JP5974630B2 - Information management apparatus, information management method, and information management program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information management device, an information management method, and an information management program, and more particularly, to an information management device, an information management method, and an information management program that transmit and receive information to and from an external device via a communication line.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, home network systems for operating a plurality of home appliances such as an air conditioner, a lighting, a refrigerator, etc. in a home are known. For example, by connecting a plurality of home appliances to the external Internet via a home gateway, the user can access home content from the outside and operate a plurality of home appliances in a home (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1.).

“1-1-3 Basic Technology / Home Network / Infrastructure Technology / Home Gateway”, [online], [searched on January 30, 2012], Internet <URL: http://www.jpo.go.jp/ shiryou / s_sonota / hyoujun_gijutsu / web-base / 1-1-3.pdf>

  For example, in such a home network, when an abnormality occurs in a communication line with an external server due to cable disconnection or network failure, each home appliance in the home network is operating normally. The home appliance cannot communicate normally with an external server or terminal. It is also possible to duplicate the communication line between the home gateway and an external device such as an external server. However, if the home gateway itself stops due to a failure or the like, communication between each home appliance and the external device is also possible. Will become difficult.

  In such a case, even if information about the managed terminal such as each home appliance in the home network is collected, the collected information is not transmitted to the external device, so the user cannot use the service provided by the external device. End up.

  This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, The objective is the information management apparatus which can improve the fault tolerance of the transmission route for transmitting the information regarding a managed terminal, an information management method, and To provide an information management program.

  (1) In order to solve the above-described problem, an information management apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to connect to an external apparatus in the external network via a communication relay apparatus that relays communication with the external network. A communication unit for communicating with the external device using one route or a second route for connecting to the external device without going through the communication relay device, and communicating with one or more managed terminals; An information processing unit for determining whether or not communication with the external device is possible and notifying the communication unit of the determination result, wherein the communication unit is notified from the information processing unit Based on the determination result, the transmission path for transmitting information on the managed terminal to the external device is switched between the first path and the two paths.

  Here, the external device is, for example, an external server that communicates with the information management device. As described above, in the information management apparatus, the information processing unit determines that a communication failure has occurred, and the communication unit receives the determination result and automatically switches the transmission path used for transmitting information about the managed terminal. According to the configuration, it is possible to improve the fault tolerance of the transmission path for transmitting information related to the managed terminal.

  Also, normally, the information management device transmits and receives information to and from an external device via a communication relay device such as a home gateway. However, in order for the information management device to normally transmit information to the external device, transmission is performed. Regardless of whether the route includes the home gateway or not, it is sufficient to ensure communication between the information management device and the external device. For this reason, the information management apparatus according to the present invention, which secures communication by switching the transmission path used for transmitting information about the managed terminal between the information management apparatus and the external apparatus, transmits information to the external apparatus. Therefore, it is more effective in the information management apparatus that provides the user with the service provided by the external apparatus.

  (2) Preferably, the information processing unit determines whether or not communication with the external device using the first route is possible, and the communication unit uses the first route for the external device. When the information processing unit determines that communication with the apparatus is not possible, the transmission path is switched from the first path to the second path.

  As described above, the processing of the information processing unit can be simplified by the configuration in which the information processing unit monitors whether or not communication using a route passing through the communication relay device is possible.

  (3) Preferably, the communication unit confirms whether or not communication with the external device via the switching source path is possible after switching the transmission path, and when it is possible Switches from the switching destination path to the switching source path.

  As described above, even after the communication unit switches the transmission route, by checking whether or not communication using the switching source route is possible, when the communication becomes possible, it is possible to switch back to the switching source route. it can. In addition, when the communication unit directly confirms whether communication using the switching source route is possible, for example, compared with the case where the information processing unit confirms whether communication is possible via the communication unit, the processing in the information processing unit It is possible to reduce the load and simplify the confirmation process.

  (4) Preferably, the information management apparatus further includes a priority setting unit for setting a priority to the transmission path, and the communication unit starts from the transmission path with a higher priority and has a lower priority. The above confirmation is performed when switching to a transmission path is performed, and the above confirmation is not performed when switching from the above transmission path with a low priority to the above transmission path with a high priority.

  With such a configuration, for example, a communication line convenient for the user, such as a communication line with a low communication charge, can be used preferentially.

  (5) Preferably, the first route includes a communication line in a fixed network, the second route includes a communication line in a mobile phone network, and the priority setting unit has a high priority on the first route. And a low priority is set for the second route.

  With such a configuration, the communication line in the fixed network where the communication fee is often unnecessary is preferentially used over the communication line in the mobile phone network where the communication fee is often required. It can be kept low.

  (6) Preferably, the information processing unit determines whether or not communication with the external device is possible for each external device when the information management device communicates with the plurality of external devices. The determination result is notified to the communication unit, and the communication unit switches the transmission path for each external device based on the determination result notified from the information processing unit.

  In this way, by switching the transmission path for each server, for example, only a server that cannot perform communication normally via a communication line in a fixed network is switched to a communication line in a mobile phone network to increase communication charges. Service that is more convenient for the user can be provided.

  (7) Preferably, the information processing unit outputs destination information indicating the external device to the communication unit, and the communication unit receives the switching source based on the destination information received from the information processing unit. It is confirmed whether or not communication with the external device via the route is possible.

  With such a configuration, after switching the transmission path, the communication unit determines the connection destination of the communication via the switching source path to the information processing unit when determining whether communication via the switching source path is possible. Since there is no need to confirm, smooth processing can be performed. In particular, when the communication unit performs communication with a plurality of external devices, the communication unit does not need to confirm the connection destination from among the plurality of external devices, and thus such a configuration is more effective. is there.

  (8) Preferably, the information management device operates according to a communication protocol having a plurality of layers, and the information processing unit is capable of communicating with the external device according to a first layer of the plurality of layers. And the communication unit notifies the communication unit of the determination result, and the communication unit follows the second layer lower than the first layer, based on the determination result notified from the information processing unit, The transmission path is switched.

  In this way, it is possible to achieve appropriate division of roles between layers by determining whether communication with an external device is possible in the upper layer and switching the transmission path in the lower layer. .

  (9) In order to solve the above-described problem, an information management method according to an aspect of the present invention provides a first method for connecting to an external device in the external network via a communication relay device that relays communication with the external network. An information management method in an information management apparatus that communicates with the external apparatus using a first path or a second path for connecting to the external apparatus without going through the communication relay apparatus and operates according to a communication protocol having a plurality of layers The information management device determines whether or not communication with the external device is possible according to the first layer of the plurality of layers; In accordance with the second layer lower than the first layer, based on the determination result, information on one or more managed terminals is transmitted to the external device The transmission path that includes a step of switching between the first path and the second path.

  As described above, according to the information management method of the present invention, it is determined that there is a communication failure according to the first layer, and this determination result is determined according to the second layer lower than the first layer. In response to this, it is possible to improve the fault tolerance of the transmission path for transmitting the information related to the managed terminal by the method of automatically switching the transmission path used for transmitting the information related to the managed terminal.

  In addition, in this way, it is determined whether or not communication with an external device is possible in the upper layer, and transmission roles are switched in the lower layer, so that appropriate roles are divided between layers. Can do.

  Also, normally, the information management device transmits and receives information to and from an external device via a communication relay device such as a home gateway. However, in order for the information management device to normally transmit information to the external device, transmission is performed. Regardless of whether the route includes the home gateway or not, it is sufficient to ensure communication between the information management device and the external device. For this reason, the information management apparatus according to the present invention, which secures communication by switching the transmission path used for transmitting information about the managed terminal between the information management apparatus and the external apparatus, transmits information to the external apparatus. Therefore, it is more effective in the information management apparatus that provides the user with the service provided by the external apparatus.

  (10) In order to solve the above-described problem, an information management program according to an aspect of the present invention is a first program for connecting to an external device in the external network via a communication relay device that relays communication with the external network. Information used for an information management device that communicates with the external device using one route or a second route for connecting to the external device without going through the communication relay device and operates according to a communication protocol having a plurality of layers A management program that determines whether the computer can communicate with the external device according to the first layer of the plurality of layers; and the first of the plurality of layers. Information on one or more managed terminals is sent to the external device based on the determined result according to the second layer lower than the layer. A transmission path that is a program for executing a step of switching between the first path and the second path.

  As described above, according to the information management program of the present invention, the information management apparatus determines that there is a problem in communication according to the first layer, and the second layer lower than the first layer. Accordingly, the transmission path used for transmission of information related to the managed terminal is automatically switched in response to this determination result, so that the fault tolerance of the transmission path for transmitting information related to the managed terminal can be improved.

  In addition, in this way, it is determined whether or not communication with an external device is possible in the upper layer, and transmission roles are switched in the lower layer, so that appropriate roles are divided between layers. Can do.

  Also, normally, the information management device transmits and receives information to and from an external device via a communication relay device such as a home gateway. However, in order for the information management device to normally transmit information to the external device, transmission is performed. Regardless of whether the route includes the home gateway or not, it is sufficient to ensure communication between the information management device and the external device. For this reason, the information management apparatus according to the present invention, which secures communication by switching the transmission path used for transmitting information about the managed terminal between the information management apparatus and the external apparatus, transmits information to the external apparatus. Therefore, it is more effective in the information management apparatus that provides the user with the service provided by the external apparatus.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fault tolerance of the transmission path | route for transmitting the information regarding a managed terminal can be improved.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a home network system provided with the general purpose premises terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the general purpose home terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of OS of the general purpose home terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the establishment state of the Ethernet line in the general purpose home terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and the transition of the establishment state of a 3G line | wire. 5 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by an application and an OS of the general-purpose home terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention in the state of STATE 1 in FIG. 4. 6 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by an application and an OS of the general-purpose home terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention in the state of STATE 2 in FIG. 4. 5 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by an application and an OS of a general-purpose home terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention in the state of STATE 3 in FIG. 4. 6 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by an application and an OS of the general-purpose home terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention in the state of STATE 4 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between each state from STATE 1 to STATE 4 in FIG. 4 and a communication line selected by the switching management unit of the general-purpose home terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention in each state.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[Configuration and basic operation]
(Home network system configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a home network system 100 including a general-purpose home terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, home network system 100 includes a general-purpose home terminal 10, a home gateway (HGW) 11, a PC (Personal Computer) 12, and a home appliance 13. Furthermore, the home network system 100 includes one or more sensors 16 that are detachably connected to the general-purpose home terminal 10 or built in the general-purpose home terminal 10.

  The general-purpose home terminal 10 is an information management device that acquires information from a plurality of managed terminals such as a plurality of home appliances 13 such as an air conditioner, a light, or a refrigerator in the home via a plurality of sensors 16. For example, the general-purpose home terminal 10 has an application downloaded in advance, and this application collects information related to the managed terminal such as the power consumption of the plurality of home appliances 13 via the plurality of sensors 16.

  The application installed in the general-purpose home terminal 10 uses the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or IP address of the server to which the information is added or the information is acquired from the server group 21 of the external network of the home network system 100. Obtained in advance. Then, the general-purpose home terminal 10 identifies the server based on the URL or IP address, and connects to the server via the home gateway 11 and the network 20 in the external network. The general-purpose home terminal 10 transmits the collected information on the managed terminal to an external device such as this server.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the network 20 is a network of a specific business operator, and a server group 21 of the specific business operator is connected to the network 20. A path for connecting the general-purpose home terminal 10 and the server via the network 20 and the home gateway 11 and used for the general-purpose home terminal 10 to transmit information related to the managed terminal to the server (first path) ) Includes a communication line in a fixed network. Here, it is assumed that the general-purpose home terminal 10 uses a communication line (hereinafter referred to as “Ethernet line”) through which communication is performed in accordance with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard as a communication line in a fixed network.

  Each server of the server group 21 is loaded with an application. For example, an application for creating management information based on information on the amount of power used by the home appliance 13 is mounted on a server in the server group 21. An application installed in each server provides a user with a service using information on the amount of power used or management information thereof. For example, when the user receives a service such as remote control of the home appliance 13, the application acquires information transmitted from the general-purpose home terminal 10, creates management information based on the acquired information, and creates the created management information To the general-purpose home terminal 10.

  Specifically, when information on the amount of power used is transmitted from the general-purpose home terminal 10, the application installed in the server acquires the information on the amount of power used transmitted from the general-purpose home terminal 10, and adds the acquired information to the acquired information. Management information is created based on this, and the created management information is transmitted to the general-purpose home terminal 10. The general-purpose home terminal 10 performs operation control of each home appliance 13 via the sensor 16 based on the acquired management information. Further, the general-purpose home terminal 10 may transmit management information or the like to the PC 12 so that the user can view the power consumption or the statistical information thereof from the PC 12.

  The general-purpose home terminal 10 can be equipped with a plurality of applications. For example, based on the management information transmitted from the server, other services such as home security management are provided to the user. Applications can also be installed.

  The home gateway 11 is a communication relay device that is provided in the internal network, that is, the home network system 100 and relays communication between a device in the internal network and the external network. Specifically, the home gateway 11 is connected to various devices in the home such as the general-purpose home terminal 10 or the PC 12, and connects these devices and connects these devices to external devices in an external network. . For example, when the user operates the PC 12, the user can operate the general-purpose home terminal 10 via the home gateway 11.

  Here, the general-purpose home terminal 10 can transmit / receive information to / from the server group 21 by using another communication line when an abnormality occurs not only in the Ethernet line but also in the Ethernet line. That is, the general-purpose home terminal 10 determines whether or not communication with the server is possible via the Ethernet line, that is, whether or not information is normally given to the server and information is acquired from the server. to decide. Then, for example, when an abnormality occurs on the Ethernet line side due to cable disconnection or network failure, the general-purpose home terminal 10 uses a communication path that uses the Ethernet line as a transmission path used to transmit information about the managed terminal. To another communication path.

  Specifically, the general-purpose home terminal 10 uses a communication path (second path) that uses a communication line in a mobile phone network, which is a general public line, as another communication path that does not pass through the home gateway 11. Information related to the device 13 is transmitted. Here, the second route not passing through the home gateway 11 includes a communication line (hereinafter referred to as “3G line”) in which communication is performed in accordance with, for example, the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standard as a communication line in the mobile phone network.

  Specifically, the general-purpose home terminal 10 connects to the Internet 22 using the 3G line when it is determined that the connection with the server via the Ethernet line cannot be normally established. The general-purpose home terminal 10 is connected to the network 20 via a communication relay device in the external network, such as a base station in a mobile communication carrier network, and the Internet 22, and a server of the server group 21 connected to the network 20 Send and receive information. Detailed description regarding switching of communication lines by the general-purpose home terminal 10 will be described later.

(Detailed configuration of general-purpose home terminal)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a software configuration of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the software of the general-purpose home terminal 10 includes an application 30, an OSGi (Open Service Gateway initiative) 31, a Java (registered trademark) virtual machine (Java VM (Java Virtual Machine)) 32, and an OS ( Operating System) 33. Here, the application 30 functions as an information processing unit, and the OS 33 functions as a notification unit.

  The general-purpose home terminal 10 operates according to a protocol having a plurality of layers, and the application 30 operates according to a first layer among the plurality of layers. Here, the application 30 has a plurality of applications, and each application creates information to be given to a corresponding server in the server group 21 and processes information acquired from the corresponding server.

  Specifically, the application 30 includes a message service MS and dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,. Dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,... Are applications for providing different services, acquire information from home appliances 13, and create information to be given to the corresponding server based on the acquired information .

  Also, the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,... Can acquire information created by an application installed in the server, process the acquired information, and perform operation control of the home appliance 13 or the like.

  Further, the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,... Notify the message service MS of URLs or the like as destination information of the corresponding servers.

  The message service MS determines whether a connection with the corresponding server can be established according to the URLs acquired from the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,..., And outputs the determination result and the URL to the OS 33.

  The OSGi 31 is a standardized technology by the OSGi Alliance, and is a software platform that provides an execution environment for software components created based on an open software componentization technology based on the Java (registered trademark) language. The OSGi 31 here is an OSGi framework that is an execution base of the application (bundle) 30. The general-purpose home terminal 10 can execute each application of the application 30 independently or in cooperation on the OSGi 31.

  The software platform for executing the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,... Of the application 30 is not limited to the OSGi 31 and the Java virtual machine 32, and other application execution environments may be adopted.

  The OS 33 operates according to a second layer lower than the first layer. The OS 33 performs switching of a communication line used for transmission / reception of information with a corresponding server based on a determination result, a URL, and the like that are notifications from the message service MS of the application 30. Hereinafter, a more detailed configuration of the OS 33 will be described.

(Detailed configuration of OS)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the OS 33 here has an OS application 40 and an OS kernel 41. In this example, a socket 44 and a route control unit 45 are provided for communication or information exchange between the OS application 40 and the OS kernel 41. The OS application 40 is an OS native application, and communicates with the application 30 and the server group 21 using the OS kernel 41 and the socket 44. The OS application 40 includes a switching management unit 42 (priority setting unit) and a monitor processing unit 43. The OS kernel 41 has a routing processing unit 46 and manages the Ethernet port 47 and the 3G port 48.

  The switching management unit 42 controls a communication line used for transmission / reception of information with the server group 21. The general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention uses an Ethernet line or a 3G line as a communication line for transmitting and receiving information. Hereinafter, the configuration and basic operation of the OS 33 will be described separately for each line.

(A) When Using an Ethernet Line The switching management unit 42 first checks whether an Ethernet line (link) that connects the Ethernet port 47 and the home gateway 11 is established. Note that the state where the communication line is established here is a state where the communication line is physically connected to the home gateway 11, and information is normally transmitted / received to / from the server group 21. It is not always possible.

  When the switching management unit 42 confirms that the Ethernet line is established, the switching management unit 42 outputs information indicating that the Ethernet line is established to the monitor processing unit 43.

  Further, the switching management unit 42 acquires URLs and the like of servers respectively corresponding to the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3... From the message service MS. Then, the switching management unit 42 outputs the server URL and the like to the monitor processing unit 43 together with information indicating that the Ethernet line is established.

  Whether the monitor processing unit 43 can normally transmit / receive information to / from the server group 21 using the Ethernet line when acquiring information indicating that the Ethernet line has been established from the switching management unit 42. To monitor.

  Specifically, the monitor processing unit 43 responds to the server group 21 using an Ethernet line based on an acquired URL or the like by, for example, three-way handshake in TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Packets are transmitted to the server that performs a predetermined interval. As long as information can be normally transmitted / received to / from the server group 21 using the Ethernet line, the packet transmitted from the monitor processing unit 43 includes the socket 44, the routing processing unit 46, the Ethernet port 47, the home The data is transmitted to the corresponding server in the server group 21 via the gateway 11 and the network 20.

  Whether the monitor processing unit 43 can normally transmit / receive information to / from the server group 21 using the Ethernet line by checking whether or not a normal response is received from the server group 21 to the transmitted packet. Whether or not can be monitored. Then, the monitor processing unit 43 outputs the monitoring result to the message service MS. Then, the message service MS determines whether or not communication with the server is possible based on the monitoring result, and notifies the switching management unit 42 of the determination result.

  More specifically, the message service MS receives the monitoring result from the monitor processing unit 43, generates an event indicating whether or not information can be normally transmitted and received with the server group 21, and the generated event is displayed. The change management unit 42 is notified. Specifically, when the message service MS can normally transmit / receive information to / from the server group 21, the message service MS notifies the switching management unit 42 of “CONNECTED”, and normally transmits / receives information to / from the server group 21. If it cannot be performed, “DISCONNECTED” is notified to the switching management unit 42.

  Upon receiving the event notification from the message service MS, the switching management unit 42 selects an Ethernet line or a 3G line as a communication line used for information transmission / reception according to the contents of the event. Then, the switching management unit 42 outputs the communication line selection information to the route control unit 45, and the route control unit 45 sets the communication line based on the selection information.

  The routing processing unit 46 determines one of the Ethernet port 47 and the 3G port 48 as a port used for information transmission / reception based on the communication line set by the route control unit 45.

  When the port determined by the routing processing unit 46 is the Ethernet port 47, the information transmitted from the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3... Of the application 30 and the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3. The transmitted information is transmitted / received via the Ethernet port 47.

  Specifically, the dedicated application A <b> 1 outputs, for example, information on the power consumption acquired from the home appliance 13 to the socket 44. The OS 33 acquires the URL of the corresponding server from the switching management unit 42 through the socket 44, and based on the URL, acquires the acquired information via the routing processing unit 46, the Ethernet port 47, the home gateway 11, and the network 20. It transmits to the corresponding server of group 21.

  And the application mounted in the corresponding server will produce management information based on the received information, if the information regarding power consumption is received. Then, the server transmits the created management information to the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 via the network 20 and the home gateway 11.

  When the OS 33 acquires the management information transmitted from the server from the Ethernet port 47, the OS 33 outputs the management information to the corresponding dedicated application A1 via the routing processing unit 46 and the socket 44. Thereby, the dedicated application A1 performs operation control of the home appliance 13 based on the acquired management information.

  Further, in parallel with the transmission / reception of information via the dedicated application A1, A2, A3... And the Ethernet port 47 between the servers as described above, the switching management unit 42 is connected to the home gateway 11 via the Ethernet line. The IP connection status, i.e., whether the connection is held or disconnected is periodically checked.

  When the connection is held, the switching management unit 42 outputs information indicating that the connection is held to the monitor processing unit 43. Upon receiving this information, the monitor processing unit 43 monitors again whether or not information can be normally transmitted and received with the server group 21 using the Ethernet line.

  Then, the monitor processing unit 43 outputs the monitoring result to the message service MS, and the message service MS generates an event to be notified to the switching management unit 42 based on the monitoring result received from the monitor processing unit 43.

  Then, the switching management unit 42 again selects a communication line used for information transmission / reception based on “CONNECTED” or “DISCONNECTED” indicated by the acquired event.

  For example, the switching management unit 42 sets priorities for a plurality of communication lines in advance. The switching management unit 42 sets, for example, a high priority (priority = 2) for the Ethernet line and a low priority (priority = 1) for the 3G line.

  Then, in a situation where information is transmitted and received using a high-priority Ethernet line, the switching management unit 42 does not switch the communication line and does not use the Ethernet line when acquiring “CONNECTED”. Let it continue.

  On the other hand, in the situation where information is transmitted and received using a high-priority Ethernet line, the switching management unit 42 obtains “DISCONNECTED” and sets the priority for connecting the 3G port 48 and the Internet 22. A low 3G line is selected as a used line and the line is established.

  In such a situation where the 3G line is established, the switching management unit 42 checks whether or not the Ethernet line is established. When the switching management unit 42 confirms that the Ethernet line is established, the switching management unit 42 outputs information indicating that the Ethernet line is established to the monitor processing unit 43.

  Then, the monitor processing unit 43 monitors whether or not information can be normally transmitted and received with the server group 21 using the Ethernet line, and outputs the monitoring result to the message service MS. Then, the message service MS outputs an event generated based on the monitoring result to the switching management unit 42. Then, the switching management unit 42 again selects a communication line used for information transmission / reception in accordance with the event notification content. That is, when the switching management unit 42 obtains an event indicating that information can be normally transmitted / received using the Ethernet line in a situation where the 3G line is established, the information is transmitted / received to / from the Ethernet line again. Select as the communication line used for.

  On the other hand, when the switching management unit 42 acquires an event indicating that information cannot be normally transmitted / received using the Ethernet line in a situation where the 3G line is established, the switching management unit 42 uses 3G as a communication line used for information transmission / reception. Use a line.

(B) When a 3G line is used When a 3G line is selected by the switching management unit 42, the switching management unit 42 sends the communication line selection information to the route control unit 45 in the same manner as when the Ethernet line is selected. The route control unit 45 sets the communication line based on the selection information. Then, based on the communication line set by the route control unit 45, the routing processing unit 46 determines one of the Ethernet port 47 and the 3G port 48 as a port used for information transmission / reception.

  When the port determined by the routing processing unit 46 is the 3G port 48, information transmitted from the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3... Of the application 30 and the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3. The information acquired by is transmitted and received via the 3G port 48.

  In addition, when switching from a high priority Ethernet line to a low priority 3G line, the switching management unit 42 establishes a switching source Ethernet line in parallel with transmission / reception of information through the 3G line. Confirm whether or not When the switching management unit 42 confirms that the Ethernet line is established, the switching management unit 42 outputs information indicating that the Ethernet line is established to the monitor processing unit 43.

  In this case, the monitor processing unit 43 monitors whether or not information can be normally transmitted / received using the Ethernet line in parallel with the transmission / reception of information via the 3G line, and displays the monitoring result as a message. Output to service MS. Then, the message service MS receives the monitoring result and generates an event to notify the switching management unit 42. Then, when acquiring an event indicating that information can be normally transmitted / received using the Ethernet line, the switching management unit 42 selects the Ethernet line again as a communication line used for information transmission / reception.

  On the other hand, when the switching management unit 42 obtains an event indicating that information cannot be normally transmitted / received using the Ethernet line although it is determined that the Ethernet line is established, the switching management unit 42 Continue to use and periodically monitor whether information can be sent and received normally using the Ethernet line.

[Operation]
Next, a communication line switching operation by the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing transition of the established state of the Ethernet line and the established state of the 3G line in the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the state of general-purpose home terminal 10 can be divided into the states of STATE1, STATE2, STATE3, and STATE4 depending on whether an Ethernet line (link) and a 3G line (link) are established. it can. In STATE1, neither the Ethernet line nor the 3G line is established (hereinafter, this state is also referred to as “Ethernet line DOWN, 3G line DOWN”). In STATE2, only the Ethernet line is established, and the 3G line is not established (hereinafter, this state is also referred to as “Ethernet line UP, 3G line DOWN”). In STATE 3, the Ethernet line is not established, and only the 3G line is established (hereinafter, this state is also referred to as “Ethernet line DOWN, 3G line UP”). In STATE 4, both the Ethernet line and the 3G line are established (hereinafter, this state is also referred to as “Ethernet line UP, 3G line UP”).

  Hereinafter, the communication line switching operation by the application 30 and the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 will be described separately for each state of STATE 1 to STATE 4.

(STATE1)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by the application 30 and the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention in STATE 1 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when general-purpose home terminal 10 is activated, neither the Ethernet line nor the 3G line has been established. When the application 30 and the OS 33 are started after the general-purpose home terminal 10 is started, first, the switching management unit 42 of the OS 33 checks whether an Ethernet line is established (step S11).

  Next, when the switching management unit 42 determines that an Ethernet line has been established (“YES” in step S11), the process proceeds to STATE2.

  On the other hand, when the switching management unit 42 determines that the Ethernet line has not been established (“NO” in step S11), the 3G line is established and the process proceeds to STATE3.

(STATE2)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by the application 30 and the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention in STATE 2 of FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 6, first, the switching management unit 42 checks whether or not the Ethernet line whose establishment has been confirmed in STATE 1 has not been disconnected (step S21).

  When the switching management unit 42 determines that the Ethernet line is disconnected (“YES” in step S21), the process proceeds to STATE1.

  On the other hand, when the switching management unit 42 determines that the Ethernet line is not disconnected (“NO” in step S21), the determination result is output from the switching management unit 42 to the monitor processing unit 43, and the monitor processing unit 43 Monitors whether or not information can be normally sent and received using the Ethernet line, and outputs the monitoring result to the message service MS. Then, the message service MS receives the monitoring result, generates an event, and outputs it to the switching management unit 42 (step S22).

  When the switching management unit 42 acquires an event indicating that information can be normally transmitted / received using the Ethernet line (“YES” in step S22), Ethernet is used as a communication line used for information transmission / reception. Select a line. Then, transmission / reception of information between the application 30 installed in the general-purpose home terminal 10 and the application installed in the server group 21 is performed via the Ethernet line (step S23).

  Next, the monitor processing unit 43 monitors whether or not information can be normally transmitted / received to / from the server group 21 using the Ethernet line, and outputs the monitoring result to the message service MS. Then, the message service MS determines whether communication with the server group 21 is possible based on the monitoring result, and outputs an event indicating “CONNECTED” or “DISCONNECTED” to the switching management unit 42 (step S24). ).

  Next, the switching management unit 42 confirms whether “CONNECTED” is acquired from the message service MS or “DISCONNECTED” is acquired from the message service MS (step S25). When acquiring “CONNECTED”, the switching management unit 42 continues to use the Ethernet line, continues to transmit / receive information via the Ethernet line (step S23), and the above-described operation is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the switching management unit 42 acquires “DISCONNECTED”, it establishes a 3G line and proceeds to STATE 4.

  In addition, before the transmission / reception of information (step S23) between the application 30 installed in the general-purpose home terminal 10 and the application installed in the server group 21 via the Ethernet line is performed, the switching management unit 42 However, when an event indicating that information cannot be normally transmitted / received using the Ethernet line is acquired (“NO” in step S22), the 3G line is established and the process proceeds to STATE 4 as described above.

(STATE3)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by the application 30 and the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention in STATE 3 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 7, first, transmission / reception of information between an application 30 installed in general-purpose home terminal 10 and an application installed in server group 31 is performed using a 3G line (step S31). .

  Next, the monitor processing unit 43 monitors whether or not information can be normally transmitted and received with the server group 21 using the 3G line, and outputs the monitoring result to the message service MS. Then, the message service MS determines whether or not communication with the server group 21 is possible based on the monitoring result, and outputs “CONNECTED” or “DISCONNECTED” to the switching management unit 42 (step S32).

  In parallel with the transmission / reception of information using the 3G line, the switching management unit 42 periodically monitors whether or not the Ethernet line is established (step S33). If the switching management unit 42 determines that an Ethernet line has been established (“YES” in step S33), the process proceeds to STATE 4.

  On the other hand, when the switching management unit 42 determines that the Ethernet line has not been established (“NO” in step S33), it acquires “CONNECTED” from the message service MS or acquires “DISCONNECTED”. (Step S34).

  For example, when an abnormality occurs in the 3G line and information transmission / reception is not normally performed, “DISCONNECTED” is output from the message service MS to the switching management unit 42. In such a case, the switching management unit 42 disconnects the 3G line and shifts to STATE1.

  On the other hand, when “CONNECTED” is output from the message service MS to the switching management unit 42, the switching management unit 42 selects the 3G line and continues the information transmission / reception process via the 3G line (step S31). The above operation is repeated.

(STATE4)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a communication line switching operation procedure by the application 30 and the OS 33 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention in STATE 4 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 8, first, transmission / reception of information between application 30 installed in general-purpose home terminal 10 and an application installed in server group 31 is performed using a 3G line (step S41). .

  In parallel with the transmission / reception of information using the 3G line, the switching management unit 42 confirms whether the Ethernet line confirmed to be established in STATE 1 or STATE 3 is disconnected (step S42).

  When the switching management unit 42 determines that the Ethernet line is disconnected (“YES” in step S42), the process proceeds to STATE3.

  On the other hand, if the switching management unit 42 determines that the Ethernet line is not disconnected ("NO" in step S42), the monitor processing unit 43 may normally transmit and receive information via the Ethernet line. It is confirmed whether or not it is possible (step S43).

  Then, a monitoring result indicating whether or not information can be normally transmitted and received through the Ethernet line by the monitor processing unit 43 is output to the message service MS, and the message service MS sends an event based on the monitoring result. Generate. When an event indicating that information can be normally transmitted / received via the Ethernet line is output from the message service MS to the switching management unit 42 (“YES” in step S43), the process proceeds to STATE2. .

  Note that the transition from STATE 4 to STATE 2 is not limited to the case described above. For example, when the OS 33 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the function of the OSGi 31, or the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,. Even if the OS 33 does not acquire information from the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,... For a predetermined time or more due to factors such as the occurrence of the problem, it can be set to shift from STATE4 to STATE2.

  On the other hand, when an event indicating that information cannot be normally transmitted / received via the Ethernet line is output from the message service MS to the switching management unit 42 (“NO” in step S43), the switching management unit 42 continues to use the 3G line and continues to transmit and receive information via the 3G line (step S41), and the above-described operation is repeated.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the monitor processing unit 43 monitors whether or not information can be normally transmitted and received using the Ethernet line in parallel with information transmission and reception via the 3G line. In this case, the monitoring result is output to the message service MS, and the message service MS outputs an event generated in response to the monitoring result to the switching management unit 42. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the monitor processing unit 43 can output the monitoring result to the switching management unit 42 without using the message service MS.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between each state from STATE 1 to STATE 4 in FIG. 4 and a communication line selected by the switching management unit 42 of the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention in each state. is there.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when general-purpose home terminal 10 performs the above-described operation, a communication line used for transmission / reception of information is determined in each state from STATE 1 to STATE 4.

  That is, in STATE 1, since neither the Ethernet line nor the 3G line is established, that is, the state of “Ethernet line DOWN, 3G line DOWN”, an appropriate communication line (IP default route) for transmitting and receiving information is used. ) Does not exist. In STATE 2, since only the Ethernet line is established, that is, “Ethernet line UP, 3G line DOWN”, the Ethernet line is used as a communication line for transmitting and receiving information.

  In STATE 3, since only the 3G line is established, that is, the state of “Ethernet line DOWN, 3G line UP”, the 3G line is used as a communication line for transmitting and receiving information. In STATE 4, both the Ethernet line and the 3G line are established, that is, the state of "Ethernet line UP, 3G line UP", but information cannot be normally transmitted / received via the Ethernet line. Since this is a state, the 3G line is used as a communication line for transmitting and receiving information.

  As described above, when the communication line used for transmission / reception of information is switched by the general-purpose home terminal 10, the state shifts to any state from STATE 1 to STATE 4, and between the general-purpose home terminal 10 and the server group 21. Communication can take place.

  By the way, in a home network, when an abnormality occurs in a communication line with an external server due to cable disconnection or network failure, each home appliance in the home network is operating normally. Normal communication with an external server or terminal cannot be performed. It is also possible to duplicate the communication line between the home gateway and an external device such as an external server. However, if the home gateway itself stops due to a failure or the like, communication between each home appliance and the external device is also possible. Will become difficult.

  In such a case, even if information about the managed terminal such as each home appliance in the home network is collected, the collected information is not transmitted to the external device, so the user cannot use the service provided by the external device. End up.

  On the other hand, in the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the OS 33 is connected to a server in the external network via the home gateway 11 that relays communication with the external network. Or it communicates with the said server using the 2nd path | route for connecting with a server, without going through the home gateway 11, and communicates with the 1 or several household appliances 13. FIG. Further, the application 30 determines whether or not communication with the server is possible, and notifies the OS 33 of the determination result. And OS33 switches the transmission path | route which transmits the information regarding the household appliances 13 to a server based on the determination result notified from the application 30 between a 1st path | route and a 2 path | route.

  As described above, in the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the present invention, the application 30 determines that a communication failure has occurred, and the OS 33 automatically receives the determination result and automatically transmits a transmission path used for transmitting information related to the home appliance 13. Thus, the fault tolerance of the transmission path for transmitting information related to the home appliance 13 can be improved.

  In addition, the general-purpose home terminal 10 normally transmits and receives information to and from the server via a communication relay device such as the home gateway 11. In order for the general-purpose home terminal 10 to normally transmit information to the server, Regardless of whether or not the transmission path includes a home gateway, it is sufficient to ensure communication between the general-purpose home terminal 10 and the server. For this reason, the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the present invention, which secures communication by switching the transmission path used for transmission of information regarding the home appliance 13 between the general-purpose home terminal 10 and the server, transmits information to the server. Therefore, it is more effective in a general-purpose home terminal that provides a user with a service provided by the server.

  In the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the application 30 determines whether or not communication with the server using the first route is possible, and the OS 33 uses the first route. When the information processing unit determines that communication with the server is not possible, the transmission path is switched from the first path to the second path.

  As described above, the configuration in which the application 30 monitors whether or not communication using a route passing through the communication relay device is possible can simplify the processing of the application 30.

  In the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, after switching the transmission path, the OS 33 confirms whether communication with the external device via the switching source path is possible. If possible, switching from the switching destination path to the switching source path is performed.

  As described above, even after the OS 33 switches the transmission path, it is possible to switch back to the switching source path when the communication becomes possible by checking whether or not the communication using the switching path is possible. . Further, for example, when the OS 33 directly confirms whether communication using the switching source path is possible, the processing load on the application 30 is reduced as compared with, for example, the case where the application 30 confirms whether communication is possible via the OS 33. In addition, the confirmation process can be simplified.

  In the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching management unit 42 sets priorities for a plurality of transmission paths. In addition, when switching from a transmission path with a high priority to a communication line with a low priority, the OS 33 checks whether communication with the server via the transmission path of the switching source is possible. The above confirmation is not performed when switching from a transmission path having a low priority to a transmission path having a high priority is performed.

  With such a configuration, for example, a communication line convenient for the user, such as a communication line with a low communication charge, can be used preferentially.

  In the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first route includes a communication line in a fixed network, and the second route includes a communication line in a mobile phone network. The switching management unit 42 sets a high priority for the first route and sets a low priority for the second route.

  With such a configuration, an Ethernet line that often does not require a communication fee is used preferentially over a 3G line that often requires a communication fee, so the communication fee can be kept low.

  In the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the application 30 outputs a URL, which is destination information indicating a server, to the OS 33. Further, the OS 33 confirms whether or not communication with the server via the switching source path is possible based on the URL received from the application 30.

  With such a configuration, after switching the transmission path, the OS 33 confirms the connection destination of the communication via the switching source path with the application 30 when determining whether communication via the switching source path is possible. Since there is no need, smooth processing can be performed. In particular, when the OS 33 transmits / receives information to / from a plurality of servers, the OS 33 does not need to confirm the connection destination from among the plurality of servers, and thus such a configuration is more effective.

  Further, the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention operates according to a communication protocol having a plurality of layers, and whether the application 30 can communicate with the server according to the first layer among the plurality of layers. And notifies the OS 33 of the determination result. Further, the OS 33 switches the transmission path based on the determination result notified from the application 30 in accordance with the second layer lower than the first layer.

  As described above, by determining whether communication with the server is possible in the upper layer and switching the transmission path in the lower layer, it is possible to appropriately share roles between the layers.

(Modification)
Hereinafter, modifications of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the modification of the embodiment of the present invention switches the transmission path used for transmitting information related to the home appliance 13 for each server corresponding to the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3. It is.

  That is, in the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the modification of the embodiment of the present invention, each of the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,... Provides information to the corresponding server and acquires information from the corresponding server. Is determined normally, and the determination result is notified to the message service MS. Then, the message service MS outputs “CONNECTED” or “DISCONNECTED” to the switching management unit 42 of the OS 33 for each determination result acquired from the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3.

  Then, the switching management unit 42 uses a communication line used for transmission / reception of information for each server corresponding to the dedicated applications A1, A2, A3,... Based on “CONNECTED” or “DISCONNECTED” output from the message service MS. To control.

  For example, among the servers in the server group 21, the switching management unit 42 transmits and receives information using the Ethernet line for servers that can accurately transmit and receive information via the Ethernet line. Set. Then, the switching management unit 42 switches the communication line so that information transmission / reception using the 3G line is performed only for a server that cannot accurately transmit / receive information via the Ethernet line.

  As described above, in the general-purpose home terminal 10 according to the modification of the embodiment of the present invention, when the general-purpose home terminal 10 communicates with a plurality of servers, the application 30 can communicate with the server for each server. Or not, and notifies the OS 33 of the determination result. Further, the OS 33 switches the transmission path for each server based on the determination result notified from the application 30.

  In this way, by switching the transmission path for each server, for example, it is possible to suppress an increase in communication charges by switching to a 3G line only for servers that cannot communicate normally via an Ethernet line. A service more convenient for the user can be provided.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10 General-purpose home terminal (information management device)
11 Home gateway (communication relay device)
12 PC
13 Home appliances (managed terminals)
16 sensors 20 network (external network)
21 Server group (external device)
22 Internet 30 Application (Information Processing Department)
31 OSGi
32 Java Virtual Machine 33 OS (Communication Department)
40 OS application 41 OS kernel 42 Switching management unit (priority setting unit)
43 Monitor processing unit 44 Socket 45 Route control unit 46 Routing processing unit 47 Ethernet port 48 3G port A1, A2, A3 Dedicated application MS message service

Claims (9)

A first route for connecting to an external device in the external network via a communication relay device that relays communication with an external network, or a second route for connecting to the external device without going through the communication relay device A communication unit for communicating with the external device using a path and communicating with one or a plurality of managed terminals;
An information processing unit for determining whether or not communication with the external device is possible, and notifying the communication unit of a determination result;
The communication unit switches a transmission path for transmitting information on the managed terminal to the external device between the first path and the two paths based on the determination result notified from the information processing section. ,
After switching the transmission path, the communication unit checks whether communication with the external device via the switching source path is possible, and if possible, the switching destination path An information management device for switching from the switching source route to the switching source route. The information processing unit determines whether communication with the external device using the first path is possible,
The communication unit switches the transmission route from the first route to the second route when the information processing unit determines that communication with the external device using the first route is not possible. Item 14. The information management device according to Item 1. The information management device further includes:
A priority setting unit for setting a priority in the transmission path;
The communication unit performs the confirmation when switching from the transmission path having a high priority to the transmission path having a low priority, and from the transmission path having a low priority to the transmission path having a high priority. The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation is not performed when switching is performed. The first path includes a communication line in a fixed network,
The second path includes a communication line in a mobile phone network,
The information management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the priority setting unit sets a high priority for the first route and sets a low priority for the second route. When the information management device communicates with a plurality of external devices, the information processing unit determines, for each external device, whether or not communication with the external device is possible, and the determination result is transmitted to the communication unit. Notify
5. The information management according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit performs switching of the transmission path for each of the external devices based on the determination result notified from the information processing unit. apparatus. The information processing unit outputs destination information indicating the external device to the communication unit,
The communication unit checks whether communication with the external device via the switching source path is possible based on the destination information received from the information processing unit. Item 5. The information management device according to any one of items 4 to 4. The information management device operates according to a communication protocol having a plurality of layers,
The information processing unit determines whether communication with the external device is possible according to a first layer among the plurality of layers, and notifies the communication unit of a determination result,
The communication unit performs switching of the transmission path based on the determination result notified from the information processing unit according to a second layer lower than the first layer. The information management device according to any one of the above. A first route for connecting to an external device in the external network via a communication relay device that relays communication with an external network, or a second route for connecting to the external device without going through the communication relay device An information management method in an information management apparatus comprising a communication unit that communicates with the external device using a path and an information processing unit, and operating according to a communication protocol having a plurality of layers,
The information processing unit determines whether communication with the external device is possible according to a first layer of the plurality of layers, and notifies the communication unit of a determination result ;
Information the communication unit, among the plurality of layers, in accordance with the first lower second layer than the layer, based on the judgment result notified from the information processing unit, for one or more of the managed terminal Switching a transmission path for transmitting a message to the external device between the first path and the two paths;
When the communication unit confirms whether or not communication with the external device via the switching source path is possible according to the second layer after switching the transmission path. Includes a step of switching from the switching destination path to the switching source path. A first route for connecting to an external device in the external network via a communication relay device that relays communication with an external network, or a second route for connecting to the external device without going through the communication relay device An information management program that is used in an information management device that includes a communication unit that communicates with the external device using a path and an information processing unit and operates according to a communication protocol having a plurality of layers,
On the computer,
The information processing unit determines whether communication with the external device is possible according to a first layer of the plurality of layers, and notifies the communication unit of a determination result ;
Information the communication unit, among the plurality of layers, in accordance with the first lower second layer than the layer, based on the judgment result notified from the information processing unit, for one or more of the managed terminal Switching a transmission path for transmitting a message to the external device between the first path and the two paths;
When the communication unit confirms whether or not communication with the external device via the switching source path is possible according to the second layer after switching the transmission path. An information management program for executing a step of switching from the switching destination path to the switching source path.

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