KR100351951B1 - Apparatus and method for controlling SOHO through internet - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling a call through the Internet. The present invention provides an Internet system having a control network, a data network, and the Internet, wherein the data received from the control network and the data network is applied to an application program. An application program access unit for providing data to the control network and the data network; It is connected to the application program connection unit, and communicates with the control network and the data network, maps the data of each network as data, performs the interworking function between each device using the mapped data, and with other home server on the Internet It consists of a virtual layer unit that performs communication and interworking functions and enables control and monitoring from anywhere on the Internet and each network, and provides various types of sensors, actuators, etc. It allows you to control and monitor your PC, connect multiple PCs, web phones, cameras, and various audio / video networks in your home with one LAN network. You can control it.

Description

Apparatus and method for controlling SOHO through internet}

The present invention relates to a SOHO (Small Office Home Office) control device and method through the Internet, in particular, can control and monitor various sensors, actuators, etc., including white home appliances in the home through a wired / wireless Internet network It allows you to connect several PCs, web phones, cameras, and various audio / video networks in your home with one LAN network, and to control your home electronics with one remote control. The present invention relates to a call control device through the Internet and a method thereof.

In the early days, the worldwide spread of the Internet centered on corporations, research institutes, and schools, but recently, it is gradually being centered on general households. This has led to interest in building networks in the home, and to home automation.

The term home automation is a term used to refer to equipment included in an interphone device that mainly connects a videophone showing a visitor's image to a wall of a living room and a security office. It only performs simple functions such as gas leaks and fire alarms, and even those functions are limited to calling a pre-entered telephone number or alarming at home. Due to this inconvenience, the utilization rate of pre-installed home automation equipment is estimated to be less than 5%.

Home automation only performed simple control, monitoring, and metering in the home, such as gas leak alarms, gas meters, boiler start-ups and shutdowns, as well as several existing simple home appliances. However, due to the proliferation of the Internet and the development of communication technology, it is possible to access anywhere connected to the Internet, and to control, monitor and link all the equipment connected to the network by configuring their equipment as one network instead of controlling and monitoring only some equipment. In addition to operating, computer-related equipment is being configured as a data network to increase consumer demand for access to the external Internet.

The network to be integrated in the present invention can be classified into three types.

The first is a control network for controlling home appliances, various sensors, valves, actuators, etc., and the second is a data network for transmitting various data, commonly called the Internet. The third is an AV (Audio / Video) network for transmitting various multimedia data such as audio and video.

The control network connects the devices that are to be monitored and controlled by the network, which allows each device to monitor its operation, notify of an alarm in case of abnormal operation, or control when necessary (time, condition). In addition, each device can detect the state of each other to operate according to the state.

If a separate control network is configured in this way, it is easy to change the configuration of the network later (adding and removing new equipment, changing operation method and data). This is possible because the control network is designed for the purpose of controlling not only the network but also the protocols operating in the network. In other words, the data on the control network should be small (within 100 bytes) unlike the general data network (Internet, LAN), reliable (prevention of equipment malfunction), priority (emergency data), sharing (for interworking equipment). Should be convenient, and protocols are designed to handle this data smoothly.

Data networks have evolved to transfer large amounts of data at high speed, and protocols that operate on networks are designed to meet those needs. Networking, commonly called the Internet, is a type of data network. In order to construct a data network, the Internet network (ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), cable modem, leased line, etc.) provided indoors from the outside and the local area network (LAN), which is a data network inside a home or office, Local area network).

The AV network is also called an entertainment network and is a network for transmitting audio or video data. Conventionally, it is used in the same manner as the data network, but in consideration of data stability, the AV network is separately configured. This means that there is no need for speakers next to audio, TV and audio need not be installed separately, and video, cameras and other equipment can be integrated into one network.

The prior art is a technology that is limited to either a control network or a data network among these three networks. That is, the first implementation of the prior art is a method of connecting only the control network to the Internet, and the second implementation is a method of configuring only the data network to access the Internet.

1 is a block diagram of a connection device between a data network and a control network according to the prior art.

Where reference numeral 1 is a data conversion equipment, 2 is a data transmission and reception unit for transmitting and receiving data with the external Internet (5), 3 is a data conversion unit, 4 is connected to the node 6 of the control or data network to Data transmission and reception unit for transmitting and receiving.

The block diagram of FIG. 1 is equally applicable to both conventional control networks and techniques for constructing a data network.

The data transmission / reception unit 2 connected to the external Internet 5 performs a data transmission / reception function for communication with the Internet 5 network using an ADSL, a cable modem, a dedicated line, and the like, already established by the network operator. The data transceiver 4 connected to the network node 6 communicates with a device for monitoring or controlling the control network, a PC on the data network, or the like. The data converter 3 converts data received from the external Internet network for transmission to the control or data network, and conversely converts data received from the control or data network for transmission to the external Internet network.

However, the related art is a fragmentary technology such as providing only an Internet-enabled environment through connection of a control network and an external internet line or connection of a home data network and an external internet line as described above.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of connecting a control network and an Internet line according to the prior art.

As shown therein, setting the equipment environment (ST1); After configuring the device, configure a control network using LonWorks, connect variables for monitoring or control, and HTML (HyperText Markup Language) tag, and then determine whether addition or change of a control variable is necessary. (ST2 to ST4); If the addition and change of the control variable is necessary to perform the step again, and if the addition and change of the control variable is not required to transfer to the HTML file device through the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) (ST5) and ; After the transmission, the step of accessing the equipment through the Internet and performing the monitoring or control (ST6) (ST7) is performed.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of connecting a data network and an Internet line according to the prior art.

As shown in the figure, when the console is connected, a step of setting and then rebooting (ST8) (ST9); After the rebooting, the step of connecting to the PC and using the Internet (ST10) is performed.

However, since the conventional technology performs only a simple data conversion function of the control network and the Internet, or the data network and the Internet, when a user who is connected to the data network and the Internet wants to add a control function, the user may use a new conversion device. There has been a problem in that two converters have to be purchased and installed or replaced with existing data converters. In addition, even if two converters are installed, there is a problem in that the data cannot be linked to each other to configure different networks.

These problems can be summarized as follows.

Since it operates only for the first LonWorks control network, it is difficult to connect or interoperate with a separate control network, and because there is no interface for connecting a data network in a second separate home, interworking with a data network in the home is impossible. It is difficult to control a control object (home appliance) in the data PC in the first home.

These problems arise from the inherent purpose of purely controlling the equipment. That is, data is not only necessary for the purpose of control but also data for sharing the data with each other and for operating the equipment (image data in the case of a TV). There is no method for managing such data.

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to control and monitor various sensors, actuators, and the like, such as white home appliances, via a wired / wireless Internet network. It allows you to connect multiple PCs, web phones, cameras, and various audio / video networks in your home with a single LAN network, and you can control your home electronics with a single remote control. The present invention provides a arc control device and a method thereof.

Therefore, the core part of the present invention has the necessary elements to overcome the problems of the existing technology has implemented a virtual processing layer on top of each network processing. This is called a virtual layer. The technology was then applied to a device called a home server. In the virtual layer unit, the data processing unit, data mapping unit, data interworking unit, home network communication unit, and internet communication unit are divided into five processing parts. The virtual layer communicates with each network in the home (control, data network), maps the data of each network into the data of the virtual layer, and uses these data to interwork between devices. It not only performs a function of communicating with and interworking with other home servers on the Internet, but also provides a function of controlling and monitoring from anywhere on the Internet or a network in a home.

In addition, three networks related to home networking (control network, data network, entertainment network) can be linked through a single server, enabling the construction of LAN environment using telephone line anywhere in home or office, and in home or office environment. It can be controlled through the internet environment through wired / wireless and can provide an integrated network environment that can be linked with various entertainment devices.

1 is a block diagram of a connection device between a data network and a control network according to the prior art,

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for connecting a control network and an Internet line according to the prior art;

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of connecting a data network and an Internet line according to the prior art;

4 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling a call through the Internet according to the present invention;

5 is a detailed configuration diagram of the virtual layer unit in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a coupling diagram of the one-pulse generator connected to the CPU in FIG. 5.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling extinguishment over the Internet according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the first step in FIG. 7 in detail;

9 is a flowchart illustrating a second step in detail in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a third step in detail in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth step in detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of software to which FIGS. 7 to 11 are applied.

13 to 18 are diagrams showing an example of a system to which the present invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: virtual layer unit 11: data processing unit

12: data interlocking unit 13: data mapping unit

14: lower network communication unit 15: Internet communication unit

21: application connection 22: control network

23: data network 24: the Internet

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment according to the present invention, the technical control of the SOHO control device and the method through the Internet as follows.

4 is a block diagram of an apparatus for controlling a call through the Internet according to the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, in an Internet system having a control network 22, a data network 23, and the Internet 24, data transmitted from the control network 22 and the data network 23 is transmitted to an application program. An application program connection unit (21) for providing data to the control network (22) and the data network (23) provided or provided by an application program; It is connected to the application program connection unit 21, and communicates with the control network 22 and the data network 23, mapping the data of each network 22 (23) to data, the mapped data Performs the interworking function between each device by using, communicates with and interworks with other home servers on the Internet 24, and controls and monitors anywhere on the Internet 24 and each network 22, 23. It is configured to include a virtual layer unit 10 to be performed.

The application program connection unit 21 includes: an application program interface function unit performing a function shown to an actual application program; A function analyzer for analyzing what function is called and what the parameter is when a function is called in the application program; An error processing unit for processing an error occurring during a function analysis or connection with another module after the function analysis in the function analysis unit and informing the application program thereof; And an external connection unit connected to the data interlocking unit 12 and the data mapping unit 13 to perform data acquisition and data transmission.

In the above, the virtual layer unit 10 interfaces with the application program connecting unit 21 to allow the application program connecting unit 21 to access data of the control network 22 and the data network 23, and general A data processor 11 for processing data, control data, data of a device connected to a lower network, and data of another RG (Reservation Gateway) connected on the Internet 24; Process the data obtained from the control network 22 and the data network 23, which is a lower network, to interwork with the data obtained from each device, and the data interworking to process the periodic task and a specific event occurs Part 12; A data mapping unit (13) for processing the data of the lower network (22) (23) to be mapped in a unified format; A lower network communication unit 14 which communicates with the lower network 22 and 23 and determines which network data is integrated and managed, and transmits and receives data with the lower network 22 and 23; And an internet communication unit 15 that communicates with other RGs connected to the Internet 24 to perform data transmission and reception through the Internet 24.

The data interlocking unit 12 includes an interlocking information storage unit for storing data necessary for the module to work; An interlocking management unit configured to operate according to a state set in the information using the interlocking information stored in the interlocking information storage unit; A data processor for integrally managing the data of the control network 22 and the data of the data network 23, the data of the lower networks 22, 23; And an error checking unit for performing error checking of information required for interworking received from the application program and error checking of integrated data required for interworking.

The data mapping section 13 includes: a mapping information storage section for storing information mapping data of the lower network 22 and 23 into integrated data; An information analysis unit for converting data between the lower network (22) and the integrated data using the mapping information stored in the mapping information storage unit; And an error checker that checks an error of the mapping information analyzed by the information analysis unit or an error of data or integrated data of the lower network 22 or 23 not included in the mapping information.

In the above, the data mapping unit 13 includes an ID for identifying the data, a brief description in text that can be recognized by the user, a pointer for indicating the content and data for determining which data belongs to the network, and the corresponding data. Has an item for determining whether is data of another RG connected to the Internet.

The lower network communication unit 14 includes: a control network processing unit which is connected to the control network 22 and communicates with the control network 22; A data network processing unit which is connected to the data network 23 and communicates with the data network 23; And a service processor for transmitting and receiving the information required by the data mapping unit 13 to the corresponding network 22 and 23.

The Internet communication unit 15, the service processing unit for transmitting and receiving the information required by the data mapping unit 13 by transmitting and receiving with other equipment connected to the Internet (24); And an Internet processor for connecting to the Internet 24 and communicating with the network.

FIG. 5 is a detailed configuration diagram of the virtual layer unit in FIG. 4.

As shown therein, main circuits 31 to 42 which perform functions of managing and controlling data from lower network 22 and 23; A LonWorks unit 43 connected to the main circuit units 31 to 42 and performing control and monitoring of a home server using a standard protocol; A Home Phone-line Networking Alliance (44P) unit 44 connected to the main circuits 31 to 42 and connecting a plurality of devices in a home to one Internet through one external Internet line; An IrDA (Infrared Data Association) unit 45 is connected to the main circuit units 31 to 42 and performs control of a plurality of devices anywhere in the home.

The main circuit unit 31 to 42 includes a CPU unit 31 for controlling the operation of the virtual layer unit 10; A clock unit 32 for supplying a clock to the CPU unit 31; An Ethernet communication unit 33 under the control of the CPU unit 31 and communicating with the Internet via a LAN; A first serial communication unit (34) which is controlled by the CPU unit (31) and communicates with a console which performs state check and parameter setting; A parallel communication unit 36 controlled by the CPU unit 31 and performing parallel communication; A second serial communication unit 37 under the control of the CPU unit 31 and performing serial communication; A PCI interface unit 38 which is controlled by the CPU unit 31 and performs a PCI interface; An address decoding unit 39 which is controlled by the CPU unit 31 and performs address decoding; A VME or I / O connector unit 40 connected to the address decoding unit 39 and performing VME or I / O connection; The LonWorks unit 43 is connected to the parallel communication unit 36, the second serial communication unit 37, the PCI interface unit 38, and the VME or I / O connector unit 40 to select an interface. A plurality of interface selectors 41 for connecting to the HomePNA unit 44 and the IrDA unit 45, respectively; It includes a power supply unit 42 for supplying power to the virtual layer unit 10.

FIG. 6 is a coupling diagram of the one-pulse generator connected to the CPU in FIG. 5.

As shown in the figure, the CPU unit 31 further includes a one-pulse generator 46 informing that the I / O card is installed by requesting an interrupt.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling call over the Internet according to the present invention.

As shown therein, a first step ST11 for initializing the virtual layer unit 10; After the first step, if information on the device connected to the lower network 22 or 23 is requested, the mapping information is searched with the data of the control network 22, the information of the device connected to the corresponding network is obtained, and transmitted to the application program. A second step ST12 (ST13); A third step (ST14) (ST15) of analyzing the received message to change the mapping information and performing a report when the information is received from the lower network (22) (23) after the second step; If it is determined that the interworking is necessary after the third step, a fourth step (ST16) (ST17) of performing interworking by periodic work, external event, integrated management is performed.

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart illustrating the first step in FIG. 7.

As shown therein, a step of checking whether communication with the external Internet 24 is possible while starting up the Internet communication unit 15 (ST21); After the inspection, the lower network communication unit 14 is started to check what network is connected to the lower network 22 and 23, and to set an environment that can communicate with each connected network (ST22) (ST23). )Wow; After setting the environment, start the data mapping unit 13 to obtain mapping information data, and obtain the information of the lower networks 22 and 23 from the lower network communication unit 14, and operate the mapping information using the obtained information. Newly building step (ST24 to ST26); Starting the data interlocking unit 12 after the construction to obtain interlocking information data, checking whether the acquired interlocking data is abnormal, and performing environment setting for each interlocking operation (ST27) (ST28); After the environment setting for the interworking is performed, starting the application program connection unit 21 to complete the initialization (ST29).

FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of a second step in FIG. 7.

As shown therein, determining whether an application program wants to obtain a state of a device connected to the control network 22 (ST31); Requesting the state of the device, analyzing the requested content from the application program connection unit 21 and transmitting the requested content to the data mapping unit 13 (ST32); The data mapping unit (13) retrieves mapping information to obtain information and data of the lower network (22) (23) that has been mapped and transmits it to the lower network communication unit (ST34); The lower network communication unit 14 generating a message by analyzing the transmitted content, transmitting an information request message to the corresponding device, receiving a response, and determining whether there is a content to be modified (ST35 to ST37); If there is the content to be corrected, after modifying the mapping information, the application program connection unit 21 includes a step (ST38) (ST39) of returning in response to the interface.

FIG. 10 is a detailed flowchart of the third step in FIG. 7.

As shown therein, a step (ST41) of determining whether information is transmitted in the lower network (22) (23); If the information has been transmitted, causing the lower network communication unit (14) to monitor a message transmitted from the lower network (22) (23) to determine whether a message has been received (ST42) (ST43); If the message is received, analyzing the message to determine whether data change is necessary (ST44) (ST45); If it is necessary to change the data, the data mapping section 13 changes the mapping information and determines whether there is data to be reported (ST46) (ST47); If there is data to be reported, reporting the data from the application program connection unit 21 to the application program, and determining whether interworking is necessary (ST48) (ST49); If the interworking is required, the data interlocking unit 12 performs a data interlocking operation (ST50).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth step in detail of FIG. 7.

As shown therein, storing information on data interworking and then determining whether data interworking information is required by an application program (ST51) (ST52); If the interlocking information is requested, analyzing the requested interlocking information to determine whether the content of the interlocking information is correct, transmitting the processing result to the application program connection unit 21, and determining which interlocking operation is required (ST55). Wow; If the interlocking operation is a periodic task, it generates the necessary data by checking the corresponding time, obtains the information and actual data of the lower network 22 (23) 23 from the mapping information with the generated data and constructs a message of each network. Transmitting steps ST56 to ST58; If the interlocking operation is an external event, the data received from the lower network 22 or 23 is analyzed to determine whether event processing is required, and when event processing is required, data for event execution is configured, and then the data mapping unit is used. Transmitting to step 13 (ST59 to ST62); If the interlocking operation is integrated management, analyzing the data received from the lower network 22, 23, and then obtaining necessary data and transmitting the data (ST63 ~ ST65).

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the operation of the SOHO control apparatus and the method according to the present invention configured as described above in detail as follows.

First, automation in the home is different from office automation for streamlining corporate work by connecting the equipment connected to the computers in the existing office to the network, so that all the equipment in the home such as home appliances, other security, lighting, etc. can be used efficiently and conveniently. To satisfy the entertainment aspect.

So home automation is basically managed by centralized equipment, which must be connected and communicated with the outside Internet.

The home server performs the functions of the basic central control and service provider of home automation.

In addition, the home server manages the network configuration and control and monitoring of the equipment in the home, and serves as a connection path between the home network (control network, data network) and the external network (internet). In other words, it not only facilitates data transmission and reception between the network operated in the home and the separate networks connected worldwide, but also manages the necessary services in the home network and the Internet, and the network in the home is virtually part of the Internet. To be mapped. This goes beyond the concept of cyber apartments, where you can install private lines, ADSL, cable modems, etc. in your home, allowing you to control your own home or office remotely, as well as the current state of your home or office. Temperature, fire, intrusion, door opening and closing, gas valve status, etc.) can be monitored in real time. Such control and monitoring include various white goods. Since the control network 22 is a communication using a power line provided in a home or office, it is free to move, add, and change without the need for a separate piping / wiring. The communication protocol using this power line is LonWorks (Local Operation Network), which is becoming an industrial standard for automatic control around the world.

In addition, it is possible to establish a LAN environment in which multiple PCs, Internet phones, and web cameras in the home can all be connected to the Internet through the connection of one external Internet 24 line. Since a general telephone line is used for the construction of such a home LAN environment, no plumbing and wiring work is required according to the network construction, and the addition and movement of equipment is free. It is a technology that integrates general data and equipments that require multimedia data (Audio / Video Data). As a protocol, HomePNA (Home Phone-line NetworkingAlliance) is used, and the network is used to integrate and manage the network.

According to the conventional technology, only the technology of configuring HomePNA alone in the home for LonWorks or the data network for accessing the control network and accessing the Internet exists, and there is no technology for accessing the Internet by integrating it. Therefore, the core of the present invention is to manage LonWorks, which is a network for control and monitoring, and HomePNA for data network configuration, and to connect and map it to the Internet.

The present invention also performs an integrated remote control function in a home or an office, which can control all the devices with one remote controller, unlike a method of controlling various home appliances or lighting, temperature, and all controls with a separate remote controller.

In addition, the present invention relates to the technology required for the automation of the home and the Internet access, in particular to control and monitor the home appliances and to configure the computer-related equipment as a network, to efficiently map it to the Internet and to manage the equipment in the home on the Internet . Therefore, it is currently developed for home automation, but it can be applied to building automation and even intelligent building. In other words, if the equipment is installed in each office in the building, the equipment for managing the building corresponds to home appliances in the home, and the office equipment can be applied to the computer-related equipment in the home, thereby forming an intelligent building.

In FIG. 4, the present invention includes an application program connection unit 21 and a virtual layer unit 10. The control network 22, the data network 23, and the Internet 24 are connected thereto.

The application program connection unit 21 provides data transmitted from the control network 22 and the data network 23 to the application program or receives data provided from the application program and provides the data to the control network 22 and the data network 23. . That is, the data received from the lower network is provided to the application program or the data received from the application program is delivered to the lower network. The upper application program must use a processing unit to access data of the lower network. For this purpose, the processing unit provides an application program interface.

The application program connection unit 21 performs an application program interface function function, a function analysis function, an error processing function, and an external access function.

Application program interface functions are shown to the actual application program, which is composed of a set of functions.

In the function analysis function, when a function is called from an application program, it analyzes which function is called and what the parameters are.

The error handling function analyzes a function and handles an error or an error occurring while connecting to another module and notifies the application to it.

The external access function connects the data interlocking unit and the data mapping unit to perform a desired task (data acquisition, data transmission).

In addition, the virtual layer unit 10 is connected to the application program connection unit 21, and communicates with the control network 22 and the data network 23, mapping the data of each network 22 (23) as data (Mapping) And perform interworking functions between the devices using the mapped data, and communicate with and interwork with other home servers on the Internet 24, wherever on the Internet 24 and each network 22, 23 Also allows control and monitoring to be performed.

The data interlocking unit 12 performs a process for interworking data obtained from a lower network. In addition, it manages the data obtained from each device and handles it periodically and when a specific event occurs.

The data interlocking unit performs the interlocking information function, the interlocking management function, the data processing function, and the error checking function for each block.

Interlocking information is a repository that stores data necessary for the module to work.

The interlocking management may operate according to the state set in the information by using the interlocking information.

The data processing performs the integrated management of the data (control network data, data network data, etc.) of the underlying network.

Error checking performs error checking of information necessary for interworking received from an application program and error checking of integrated data required for interworking.

The data mapping unit 13 performs a process of processing the data of the lower network in different formats for each network, and mapping these different data into a single unified format. It has its own attributes, which have an ID to identify the data, a brief description of the text that the user can recognize, a content to identify which network belongs to, and a pointer to the data. It also has an item for determining whether the data is data of another RG connected to the Internet.

The data mapping unit 13 includes a block that performs mapping information function, information analysis function, and error checking function.

The mapping information is a storage for storing information that maps to lower network data (control network data, data network data) and integrated data.

The information analysis uses the mapping information to perform the conversion between the lower network data and the integrated data.

Error checking checks the network information or integrated data which is not included in the mapping information or errors in the mapping information.

The lower network communication unit 14 performs a task of directly communicating with the lower network. It determines which network data is integrated and managed, and plays the role of transmitting / receiving data with the underlying network.

The lower network communication unit 14 includes a block for performing a control network processing function, a data network processing function, and a service processing function.

The control network process connects to the control network and performs communication with the network.

The data network processing connects to the data network and communicates with the network.

The service processing performs a process of processing a service for transmitting / receiving necessary information from an upper module (data mapping unit) to a corresponding network.

The internet communication unit 15 communicates with other RGs connected to the Internet. It is similar to the lower communication network communication unit and performs a task of only transmitting / receiving data through the Internet.

The internet communication unit 15 includes a block for performing a service processing function and an internet processing function.

The service processing performs a task of processing a service for transmitting / receiving information required by an upper module (data mapping unit) to other equipment connected to the Internet.

Internet processing connects to the Internet and performs communication with the network.

5 and 6, the virtual layer unit 10 includes a main circuit unit 31 to 42, a LonWorks unit 43, a home phone-line networking alliance unit 44, an infrared data association (IrDA) unit ( 45).

The main circuits 31 to 42 are composed of a CPU, a memory (Flash Memory, SRAM, DRAM, etc.), a clock, an interrupt controller, an I / O device, and the like to decode and perform data management and control from a lower layer. .

The LonWorks unit 43 controls and monitors white appliances, other sensors, boilers, lights, and other devices used in homes and offices using one standard protocol (LonTalk).

The HomePNA unit 44 connects a plurality of PCs, Internet phones, web cameras, etc. in a home to one Internet through one external Internet line.

The IrDA unit 45 controls a plurality of devices anywhere in the home.

In addition, the Ethernet communication unit 33 in the main circuit unit communicates with devices (ADSL, cable modem, etc.) for connecting to the Internet, or enables device setting and debugging through connection with a PC. The console can check the status of R.G equipment or set parameters.

All of the home servers in the R.G (Reservation Gateway) have the plug-in play function of the I / O device, and all the devices on the LonNetwork perform the above functions based on the LonTalk protocol.

Within R.G, if each I / O device is connected by PCI interface, it performs the above function similarly to the PnP function of PC. In addition, if the card is connected to a specific terminal of each I / O card when it is connected through a VME or general I / O connector, it is connected by adding a One-Pulse generator circuit that is kept high for a certain period of time at the same time as it is At the same time, it requests an interrupt to RG, which is a home server, to notify the presence of the card. If not connected, it is recognized as high. In the case of a pulse input, an interrupt is requested in R.G to indicate that an I / O card is installed. In the case of a card connected to other communication ports, data request is made two or three times, and if there is no response, it recognizes that there is no I / O card.

7 to 11 are flowcharts illustrating a method according to the present invention.

Thus, in the first step, the virtual layer unit 10 is initialized. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8 as follows.

While starting the Internet communication unit 15, it is checked whether communication with the external Internet 24 is possible. After the test, the lower network communication unit 14 is started to check what network is connected to the lower network 22 and 23, and to set an environment in which the connected network can communicate with each other.

After setting the environment, the data mapping unit 13 is started to obtain mapping information data, the lower network communication unit 14 obtains the information of the lower networks 22 and 23, and newly constructed with the mapping information that can be operated using the obtained information. do.

After construction, the data interlocking unit 12 is started to acquire the interlocking information data, the acquired interlocking data is checked for abnormality, and the environment setting for each interlocking operation is performed.

After setting the environment for interworking, the application program connection unit 21 is started to complete the initialization.

In addition, in the second step, if information on the device connected to the lower network 22 or 23 is requested after the first step, the mapping information is searched with the data of the control network 22, and the information of the device connected to the corresponding network is acquired and applied. Will be sent to the program. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

It is determined whether the application wants to obtain a state of a device connected to the control network 22. Thus, if the user wants to obtain a state, the device requests a state of the device and then analyzes the requested content in the application program connection unit 21 and transmits the data to the data mapping unit 13.

The data mapping unit 13 retrieves the mapping information, obtains information and data of the lower network 22, 23 which has been mapped, and transmits the information to the lower network communication unit 14.

The lower network communication unit 14 analyzes the transmitted content, generates a message, transmits an information request message to the corresponding device, receives a response, and determines whether there is a content to modify.

Thus, if there is a content to be corrected, after modifying the mapping information, the application program connection unit 21 returns the response of the interface.

In addition, in the third step, when the information is received from the lower network 22 (23), the received message is analyzed to change the mapping information and report. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10.

It is determined whether the information has been transmitted in the lower network (22) (23). Thus, if the information has been transmitted, the lower network communication unit 14 monitors the message transmitted from the lower network 22 (23) to determine if the message has been received.

Once the message has been received, it is analyzed to determine if data change is required.

If data change is necessary, the data mapping section 13 changes the mapping information and determines whether there is data to be reported.

If there is data to be reported, the application program connection unit 21 reports the data to the application program and determines whether interworking is necessary.

If interlocking is required, the data interlocking unit 12 performs a data interlocking task.

In the fourth step, if it is determined that the interworking is necessary, the interworking work is performed by periodic work, external events, and integrated management. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11.

After storing information about data interlocking, it is determined whether data interlocking information is required by an application program.

When requesting the interlocking information, the requested interlocking information is analyzed to determine whether the contents of the interlocking information are correct and stored, transmits the processing result to the application program connection unit 21, and determines which interlocking work is required.

If the interlocking task is a periodic task, it generates the necessary data by checking the corresponding time, obtains the information of the lower networks 22 and 23 and the actual data from the mapping information with the generated data, composes a message of each network, and transmits it. .

If the interlocking operation is an external event, the data received from the lower network 22 or 23 is analyzed to determine whether event processing is required, and if event processing is required, data for event execution is configured, and then the data is mapped to the data mapping unit 13. To send).

If the interlocking operation is integrated management, the data received from the lower network 22, 23 is analyzed, and then necessary data is acquired and data is transmitted.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a software block to which FIGS. 7 to 11 are applied, and schematically illustrates a relationship between a virtual layer and components linked thereto.

Thus, the application does not need to know what it is doing in the virtual layer, nor can it directly access it, but only through the application interface (API). This eliminates the need for the user to consider data, communications and devices in the underlying network. In other words, the user can only view this network as a virtual network even if a plurality of networks are connected to the bottom. This is seen as devices connected to the same network, even devices connected to each network.

The operation of the virtual layer is that if the first application wants to get the information of the device connected to the underlying network, if it receives the information sent from the device connected to the second subnet, the third device connected to each network or the Internet When interworking with other devices, it can be classified into three types.

(1) When an application wants to get information about a device connected to a subnetwork.

If the application wants to get the status of the device connected to the control network 22, it will request that it want to get the status of the device through the interface (API). After the application program connection unit 21 of the virtual layer unit 10 analyzes the contents of the interface, it knows which device of the control network 22 wants to obtain.

The analyzed contents are transferred to the data mapping unit 13, and the data mapping unit 13 maps the contents received from the application connection unit 21 to the data of the control network 22 from the data managed by the application mapping unit 21. After retrieving the information, information and data of the mapped lower network 22 and 23 are obtained and the contents thereof are passed to the lower network communication unit 14. The lower network communication unit 14 analyzes what the data is for by looking at the network information and data received from the data mapping unit 13, determines that the request is for status information of a device connected to the corresponding network, and generates a message accordingly. It sends an information request message to a device connected to the network and waits for a response from the device.

The device that has received such a message knows it as a message for requesting its own status information and responds with a request for a response message. The lower network communication unit 14 waiting to receive the response analyzes the message and passes the status information data to the data mapping unit 13. The data mapping unit 13 sees this data and corrects it if there is a content to modify the mapping information. Otherwise, the data mapping unit 13 passes this data to the application program connection unit. The application program connection returns this data in response to the interface.

(2) When the device sent information connected to the lower network is received.

Devices connected to the underlying network report their status (on / off, power usage data, gas leaks) or send data. The lower network communication unit 14 constantly monitors messages received from the lower network.

If a message is received in the lower network, the message is analyzed, the data in the message is obtained, and the data is passed to the data mapping unit 13.

The data mapping unit 13 performs a change operation when this data needs to change its mapping information. The data is then transmitted to the application program connection unit 21 and the data linking unit 12 again. The application program connection unit 21 determines whether or not this data is to be reported to the application program (in case of gas leakage, external intrusion), and reports it if it is data to be reported. Otherwise it does nothing.

Reporting is also handled through the application program interface. The data interlocking unit 12 determines whether or not interlocking is necessary by using the interlocking information managed by the data interlocking unit 13 based on the data received from the data mapping unit 13. If interworking is not required, the work is terminated, and interworking is performed.

(3) When interworking between devices connected to each network or other devices connected to the Internet.

The information necessary for interworking should basically be set by the user except for the contents to be processed. This is also done via the application program interface. The data interlocking unit 12 stores the information about the information in its storage space. Its information must be maintained at all times, except from external factors (user requests, reinstallation).

When the application program requests data interworking information through an interface, the application program connecting unit 21 passes the analysis interworking information to the data interworking unit 12. The data interlocking unit 12 receives the data and analyzes whether there is a conflict with other interlocking or correct contents of the interlocking information, and stores the data interlocking unit 12 in its own storage and informs the application program connection unit 21 of the processing result. If an error occurs, the error information is passed to the application.

If the data interlocking unit 12 has interlocking information, the interlocking operation is performed. Interlocking information includes periodic work (time, day, weekly), external events (external intrusion, fire), integrated management (indoor temperature management, power management).

In the case of the periodic work, the data interlocking unit 12 checks the corresponding time, generates data necessary for this, and then passes the data to the data mapping unit 13. The data mapping unit 13 sees the corresponding data, obtains lower network information and actual data from its mapping information, and passes it to each lower network communication unit 14. The lower network communication unit 14 configures this as a message of each network and transmits it.

In the case of an external event, when data (received from the data mapping unit) received from the lower network 22 (23) needs to be analyzed and event processing received therefrom, the data mapping unit 13 is configured to perform the event. Will be passed).

Even in the case of integrated management, the data does not handle the event, but only for management and performs the same task.

13 to 18 are diagrams showing an example of a system to which the present invention is applied.

As described above, the present invention can control and monitor various sensors, actuators, etc., including home appliances, via white / wireless internet network, and can be monitored by several PCs, web phones, cameras, and various audio / videos in the home. It allows you to connect a network, etc. into a single LAN network, and controls a home electronic device with a single remote control.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention may use various changes, modifications, and equivalents. It is clear that the present invention can be applied in the same manner by appropriately modifying the embodiments. Accordingly, the above description does not limit the scope of the invention as defined by the limitations of the following claims.

As described above, the SOHO control device and method through the Internet according to the present invention can control and monitor various sensors, actuators, etc., including home appliances in the home through wired / wireless Internet network. In addition, it is possible to connect several PCs, web phones, cameras, various audio / video networks, etc. in the home using a single LAN network, and to control electronic devices in the home with a single remote control.

In addition, there are many devices in the home, such as general home appliances, security devices, and computer-related devices. They need devices that need control, and there is a desire to share resources (files, printers, AV devices) that each device has. And with the spread of the Internet and the development of communication technologies, these devices tend to connect to the Internet, and these technologies exist. By connecting to the Internet, the devices to be controlled can be controlled from anywhere connected from the external Internet, and, conversely, can acquire resources (music / video files) scattered on the Internet in the home. However, devices to share resources with devices that require control differ in how they form a physical network and communication protocols. For this reason, most of these companies (home appliances, computer manufacturers, network operators) recognize each as a separate concept and have developed only technology for accessing the external Internet.

The present invention is a technique for integrating such a separate technology, it is possible to facilitate the interworking between the control network and the data network, interworking between different control networks. Therefore, when using the present invention, it is not necessary to install equipment for connecting networks in the home (control network, data network) to the external Internet for each network, and in the related art, for interworking between devices connected to each network. There is a need for a separate additional technique, which eliminates the need for a separate technique. In addition, the present invention can be seen in terms of cost savings. Furthermore, the present invention has an effect that can be applied to a general office building.

Claims (16)

In the Internet system having a control network, a data network and the Internet, An application program access unit providing data transmitted from the control network and the data network to an application program or receiving data provided from the application program and providing the data to the control network and the data network; It is connected to the application program connection unit, and communicates with the control network and the data network, maps the data of each network as data, performs the interworking function between each device using the mapped data, and with other home server on the Internet And a virtual layer unit configured to perform a function of communicating and interworking and allowing control and monitoring to be performed anywhere on the Internet and each network. The method of claim 1, wherein the application program connection unit, An application program interface unit which performs a function shown to an actual application program; A function analyzer for analyzing what function is called and what the parameter is when a function is called in the application program; An error processing unit for processing an error occurring during a function or connection with another module after the function analysis in the function analysis unit and informing the application program thereof; And an external connection unit configured to access the data interlocking unit and the data mapping unit to perform data acquisition and data transmission. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual layer unit, Interface with the application program access unit so that the application program access unit can access the data of the control network and the data network, the general data and control data and the data of the device connected to the lower network and other RG connected on the Internet. A data processor for processing data; A data interworking unit for processing the data obtained from the control network and the data network, which are the lower networks, interworking the data obtained from each device, and processing the periodic work and the specific event when they occur; A data mapping unit for processing data of the lower network to be mapped in a unified format; A lower network communication unit which communicates with the lower network, determines which network data is integrated and managed, and transmits and receives data with the lower network; And an Internet communication unit configured to perform communication with another RG connected to the Internet to perform data transmission and reception through the Internet. The method of claim 3, wherein the data interlocking unit, An interworking information storage unit for storing data necessary for the module to work; An interlocking management unit configured to operate according to a state set in the information using the interlocking information stored in the interlocking information storage unit; A data processing unit for integrally managing data of the control network and data network data, which are data of the lower network; And an error checker configured to perform an error check of the information necessary for the linkage and the integrated data required for the linkage received from the application program. The method of claim 3, wherein the data mapping unit, A mapping information storage unit for storing information mapping the data of the lower network into integrated data; An information analysis unit which converts the lower network data and the integrated data using the mapping information stored in the mapping information storage unit; And an error checking unit for checking an error of the mapping information analyzed by the information analysis unit or an error of the integrated network or the data of the lower network not included in the mapping information. The method of claim 3, wherein the data mapping unit, ID to determine the data, a brief description of the text that the user can recognize, the contents to determine which network belong to, a pointer to the data, and whether the data is from another RG connected to the Internet. An arc control apparatus via the Internet, comprising an item for discriminating. The method of claim 3, wherein the lower network communication unit, A control network processing unit connected to the control network and communicating with the control network; A data network processor for connecting to the data network and communicating with the data network; And a service processor for transmitting and receiving the information required by the data mapping unit to a corresponding network. The method of claim 3, wherein the Internet communication unit, A service processor that transmits / receives information required by the data mapping unit by transmitting and receiving with other equipment connected to the Internet; An apparatus for controlling arcing through the Internet, characterized in that it comprises an Internet processing unit for communicating with the network in connection with the Internet. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual layer unit, A main circuit unit which performs a function of managing and controlling data from a lower network; A LonWorks unit connected to the main circuit unit and configured to control and monitor a home server using a standard protocol; A HomePNA unit connected to the main circuit unit and connecting a plurality of devices in a home to one Internet through one external Internet line; And an IrDA unit connected to the main circuit unit and configured to control a plurality of devices anywhere in the home. The method of claim 9, wherein the main circuit unit, A CPU unit controlling an operation of the virtual layer unit; A clock unit which supplies a clock to the CPU unit; An Ethernet communication unit under control of the CPU unit and communicating with the Internet through a LAN; A first serial communication unit under control of the CPU unit and in communication with a console which performs a state check and a parameter setting; A parallel communication unit under control of the CPU unit and performing parallel communication; A second serial communication unit under control of the CPU unit and performing serial communication; A PCI interface unit under control of the CPU unit and performing a PCI interface; An address decoding unit under control of the CPU unit and performing address decoding; A VME or I / O connector unit connected to the address decoding unit and performing VME or I / O connection; A plurality of interfaces connected to the parallel communication unit, the second serial communication unit, the PCI interface unit, the VME or the I / O connector unit to select an interface, and the LonWorks unit, the HomePNA unit, and the IrDA unit, respectively; A selection unit; An arc control apparatus via the Internet, characterized in that it comprises a power supply for supplying power to the virtual layer. The method of claim 10, wherein the main circuit unit, And a one-pulse generator for requesting an interrupt to the CPU unit to inform that the I / O card is mounted. A first step of initializing the virtual layer unit; Requesting information about a device connected to a lower network after the first step, searching for mapping information with data of a control network, acquiring information of a device connected to the corresponding network, and transmitting the mapping information to an application program; A third step of changing the mapping information and reporting by analyzing the received message when the information is received from the lower network after the second step; If it is determined that the interworking is necessary after the third step, the method of controlling the SOHO through the Internet, comprising the fourth step of performing the interlocking work by periodic work, external event, integrated management. The method of claim 12, wherein the first step, Checking whether communication with the outside Internet is possible while starting up the Internet communication unit; Starting the lower network communication unit after the inspection to inspect what network is connected to the lower network, and setting an environment in which the connected network can communicate with each other; Starting up the data mapping unit after setting the environment to obtain mapping information data, obtaining information of the lower network from the lower network communication unit, and newly constructing the mapping information into operable mapping information using the obtained information; Starting the data interlocking unit after the construction to obtain interlocking information data, checking whether there is an abnormality of the acquired interlocking data, and setting an environment for each interlocking operation; And starting the application program access unit after setting the environment for the interworking to complete the initialization. The method of claim 12, wherein the second step, Determining whether an application program wants to obtain a state of a device connected to the control network; Requesting the state of the device, analyzing the content requested by the application program access unit, and transmitting the requested content to the data mapping unit; The data mapping unit searching for mapping information to obtain information and data of the mapped lower network, and transmitting the mapping information to the lower network communication unit; Analyzing, by the lower network communication unit, generating a message by transmitting the information, transmitting an information request message to the corresponding device, receiving a response, and determining whether there is content to be modified; And modifying the mapping information, if there is the content to be modified, and then returning the application program connection unit as a response of the interface. The method of claim 12, wherein the third step, Determining whether information has been transmitted in the lower network; If the information has been transmitted, monitoring a message transmitted from the lower network by the lower network communication unit to determine whether a message has been received; If the message is received, analyzing the message to determine whether data change is necessary; If the data change is necessary, changing the mapping information in the data mapping unit and determining whether there is data to be reported; If there is data to be reported, reporting data from an application program access unit to an application program and determining whether interworking is necessary; If the interworking is required, the data interlocking control method comprising the step of performing a data interlocking operation, characterized in that performed over the Internet. The method of claim 12, wherein the fourth step, Storing information on data interworking and determining whether an application program requires data interworking information; Analyzing the requested interlocking information, determining whether the contents of the interlocking information are correct, transmitting the processing result to an application program connection unit, and determining which interlocking work is required; If the interworking task is a periodic task, generating necessary data by checking a corresponding time, obtaining information and actual data of the lower network from mapping information, and constructing and transmitting a message of each network; If the interworking operation is an external event, analyzing the data transmitted from the lower network to determine whether event processing is required, and if event processing is required, constructing data for performing an event and then transmitting the data to a data mapping unit; If the interlocking operation is integrated management, analyzing the data received from the lower network, and then obtaining the necessary data and transmitting the data.