JPH113314A - Network control system and network terminal and control terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] In a network control system for controlling a network terminal by a control terminal, even when a new network terminal is added, the added network terminal is automatically controlled by the control terminal. To provide a network control system capable of doing so. SOLUTION: In a network terminal, operation information of a service provided by the network terminal is stored in an information storage device, and operation information of the service is transmitted to a control terminal through a network. By analyzing the operation information of this service at the control terminal, it becomes possible to provide the operator with an operation environment of the added network terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network control system, a control terminal, and a network terminal which transmit and receive information via a network and operate in cooperation with each other. And a control terminal and a network terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional network control system, there has been a network control system in which predetermined operation information of a network terminal is stored in a control terminal to control the network terminal. As a conventional example, there is, for example, JP-A-8-265490.
In these, operation information of a predetermined network terminal service is stored in the control terminal, and when the operator uses the function of the network terminal, a command corresponding to the predetermined function of the network terminal is stored. Is transmitted from the control terminal to the network terminal.

Hereinafter, a conventional example will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a conventional network control system. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 denotes a control terminal, and a touch panel display 15011;
Command storage device 15012, central processing unit 1501
3, a command transmission device 15014, 1502 is a network, 1503 is a network terminal 1, 150
4 is a network terminal 2 and 1505 is a network terminal 3.

[0004] In the conventional example configured as described above,
Hereinafter, the operation will be described. Control terminal 1501
In the command storage device 15012, operation information of a network terminal existing on the network is stored in advance, and a command specifying each operation can be transmitted by the command transmission device 15014.

FIG. 16 is a command configuration table of a conventional network control system. In FIG. 16, 1601
Is a command configuration table. Command storage device 15012
Stores a command configuration table as indicated by 1601, and the control terminal 1501 has command data corresponding to the contents of the commands of the network terminal 1, the network terminal 2, and the network terminal 3.

On the basis of the command configuration table 1601, the control terminal 1501
5011, the network terminals 1503, 150
4, 1505 operating environments are provided. Central processing unit 15
013 issues an output instruction to the command storage device 15012, and
Stores the command configuration table 1601 in the central processing unit 15013
Output to Based on the information in the command configuration table 1601, the central processing unit 15013 uses the touch panel display 15011 to provide the operator with an operation environment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a conventional operating environment. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 1701 denotes an operation screen. By listing the names of the respective network terminals and the commands of the respective network terminals on the screen as in the operation screen 1701, an operation environment can be provided to the operator.

When the functions of the network terminal are actually executed, the operation is performed as follows. The operator touches a button on the touch panel display 15011 corresponding to a function to be realized. Here, it is assumed that the operator has selected the command 2 of the network terminal 2. At this time, the touch panel display 15011
Outputs the position information on the screen selected by the operator to the central processing unit 15013, and the central processing unit 15013 identifies that the network terminal number 2 and the command number 2 are selected from the position information. . Next, the central processing unit 15013 refers to the command configuration table 1601 and refers to the command 860 on the network corresponding to the command 22.
8 is output to the command transmitting device 15014.
The command transmitting device 15014 receives this command,
The data 8608 indicating the command 22 is output to the network terminal 2 via the network 1502. Network terminal 1504 receives data 8608 indicating this command signal 22, and performs an operation corresponding to command 2. With the above operation, a network control system in which the control terminal controls a plurality of network terminals is realized.

[0009]

However, the above configuration has the following problems. This is a problem of the control terminal when a new network terminal is added to the network control system. In a network control system, when a network terminal whose control information does not store operation information is added, the control terminal controls the new network terminal because the command type and command signal of the new network terminal are unknown. Can not do.

In the network terminal, an interface for storing a command type and a command signal of the service of the new network terminal is prepared in advance, and it is possible to store the interface every time a new network terminal is added. Is difficult.

In view of the above, the present invention provides a network control system that can automatically operate a network terminal at a control terminal even when a new network terminal is added. With the goal.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application provides a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication device for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. In a network control system in a network having a wired communication path, when the network terminal transmits operation information of the network terminal to the control terminal, and receives an operation request signal from the control terminal, An operation corresponding to an operation request signal is performed, the control terminal receives the operation information from the network terminal, and provides an operation environment of the network terminal based on the operation information, and the operator selects an operation. Transmitting the operation request signal corresponding to the operation to the network terminal. It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. Transmitting operation information of a network terminal to the control terminal connected to the wired communication path via the wired communication path and receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal, The operation corresponding to the signal is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. An operation information storage device, a two-way communication device, and a network terminal main unit, wherein the operation information storage device stores operation information of a network terminal, and outputs the operation information to the two-way communication device. The two-way communication device transmits the operation information from the operation information storage device to a control terminal, and outputs the operation request signal to the network terminal main body when receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal. And the network terminal body receives the operation request signal from the two-way communication device, And performs an operation corresponding to the work request signal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the control terminal in the network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. Receiving operation information from a network terminal connected to the wired communication path via a wired network, providing an operation environment of the network terminal based on the operation information, and selecting an operation by an operator. Then, a corresponding operation request signal is transmitted to the network terminal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the control terminal in the network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. And comprising a two-way communication device, an operation information storage device, a selection device, a display device, and a central processing unit. When the two-way communication device receives operation information from a network terminal, the operation information is stored in the central processing unit. Output to a processing device, when receiving an operation request signal from the central processing unit, transmitting the operation request signal to the network terminal, the operation information storage device stores the operation information from the central processing device, Outputting the operation information according to an output instruction from the central processing unit, and displaying the operation information from the central processing unit on the display device. Based on the information, to the operator,
The operation environment is displayed, the selection device receives an operation request from an operator, and outputs the operation request signal corresponding to the operation selected by the operator to the central processing unit. From the communication device, receiving the operation information, outputting to the operation information storage device, and, if necessary, performing an output command to the operation information storage device and receiving the operation information. Analyzing the operation information, creating an operation environment for the operator, outputting the operation display information corresponding to the operation environment to the display device, receiving the operation request signal from the selection device, and The operation request signal is output to the device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. The network terminal has one or more operating means, the function of each of the operating means, object information defined as an object of a predetermined object class, transmits to the control terminal, from the control terminal, When receiving a method of an object, an operation corresponding to the method of the object is realized by an operation unit, and the control terminal receives the object information from the network terminal, analyzes the object information, and sets each object class in advance. Set against By providing the operating environment of the network terminal to the operator by combining the operating environment, the method of the object corresponding to the operation when the operator selects a certain operation based on the operating environment Is transmitted to the corresponding network terminal.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present application is the network terminal in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. Transmitting, to the control terminal, object information having one or more operation means and defining the function of each operation means as an object of a predetermined object class, and receiving an object method from the control terminal. The operation corresponding to the method of the object is realized by the operation means.

[0019] The invention according to claim 8 of the present application is the network terminal in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. An information storage device, a two-way communication device, and one or more operation means, wherein the information storage device stores object information in which the function of each operation means is defined as an object of a predetermined object class. And outputting the object information to the two-way communication device, the two-way communication device transmitting the object information from the information storage device to a control terminal, and receiving an object method from the control terminal. , The operating means corresponding to the object, the object Outputs methods, the operation means receives a method of the object from the two-way communication device, and performs an operation corresponding to the method of the object.

The invention according to claim 9 of the present application is the control terminal in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. Receiving, from a network terminal, object information defining the function of the operation means of the network terminal as an object of a predetermined object class, analyzing the object information, and performing an operation predetermined for each object class. By combining the environments, the operating environment of the network terminal is provided to the operator, and when the operator selects a certain operation based on the operating environment, the method of the object corresponding to the operation is set to the corresponding method. To be sent to the network terminal. That.

Further, the invention according to claim 10 of the present application provides
A control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the control terminal comprising a bidirectional communication device, an information storage device, a selection device, and a display. A device and a central processing unit, wherein the two-way communication device receives, from a network terminal, object information defining a function of an operation means of the network terminal as an object of a predetermined object class, To the central processing unit, and when receiving the method of the object from the central processing unit, transmits the method of the object to the network terminal including the operating means corresponding to the object, and the information storage device From the central processing unit. Object information, and outputs the object information in accordance with an output instruction from the central processing unit, and the display device provides an operator with an operation environment based on the operation display information from the central processing device. Performing a display, wherein the selection device receives an operation request from an operator, and outputs the operation request signal corresponding to the operation selected by the operator to the central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit is the bidirectional communication device To receive the object information, perform an output to the information storage device, and, if necessary, perform an output command to the information storage device, and receive the object information, thereby obtaining the object information. Analyze and combine the operating environments defined for each object class in advance to create an operating environment for the operator and respond to the operating environment. It said operation display information is output to the display device, receiving the operation request signal from the selection device, and outputs the methods of the object corresponding to the operation request signal of the specified operation on the two-way communication device.

Further, the invention according to claim 11 of the present application provides:
7. The network control system according to claim 6, wherein the operation environment corresponding to the object class prepared in advance is:
The control terminal includes a button arrangement and a button icon corresponding to the operation of the operation means. In the control terminal, the button arrangement and the button icon corresponding to a plurality of object classes are combined.

Further, the invention according to claim 12 of the present application provides
10. The network control system according to claim 9, wherein the operation environment corresponding to the object class prepared in advance is:
The operation environment includes a button arrangement and a button icon corresponding to the operation of the operation means, and a combination of the button arrangement and the button icon corresponding to a plurality of object classes.

Further, the invention according to claim 13 of the present application provides:
In a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, and an operation state observation device for transmitting operation state information to the control terminal. The network terminal transmits, to the control terminal, operation information and operation condition information of each operation, and the control terminal transmits, from the network terminal, the operation information and the operation condition information of each operation, From the operation state observation device, receiving the operation state information, analyze the operation information, compare the operation state information and the operation conditions of each operation, determine whether each operation is executable, to the operator, It is intended to provide an operation environment displaying the feasibility of the operation.

The invention according to claim 14 of the present application is
In a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal is configured such that the network terminal Transmitting the service quality information of the network connection requested by the control terminal, the control terminal receives the service quality information of the network connection from the network terminal, and uses the service quality information of the network connection to establish the network connection of the network terminal. It is something to establish.

Further, the invention according to claim 15 of the present application provides:
A network terminal, a control terminal, the network terminal in a network comprising a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, comprising an information storage device and a communication device,
The information storage device stores service quality information of a network connection requested by a network terminal, outputs the service quality information of the network connection to the communication device, and the communication device transmits the network quality information from the information storage device. The service quality information of the network connection requested by the terminal is transmitted to the control terminal.

Further, the invention according to claim 16 of the present application provides:
A control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the control terminal comprising: a communication device and a network connection establishing device; An apparatus for receiving, from the network terminal, service quality information of a network connection requested by the network terminal, outputting the received service quality information of the network connection requested by the network terminal to the network connection establishing apparatus, A connection establishment device receives service quality information of the network connection requested by the network terminal from the communication device, and uses service quality information of the network connection. , It is intended to establish a connection of the network.

Further, the invention according to claim 17 of the present application is:
In a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal is configured such that the network terminal The operation information and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation are transmitted, and when an operation request signal is received, an operation corresponding to the operation request signal is performed, and the control terminal, from the network terminal, Receiving the operation information of the network terminal and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation, and determining whether the network connection can be established from the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation; To provide the operator with an operation environment displaying the feasibility of the operation, and based on the operation environment, when the operator selects an operation, using the service quality information of the network connection requested by the operation. , Establishing a network connection and transmitting the operation request signal corresponding to the operation to the network terminal.

The invention according to claim 18 of the present application is
The network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, comprising: an information storage device, a two-way communication device, and a network terminal body. Wherein the information storage device comprises:
Storing operation information of a network terminal and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation; outputting the operation information and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation to the two-way communication device; When the communication device transmits the operation information from the information storage device and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation to a control terminal, and receives an operation request signal from the control terminal, A signal is output to a network terminal main unit, and the network terminal main unit receives the operation request signal from the two-way communication device and performs an operation corresponding to the operation request signal.

The invention according to claim 19 of the present application is
A control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the control terminal comprising a bidirectional communication device, an information storage device, a selection device, and a display. Device and a central processing unit, the two-way communication device receives operation information of the network terminal and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation from a network terminal, and receives the operation information of the network terminal and the The service quality information of the network connection requested by the operation is output to the central processing unit, and when an operation request signal is received from the central processing unit, the operation request signal is transmitted to the network terminal, and the information storage device is Operating information of the network terminal from the central processing unit And storing the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation, and according to an output command from the central processing unit, outputting the operation information of the network terminal and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation, The display device,
The operation environment is displayed to the operator based on the operation display information from the central processing unit, and the selection device receives an operation request from the operator, and the operation corresponding to the operation selected by the operator is performed. A request signal is output to the central processing unit, and the central processing unit receives, from the two-way communication device, operation information of the network terminal and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation, and stores the information storage. Output to the device, if necessary, issue an output command to the information storage device, receive operation information of the network terminal and service quality information of a network connection required by each operation, By creating an operating environment for the operator by analyzing the Then, by querying the network whether a network connection required by each operation can be established, the feasibility of each operation is determined, and an operation environment indicating the feasibility of each operation is created. Outputting the operation display information to the display device, receiving the operation request signal from the selection device, and establishing a network connection by using service quality information of the network connection requested by the operation corresponding to the operation request signal. And outputting the operation request signal to the two-way communication device.

Further, the invention according to claim 20 of the present application is:
In a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal includes one or more network terminals. Providing service realization means, exchanging messages with each other to identify the feasibility of the service, and when the service is feasible, transmitting operation information of the service to the control terminal; When receiving an operation request signal from a terminal, an operation corresponding to the operation is performed by one or more of the network terminals, and the control terminal receives the operation information from the network terminal, and based on the operation information, , Operating environment of the network terminal Providing, when selecting a operator operation, and transmits the operation request signal corresponding to an operation in the network terminal.

The invention according to claim 21 of the present application is
A network terminal, a control terminal, and the network terminal in a network including a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal provides service realizing means, By exchanging messages, the feasibility of the service is identified.If the service is feasible, the operation information of the service is transmitted to the control terminal, and when the operation request signal is received from the control terminal, the operation is performed. The corresponding operation is performed.

Further, the invention according to claim 22 of the present application provides
In a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal includes one or more network terminals. Providing service realization means, exchanging messages with each other to identify the feasibility of the service, transmitting operation information including feasibility information to the control terminal, and operating from the control terminal. When receiving a request signal, an operation corresponding to an operation is performed by one or a plurality of the network terminals, and the control terminal receives operation information including the feasibility information from the network terminal, Based on operation information including feasibility information It provides displayed operation environment the feasibility of the operation, when selecting a operator operation, and transmits the operation request signal corresponding to an operation in the network terminal.

Further, the invention according to claim 23 of the present application is:
A network terminal, a control terminal, and the network terminal in a network including a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal provides service realizing means, By exchanging messages, service feasibility is identified, operation information including feasibility information is transmitted to the control terminal, and when an operation request signal is received from the control terminal, an operation corresponding to the operation is performed. Is performed by one or a plurality of the network terminals.

The invention according to claim 24 of the present application is:
The control terminal in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the operation information including feasibility information from the network terminal Based on the operation information including the feasibility information, providing an operation environment indicating the feasibility of the operation, and when the operator selects an operation, an operation request signal corresponding to the operation. Is transmitted to the network terminal.

The invention according to claim 25 of the present application is
In a network control system including a network terminal and a control terminal, the network terminal includes:
At least one operation component type and operation information indicating an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component are transmitted to the control terminal, and when the operation request signal is received from the control terminal, an operation corresponding to the operation request signal is performed. The control terminal has at least one operation component, receives and analyzes operation information from the network terminal, selects an operation component of the type indicated by the operation information, and selects the selected operation component. The operation component is associated with an operation request signal indicated by the operation information to form an operation environment for operating the network terminal. When the selected operation component is operated, the operation request signal is transmitted to the network. This is transmitted to the terminal.

Further, the invention according to claim 26 of the present application provides:
26. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein a predetermined operation component among the operation components is associated with a predetermined operation of the network terminal in advance.

Further, the invention according to claim 27 of the present application is:
26. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and a physical operation button is assigned as the operation component on the control terminal side.

Further, the invention according to claim 28 of the present application provides:
26. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and the control terminal assigns an operation button displayed on a display unit as the operation component.

Further, the invention according to claim 29 of the present application is:
26. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein the operation information indicates a group including a plurality of operation components, a type of each of the operation components, and an operation request signal corresponding to each of the operation components. , Each operation component belonging to the group indicated by the operation information.

The invention according to claim 30 of the present application is:
26. The network control system according to claim 25, further comprising a plurality of network terminals, wherein at least one of the network terminals identifies an application that can be realized by each of the network terminals through communication between the network terminals. Transmitting, to the control terminal, operation information indicating a type of at least one operation component for operating the application and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component, and receiving the operation request signal from the control terminal; An operation corresponding to the operation request signal is performed.

Further, the invention according to claim 31 of the present application is:
26. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein the control terminal is a remote controller for remotely operating the network terminal.

The invention according to claim 32 of the present application provides:
A network terminal operated by a control terminal including at least one operation component, wherein the control terminal transmits operation information indicating a type of at least one operation component and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component to the control terminal; When the operation request signal is received from the device, an operation corresponding to the operation request signal is performed.

The invention according to claim 33 of the present application provides:
33. The network terminal according to claim 32, wherein a predetermined operation component of each operation component of the control terminal is associated in advance with a predetermined operation of the network terminal.

The invention according to claim 34 of the present application is:
33. The network terminal according to claim 32, wherein the operation information indicates a group including a plurality of operation components, a type of each of the operation components, and an operation request signal corresponding to each of the operation components, and the control terminal includes: The operation components belonging to the group indicated by the operation information are collected.

Also, the invention according to claim 35 of the present application is:
33. The network terminal according to claim 32, wherein communication between the plurality of network terminals identifies an application that can be realized by each of the network terminals, and a type of at least one operation component for operating the application and the type of the operation component. Operation information indicating an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component is transmitted to the control terminal, and when the operation request signal is received from the control terminal, the application is activated.

The invention according to claim 36 of the present application provides:
In a network terminal operated by a control terminal having at least one operation component, a storage unit storing operation information indicating a type of at least one operation component and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component; A two-way communication unit that transmits operation information to the control terminal and receives the operation request signal from the control terminal, and in response to the operation request signal received by the two-way communication unit, responds to the operation request signal. And a control unit for performing a corresponding operation.

The invention according to claim 37 of the present application is:
A control terminal for operating a network terminal that operates in response to the operation request signal, the control terminal including at least one operation component, receiving and analyzing operation information from the network terminal, and executing a type of operation indicated by the operation information. Selecting an operation component, associating the selected operation component with an operation request signal indicated by the operation information, forming an operation environment for operating the network terminal, and operating the selected operation component. And transmitting the operation request signal to the network terminal.

Further, the invention according to claim 38 of the present application is:
38. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein a predetermined operation component among the operation components is associated with a predetermined operation of the network terminal in advance.

The invention according to claim 39 of the present application is:
38. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and a physical operation button is assigned as the operation component on the control terminal side.

The invention according to claim 40 of the present application is:
38. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and the control terminal assigns an operation button displayed on a display unit as the operation component.

Further, the invention according to claim 41 of the present application is:
38. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein the operation information indicates a group including a plurality of operation components, a type of each of the operation components, and an operation request signal corresponding to each of the operation components. The operation components belonging to the group indicated by the operation information are collected.

The invention according to claim 42 of the present application is:
The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein the control terminal is a remote controller for remotely operating the network terminal.

Further, the invention according to claim 43 of the present application is:
In a control terminal for operating a network terminal that operates in response to an operation request signal, a bidirectional communication unit that receives at least one operation component, operation information from the network terminal, and transmits an operation request signal to the network terminal And analyzing the operation information received by the two-way communication unit, selecting an operation component of the type indicated by the operation information, and associating the selected operation component with an operation request signal indicated by the operation information. A control unit for forming an operation environment for operating the network terminal, and transmitting the operation request signal from the two-way communication unit to the network terminal when the selected operation component is operated. It is provided with.

Further, the invention according to claim 44 of the present application is:
In a network control system including a plurality of network terminals and a control terminal, at least one of the network terminals identifies an application that can be realized by each of the network terminals through communication between the network terminals, and identifies the application. Sending operation information indicating an operation environment and an operation request signal for operation to the control terminal, and when receiving the operation request signal from the control terminal, activates the application, and the control terminal transmits the operation information. Receiving and analyzing, forming the operation environment indicated by the operation information, and when an operation on the application is performed in the operation environment, the operation request signal is transmitted to at least one of the network terminals; It is intended to be sent.

The invention according to claim 45 of the present application is:
In a plurality of network terminals operated by a control terminal including at least one operation component, at least one of the network terminals may execute an application that can be realized by each of the network terminals through communication between the network terminals. Identifying and transmitting operation information indicating an operation environment and an operation request signal for operating the application to the control terminal, and activating the application when receiving the operation request signal from the control terminal.

[0057]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 FIG. Hereinafter, a network control system, a control terminal, and a network terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a control terminal, which includes a display device 111 and an information storage device 1.
12, a selection device 113, a central processing unit 114, and a two-way communication device 115. 12 is a network.
Reference numeral 13 denotes a network terminal.
1, an information storage device 132, a central processing unit 133, and operation means 134, 135, 136.

Next, the operation of the network control system according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. Here, the configuration of the network terminal on the network control system is as shown in FIG. 2, and the example of the operation environment in the control terminal is as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the network control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a control terminal, 22 denotes a network, 23 denotes a television which is a network terminal, 2
4 is a DVD which is a network terminal, and 25 is an air conditioner which is a network terminal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation environment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a television operation screen, 32 denotes a DVD operation screen, and 33 denotes an air conditioner operation screen.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a network control system in which three network terminals of a television 23, a DVD 24, and an air conditioner 25 are controlled by a control terminal 21 is considered. FIG. 3 shows an example of providing an operation environment at the control terminal in the network control system having such a configuration. Buttons for selecting a network terminal to be controlled are provided on the upper surface of each operation screen, and the televisions 23, the DVD 24, and the air conditioner 25 as the network terminals can be switched using these buttons. .

Operation screen 31 for operating TV 23
There are a power button, a mute button, a channel adjustment button, and an audio adjustment button. The power button turns on / off the television, the mute button erases the TV audio, the channel adjustment button switches the channel up and down, and the audio adjustment button. Up and down of voice can be performed.

Operation screen 32 for operating DVD 24
Has a power button, a title selection button, and a stream control button.
/ OFF, title selection buttons can be used to select DVD titles, and stream control buttons can be used to control streams such as playback, stop, rewind, and fast forward.

Operation screen 3 for operating air conditioner 25
In No. 3, there are a power button, an air volume switching button, an operation switching button, and a temperature adjustment button. The air conditioner is turned on / off by the power button, the air volume is switched by the air volume switching button, and the operation mode of the air conditioner is switched by the operation switching button. The set temperature can be adjusted using the temperature adjustment button.

Although the network terminals 23 to 25 can be controlled by the above operating environment, in the first embodiment, the operating information for providing these operating environments is transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal. To realize these operating environments. These operation procedures will be described below with reference to FIG.

Each network terminal 13 stores, in the information storage device 132, operation information for operating the operation means 134, 135, and 136. When turning on the power or adding a network terminal,
The operation information is transmitted to the control terminal 11. When turning on the power or adding a network terminal, the central processing unit 133 issues an output command to the information storage device 132. The information storage device 132 that has received the output instruction outputs the operation information to the central processing unit 133. Next, the central processing unit 132 transmits the operation information to the two-way communication device 1.
31 and the two-way communication device 131 transmits the operation information to the network 12.

After receiving the operation information from the network terminal 13, the control terminal 11 analyzes the information and provides the operator with an operation environment. The control terminal 11 receives the operation information transmitted from the network terminal 13 via the network 12 by the two-way communication device 115.
The two-way communication device 115 outputs the received operation information to the central processing unit 114, and the central processing unit 114 outputs the operation information to the information storage device 112. The information storage device 112 stores the operation information, and the central processing unit 114 uses the information storage device 112 to appropriately extract the operation information, analyze the operation information, and prepare the operation environment of the network terminal 13, The display information of the operation environment is output to the display device 111. The display device 111 receives the display information, and
Is displayed to realize the operation environment of the network terminal 13.

Next, the operation when the operator selects a certain operation based on the operation environment will be described. An operation request signal indicating the operation request selected by the operator is transmitted from the control terminal 11 to the network terminal 13. The operator operates the network terminal 13 displayed on the display device 111.
The user selects the button of the function desired to be realized by the selection device 113 after observing the operation environment. The selection device 113 outputs an operation request signal corresponding to the operation selected by the operator to the central processing unit 114.
Output to The central processing unit 114 receives the operation request signal, outputs the operation request signal to the two-way communication device 115, and the two-way communication device 115 transmits the operation request signal over the network 12.

The network terminal 13 is connected to the network 1
2 to receive the operation request signal and implement the operation. The network terminal 13 receives the operation request signal from the control terminal 11 by the two-way communication device 131, and the two-way communication device 131 outputs the operation request signal to the central processing unit 133. The central processing unit 133 outputs an operation request signal to an operation unit that implements an operation request corresponding to the operation request signal, and the operation unit implements the operation.

As described above, the operation requested by the operator is realized. Next, a specific format of operation information, a procedure of analysis in the central processing unit 114, and exchange of an operation request signal using an operation environment will be described.

Here, an environment based on distributed object orientation is considered as a software environment for exchanging operation information. A distributed object-oriented architecture is attracting attention as an architecture suitable for a client-server system. In object-oriented, software functions can be considered as objects, data and implementation are hidden inside objects, and an environment that can be accessed only by methods from the outside can be prepared to improve the versatility and reusability of software. . Furthermore, in the distributed object orientation, an environment is prepared in which an object can be accessed by the same method as when an object exists locally even when a network is interposed. Thereby, the network independence of the software constituting the client server system can be enhanced.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining object and distributed object orientation. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 41 denotes an object-oriented concept, 42 denotes a client, 43 denotes a network, and 44 denotes a server object. 41
Is an object-oriented concept. In the object orientation, the data and implementation of the object are hidden inside the object as in 41, and the object can be accessed from outside the object only by the method. Software operates by exchanging methods between objects. Since the data and implementation of the object are hidden, object-oriented can realize high versatility and reusability of software.

Next, the distributed object orientation in the client server system will be described with reference to 42, 43, and 44 in FIG. In the client-server system, the client 42 requests the server 44 for a job, and the server 44 returns a job result in response to the request, whereby the system operates. In a client-server system using distributed object orientation, the client software operates when the client summons the method of the object in the server. At this time, the summoning is performed in exactly the same way as summoning a locally existing object. An environment that can be used is considered in a distributed object orientation. As a result, it is possible to enjoy the high versatility of object-oriented software across networks. For distributed object orientation, see “Distributed object oriented technologies CORBA, SR
Company C, 1996 "has a detailed explanation.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the control terminal realizes the function of each network terminal by assuming the control terminal as a client and the network terminal as a server and summoning methods of objects in the server.

The network terminal specifies the functions that can be realized by the network terminal based on the object based on a predetermined object class. The control terminal transmits the specified object type and information accompanying the object to the network terminal as operation information (object information). In the control terminal, an operation environment is prepared in advance for each object class, and the operation environment for each object class is combined according to the type of the object of the network terminal to realize the operation environment of the network terminal. By making the object class abstract, a control terminal that can respond to any network terminal function can be realized, and a network control system that can flexibly respond to the addition or change of network terminals can be realized. Can be.

These will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a network control system based on distributed object orientation. In FIG. 5, 51
Is the Equipment class, 52 is the Stream class, 53 is the Parameter class, and 54 is Butt
on class, 55 is an operation environment of the Equipment class, 56 is an operation environment of the Stream class, and 57 is Pa
The operation environment of the meter class, 58 is Button
The operating environment of the class.

The Equipment class is an object class for functions common to devices, and an operation environment such as 55 is prepared in the control terminal. E
Examples of methods of the “quipment” class include Get_Name (acquisition of a device name), Get_Icon (acquisition of a device icon), Power_Onoff (power ON / OFF), and Get_Service (service acquisition).

In a distributed object-oriented environment,
In the software of the client, that is, the control terminal, it is possible to operate the network terminal, which is a server, and obtain information such as a device name by throwing these methods to the object.

Power_Onoff causes the power supply O
N and OFF can be performed, and are associated with the power button of the operation environment 55 of the Equipment class. Ge
By t_Icon, the icon of the device can be obtained. With Get_Name, the name of the device of the network terminal can be obtained.
The name of the device in the operation environment 55 of the ent class can be obtained. Stream, Button, Paramet in each device is obtained by Get_Service.
An object indicating a service such as er can be obtained.

The Stream class is an object class for operating a stream such as a video or a CD.
An operation environment such as 56 is prepared in the control terminal. Examples of the method of the Stream class include Get_Name (obtain stream name), Play (playback), Stop (stop), Rewind (rewind), and Fast (fast forward).

The name of the stream can be obtained from the Get_Name, and is associated with the stream name in the operation environment 56. Play stream by Play, S
The stream can be stopped by top, the stream can be rewound by Rewind, and the stream can be fast forwarded by Fast, and can be associated with each button of the operation environment 56.

The Parameter class is an object class for operating parameter adjustment such as temperature and channel adjustment, and an operation environment such as 57 is prepared in the control terminal. As a method of the Parameter class, Get_Name (acquisition of a parameter name), Get_Info (acquisition of parameter information), Up (parameter up), Down (parameter down) and the like can be considered.

The control terminal (client) is G
The name of a parameter such as a channel or volume can be obtained from the network terminal (server) by et_Name, and can be associated with the parameter name of the operation environment 57. Also, according to Get_Info, the maximum value of the parameter and the like can be obtained, and although not reflected in the operation environment 57, an operation environment in which a channel number is directly designated like a television remote controller can be prepared.
The parameter can be increased by Up and the parameter can be decreased by Down.
Button and DOWN button. .

The Button class is an object class for realizing individual functions such as mute, which is a function for muting sound, and an operation environment such as 58 is prepared in the control terminal. As a method of the Button class, Get_Name (obtain button name), Get_Icon (acquire icon), Execute (execute button) and the like can be considered.

The control terminal (client) is G
The button name can be acquired from the network terminal (server) by et_Name. Further, the control terminal (client) can obtain the button icon from the network terminal (server) by Get_Icon, and can obtain the mute icon in the example of 58. Execute is a method for implementing the function of each button, and is associated with a button of the operation environment 58.

Also, since Get_Name and the like are methods common to each class, a super class common to each class is created using the concept of inheritance in object orientation, each class is set as a child of the super class, and the method is defined as a method. It is also possible to share.

On the basis of the above object class, the network terminal (server) associates the operation means with the object class and defines it as an object.
The information of these objects is transmitted to the control terminal (client) as operation information of the service of the own terminal. The control terminal (client) further checks the information of the object defined by these object classes by a method such as Get_Name,
The user obtains blank information of the operation environment prepared in advance for the object class such as the character information of “TV” 55 and completes the individual operation environment. Further, by combining these individual operating environments, the three operating environments shown in FIG.
Operation environments such as 1, 32, and 33 can be prepared. Since the object classes on which these are based have a high level of abstraction, it is possible to define and respond to operation information using objects at the network terminal, regardless of the type of network terminal added. .

The objects of each network terminal for realizing the operation environment shown in FIG. 3 are shown below. "TV" Equipment class 1 (television) Botton class 1 (mute) Parameter class 2 (channel, audio) "DVD" Equipment class 1 (DVD) Stream class 2 (title A, title B) "Air conditioner" Equipment class 1 (air conditioner ) Button class 2 (air volume switching, operation switching) Parameter class 1 (temperature) Next, the operation of the control terminal that prepares the operating environment based on these object class definitions and the network terminal object definitions will be described with reference to FIG. Will be explained.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for preparing the operation environment in the control terminal. 61, 62, 63, 64, 6
5, 66 and 67 are steps constituting a flow.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. At the time of power-on or addition, the control terminal receives an Equipment instance, that is, an entity of an object, from each network terminal (step 61). Next, the control terminal stores the character or icon information of each Equipment class object in Get_
Name and Get_Icon are acquired (step 62). Further, the control terminal obtains Get_Serv
The service object of each device is obtained using the ice (Step 63), and information necessary for each service object is obtained by Get_Name and Get_Icon.
A check is made by using such as (steps 64 and 65). And
Steps 62 to 65 are performed for all objects of the Equipment class (step 6).
6), the processing for the Equipment class ends (step 67), and the processing shifts to the processing for the next object class.

When information is obtained for all network terminals and service objects, the control terminal returns to the operating environment 55,
By incorporating service object information into 56, 57, and 58, and combining them, TV,
The operating environments 31, 32, and 33 of the DVD and the air conditioner can be realized.

When each button is selected by the user, the operation of the network terminal is performed by summoning the method of the corresponding object. For example, when the channel UP on the television operation screen 31 is selected, the control terminal sends an Up method to the Channel, which is an object of the Parameter class, to raise the channel of the television of the network terminal.

At this time, the actual operation is performed as follows. The central processing unit 114 outputs information specifying a Channel object as a specified object, information specifying an Up method as a specified method, to the two-way communication device 115 as an operation request signal, and the two-way communication device 115 This information is transmitted to the network terminal 13 including the terminal. The network terminal 13 receives this information, and the central processing unit 133 identifies that the Up method for the Channel object is a channel-up operation request for the channel-adjustment operation means, and issues a channel-up operation request to the channel-adjustment operation means. A signal is output, and channel up is performed.

In the network control system according to the first embodiment, by the above operation, even if a new network terminal is added in the network control system for controlling the network terminal by the control terminal, the network terminal is automatically controlled. Can be realized in the control terminal.
Also, based on distributed object orientation, an operation group provided by the operation means of the network terminal is determined as an object class, and the control terminal prepares an operation environment for the object class in advance,
This improves the reusability of the software of the control terminal and realizes a highly versatile control terminal that can support any network terminal. Also, transmitting information of the operation environment as bitmap information as shown in FIG. 3 is a large amount of information transmission. However, by preparing an operation environment corresponding to the object class in advance, the Operation information can be expressed by a small amount of information and information (character information on a television or the like) attached to an object, and a network control system that reduces the load on the network can be realized.

[0095] In the first embodiment, a television, a DVD, an air conditioner, and the like are described as network terminals. However, the present invention is effective for network terminals having any other functions. In the first embodiment, a distributed object-oriented method is considered as a method of expressing operation information of a service of a network terminal. However, the method of expressing operation information of any other network terminal is also applicable to this method. The invention is valid.

In the first embodiment, a wired network is used as the network control system using the distributed object orientation. However, the network control system using the distributed object orientation according to the present invention is a wireless system such as an infrared ray. And the same effects as in the case of a wired network can be achieved.

Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, a network control system, a control terminal, and a network terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a network control system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, 71
Is a control terminal, 72 is a running state observation device,
73 is a network, 74 is a car navigation system, 75 is an air conditioner, and 76 is a rear camera.

The operation of the network control system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below. It is assumed that the network control system shown in FIG. 7 is a network control system for connecting devices inside the vehicle, and the traveling state observation device 72 monitors the traveling state of the vehicle (running, stopping, backing, etc.). Observe,
Information shall be transmitted to the control terminal.

The configuration of the control terminal 71 and the network terminals 74, 75, and 76 and the configuration of the operation information are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the network terminal transmits object information to the control terminal 71. The operation environment of each network terminal is provided to the operator by transmitting the data, analyzing the data by the control terminal 71, and combining the operation environments assigned to each object class in advance.

As the object classes to be defined, four classes of Equipment class, Parameter class, Button class, and Movement class are considered.

The Equipment class defines functions common to network terminals as in the first embodiment. Get_Name (acquires device name) Get_Icon (acquires device icon) Power_Onoff (powers ON / OFF) Get_Service (acquires service) Four methods of Get_Condition (operation state acquisition) are defined. Where Get_Nam
e, Get_Icon, Power_Onoff, Ge
It is assumed that the four methods of t_Service realize functions similar to those of the first embodiment. Also, Get_Co
It is assumed that information of operating conditions of the network terminal such as running, stopping, and backing can be obtained by ndition.

The Parameter class is a class for adjusting parameters, as in the first embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, Get_Name (acquires a parameter name) Get_Info (acquires parameter information) Up (parameter up) Down (Parameter down) method.

The Button class is a class for individual functions, as in the first embodiment.
In the same manner as in, the method of Get_Name (obtain button name), Get_Icon (acquire icon), and Execute (execute button) is considered.

Movement is a class for moving an arbitrary object, and includes four methods of Get_Name (moving object name acquisition) Up (upward movement) Down (downward movement) Left (leftward movement) Right (rightward movement) Considering Get_Name, the name of the moving object can be obtained, and Up, Down, Le
It is assumed that the moving body can be moved by ft and Right.

Based on these classes, it is assumed that each network terminal has objects of the following object classes. "Car navigation" Equipment class (car navigation) Button class x 2 (enlargement, reduction) Movement class (moving) "Air conditioner" Equipment class (air conditioning) Button class x 2 (air volume switching, operation switching) Parameter class (temperature) "Camera" Equipment Class (camera) Button class × 2 (zoom in / zoom out) Movement class (movement) The network control system according to the present embodiment operates based on the above object definition.

Transmission and analysis of object information from the control terminal to the network terminal can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
Get_ for objects of the
It is assumed that the Condition method is transmitted, the operating conditions of each network terminal are obtained, and stored for each network terminal.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the following operating conditions can be obtained: car navigation-stopping air conditioner-running, stopping Camera-running, stopping, backing.

The traveling state observation device 72 monitors the traveling state of the vehicle, that is, traveling, stopping, and backing, and periodically or when there is a change in the traveling state, the traveling state observation device 72. Transmits the running state information to the control terminal 71. The control terminal 71 receives the traveling state information, compares the traveling state information with the operating conditions of each network terminal, determines whether or not each network terminal can be operated, and reflects it in the operation environment.

As an example, it is considered that it is desirable that the car navigation 74 can be operated only during stoppage from the viewpoint of safety. Therefore, the operating condition of the car navigation 74 is only during stoppage. Therefore, the operation environment of the car navigation 74 is realized by the control terminal 71 only when the information indicating that the vehicle is stopped is transmitted as the traveling state information from the traveling state observation device 72 to the control terminal 71.

The configuration of the above network control system and an example of an operation environment based on the object class definition will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an operation environment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 81 denotes a car navigation operation screen;
82 and 84 are air conditioner operation screens, and 83, 85 and 86 are camera operation screens.

These operation screens can be synthesized in the same manner as in the first embodiment based on operation information based on objects. The predetermined operation environment of the control terminal for the Movement class of the camera is as follows:
83 are four arrow buttons on the camera operation screen 83.

The screens when the car is stopped are 81, 82 and 83. When the car is stopped, the three screens of car navigation, air conditioner and camera are displayed.
One operation can be performed. Switching between the three network terminals can be performed using the device buttons at the top of the operation screen as in the first embodiment.

The screens during which the car is running are 84 and 85,
During traveling, car navigation operations cannot be performed, and the car navigation buttons are drawn with dotted lines. Even if you select a car navigation according to the car navigation button, the screen does not switch to the car navigation operation screen. These are the control terminals 7
1 is determined based on whether the vehicle is stopped, which is the operation condition of the car navigation system, and whether the vehicle is traveling, which is traveling state information from the traveling state observation device 72.

When the vehicle is backing, the screen is 86. During the backing, control other than the rear camera becomes impossible, the buttons of the car navigation and the air conditioner become dotted lines, and the operation screen of the car navigation and the air conditioner is not switched.

As in the first embodiment, when an operation button is selected on each operation screen, an operation request signal corresponding to the operation button is transmitted from the control terminal to each network terminal. The function is realized in.

In the network control system according to the second embodiment, the operation described above allows the operation environment to be changed according to the external environment in the network control system in which the control terminal controls the network terminal. . Also, from the network terminal,
Since the operation condition of the operation is transmitted to the control terminal, even when a new network terminal is added, a change in the operation environment due to the external environment can be automatically realized.

In the second embodiment, a car navigation system, an air conditioner, a camera, and the like are described as network terminals. However, the present invention is effective for any other network terminals. In the second embodiment, a distributed object-oriented method is considered as a method of expressing the operation information of the service of the network terminal. However, the method of expressing the operation information of any other network terminal is also applicable to this method. The invention is valid. In the second embodiment, a wired network is used as a network. However, the present invention is also effective in a wireless system such as an infrared network. Further, in the second embodiment, a case has been described where the conditions of the external environment are associated with the operating conditions of the network terminal, and whether all the functions of the network terminal can be used or not can be determined according to the conditions. Even when operating the same network terminal, it is possible to respond to the case of realizing a network control system in which the use of the operation is different depending on the condition by transmitting the information of the operation condition for each operation, and the present invention is effective. is there.

Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the traveling state observation device is one terminal on the network has been described. However, the case where the traveling state observation device is integrated with the control terminal, However, the present invention is also effective when the control terminal and the traveling state observation device are directly connected. Further, in the second embodiment, as the changing state, the running state of the car is considered.
The invention is valid for any other changing conditions.

Embodiment 3 Hereinafter, a network control system, a control terminal, and a network terminal according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the network control system, the control terminal, and the network terminal are assumed to be the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the operation information is stored in the network terminal as in the first embodiment. By transmitting operation information from the network terminal to the control terminal, analyzing the operation information in the control terminal, and providing the operator with an operation environment, a flexible network control system is realized with respect to addition and change of the network terminal.

In the third embodiment, however, it is assumed that the control terminal integrally manages the connection in the network, and the necessary network connection is established by the control terminal when performing an operation. For this reason, the quality of service (QOS: Quality of Se) of the network connection for each operation.
control) information is required by the control terminal.
Here, the service quality information of the network connection is attribute information of the network connection such as bit rate and delay time, and the control terminal issues a connection establishment request to the network by designating the service quality information. Establish a network connection for operation. A detailed description of network connection quality of service information can be found in "Distributed Multimedia Technology, Soft Research, 1996".

In order to correspond to a network terminal to be added or changed, service quality information of a network connection corresponding to each operation is transmitted to the control terminal simultaneously with the operation information. When an operation request is made in the control terminal, the control terminal issues a network connection establishment request to the network using the service quality information of the network connection, and then issues an operation request corresponding to the network terminal. In addition, the control terminal determines the feasibility of the operation by inquiring the network about the feasibility of establishing a network connection from the quality of service information of the network connection requested by each operation, and determines the feasibility of the operation. The presented operating environment can be provided.

Hereinafter, the operation of the network control system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each network terminal 13 stores, in the information storage device 132, operation information for operating the operation units 134, 135, and 136 and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation.

Each network terminal transmits operation information and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation to the control terminal 11 when the power is turned on or when a network terminal is added. When turning on the power or adding a network terminal, the central processing unit 13
3 issues an output command to the information storage device 132. The information storage device 132 that has received the output command transmits the operation information and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation to the central processing unit 133. Next, the central processing unit 133 outputs the operation information and the service quality information of the network connection of each operation to the two-way communication device 131, and the two-way communication device 131 requests the operation information and each operation. The service quality information of the network connection is transmitted to the network 12.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the network connection is centrally managed in the control terminal, but the connection for the operation-related information is automatically established in advance. .

After receiving the operation information from the network terminal 13 and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation, the control terminal 11 analyzes the information and provides the operator with an operation environment. The control terminal 11 receives, via the network 12, the operation information transmitted from the network terminal 13 and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation by the two-way communication device 115. Two-way communication device 11
5 outputs the received operation information and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation to the central processing unit 114. The central processing unit 114 outputs the operation information and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation. To the information storage device 112. The information storage device 112 stores the operation information and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation. The central processing unit 114 uses the information storage device 112 to appropriately operate the operation information and the network requested by each operation. By extracting the service quality information of the connection, analysis is performed, the operation environment of the network terminal 13 is prepared, and the operation environment display information is output to the display device 111. The display device 111 displays the operation environment based on the operation environment display information, and realizes the operation environment of the network terminal 13. At this time, the central processing unit 114 uses the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation to inquire the network about the possibility of establishing a network connection for the operation, determine whether the operation is feasible, and Reflect on the environment.

Next, the operation when the operator selects an operation based on the operation environment will be described. An operation request signal indicating the operation request selected by the operator is transmitted from the control terminal 11 to the network terminal 13. The operator operates the network terminal 13 displayed on the display device 111.
The user selects the button of the function desired to be realized by the selection device 113 after observing the operation environment. The selection device 113 outputs an operation request signal corresponding to the operation selected by the operator to the central processing unit 114. Upon receiving the operation request signal, the central processing unit 114 first requests the network 12 to establish a network connection using the service quality information of the network connection requested by the operation. After the network connection is successfully established, the central processing unit 1
14 outputs the operation request signal to the two-way communication device 115, and the two-way communication device 115 transmits the operation request signal on the network 12.

The network terminal 13 is connected to the network 12
And an operation request signal is received from the CPU. The network terminal 13 receives the operation request signal from the control terminal 11 by the two-way communication device 131, and the two-way communication device 131 outputs the operation request signal to the central processing unit 133. The central processing unit 133 outputs an operation request signal to an operation unit that implements an operation request corresponding to the operation request signal, and the operation unit implements the operation.

As described above, the operation requested by the operator is realized. Next, the specific format of the operation information and the service quality information of the network connection requested by the operation, and the operation environment created by the central processing unit 114 will be described. As in the first and second embodiments, an environment based on distributed object orientation is considered as a software environment for exchanging operation information.

An example of providing a specific operation environment in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the network control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 9, reference numeral 91 denotes a control terminal, 92 denotes a network, 93 denotes a DVD player, 94 denotes a CD player, and 95 denotes a car navigation system. As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, three network terminals are considered: a DVD player, a CD player, and a car navigation system.

In the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the operation information of the service of the network terminal is the control information as the information of the object defined by the predetermined object class, as in the first and second embodiments. Transmit to the terminal 91, and control terminal 91
Then, it is assumed that the operation environment of each network terminal is prepared by analyzing the information of the object and combining the operation environments assigned to the object classes in advance, and the object classes are the same.

It is assumed that the operation information of the car navigation is composed of four objects of Equipment class (car navigation), Movement class (movement) Button class × 2 (enlargement and reduction), as in the second embodiment.

The operation information of the CD is the DVD of the first embodiment.
And two objects of Equipment Class 1 (CD) and Stream Class (stream).

It is assumed that the DVD operation information is composed of two objects of Equipment Class 1 (DVD) and Stream Class (stream), as in the first embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, a method called Get_QOS is defined in each object class, so that the service quality information necessary for the network connection of each operation defined by the object can be obtained. And

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the required service quality of the network connection according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 101 denotes a required service quality table of the network connection of each operation. The service quality information of the network connection corresponding to 101 is transmitted from each network terminal to the control terminal 11, and the control terminal 11 stores this information in the information storage device 112. The control software of the central processing unit 114 can acquire the service quality information of the network connection for each operation in the table 101 by invoking the Get_QOS method for each object. In the present embodiment, bit rate information is considered as service quality information of a network connection.

As can be seen from Table 101, 1.5 Mbps is used for reproduction of a CD player, and 2.Mbps is used for fast forward / rewind.
0 Mbps, a network connection with a bit rate of 0 Mbps is required for stop, 6.0 Mbps for DVD player playback, and 8.0 Mbps for fast forward / rewind.
bps, 0Mbps network connection is required for stopping, and 1.0% for all car navigation commands.
It is assumed that a Mbps network connection is required.

Further, in the network 92 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that 8.5 Mbps can be used in total. However, the connection for control information is not included in 8.5 Mbps. An example of providing an operation environment by the control terminal 91 by checking the establishment of the network connection using the operation information and the service quality information of the network connection of each operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an operation environment according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, 1
101, 1104 are car navigation operation screens, 1102, 11
05 is a DVD operation screen, 1103 and 1106 are CD operation screens.

A car navigation operation screen 1101, a DVD operation screen 1102, and a CD operation screen 1103 are operation screens when a DVD player is playing and a CD player is playing. Like the first and second embodiments, The network terminals to be operated can be switched by using the buttons of the car navigation, DVD, and CD on the upper part. In FIG. 11, the display of the DVD playback and CD playback buttons currently being executed is changed.

During DVD player playback and CD player playback, 7.5 Mbps is being used, and the transfer capability of the entire network is 8.5 Mbps.
There is room for 1.0 Mbps. It can be seen from the network connection establishment check that the car navigation and CD operations are all possible. For example, since the car navigation command requires 1.0 Mbps from Table 101,
It is feasible. Also, since fast-forward / rewind of a CD is incompatible with playback, it can be seen that it can be realized by inquiring to the network about the establishment of a network connection when playback is completed. For fast-forwarding and rewinding a DVD, it is also necessary to add 2.
Since 0 Mbps is required, it is found out by network connection establishment check that it is not feasible in this situation. Therefore, the DVD operation screen 110
In 2, the fast forward / rewind buttons are indicated by dotted lines, and even when the operator selects a button, the control terminal only emits a beep sound and does not issue an operation request to the network terminal.

A car navigation operation screen 1104, a DVD operation screen 1105, and a CD operation screen 1106 are operation screens during fast forward of a DVD player. During fast forward of DVD, 8.0 Mbps is being used, and there is only a margin of 0.5 Mbps. For this reason, all the commands of the car navigation system and all the commands except the stop of the CD cannot be executed, and the buttons are indicated by dotted lines and cannot be executed. All DVD commands can be executed.

Next, the operation when the operator selects an operation in this operating environment will be described with reference to FIG. When the operator selects the enlargement on the car navigation operation screen 1101, the following operation is performed. First, the control terminal 91 issues a network connection establishment request to the network 92 by designating service quality information of the network connection corresponding to the enlargement operation. At this time, the network 92
Since the network connection of the service quality corresponding to the expansion, that is, the network connection of 1.0 Mbps can be established, the establishment is executed and the control terminal 91 is notified of the success. When notified of the success, the control terminal 91 transmits information on the network connection and an operation request signal for enlargement to the car navigation system 95. The car navigation 95 performs an enlargement operation using the specified network connection based on the network connection information and the operation request signal.

In the network control system according to the third embodiment, a network control system for controlling a network terminal by a control terminal by the above operation, particularly a network control system in which a control terminal integrally manages network connections. In the system, the operation environment can be automatically provided by the control terminal and the network connection for the operation can be established automatically when the network terminal is added or changed. Also, by checking the establishment of the network connection from the control terminal, an operation environment reflecting the feasibility of the operation can be realized in the control terminal.

In this embodiment, a car navigation system, a DVD player, a CD player, and the like are described as network terminals. However, the present invention is effective for any other network terminals. Further, in the third embodiment, as a method of expressing the operation information of the service of the network terminal, a method based on the distributed object is considered. The present invention is effective.

In the third embodiment, a wired network is used as a network, but the present invention is also effective in a wireless system such as an infrared network. Further, in the third embodiment, only the bit rate is considered as the service quality information of the network connection. However, even when the service quality information includes other throughput information, delay information, and the like, the same means is used. The present invention is effective by transmitting service quality information and establishing a network connection using the service quality information.

In the third embodiment, an example is considered in which the service quality information of the network connection requested by the operation is transmitted to the control terminal and the establishment of the network connection is checked by the control terminal. An approach that checks the feasibility of an operation by checking the establishment of a network connection and includes information on the feasibility of each operation in the operation information is also possible by a method similar to the present embodiment. Further, in the example of the operation environment according to the present embodiment, the buttons of the unexecutable operations are indicated by dotted lines, but the expression of other unexecutable operations such as not displaying the buttons of the unexecutable operations It is also possible to use the method.

Embodiment 4 Hereinafter, a network control system, a control terminal, and a network terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the network control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 12, reference numeral 1201 denotes a control terminal; 1202, a DVD-ROM; 1203, a network; 1204, a car navigation system; 1205, a CD-ROM;
Reference numeral 206 denotes an MPEG2 player.

Next, the operation of the network control system according to the fourth embodiment configured as described above will be described. In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first, second, and third embodiments, the network terminal transmits operation information as object information to the control terminal. By analyzing the object information and combining the operating environment pre-assigned to the object class,
The operation environment of each network terminal is prepared, and the configuration of the control terminal and the network terminal, the object class, and the like are the same as those in the first, second, and third embodiments.

In the fourth embodiment, however, it is assumed that a function is provided by combining a plurality of network terminals. For example, it is assumed that the car navigation system does not operate alone, but receives data from the CD-ROM only when a CD of the car navigation database is set in the CD-ROM, and the car navigation system can operate.

The network terminal that provides the service is
Receives a message from a network terminal required to provide a service via a network, identifies whether the terminal can provide a service in cooperation with this network terminal, and informs a control terminal of the feasibility of the service. It is assumed that the information of the service object including is transmitted.

A network terminal for providing a service, a network terminal required for providing the service, a message from the network terminal required for providing the service, and additional information thereof will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a list of messages between network terminals. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1301 denotes a message list. The car navigation system 1204 provides a car navigation service to the control terminal 1201.
For that purpose, the CD-ROM 1202 needs to contain car navigation data. CD-ROM 120
CD-ROM1 when car navigation data is stored in 2
A message indicating that there is car navigation data is transmitted from 202 to the entire network 1203. Upon receiving this message, the car navigation system 1204 identifies that the car navigation service can be realized. The car navigation system 1204 transmits the object information of the service to the control terminal 1201. At this time, the car navigation system 1204 adds the feasibility information of the service and transmits the information. In this case, the object class of the object constituting the object is the same as in the second embodiment: Equipment class (car navigation) Movement class (movement) Button class × 2 (enlargement / reduction).

The MPEG2 player 1206 is an MPEG2 player.
2 is provided, the DVD-ROM 1202 or the CD-ROM 1
It is necessary that MPEG2 data exist in 205. DVD-ROM 1202 and CD-ROM 120
5 transmits a message indicating that MPEG2 data exists to the entire network 1203 when MPEG2 data exists in its own ROM. In addition, a title name is added to this message as MPEG2 stream information. Upon receiving this message, the MPEG2 player 1206 identifies that the MPEG2 service can be provided. MPEG2 player 1206
Transmits service object information including a stream object with stream information if the service can be provided, and adds the information that the stream cannot be realized if the service cannot be provided. Send object information. In this case, the object class of the object constituting the object information is the Equipment class (MPEG2 player) Stream class × 2 (stream), similar to the DVD of the first embodiment.

Also, in the present embodiment, Equi
A method called Get_Status is provided in the pment class so that it is possible to determine whether a network terminal for providing a service is available and the service can be provided. When the software of the central processing unit of the control terminal throws this method, the information of the feasibility of each service exists in each control terminal. If the answer is yes, the answer is yes. If the answer is no, the answer is no. The central processing unit of the control terminal provides an operation environment based on the answer.

The control terminal 1201 is a car navigation 1
204, the service object is received from the MPEG2 player 1206, the first embodiment, the second embodiment,
The operation environment is provided to the operator by the same operation as in the third embodiment.

The provided operating environment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing an operation environment according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 14, 1
Reference numerals 401 and 1402 denote MPEG2 player operation screens,
03 is a car navigation operation screen.

Reference numeral 1401 denotes an operation screen of the control terminal 1201 when both the DVD-ROM 1202 and the CD-ROM 1205 have MPEG2 data.
At this time, the car navigation system 1204 operates the control terminal 120.
1, an object of the Equipment class is transmitted.
Returns an inoperable response to the method of status. Therefore, at this time, the car navigation is drawn with a dotted line,
Even if the button is selected, it does not switch to car navigation. M
Since PEG2 can operate both the DVD-ROM 92 and the CD-ROM 95 as databases, it displays titles A and B corresponding to each, and provides a screen on which both can be operated.

1402 and 1403 are DVD-ROM12
02 is an operation environment of the control terminal 1201 when MPEG2 data is stored in the CD-ROM 1205 and car navigation data is stored in the CD-ROM 1205. At this time, the car navigation system 1204 is a CD-R
The OM 1205 operates as a database, and the MPEG2 player 1206 operates using the DVD-ROM 1202 as a database. Therefore, both the video and car navigation buttons are valid, and the car navigation 1204 and the MPEG2 player 1206 can be switched.

In the operating environment, the operation when a certain button is selected by the operator is almost the same as in the first, second and third embodiments. However,
In the present embodiment, after the method is transmitted from the control terminal to the network terminal providing the service, a command for instructing an operation from the network terminal providing the service to the network terminal required to provide the service is further transmitted. Need to send. For example,
When the operator selects a button for playing title A on the operation screen 1401, when the Play method is set to MP
By being thrown at the stream object of the EG2 player 1206, the MPEG2 player 1206 receives the playback request signal and plays back the title. At this time, the MPEG2 player 1206 also sends the title A to the DVD-ROM 1202 where the title A data exists. , It is necessary to transmit a data transmission command. The DVD-ROM 1202 that has received the data transmission command is an MPEG-ROM
2 is transmitted to the MPEG2 player 1206, and the MPEG2 player can perform a reproducing operation by receiving the stream data. Command transmission is
By determining a command between the network terminals in advance, the operation is performed by a known means.

In the network control system according to the fourth embodiment, when a service is provided by a plurality of network terminals in the network control system in which the control terminal controls the network terminal by the above operation, the network terminal is connected to the network. It is possible to realize a network control system in which the operation is automatically performed just by connecting to the network control system. Also,
Like the MPEG2 player operation screen 1401, the operation environment of a network terminal that provides services based on a plurality of databases can be easily displayed collectively on one screen.

In the fourth embodiment, a car navigation system and an MPEG2 player are described as network terminals. However, the present invention is effective for any other network terminals.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, as a method of expressing the operation information of the service of the network terminal, a method based on the distributed object is considered. However, any other method of expressing the operation information of the service of the network terminal is considered. Even so, the present invention is effective.

In the fourth embodiment, a wired network is used as a network. However, the present invention is also effective in a wireless system such as an infrared network.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the case where the service is provided by two network terminals has been described. However, when the service is provided by three or more network terminals, the network terminal is similarly provided. Automatic configuration is possible by exchanging function messages between each other and notifying the control terminal that service can be provided only when all necessary network terminals are available. Is valid.

Also, in the fourth embodiment, a case has been described in which the network terminals exchange messages related to the service. However, the network terminal transmits all the messages related to the service to the control terminal. The present invention is also effective for a method of providing a manipulation environment by judging a combination of.

In the fourth embodiment, the network terminal basically transmits the operation information of all the services to the control terminal, and adds the information on the feasibility of the service to reflect the operation information in the operation environment. However, an approach in which only operation information of a service that can be realized is transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal is also possible.

Embodiment 5 FIG. Next, a network control system, a control terminal, and a network terminal according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As is well known, a remote controller is provided for each of the television, the video device, the air conditioner, and the like. Therefore, it is necessary to operate these remote controllers individually, which makes the operation troublesome. For this reason, a system for remotely controlling an unspecified number of network terminals by one remote controller has been proposed. In this system, when a network terminal and a control terminal are combined, operation information is given from the network terminal to the control terminal, and based on the operation information, an operation environment for remotely controlling the network terminal is formed on the control terminal side. doing.

A conventional network control system using such a remote controller is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-140.
167 and JP-A-8-149576. Here, operation information in which a plurality of commands are associated with a plurality of icon information is stored on the network terminal side, and the operation information is transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal. The control terminal analyzes this operation information and displays each icon for each operation button, thereby forming an operation environment. When each operation button is selectively pressed with reference to each icon, a signal indicating a command corresponding to the pressed operation button is transmitted from the control terminal to the network terminal. The network terminal executes the command in response to a signal indicating the command, and performs a predetermined operation.

FIG. 18 shows a conventional network control system in which an unspecified number of network terminals are remotely controlled by one remote controller. In FIG. 18, the control terminal 1801 is
1, a transmission data generation unit 1812, a transmitter 1813, a display device 1814, a control code table RAM 1815, a display control unit 1816, a reception data analysis unit 1817, a receiver 1818, and a display font RAM 1819. The network terminal 1802 includes a receiver 1821, a received data analyzer 1822, a control code table ROM1
823, network terminal control unit 1824, transmitter 18
25, transmission data generation unit 1826, and display font R
OM1827 is provided.

The network terminal 1802 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
9 is incorporated in a video device 1901 as shown in FIG. Operation information that associates each command with each piece of icon information is transmitted as an infrared signal from the network terminal 1802 to the control terminal 1801, and the operation information is downloaded to the control terminal 1801. The control terminal 1801 receives and analyzes the operation information, and displays five icons indicating operations of rewind, reverse playback, stop, playback, and fast forward on the display device 1814. The selection device 1811 includes a plurality of operation buttons,
Each icon is displayed corresponding to each button. Thus, an operation environment for remotely controlling the video device 1901 is formed on the control terminal side. For example, when the operation button corresponding to the icon indicating rewind is pressed, a signal indicating a rewind command is transmitted from the control terminal 1801 to the network terminal 1802. The network terminal 1802 executes the command in response to the signal indicating the command, and causes the video device 1901 to rewind.

The above operation will be described in more detail. In the network terminal 1802, the control code table ROM1
Each command for operating the network terminal 1802 is stored in a display font ROM 1827.
Each icon corresponding to each command is stored. FIG. 20 is a data table 2 exemplifying each command and each icon corresponding to each command.
FIG. Each command and each icon become operation information.

The transmission data generation unit 1826 of the network terminal 1802 extracts each command from the control code table ROM 1823,
Each icon corresponding to each command is extracted from 827, operation information is formed by associating each command with each icon, and this operation information is provided to the transmitter 1825. The transmitter 1825 transmits operation information.

The control terminal 1801 receives the operation information at the receiver 1818 and gives the operation information to the received data analysis unit 1817. Received data analyzer 1817
Analyzes the operation information, stores each command in the control code table RAM 1815, and displays an icon corresponding to each command in the display command RAM.
1819.

The icons in the display command RAM 1819 are read by the display control unit 1816 and displayed by the display device 1814. As a result, FIG.
Each icon is displayed as shown in (1), and the operator can know the function of each operation button of the selection device 1811.

When one of the operation buttons is selected and pressed by the operator, the transmission data generation unit 1812
With reference to the control code table RAM 1815, a command corresponding to the pressed operation button is extracted. For example, when the operation button corresponding to the icon indicating rewind shown in FIG. 19 is pressed, the transmission data generation unit 1812
Corresponds to command 1 in FIG.
The transmission unit 1813 transmits a signal indicating the command 1 to the network terminal 1802.

In network terminal 1802, a signal indicating a command is received by receiver 1821, and this command is given to reception data analysis section 1822. The reception data analysis unit 1822 analyzes the command and requests the network terminal control unit 1824 to perform a desired operation. The network terminal control unit 1824 executes the command and causes the video device 1902 to rewind.

By the above operation, the operation information is transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal, and the control terminal can form an operation environment for remotely controlling the network terminal. In addition, even when an unspecified number of network terminals are used, when the network terminal and the control terminal are combined, operation information is given from the network terminal to the control terminal, and the network terminal is remotely controlled based on the operation information. Can be formed on the control terminal side. If an operation environment for controlling the network terminal is formed for each network terminal, and this operation environment is registered in the control terminal, a single control terminal can remotely control a plurality of networks. .

However, in the conventional network control system in which a large number of unspecified network terminals are remotely controlled by one remote controller, there are the following problems.

The first problem is that the operation button having a function common to all the network terminals, for example, the power button is set by transmitting a combination of a command and an icon from the network terminal to the control terminal. Therefore, the operation button serving as the power button does not always match between all network terminals.

The second problem is that, since commands and icons are transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal for all operation buttons, the amount of information to be transmitted is large and the information transmission time is long. For example, change the icon to 1
Expressed as a 6 × 16 bitmap, 25 25
It requires 6-bit information transmission and increases the information transmission speed by infrared signals between the network terminal and the control terminal by 2
If it is set to 00 bits / sec, a transmission time of 1 second or more is required for each icon.

The third problem is that a plurality of operation buttons for instructing similar functions, for example, a function for collectively arranging two operation buttons for instructing increase and decrease in volume are provided. Therefore, two operation buttons for instructing to increase and decrease the volume are not arranged at appropriate positions in the control terminal.

A fourth problem is that even if one control terminal can remotely control a plurality of network terminals, they cannot be controlled collectively. For example, even when one function can be realized by operating a plurality of network terminals in combination, it is necessary to remotely control the network terminals by a control terminal for each network terminal.

FIG. 21 schematically shows a network control system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The network control system according to the fifth embodiment includes a control terminal 2101, a television terminal 2103-1, a video terminal 2103-2, and a video receiving terminal (Set Top).
Box 2103-3, and a network 2102 connecting the control terminal 2101 and each of the terminals 2103-1, 2103-2, and 2103-3. TV terminal 21
03-1, video terminal 2103-2 and video receiving terminal 2
Reference numeral 103-3 denotes a network terminal, and one control terminal 2101 controls three terminals 2103-103.
1, 103-2 and 2103-3 are remotely controlled.

FIG. 23 shows a control terminal 2101,
Network terminal 2103 and control terminal 210
1 shows a network 2102 connecting the network terminal 2 and a network terminal 2103. Network terminal 2103
Are the TV terminal 2103-1 and the video terminal 2103-2
And the video receiving terminal 2103-3.
In this network terminal 2103, each terminal 21
Only the components common as network terminals among 03-1, 103-2, and 2103-3 are shown.

The control terminal 2101 is connected to the display device 2
111, an information storage device 2112, a selection device 2113, a central processing unit 2114, and a two-way communication device 2115. The network terminal 2103 includes a two-way communication device 2131, an information storage device 2132, a central processing unit 21.
33, and a network terminal control unit 2134. The network 2102 is connected to the control terminal 210
1 is an infrared network that enables two-way communication between the network terminal 2 and the network terminal 2103.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the appearance of the control terminal 2101. In FIG. 24, 2402 is a power button, 2403 is a menu button, 2404 is a display screen of the display device 2111, 2405, 2406, 2407,
And 2408 are variable buttons, 2409 is a jog button,
2410 is a decision button, 2411 is a cancel button, 241
2 is a cross button. These buttons are
113.

A power button 2402 is connected to each terminal 2103-
Buttons having functions common to 1, 103-2, and 2103-3, for turning on / off the power of the network terminal. The menu button 2403 is connected to each terminal 2103-
Buttons having functions common to 1, 103-2, and 2103-3, and are used to call a menu of a network terminal. Each variable button 2405, 2406, 2
407 and 2408 are terminals 2103-1 and 210 respectively.
When any one of 3-2 and 2103-3 is remotely controlled, respective functions unique to the terminal to be remotely controlled are allocated, and the respective variable buttons 2405, 2406, 2407,
And 2408 are represented by a display screen 2404. That is, the display screen 2404 displays each variable button 24
Icons, texts corresponding to 05, 2406, 2407, and 2408 are displayed to express respective functions unique to the terminal to be remotely controlled.

The jog button 2409 is used to operate each terminal 2103-1, 2103-2, 210
Used to switch and select 3-3. By rotating the jog button 2409, the network terminal operated by the control terminal 2101 can be switched. The enter button 2410 and the cancel button 2411 are connected to each of the terminals 2103-1, 1023-2, 2
This button has a function common to 103-3, and is used to select an item on a menu displayed on the display screen of the network terminal or to cancel the selected item. The cross button 2412 is connected to each terminal 2103-
Buttons having functions common to 1, 103-2, and 2103-3, and are used for moving a cursor on a menu displayed on a display screen of a network terminal. Power button 2402, menu button 2403, enter button 2410, cancel button 2411, cross button 2
412 is each terminal 2103-1, 2103-2, 210
Buttons having functions common to 3-3.
Regardless of which of 3-1, 2103-2, and 2103-3 is the operation target, the functions and positions of those buttons do not change, thereby providing a control terminal 2101 that is easy for the operator to use. be able to.

FIG. 25 is a diagram specifically showing an operation environment of the control terminal 2101 when the TV terminal 2103-1, the video terminal 2103-2, and the video receiving terminal 2103-3 are operated.

FIG. 25A shows the control terminal 2101 when the television terminal 2103-1 is the operation target.
Shows the operation environment of. On the upper left of the display screen 2404, “TV” indicating the TV terminal 2103-1 to be operated is displayed.
Is displayed. As a button having a common function, only the power button 2402 is enabled. The four buttons of channel up, channel down, volume up, and volume down are assigned to the variable buttons 2405, 2406, 2407, and 2408, and each variable button 240 of the display screen 2404 arranged above the variable button.
In the site corresponding to 5,2406,2407,2408,
Icons indicating the respective functions are displayed.

FIG. 25B shows the control terminal 2101 when the video terminal 2103-2 is the operation target.
Shows the operation environment of. On the upper left of the display screen 2404, “VT” indicating the video terminal 2103-2 to be operated is displayed.
R "is displayed. As a button having a common function, only the power button 2402 is enabled. Each variable button 2405, 2406, 2407, and 2408
Has four functions of rewind, play, stop, and fast forward, and each of the variable buttons 2405, 2406, 240 on the display screen 2404 arranged above the variable buttons.
Icons indicating the respective functions are displayed at portions corresponding to 7, 2408.

FIG. 25C shows the operation environment of the control terminal 2101 when the video receiving terminal is to be operated. On the upper left of the display screen 2404, "STB" indicating the video receiving terminal 2103-3 to be operated is displayed. As buttons having common functions, a power button 2402, a menu button 2403, an enter button 241
0, a cancel button 2411, and a cross button 2412 are enabled. Two variable buttons 2405 and 2
Reference numeral 406 designates two functions of channel up and channel down, and icons indicating the respective functions are displayed in portions corresponding to the respective variable buttons 2405 and 2406 on the display screen 2404 arranged above the variable buttons. ing.

In any operation environment, the name of the network terminal to be operated is displayed on the display screen 2404.
, The operator can identify the network terminal currently being operated by looking at this portion. By rotating the jog button 2409, the network terminal to be operated can be switched, and each of the operation environments of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C is switched, and an arbitrary operation environment can be selected.

In order to switch and set the operation environment of the control terminal 2101 as described above, it is necessary to register the operation environment of the control terminal 2101 for each network terminal in advance. The operation environment for remotely controlling the network terminal is registered in the control terminal by transmitting operation information defining the operation environment from the network terminal to the control terminal when the network terminal is connected to the network.

Next, a procedure for registering an operation environment for remotely controlling a network terminal in the control terminal 2101 will be described. First, the control terminal 2101
Calls the surrounding terminals 2103-1, 2103-2, and 2103-3, which are network terminals, periodically via the infrared network according to the sequence chart of FIG. The central processing unit 2114 of the control terminal 2101 periodically transmits an inquiry signal to the infrared network via the two-way communication device 2115.

Each terminal 2103-1, 2103-2, 21
03-3, that is, each network terminal 2103
Then, the inquiry signal is received by the two-way communication device 2131 and the inquiry signal is sent to the central processing unit 2133.
To enter. Upon input of the inquiry signal, the central processing unit 2133 of each network terminal 2103 forms each response signal including the identification signal of each terminal, and transmits these response signals to the infrared network.

As a result, each terminal 2103-1, 21
03-2 and 2103-3 transmit respective response signals. These terminals 2103-1, 2103-2, 2
103-3 has each response delay time in advance, and transmits each response signal after each response delay time has elapsed after receiving the inquiry signal. Thereby, collision of each response signal is avoided.

At the control terminal 2101, each terminal 2
The respective response signals from 103-1, 103-2, and 2103-3 are sequentially received by the two-way communication device 2115, and these response signals are sequentially input to the central processing unit 2114. The central processing unit 2114 recognizes each identification number included in each response signal, stores the new identification number in the information storage device 2112, and checks and confirms the identification numbers already stored in the information storage device 2112. I do. As a result, the control terminal 2101 can recognize the new network terminal 2103.

As described above, the inquiry signal is periodically transmitted from the control terminal 2101, each response signal from each network terminal is received by the control terminal 2101, and each identification number included in these response signals is confirmed. Therefore, the new network terminal can be recognized and the identification number of the new network terminal can be stored.

Here, in the control terminal 2101,
Video terminal 2103-2 and video receiving terminal 2103-3
Is already stored, and the TV terminal 2103
It is assumed that an identification number of -1 is newly stored. Since the identification numbers of the video terminal 2103-2 and the video receiving terminal 2103-3 are already stored, the video terminal 2103-
2 and the respective operating environments for remotely controlling the video receiving terminal 2103-3 are already registered in the control terminal 2101. Further, since the identification number of the television terminal 2103-1 is newly stored, the operation environment for remotely operating the television terminal 2103-1 is the control terminal 2101.
Not registered with.

For this reason, an operation environment for remotely operating the television terminal 2103-1 is registered in the control terminal 2101 in the following procedure. Control terminal 210
1 central processing unit 2114 is a new television terminal 210
An operation information request signal including the identification number 3-1 is formed, and the operation information request signal is transmitted via the two-way communication device 2115.

When the central processing unit 2133 of the television terminal 2103-1 (network terminal 2103) inputs the operation information request signal via the two-way communication device 2131, it checks the identification number of the television terminal 2103-1 and stores the information. An operation information output instruction is issued to the device 2132. In response, the information storage device 2132 outputs the operation information stored in advance to the central processing unit 2133. The central processing unit 2133 transmits this operation information together with the identification signal of the terminal 2103-1 via the two-way communication device 2131.

When the central processing unit 2114 of the control terminal 2101 receives the operation information from the television terminal 2103-1 via the two-way communication device 2115, the central processing unit 2114 confirms the identification number of the television terminal 2103-1. Is stored in the information storage device 2112. Since this operation information indicates an operation environment for remotely controlling the television terminal 2103-1, this operation environment is registered in the control terminal 2101. This TV terminal 21
Once the operation environment of 03-1 is registered, the control terminal 2101 does not request the television terminal 2103-1 for operation information again.

The central processing unit 2114 includes the information storage device 2
The operation information is appropriately extracted from 112 and the operation information is analyzed. By analyzing this operation information, an operation environment of the network terminal 2103 is prepared.

As for the display of the operation environment, a display information output command is issued to the display device 2111 to perform a predetermined display. For the operation buttons in the operation environment, predetermined buttons are enabled. For example, in the case of the operating environment for operating the television terminal 2103-1 shown in FIG. 25A, the characters "TV" are displayed on the display screen 2404, the power button 2402 is enabled, and the respective variable buttons 2405 24
06, 2407, and 2408 are enabled, and the display screen 24 is displayed.
04 variable buttons 2405, 2406, 2407, 2
Icons indicating the respective functions are displayed in a portion corresponding to 408. Thereby, the television terminal 2103-
An operating environment for remotely controlling the device 1 is formed.

After the respective operating environments for remotely controlling each of the network terminals 2103 are registered in the control terminal 2101 in this way, by operating the jog button 2409 of the selecting device 2113, each of the operating objects of the remote control can be controlled. Terminals 2103-1 and 1023-2,
2103-3 can be selected by switching.

By operating the jog button 2409, for example, when the television terminal 2103-1 is selected,
As described above, the central processing unit 2114 extracts the operation information of the television terminal 2103-1 from the information storage device 2112, analyzes the operation information, and
Form an operating environment.

In this state, the operator operates the selecting device 2113
When one of the buttons is operated, the selection device 2113
Outputs an operation request signal corresponding to the operated button to the central processing unit 2114. The central processing unit 2114
This operation request signal is transmitted to the network 2 via the bidirectional communication device 2115 together with the identification signal of the television terminal 2103-1.
Send on 102.

[0209] The television terminal 2103-1 (the network terminal 2103) receives the operation request signal and the identification signal by the two-way communication device 2131 and inputs them to the central processing unit 2133. After confirming that the identification signal is that of the television terminal 2103-1, the central processing unit 2133 outputs an operation request signal to the network terminal control unit 2134.
The network terminal control unit 2134 performs the operation indicated by the operation request signal. As a result, the predetermined operation of the television terminal 2103-1 requested by operating the button of the control terminal 2101 is performed.

Next, the specific format of the operation information and the central processing unit 2114 of the control terminal 2101 will be described.
A description will be given of a procedure for analyzing operation information according to the first embodiment and a specific format of the operation request signal. As described above, in the conventional example, the operation information is composed of a set of each command and each icon. However, an operation button having a function common to all network terminals is not always common among the network terminals. Further, even when the same icon information or character information is frequently used, such as the icon information of up and down such as channel up, channel down, volume up, volume down, etc., the same icon information and character information are transmitted plural times. Need to
ineffective. In addition, the icons may be different between the network terminals even if they are the same up and down, which may cause confusion for the operator.

In order to solve such a problem, in the fifth embodiment, the operation environment in the control terminal is composed of a plurality of operation components, and the type of each operation component forming the operation environment of the control terminal is determined. Predefined
The identification number for identifying the operation component, the type of the operation component, and the additional information are transmitted as operation information from the network terminal to the control terminal.

[0212] The types of operation components according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The type of operation component indicates the basic type of operation component, and all operation buttons and display contents of the control terminal 2101 belong to any type. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a data table 2601 indicating types of operation components according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In FIG. 26, an operation component of a type called “ButtonGroup” corresponds to a group including a plurality of operation components. The additional information includes a text and an icon of the group and an identification number of an operation component belonging to the group. The operation component identification number is an identification number for identifying the operation component, and is assigned to all the operation components.

An operation component of the type "PowerButton" corresponds to only the power button 2402 and has no additional information. An operation component of the type “ParameterButton” is a set of variable buttons 2405, 24
06 and a set of each of the variable buttons 2407 and 2408 correspond to each other, and can have a text or an icon as additional information. The operation component of the type “MenuButton” corresponds only to the menu button 2403 and has no additional information. The operation component of the type “SimpleButton” corresponds to each of the variable buttons 2405, 2406, 2407, and 2408 to which an arbitrary function is assigned.
The additional information may have a text or an icon indicating a function assigned to the button. "Select
The operation component of the type "tButton" corresponds only to the enter button 2410, and has no additional information. "Cance
The operation component of the type “l” corresponds only to the cancel button 2411 and has no additional information. "MovementBut
ton ”is a cross button 2412
Only applies and there is no additional information.

Therefore, the arbitrary operation component is called an identification number of the operation component, a type of the operation component, and additional information.
From at least one of the two pieces of information. The operation information in the present embodiment is defined as at least a part of the operation information shown in FIG. Such operation information is transmitted from the network terminal 2103 to the control terminal 2103.
Send to 101. The control terminal 2101 includes an operation component identification number, operation component type,
It has data and a program for decoding the additional information, and forms an operation environment for remotely controlling the network terminal 2103 by decoding the operation information from the network terminal 2103.

As described above, in the conventional network control system, it is necessary to transmit icon information for every button. In the fifth embodiment, however, there is an operation component having no text or icon as additional information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce information to be transmitted. In addition, since an operation component common to a plurality of network terminals is defined, and this operation component is associated with one operation button, a user-friendly operation environment can be realized.

Taking the power button 2402 as an example, the power button 2402 is fixedly prepared by the control terminal 2101.
Is not required to be transmitted, and the power button 2402 is shared among a plurality of network terminals, so that it is easy for the operator to use.

Next, the operation environment of the television terminal 2103-1, the video terminal 2103-2 and the video receiving terminal 2103-3 shown in FIGS. 25 (a), (b) and (c)
The contents of the respective operation information transmitted from the television terminal 2103-1, the video terminal 2103-2, and the video receiving terminal 2103-3 to the control terminal 2101 to form the control terminal 2101 will be described.

FIG. 27 shows the television terminal 2 shown in FIG.
Operation information 2702 and operation information 2702 for forming the operation environment of 103-1 in the control terminal 2101
An operation component group 2701 indicated by is indicated. In the operation information 2702, the type “ButtonGroup” corresponding to the identification number 1 is the TV terminal 2103-
1 is a main button group, and includes text "TV" as additional information. This text "TV" is used as information for the operator to identify the network terminal.
It is displayed on the upper left of the display screen 2404 of the display device 2111. Further, the type “ButtonGroup” includes, as additional information, the identification numbers 2 of the operation components belonging to the group.
Including 3,4. Type “Power” corresponding to identification number 2
"Button" indicates the power button 2402. The type “ParameterButto” corresponding to the identification number 3
"n" is for instructing up / down of a channel, and has a text "CH" as additional information.
The control terminal 2101 reads “ParameterB
As additional information of “button”, icons of up arrow and down arrow are registered in advance, and displayed on the display screen 2404 in combination with up arrow and down arrow icons and text “CH”. As a result, as shown in FIG. 25A, an up arrow icon, a down arrow icon, and a text "CH" are displayed at each part of the display screen 2404, and the lower arrow icon and the lower arrow icon are displayed. Each of the variable buttons 2405 and 2406 located on the side is applied to instruct channel up / down.

The type “Parame” corresponding to the identification number 4
"terButton" is for instructing to increase or decrease the volume, and the text "V" is used as additional information.
OLUME ". The control terminal 2101
Up arrow and down arrow icons are registered in advance as additional information of “Parameter Button”, and up arrow and down arrow icons and text “VOLUME”
Are displayed on the display screen 2404 in combination. As a result, as shown in FIG. 25A, an icon of an up arrow, an icon of a down arrow, and text "VOLUME" are displayed on each part of the display screen 2404. Each variable button 240 located on the side
7, 2408 is applied to instruct volume up / down.

FIG. 28 shows the video terminal 2 shown in FIG.
Operation information 2802 for forming the operation environment of 103-2 in the control terminal 2101, and operation information 2802
Indicates an operation component group 2801 indicated by.

In the operation information 2802, the type “ButtonGroup” corresponding to the identification number 1 is a main button group of the video terminal 2103-2, and includes the text “VTR” as additional information. This text "
“VTR” is a display screen 2404 of the display device 2111 as information for the operator to identify the network terminal.
Is displayed on the upper left of In addition, "ButtonGrou
"p" includes the identification numbers 2 and 3 of the operation components belonging to the group as additional information.

The type “PowerB corresponding to identification number 2”
"button" indicates the power button 2402. The type “ButtonGroup” corresponding to the identification number 3 is a group including operation components for operating the video terminal 2103-2, and includes, as additional information, the identification numbers 4, 5, and 6 of the operation components belonging to the group. , 7 are included.

The type “Simple” corresponding to the identification number 4
“Button” is for instructing rewind, and has icon information indicating rewind as additional information. As shown in FIG. 25B, this icon is displayed on the display screen 2404, and the variable button 2405 below the icon on the display screen 2404 is applied to instruct rewind.

The type “Si” corresponding to the identification numbers 5, 6, 7
"mappleButton" is for instructing a play button, a stop button, and fast-forward, like the rewind, and has respective icons as additional information. These icons are displayed on the display screen 2 as shown in FIG.
The variable buttons 2406, 2407, and 2408 displayed below the icons are applied to instruct a play button, a stop button, and fast forward.

The operation parts having the identification numbers 4, 5, 6, 7 are as follows:
Type "ButtonGroup" corresponding to identification number 3
, It is treated as one group in the operating environment. Even if the control terminal 2101 has five or more variable buttons, each of the identification numbers 4, 5,
The operation components 6 and 7 can be handled as one group, and these operation components can be sequentially assigned to a plurality of arranged buttons to collect these operation components.

FIG. 29 shows operation information 2902 and operation information 290 for forming the operation environment of the video receiving terminal 2103-3 shown in FIG.
An operation component group 2901 indicated by 2 is shown.

In the operation information 2902, the type “ButtonGroup” corresponding to the identification number 1 is a main button group of the video receiving terminal 2103-3, and includes the text “STB” as additional information. This text “STB” is displayed on the upper left of the display screen 2404 as information for the operator to identify the network terminal. Further, “ButtonGroup” includes operation component identification numbers 2, 3, and 3 belonging to the group as additional information.
4, 5, 6, and 7. Type “P” corresponding to identification number 2
"powerButton" indicates the power button 2402. The type “MenuButto” corresponding to the identification number 3
“n” indicates a menu button 2403.

The type “Parame” corresponding to the identification number 4
"terButton" is for instructing up / down of a channel, and has a text "CH" as additional information. The control terminal 2101 displays “P
The icon of the up arrow and the down arrow is registered in advance as additional information of “armeterButton”.
A combination of the down arrow icon and the text "CH" is displayed on the display screen 2404. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (c), an icon of an up arrow, an icon of a down arrow, and a text "CH" are displayed on each part of the display screen 2404, and each of the icons located below the icons of the up arrow and the down arrow Variable buttons 2405 and 2406 are applied to instruct channel up / down. The type “Select” corresponding to the identification number 5 is determined by the determination button 2
410 is shown. Type “Cance” corresponding to identification number 6
"1" indicates a cancel button 2411. The type “MotionButton” corresponding to the identification number 7 indicates the cross button 2412.

Each piece of operation information having the above structure is transmitted from each network terminal to the control terminal, and the operation environment of all network terminals is registered in the control terminal 2101 based on the operation information.

Next, analysis of operation information performed by the control terminal 2101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Upon receiving the operation information from the network terminal 2103, the central processing unit 2114 of the control terminal 2101 starts analyzing the operation information (step 3001), selects an operation component of the main button group from the operation information, and Analyze the part, read the icon or text of this operation part, and display screen 2
It is displayed at the upper left of 404 (step 3002). Thereafter, if the operation information includes an unprocessed operation component (step 3003, YES), the central processing unit 2114 analyzes the unprocessed operation component (step 3004) and sends the operation component to the control terminal. It is formed on 2101 (step 3005). Further, the central processing unit 2114 checks whether or not the operation information includes an unprocessed operation component (step 3006). If the operation information does not include the unprocessed operation component (step 3006, YES), the process proceeds to step 3006. 3004
If no unprocessed operation component is included (step 3006, YES), the analysis of the operation information ends.

For example, the television terminal 2103 shown in FIG.
When the control terminal 2101 receives the operation information 2702 for forming the operation environment of −1, the operation information is analyzed in the following procedure. The text “TV” is read from the additional information of the operation component with the identification number 1 that is the main button group, and the text “TV” is displayed on the upper left of the display screen 2404.

The respective identification numbers 2, 3, and 4 are read from the additional information of the operation component with the identification number 1, and the analysis of the operation components with the identification numbers 2, 3, and 4 is determined. The operation component of identification number 2 is
Since it is the power button 2402, the power button 2402 of the control terminal 2101 is enabled. When the type of the operation component with the identification number 3 is “ParameterButto
Since it is "n", the text "CH" is read from the additional information of the operation component, and the text "CH" and the icons of the up arrow and the down arrow registered in advance are combined and displayed on the display screen 2404. At this time, each icon is sequentially displayed from the left side of the display screen 2404, and each variable button 2
The variable buttons 2405 and 2406 are applied sequentially from the left one of 405 to 2408 for channel up and down. Since the type of the operation component having the identification number 4 is “ParameterButton”, the text “VOLUME” is obtained from the additional information of the operation component.
Is read and displayed on the display screen 2404 by combining the text "VOLUME" with the icons of the up arrow and the down arrow registered in advance. These icons appear sequentially to the right of each of the other icons already displayed,
Each of the variable buttons 2407 and 2408 is applied to increase and decrease the volume.

When all the operation components included in the operation information are analyzed, an operation environment for remotely controlling the television terminal 2103-1 is formed on the control terminal 2101. By the same procedure, the operation environment of the video terminal 2103-2 and the video receiving terminal 2103-3 is formed on the control terminal 2101.

Next, the procedure of remote control of network terminal 2103 by control terminal 2101 will be described.
It is transmitted from the control terminal 2101 to the network terminal 2103 for remote control. This operation request signal includes an identification number and some additional information. For example, when transmitting a command indicating power-on to the television terminal 2103-1, the television terminal 213-1
An operation request signal including the identification number 03-1 and the identification number 1 of the power button 2402 is transmitted. Power button 240
In the case of 2, additional information is not included in the operation request signal.

The additional information of the operation request signal is “Param
eterButton "and" MotionButton "
It is formed only when "on" is used, and is used to specify whether these operation components are selected.

When the operator operates variable button 2405 of television terminal 2103-1 to select channel up, control terminal 2101 transmits identification number 3 and additional information "Up" indicating the up to television terminal 2103-1.
Send to Upon receiving the identification number 3 and the additional information “Up” indicating up, the television terminal 2103-1 performs a channel up operation.

[0237] Further, when the operator operates the video receiving terminal 2103-3.
When the left direction is selected by operating the cross button 2412 of the control terminal 2101, the control terminal 2101 transmits the identification number 7 and the additional information “Left” to the video receiving terminal 21.
Send to 03-3. Upon receiving the identification number 7 and the additional information “Left”, the video receiving terminal 2103-3 performs an operation corresponding to the left direction selected by the cross button 2412.

The effects of the network control system according to the fifth embodiment described above are summarized as follows. In the conventional network control system, icons for all operation buttons for remotely controlling the network terminal need to be transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal. However, in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment, a specific operation is performed. As for the parts, instead of the operation parts, the type of the operation parts may be transmitted.
Since it is not necessary to transmit the icon corresponding to the operation component, the operation information can be reduced.

For example, when a bitmap of a 16 × 16 monochrome icon is transmitted for one operation button as in the related art, it is necessary to transmit 256 bits of information. If the type of operation component is transmitted, even if it is assumed that there are 256 operation components, 8-bit information may be transmitted for each button, and the operation information can be reduced.

Further, in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment, since specific operation components are fixedly set in the control terminal 2101, the convenience of the operator is enhanced. For example, the control terminal 210
1, a power button 2 common to each network terminal
With the provision of 402, the operator can always use only one power button 2402 for power on / off, regardless of which of the network terminals is remotely controlled. The same can be said when an operation button corresponding to a predetermined icon is prepared as a power button instead of the power button 2402.

Furthermore, in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment, the operation information is transmitted from the network terminal 2103, the operation information is analyzed by the control terminal 2101, and the operation environment is provided to the operator. Even when the network terminal is connected to the network, the operation environment of the new network terminal can be automatically formed in the control terminal. On the control terminal 2101 side, for each type of operation component,
Since each operation component is prepared in advance, operation information transmitted from the network terminal 2103 can be reduced.

In the fifth embodiment, the television terminal 2103-1, the video terminal 2103-2, and the video receiving terminal 2103-3 are illustrated as the network terminals 2103, but any other types of network terminals can be used. The present invention is also effective. In the fifth embodiment, a wireless infrared network is used as a network. However, the present invention is also effective for a wired network.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, when the control terminal performs polling (inquiry) and finds a new network terminal, it requests the new network terminal for operation information, thereby obtaining the operation information of the new network terminal. Is downloaded to the control terminal, but the operation information may be automatically transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal when the network terminal is turned on or when the network is connected. Any other method may be applied.

In the fifth embodiment, the operation components are exemplified by buttons, but the present invention is effective for any other types of operation components. Other operation components include an operation component for performing voice recognition, an operation component for performing voice guidance, and the like.

Embodiment 6 FIG. Next, a network control system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a control terminal in this system, and a network terminal will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing a network control system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 31, 3101 is a control terminal, 3102 is a network, and 3103 is a car navigation.

In the sixth embodiment, network 310
2 is assumed to be a wired network. A control terminal 3101 remotely controls a car navigation 3103, which is a network terminal, via a wired network 3102. Control terminal 3
The car navigation system 101 and the network navigation 3103 are the same as the control terminal 2101 and the network terminal 2103 shown in FIG.

In the sixth embodiment, the downloading of the operation information, the configuration of the operation information, and the transmission of the operation request signal are basically performed by the downloading of the operation information, the configuration of the operation information, and the operation of the fifth embodiment. This is the same as the transmission of the operation request signal.

That is, the control terminal 3 is transmitted from the car navigation 3103 which is the network terminal 2103.
It is assumed that an operation environment for remotely controlling the car navigation 3103 is formed in the control terminal 3101 by downloading operation information to the control terminal 3101.

[0249] It is assumed that the operation information is downloaded when the car navigation 3103 is connected to the network 3102. That is, when the car navigation 3103 is connected to the network 3102 as a new network terminal, the operation information is transmitted from the car navigation 3103 to the control terminal 3101.

FIG. 32 shows an operation environment for remotely controlling the car navigation system 3103 formed in the control terminal 3101. Display image 3201
Is displayed on the display screen 2404 of the display device 2111 of the control terminal 3101 (corresponding to the control terminal 2101 in FIG. 23). This display image 3201 is
It represents the operating environment of car navigation, and Zoom
an in (enlarge) button 3211, a Zoomout (reduce) button 3212, and a Position for displaying the current position.
ion button 3213, cross button 3 for moving
214 are arranged.

In the control terminal 3101, a touch panel display is used.
Each button is displayed on the first display screen 2404, and when the operator touches these buttons, the respective buttons are operated. Zoomin button 3211, Zoo
mout button 3212, Position button 32
13. A cross button 3214 (consisting of a left button, a right button, an up button, and a down button) is displayed. When the operator touches these buttons, respective operation request signals corresponding to the buttons are transmitted to the control terminal. 3101
Transmitted to the car navigation system 3103. The car navigation 3103 performs each operation corresponding to each button in response to each operation request signal.

FIG. 33 shows the operation information 3 transmitted from the car navigation system 3103 to the control terminal 3101.
302 and an operation component group 3301 indicated by the operation information 3302. In the operation information 3302, the type “ButtonGrou” corresponding to the identification number 1 is displayed.
"p" is a main button group for car navigation, and the text "CarNaviga" is used as additional information.
The text "CarNaviga
"tion" is used as information for the operator to identify the network terminal.
The “nGroup” includes identification numbers 2, 3, and 6 of the respective operation components belonging to the group as additional information.

The type “Simple” corresponding to the identification number 2
“Button” indicates the Position button 3213, and has the text “Position” as additional information. “ButtonGrou” corresponding to the identification number 3
p "is the Zoomin button 3211, Zoomout
This group includes buttons 3212, includes text "Zoom" as additional information, and has identification numbers 4 and 5 of operation components belonging to the group. “Simple Button” corresponding to each of the identification numbers 4 and 5 is “Zoomi”.
An n button 3211 and a Zoomout button 3212 are shown, and the text "Z"
oomin "and" Zoomout. "Identification number 6
“MotionButton” corresponding to indicates the cross button 3214.

Operation information 3302 having the above structure
From car navigation 3103 to control terminal 3
The operation environment of the car navigation 3103 is registered in the control terminal 3101 based on the operation information 3302.

In the present embodiment, the cross button 3214
Is not fixedly provided like the cross button 2412 of the fifth embodiment. The bitmap and position of each button of the cross button 3214 are stored in the control terminal 3101, and as a result of the analysis of the operation information, the cross button 32
14 is required in the operating environment, the display screen 2111 of the display device 2111 is displayed based on the bitmap and the position.
On the 404, a cross button 3214 is formed.

Zoomin button 3211, Zoomo
The out button 3212 belongs to one button group. When the control terminal 3101 identifies the buttons 3211 and 3212 belonging to this group, the control terminal 3101 displays the buttons 3211 and 3212 on the display screen 2404 of the display device 2111.
3212 are displayed together.

In the conventional network control system, the operation information does not indicate the relationship between the buttons, but merely enumerates the buttons. Therefore, the buttons having a mutual relation are arranged together. Not always.

On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, since the button group including the buttons which are related to each other is defined, the buttons can be arranged collectively, and the usability of the operator can be improved. Can be increased. Z
oomin button 3211, Zoomout button 32
It is easier for the operator to operate buttons closely related to each other, such as 12, if they are displayed together.

Further, a plurality of button groups are defined,
By assigning each display image to each button group, by switching each display image on the display screen 2404 in the control terminal 3101,
Each button group can be selectively displayed, and a large number of operation components can be displayed. Next, such a display method will be described.

FIG. 34 shows a plurality of display images 3401 and 34.
02, 3403 are shown. Here, the display screen 24 of the display device 2111 in the control terminal 3101 is displayed.
04 is narrow, Zoomin button 3211, Zoomo
display button 212 and cross button 3214 on display screen 2
It is assumed that the image cannot be displayed on the 404 at one time. Zoomin
The button 3211 and the Zoomout button 3212
Each button of the cross button 3214 belongs to one button group and belongs to another button group.

Display image 3401 is a main image in an operating environment for remotely controlling car navigation. In this display image 3401, a Zoom button 3411, a Position button 3213, a Mov button
e button 3413 is displayed, and Zoom button 3
By pressing the 411, Move button 3413 selectively, each of the display images 3402, 3403 is switched. However, the Position button 3213
Is a button for directly instructing a function corresponding to the button 3213, not for switching the display image.

The main display image 3401 is displayed on the display screen 24.
04 is displayed on the Zoom button 3411
Is pressed by the operator, a display image 3402 is displayed on the display screen 2404. In this display image 3402, a Zoomin button 3211, a Zoomout button 3212, and a Main button 3414 for instructing to return to the main display image 3401 are displayed.

The main display image 3401 is displayed on the display screen 24.
04 is displayed on the Move button 3413
When the operator presses, a display image 3403 is displayed on the display screen 2404. In this display image 3403, a cross button 3214, a main display image 3401
Main button 3414 for instructing to return to is displayed.

Display Screen 24 of Control Terminal 3101
Even if it is impossible to display the operating environment on one screen even if the size of the button is small, it is possible to put each button of the group on the same screen for each group if the buttons are grouped. , Without compromising the usability of the operator.

In the conventional network control system, since such operation parts are not grouped, if each button is divided into a plurality of display images and displayed, the usability of each button may be deteriorated. there were. This will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 35, a display image 3501 is a main image.
een1 button 3511, Screen2 button 351
2, Move 3513 is displayed. Screen
1 button 3511, Screen2 button 3512, M
When the ove 3513 is selectively pressed, the display is switched to each of the display images 3502, 3503, and 3504.

Each display image 3502, 3503, 3504
It is clear from the comparison that Zoomi is related to each other.
An n button 3211 and a Zoomout button 3212 are displayed by being divided into display images 3502 and 3503, respectively.
For this reason, the Zoomin button 3211 and the Zoomou
To use the t button 3212 alternately, the display image 35
01 → 3502 → 3501 → 3503 or 350
It is necessary to switch the order of 1 → 3503 → 3501 → 3502, and the usability becomes extremely poor.

As described above, in the network control system according to the sixth embodiment, the operation information is transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal, the operation information is analyzed by the control terminal, and the operation environment is provided to the operator. can do. Further, in the network control system according to the sixth embodiment, since the button group including the buttons that are related to each other is defined, the buttons can be arranged collectively, and the usability of the operator can be improved. Can be enhanced.

In Embodiment 6, car navigation is used as a network terminal, but the present invention is effective for any other network terminal. In the sixth embodiment, a wired network is used as a network, but the present invention is also effective for a wireless network.

Further, in the sixth embodiment, as a method of downloading operation information, when the network terminal is connected to the control terminal, the operation information is downloaded from the network terminal to the control terminal. Alternatively, the operation information may be downloaded. Further, in the sixth embodiment, a button is exemplified as the operation component, but the present invention is effective for any other type of operation component. Other operation components include an operation component for performing voice recognition, an operation component for performing voice guidance, and the like.

Embodiment 7 FIG. Hereinafter, a network control system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, a control terminal in the system, and a network terminal will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 36 schematically shows a network control system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 36, 3601 is a control terminal,
3602 is a network, 3603 is a navigation operation unit, 3604 is a CD-ROM drive, 3605 is G
PS (Global Position System). The navigation operation unit 3603, the CD-ROM drive 3604, and the GPS 3605 are network terminals.

In the seventh embodiment, in the fifth and fifth embodiments,
Similarly to 6, the operation information is transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal, and the control terminal 3601 analyzes the operation information to form an operation environment of the network terminal. The configuration of the control terminal 3601, the configuration of the network terminal, the types of operation components, and the like are the same as those in the fifth and sixth embodiments. However, in the seventh embodiment, an application is provided by combining a plurality of network terminals.

Referring to FIG. 36, navigation operation unit 3
Reference numeral 603 does not realize the application by itself, but realizes the application by the navigation operation unit 3603, the CD-ROM drive 3604, and the GPS 3605.

[0274] The navigation operation section 3603 controls the CD-ROM drive 360 via the network 3602.
The operation is performed by receiving the data indicating the map from No. 4 and the position data from the GPS 3605.

In the network control system according to the seventh embodiment, navigation operation section 3603, CD-R
When the OM drive 3604 and the GPS 3605 are connected, the operation environment of the application provided by each network terminal is automatically formed on the control terminal 3601.

The specific network terminal receives function information from each of the other network terminals via the network,
It is assumed that the own network terminal cooperates with each of the other network terminals to identify what application can be provided, and transmits operation information of the identified application to the control terminal. Here, the function information indicates information indicating a function of an arbitrary network terminal.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a function information list 3701 exchanged between the network terminals. Navigation operation section 3603 transmits function information “navigation operation section” as function information. CD-ROM
The drive 3604 transmits function information “car navigation data” as function information. GPS36
05 transmits function information of “position measurement” as function information. These pieces of function information are exchanged between the network terminals, and each network terminal determines whether the application of its own network terminal can be realized based on the function information from another network terminal.

[0278] The navigation calculation unit 3603 performs "
A network terminal having a function of "car navigation data" and a network terminal having a function of "position measurement" are required.
Function information of “car navigation data” is received from the OM drive 3604, and function information of “position measurement” is received from the GPS 3605, and it is determined that a car navigation application is feasible.

Next, a process until the navigation operation section 3603 determines that the car navigation application can be realized will be described in more detail. Now, the control terminal 3601, the CD-ROM drive 360
4. It is assumed that the GPS 3605 is already connected to the network 3602.

In this state, the navigation operation section 360
When 3 is connected to the network 3602, the navigation operation unit 3603 transmits a function information transmission request to each network terminal on the network 3602.
The network terminal that has received the function information transmission request transmits the function information to the navigation operation unit 3603.

That is, the CD-ROM drive 3604
Transmits the function information of “car navigation data” to the navigation calculation section 3603, and the GPS 3605 transmits the function information of “position measurement” to the navigation calculation section 3603. Thereby, the navigation operation unit 3603
Can be determined to be able to provide a car navigation application.

[0282] After determining that the car navigation application is feasible, the navigation calculation section 3603 transmits operation information to the control terminal 3601. The control terminal 3601 analyzes the operation information and forms an operation environment for car navigation. The format of the operation information, the procedure for forming the operation environment in the control terminal 3601, and the like are the same as those in the sixth embodiment.

The operation when the navigation operation unit 3603 is connected to the network 3602 as a new network terminal has been described.
603 is already connected to the network 3602,
If the CD-ROM drive 3604 or GPS 3605 is newly connected to the network, the CD-RO
The function information is spontaneously transmitted from the M drive 3604 or the GPS 3605 to the navigation operation unit 3603. The navigation operation unit 3603 connected to the network 3602 receives the function information and determines that a car navigation application can be realized.

With the above operations, in a network control system in which a control terminal controls a network terminal, when an application is provided by a plurality of network terminals, when a network terminal is connected to a network, a new control terminal automatically operates. Control of the application of the network terminal becomes possible. In the present embodiment,
Although car navigation is illustrated, the present invention is effective for a network control system that provides any other application using a plurality of network terminals.

[Embodiment 8] Hereinafter, a network control system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, a control terminal in the system, and a network terminal will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 38 is a diagram schematically showing a network control system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 38, 3801 is a control terminal, 3
802 is a DVD-ROM drive, 3803 is a network, 3804 is a navigation operation unit, 3805 is C
The D-ROM drive 3806 is a video player.

In the eighth embodiment, the fifth to fifth embodiments are described.
Similarly to 7, the operation information is transmitted from the network terminal to the control terminal, and the control terminal 3801 analyzes the operation information to form an operation environment of the network terminal. The configuration of the control terminal 3801, the configuration of the network terminal, the types of operation components, and the like are the same as those in the above embodiments.

In Embodiment 8, Embodiment 7
Similarly, the application is provided by combining a plurality of network terminals. The procedure for exchanging function information between network terminals and determining an application provided by each network terminal, the configuration of function information, and the like are the same as those in the seventh embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the state of the network terminal changes dynamically, and the applications that can be provided change accordingly.

The navigation operation unit 3804 does not realize the application alone, but the navigation operation unit 3804 and the CD-ROM drive 380
5 to realize the application, but the CD-R
Only when a disc that is a car navigation database is set in the OM drive 3805,
-It is assumed that car navigation data is received from the ROM drive 3805, and the operation of the navigation operation unit 3804 is enabled.

[0289] The video player 3806 is a DVD player.
When a video data disk is set in the ROM drive 3802 or the CD-ROM drive 3805, the CD-ROM drive 3805 or the DVD-R
It is assumed that video data is received from the OM drive 3802, an application is realized, and video is reproduced. Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, when the discs of the DVD-ROM drive 3802 and the CD-ROM drive 3805 are exchanged, the applications that can be provided change.

First, the operation environment according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 (a), (b) and (c). 39A, 39B, and 39C, 3901, 3902,
Reference numeral 2103 denotes a display device 211 of the control terminal 3801 (corresponding to the control terminal 2101 in FIG. 23).
1 is a display image displayed on the display screen 2404, and display images 3901 and 3902 represent an operation environment for remotely controlling the video player 3806, and a display image 3903
Represents an operation environment for remotely controlling the car navigation.

The display image 3901 is displayed on the control terminal 3801 when video data is present in both the DVD-ROM drive 3802 and the CD-ROM drive 3805.
Operating environment. VideoPlayer button 3911, CarNa placed at the top of display image 3901
The navigation system button 3912 is used for selecting an application. A gray button indicates that the application corresponding to the button has been selected.

DVD-ROM Drive 3802 and C
When there is video data in both the D-ROM drive 3805, the navigation operation unit 3804 draws the car navigation with a dotted line in the display image 3901 and selects the CarNavigationSystem button 3912 because the car navigation application cannot be realized. However, the display is not switched to the display image 3903 for car navigation.

The operation environment of the video player 3806 includes a title A button 3 for selecting video data.
913, a button group 3915 including a title B button 3914 for selecting video data, a play button, a rewind button, a fast forward button, and a stop button.

The video player 3806 is a DVD-RO
Since both the M drive 3802 and the CD-ROM drive 3805 can operate as a database, the title A button 3 for selecting one of the video data in the respective ROM 3802, 3805
913 and a title B button 3914 are displayed.

Each display image 3902, 3903 is a DVD
-ROM drive 3802 has video data and CD
-Operating environment of the control terminal 3801 when the car navigation data is stored in the ROM drive 3805. At this time, the navigation operation unit 3804
-The ROM drive 3805 operates as a database, and the video player 3806 can operate the DVD-ROM drive 3802 as a database. Each of the display images 3902 and 3903, that is, the video player operation environment and the car navigation operation environment can be selected and switched.

In the display image 3902 showing the operation environment of the video player, since only the DVD-ROM drive 3802 serving as the database of the video player 3806 is valid, the title A button for selecting the video data of the DVD-ROM drive 3802 Only 3913 is displayed. Display image 3 showing navigation operation environment
In 903, Zoomin button 3916, Zoomo
An out button 3917 and a cross button 3918 exist.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a function information list 4001 exchanged between network terminals. DVD-
The ROM drive 3802 transmits "video data" as function information when the video disk is in the ROM. The function information includes a text "Title A" which is information of the title of the video data.

When the video disk is in the ROM, the CD-ROM drive 3805 transmits "video data" as function information. The function information includes a text "Title B" which is information of the title of the video data. Also, a CD-ROM drive 3805
Transmits "car navigation data" as function information when the car navigation data disk is in the ROM. Thus, the CD-ROM drive 38
The function information of 05 changes.

The video player 3806 is a DVD-RO
When there are video discs in both the M drive 3802 and the CD-ROM drive 3805, the function information of “video data” can be received from both the DVD-ROM drive 3802 and the CD-ROM drive 3805. An application for playing the B video data can be provided. DVD-RO
If there is a video disc only in M3802, DVD
-An application for receiving the function information of "video data" from the ROM 3802 and playing the video data of the title A can be provided.

On the other hand, the navigation operation unit 3804
When there is no car navigation data disk in the CD-ROM drive 3805, the function information of "car navigation data" cannot be received, so that a car navigation application cannot be provided. CD-
When there is a car navigation data disk in the ROM drive 3805, the CD-ROM drive 3805
Since it can receive function information of “car navigation data” from, an application for car navigation can be provided.

Next, operation information that changes according to the function of each network terminal will be described. 41 and 42
FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining operation information for realizing an operation environment with a video player as an operation target. FIGS. 43 and 44 are operation information for realizing an operation environment with a car navigation as an operation target. FIG. 41, reference numeral 4101 denotes an operation component group, and 4102
Is operation information. In FIG. 42, reference numeral 4201 denotes an operation component group, and 4202 denotes operation information. In FIG. 43, 4
Reference numeral 301 denotes an operation component group, and reference numeral 4302 denotes operation information. FIG.
In 4, reference numeral 4401 denotes an operation component group, and reference numeral 4402 denotes operation information. The configuration of the operation information of the video player, the configuration of the operation information of the car navigation, and the types of the operation components are the same as in the above embodiments.

The operation information indicating the operation environment of the video player shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 includes at least one of a main button group, a title A button, and a title B button.
A button group consisting of rewind / play / stop / fast-forward buttons, a rewind button, a play button, a stop button, and a fast-forward button are shown. Additional information is set for each type of operation component. The title A button and the title B button are buttons for selecting a source of video data.

The operation information indicating the operation environment of the car navigation shown in FIG. 43 indicates only the main button group and does not indicate other buttons and the like. The operation information indicating the operation environment of the car navigation shown in FIG. 44 includes a main button group, a button group including a Zoomin button and a Zoomout button, a Zoomin button, and a Zoom button.
The operation parts of the omout button and the cross button are shown.

The video player 3806 is a DVD-RO
When video data discs are set in both the M drive 3802 and the CD-ROM drive 3805, based on the function information from these drives 3802 and 3805, as shown in FIG. The operation information 4102 includes a title A button indicating the title of the video data, a title B button indicating the title of the video data in the CD-ROM drive 3805, etc., and provides the operation information 4102 to the control terminal 3801. At this time, video player 3
Reference numeral 806 denotes a DVD-ROM drive 3802 and a CD-ROM as additional information of the title A button and the title B button.
The title text included in the function information in the ROM 3805 is used.

[0305] The video player 3806 is a DVD player.
When a video data disc is set in the ROM drive 3802 and no video data disc is set in the CD-ROM 3805, the video data disc shown in FIG.
A title A button indicating the title of the video data in the DVD-ROM drive 3802 is included in the operation information 4202, and this operation information 4202 is provided to the control terminal 3801 as shown in FIG.

[0306] The video player 3806 is a DVD player.
-ROM drive 3802 and CD-ROM drive 3
When no video data disc is set in any of the buttons 805, neither the title A button nor the title B button is included in the operation information.

[0307] The navigation operation section 3804 is a CD-ROM.
When the car navigation data disk is not set in the ROM drive 3805 and the function information of “car navigation data” cannot be received, the main button group of the car navigation is not included in the operation information 4302 as shown in FIG.

Also, the navigation operation unit 3804
A car navigation data disk is set in the CD-ROM drive 3805, and the CD-ROM drive 3
When the function information of “car navigation data” can be received from 805, the ZOOMIN button, the ZOOMOUT button, and the cross button are pressed as shown in FIG.
02, and provides this operation information 4402 to the control terminal 3801.

As described above, in the eighth embodiment, the network terminal determines an application that can be provided based on function information from another network terminal, and forms operation information corresponding to the determined application. The operation information is provided to the control terminal 3801.

Next, an operation until the operation environment of the control terminal 3801 changes according to a change in the operation information from the network terminal will be described. First, DVD-
ROM drive 3802, CD-ROM drive 380
The description will be made on the assumption that the disk in the CD-ROM drive 3805 has been replaced with the disk for the car navigation data from the state where the disk of the video data is set in both of them.

[0311] DVD-ROM drive 3802, CD-
When a video data disc is set in both of the ROM drives 3805, the video player 3806
Receives the function information of "video data" from both the DVD-ROM drive 3802 and the CD-ROM drive 3805, and determines that the video application can be realized. For this reason, the video player 3806 transmits the operation information 4102 in FIG. 41 to the control terminal 3801. Also, the navigation operation unit 3804
Since the function information of the “car navigation data” is not received, it is determined that the car navigation application cannot be realized, and only the main button group does not include the actual operation components.
302 is transmitted to the control terminal 3801. Accordingly, the control terminal 3801 recognizes the existence of the navigation operation unit 3804, but determines that the car navigation application cannot be provided.
The control terminal 3801 is a video player 3806
Information 4102 from the navigation and the navigation calculation unit 38
When the operation information 4302 is received from the server 04, the operation environment shown in the display image 3901 of FIG. 39 is formed.

Next, the description will be made assuming that the disk of the CD-ROM drive 3805 has been replaced and replaced with a disk for car navigation data. CD-R
When a car navigation data disc is inserted into the OM drive 3805, the CD-ROM drive 380
5 to the navigation operation unit 3804 and the video player 3806, the function information of “car navigation data” is transmitted.

The navigation calculation unit 3804 determines that the car navigation application has become feasible based on the function information, and the operation information 4 shown in FIG.
402 is transmitted to the control terminal 3801. The control terminal 3801 is based on the operation information 4402,
Recognize that an operation environment for car navigation can be realized.

[0314] Also, the video player 3806 has a CD-
Based on the function information from the ROM drive 3805, it is determined that the supply of the video data from the drive 3805 has stopped, and the title B button is removed in FIG.
Is transmitted to the control terminal 3801. The control terminal 3801 controls the operation information 4202
, It is determined that the title B button has been removed. As a result, the control terminal 3801 forms the display image 3902 of FIG. 39 instead of the display image 3901.

The analysis of the operation information and the assembling of the operation environment performed by the central processing unit of the control terminal 3801 are the same as those in the above-described fifth to seventh embodiments. Also,
The operation when an arbitrary button is selected and operated in the operation environment of the control terminal 3801 is almost the same as in each of the fifth to seventh embodiments.

However, in the present embodiment, after an operation request signal is transmitted from control terminal 3801 to a network terminal providing an application, an operation is further commanded from the network terminal to another network terminal. Need to send a command to do so.

For example, in the display image 3901, when the operator selects and operates the title A button 3913, an operation request signal including the identification number 5 indicating the title A button 3913 is transmitted from the control terminal 3801 to the video player 3806. You. Video player 3806
Plays the title. The video player 38
06 transmits a video data transmission request command to the DVD-ROM drive 3802 in which the video data disc of the title A is set. In response, DVD-ROM drive 3802 transmits video data to video player 3806. The video player 3806 receives the video data and performs an operation of reproducing the video data. Various commands are set in advance between the network terminals, and the commands are transmitted and received in a known procedure.

As described above, in the eighth embodiment, an application can be provided by a plurality of network terminals, and an operation environment corresponding to the application can be formed in the control terminal. In addition, according to the change in the state of each network terminal, the function information is transmitted and received between each network terminal, the application is changed, and the operation information corresponding to this application is transmitted to the control terminal, thereby operating the control terminal. The environment can be changed.

[0319] In the eighth embodiment, a car navigation operation unit and a video player are described as network terminals. However, the present invention is effective even when an application is provided by any other type of network terminal. is there.

[0320] Also, in the eighth embodiment, buttons are exemplified as operation components, but any other types of operation components can be applied. Other operation components include an operation component for performing voice recognition, an operation component for performing voice guidance, and the like.

[0321]

As described above, according to the present invention (claim 1), a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal are provided. An operation corresponding to the operation request signal when the network terminal transmits operation information of the network terminal to the control terminal and receives an operation request signal from the control terminal. Performing, the control terminal receives the operation information from the network terminal, based on the operation information, provides an operation environment of the network terminal, when the operator selects an operation, the operation corresponding to the operation Since the operation request signal is configured to be transmitted to the network terminal,
Even when a new network terminal is added to the network, there is an effect that a network control system that can automatically control the added network terminal by the control terminal can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention (claim 2), the network in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. A terminal that transmits operation information of a network terminal to the control terminal connected to the wired communication path via the wired communication path and receives an operation request signal from the control terminal; Since the operation corresponding to the request signal is performed, there is an effect that a network terminal that can be automatically controlled by the control terminal when a network is newly added is realized.

Further, according to the present invention (claim 4), the control in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. A terminal that receives operation information from a network terminal connected to the wired communication path via a wired network, provides an operation environment of the network terminal based on the operation information, and allows an operator to perform an operation. When selected, the corresponding operation request signal is transmitted to the network terminal, so that even when a new network terminal is added to the network, a control terminal capable of automatically controlling the added network terminal is added. There are effects that can be realized.

According to the present invention (claim 6), a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal is provided. The network terminal has one or more operating means, transmits the function of each of the operating means, object information defined as an object of a predetermined object class to the control terminal, from the control terminal, When receiving a method of an object, an operation corresponding to the method of the object is realized by an operation unit, and the control terminal receives the object information from the network terminal, analyzes the object information, and sets each object in advance. Determined for class By providing the operating environment of the network terminal to the operator by combining the selected operating environments, when the operator selects an operation based on the operating environment, the method of the object corresponding to the operation is selected. Is transmitted to the corresponding network terminal, so that the amount of transmission information can be reduced as compared with the case of transmitting bitmap information of the setting environment of the operating means, and the operation information of the service. This has the effect of realizing a network control system with improved versatility.

Further, according to the present invention (claim 13), a network terminal, a control terminal, a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, and operating state information to the control terminal. In a network control system in a network including an operation state observation device for transmitting, the network terminal transmits operation information and operation condition information of each operation to the control terminal, and the control terminal From, the operation information and the operation condition information of each operation, from the operation state observation device, receives the operation state information, analyzes the operation information, and compares the operation state information and the operation condition of each operation , An operation environment that determines whether each operation can be performed and displays the feasibility of the operation to the operator Because was configured to provide an effect capable of realizing a network control system that provides the operating environment that reflects the operating environment.

According to the present invention (claim 14), there is provided a network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. The network terminal transmits, to the control terminal, service quality information of a network connection requested by the network terminal, the control terminal receives service quality information of the network connection from the network terminal, Since the network connection of the network terminal is established using the service quality information of the network connection, a network system for centrally managing the network connection in the control terminal is provided. In the system, automatically, there is an effect that can be provided with a corresponding, a discernible operating environment the feasibility of operation that changes the network condition to the network terminal that is newly added.

According to the present invention (claim 20), there is provided a network control system in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal. When the network terminal provides service realization means by one or a plurality of the network terminals, identifies the feasibility of the service by exchanging messages with each other, and when the service can be realized, The operation information of the service is transmitted to the control terminal, and when an operation request signal is received from the control terminal, an operation corresponding to the operation is performed by one or a plurality of the network terminals, and the control terminal Receiving the operation information from the network terminal, Based on the operation information, providing the operating environment of the network terminal, when the operator selects an operation, the operation request signal corresponding to a certain operation is configured to be transmitted to the network terminal, a plurality of networks In a network control system that needs to provide a service by a terminal, there is an effect that an operation environment according to the status of the network terminal can be automatically provided.

[0328] According to the present invention (claim 25), in a network control system including a network terminal and a control terminal, the network terminal transmits at least one type of operation component and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component. Transmitting operation information to the control terminal, and when receiving the operation request signal from the control terminal, performs an operation corresponding to the operation request signal, and the control terminal includes at least one operation component. Receiving and analyzing the operation information from the network terminal, selecting an operation component of the type indicated by the operation information, and associating the selected operation component with an operation request signal indicated by the operation information, Forming an operating environment for operating the network terminal, When the operation component is operated, the operation request signal is transmitted to the network terminal, so that the amount of transmission information can be reduced as compared with the case where bitmap information of the setting environment of the operation means is transmitted. There is an effect that a network control system in which versatility of service operation information is improved can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an application example of the network control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an operation environment according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an object and distributed object orientation.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a network control system based on distributed object orientation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of operation environment preparation in a control terminal.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an operation environment according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a required service quality of a network connection according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation environment according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a list of messages between network terminals.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an operation environment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional network control system.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a command configuration of a conventional network control system.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional operation environment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a conventional network control system.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the network control system of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing operation information in the network control system of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an application example of the network control system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating a communication protocol in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a control terminal in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an operation environment formed by the control terminal of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing operation information in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing operation information for forming an operation environment of a television terminal in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing operation information for forming an operation environment of a video terminal in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing operation information for forming an operation environment of the video receiving terminal in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing processing by a control terminal in the network control system according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an operation environment for car navigation in the network control system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing operation information for forming the operation environment of the car navigation in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating another operation environment of car navigation in the network control system according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an operation environment created by a conventional network control system using a remote controller.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a list showing function information exchanged between network terminals in the network control system according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network control system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an operation environment formed by a control terminal in the network control system according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a list showing function information exchanged between network terminals in the network control system according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing operation information for forming a video player operation environment in the network control system according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating operation information for forming another video player operation environment in the network control system according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing operation information for forming a car navigation operation environment in the network control system according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing operation information for forming another car navigation operation environment in the network control system according to the eighth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 11 control terminal 111 display device 112 information storage device 113 selection device 114 central processing device 115 bidirectional communication device 12 network 13 network terminal 131 bidirectional communication device 132 information storage device 133 central processing device 134, 135, 136 operating means 21 control terminal 22 Network 23 Television 24 DVD 25 Air Conditioner 31 TV Operation Screen 32 DVD Operation Screen 33 Air Conditioner Operation Screen 41 Object Oriented Concept 42 Client 43 Network 44 Server Object 51 Equipment Class 52 Stream Class 53 Parameter Class 54 Button Class 55 Equipment Class Operation 56 Stream class operation environment 57 Parameter class Operation environment 58 Button-class operation environment 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 flow diagram components 71 control terminal 72 running state observation device 73 network 74 car navigation 75 air conditioner 76 rear camera 81 car navigation operation screen 82, 84 Air conditioner operation screen 83, 85, 86 Camera operation screen 91 Control terminal 92 Network 93 DVD player 94 CD player 95 Car navigation 101 Required service quality table of network connection for each operation 1101, 1104 Car navigation operation screen 1102, 1105 DVD operation screen 1103 1106 CD operation screen 1201 Control terminal 1202 DVD-ROM 1203 Network 1204 Car navigation 1205 CD-ROM 1206 MPEG2 play 1301 Message list 1401, 1402 MPEG2 player operation screen 1403 Car navigation operation screen 1501 Control terminal 15011 Touch panel display 15012 Command storage device 15013 Central processing unit 15014 Command transmission device 1502 Network 1503 Network terminal 1 1504 Network terminal 2 1505 Network terminal 3 1601 Command Configuration table 1701 Operation screen 1801 Control terminal 1802 Network terminal 1811 Selection device 1812 Transmission data generation unit 1813 Transmitter 1814 Display device 1815 Control code table RAM 1816 Display control unit 1817 Received data analysis unit 1818 Receiver 1819 Display font RAM 1821 Receiver 1822 Receive data analysis 1823 Control code table RAM 1824 Network terminal control unit 1825 Transmitter 1826 Transmission data generation unit 1827 Display font RAM 2101 Control terminal 2102 Network 2103 Network terminal 3101 Control terminal 3102 Network 3103 Network terminal 3601 Control terminal 3602 Network 3603 Car navigation operation unit 3604 CD -ROM drive 3605 GPS 3801 Control terminal 3802 DVD-ROM drive 3803 Network 3804 Car navigation operation unit 3805 CD-ROM drive 3806 Video player

Claims (45)

[Claims] 1. A network control system in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal includes the control terminal For transmitting the operation information of the network terminal, when receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal, performs an operation corresponding to the operation request signal, the control terminal transmits the operation information from the network terminal Receiving, based on the operation information, providing an operation environment of the network terminal, and when the operator selects an operation, transmitting the operation request signal corresponding to the operation to the network terminal. Control system. 2. The network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal includes: Transmitting operation information of the network terminal to the connected control terminal via the wired communication path, and performing an operation corresponding to the operation request signal when receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal. And a network terminal. 3. The network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal comprising: an operation information storage device; A communication device and a network terminal main body, wherein the operation information storage device stores operation information of a network terminal, and outputs the operation information to the two-way communication device; Transmitting the operation information from the operation information storage device to a control terminal, and when receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal, outputting the operation request signal to the network terminal main body; Receiving the operation request signal from the two-way communication device and performing an operation corresponding to the operation request signal Network terminal, wherein the door. 4. The control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the control terminal includes: Receiving operation information from a connected network terminal via a wired network, and providing an operation environment of the network terminal based on the operation information;
A control terminal for transmitting a corresponding operation request signal to the network terminal when an operator selects an operation. 5. The control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a wired communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the control terminal comprising: An information storage device, a selection device, a display device, and a central processing unit, wherein the two-way communication device outputs the operation information to the central processing unit when receiving operation information from a network terminal; When receiving an operation request signal from the CPU, transmits the operation request signal to the network terminal, the operation information storage device stores the operation information from the central processing unit, and according to an output instruction from the central processing device And outputting the operation information. The display device controls the operator based on the operation display information from the central processing unit. Displaying the environment, the selection device receives an operation request from an operator, and outputs the operation request signal corresponding to the operation selected by the operator to the central processing unit; From the communication device, receives the operation information, performs output to the operation information storage device, and, if necessary, for the operation information storage device,
By performing an output command and receiving the operation information,
Analyzing the operation information, creating an operation environment for the operator, outputting the operation display information corresponding to the operation environment to the display device, receiving the operation request signal from the selection device, A control terminal for outputting the operation request signal to the control terminal. 6. A network control system in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal performs one or more operations. Having means,
The object information that defines the function of each of the operation means as an object of a predetermined object class is transmitted to the control terminal, and when the method of the object is received from the control terminal, the method corresponds to the method of the object. The operation is realized by operating means. The control terminal receives the object information from the network terminal, analyzes the object information, and combines an operation environment predetermined for each object class, thereby Providing an operation environment of the network terminal to the network terminal, and when an operator selects a certain operation based on the operation environment, transmits a method of the object corresponding to the operation to the corresponding network terminal. Network characterized by Control system. 7. A network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal comprising one or more operating means. Then, transmitting the object information defining the function of each of the operating means as an object of a predetermined object class to the control terminal, and when receiving the method of the object from the control terminal, performs an operation corresponding to the method of the object. A network terminal realized by the operation means. 8. The network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the information storage device and the two-way communication device are provided. And one or more operation means, wherein the information storage device stores object information in which the function of each operation means is defined as an object of a predetermined object class, and stores the object information in the bidirectional Output to a communication device, the two-way communication device transmits the object information from the information storage device to a control terminal, and when receiving a method of the object from the control terminal, to the operating means corresponding to the object Output the method of the object, and The network terminal and performs an operation of the receiving method of the object from the two-way communication device, corresponding to the method of the object. 9. The control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the control terminal comprises: Receiving object information defining the function of the operation means as an object of a predetermined object class, analyzing the object information, and combining an operation environment predetermined for each object class, Providing an operation environment of the network terminal, and, when the operator selects an operation based on the operation environment, transmitting a method of an object corresponding to the operation to the corresponding network terminal. And control terminal. 10. The control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the control terminal comprising: a bidirectional communication device and an information storage device. And a selection device, a display device, and a central processing unit, wherein the two-way communication device receives, from the network terminal, object information defining the function of the operation means of the network terminal as an object of a predetermined object class. At the time, output the object information to the central processing unit, when receiving the method of the object from the central processing unit, transmitting the method of the object to the network terminal including the operating means corresponding to the object, The information storage device may include the central processing unit. Storing the object information from the device, outputting the object information in accordance with an output instruction from the central processing unit, and displaying the object information on the basis of the operation display information from the central processing unit. Performing a display of an operation environment, the selection device receives an operation request from an operator, and outputs the operation request signal corresponding to the operation selected by the operator to the central processing device, the central processing device From the two-way communication device, receives the object information, outputs to the information storage device, if necessary, for the information storage device,
By performing an output instruction and receiving the object information, the object information is analyzed, and an operation environment for an operator is created by combining operation environments predetermined for each object class, and the operation environment is supported. Outputting the operation display information to the display device, receiving the operation request signal from the selection device, and outputting a method of an object corresponding to the operation specified by the operation request signal to the two-way communication device. And control terminal. 11. An operation environment corresponding to an object class prepared in advance includes an arrangement of buttons and an icon of a button for operation of an operation means, and an arrangement of buttons and an icon of a button corresponding to a plurality of object classes in a control terminal. 7. The network control system according to claim 6, wherein 12. An operation environment corresponding to an object class prepared in advance includes an arrangement of buttons and an icon of a button for an operation of an operation unit, and a combination of an arrangement of buttons and an icon of a button corresponding to a plurality of object classes, and The control terminal according to claim 9, wherein the control terminal is an environment. 13. A network comprising: a network terminal; a control terminal; a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal; and an operation state observation device for transmitting operation state information to the control terminal. In the network control system according to the above, the network terminal transmits operation information and operation condition information of each operation to the control terminal, and the control terminal, from the network terminal,
The operation information and the operation condition information of each operation, from the operation state observation device, receives the operation state information, analyzes the operation information, compares the operation state information and the operation condition of each operation, A network control system that determines whether an operation can be performed and provides an operator with an operation environment displaying the feasibility of the operation. 14. A network control system in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal has a Transmitting service quality information of a network connection requested by the network terminal, the control terminal receiving service quality information of the network connection from the network terminal, and using the service quality information of the network connection, A network control system for establishing a network connection of a terminal. 15. A network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, comprising: an information storage device and a communication device. The information storage device stores service quality information of a network connection requested by a network terminal, and outputs the service quality information of the network connection to the communication device. A network terminal transmitting service quality information of the network connection requested by the network terminal to a control terminal. 16. The control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the control terminal includes a communication device and a network connection establishment device. The communication device receives service quality information of a network connection requested by the network terminal from the network terminal, and sends the received service quality information of the network connection requested by the network terminal to the network connection establishment device. The network connection establishment device receives service quality information of the network connection requested by the network terminal from the communication device, and receives a service of the network connection. A control terminal for establishing a network connection using quality information. 17. A network control system in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal has a Transmitting the operation information of the network terminal and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation, and when receiving an operation request signal, performs an operation corresponding to the operation request signal, the control terminal, Receiving operation information of the network terminal and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation from the network terminal, and establishing a network connection from service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation; Determining whether the operator has provided an operating environment indicating the feasibility of the operation, and based on the operating environment, when the operator has selected an operation, the service quality of the network connection requested by the operation. A network control system, wherein a network connection is established using information, and the operation request signal corresponding to an operation is transmitted to the network terminal. 18. A network terminal in a network, comprising: a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the information storage device and the two-way communication device are provided. The information storage device stores operation information of a network terminal and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation, and a service of the network connection requested by each operation. Quality information, output to the two-way communication device, the two-way communication device transmits the operation information from the information storage device and service quality information of the network connection requested by each operation to the control terminal, the Operation request signal received from control terminal Time,
A network that outputs the operation request signal to a network terminal main unit, the network terminal main unit receives the operation request signal from the two-way communication device, and performs an operation corresponding to the operation request signal. Terminal. 19. The control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the control terminal comprising: a bidirectional communication device and an information storage device; And a selection device, a display device, and a central processing unit, the two-way communication device receives operation information of the network terminal and service quality information of a network connection requested for each operation from a network terminal, Outputting operation information and service quality information of a network connection requested by each operation to the central processing unit, and when receiving an operation request signal from the central processing unit, transmitting the operation request signal to the network terminal; The information storage device is provided with the network from the central processing unit. Network operation service information and network connection service quality information requested by each operation, and according to an output command from the central processing unit, the network terminal operation information and the network connection service requested by each operation. Outputting quality information, the display device displays an operation environment for an operator based on the operation display information from the central processing unit, the selection device receives an operation request from the operator, The central processing unit outputs the operation request signal corresponding to the operation selected by the operator to the central processing unit, and the central processing unit transmits, from the bidirectional communication device, operation information of the network terminal and a network connection required for each operation. And outputs the service quality information to the information storage device. Receiving the operation information of the network terminal and the service quality information of the network connection requested by each of the operations, creating an operation environment for the operator by analyzing the operation information, and requesting each of the operations. The feasibility of each operation is indicated by determining the feasibility of each operation by asking the network whether the network connection required by each operation can be established using the service quality information of the network connection to be performed. Creating the operation environment, outputting the operation display information of the operation environment to the display device, receiving the operation request signal from the selection device, and requesting an operation corresponding to the operation request signal, the service quality of the network connection. Using the information to establish a network connection, Control terminal and outputs the operation request signal to the counter communication equipment. 20. A network control system in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein one or more of the network terminals are provided. Providing a means for realizing a service by the network terminal of
Identify the feasibility of the service by exchanging messages with each other, and when the service is feasible, send operation information of the service to the control terminal,
When receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal, an operation corresponding to the operation is performed by one or more network terminals, and the control terminal receives the operation information from the network terminal, and transmits the operation information. A network control system for providing an operation environment of the network terminal and transmitting the operation request signal corresponding to a certain operation to the network terminal when the operator selects a certain operation. 21. The network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal comprising: By exchanging messages with other network terminals, the feasibility of the service is identified. If the service is feasible, operation information of the service is transmitted to the control terminal, and an operation request signal is received from the control terminal. A network terminal that performs an operation corresponding to an operation when the terminal is operated. 22. A network control system in a network including a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, wherein the network terminal includes one or more network terminals. Providing a means for realizing a service by the network terminal of
Identifying the feasibility of the service by exchanging messages with each other, transmitting operation information including feasibility information to the control terminal, and receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal, A corresponding operation is performed by one or more of the network terminals, the control terminal receives operation information including the feasibility information from the network terminal, and performs an operation including the feasibility information Based on the information, providing an operation environment indicating the feasibility of the operation, and when the operator selects an operation, transmitting the operation request signal corresponding to the operation to the network terminal. Network control system. 23. The network terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the network terminal comprising: Identifying the feasibility of the service by exchanging messages with other network terminals, transmitting operation information including feasibility information to the control terminal, and receiving an operation request signal from the control terminal, A network terminal, wherein an operation corresponding to an operation is performed by one or a plurality of the network terminals. 24. The control terminal in a network comprising a network terminal, a control terminal, and a communication path for performing communication between the network terminal and the control terminal, the control terminal comprising: Receiving the operation information including the feasibility information, based on the operation information including the feasibility information, providing an operation environment displaying the feasibility of the operation,
When the operator selects an operation, an operation request signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the network terminal. 25. A network control system including a network terminal and a control terminal, wherein the network terminal transmits operation information indicating at least one type of operation component and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component to the control terminal. Receiving the operation request signal from the control terminal, performing an operation corresponding to the operation request signal, the control terminal includes at least one operation component, and receives operation information from the network terminal. To analyze, select an operation component of the type indicated by the operation information, associate the selected operation component with an operation request signal indicated by the operation information, and set an operation environment for operating the network terminal. When the selected operation component is operated Network control system for transmitting the operation request signal to the network terminal. 26. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein a predetermined operation component among the operation components is associated with a predetermined operation of the network terminal in advance. 27. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and a physical operation button is assigned as the operation component on the control terminal side. 28. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and the control terminal assigns an operation button displayed on a display unit as the operation component. 29. The operation information indicates a group including a plurality of operation components, a type of each of the operation components, and an operation request signal corresponding to each of the operation components, and the control terminal indicates the operation information by the operation information. 26. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein operation components belonging to the group to be operated are collected. 30. A plurality of network terminals, wherein at least one of the network terminals identifies an application that can be realized by each of the network terminals through communication between the network terminals, and operates the application. Transmitting operation information indicating the type of at least one operation component and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component to the control terminal, and when the operation request signal is received from the control terminal, the operation request signal 26. The network control system according to claim 25, which performs a corresponding operation. 31. The network control system according to claim 25, wherein the control terminal is a remote controller for remotely operating the network terminal. 32. A network terminal operated by a control terminal having at least one operation component, wherein operation information indicating a type of at least one operation component and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component is transmitted to the control terminal. And a network terminal that performs an operation corresponding to the operation request signal when receiving the operation request signal from the control terminal. 33. The network terminal according to claim 32, wherein a predetermined operation component among the operation components of the control terminal is associated with a predetermined operation of the network terminal in advance. 34. The operation information indicates a group including a plurality of operation components, a type of each operation component, and an operation request signal corresponding to each operation component, and the control terminal indicates the operation request signal by the operation information. 33. The network terminal according to claim 32, wherein operation components belonging to the group to be operated are collected. 35. An application that can be realized by each of the network terminals is identified by communication between the plurality of network terminals, and the type of at least one operation component for operating the application and the operation component are corresponded. 33. The network terminal according to claim 32, wherein operation information indicating an operation request signal is transmitted to the control terminal, and the application is activated when the operation request signal is received from the control terminal. 36. A network terminal operated by a control terminal having at least one operation component, a storage unit storing operation information indicating a type of at least one operation component and an operation request signal corresponding to the operation component. A bidirectional communication unit that transmits operation information in the storage unit to the control terminal, and receives the operation request signal from the control terminal, in response to the operation request signal received by the bidirectional communication unit, A network terminal comprising: a control unit configured to perform an operation corresponding to the operation request signal. 37. A control terminal for operating a network terminal that operates in response to an operation request signal, comprising at least one operation component, receiving and analyzing operation information from the network terminal, Selecting an operation component of the type indicated by, forming an operation environment for operating the network terminal by associating the selected operation component with an operation request signal indicated by the operation information, A control terminal for transmitting the operation request signal to the network terminal when an operation component is operated. 38. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein a predetermined operation component among the operation components is associated with a predetermined operation of the network terminal in advance. 39. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and a physical operation button is assigned as the operation component on the control terminal side. 40. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein one of the operation components is an operation button, and the control terminal assigns an operation button displayed on a display unit as the operation component. 41. The operation information indicates a group composed of a plurality of operation components, a type of each operation component, and an operation request signal corresponding to each operation component, and belongs to the group indicated by the operation information. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein each operation component is assembled. 42. The control terminal according to claim 37, wherein the control terminal is a remote controller for remotely controlling the network terminal. 43. A control terminal for operating a network terminal that operates in response to an operation request signal, wherein the control terminal receives at least one operation component, operation information from the network terminal, and transmits an operation request signal to the network terminal. Analyzing the operation information received by the two-way communication unit, selecting an operation component of a type indicated by the operation information, and indicating an operation component indicated by the selected operation component and the operation information By associating an operation request signal to form an operation environment for operating the network terminal, when the selected operation component is operated, the operation request signal is transmitted from the two-way communication unit to the network terminal. A control terminal comprising: a control unit configured to transmit. 44. A network control system comprising a plurality of network terminals and a control terminal, wherein at least one of the network terminals executes an application that can be realized by each of the network terminals through communication between the network terminals. Identifying, transmitting operation information indicating an operation environment and an operation request signal for operating the application to the control terminal, and when receiving the operation request signal from the control terminal, activating the application, the control terminal Receives and analyzes the operation information, forms the operation environment indicated by the operation information, and, when an operation on the application is performed in the operation environment, transmits the operation request signal to each of the network terminals. Network control system for transmitting at least one. 45. A plurality of network terminals operated by a control terminal having at least one operation component, wherein at least one of the network terminals is connected to each other by communication between the network terminals. Identify an application that can be realized by, transmit operation information indicating an operation environment and an operation request signal for operating the application to the control terminal, when the operation request signal is received from the control terminal, the application Network terminal to activate.