JP2002051103A - Protocol conversion system and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a computer to control a plurality of terminals which have its proprietary protocols with a single protocol information. SOLUTION: A system comprises a host computer, capable of communicating with a prescribed protocol, and a plurality of terminals capable of communicating with its proprietary protocols different from each other. The system has a storage means 604 for storing a plurality of protocol conversion data for converting between the prescribed protocol information and each proprietary protocol information for performing the conversion with the use of the protocol conversion data, corresponding to the proprietary protocol of the connected terminal from among a plurality of protocol conversion data stored in the storage means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a protocol converter used in a control system for controlling a plurality of types of terminal devices by a host computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A camera used for television broadcasting or the like is often controlled through an operation unit called an operation box or the like which can be operated by an operator. Conventionally, a camera and a monitor device for displaying video information captured by the camera are provided in one-to-one correspondence.

[0003] However, as the number of cameras and operation boxes increases, the size of the entire system has increased. Therefore, it has been required to construct a system capable of projecting video information from various cameras with one monitor device and controlling various cameras through one operation box. I have.

In order to satisfy this demand, a recent system uses a transmission switch for switching a camera for transmitting control information from an operation box, and a monitor device of video information captured by a plurality of cameras. A video switch for selecting video information to be introduced is introduced, and a computer and a transmission switch or a video switch are connected to RS23.
By connecting via 2C and controlling a transmission switch and a video switch from a computer, it is possible to control a camera for shooting and a monitor display.

FIG. 2 conceptually shows the current situation.
A plurality of RS232Cs are connected to one computer 201, and each of them is connected to a plurality of transmission switches 203 or video switches 207. Transmission switch 203
Is connected to a plurality of cameras 205 through a plurality of modems 204, and control information from a plurality of operation boxes 206 is transmitted to a specific camera through a transmission switch 203 and a modem 204. In addition, a plurality of cameras 205
Is input to the video switch 207, and the monitor 209 selected by the video switch 207
It is projected on.

[0006] A large number of such photographing / monitor blocks exist together with the transmission switch 203 and the video switch 207 to constitute one system.

In such a system, the camera controls focusing, zooming, and the like in accordance with control information from the operation box. In a camera platform supporting the camera, control information from the operation box is used. Control such as panning and tilting is performed accordingly.

[0008]

However, in the conventional system configuration as described above, in order to further increase the size of the system, the number of transmission switches and video switches is increased, and a control line from a computer is used. RS232C
Are also increasing, creating a new problem that the system becomes extremely complicated.

Also, as the number of RS232Cs increases,
An RS232C cable connection error is likely to occur.

In order to realize a relatively simple connection configuration between the host computer and a terminal device such as a transmission switch and a video switch, a method of connecting these using a LAN line is conceivable.

[0011] However, the transmission switch and the video switch are so-called closed systems, and each manufacturer and model has its own dedicated protocol. For this reason, even if a single protocol switching command is transmitted from a host computer to a plurality of switches having different dedicated protocols, these switches cannot be controlled.

On the other hand, it is not practical to transmit a switching command of a plurality of protocols corresponding to each switch from the host computer.

[0013]

According to the present invention, a host computer capable of communicating with a predetermined protocol and a plurality of terminal devices capable of communicating with different dedicated protocols are provided. A device to be connected, having storage means for storing a plurality of types of protocol conversion data for converting between information of a predetermined protocol and information of each dedicated protocol, and a plurality of types of protocol conversion data stored in the storage means. A protocol conversion device that performs the above conversion using protocol conversion data corresponding to a dedicated protocol of the connected terminal device among the protocol conversion data is configured.

Thus, the information of the predetermined protocol from the host computer is converted to the information of the dedicated protocol using the protocol conversion data corresponding to the dedicated protocol of the connected terminal device, and then transmitted to the terminal device. . Further, it is also possible that the information of the dedicated protocol from the terminal device is converted into the information of the predetermined protocol by using the protocol conversion data corresponding to the dedicated protocol and then transmitted to the host computer. For this reason, it is possible to control (or manage) a plurality of terminal devices having various dedicated protocols while permitting communication by a single predetermined protocol by the host computer.

By providing a network controller for extracting information to be transmitted to a terminal device from a transmitted packet for each different communication system in the above-mentioned protocol converter, a plurality of communication systems (for example, , A token system and a CSMA / CD system or a DPC system). Therefore, even if communication via a line using one communication method becomes impossible, communication via a line using another communication method can be performed. Reliability can be improved.

[0016]

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a control system of a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a main host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a main computer), which manages and controls the entire control system.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a sub host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a sub host computer).
And operates as a substitute computer for the main computer 101.
For example, when the main computer 101 fails for some reason, the control system is immediately managed and controlled in place of the main computer 101.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a CD-R / W as storage means for storing management / control data when the sub-computer 102 manages / controls the control system. This CD-
The R / W 127 is used for backing up data of the sub-computer 102, and the stored data can be used by the main computer 101.

Reference numeral 113 denotes a relay camera which is disposed outdoors (for example, at a remote location), and includes a relay camera main body 113a and a camera platform 113b for supporting the same.
The relay camera 113 transmits the captured video information
Radio signals are transmitted to the video switch 103 described later through the PU 114 and the reception FPU 115.

Reference numeral 116 denotes a surveillance camera, which includes a surveillance camera body 116a and a camera platform 116b for supporting the same. The surveillance camera 116 transmits the photographed video information to the video switch 103 described later by cable.

Reference numeral 117 denotes a studio camera, which includes a studio camera body 117a and a camera platform 117b for supporting the same.
And is configured. This studio camera 11
The cable 7 transmits the photographed video information to the video switch 103, which will be described later, via the relay box 118.

Each of the heads 113b, 116b, 1
17b supports the camera bodies 113a, 116a, and 117a, and also supports the cameras 113a, 116a, and 117a.
It operates to pan or tilt 117a.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a video switch. The video switch 103 includes a relay camera 113, a monitoring camera 11
Video information transmitted from various cameras such as the camera 6 and the studio camera 117 is input. The video switch 103 is connected to the host or subcomputers 101 and 102.
In response to a video switching command (control information) from the computer, the input video information is distributed and displayed on the monitors 105 to 108. That is, by operating the video switch 103, the video information to be displayed on the monitors 105 to 108 (that is, the camera for displaying the captured video on the monitor) among the input video information can be switched, and the video information is displayed. The monitor can be switched arbitrarily. The cameras such as the cameras 113, 116, and 117, the monitors 105 to 108, and the video switch 104 constitute an image capturing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present application.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an operation switch. The operation switch 104 is operated by a camera operator.
Operation box (OP: operation device) 109-1 for performing operations such as panning, tilting, focusing, zooming, and IRIS adjustment of 16, 117
12 are connected. Then, the operation switch 104 is
In response to a transmission switching command (control information) from the host or the subcomputers 101 and 102, the signals generated in the operation boxes 109 to 112 are transmitted to the relay camera 113, the monitoring camera 116, and the studio camera 1
An operation is performed to switch which camera among various cameras such as 17 is to be transmitted. The camera 113,
Cameras such as 116 and 117, operation box 1
The photographing device according to claim 8 of the present application is constituted by 09 to 112 and the operation switch 104.

Here, as described above, the video switch 103
The operation switching unit 104 performs a switching operation in response to a switching command from the host or the subcomputers 101 and 102. However, until a new switching command is input, a switching state corresponding to the switching command input immediately before is input. To maintain.

The relay camera 113 is a modem 120
The operation switch 10 is connected through a public line.
4 is communicably connected to a modem 119 connected to the modem 119.

Similarly, the surveillance camera 116 is connected to the modem 122, and the modem 12 connected to the operation switch 104 through a dedicated line laid in a building or the like.
1 is communicably connected.

Further, the studio camera 117 is connected to the mobile telephone 124, and wirelessly operates the operation switching device 10.
4 is communicably connected to the mobile phone 123 connected to the mobile phone 123.

Therefore, by operating the operation switch 104, a signal from an arbitrary operation box can be transmitted to an arbitrary camera.

Video switch 103 and operation switch 104
Is the main or sub computer 10 as described above.
The switching operation is performed in response to a video switching command or a transmission switching command from the main and sub computers 1 and 102.
01 and 102 are connected to a multiplexed LAN line 127, and a video switch 103 and an operation switch 104.
Is connected to the multiplexed LAN line 127 via LAN adapters (protocol converters) 125 and 126.

Main or subcomputers 101 and 10
2 is input to the LAN adapters 125 and 126, and these LAN adapters
5 and 126, the command is converted into a command of a dedicated protocol for the video switch 125 and the operation switch 126, and then RS232
It is input to the video switch 103 and the operation switch 104 through the C terminal.

As described above, the main computer 101 and the sub computer 102 are connected to the multiplex LAN line 12.
7 and the LAN adapters 125 and 126 are connected to the video switching unit 103 and the operation switching unit 104, and control the operation of these switching units 103 and 104.

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of cameras (113, 113).
116, 117), monitors 105-108, operation boxes 109-112, a video switch 103 and an operation switch 104, each of which is a single photographing / monitor block (a photographing device according to claim 15 of the present application).
Actually, the multiplexed LAN line 127 is connected to a plurality of photographing / monitor blocks, and the main computer 101 and the sub-computer 102 centrally manage and control these photographing / monitor blocks.

Here, as described above, unlike a general control system, a photographing control system is required to have particularly high security and reliability, and the system cannot be completely down due to a failure or the like. In addition, even when using a multiplexed LAN line, it is necessary to maintain the state of broadcast video and camera control during switching of the LAN line to be used, and to maintain continuity of video and camera control before and after line switching.

Therefore, even when the LAN line becomes incommunicable, it is necessary not only to ensure the operation of the system but also to maintain the video and shooting control.

For this reason, in this embodiment, the video switch 1
03 and the operation switching unit 104, as described above, have a characteristic that the switching state corresponding to the switching instruction input immediately before is maintained until a new switching instruction is input. The system is operated by selectively using the LAN line 127.

First, referring to FIG.
7 will be described. Here, there are the following three methods for multiplexing LAN lines. (1) Redundancy at Hardware Level This is a configuration in which the physical layers as LAN lines (LAN1, LAN2) are duplicated, and the data link layer, the network layer, and the transport layer and above are unified. That is, one MAC address is assigned to the data link layer (LAN card), and one MAC address is assigned to the transport layer.
One P address is set. For example, two transceiver cables are used, and duplexing is performed at the exit of the LAN card. (2) Duplication below the data link layer This is to duplicate the physical layer and the data link layer to unify the hierarchy above the network layer. That is, M is used for the data link layer (LAN cards 1 and 2).
Two AC addresses and one IP address are set for the transport layer (protocol converter described later).

In this system, the LAN card is duplicated, but communication is normally performed using the LAN 1 (main LAN line) through the LAN card 1 (MAC address 1). If communication cannot be correctly performed on the LAN 1 for some reason, communication is performed using the LAN 2 (sub-LAN line) through the LAN card 2 (MAC address 2). (3) Duplication below the network layer This is to duplicate the physical layer, the data link layer and the network layer, and to unify the layers above the transport layer. That is, MAC for the data link layer
Two addresses are set and two IP addresses are set for the transport layer.

In this system, the abnormal communication is detected at the network layer level, and the LA card is switched so that the LA
Communication is switched from N1 to LAN2.

In the present embodiment, of the three multiplexing methods, the method (2) that does not impose a burden on the network layer (IP address) connection is employed. That is, (1)
As compared to the case where the failure of the LAN card causes the whole system to go down as in the method of (3), the reliability and the like are higher, and two IP addresses must be set as in the method of (3). The method (2), which requires only a small number of IP address registrations as compared with a case where the number of IP address registrations becomes enormous as the number of IP addresses increases.

Next, referring to FIG.
An access method (communication method or transmission control method) in AN2 will be described.

In general, there are currently the following three access methods using a LAN line. (1) CSMA / CD method This is an access method of a bus-type network used in so-called Ethernet (registered trademark).
It is called the Best Effort type. This method is: Frame transmission is first-come-first-served. 2. If you are unlucky, start over The feature is that the frame transmission completion time is not guaranteed.

That is, any terminal can send a transmission request freely, but cannot transmit when the transmission path is in use. That is, since the availability of transmission depends on the transmission timing, when network traffic is high, the probability of obtaining transmission permission is reduced, and there is a possibility that transmission cannot be performed within a certain time. However, it is a highly versatile access method that is now standard on the Internet and the like, and is an access method that is simple and reliable in communication. (2) Token bus method and (3) Token ring method This is an access method in which only a terminal that has obtained a transmission permit called a token can transmit data, and the token always turns in order. This is an access method that allows processing within a fixed time. Therefore, this method has a real-time property.

In the photographing control system of the present embodiment, in order to emphasize the necessity of real-time control of photographing and video display, a token bus system or a token ring system which secures real-time characteristics is used for the main LAN line (LAN).
The CSMA / CD system, which is adopted as the access method according to 1) and has general versatility as a backup, is connected to the sub LAN line (L
AN2).

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a host computer (main and sub-computers 101 and 1 shown in FIG. 1) will be described.
02) will be described.

The operation switches 502 and 504 shown in FIG. 5A (corresponding to the operation switch 102 shown in FIG. 1) and the video switch 50 (corresponding to the image switch 102 shown in FIG. 1) 50 are provided.
3,505 and the like are so-called closed systems, each of which has its own dedicated protocol depending on its manufacturer and model. For this reason, a host computer 5 is provided for a plurality of switches having different dedicated protocols.
Even if a single protocol switching command is transmitted from 01 as it is, these switches 502 to 505 cannot be controlled.

On the other hand, it is not practical if the host computer 501 transmits a switching command of a plurality of types of protocols corresponding to each switching device.

For this reason, a common protocol (predetermined protocol: for example, TCP / I) is sent from the host computer 501.
It is preferable to provide a protocol converter that transmits a switching command in P) and converts the switching command of the common protocol into a switching command corresponding to a dedicated protocol of each switching device before the switching devices 502 to 505 receive the switching command.

Generally, the interfaces of the line switches 502 and 504 and the video switches 503 and 505 are RS2.
32C. Therefore, such devices (other interfaces such as Centronics, GPI
B, SCSI, etc.) cannot be directly connected to a LAN line.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, a LAN adapter (corresponding to the LAN adapters 125 and 126 shown in FIG. 1) 506 having a built-in protocol converter is prepared, and the host computer 501 and the host computer 501 are connected to each other. Are connected by a LAN line, and a line switch or video switch 502-
505 is connected by RS232C or the like.

The LAN adapter 506 converts a control command from the host computer 501 into a command of a dedicated protocol corresponding to each of the switches 502 to 505. As a result, the host computer 501 connects to the LAN adapter 50.
6, and can communicate with each of the switches 502 to 505.

Also, by converting the information of the dedicated protocol from each of the switches 502 to 505 into information of a common protocol that can be received by the host computer 501, each of the switches 502 to 505 is connected to the host computer via the LAN adapter 506. 501 can be communicated with.

As described above, the host computer 501
Can control each of the switches 502 to 505 with a single common protocol without depending on the manufacturer and model of the switches 502 to 505.

Next, the configuration of the LAN adapter will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a CPU, which mainly performs protocol conversion.

A ROM 602 stores system software. 603 is a RAM.

Reference numeral 604 denotes a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. This non-volatile memory 604 stores protocol conversion data such as software necessary for extension software, IP addresses, troubleshooting, and protocol conversion. It is to be noted that addition / change of protocol conversion data and addition / change of an application can be easily performed on the nonvolatile memory 604.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a protocol setting operation switch for selecting a conversion destination and a conversion source dedicated protocol for the information of the common protocol. That is, LAN
A dedicated protocol depending on the switches 502 to 505 connected to the adapter 506 can be selected.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an RS232C interface, which has switches 502 to 505 through D-SUB 607.
Connected to.

A computer (not shown) is connected to the D-SUB 607, and an IP address is set using RS232C, addition / change is performed by downloading extension software, and addition / change is performed by downloading protocol conversion data.
Changes and software downloads for troubleshooting are available.

Here, the LAN adapter according to the present embodiment has two types, a LAN 1 using a token bus or token ring system and a LAN 2 using a CSMA / CD system.
Although two LAN lines are connected, the contents of a packet (including address information, packet length information, and command information) differ depending on the communication method. Therefore, command information necessary for controlling the switch is extracted from the packet for each communication method. Network controller is needed. In other words, by having a network controller corresponding to each of the two communication systems, even if communication using one of the communication systems becomes impossible, communication between the host computer and the switch can be secured using the other communication system. And increase the security of the system.

Reference numeral 608 denotes a token bus or token ring type network controller (corresponding to the LAN card 1 in FIG. 3B), which is connected to the CPU 601. This network controller 608 can be connected to LAN 1 through a modular 609. The network controller 608 constitutes one of the dual data link layers. Therefore, one MAC address is set for this network controller 608.

Reference numeral 610 denotes a CSMA / CD system network controller (corresponding to the LAN card 2 in FIG. 3B), which is connected to the CPU 601. The network controller 610 can be connected to the LAN 2 via the b modular 611. The network controller 610 forms the other data link layer of the dual data link layer. Therefore, one MAC address is set for this network controller 610 as well.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the security and reliability of the present photographing control system can be enhanced by multiplexing LAN lines. In addition, since the video switch 103 and the operation switch 104 have the characteristic of maintaining the switching state corresponding to the switching command input immediately before until a new switching command is input, after the LAN 1 goes down, the LAN 2 The state of the video and camera control during the line switching can be maintained, and the continuity of the video and camera control before and after the line switching can be ensured.

Further, at normal time (normal time), the token
By performing communication using the bus or the token ring method, high-speed control or real-time control of photographing and video display becomes possible. In an emergency, communication using the CSMA / CD method enables a versatile network (Ether).
net), control of photographing and video display can be easily ensured.

If both LAN1 and LAN2 use the token system, the same trouble (for example, disconnection) as in LAN1 cannot be dealt with in LAN2. By making it possible to perform communication through a certain network, control of the switch can be ensured with high security and reliability against the same trouble as LAN1.

The protocol setting operation switch 605
Instead of selecting the conversion destination / conversion source protocol by switching, the conversion destination / conversion source protocol may be selected in response to a protocol setting command from the host computer.

In this case, for example, when a LAN adapter (not shown) is turned on, the information of the switch 605 is read to select a protocol, and then the protocol is selected again according to a protocol setting command from the host computer. It can be so. Thus, the conversion destination / source protocol can be selectively managed on the host computer without operating the switch 605, so that an efficient system can be constructed.

In this embodiment, the CPU 601 is used as a protocol converter.
A method for storing addresses and protocol conversion data (protocol conversion program) in the nonvolatile memory 604 will be described below.

First, a method of storing an IP address will be described with reference to FIG. The equipment connected to the LAN line is I
Since the recognition is performed using the P address, the initial IP address cannot be set through the LAN line.
For this reason, it performs using RS232C.

First, in step 801, a computer (not shown) and a LAN adapter are connected by RS232C.

Then, at step 802, the switch 605
To set the IP address setting mode. This allows the LAN adapter to set an IP address.

Next, in step 803, the computer transfers the IP address to the LAN adapter using RS232C.

At step 804, the LAN adapter stores the received IP address in the nonvolatile memory 604.

Thus, the setting of the IP address for the LAN adapter is completed.
5 to release the IP address setting mode.

In the above description, the IP address setting mode can be set by using the protocol selection operation switch 605. However, a switch for setting the IP address setting mode is provided separately from the protocol selection operation switch 605. It may be provided.

Next, a method of storing protocol conversion data (program) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step 901, a computer (not shown) and a LAN adapter are connected by RS232C.

Then, at step 902, the switch 605
To set the protocol conversion program setting mode. As a result, the LAN adapter can set the protocol conversion program and the program number.

Next, in step 903, the protocol conversion program number is transferred from the computer to the LAN adapter using RS232C.

Subsequently, at step 904, the RS232C
Is used to transfer the protocol conversion program from the computer to the LAN adapter.

At step 905, the LAN adapter stores the received protocol conversion program and program number in the nonvolatile memory 604.

Thus, the setting of the protocol conversion program for the LAN adapter is completed.
The switch 605 cancels the protocol conversion program setting mode.

In the above description, the protocol conversion program setting mode can be set using the protocol selection operation switch 605. However, the protocol conversion program setting mode is set separately from the protocol selection operation switch 605. A switch may be provided.

In FIG. 9, a computer (not shown)
The case where protocol conversion data (program) is stored in the LAN adapter through the H.232C connection has been described. However, if an IP address has already been set in the LAN adapter (protocol converter), the protocol shown in FIG. The conversion data (program) may be stored. According to the method,
Even without using RS232C, protocol conversion data can be stored in a LAN adapter using a host computer or the like via a LAN, so that maintainability is improved.

First, at step 1101, the switch 60
The protocol setting command is transferred to the protocol converter without using Step 5, and the mode is set to the protocol conversion program setting mode.

Subsequently, in step 1103, the protocol conversion program number is transferred.
At 104, the protocol conversion program is transferred.

In step 1104, the LAN adapter stores the received protocol conversion program and program number in the nonvolatile memory 604.

Thus, the setting of the protocol conversion program of the LAN adapter is completed. In step 1105, the host computer transfers a protocol conversion program setting release command to the LAN adapter, and releases the protocol conversion program setting mode.

Here, the computer used for setting the IP address and the protocol conversion program may be the main computer 101 or the sub-computer 102. In recent years, with the miniaturization of personal computers, it has become easier to carry. It is also possible to use a notebook computer or the like.

In the above description, a case has been described in which a program is stored in the nonvolatile memory 604 as protocol conversion data. However, table data may be stored as protocol conversion data.

Next, referring to FIG.
Operation 2 will be described. First, in step 701, it is checked whether or not the system management / control data has been transferred from the main computer 101.

If the system management / control data has been transferred, the system management / control data is saved in step 702. If there is no data transfer, the process proceeds directly to step 701.

The system management / control data transferred from the main computer 101 is transmitted to the sub computer 1
02, the data is sent to the sub-computer 102 periodically or when there is a change in the system management / control data (that is, as needed), also as a backup of the data to the main computer 101. Come. As the system management / control data, for example, the address of the operating imaging device, the audio address,
Image gain, matrix data of each operation switch (data indicating a line connected for transmitting control information), matrix data of each image switch (shows a line connected for display of image information) Data).

Subsequently, in step 703, a ping command is transmitted to the main computer 101. This p
When the normally operating main computer 101 receives the ing command, the main computer 101 transmits a predetermined answer to the sub computer 102.

Next, in step 704, it is confirmed whether or not there is an answer from the main computer 101 to the ping command. If there is an answer, it is determined that the main computer is operating normally, and the process returns to step 701 as it is. On the other hand, if there is no answer, it is determined that the main computer 101 is not operating normally, and the process proceeds to step 705.

In step 705, the sub-computer 102 performs management and control of the main photographing control system in place of the main computer 101, based on the latest system management and control data transferred from the main computer 101 (initial data). The imaging control system software in the sub-computer 102 is started, and the management and control of the imaging control system from the sub-computer 102 side is enabled. This allows the sub-computer 1 to smoothly manage and control the system without changing the operation status of the system.
02.

Here, the sub-computer 10
Main unit 1
01 is activated after confirming that the main computer 101 is not operating normally because the system may be confused because a plurality of hosts exist at the same time and a system control command is given from each host. This is to prevent the above confusion by prohibiting management and control from the sub-computer 102 during normal operation.

In order to achieve the same purpose, the photographing control system software of the sub-computer 102 is operated even while the main computer 101 is operating normally. The control may be prohibited. Thus, even when it takes time to start the shooting control system software on the sub-computer 102 side, after confirming that the main computer 101 has stopped operating normally, the system management / Control can be transferred.

When the photographing control system software is activated in this way, in step 706, the CD-R / W 127
Back up system management and control data in the shooting control system. The backup of the system management / control data is also performed periodically or when there is a change in the system management / control data.

Then, the process proceeds to a step 707, where a restart command from the main computer 101 is checked in order to check whether or not the main computer 101 has returned (recovered) to a normal operation state again.

Next, in step 708, it is confirmed whether or not there is a restart command. If there is no restart command, the flow returns to step 706. On the other hand, if the restart command has been confirmed, the process proceeds to step 709.

In step 709, the sub computer 1
A recovery display for notifying that the main computer 101 has been restarted is displayed on the monitor screen 02. The recovery notification operation of the main computer 101 may be performed by voice.

At step 710, the sub-computer 1
Inquiry to the operator of the sub-computer 102 about whether to transfer the management and control from 02 to the main computer 101. When the operator or the like
If it is desired to continue the management and control from Step 2 (for example, if NO is selected in the inquiry window), Step 71
Repeat 2. However, the above inquiry is not repeated immediately, but after a certain period of time, the above inquiry is repeated. On the other hand, when it is desired to transfer the management and control from the sub computer 102 to the main computer 101 (for example, when YES is selected in the inquiry window), the process proceeds to step 711.

In step 711, the sub computer 1
Management and control system software
The control data is transferred to the main computer 101.
As a result, management and control can be smoothly transferred to the main computer 101 without changing the operation status of the system.

Subsequently, in step 712, since the main computer 101 has been restarted,
2. It is no longer necessary to manage and control the system by the method 2 (in addition, if a plurality of hosts exist at the same time as described above, a system control command is given from each host and the system may be confused). Then, the management / control system software of the sub computer 102 is terminated. Then, the process returns to step 701.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, the token bus or token ring method (communication by LAN1)
The switching operation to the MA / CD system (communication by LAN2) will be described.

First, in step 1001, a predetermined command is transferred from the host computer 101 to the video switch 103 or the operation switch 104.

In step 1002, the process waits for an answer to the predetermined command from the switch. If there is an answer, the flow advances to step 1006 to perform a predetermined answer process, and the flow chart ends.

On the other hand, if there is no answer from the switch, the flow advances to step 1003 to measure the elapsed time from the time of transfer of the predetermined command.

In Step 1004, Step 1003
Is compared with a predetermined reference time. If the elapsed time is still within the reference time, step 100
Return to step 2 and continue the time measurement. If the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the reference time, the process proceeds to step 1005 assuming that an abnormality has occurred in LAN1.

In step 1005, the communicating LA
While switching the N line from LAN1 to LAN2,
The communication system is switched from the token bus or token ring system to the CSMA / CD system.

After switching to the CSMA / CD system, the host computer 101 transfers a predetermined command to the video switching unit 103 and the operation switching unit 104 to check whether or not communication via the LAN 2 is possible. In the CSMA / CD method, the answer may take a certain amount of time.
It is set longer than the reference time in 004.

In this embodiment, the video switch 103 and the operation switch 104 are not operated until the control of the video switch 103 and the operation switch 104 by the LAN 2 including the answer wait time after the LAN 1 becomes incommunicable. Since the switching state of the switch 104 is maintained, the video being broadcast is not interrupted or the camera control up to that point is not canceled. Furthermore, after communication by LAN2 becomes possible,
Video broadcasting and camera control can be performed with continuity from the state of video and camera control at the time when the LAN 1 becomes unable to communicate.

In this way, the video switch 1 via the LAN 2
After securing the control of the operation switch 03 and the operation switch 104, the present flowchart is ended.

In the above embodiment, the case where the operations of the operation switch and the video switch are controlled by LAN communication from the host computer has been described. However, as shown in FIG. In addition to controlling the switching operation of the monitor image in the monitor device having a built-in device, the camera may be directly controlled. Also in this case, the host computer and the monitor device and the camera are connected to the main computer via the LAN adapter.
The connection is made by a sub LAN line, and the main LAN line is used in a normal state, and the sub LAN line is used in an emergency. Also,
In this case, the configuration of the LAN adapter and the setting of the address and the protocol conversion data are performed by the LA described in the above embodiment.
Same as N adapter.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the photographing apparatus includes a terminal computer for controlling automatic switching between a camera to be used and a monitor image (in this case, this computer corresponds to an image and operation switch). Alternatively, the host computer and the terminal computer may be connected to the LAN via a LAN adapter, and the host computer may transmit the control information to the terminal computer.

In the above embodiment, the case where the sub LAN line is used only when the main LAN line becomes unavailable (communication impossible) (in an emergency) has been described.
The system may be switched between the main LAN line and the sub-LAN line according to the necessity of the system, not limited to the normal time and the emergency time, so that the system operation may have flexibility.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the CSMA / CD system is used as the communication system of the sub LAN line has been described. However, the demand priority control (which is currently considered to be used in a system other than the CSMA / CD system) is described. DPC method).

[0120]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The information of the predetermined protocol from the host computer can be converted to the information of the dedicated protocol using the protocol conversion data corresponding to the dedicated protocol of the connected terminal device, and then transmitted to the terminal device. For this reason,
It is possible to reliably control a plurality of terminal devices having various dedicated protocols while permitting communication by a single predetermined protocol by a host computer.

If the protocol converter is provided with a network controller for extracting information to be transmitted to the terminal device from the transmitted packet for each different communication system, a plurality of communication systems with the host computer are provided. Communication (for example, a token system and a CSMA / CD system or a DPC system) becomes possible. Therefore, 1
Even if communication via a line using this communication method becomes impossible, communication via a line using another communication method can be performed, improving the safety and reliability of a system using this protocol converter. Can be done.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a shooting control system using a LAN adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a conventional photographing control system.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of network multiplexing.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a LAN access method.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of system operation using a common protocol of a host computer.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of the LAN adapter.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of a sub host computer in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of setting an IP address to the LAN adapter.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method of setting a protocol conversion program for the LAN adapter.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a LAN line switching operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second method of setting a protocol conversion program for the LAN adapter.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of another system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of another system to which the present invention is applied.

[Description of Signs] 101 Main host computer 102 Sub host computer 103 Video switcher 104 Transmission switcher 113, 116, 117 Imaging device 125, 126 LAN adapter LAN1 Main LAN line LAN2 Sub LAN line

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Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A host computer capable of communicating with a predetermined protocol and a plurality of terminal devices capable of communicating with different dedicated protocols are connected, and information on the predetermined protocol and information on the dedicated protocols And a storage means for storing a plurality of types of protocol conversion data for performing information conversion between the terminal device connected to the terminal device, among the plurality of types of protocol conversion data stored in the storage means. A protocol conversion device for performing the information conversion using protocol conversion data corresponding to a dedicated protocol. 2. An operation unit for selecting protocol conversion data corresponding to a dedicated protocol of a connected terminal device from a plurality of types of protocol conversion data stored in the storage unit. Item 2. The protocol conversion device according to Item 1. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein protocol conversion data corresponding to a dedicated protocol of a connected terminal device is selected from a plurality of protocol conversion data stored in the storage unit, based on information from the host computer. Item 3. The protocol conversion device according to item 1 or 2. 4. The communication according to claim 1, wherein communication with the host computer is performed by selectively using at least two communication lines for performing communication using different communication methods. A protocol converter according to any one of the above. 5. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the two communication lines are a main LAN line for performing communication using a token system, and a CSMA line.
The protocol conversion device according to claim 4, wherein the protocol conversion device is a sub-LAN line for performing communication using the / CD system or the DPC system. 6. A plurality of network controllers provided for each of different communication systems and extracting information to be transmitted to the terminal device from a packet transmitted by each communication system, wherein the plurality of network controllers are extracted by the plurality of network controllers. The information is converted into information of the dedicated protocol using protocol conversion data corresponding to a dedicated protocol of the connected terminal device.
2. The protocol conversion device according to 1. 7. A network layer comprising a double data link layer respectively corresponding to a double physical layer including the two communication lines, and one network layer. 2. The protocol conversion device according to 1. 8. The protocol conversion device according to claim 7, wherein two addresses for each of the dual data link layers and one address for the network layer are set. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a computer is connected to a terminal connection unit to which the terminal device is connected, and one address is set for the network layer.
2. The protocol conversion device according to 1. 10. The protocol conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the protocol conversion data stored in the storage unit can be rewritten. 11. The protocol conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein protocol conversion data can be additionally written in said storage means. 12. The protocol conversion device according to claim 10, wherein a computer is connected to a terminal connection unit to which the terminal device is connected, and the protocol conversion data is rewritten or additionally written. 13. The protocol conversion device according to claim 10, wherein rewriting or additional writing of the protocol conversion data is performed by communication from the host computer. 14. A control system that communicates between the host computer and the terminal device via the protocol conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to control the terminal device. 15. A control system for communicating between the host computer and the terminal device via the protocol conversion device according to claim 5 and controlling the terminal device, wherein the control system determines that the main LAN line is unusable. A control system, wherein the sub-LAN line is used when the control system is turned off. 16. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a plurality of cameras, at least one monitor, and an image switch for switching a camera that displays an image on the monitor among the plurality of cameras; and the image switch. LA for the vessel
A control system for a photographing apparatus, comprising: a host computer for transmitting control information for causing the video switch to perform a switching operation using an N line; and a protocol conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Wherein the protocol conversion device comprises: the video switcher and the LA;
A control system connected to an N line. 17. The control system according to claim 16, wherein the camera has a camera body and a camera platform for moving the camera body. 18. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a plurality of cameras, at least one operation device, and an operation switch for switching a camera controlled by the operation device among the plurality of cameras; LAN for device
2. A host computer for transmitting control information for causing the operation switching device to perform a switching operation using a line, and a host computer.
13. A control system for a photographing device, comprising: the protocol conversion device according to any one of to 13;
A control system, wherein the control system is connected to an N line. 19. The control system according to claim 18, wherein the camera has a camera body and a camera platform for moving the camera body. 20. A plurality of cameras, at least one monitor, an image switch for switching a camera for displaying a captured image on the monitor among the plurality of cameras, at least one operation device, and the plurality of cameras. A photographing device having an operation switch for switching a camera to be controlled by the operation device; and causing the image switch and the operation switch to perform a switching operation using a LAN line for the operation switch. 14. A control system for a photographing apparatus, comprising: a host computer for transmitting control information for the image capturing apparatus; and the protocol conversion apparatus according to claim 1;
A control system, wherein the control system is connected between the N line and between the operation switcher and the LAN line. 21. The control system according to claim 20, wherein the camera has a camera body and a camera platform for moving the camera body.