System and method for providing communication service

• US 20030172136A1
• Filed: 08/06/2002
• Published: 09/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/07/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Katagawa, Hiromi, Kudo, Nobuyuki, Haraguchi, Masahiko
• Application Number:
  US10/213,888
• Publication Number:
  US 20030172136A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/220
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/547 Remote procedure calls [RPC]; Web services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2809 indicating that an appliance service is present in a home automation network monitoring functionality H04L43/0817; discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services, H04L67/51
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2814 Exchanging control software or macros for controlling appliance services in a home automation network arrangements for maintenance or administration involving configuration of the network and network elements H04L41/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2845 Telephone line
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2849 Audio/video appliances

Abstract

A network server determines a certain procedure to be executed by household device based on data received from a user terminal, and transmits data for making the household device execute the procedure to the household device by way of data communication through the Internet. Data from the user terminal, which the network server receives for determination of the procedure, represents a data used by the network server for selection of one or more of prescribed procedures to be executed by the household device among a plurality of them stored in the network server. A third party service provider is able to reduce investment on device in establishing a communication network by synergistic use of a home network owned by the homeowner covenanter, which enables it to provide the services extremely inexpensively.

Claims

1. A method of providing communication services, comprising the steps of:

allowing a first data processor to determine a first procedure to be executed by a second data processor based on data received from a third data processor via a first network; and

allowing the first data processor to transmit, to the second data processor via the first network, first data for making the second data processor execute the determined first procedure.

2. The method as recited in claim 1,

wherein the first data processor stores a plurality of procedures to be executed by the second data processor, and

wherein said step of allowing the first data processor to determine the first procedure includes the step of allowing the first data processor to select the first procedure among the plurality of procedures based on the data received from the third data processor.

3. The method as recited in claim 1,

wherein the determined first procedure includes a second procedure to be executed by a fourth data processor, and

wherein the first data includes second data for making the fourth data processor execute the second procedure,

said method further comprising the step of:

allowing the second data processor to transmit the second data to the fourth data processor via a second network.

4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the second procedure includes a procedure for requesting transmission of third data stored in one of the second data processor and the fourth data processor to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

allowing the first data processor to receive the third data; and

allowing the first data processor to convert and process the received third data according to a predetermined procedure.

6. The method as recited in claim 5,

wherein the data received by the first data processor from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the third data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein said step of allowing the first data processor to convert and process the received third data includes the step of making the third data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

7. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the fourth data processor to execute the second procedure and a program for executing the second procedure.

8. The method as recited in claim 7,

wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure,

said method further comprising the step of:

allowing the first data processor to transmit the at least one of the data and the program to the fourth data processor after said step of allowing the first data processor to determine the first procedure based on the received data.

9. The method as recited in claim 3, further comprising the step of:

providing services performed with using the third data processor by communication between the first data processor and the second data processor, and by data communication between the second data processor and the fourth data processor via the second network.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first procedure includes a procedure of directing transmission of fourth data stored in the second data processor from the second data processor to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

11. The method as recited in claim 10 further comprising the steps of:

allowing the first data processor to receive the fourth data; and

allowing the first data processor to convert and process the received fourth data according to a predetermined procedure.

12. The method as recited in claim 11,

wherein the data received by the first data processor from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the fourth data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein said step of allowing the first data processor to convert and process the received first data includes the step of making the fourth data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

13. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the second data processor to execute the first procedure and a program for executing the first procedure.

14. The method as recited in claim 13,

wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure,

said method further comprising the step of:

allowing the first data processor to transmit the at least one of the data and the program to the second data processor after said step of allowing the first data processor to determine the first procedure based on the received data.

15. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

counting a number of data packets passing through the first data processor; and

using the counted number for traffic control and billing.

16. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the second data processor and the third data processor are the same equipment.

17. A program for making a computer execute a method of providing communication services, said method comprising the steps of:

allowing a first data processor to determine a first procedure to be executed by a second data processor based on data received from a third data processor via a first network; and

allowing the first data processor to transmit, to the second data processor via the first network, first data for making the second data processor execute the determined first procedure.

18. A recording medium string a program for making a computer execute a method of providing communication services, said method comprising the steps of:

allowing a first data processor to determine a first procedure to be executed by a second data processor based on data received from a third data processor via a first network; and

allowing the first data processor to transmit, to the second data processor via the first network, first data for making the second data processor execute the determined first procedure.

19. A system for providing a communication service, comprising:

a first data processor;

a second data processor connected to said first data processor via a first network; and

a third processor connected to said first and second data processors via said first network,

wherein said first data processor determines a first procedure to be executed by said second data processor based on data received from a third data processor via said first network, and

wherein said first data processor transmits, to said second data processor via said first network, first data for making said second data processor execute said determined first procedure.

20. The system as recited in claim 19,

wherein said first data processor stores a plurality of procedures to be executed by said second data processor, and

wherein said first data processor selects said first procedure among said plurality of procedures based on said data received from said third data processor.

21. The system as recited in claim 19, further comprising:

a fourth data processor connected to said second data processor via a second network,

wherein said first procedure includes a second procedure to be executed by said fourth data processor,

wherein said first data includes second data for making said fourth data processor execute said second procedure, and

wherein said second data processor transmits said second data to said fourth data processor via said second network.

22. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein said second procedure includes a procedure of directing transmission of third data stored in said fourth data processor to one of said third data processor and said first data processor.

23. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein said first data processor receives said third data, and converts and processes said third data according to a predetermined procedure.

24. The system as recited in claim 23,

wherein said data received by said first data processor from said third data processor includes data relating to a function of said third data processor,

wherein said third data is independent of said function of said third data processor, and

said first data processor makes said third data adaptable for said function of said third data processor according to said predetermined procedure.

25. The system as recited claim 21, wherein said second data includes at least one of data used by said fourth data processor to execute said second procedure and a program for executing said second procedure.

26. The system as recited in claim 25,

wherein said at least one of said data and said program is variable according to said second procedure, and

wherein said first data processor transmits said at least one of said data and said program to said fourth data processor after determining said first procedure.

27. The system as recited-in claim 21, wherein a service performed with using said third data processor is provided by communication between said first data processor and said second data processor, and by data communication between said second data processor and said fourth data processor via said second network.

28. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein said first procedure includes a process of directing transmission of fourth data stored in said second data processor to one of said third data processor and said first data processor.

29. The system as recited in claim 28, wherein said first data processor receives said fourth data, and converts and processes said fourth data according to a predetermined procedure.

30. The system as recited in claim 29,

wherein said data received by said first data processor from said third data processor includes data relating to a function of said third data processor,

wherein said fourth data is independent of said function of said third data processor, and

wherein said first data processor makes said fourth data adaptable for said function of said third data processor according to said predetermined procedure.

31. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein said first data includes at least one of data used by said second data processor to execute said first procedure and a program for executing said first procedure.

32. The system as recited in claim 31,

wherein said at least one of said data and said program is variable according to said first process, and

wherein said first data processor transmits said at least one of said data and said program to said second data processor after determining said first process.

33. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein a service performed by using said third data processor is provided by communication between said first data processor and said second data processor.

34. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein said second data processor and said third data processor are the same equipment.

35. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein said first data processor counts a number of data packets passing through said first data processor, and uses said counted number for traffic control and billing.

36. A method of providing a communication service, comprising the steps of:

determining a first procedure to be executed by a second data processor based on data received from a third data processor via a first network; and

transmitting first data for execute the determined first procedure to the second data processor via the first network.

37. The method as recited in claim 36, wherein said step of determining the first procedure includes the step of selecting the first process among a plurality of procedures based on the data received from the third data processor.

38. The method as recited in claim 36,

wherein the determined first procedure includes a second procedure to be executed by a fourth data processor,

wherein the first data includes second data for making the fourth data processor execute the second process, and

wherein the second data processor transmits the second data to the fourth data processor via a second network.

39. The method as recited in claim 38, wherein the second procedure includes a procedure of requesting one of the second data processor and the fourth data processor to transmit third data stored in the one of the second data processor and the fourth data processor.

40. The method as recited in claim 38, wherein the second procedure includes a procedure of requesting the one of the second data processor and the fourth data processor to transmit the third data to the third data processor.

41. The method as recited in claim 40, further comprising the step of:

receiving the third data; and

converting and processing the received third data according to a predetermined procedure.

42. The method as recited in claim 41,

wherein the data received from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the third data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein said step of converting and processing the received third data includes the step of making the third data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

43. The method as recited in claim 38, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the fourth data processor to execute the second procedure and a program for executing the second procedure.

44. The method as recited in claim 43, wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second process, said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting the at least one of the data and the program to the fourth data processor after said step of determining the first procedure.

45. The method as recited in claim 38, wherein a service performed with using the third data processor is provided by data communication with the second data processor via the first network, and by data communication between the second data processor and the fourth data processor via the second network.

46. The method as recited in claim 36, wherein the first procedure includes a procedure of directing the second data processor to transmit fourth data stored in the second data processor.

47. The method as recited in claim 46, wherein the first procedure includes a procedure of directing transmission of the fourth data to the third data processor.

48. The method as recited in claim 46, further comprising the steps of:

receiving the fourth data; and

converting and processing the received fourth data according to a predetermined procedure.

49. The method as recited in claim 48,

wherein the data received from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the fourth data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein said step of converting and processing the received first data includes the step of making the fourth data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

50. The method as recited in claim 36, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the second data processor to execute the first procedure and a program for executing the first procedure.

51. The method as recited in claim 50, wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure, said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting the at least one of the data and the program to the second data processor after said step of determining the first procedure based on the received data.

52. The method as recited in claim 36, further comprising the steps of:

counting a number of data packets passing through the first data processor; and

using the counted number for traffic control and billing.

53. The method as recited in claim 36, wherein the second data processor and the third data processor are the same equipment.

54. A program for making a first data processor execute a method of providing a communication service, said method comprising the steps of:

determining a first procedure to be executed by a second data processor based on data received from a third data processor via a first network; and

transmitting first data for execute the determined first procedure to the second data processor via the first network.

55. The program as recited in claim 54, wherein said step of determining the first procedure includes the step of selecting the first process among a plurality of procedures based on the data received from the third data processor.

56. The program as recited in claim 54,

wherein the determined first procedure includes a second procedure to be executed by a fourth data processor,

wherein the first data includes second data for making the fourth data processor execute the second process, and

wherein the second data processor transmits the second data to the fourth data processor via a second network.

57. The program as recited in claim 56, wherein the second procedure includes a procedure of requesting one of the second data processor and the fourth data processor to transmit third data stored in the one of the second data processor and the fourth data processor.

58. The program as recited in claim 56, wherein the second procedure includes a procedure of requesting the one of the second data processor and the fourth data processor to transmit the third data to the third data processor.

59. The program as recited in claim 58, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

receiving the third data; and

converting and processing the received third data according to a predetermined procedure.

60. The program as recited in claim 59,

wherein the data received from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the third data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein said step of converting and processing the received third data includes the step of making the third data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

61. The program as recited in claim 56, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the fourth data processor to execute the second procedure and a program for executing the second procedure.

62. The program as recited in claim 61,

wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second process, and

wherein said method further comprises the step of transmitting the at least one of the data and the program to the fourth data processor after said step of determining the first procedure.

63. The program as recited in claim 56, wherein a service performed with using the third data processor is provided by data communication with the second data processor via the first network, and by data communication between the second data processor and the fourth data processor via the second network.

64. The program as recited in claim 54, wherein the first procedure includes a procedure of directing the second data processor to transmit fourth data stored in the second data processor.

65. The program as recited in claim 64, wherein the first procedure includes a procedure of directing transmission of the fourth data to the third data processor.

66. The program as recited in claim 64, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

receiving the fourth data; and

converting and processing the received fourth data according to a predetermined procedure.

67. The program as recited in claim 66,

wherein the data received from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the fourth data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein said step of converting and processing the received first data includes the step of making the fourth data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

68. The program as recited in claim 54, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the second data processor to execute the first procedure and a program for executing the first procedure.

69. The program as recited in claim 68,

wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure, and

wherein said method further comprises the step of transmitting the at least one of the data and the program to the second data processor after said step of determining the first procedure based on the received data.

70. The program as recited in claim 54, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

counting a number of data packets passing through the first data processor; and

using the counted number for traffic control and billing.

71. The program as recited in claim 54, wherein the second data processor and the third data processor are the same equipment.

72. A recording medium storing a program for making a first data processor execute a method of providing a communication service, said recording medium readable by said first data processor, said method comprising the steps of:

determining a first procedure to be executed by a second data processor based on data received from a third data processor via a first network; and

transmitting first data for execute the determined first procedure to the second data processor via the first network.

73. A method of providing a communication service, comprising the steps of:

receiving first data from a first data processor via a first network; and

executing a first procedure based on the first data,

wherein the first data processor determines the first procedure based on data received from a third data processor via the first network.

74. The method as recited in claim 73,

wherein the first data processor stores a plurality of procedures, and

wherein the first data processor selects the first process among the plurality of procedures based on the data received from the third data processor.

75. The method as recited in claim 73,

wherein the determined first procedure includes a second procedure to be executed by a fourth data processor, and

wherein the first data includes second data for making the fourth data processor execute the second process,

said method further comprising the step of:

transmitting the second data to the fourth data processor via a second network.

76. The method as recited in claim 75, wherein the second procedure includes a process of requesting transmission of third data to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

77. The method as recited in claim 76, wherein the second procedure includes a process of requesting transmission of the third data stored in the fourth data processor to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

78. The method as recited in claim 76,

wherein the first data processor receives the third data, and

wherein the first data processor converts and processes the received third data according to a predetermined procedure.

79. The method as recited in claim 78,

wherein the data received by the first data processor from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the third data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein the first data processor makes the received third data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

80. The method as recited in claim 75, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the fourth data processor to execute the second procedure and a program for executing the second procedure.

81. The method as recited in claim 80,

wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure, and

wherein the first data processor transmits the at least one of the data and the program to the fourth data processor after determining the first procedure based on the received data.

82. The method as recited in claim 75,

wherein a service performed with using the third data processor is provided by data communication with the first data processor via the first network, and by data communication with the fourth data processor via the second network.

83. The method as recited in claim 73, wherein the first procedure includes a procedure of directing transmission of fourth data to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

84. The method as recited in claim 83,

wherein the first data processor receives the fourth data, and

wherein the first data processor converts and processes the received fourth data according to a predetermined procedure.

85. The method as recited in claim 84,

wherein the data received by the first data processor from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the fourth data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein the first data processor makes the received fourth data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

86. The method as recited in claim 73, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used to execute the first procedure and a program for executing the first procedure.

87. The method as recited in claim 86, wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure, said method further comprising the step of:

receiving the at least one of the data and the program from the first data processor after the first data processor determines the first procedure based on the received data.

88. The method as recited in claim 73, wherein the first data processor counts a number of data packets passing through the first data processor, and uses the counted number for traffic control and billing.

89. A program for making a second data processor execute a method of providing a communication service, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving first data from a first data processor via a first network; and

executing a first procedure based on the first data,

wherein the first data processor determines the first procedure based on data received from a third data processor via the first network.

90. The program as recited in claim 89,

wherein the first data processor stores a plurality of procedures, and

wherein the first data processor selects the first process among the plurality of procedures based on the data received from the third data processor.

91. The program as recited in claim 89,

wherein the determined first procedure includes a second procedure to be executed by a fourth data processor,

wherein the first data includes second data for making the fourth data processor execute the second process, and

wherein said method further comprises the step of transmitting the second data to the fourth data processor via a second network.

92. The program as recited in claim 91, wherein the second procedure includes a process of requesting transmission of third data to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

93. The program as recited in claim 92, wherein the second procedure includes a process of requesting transmission of the third data stored in the fourth data processor to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

94. The program as recited in claim 92,

wherein the first data processor receives the third data, and

wherein the first data processor converts and processes the received third data according to a predetermined procedure.

95. The program as recited in claim 94,

wherein the data received by the first data processor from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the third data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein the first data processor makes the received third data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

96. The program as recited in claim 91, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used by the fourth data processor to execute the second procedure and a program for executing the second procedure.

97. The program as recited in claim 96,

wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure, and

wherein the first data processor transmits the at least one of the data and the program to the fourth data processor after determining the first procedure based on the received data.

98. The program as recited in claim 91, wherein a service performed with using the third data processor is provided by data communication with the first data processor via the first network, and by data communication with the fourth data processor via the second network.

99. The program as recited in claim 89, wherein the first procedure includes a procedure of directing transmission of fourth data to one of the third data processor and the first data processor.

100. The program as recited in claim 99,

wherein the first data processor receives the fourth data, and

wherein the first data processor converts and processes the received fourth data according to a predetermined procedure.

101. The program as recited in claim 100,

wherein the data received by the first data processor from the third data processor includes data relating to a function of the third data processor,

wherein the fourth data is independent of the function of the third data processor, and

wherein the first data processor makes the received fourth data adaptable for the function of the third data processor.

102. The program as recited in claim 89, wherein the second data includes at least one of data used to execute the first procedure and a program for executing the first procedure.

103. The program as recited in claim 102,

wherein the at least one of the data and the program is variable according to the second procedure, and

wherein said method further comprises the step of receiving the at least one of the data and the program from the first data processor after the first data processor determines the first procedure based on the received data.

104. The program as recited in claim 89, wherein the first data processor counts a number of data packets passing through the first data processor, and uses the counted number for traffic control and billing.

105. A recording medium storing a program for making a second data processor execute a method of providing a communication service, said recording medium readable by a second data processor, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving first data from a first data processor via a first network; and

executing a first procedure based on the first data,

wherein the first data processor determines the first procedure based on data received from a third data processor via the first network.

106. A system of delivering content, comprising:

a content delivery reception for accepting a content delivery request from a content delivery client;

a first content delivery source connected with said content delivery reception via a network, for delivering a content in response to said content delivery request transferred from said content delivery reception; and

a content delivery destination connected with said content delivery reception and said first content delivery source via said network, said content delivery destination including a content receiver for receiving said delivered content,

wherein said content delivery reception accepts said content delivery request from a location different from said content delivery destination, and

wherein said content delivery request can specify a method of receiving said content.

107. The system as recited in claim 106, further comprising:

a second content delivery source for storing said content,

wherein said first content delivery source receives said content from said second content delivery source and delivers said content according to said content delivery request.

108. The system as recited in claim 106;

further comprising;

a content recommendation section for analyzing a past use trend client and a use record of said content receiver of said content delivery, and for recommending said content and said content receiver to said content delivery client.

109. A system of delivering content, comprising:

a content delivery reception for accepting a content delivery request;

a content delivery source for delivering a content, said content delivery source connected with said content delivery reception via a network;

a content delivery destination for receiving said delivered content, said content delivery destination being connected with said content delivery reception and said content delivery source via said network; and

a plurality of content receivers connected with said content delivery destination,

wherein said content delivery source sends a content delivering program for delivering a content according to said content delivery request, and

wherein said content delivering program delivers said content from said content delivery source to a specified content receiver among said plurality of content receivers.

110. The system as recited in claim 109, wherein said content delivery reception receives address data for identifying a delivery destination of said content, information for identifying equipment of said content receiver, and authentication information.

111. A system for delivering content, comprising:

a content delivery reception for accepting a content delivery request;

a content delivery source having a content, said content delivery source being connected with said content delivery reception via a network;

a content delivery proxy connected with said content delivery reception and said content delivery source via said network;

a content delivery destination for receiving said delivered content, said content delivery destination being connected with said content delivery reception, said content delivery source, and said content delivery proxy via said network; and

a plurality of content receivers connected with said content delivery destination,

wherein a content delivering program is sent to said content delivery destination in order said content delivery proxy to obtain a content from said content delivery source and to deliver said content according to said content delivery request, and

said content delivering program delivers said content sent from said content delivery proxy to a specified content receiver among said plurality of content receivers.

112. The system as recited in claim 111, wherein said content delivery reception receives address data for identifying a delivery destination of said content, information for identifying equipment of said content receiver, and authentication information.

113. The system as recited in claim 111, wherein said content delivery proxy comprises:

an authentication information memory for storing authentication information for requesting a content from said content delivery source;

an authentication information transmitter for transmitting said stored authentication information to said content delivery source; and

a program transmitter for transmitting said delivering program.

114. A system for delivering content, comprising:

a content delivery reception for accepting a content delivery request;

a content delivery source for delivering a content, said content delivery source being connected with said content delivery reception via a network;

a content delivery destination for receiving said delivered content, said content delivery destination being connected with said content delivery reception and said content delivery source via said network;

a plurality of content receivers connected with said content delivery destination,

a content delivery client administrative database for storing a use history of said content delivery request; and

a content recommendation section for recommending a content based on said stored use history,

wherein said content delivery source sends a content delivering program for delivering a content according to said content delivery request, and

wherein said content delivering program delivers said content to a specified content receiver among said plurality of content receiver.

115. The system as recited in claim 114, wherein said content delivery reception includes said content recommendation section.