In the resource management system according to the sixth aspect, when the resource management server cannot respond to the request for the resource of the electronic device, and when there are a plurality of service qualities related to the group of the electronic device, the resource management server uses a lower service quality. Make a reservation again.

With this configuration, if the reservation succeeds again, the service quality is reduced, so that the user can receive a certain service without reconnecting the electronic device.

In the resource management system according to the seventh aspect, when the resource management server cannot respond to the request for the resource of the electronic device, the resource management server discards the current reservation status and makes a reservation again.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily respond to a resource request by making a reservation again.

In the resource management system according to the eighth aspect, the reservation is made again in the descending order of the resource request.

With this configuration, it is possible to protect electronic devices that have high resource requirements and are difficult to allocate.

In the resource management system according to the ninth aspect, the reservation is made again in ascending order of resource request.

(4) With this configuration, it is possible to protect an electronic device in which resource requirements are low and resources are not significantly reduced after allocation.

In the resource management system according to the tenth aspect, the reservation is made again in the order specified by the user input.

With this configuration, the will of the user can be respected.

In the resource management system according to the eleventh aspect, a request for a resource that is reserved but is not actually being communicated is diverted to another service.

With this configuration, useless reservation can be eliminated.

By using the resource management system of the present invention,
(1) The user can reserve the network necessary for the service exchange only by connecting the electronic device, so that the user can easily and reliably receive the high quality service.
(2) Further, if it is found that the service cannot be received when the electronic device is connected, by presenting the connection position where the service can be received, advanced knowledge on network connection is not required, and it is simple and reliable. Service is available.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a resource management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a router 1 as an upper layer transmission device is provided with three ports, a first port 2, a second port 3, and a third port 4.

The third port 4 is connected to an ADSL modem, the first port 2 is connected via a transmission line 12 to a first port 11 of a first hub 10 as a first lower-layer transmission device, and a second port 3 Is connected via a transmission line 15 to a first port 14 of a second hub 13 as a second lower-layer transmission device.

In addition, the first hub 10 has a second port 16 to a fifth port 19 in addition to the first port 11, an electronic device A is connected to the second port 16, and an electronic device B is connected to the third port 17. The electronic device C is connected to the fourth port 18 and the fifth port 19 is vacant.

In addition, the second hub 13 has a second port 20 to a fifth port 23 in addition to the first port 14, and the electronic device D is connected to the second port 20, but the third port 21 to the fifth port 23. Port 23 is free. Then, the electronic device E is about to be newly connected to the third port 21.

Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the ports are bidirectionally connected by Ethernet (registered trademark) (100base-TX) having a transmission capability of 100 Mbps.

Here, the “lower-layer transmission device” referred to in this specification may be any device that can mediate communication by the “upper-layer transmission device” (the router 1 in the present embodiment). For example, the fifth port of the first hub 10 19, and further includes a lower layer hub and the like. Further, for example, the first port 2 of the router 1 and the first port 11 of the first hub 10 do not need to be directly connected by the transmission line 12, and the relay device (for example, Another hub may be provided. Also, the expression of the upper layer or the lower layer is relative, and the upper layer transmission device only has to be located in the upper layer with respect to the lower layer transmission device, and does not have to be located in the uppermost layer. Absent.

ネ ッ ト ワ ー ク In such a network, network configuration information indicating how the electronic devices are connected can be obtained by using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or the like.

The resource management server 5 manages information on the resource reservation status and information on all the electronic device groups connected to the hubs 10 and 13 in this resource management system.

Specifically, the resource management server 5 has an electronic device performance table 6 in FIG. 3, a reservation status table 7 in FIG. 5, a shortage position table 8 in FIG. 6, and an available position table 9 in FIG. 6 to 9 are used to manage this system.

In the example of FIG. 1, the resource management server 5 is provided integrally with the router 1. However, the resource management server 5 can be provided at any position as long as it can communicate with the network.

Next, a configuration example of the router 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a router according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the router 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 30 and a RAM (random access memory) 32, a ROM (read only memory) 33 connected to the CPU 30 via a bus 31. An external storage device (such as a hard disk) 34 and a network interface 35 for performing input / output control of communication are provided.

The ROM 33 stores a management program according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 10, 13, and 15, and the CPU 30 manages resources by executing this program. Each of the tables 6 to 9 shown in FIG. 1 is secured as a fixed area in the RAM 32, the external storage device 34, or the like.

Note that the router 1 as an upper layer transmission device is merely an example, and the present invention is encompassed by using an element having another name, such as a switch or a gateway, in the upper layer transmission device. Further, in the present embodiment, the resource management server 5 is built in the router 1. However, this can not only make the network compact, but also shorten the communication time between the router 1 and the resource management server 5, which is preferable. It is.

Next, the contents of the electronic device performance table 6 (particularly, groups and other points related to the electronic devices A to E) will be described with reference to FIG.

The electronic device performance table 6 in the present embodiment has fields such as an electronic device name, a group, a function network reception capability, a reception service capability, a network transmission capability, and a transmission service capability.

名 前 The name of the electronic device is set in the electronic device name field. In this example, the electronic device A is an NTSC television, the electronic device B is a high-definition television, the electronic device C is a telephone, the electronic device D is a VTR, and the electronic device E is a high-vision VTR.

AV, TEL, and other values are set in the group field. Those having the same value in this group belong to the same group, and those having different values do not belong to the same group.

値 In the function field, values such as video display, audio, video recording, and video playback are set.

通信 In the field of network reception capability or transmission capability, a communication speed value or a value of none is set. In the field of the reception service capability or the transmission service capability, a value such as the number of channels or none is set.

(4) When each electronic device is connected to any available port of the first hub 10 or the second hub 13, it notifies the resource management server 5 in the manner shown in FIG.

That is, when the connection of the electronic device to the vacant port is completed in step 1, the electronic device detects the resource management server 5 located on the network via this port in step 2. Then, in step 3, the electronic device notifies the resource management server 5 of its own performance. The resource management server 5 that has received the notification sets a new entry in the electronic device performance table and sets the notified value in this entry. By repeating this, the state shown in FIG. 3 is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the electronic device E is not yet connected to the third port 21, there is no entry for the electronic device E in FIG. 3, the electronic device E is connected, and the resource management server 5 However, after receiving the notification of step 3, the entry of the electronic device E is added to the electronic device performance table 6, as shown in FIG.

The resource management server 5 handles the reservation with reference to the electronic device performance table 6. In the example of FIG. 3, when the performance of the electronic device is notified from the electronic device D in step 3 of FIG. 4, the resource management server 5 assigns the connection between the electronic devices to the same group as follows. Consider depending on whether they belong.

(4) The electronic device D is a VTR and has a capability of distributing images on a network. The electronic devices A and B belonging to the same AV group have the ability to receive and display video from the electronic device D. Therefore, it is examined whether resources can be reserved between the electronic device D and the electronic device A and between the electronic device D and the electronic device B.

In this study, the resource management server 5 refers to the electronic device performance table 6 and considers that the maximum transfer capability of the electronic device D is 10 Mbps and that only one channel of video can be distributed at the same time.

Next, the contents of the reservation status table 7 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the network of the present embodiment uses three transmission devices, a router 1, a first hub 10, and a second hub 13.

Therefore, the reservation status table 7 of the present embodiment includes a table relating to the router 1 (FIG. 5A), a table relating to the first hub 10 (FIG. 5B), and a table relating to the second hub 13 (FIG. 5C). And three tables.

Each table has, for each port, fields such as a connection destination, a reservable bandwidth (input), a reserved bandwidth (input), a reservable bandwidth (output), and a reserved bandwidth (output).

「Here,“ input ”means that data arrives at the corresponding port, and“ output ”means that data is transmitted from the corresponding port.

In the state of FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 5C, there is no connection destination for the third port 21 of the second hub 13, and the reserved bandwidth is "0" for both the input and the output. It has become.

Next, the missing position table 8 and the available position table 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(6) As shown in FIG. 6, the shortage position table 8 has three fields of an electronic device name, a port, and a shortage band. FIG. 6 shows a state where the first port 14 of the second hub 13 has a bandwidth shortage of 5 Mbps.

When the shortage position table 8 is empty (there is no entry), it means that all the current resource requests can be handled. When it is not empty, the resource request cannot be handled at the position indicated in the entry. Means that.

利用 As shown in FIG. 7, the available position table 9 has two fields of an electronic device name and a port. FIG. 7 shows that the first port 14 of the second hub 13 is available.

Next, a process in which the resource management server 5 searches for a network path will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 3 of FIG. 4, upon receiving the notification from the electronic device, the resource management server 5 specifies the connection position of the electronic device in step 10.

特定 This identification is performed as follows. As described above, the resource management server 5 obtains MIB (Management Information Information Base) information from the first hub 10 and the second hub 13 using the SNMP, and notifies the MAC address registered in each hub and the notification. Are compared with the MAC address of the electronic device that transmitted the. By this comparison, the connection position of the electronic device can be specified.

Next, in step 11, the resource management server 5 registers the specified connection position in the reservation status table 7.

Next, in step 12, the resource management server 5 searches the electronic device performance table 5 and checks whether there is an entry belonging to the same group as the electronic device that sent the notification.

If so, the resource management server 5 specifies a route between the found electronic device and the electronic device that sent the notification in step 13, and records this route in the reservation status table 7 in step 14. I do.

If not, in step 15, the resource management server 5 also searches for other electronic devices, and repeats the processing from step 12 onward until all searches have been completed.

Next, a process in which the resource management server 5 searches for a resource will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 20 of FIG. 9, the network path recorded in the process of FIG. 8 is read. In step 21, the resource management server 5 acquires the current band information for this route.

Then, in step 22, the bandwidth requested by the electronic device that has transmitted the notification is compared with the current bandwidth, and it is checked whether the reservable bandwidth is equal to or more than the requested bandwidth.

If so, in step 23, the resource management server 5 sets a flag indicating that the route is available, and transmits the notification of the position to be considered until the route reaches the target electronic device (step 24). While proceeding from the port to which the device is connected to the target electronic device, the processes of steps 21 to 24 are repeated, and the process proceeds to step 26.

If not, in step 25, the resource management server 5 specifies the position where the band is insufficient, sets this information in the insufficient position table 8, and proceeds to step 26.

(4) In step 26, the resource management server 5 confirms that all routes have been checked, and checks whether the shortage position table 8 is not empty. If it is empty, the resource management server 5 terminates the process as it is, but if it is not empty, at step 28, as shown in FIG. 12, the resource management server 5 indicates that the reservation could not be made. Generate an image that can be displayed.

This image is transmitted to an electronic device (electronic devices A, B, etc.) capable of displaying an image and displayed on the network. In the case of an electronic device that does not have a display unit, the user may be notified by an LED display, sound, or the like.

Next, a process in which the resource management server 5 reserves a resource will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 30 of FIG. 10, the recorded network route is read by the process of FIG.

{Circle around (3)} In step 31, the resource management server 5 selects one of the electronic devices to be reserved and transmits a reservation request to it (step 32). Then, the resource management server 5 performs the processing of steps 31 to 32 for all the electronic devices to be reserved, and repeats the processing of steps 30 to 33 for all the paths (step 34).

(4) The reservation request is notified to each node (the router 1, the hubs 10, 13 and the like) of the network according to the RSVP and the like. Each node reserves its resources for the service according to the notification.

In the above description, the resource management server 5 issues the reservation request, but the electronic device may make the reservation request. When such a reservation is executed, the reservation status table 7 is in a state as shown in FIG. 5 before the electronic device E is connected.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation of the resource management system according to the present embodiment will be described with an example in which the electronic device E is connected to the third port 21 of the second hub 13.

First, when the electronic device E is connected to the third port 21, the electronic device E notifies the resource management server 5 according to the flowchart of FIG.

(4) Upon receiving this notification, the resource management server 5 searches for a network route according to the flowchart of FIG.

In this example, since the electronic device E belongs to the AV group, the resource management server 5 searches the electronic device performance table 6 for electronic devices belonging to the same AV group, and the electronic devices A, B, and D hit.

Then, the resource management server 5 specifies the following three routes as network routes.
(Path 1) The third port 21 of the electronic device E, the first port 14 of the second hub 13, the second port 3 of the router 1, the first port of the router 1, the first port 11 of the first hub 10, and the first port 11. Second port 16 of 1 hub 10 to electronic device A
(Path 2) The third port 21 of the electronic device E, the first port 14 of the second hub 13, the second port 3 of the router 1, the first port of the router 1, the first port 11 of the first hub 10, and the first port 11. Third port 17 of one hub 10 to electronic device B
(Path 3) Third port 21 of electronic device E, second port 20 of second hub 13 to electronic device D
Next, the resource management server 5 determines whether the resources requested by the electronic device E can be allocated to each of the paths 1 to 3 according to FIG.

That is, for the route 1, if the maximum value of the resource requested by the electronic device E is smaller than the remaining amount of the resource at all positions of the route 1, it is determined that the resource can be allocated. .

検 討 When considering each position of the path 1, the following is obtained. First, at a position between the electronic device E and the third port 21 of the second hub 14, a bandwidth of 100 Mbps is not used at all, and therefore, an allocation of 22 Mbps is possible.

At a position between the first port 14 of the second hub 13 and the second port 3 of the router 1, 10 Mbps has already been allocated in the 100 Mbps band, but there is a margin of 90 Mbps. It is possible.

At a position between the first port 2 of the router 1 and the first port 11 of the first hub 10, 11 Mbps of the 100 Mbps band has already been allocated, but since there is a margin of 89 Mbps, the 22 Mbps allocation is It is possible.

で は At a position between the second port 16 of the first hub 10 and the electronic device A, 10 Mbps is allocated in a 100 Mbps band, but there is a margin of 90 Mbps, so 22 Mbps can be allocated. However, since the television (electronic device A) can receive only one channel, the electronic device A can receive only one of the electronic device D and the electronic device E.

、 As a result of the above examination, the route 1 is determined to be assignable. Similarly, the determination is made for the route 2 and the route 3.

<When assignable>
As a result of the determination, if the resource can be allocated, the resource is reserved according to FIG. When the electronic device E is connected and the path 1 is selected, the resources are reserved as described above, and then the reservation status table 7 transits from the state shown in FIG. 5 to the state shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 11, it is understood that the connection destination of the third port in FIG. 11C is changed from “none” to “electronic device E”, and the value of the route related to the electronic device E is changed. Let's do it.

<If you cannot assign>
If the shortage position table 8 is not empty, in this embodiment, the user is notified that the resource cannot be reserved using a GUI (graphic user interface).

The GUI is preferably as shown in FIG. 12, for example. However, for an electronic device having no display means, notification may be made by LED display or sound.

(4) Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the position where the resource could not be allocated is displayed on the GUI.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for this display. First, if the shortage position table 8 is not empty in step 40, the resource management server 5 stores the electronic device performance table 6 in the drawing area secured in the RAM 32 in step 41 as shown in FIG. The router 1 and the hubs 10 and 13 are drawn with reference to the reservation status table 7. In addition, the resource management server 5 draws a line between the electronic devices in a connection relationship.

(4) Next, in step 42, based on the shortage position table 8, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the user can confirm at which position the resource is insufficient. Therefore, the user can frequently obtain information necessary for rationalizing the network, for example, by increasing the bandwidth of a portion where resources are insufficient or by preparing another route.

Further, in the system of the present embodiment, the resource management server 5 searches for another connection position at which a resource can be provided, displays the result on a GUI, and reconnects to that position as shown in FIG. Has a function to encourage.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart relating to this process. The processes in steps 50 to 51 in FIG. 15 are the same as those in steps 40 to 41 in FIG.

In step 52, the resource management server 5 selects one of the ports of the router or the hub connected to the electronic device performance table 6 to which the electronic device is not yet connected. In this selection, the priority may be given to the router or the hub.

Then, in step 53, the resource management server 5 checks whether or not resources can be assigned to the selected port, as in FIGS.

If there is one that can be assigned, the resource management server 5 sets the port in the available position table 9 in FIG. This process may be terminated as soon as one assignable port (alternate port) is found, or all the assignable ports (alternate ports) may be found.

If the selected port cannot be assigned, the resource management server 5 examines the next port (steps 55 and 56).

By the way, when the port search is completed and the available position table 9 is not empty (step 58), the resource management server 5 performs drawing as shown in FIG. That is, the character “Connect here” is drawn on the connection line drawn from the port (alternate port) of the electronic device held in the available position table 9.

In the above process, by displaying the searched connection position on the network in the GUI, the connection position where the service can be provided can be displayed to the user. If the user changes the connection position according to the display, the service can be surely received, which is convenient.

In order to cancel the reservation, for example, similarly to the reservation, a route of the electronic device to be deleted is searched, and the resource of the electronic device to be deleted is deleted from the reservation status table 7 on the route. .

<Book again>
As a result of the determination, if the assignment is not possible, in the present embodiment, the reservation can be made again by any one of the methods 1 to 4.

(Method 1) In this method, when one electronic device has a service providing capability using a plurality of resources, such as an electronic device that can select video distribution based on high definition image quality and video distribution based on VTR image quality, If allocation is not possible with high resources, reservation is made again with low resources.

For example, the electronic device E shown in FIG. 1 has a capability of transmitting a high-vision quality image (22 Mbps) and a VTR quality image (6 Mbps). Therefore, the resource management server 5 first tries to make a reservation with high-definition quality that requires high resources.

Here, if this reservation fails, try to reserve again with VTR quality, which is sufficient with low resources.

(Method 2) In this method, the resource management server 5 releases the reservation of all the electronic devices once, and among the resources on the network, the electronic device with a higher resource request (for example, a high definition image quality VTR or DVD player, etc.) , It is assumed that the request is high because the required bandwidth is large), and the reservation is sequentially made again.

First, assuming that the resource reservation has failed when the electronic device E is connected, the resource management server 5 cancels all the reservations once at this time.

(4) Next, the resource management server 5 preferentially re-takes the reservation from the one with the highest resource request (the electronic device having a large network transmission capability in the electronic device status table 6 shown in FIG. 3). In the illustrated example, the order is the electronic device E, the electronic device D, and the electronic device C.

(4) As a result, when an electronic device that cannot be used occurs, the user of the electronic device may be notified through a GUI.

(Method 3) In this method, the resource management server 5 releases the reservations of all the electronic devices once, and performs the reservation again sequentially from the resources on the network, starting with the electronic device with the lower resource request.

First, assuming that the resource reservation has failed when the electronic device E is connected, the resource management server 5 cancels all the reservations once at this time.

(4) Next, the resource management server 5 preferentially re-reserves a resource with a low resource request (an electronic device having a small network transmission capability in the electronic device status table 6 shown in FIG. 3). In the illustrated example, the order is the electronic device C, the electronic device D, and the electronic device E.

(4) As a result, when an electronic device that cannot be used occurs, the user of the electronic device may be notified through a GUI.

(Method 4) In this method, the user is arbitrarily determined the priority order through the GUI, and the reservation is made again according to the priority.

First, assuming that the resource reservation has failed when the electronic device E is connected, the resource management server 5 cancels all the reservations once at this time.

(4) Next, the resource management server 5 displays a GUI and requests the user to input the priority of the electronic device. If there is an input from the user, the reservation is re-prioritized according to the input.

Note that (method 1) to (method 4) may be performed independently, or may be performed in combination if they do not conflict with each other. Furthermore, a request for a resource that has been reserved but has not been actually communicated may be diverted to another service in order to eliminate useless reservation.

According to the above processing, when the electronic device E is connected, resources can be reserved so that the electronic device E can reliably provide a service with another electronic device connected to the network. When using the service, the service can be provided reliably.

In the present embodiment, a band is used as a resource to be reserved, but other parameters such as delay may be used.

{Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the connection using Ethernet (registered trademark) has been described, but it goes without saying that the present invention is also effective in other connection forms such as a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11.

In the above, three image information display examples are shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 14, and FIG. These display examples and the processing algorithms related thereto can be further extended as described below.

(1) As shown in FIG. 17, while the resource management server 5 is determining whether or not the requested electronic device can be connected, it is desirable to display that the connection is being determined. Alternatively, a message such as “Please wait” may be displayed. This allows the user to know the current state.

(2) As shown in FIG. 18, before the user connects the electronic device to the ports, it is also desirable to display how much bandwidth is currently available for each port. In this way, the user can know what kind of electronic device can be connected to the target port before the connection. Therefore, the user can refer to this information when purchasing a new electronic device, which is convenient.

In FIG. 18, the available bandwidth is displayed simultaneously for all available ports, but the available bandwidth may be displayed for each port.

(3) When the resource management server 5 executes the processing of FIG. 9 for all the available ports, a display as shown in FIG. 19 can be performed. That is, when it is determined that the electronic device can be connected to a plurality of ports as a result of this processing, all connectable port candidates may be displayed as shown in FIG.

This is convenient because the user can freely select the installation location of the electronic device. In FIG. 19, all connectable port candidates are displayed at the same time, but these port candidates may be displayed one by one.

In FIG. 19, it is sufficient that the user can be informed that the corresponding port is connectable. For example, other display modes such as attaching an “OK” mark may be used. Alternatively, only a port that cannot be connected may be negatively displayed, for example, an “x” mark.

(4) In FIG. 12 and the like, at the timing of connecting the electronic device, it is displayed that if the corresponding port is used, the electronic device cannot be used due to insufficient resources. However, as shown in FIG. 20, it may be displayed that the electronic device cannot be used at the timing when the electronic device actually starts using resources, for example, in a reproducing operation.

This allows the user to obtain information on the reason why the electronic device cannot be used and the location of the cause, which is convenient.

(5) As shown in FIG. 21, in addition to simply notifying the user that resources cannot be reserved and not being able to make a reservation, if the user stops using the other electronic device that is currently being used, the user attempts to use it. It can be displayed that the electronic device can be used.

For this purpose, the resource management server 5 may perform the following processing.

First, the resource management server 5 secures a stop target table having a data structure as shown in FIG.

Next, the resource management server 5 searches for an electronic device to be stopped according to the algorithm illustrated in FIG. First, in step 60, information on the reservation status regarding the electronic device recorded in the shortage position table 8 is obtained from the reservation status table 7.

In step 61, if there is no reserved bandwidth in the reservation status table 7, the resource management server 5 ends the processing, and otherwise moves the processing to step 62.

{Circle around (2)} In step 62, the resource management server 5 acquires a reserved bandwidth for the corresponding port, and in step 63, checks whether the insufficient bandwidth is smaller than the reserved bandwidth for the corresponding port.

If it is determined in step 63 that the port is not small, in step 64, the resource management server 5 records the corresponding port in the stop target table secured in the RAM 32, and in step 65, the resource management server 5 Check if is less than the total bandwidth of the table to be stopped.

If it is determined in step 65 that it is not small, in step 66, the resource management server 5 checks whether there is another port having a reserved bandwidth. If it does not exist, the resource management server 5 ends the processing, and if there is, the resource management server 5 returns the processing to step 62.

If it is determined in step 63 that the value is small, the resource management server 5 clears the stop target table in step 67, records the port corresponding to the stop target table in step 68, and proceeds to step 69. Move.

If it is determined in step 65 that the value is small, the resource management server 5 proceeds to step 69.

(4) In steps 69 to 70, the resource management server 5 displays, for all ports recorded in the stop target table, a message indicating that “this electronic device can be used if not used”.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 21, not only is the user informed that the reservation cannot be made due to lack of resources, but also the user is trying to use another electronic device that is currently in use. Can be displayed that the electronic device can be used.

(4) Thus, if the user stops using some of the electronic devices, the user can surely use the new electronic devices, which is convenient.

Alternatively, the result of the above processing by the resource management server 5 may be displayed as shown in FIG. That is, instead of displaying "this electronic device should not be used simultaneously" in step 69 to step 70, it may be displayed that "this electronic device should be removed".

This allows the user to reliably use the new electronic device by disconnecting some of the electronic devices from the ports, which is convenient.

In FIG. 24, only one electronic device to be disconnected is displayed, but a plurality of electronic devices to be disconnected may be displayed at a time.

(6) As shown in FIG. 25, if not only the user is notified that the reservation cannot be made due to lack of resources, but also another electronic device currently in use, and if that port is moved to another port, It can also be displayed that the user can use the electronic device he or she is going to use.

For this purpose, the resource management server 5 may perform the process illustrated in FIG. In step 80, the resource management server 5 selects one electronic device to be temporarily moved. However, in step 81, if there is no or no electronic device to be temporarily moved, the resource management server 5 ends the process. I do. Otherwise, the resource management server 5 moves the processing to step 82.

In step 82, the resource management server 5 copies the contents of the reservation status table 7 to the RAM 32, and in step 83, deletes the reservation of the electronic device to be temporarily moved in the RAM 32.

In step 84, the resource management server 5 selects one temporary destination port from the open ports.

In step 85, if there are no open ports or if all open ports have been examined, the resource management server 5 returns the processing to step 80 and returns to the next provisionally moved device. Choose Otherwise, the resource management server 5 moves the processing to step 86.

In step 86, the resource management server 5 acquires a route as in FIG. 8, and in step 87, the resource management server 5 sets an available flag as in FIG.

If the shortage position table 8 is empty in step 88, the resource management server 5 performs the drawing shown in FIG. 25 in step 89. Otherwise, the resource management server 5 returns the processing to step 80.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 25, when not only displaying to the user that the reservation cannot be made due to lack of resources, but also another electronic device currently in use and moving its port to another port, It can be displayed that the electronic device that the user intends to use can be used.

This is convenient because, as long as the user moves the specific electronic device as instructed, the desired electronic device can be connected to the desired port and used reliably.

(7) In the above description, the network route is displayed in a tree structure. However, when a floor plan of a building (for example, a house or an office building) in which an electronic device is installed is known, as shown in FIG. , The electronic device, the port, and the like may be displayed.

This allows the user to easily and intuitively understand the position of the available port for the desired electronic device, which is convenient.

(8) Further, as shown in FIG. 28, it may be displayed that an electronic device can be connected if a new hub or switch is purchased. An algorithm for this can be configured by appropriately combining the various algorithms described above.

(5) If the user purchases and connects a new hub or the like as instructed, the user can surely use the desired electronic device, which is convenient.

(9) In the above description, mainly the case where the user himself connects the electronic device has been described. However, it is also conceivable that a user calls a service person and requests connection of an electronic device. In such a case, the following should be performed.

FIG. 29 shows a portable information terminal for a service person (for example, a PDA, a mobile phone, a portable personal computer, etc.). This terminal includes a main body 40 and the following elements provided in the main body 40.

The display unit 41 is a touch panel, a tablet, or a display panel (such as an LCD), and displays the usage status of resources and the like. A network cable 43 can be connected to the port 42, and a terminal 44 that can be connected to the port is attached to the end of the network cable 43.

本体 Further, the main body 40 is provided with a device setting button 45, a connection relation display button 46, and a reservation status display button 47. Note that these buttons 45 to 47 may be provided as software keys on the display unit 41 when the display unit 41 is configured by a touch panel or a tablet.

The device setting button 45 is for inputting resource requests, information about groups, and the like regarding electronic devices to be used. The input may be made manually using the display unit 41 or the like, or part or all of the information may be obtained from the resource management server 5 via the network. Alternatively, this information can be obtained by inputting the model number of an electronic device into a web server or the like of a manufacturer existing on the Internet.

When the device setting button 45 is depressed, the processing shown in FIG. 30 is executed. That is, in steps 111 to 117, a device name, a group name, a function, a network reception capability, a reception service capability, a network transmission capability, and a transmission service capability are sequentially input. The order of this input can be arbitrarily changed. In short, it is sufficient if the contents of the device performance table 6 shown in FIG. 3 can be specified.

入 力 This input can be performed even if there is no actual electronic device. Therefore, in this way, the user can confirm the installation location of the electronic device before purchasing the electronic device, which is convenient.

29. In FIG. 29, the connection relation display button 46 is for acquiring connection relation information from the resource management server 5.

When the connection relation display button 46 is depressed after inserting the terminal 44 into an appropriate open port, the processing shown in FIG. 31 is executed. In step 101, the portable information terminal connects to the resource management server 5 via the cable 43.

Next, in step 102, the portable information terminal acquires the connection relationship information from the resource management server 5, and in step 103, displays the acquired content on the display unit 41 as it is.

In FIG. 29, the reservation status display button 47 is for acquiring information on the reservation status from the resource management server 5.

When the reservation status display button 47 is depressed after inserting the terminal 44 into an appropriate open port, the processing shown in FIG. 32 is executed. In step 91, the portable information terminal connects to the resource management server 5 via the cable 43.

Next, in step 92, the portable information terminal acquires the contents of the reservation status table 7 from the resource management server 5, and in step 93, displays the acquired contents on the display unit 41 as it is. In this way, if there is a portable information terminal, the status of the reservation and the connection relationship can be confirmed, which is convenient for maintenance.

(10) As shown in FIG. 33, there is a case in which a new electronic device (here, a high-definition VTR) needs to be connected to a port to which another electronic device (here, a telephone) is already connected. For example, there is a case where it is not convenient for the room layout if the location is not the same.

Here, the instruction of the port to be connected can be easily performed by, for example, a remote controller attached to the electronic device or the portable information terminal shown in FIG.

In such a case, if the processing illustrated in FIG. 35 is performed, as shown in FIG. 34, the destination of another electronic device can be specified.

In step 120 of FIG. 35, the resource management server 5 inputs the position of the port where the user wants to install a new electronic device from the user.

In step 121, the resource management server 5 searches the reservation status table 7 and acquires information on the electronic device connected to the corresponding port.

In step 122, the resource management server 5 checks whether the connection destination of this electronic device is “none”.

If it is not “none” in step 122, in step 123, the resource management server 5 copies the tables 6 to 8 to the RAM 32, and stores the reservation information on the electronic device connected to the corresponding port in the RAM 32 in step 124. In step 125, the reservation information is deleted from the reservation status table 7 copied to the RAM 32.

In step 126, the resource management server 5 performs the same processing as in steps 10 to 15 and steps 20 to 28, and determines the destination port of the electronic device connected to the corresponding port.

Then, in step 127, the resource management server 5 checks whether or not the electronic device connected to the port can be connected to the destination port. If connection is not possible, in step 132, the resource management server 5 displays that connection is not possible.

If the connection is possible, in steps 128 to 131, the resource management server 5 repeats the same processing for the destination port of the electronic device to which the reservation information has been copied in step 124.

In step 122, if the connection destination of the corresponding port is “none”, the resource management server 5 performs the processing of steps 133 to 136.

In any case, with regard to the electronic device connected to the corresponding port, if any one of the ports to which the electronic device can be connected is detected as a destination port, the resource management server 5 establishes the connection. A message that the connection can be made is displayed (step 137). If not, a message that the connection cannot be made is displayed (steps 132 and 138).

In this way, the user can not only connect a new electronic device to a desired port, but also know a destination port to which to move an electronic device already connected to the desired port, which is convenient and convenient. is there.

In FIG. 34, only one destination port of the electronic device already connected to the desired port is displayed. However, when there are a plurality of destination ports, some candidates are simultaneously combined. May be displayed.

(11) FIG. 36 shows a front mask of a DVD player as an example of the electronic apparatus. The player includes a main body case 50, a disc tray 51, operation buttons 52, a display unit 53, a communication unit 54, and a port 55.

A network cable 56 is connected to the port 55, and a terminal 57 that can be connected to a port of the hub is attached to the end of the network cable 56.

The communication unit 54 communicates with the resource management server 5 via the network path using the network cable 56.

The display unit 53 includes an LCD, a fluorescent display tube, and the like, and displays the track, title, playback time, current date, current time, and the like of the DVD set in the disc tray 51 in the normal display.

However, prior to the normal display, the display unit 53 displays connection information for a while after connecting the terminal 57 to the port of the hub.

When connected to the network path, the communication unit 54 notifies the resource management server 5 of information on the resource request and the group, acquires the connection information from the resource management server 5, and causes the display unit 53 to display the connection information. This notifies the user. Note that the connection information can be notified to the user by voice or the like without using the display unit 53.

After the display of the connection information, the display unit 53 transitions to a normal display state. The display of the connection information is performed, for example, as shown in FIGS. 38 (a) to 38 (e).

Next, the flow of processing of the DVD player will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 141, when the terminal 57 is connected to the port of the hub, the communication unit 54 attempts to notify the resource management server 5 of the resource request and the group information.

(4) In step 142, if this notification is successful, the communication unit 54 acquires connection information from the resource management server 5. The acquired connection information is output to the display unit 53 and displayed.

This connection information is generated by the resource management server 5. When the electronic device has an element such as a character ROM that can generate a character string from a character code, it can be transmitted in a text format. Alternatively, the resource management server 5 may generate image information adapted to the display unit 53 and transmit the generated image information to the communication unit 54. Further, when the electronic device stores each of the plurality of messages in association with a unique message index (for example, ID or the like), the resource management server 5 transmits only this message index to the communication unit 54. You may make it transmit.

Then, the display of the connection information, which is not the normal display, is performed for a fixed time (step 144), and after the lapse of the fixed time, the display unit 53 transits to a mode for performing the normal display (step 145). Is the same as the operation of an ordinary electronic device (steps 146 and 147).

(12) Furthermore, it is desirable that the hub be devised as shown in FIG. FIG. 39A shows a state where no electronic device is connected to the port.

Here, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), for a port to which a specific electronic device can be connected, a corresponding LED is turned on, or as shown in FIG. 39 (c), a specific electronic device is connected. For a port that can be used, the corresponding LED may blink.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 39D, when a specific electronic device is connected to a certain port and a resource request cannot be satisfied, a negative sound (for example, a sound such as “boo”) may be emitted. . Conversely, when the resource request can be met, a positive sound (for example, a sound such as “ping-pong”) may be emitted.

(4) The above display and sound generation can be realized by providing a light emitting element such as an LED, a speaker, and the like in the hub, and issuing a notification to the corresponding hub by the resource management server 5.

(13) Further, before connecting the electronic device, it is possible to add an "auto-selection" mode for suggesting a connection position. In the “automatic mode” mode, after notification from the electronic device or the portable information terminal shown in FIG. 29 to the resource management server 5, the resource management server 5 refers to the reservation status table 7 and checks the port to which the electronic device is not connected. , The processes of Steps 10 to 15 and Steps 20 to 28 are performed, and a connectable port can be presented to the user.

To search for a port to which no electronic device is connected, a search may be performed from the first entry of the reservation status table 7 or from the last entry. When a port to which the electronic device is not connected cannot be found, the resource management server 5 displays to the user that connection is not possible, and if found, displays the found port to the user.

As a matter of course, as described above, the resource management server 5 may display to the user that the electronic device already connected to the port is to be moved.

The resource management system according to the present invention can be suitably used in, for example, a home network or a network having a larger scale or a related technical field.

1 is a block diagram of a resource management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a router according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of an electronic device performance table according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flowchart of electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention (A) Illustrative diagram of a reservation status table in one embodiment of the present invention (router) {(b) Illustrative diagram of a reservation status table in a first embodiment of the present invention (first hub)} (c) One embodiment of the present invention Diagram of the reservation status table in the embodiment (second hub) FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a missing position table according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of an available position table according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention (A) Illustrative diagram of a reservation status table in one embodiment of the present invention (router) {(b) Illustrative diagram of a reservation status table in a first embodiment of the present invention (first hub)} (c) One embodiment of the present invention Diagram of the reservation status table in the embodiment (second hub) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of a stop target table according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Front view of a portable information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of portable information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of portable information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of portable information terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of image information display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart of the resource management server in one embodiment of the present invention Front view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention (A) Display example of electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention {(b) Display example of electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention} (c) Display example of electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention FIG. (D) Example display of electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention (e) Example display of electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention (A) Front view of hub in one embodiment of the present invention {(b) Front view of hub in one embodiment of the present invention} (c) Front view of hub in one embodiment of the present invention {(d) Present invention Front view of hub in one embodiment

Explanation of reference numerals

1 Router 5 Resource Management Server 6 Electronic Device Performance Table 7 Reservation Status Table 8 Insufficient Position Table 9 Available Position Table 10 First Hub 12, 15 Transmission Path 13 Second Hub 45 Device Setting Button 46 Connection Display Button 47 Reservation Status Display Buttons 41, 53 Display unit 54 Communication unit

Claims (11)

Electronic devices grouped by ability,
A plurality of lower layer transmission devices having a port to which the electronic device is connected,
An upper layer transmission device that has these lower layer transmission devices under its control and relays information between electronic devices connected to these lower layer transmission devices;
The lower-layer transmission device, used for transmission of information with the upper-layer transmission device, comprising a resource management server that manages resources,
The resource management server manages information about a resource reservation status and information about a group of all electronic devices connected to the lower-layer transmission device,
When the electronic device is newly connected to the port of the lower layer transmission device, notifies the resource management server of information on resource requests and groups,
When the resource management server acquires this notification,
A route between the electronic device related to this notification and an electronic device belonging to the same group is set as a network route,
A resource management system that determines whether a resource request related to the notification can be handled on a set network route. The resource according to claim 1, wherein the resource management server updates the resource reservation status and reserves the electronic device when the resource management server can respond to the resource request related to the notification on a set network route. Management system. The resource management system according to claim 1, wherein the resource management server generates image information indicating whether or not a request for a resource of the electronic device can be satisfied. 4. The resource management according to claim 1, wherein the resource management server generates image information for displaying a position on the network configuration that is incapable of responding to a request for a resource of the electronic device when the resource cannot be responded to. system. If the resource management server cannot respond to the request for a resource of the electronic device, the resource management server searches for an alternative port that can respond to the request, and, when the alternative port exists, generates image information indicating the position of the alternative port. Item 5. The resource management system according to items 1 to 4. The resource management server according to claim 1, wherein the resource management server is unable to respond to a request for a resource of the electronic device, and when there is a plurality of service qualities related to the group of the electronic device, performs the reservation again with a lower service quality. 5. The resource management system according to 5. 7. The resource management system according to claim 1, wherein the resource management server cancels the current reservation status and makes a reservation again when the resource request of the electronic device cannot be satisfied. The resource management system according to claim 7, wherein the reservation is made again in the descending order of resource requests. 8. The resource management system according to claim 7, wherein the reservation is made again in ascending order of resource requests. The resource management system according to claim 7, wherein the reservation is made again in the order instructed by the user input. The resource management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a request for a resource that has been reserved but has not been actually communicated is diverted to another service.

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