JP2005277528A - Home network device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a home network device such as a terminal and a station improved so as to be adapted to a home network system and the convenience of which is improved. <P>SOLUTION: The home network system 1 related to the embodiment comprises various home network devices. The home network device includes: a station 10 acting like a server function in the home network system 1; a multifunctional remote controller 20 as a terminal; an infrared ray relaying unit 30; a charging purpose cradle 40; a wall mount television receiver 50; a function variable type switch 60; and a power tap 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a home network system, and more particularly to various home network devices such as stations and terminals used in the home network system.

In recent years, many home network systems have been proposed in which home appliances that are widely used in each home are connected to a home network, and each home appliance is managed in a centralized manner.
For example, home network systems disclosed in the following Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known. In general, a home network system includes terminals such as home appliances such as a television set, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a water heater, and a telephone installed in a home, and a server (station) that centrally manages them. These devices such as a terminal and a station are connected by a wireless LAN, a wired LAN, or the like, and are configured to be able to perform data communication between the terminal and the station.

JP 10-51464 A JP 2003-78971 A

However, terminal devices used in the conventional home network system often use terminals such as existing home appliances as they are, and few terminals specialized for home networks have been proposed.
As for the station, a normal PC (Personal Computer) or server is used, and no consideration is given to the shape and design suitable for installation in the home.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a home network device such as a terminal or a station which is improved to be suitable for a home network system and has improved convenience. And

  In order to solve the above problems, a home network station according to the present invention is a station for managing and controlling home network terminal devices in a home network system, and an arithmetic device that performs various arithmetic processes; A storage device for storing information and a communication device for communicating with the terminal device are provided and installed in a wall on the back side of a power outlet provided in the home.

  A home network wireless relay device according to the present invention is a wireless relay device used in a home network system, and includes a wireless transceiver device for communicating with other home network devices, and the wireless transceiver device. A control device for controlling, when the control device receives a control signal for controlling a predetermined home network terminal device from the other home network device, the control signal is transmitted to the predetermined home network device. The home network terminal device converts the wireless signal into a receivable radio signal, and controls to transmit the converted radio signal from the wireless transmitting / receiving device to the predetermined home network terminal device. To do.

  The charging cradle for home network according to the present invention is a charging cradle for charging a home network terminal device in a home network system, and can be connected to a plurality of types of home network terminal devices. An electrode is provided.

  The home network function variable switch terminal according to the present invention is a home network function variable switch terminal for controlling a home network terminal device in cooperation with a station in a home network system. One switch, a wireless communication device for performing wireless communication with other home network devices, and a battery for supplying power to the function variable switch terminal for home network, the switch being pushed Via a station that transmits a push signal indicating that the switch has been pushed to a station in the home network, and holds association information that is a terminal device controlled by the switch and the control content. The terminal device associated with the switch Characterized in that it is configured to control.

  The home network power strip according to the present invention is a power strip used in a home network system, and is connected to a communication device for communicating with a station in the home network, a plurality of outlets, and an external power source. And a control device that controls which one of the plurality of outlets is turned on / off in accordance with an instruction signal from the station.

  The home network device according to the present invention is improved so as to be suitable for the home network system, and can greatly improve the convenience of the user who uses the home network.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The home network system according to the present embodiment is composed of various home network devices. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a home network system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a home network device includes a station 10 that functions as a server in the home network system 1, and a multi-function remote controller 20, an infrared relay device 30, a charging cradle 40, and a wall-mounted TV as terminal devices. 50, a function variable switch 60 and a power strip 70.

  Further, as shown in the figure, the infrared relay device 30A, the charging cradle 40, the wall-mounted TV 50, and the power strip 70 are installed in the room A, and the function variable switch 60 and the infrared relay device 30B are installed in the room B. The station 10 is installed in the boundary wall between the room A and the room B. As will be described later, the infrared relay device 30 has an infrared transmission function, so that infrared communication can be established with a terminal device having an infrared reception function installed in the same room. It is embedded in the center.

  Each of these home network devices is equipped with a wireless LAN function, and is configured to be able to communicate between the station 10 and the terminal device or between the terminal devices. The station is connected to an external network such as the Internet via a network 5 such as an optical fiber network or a telephone line network.

  Further, the station 10, the infrared relay device 30, the charging cradle 40, and the power tap 70 are connected to a power source (not shown) and are supplied with electric power. In addition, a rechargeable battery is built in the multi-function remote controller 20 and the function variable switch 60, and the multi-function remote controller 20 and the function variable switch 60 operate with power supplied from the rechargeable battery.

  In the home network system 1 having such a configuration, the station 10 centrally manages and controls each terminal device, and is configured to be able to control each terminal device from the station 10. Specifically, the user can manage and control each terminal device via the multi-function remote controller 20. That is, a command transmitted from the multi-function remote controller 20 by the user is sent to the station 10 via the wireless LAN, and the command is distributed from the station 10 to each terminal device. Further, the status and management information of each terminal device are collected and stored sequentially in the station 10, and the user can browse the management information via the display of the multi-function remote controller 20.

  Here, in the home network system 1, the configuration of the multi-function remote controller 20 that serves as an interface for the user will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The multi-function remote controller 20 can be carried freely by a user and used at any place. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the multifunction remote controller 20. As shown in the figure, the multi-function remote control 20 includes a housing 25, a display 21 installed in the housing 25, a multi-function button 22, and a connection terminal 24. Moreover, the housing | casing 25 can be folded into two compactly by rotating around the hinge part 23, or can be made into a straight terminal. The display 21 displays various information, and displays a remote control operation method, terminal device management information, and the like. In addition to the wireless LAN function, the multi-function remote controller 20 has an infrared communication function (not shown) as a communication function, and directly controls a terminal device having an infrared reception function such as a wall-mounted TV 50 without using the station 10. It also has a remote control function.

  Here, the multifunction button 22 is configured by a touch screen including an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel and a touch panel. Therefore, by displaying button patterns for various devices on the LCD panel, it can be used as a remote controller for various terminal devices.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show examples of button patterns displayed on the multi-function button 22. FIG. 3A shows a screen displayed in the text input mode that functions as a remote controller for inputting text data. FIG. 3B shows a screen displayed in the television mode that functions as a television remote control, and FIG. 3C is displayed in the simplified television mode that functions as a simplified version of the television remote control. The screen is shown. 4A is a screen displayed in the video mode functioning as a video remote control, and FIG. 4B is displayed in the English video mode functioning as an English version video remote control. FIG. 4C shows a screen displayed in the air conditioner mode that functions as an air conditioner remote control.

Next, configurations and functions of the station, the infrared relay device, the cradle, the function variable type switch, and the power strip will be described in detail in order.
(1) Station First, the configuration of the station 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the station 10. As shown in the figure, the station 10 includes a CPU 11 as an arithmetic unit for performing various arithmetic processes, a memory 12 for temporarily storing information necessary for the arithmetic processes, predetermined applications, and necessary information. A hard disk drive (HDD) 13 to be stored, a wireless LAN device 14 for wireless communication with other devices, a USB connection terminal 15 for connection with a USB device, a compact flash (registered trademark) for a compact flash (registered trademark) card ) A slot 16 and a wired LAN terminal 17 for connecting to a network are provided.

  The USB connection terminal 15 corresponds to the USB 2.0 standard, and can connect various USB connection compatible devices. For example, an external hard disk drive can be added and connected. Various compact flash (registered trademark) cards can be inserted into the compact flash (registered trademark) slot 16. For example, when the radio wave status of the wireless LAN device 14 built in the station is poor, the radio wave status can be improved by inserting a wireless LAN card into the CompactFlash (registered trademark) slot 16. In addition, by using a Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory, data can be exchanged with an external device having no network function, a driver installed in the station 10 can be upgraded, data can be backed up, and the like. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the location of the station 10. In the figure, a multimedia outlet 100 having a power outlet 101 and an antenna coaxial cable 102 is shown. The station 10 is arranged in a wall on the back side of the multimedia outlet 100 so as not to be seen from inside the room. Arranged on the left side of the multimedia outlet 100 in the drawing are a USB connection terminal port 103 and a compact flash (registered trademark) insertion port 104, a USB connection terminal 15 and a compact flash (registered trademark) slot of the station 10. It is arranged so that 16 is just at the position of this mouth. When the user accesses the station 10, the user can access the station 10 by sliding the cover of the multimedia outlet 100. Of course, other configurations can be adopted as appropriate, such as a configuration in which the cover is removed and accessed.

  Thus, since the station 10 is installed in the back side wall of the multimedia outlet 100, the user can use the home network system 1 without being aware of the presence of the station 10. In addition, even if there are visitors or the like, the station 10 is not seen from the room, so that a clean impression can be given in terms of design.

  Here, the station 10 periodically communicates with the terminal device in the home network system 1 via the wireless LAN to grasp the installation position and operating state of the terminal device. These pieces of information are stored in the HDD. In particular, a terminal device such as the multi-function remote controller 20 that is carried by a user and frequently changes its position frequently communicates and grasps its position. Note that the position grasping process may be executed between the user and the station 10 by pressing a predetermined button of the multi-function remote controller 20. If the position of the multi-function remote controller 20 is grasped, the button mode for remote-controlling the terminal device currently installed in the room where the multi-function remote controller is located is given priority to the multi-function button 22. Processing such as display can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, only one station is installed, but a plurality of stations may be installed to perform wired or wireless communication between the stations. In addition, the installation location of the station is not limited to the inside of the back wall of the multimedia outlet, but can be arranged without impairing the aesthetics as long as it is a storage location that cannot be seen from the outside, such as the back of the ceiling, under the floor, or inside the intrusion.

(2) Infrared Relay Device FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the infrared relay device 30 as an image. As shown in the figure, the infrared relay device 30 includes a multi-function remote controller 20 and a terminal device having an infrared reception function, an infrared transmission / reception unit 31 for performing infrared communication, a station, and a terminal device having a wireless LAN function. A wireless LAN device 32 for performing wireless LAN communication, an infrared transmission / reception unit 31 and a microcomputer 33 for controlling the wireless LAN device 32 are mounted. The infrared relay device 30 having such a configuration has a function of transmitting infrared light for controlling the terminal device in accordance with a command from the multi-function remote controller 20 or the station 10.

  Here, a plurality of infrared LEDs (light emitting diodes) 311 are mounted on the infrared receiving / transmitting unit 31 so that the infrared communication area by the infrared relay device 30 covers the entire room. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of the infrared LEDs 311, and is a cross-sectional view of the infrared relay device 30 by a plane parallel to the ceiling surface where the infrared relay device 30 is installed. As shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to cover almost the entire room by arranging four infrared LEDs 311 radially. Of course, the arrangement of the infrared LEDs 311 can be changed as appropriate, and more infrared LEDs 311 may be installed.

  Next, the operation of the infrared relay device 30 will be described in detail. For example, a case is assumed in which the user in the room B wants to turn off the power of the wall-mounted television 50 installed in the room A using the infrared function of the multi-function remote controller 20. Normally, infrared communication is interrupted when there is an obstacle. Therefore, if the user does not operate the multi-function remote controller 20 after moving to a position where the wall-mounted TV 50 in the room A can be seen, The power cannot be turned off. On the other hand, when the home network system 1 is used, the user in the room B sets the multifunction remote controller 20 to the TV control mode, and then sets the wall-mounted TV 50 toward the infrared relay device 30B in the room B. By sending an instruction to turn off the power by infrared transmission, the power can be turned off.

  The functions described above are realized through the following process. The infrared relay device 30B that has received a command to turn off the wall-mounted television 50 from the multi-function remote controller 20 transmits the command to the station 10 via the wireless LAN. The station 10 extracts the infrared relay device 30A installed in the room A in which the wall-mounted television 50 is located from the association data in the HDD, and transmits a command to transmit infrared rays for turning off the power of the wall-mounted television 50, wirelessly. The data is transmitted to the infrared relay device 30A via the LAN. The infrared relay device 30A that has received this command transmits infrared rays to the wall-mounted television 50, and the power supply of the wall-mounted television is turned off. At this time, the infrared relay device 30A converts the infrared ray into a standard infrared ray that can be received by the wall-mounted television 50, and then transmits the infrared ray. In this way, in the home network system 1 having the infrared relay device 30, even when an obstacle exists between the infrared remote control and the terminal device with the infrared reception function to be operated using the infrared remote control, There is an effect that the terminal device can be operated via the infrared relay device 10.

  In addition, the infrared relay apparatus 30 is not limited to the said structure aspect, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the device that issues the first operation command is not limited to the multi-function remote controller 20 and may be a dedicated infrared remote controller for the wall-mounted TV 50. In addition, the first command is performed by infrared communication between the multi-function remote controller 20 and the infrared relay device 30B, but the multi-function remote controller 20 transmits a command to the station 10 via the wireless LAN function. It may be configured.

In the present embodiment, the infrared relay device 30 is embedded in the center of the ceiling. However, if the infrared relay device 30 is in a position where infrared communication with a terminal device with an infrared receiving function placed in the same room is possible, It may be installed on a shelf. However, in consideration of the movement of the terminal device and the like, it is preferable that the terminal device is installed at a position that enables infrared communication in as wide an area as possible.
In addition, the infrared relay device 30 is not limited to infrared relay, and may include a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) relay function. For example, in a place with a poor radio wave condition such as a condominium, a wireless LAN relay device may be effectively installed because it may be assumed that the wireless LAN communication does not reach the next room.

(3) Charging Cradle FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the charging cradle 40, FIG. 9 (a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 9 (b) is a top view. In the figure, the multifunction remote controller 20 is placed on a cradle. As shown in FIG. 9A, a pair of power supply electrodes 41 is installed below the front plate 43 of the charging cradle 40. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a pair of electrodes 42 for charging the terminal device is also installed in the concave portion 44 of the cradle for inserting the terminal device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a contact terminal 24 for contacting and charging the electrode 42 in the recess 44 is provided at the lower part of the multi-function remote controller 20, and the multi-function remote controller 20 is provided in the recess 44. Is inserted, the rechargeable battery in the multi-function remote controller 20 is charged via the electrode 42. Although not shown, the function variable switch 60 is also provided with a contact terminal for contacting the electrode 42, and the function variable switch 60 can also be charged using the charging cradle 40. it can.

  Of course, the terminal device to be charged by being inserted into the recess 44 of the charging cradle 40 is not limited to the multi-function remote controller 20 or the function variable switch 60, but other than the terminal device according to the present embodiment (for example, a PDA Even a digital camera, IC recorder, etc. can be charged by being inserted into the charging cradle 40 as long as it is a terminal device having a contact terminal for contacting the rechargeable battery and the electrode 42. The charging cradle 40 has a certain width and can be charged by inserting a plurality of terminal devices at the same time.

  In this way, if the contact terminals of a plurality of terminal devices are made common, a plurality of terminal devices can be charged by a single charging cradle 40, so that a conventional mobile phone, PDA, digital It is not necessary to install a charging cradle for each terminal device such as a camera or an IC recorder, so that the installation location can be used effectively and the cost can be reduced. Moreover, it is not necessary to install various shapes of cradle, and it is only necessary to install a single charging cradle 40, so that a neat and stylish image can be given from the interior.

  Next, the wall-mounted television 50 used by being hooked on the charging cradle 40 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the wall-mounted television 50. As shown in FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of the wall-mounted TV 50, and FIG. 10B is a rear perspective view of the wall-mounted TV 50. As shown in FIG. 2B, a hook plate 51 for hooking on the front plate 43 of the charging cradle 40 to install the wall-mounted television 50 is provided on the back surface of the wall-mounted television 50. In addition, a contact terminal 52 is provided on the rear surface of the wall-mounted television 50 to contact the electrode 41 and supply power to the wall-mounted television 50. When the wall-mounted television 50 is hung on the charging cradle 40 by the hook plate 51, the contact terminal 52 and the electrode 41 come into contact with each other, and power is supplied to the wall-mounted television 50.

  The wall-mounted TV 50 is a network-compatible TV and has a wireless LAN function (not shown), and is configured such that video data is transmitted from the station via the wireless LAN.

  The wall-mounted television 50 may be a rechargeable battery built-in type. In this case, when the wall-mounted TV 50 is hung on the charging cradle 40, electricity is charged to the rechargeable battery in the wall-mounted TV via the electrode 41. If it is a rechargeable battery built-in type, it is possible to carry the wall-mounted TV 50 and display an image even in a place where there is no power source, thereby improving convenience.

  Note that the terminal device that operates by being hooked on the charging cradle 40 and supplied with power through the electrode 41 is not limited to a wall-mounted television, and this configuration can be applied to various terminal devices. it can. For example, this configuration can be applied to any terminal device having a hook plate for hooking on the front plate 43 of the charging cradle 40 and a contact terminal for contacting the electrode 41, such as a wall-mounted speaker.

(4) Function Variable Switch Next, the function variable switch 60 will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the variable function switch 60. As shown in the figure, the function variable switch 60 is configured by supporting a switch A62 and a switch B63 on a casing 61. A wireless LAN function and a rechargeable battery (not shown) are built in the housing 61. Therefore, wireless communication is possible between the function variable switch 60 and the station 10 and other terminal devices, and the user can freely move the function variable switch 60 without worrying about the position of the power outlet. Can be installed at a desired position. In addition, when the switch of the function variable type switch 60 is pressed, information on the terminal device to be controlled and the control content is stored in the HDD 13 in the station 10. Therefore, the function variable switch 60 controls the terminal device in cooperation with the station 10.

  Hereinafter, a method of using the variable function switch 10 will be described. Here, when the switch A is pressed, the fluorescent lamps (not shown) in the rooms A and B are turned ON / OFF, and when the switch B is pressed, the main power ON / OFF of the wall-mounted TV 50 is controlled. A description will be given of the case.

  First, the user uses the multi-function remote controller 20 to set the functions of the switch A62 and the switch B63. That is, the user operates the multi-function button 22 while referring to information displayed on the display 21 of the multi-function remote controller 20 to associate the switch A62 with the fluorescent lamp ON / OFF control of the room A and the room B, Subsequently, the switch B63 is associated with the ON / OFF control of the wall-mounted television. This association information is stored in the HDD 13 in the station 10. When the switch A62 is pressed by the user after the setting is completed, a signal indicating that the switch A62 has been pressed is transmitted from the wireless LAN device of the function variable switch 60 to the station 10.

  This press signal is received by the wireless LAN device 14 of the station 10 and the fact is transmitted to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 refers to the association information stored in the HDD 13, and transmits a signal for turning the power ON or OFF from the wireless LAN device 14 to the fluorescent lamps in the room A and the room B. When the fluorescent lamps in the room A and the room B receive this ON / OFF signal, they operate to turn on or off the power according to this signal. The switch B63 is also turned on / off by a similar process. Here, the processing by the station 10 described above is realized by the CPU 11 executing a processing program stored in the HDD 13.

  If this function-variable switch 60 is installed at the entrance, the fluorescent lamps in the room A and the room B can be turned on / off simply by pressing the switch A when the user goes out or goes home. Is very convenient. Further, as described above, the functions of the switches A and B62, 63 can be set freely by the user, and the arrangement location can be freely moved, which is very convenient.

  Of course, the user can arbitrarily set the control target terminal device and the control contents when the switches A and B62, 63 are pressed. For example, it is not limited to power ON / OFF of a predetermined terminal device to be controlled, and arbitrary control content such as channel change of a wall-mounted television and volume up / down can be set. Moreover, you may set so that ON / OFF of all the lights in a home may be controlled. The battery for supplying power to the variable function switch is not limited to a rechargeable secondary battery, but may be a primary battery such as a dry battery or a button battery, or another power source such as a combination of a solar battery and a rechargeable battery. There may be.

(5) Power Tap Next, the power tap 70 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the power strip 70. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the power strip 70. The power tap 70 is configured so that the user can control the power ON / OFF of the plurality of outlets 72-1 to 72-4 from the multi-function remote controller 20, and can manage the power consumption of each outlet. It is characterized by comprising.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the power tap 70 is provided with four outlets 72 in a casing 71 and a power cord 73 is connected thereto. Although not shown, the tip of the power cord 73 is inserted into a power outlet installed in the room so that power can be supplied to the power tap 70. As shown in FIG. 13, in the casing 71, the wireless LAN device 74 for realizing the communication function by the wireless LAN and the power supplied to the outlet 72 are turned ON / OFF, and the power consumption of each outlet is reduced. A control device 75 for management is provided.

  Using the multi-function remote controller 20, the user can send a command indicating which of the outlets 72-1 to 72-4 is to be turned on or off to the power strip 70 having the above configuration. Specifically, an ON / OFF control signal is transmitted to the station 10 via wireless LAN communication by pressing a predetermined multifunction button 22 while referring to information displayed on the display 21 of the multifunction remote controller 20. Sent. This control signal is transmitted from the station 10 to the power tap 70 via the same wireless LAN communication, and the control device 75 controls the power supply ON / OFF of the outlet port 72 based on this control signal. In addition, information related to the power consumption of each outlet is transmitted from the control device to the station 10 via the wireless LAN and stored in the HDD 13.

  According to the power tap 70 having such a function, it is possible to control the power ON / OFF of the home appliance connected to each outlet port 72 from the multi-function remote controller 20. Therefore, even if it is the conventional household appliances which do not have a communication means, there exists an effect that a user can control via the multifunction remote control 20. FIG. Further, since the station 10 knows the power consumption of each outlet port of the power tap 70, the user can display the information on the display of the multi-function remote controller 20. By referring to the power consumption information, the user can take measures such as power saving.

  The power strip 70 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured to send a control signal directly from the multi-function remote controller 20 to the power strip 70 via the wireless LAN. Such a modification can be realized by rewriting the programs of the control devices of the multi-function remote controller 20 and the power strip 70. Further, the communication between the station 10 and the power tap 70 may be configured to be performed via a power supply line instead of a wireless LAN.

  A typical home network device has been described above, but when a terminal device is installed in the home network system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to first register with the station 10. In addition, when installing a terminal device having a wireless LAN function, it is necessary to set a wireless LAN. The home network system 1 is configured so that the user can easily perform the above settings via the multi-function remote controller 20. The multifunction remote controller 20 and the terminal device are provided with a USB connection terminal (not shown).

  First, the user connects a newly installed terminal device and the multi-function remote controller 20 with a USB cable via both USB connection terminals. When the USB connection is established, the multi-function remote controller 20 is configured to acquire product information from the terminal device. The product information includes a product ID and a MAC address unique to the terminal device.

  The multi-function remote controller 20 is configured to transmit the acquired product information to the station 10 via the wireless LAN. The station 10 receiving the product information stores the product information in the HDD in the station 10 and registers the product ID, the MAC address, and the like. In addition to the transmission to the station 10, the multi-function remote controller 20 transmits the wireless LAN setting information (SSID, WEP key, etc.) of the station 10 to the terminal device. The terminal device registers this setting information in the storage means in the terminal device.

  The registration process enables communication between the station 10 and the terminal device via the wireless LAN or the like, and management / control of the terminal device from the station 10. Note that the processing described above is realized by the respective arithmetic means executing programs installed in the station 10, the multi-function remote controller 20, and the terminal device. According to such a configuration, the user can automatically perform the registration setting of the terminal device by simply connecting the terminal device to be installed and the multi-function remote controller 20 without being aware of complicated settings. This function is particularly convenient for people who are not familiar with the operation of electronic devices, such as elderly people.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, various home network devices according to the present embodiment have been improved so as to be suitable for the home network system, and the convenience of the user who uses the home network is greatly improved. Can be made.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, communication between a station and a terminal device, and communication between a terminal device and another terminal device mainly uses wireless LAN communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and Bluetooth (registration) is appropriately used. Trademark) communication, infrared communication, wired LAN communication, communication using a power line, and the like can be used. Further, the home network system may be used not only in the home but also in an office or the like.

  Needless to say, various terminal devices can be used as the home network terminal device. Examples include a hard disk recorder, an external wireless LAN compatible hard disk, a network camera, a CD / DVD player, a network microphone, and a network compatible printer. In addition, the above-described home network device with a built-in rechargeable battery may use various power sources such as one battery such as a dry battery or a button battery, or a combination of solar power generation and a rechargeable battery.

  In addition, even conventional home appliances (audio, TV, telephone, FAX, intercom) that do not have a home network connection function alone can be applied to this network system. In this case, a home network connection attachment is attached to a conventional home appliance. This home network connection attachment is equipped with a wireless LAN function, a connection terminal (for example, an audio terminal or a video connection terminal) for home appliances, etc., and analog video or audio transmitted from conventional home appliances. It is configured to convert data into digital data and send it to the station via wireless LAN, or conversely, convert the digital data sent from the station into analog data and send it to conventional home appliances ing. The home network connection attachment can be controlled and managed by the station.

  Therefore, the station can exchange video and audio data with a conventional home appliance via this home network connection attachment, and can indirectly control the conventional home appliance. If the home network connection attachment is used, a conventional home appliance can be used simply as a home network terminal device, which is very convenient for the user until a new terminal device is purchased. .

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a home network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the multifunctional remote control which concerns on embodiment of this invention It is a figure which shows the button pattern displayed on the LCD panel of the multifunction button which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the button pattern displayed on the LCD panel of the multifunction button which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of the station which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the arrangement place of the station which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the composition of the infrared relay device concerning an embodiment of the invention by an image. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning condition of infrared LED which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the charging cradle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the wall-mounted television which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the function variable type switch which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the power strip which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the power strip which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Home Network System 5 Network 10 Station 20 Multifunctional Remote Control 30 Infrared Relay Device 40 Charging Cradle 50 Wall TV 60 Function Variable Switch 70 Power Tap

Claims (6)

In a home network system, a station for managing and controlling home network terminal devices,
An arithmetic device for performing various arithmetic processes;
A storage device for storing information;
A communication device for communicating with the terminal device,
A home network station characterized by being installed in a wall behind a power outlet provided in the home. A wireless relay device used in a home network system,
A wireless transceiver for communicating with other home network devices;
A control device for controlling the wireless transceiver device,
When the control device receives a control signal for controlling a predetermined home network terminal device from the other home network device, the control device can receive the control signal by a wireless signal that can be received by the predetermined home network terminal device. A home network radio relay apparatus that converts the signal into a signal and controls the radio signal after the conversion to be transmitted from the radio transceiver apparatus to the predetermined home network terminal device.   The predetermined home network terminal device is a terminal device controlled by infrared rays, and the wireless transmission / reception device has an infrared transmission function, and can be transmitted to and received from the predetermined home network device. 3. The home network wireless relay device according to claim 2, wherein the home network wireless relay device is installed. In a home network system, a charging cradle for charging a home network terminal device,
A charging cradle for home network, comprising an electrode that can be connected to a plurality of types of terminal devices for home network. In a home network system, a home network function variable type switch terminal for controlling a home network terminal device in cooperation with a station,
At least one switch;
A wireless communication device for performing wireless communication with other home network devices;
A battery for supplying power to the function-variable switch terminal for the home network,
When the switch is pressed, a pressing signal indicating that the switch is pressed is transmitted to a station in the home network, and the terminal, the terminal device controlled by the switch, and the association information that is the control content are held. A function variable switch terminal for home network, which is configured to control the terminal device associated with the switch via a station that performs the operation. A power strip used in a home network system,
A communication device for communicating with a station in the home network;
Multiple outlets,
A power cable to connect to an external power source;
A home network power strip, comprising: a control device that controls which one of the plurality of outlets is turned ON / OFF according to an instruction signal from the station.