JP2004274104A - Electronic apparatus and content data output method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus and a content data output control method capable of controlling the output of content data as required when the interruption takes place in communication with an external radio communication device. <P>SOLUTION: If the radio communication is interrupted in a state in which the transmission of the content data is performed from a personal computer (PC) 1 to a head set 2, the content data are prevented from being reproduced by a speaker 107 provided on the PC 1. Also, a window for setting the output of the content data in the case where the radio communication between the PC 1 and the head set 2 is interrupt is displayed on an LCD 106 to enable arbitrarily setting an output destination of the content data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of transmitting sound data by wireless communication and reproducing sound by itself, and a content data output method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the development and diversification of communication technologies, various wireless communication networks have been developed and put into practical use. Among them, Bluetooth has been included. ^TM There is a wireless communication technology called.
[0003]
Bluetooth ^TM Is one of short-range wireless communication standards using an ISM (Industry Science Medical) band, for example, between a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) and peripheral devices such as a printer, a modem, a keyboard, and an audio output device. This is a wireless communication system used for communication of mobile phones and data communication between a mobile phone and a personal computer. Bluetooth ^TM The use of a cable eliminates the need for a cable connecting each device, so that the usability of various devices can be greatly improved.
[0004]
Also, such a Bluetooth ^TM As one of the systems using the communication, there is known a system for transmitting audio data (hereinafter, referred to as content data) by wireless communication from an electronic device such as a personal computer or a music player to an external device such as headphones. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-112383 (pages 5 to 6, FIG. 4)
[0006]
[Non-patent document 1]
TOSHIBA DynabookSS 2000 DS75P / 2 Model Instruction Manual Published January 21, 2002 (pages 42, 44, 146) http: // dynabook. com / pc / catalog / ss / manupdf / mp1032a. pdf
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described system, the content of the electronic device during the reproduction and output of the content data depends on the physical distance between the electronic device (music player) and the external device (headphones), the presence or absence of a shield, or the state of radio waves. The wireless connection between the device and the external device may be suddenly disconnected.
[0008]
Also, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, when an external output device such as a headphone is connected to a device such as a personal computer having output means such as a speaker, content data is reproduced and output from the headphone, and Does not reproduce and output the content data. However, when the connection between the personal computer and the headphones is released, the content data is reproduced and output from a speaker provided in the personal computer.
[0009]
In this case, when the connection between the headphones and the personal computer is interrupted, the content data is suddenly reproduced and output from the speaker, and there is a problem that people in the vicinity are troubled as noise.
[0010]
In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, when content data is transmitted from its own device to an external device for playback, an electronic device capable of appropriately controlling output of content data when wireless communication with the external device is disconnected. It is an object to provide a device and a content data output method.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main unit, a processing unit provided on the main unit for reproducing content data, an output unit for reproducing and outputting the content data processed by the processing unit, Wireless communication means for transmitting the content data processed by the means to an external device by wireless communication, and outputting the content data processed by the processing means to one of the wireless communication means and the output means, via the wireless communication means Output control means for stopping output of the content data from the output control means to the output means when the wireless communication is disconnected while the content data is being transmitted to the external device.
[0012]
With such a configuration, in a case where content data is transmitted from the own device to an external device and reproduced, when the wireless communication with the external device is disconnected, the output device can prevent the content data from being output from the output unit. It is possible to provide.
[0013]
Further, in the invention according to claim 2, the main body, a processing means provided in the main body for processing content data, an output means capable of reproducing and outputting the content data processed by the processing section, and a content processed by the processing section Wireless communication means capable of transmitting data to an external device by wireless communication, output control means for outputting the content data processed by the processing means to one of the wireless communication means and output means, and content via the wireless communication means Setting means capable of setting output processing of content data when wireless communication is cut off when data is being transmitted to an external device; and The set output processing is executed.
[0014]
With such a configuration, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of appropriately controlling output of content data when wireless communication with the external device is disconnected when content data is transmitted from the own device to an external device and played back. It becomes possible.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0017]
In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which when wireless transmission of content data between an electronic device and an external device is disconnected, output of content data from a speaker provided in the electronic device is prohibited.
[0018]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a system according to the first embodiment.
[0019]
The electronic device 1 is a device that can transmit content data such as music to the external device 2 by wireless communication. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the electronic device 1 is realized by a personal computer capable of reproducing music, and the external device 2 is realized by a wireless headset (hereinafter, referred to as a headset) 2. The headset 2 functions as an output device for reproducing content data such as music transmitted from the personal computer 1 as a stream.
[0020]
Bluetooth ^TM Is a standard for short-range wireless communication, and realizes wireless communication within 10 m (maximum 100 m) using an ISM (Industry Science Medical) band in the 2.4 GHz band (2.4000 to 2.4835 GHz). Bluetooth ^TM In this example, a frequency hopping method (FHSS: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) is used as a spread spectrum method, and a maximum of eight devices are configured into one group (piconet) by a time division multiplex transmission method at a maximum communication speed of 1 Mbps. Communication is possible. Further, the frequency of the 2.4 GHz band is divided into 79 channels with a frequency bandwidth of 1 MHz, and communication is performed by switching the communication channel 1600 times per second. Since this channel is selected at random, it is said that it does not depend on a specific frequency and has excellent confidentiality. The piconet is a system including a device that manages a piconet called a master, a personal computer 1 in the present embodiment, and a device called a slave managed by the master, and a headset 2 in the present embodiment. Transmits content data such as music to the headset 2 so that the headset 2 can reproduce the content data. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which audio data is used as content data.
[0021]
In the personal computer 1, a main body case 101 and a display case 102 are rotatably connected via a hinge 103. On the upper surface of the main body case 101, a keyboard 104 capable of inputting character information and the like as a user interface and a touch pad 105 as a pointing device are provided. The display unit case 102 is provided with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 106. The personal computer 1 has a wireless communication unit and an antenna conforming to the Bluetooth (R) standard (not shown in FIG. 1), and can transmit content data to the headset 2 via the antenna. Further, a speaker 107 is provided on a side surface of the main body case 101, and can reproduce audio data such as music.
[0022]
The headset 2 is an output device that reproduces content data transmitted from the personal computer 1 by wireless communication and generates a sound corresponding to the content data. The headset 2 is configured to be mounted on the head of the user.
[0023]
The outer shape of the headset 2 includes a head arm 201 and two pads 202 and 203 provided at both ends of the head arm 201 as shown in the figure. Each of the two pads 202 and 203 has a built-in speaker. When the headset 2 is mounted on the head of the user, the two pads 202 and 203 are configured to cover the left and right ears of the user, respectively. On the outer surface of the pad 203, operation switches not shown in FIG. 1, such as a power button, a play button, a stop button, a forward button, and a reverse button, are provided.
[0024]
Next, FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration diagram of the personal computer 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0025]
The personal computer 1 is composed of devices necessary for the normal personal computer 1 to operate. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 which controls the entire personal computer 1 and the first bridge circuit 112 are connected by a CPU local bus having a 64-bit data bus, for example. The connection with the memory 113 is connected via a memory bus. The first bridge circuit 112 and the second bridge circuit 114 are connected by a high-speed bus 115 having a 32-bit data bus. Further, the second bridge circuit 114 is connected to a Bluetooth (Universal Serial Bus) 116 via a Bluetooth. ^TM A wireless communication unit 117 that executes wireless communication conforming to the standard is connected. Further, a sub-microcomputer called EC (Embedded Controller) 119 is connected to the low-speed bus 118 extending from the second bridge circuit 114.
[0026]
The CPU 111 is a device that controls the operation of the entire personal computer 1 and refers to the contents of the main memory 113 to execute data processing and the like based on the operation control.
[0027]
The first bridge circuit 112 is a bridge LSI that connects between the CPU local bus and the high-speed bus 115, and functions as one of the bus master devices of the high-speed bus 115. The first bridge circuit 112 performs a function of converting a bus width including data and an address between the CPU 113 and a device connected to the high-speed bus 115, and controls access to the main memory 113 via a memory bus. It has a function and a function of transmitting display data to the LCD 106 and performing display control.
[0028]
The main memory 113 includes an operating system (Operating System: OS) 120, driver software 121 for wireless communication and content data reproduction, for example, a music reproduction application 123 for executing music reproduction, a memory device for storing utility software, processing data, and the like. And is composed of a plurality of DRAMs and the like.
[0029]
The high speed bus 115 is a clock synchronous type input / output bus, and all cycles on the high speed bus 115 are performed in synchronization with the high speed bus clock. The high-speed bus 115 has an address / data bus used in a time-division manner.
[0030]
The second bridge circuit 114 is a bridge LSI that connects the high-speed bus 115 and the low-speed bus 118, and performs bus conversion between the high-speed bus 115 and the low-speed bus 118. In addition, various interface controllers such as a USB controller 124, an IDE (Intelligent Device Electronics) controller 125, and an AC97 controller 126 are incorporated. The USB controller 124 controls serial data transfer, and controls transmission and reception of signals with the wireless communication unit 117 connected via the USB 116. The IDE controller 125 performs data transfer control with a hard disk drive (HDD) 127 and an optical disk drive (not shown) connected via the IDE interface. The AC97 controller 126 is a controller that performs sound processing such as audio data and a modem. The AC97 controller 126 is connected to an audio codec 128 (hereinafter, referred to as a codec) and transmits audio data (content data) to the codec 128.
[0031]
The wireless communication unit 117 is a Bluetooth ^TM The data modulation / demodulation unit 129 performs data modulation and demodulation and frequency hopping control and the like in conformity with the communication standard. The data modulated by the data modulation / demodulation unit 129 is converted into a frequency used for wireless communication by the RF unit 130, and transmitted to the outside via the antenna 131. Further, the wireless signal received via the antenna 131 is amplified by the RF unit 130, demodulated by the data modulation / demodulation unit 129, and then transmitted to the second bridge circuit 114. For example, a flat inverted F-shaped antenna or the like can be used as the antenna 131, and the antenna 131 is provided in an upper portion of the display portion case 102.
[0032]
The HDD 127 is a nonvolatile data storage device, and can hold data even when the power of the personal computer 1 is turned off. The HDD 127 stores OS, various applications, drivers, utility software, and content data such as music and video. These data are read out to the main memory 113 as appropriate and processed by the CPU 114.
[0033]
The codec 128 performs D / A (Digital to Analog) conversion of audio data and the like, and transmits the result to the amplifier 132. Amplifier 132 amplifies the analog signal output from codec 128 and outputs the amplified signal to speaker 107.
[0034]
An EC 119 is connected to the low-speed bus 118 connected to the second bridge circuit 114.
[0035]
The EC 119 includes a plurality of register groups that can be read / written by the CPU 111. By using these register groups, communication between the CPU 111 and a device connected to the EC 119 becomes possible. In addition, functions of a keyboard controller and a PS / 2 controller are also built-in, and processing of signals input from the keyboard 104 and the touch pad 105 connected to the EC 119 is performed to notify a higher-level device (such as the CPU 111).
[0036]
When the content data is reproduced by using the music reproduction application 123 or the like in the personal computer having the above configuration, the content data (audio data) such as music is transmitted to the headset 2 via the wireless module 117. It becomes possible to transmit or reproduce and output audio data from the speaker 107.
[0037]
Next, FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration diagram of the headset 2 according to the first embodiment.
[0038]
The headset 2 includes a system control unit 211 that executes system control of the headset 2, a wireless communication unit 212, a data buffer 213, and an audio reproduction unit 214.
[0039]
The system control unit 211 is a processor provided to control the operation of the headset 2, and controls the wireless communication unit 212, the audio playback unit 214, and the like, respectively. In addition, the system control unit 211 includes an error detection / correction unit that detects an error in data transmitted from the personal computer 1 and a retransmission request issuing unit. The error detection / correction unit performs an error detection and correction process on the data received by the wireless communication unit 212. When an error that cannot be corrected by the error detection / correction unit occurs, the retransmission request issuing unit issues a retransmission request for the data. This retransmission request is sent by the wireless communication unit 212 to the source device.
[0040]
The wireless communication unit 212 is, like the wireless communication unit 117 provided in the personal computer 1, a Bluetooth device. ^TM Is a module that can execute wireless communication in accordance with a procedure conforming to the standard.
[0041]
The wireless communication unit 212 is used to receive data transmitted from the personal computer 1 by wireless signals. The wireless communication unit 212 is used to transmit data when transmitting various reproduction control signals to the personal computer 1 in accordance with the operation of the operation switch 215.
[0042]
The wireless communication unit 212 includes an RF unit 216 and a data modulation / demodulation unit 217 as illustrated. The wireless communication unit 212 converts a wireless signal received via the antenna 218 into an electric signal at the RF unit 216, performs demodulation processing at the data modulation / demodulation unit 217, and transmits the electric signal to the system control unit 211. When an operation of the operation switch 215 or the like is performed, a signal input via the system control unit 211 is subjected to modulation processing by the data modulation / demodulation unit 217, converted to a wireless signal by the RF unit 216, and then transmitted to the antenna. 218 to the personal computer 1.
[0043]
The audio reproduction unit 214 receives content data such as music transmitted from the personal computer 1 via the wireless communication unit 212, the system control unit 211, and the data buffer 213, and receives the content data from the speakers built in the pads 202 and 203, respectively. A so-called data reproduction process for so-called streaming reproduction is performed, in which the data is converted into an electric signal that can be output as sound. Streaming playback is a playback method of sequentially performing content data playback processing while receiving transmitted data.
[0044]
As described above, the headset 2 can reproduce and output content data such as music transmitted from the personal computer 1 from the pads 202 and 203.
[0045]
Next, FIG. 4 shows a configuration diagram of software and hardware related to reproduction of content data according to the first embodiment.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, when reproducing content data such as music, the content data can be reproduced using the music reproduction application 123 capable of reproducing the content data. Normally, when reproducing content data, the data processed by the music reproduction application 123 is processed using the sound driver 135, and output from the speaker 107 via the codec 128 and the amplifier 132. The sound driver 135 includes a sound driver included in the OS 120 as a standard, a sound driver dedicated to a specific speaker, and the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the sound driver is a sound driver suitable for the speaker 107.
[0047]
When outputting the content data from the headset 2, Bluetooth is used. ^TM The content data is transmitted to the headset 2 using a profile called A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) 136 used for streaming reproduction of content data such as music. Profile is Bluetooth ^TM This defines the functions provided by, and summarizes the protocols used for communication between devices. Bluetooth ^TM A sound driver (hereinafter referred to as a BT sound driver) 137 used in wireless communication based on A2DP 136 conforms to a data communication method based on A2DP136 and is a Bluetooth device. ^TM Used when transmitting content data to a device that conforms to the standard. The BT sound driver 137 performs encoding and decoding of content data, conversion of a data compression format, and the like.
[0048]
The A2DP 136 monitors the communication state and disconnection of the wireless communication unit 117, and can switch from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver 135 when communication disconnection occurs. Note that the content data is passed from the music reproduction application 123 to the sound driver 135 or the BT sound driver 137. Here, when transmitting the content data to the headset 2 via the wireless communication unit 117, the content data is transmitted to the headset 2 according to a transmission procedure according to A2DP136. When reproducing and outputting the content data to the speaker 107, the content data is output to the speaker 107 under the control of the sound driver 135.
[0049]
Subsequently, FIG. 5 shows a profile configuration diagram of the A2DP.
[0050]
The lowest layers are the RF layers 130 and 216, which are hardware, and the data modulation / demodulation units 129 and 217, on which Bluetooth is placed. ^TM LMP (Link Manager Protocol) 141, 241, L2CAP (Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol) 142, 242, and SDP (Service Discovery Protocol) 143, 243, which are defined by the core protocol. Furthermore, AVDTP (Audio / Video Distribution Protocol) 144 and 244 for performing transfer of A / V data stream, arbitration of stream parameters, and the like are connected by software.
[0051]
LMP141 and 241 are Bluetooth ^TM Manage security such as establishing links and authentication between devices. The L2CAP 142, 242 sets up a logical link, which is a data transmission path between connected devices, and assembles a packet from an upper layer to pass it to a lower layer and pass a packet from the lower layer to an upper layer. And so on. SDPs 143 and 243 are protocols for inquiring about functions and services provided by Bluetooth devices capable of wireless communication.
[0052]
AVDTPs 144 and 244 are protocols for providing communication adjustment for setting up stream transfer of content data, acquiring capabilities of a destination device such as encoding and decoding, and establishing and terminating stream transmission (channel). Also, the AVDTP 144 can switch between the sound driver 135 and the BT sound driver 137.
[0053]
The content data is subjected to processing such as data encoding by the BT sound driver 137 having the profile configuration on the personal computer 1 side, and then transmitted wirelessly via the RF unit 130 by a communication method based on the AVDTP 144. On the headset 2 side, the data is received via the RF unit 216, the data is further received from the RF unit 216 by the AVDTP 244, and the content data is decoded by the BT sound driver 245. To play music.
[0054]
Next, FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of communication connection between the personal computer 1 and the headset 2.
[0055]
Immediately after the power of the personal computer 1 is turned on or the Bluetooth device whose communication link is disconnected is in a standby state. No data transmission / reception is performed in this phase.
[0056]
The personal computer 1 broadcasts (broadcasts) an inquiry packet (Inquiry packet) (step S101). The headset 2 that has received the inquiry packet returns an FHS (Frequency Hop Synchronization) packet including a Bluetooth address (unique) and clock information to the personal computer 1. At the transmission / reception at this point, since the agreement regarding the frequency hopping pattern has not been established between the master and the slave, a fixed hopping pattern defined exclusively for the meeting is used.
[0057]
When the personal computer 1 receives the FHS packet from the headset 2 and grasps what kind of slave (headset 2) exists, the personal computer 1 transmits an ID packet indicating the ID unique to the personal computer 1 to the headset 2 ( Step S102). When a response to the ID packet is returned from the headset 2, the personal computer 1 transmits an FHS packet including a Bluetooth address (unique) of the personal computer 1 and clock information to the headset 2, and transmits its own address and clock to the headset 2. Notify (step S103). Here, for the first time, the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 can share the same hopping pattern.
[0058]
Subsequently, after that, the process proceeds to the communication connection phase, in which the personal computer 1 connects the logical link between the L2CAP 141 and the L2CAP layers to the headset 2 (step S104). Upon receiving the notification that the connection of the logical link has been established, the AVDTP 144 calls a command (BT_Notify) for monitoring the connection state with the headset 2 and monitors the connection state with the headset 2 (step S105).
[0059]
Subsequently, the stream end point (SEP) of the headset 2 is acquired by the AVDTP 144 (step S106). The SEP is information indicating the capabilities and resources of the communication destination device, and it is possible to perform data conversion processing in accordance with the communication destination device (the headset 2 in the present embodiment) with reference to the acquired SEP.
[0060]
Next, the personal computer 1 determines the capability and resource information of the headset 2 based on the SEP acquired from the headset 2 and performs communication settings such as a transmission data format (step S107). Through the above procedure, the communication connection between the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 is set.
[0061]
Subsequently, the transmission channel of the content data between the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 is set. A stream channel enabling data transmission / reception between the AVDTP 144 on the personal computer 1 side and the AVDTP 244 on the headset 2 side is established (step S108). This is a state in which content data can be transmitted and received in a stream by performing arbitration of parameters for data stream transfer.
[0062]
When the stream channel is established, the parameters for encoding and decoding the content data to be transmitted and received are initialized (step S109), and the stream transmission of the content data becomes possible.
[0063]
According to the above-described procedure, the content data can be transmitted from the personal computer 1 to the headset 2, and the headset 2 can process the received content data by the audio reproducing unit 214 and reproduce and output the data. However, depending on the physical distance between the personal computer 1 and the headset 2, the presence or absence of a shield, the state of radio waves, or the like, the wireless connection may be suddenly disconnected while the headset 2 reproduces and outputs the content data.
[0064]
The processing of the content data when the wireless connection is suddenly disconnected (unintended wireless disconnection) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a processing flowchart when the wireless communication is disconnected according to the first embodiment.
[0065]
The AVDTP 144 executes the command (BT_Notify) for monitoring the wireless communication connection when performing the communication connection as described in FIG. 6 (Step S105 in FIG. 6). With this command, the personal computer 1 can detect that the wireless communication has been disconnected.
[0066]
In a state where the content data is being transmitted (step S201), when the wireless communication is disconnected (step S202), it is determined whether or not a process of closing the stream channel of the AVDTP 144 (referred to as a signaling process) has been performed. (Step S203). The personal computer 1 and the headset 2 perform a predetermined procedure even when the communication is cut off, as in the case of establishing a stream channel in a predetermined procedure at the time of a wireless connection, thereby logically (the data means each other). Wireless communication can be physically disconnected (whether the radio wave of the wireless communication can be simply transmitted or received). However, here, it is determined whether the disconnection is performed after executing a predetermined process, thereby determining whether the disconnection is an unexpected (unintended) disconnection or a normal process (intended) disconnection. In the present embodiment, since the AVDTP 144 needs to perform the closing process of the stream channel when performing the disconnection process, the AVDTP 144 determines whether or not such a predetermined process has been performed, thereby determining an unexpected (unintended) operation. Judgment of disconnection or normal processing (intended) disconnection.
[0067]
If the AVDTP 144 determines that the predetermined disconnection processing has not been performed (YES in step S203), the AVDTP 144 stops the encoding processing in the BT sound driver 137 (step S204). At this time, the AVDTP 144 prohibits switching from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver 135 due to the disconnection of the wireless communication (step S205). Also, the content data transmitted from the music reproduction application 123 is discarded (step S206).
[0068]
If the AVDTP 144 is performing a predetermined process when the wireless communication is disconnected (NO in step S203), it is regarded as a normal disconnection process, and the transmission of the content data to the BT sound driver 137 is stopped. .
[0069]
In this manner, the AVDTP 144 monitors the disconnection of the wireless communication, and when the wireless communication is disconnected, stops the encoding process in the BT sound driver 137, performs the discarding process of the content data, and performs the process from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver. By not switching to 135, it is possible to prevent content data from being suddenly reproduced and output from the speaker 107. Further, since the music reproduction application 123 recognizes that the content data has been transmitted to the BT sound driver 137, it is possible to prevent the application from hanging up.
[0070]
Next, a reconnection process between the personal computer 1 and the headset 2, which is executed when the communication is not normally disconnected, will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the reconnection process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram of a dialog window showing an output destination change according to the first embodiment.
[0071]
In the case of the unexpected disconnection described above, the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 attempt to reconnect the wireless communication. In this case, a reconnection request may be issued from the personal computer 1 or a reconnection request may be issued from the headset 2.
[0072]
The details of the reconnection process are almost the same as the process shown in FIG. At the time of reconnection, after the connection of the L2CAP 142 is made, the transmission / reception of the content data can be resumed by re-setting based on the previously acquired SEP and opening the streaming channel (YES in steps S301 and S302). ).
[0073]
When the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 are reconnected, the music playback application 123 continues the content data playback process, so the BT sound driver 137 starts the encoding process of the received content data (step S303). ), Transmission of the content data is restarted (step S304). However, since the music reproduction application 123 executes the reproduction process of the content data even while the wireless communication is disconnected, the content data is discarded while the wireless communication is interrupted.
[0074]
If the wireless communication cannot be reconnected (NO in step S302), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the wireless communication was disconnected (step S305). Here, it is assumed that, for example, 90 seconds have been set after disconnection. If the predetermined time (90 seconds) has not elapsed since the wireless communication was disconnected (NO in step S305), the reconnection process is performed again (step S301).
[0075]
If a predetermined time (90 seconds) has elapsed since the wireless communication was disconnected (YES in step S305), it is determined that reconnection is not possible (the radio wave condition is poor), and the content data is transmitted to the speaker 107 provided in the personal computer 1. Switch the output of At this time, a dialog window is displayed on the LCD 106 of the personal computer 1 (step S306). FIG. 9 shows an example of the dialog window. By using the dialog window 150 to notify the user that the output destination of the content data is to be changed, the user can know that the output destination of the content data is to be changed.
[0076]
If the “OK” button in the dialog 150 is pressed, the BT sound driver 137 is terminated (step S307), and the AVDTP 144 switches from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver 135 (step S308). As a result, the content data is sent from the music reproduction application 123 to the sound driver 135, and the content data is output from the speaker 107 (step S309).
[0077]
As described above, in the first embodiment, even if the transmission of the content data transmitted from the personal computer 1 in the personal computer 1 or the headset 2 is abruptly interrupted due to a radio wave condition or the like, the personal computer 1 or the headset 2 transmits the data. The reproduction and output of the content data from the provided speaker 107 are prohibited. Further, reconnection of wireless communication with the headset 2 is attempted. Also, a reconnection is attempted for a certain period of time, and when the reconnection is impossible, the content data can be output from the speaker 107 provided in the personal computer.
[0078]
As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent sudden output of content data from a speaker of a personal computer when wireless communication between an electronic device and an external device is disconnected.
[0079]
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0080]
The second embodiment is an example in which content data processing when wireless communication between an electronic device and an external device is disconnected can be appropriately set by a user.
[0081]
The hardware configuration of the second embodiment also shows an example in which a personal computer 1 is used as an electronic device and a headset 2 is used as an external device, similarly to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the hardware and software described above is omitted.
[0082]
FIG. 10 shows a view of an output setting window for content data according to the second embodiment.
[0083]
The sound output setting window 160 is provided with a “wireless device priority mode” 161 and a “main unit speaker priority mode” 162 as settings for processing content data when wireless communication is suddenly disconnected. This window may be realized by a dedicated utility, or may be realized as a specific application.
[0084]
The wireless device priority mode 161 is a mode in which when wireless communication between the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 is disconnected, reconnection is attempted and content data from the wireless device is prioritized. In this case, when the wireless communication is disconnected, the output of the content data from the speaker 107 is prohibited as in the first embodiment. In this setting screen, a timeout setting unit 163 for setting a timeout period for wireless reconnection and a check box 164 capable of stopping the operation of the music playback application 123 when the wireless communication is disconnected are provided as options. ing.
[0085]
The timeout setting unit 163 is a setting unit that can set a predetermined time determined in step S305 in FIG. When the time required for the reconnection process reaches or exceeds the time set here, the output of the content data is switched to the speaker 107 provided in the personal computer 1.
[0086]
In the check box 164, an instruction to stop the reproduction process is issued from the AVDTP 144 that stops the reproduction process of the content data by the music reproduction application 123 to the music reproduction application 123 when the wireless communication is disconnected. Therefore, if the wireless reconnection succeeds, the content data is reproduced from the disconnected location.
[0087]
The main unit speaker priority mode 162 is a mode in which when wireless communication with the headset 2 is disconnected, the BT sound driver 137 is switched to the sound driver 135 and the content data is reproduced and output from the speaker 107 provided in the personal computer 1. is there. On this setting screen, a check box 166 is provided as an option, which allows content data to be output by a fade-in process (a process of gradually increasing the volume from a small volume) when switching to the output from the speaker 107. .
[0088]
When the check box 166 is checked, after switching to the sound driver 135, the output of the content data is reproduced and output by the fade-in process. The above settings are stored in the main memory 113 and are referred to when the wireless communication between the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 is disconnected.
[0089]
Next, a process of the personal computer 1 when the wireless communication according to the second embodiment is disconnected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows a processing flowchart of the personal computer 1 when the wireless communication according to the second embodiment is disconnected.
[0090]
When the wireless communication is disconnected (step S402) while the content data is being transmitted (step S401), the setting value set in the sound output setting window 160 stored in the main memory 113 is set to the above-described value. Reference is made (step S403).
[0091]
With reference to the set value, it is determined whether or not the wireless device priority mode 161 has been set (step S404). If the mode is set to the wireless device priority mode (YES in step S404), it is determined whether a predetermined process of closing the stream channel of the AVDTP 144 has been performed (step S405). If the AVDTP 144 determines that the predetermined disconnection processing has not been performed (YES in step S405), the AVDTP 144 stops the encoding processing in the BT sound driver 137 (step S406). At this time, the AVDTP 144 prohibits switching from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver 135 due to the disconnection of the wireless communication (step S407). In addition, the content data transmitted from the music reproduction application 123 is discarded (step S408).
[0092]
If the AVDTP 144 has performed a predetermined process when the wireless communication is disconnected (NO in step S405), it is determined that the disconnection process is normal (step S409), and the content data is transmitted to the BT sound driver 137. Will be stopped.
[0093]
If the wireless device priority mode 161 is not set in step S404 (NO in step S404), it is determined that the main body speaker priority mode 162 is set, and the BT sound driver 137 is terminated (step S410). ), The AVDTP 144 switches from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver 135 (step S411), and content data is output from the speaker 107 (step S412).
[0094]
At this time, if the check box 166 is checked, the reproduction process of the content data is performed by the fade-in process.
[0095]
As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to set output processing of content data when wireless communication is disconnected, and to perform processing based on the setting so that when wireless communication is disconnected, The output can be appropriately controlled.
[0096]
Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0097]
In the third embodiment, when wireless communication is disconnected, an output destination can be set before performing a reconnection process.
[0098]
The hardware configuration of the third embodiment also shows an example in which a personal computer 1 is used as an electronic device and a headset 2 is used as an external device, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the hardware and software described above is omitted.
[0099]
The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart when wireless communication is disconnected according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram of a dialog window showing an output destination change according to the third embodiment.
[0100]
When the wireless communication is disconnected (Step S502) while the content data is being transmitted (Step S501), the output from the speaker 107 is prohibited as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the encoding process in the BT sound driver 137 is stopped (step S503), and the AVDTP 144 prohibits the switching from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver 135 due to the disconnection of the wireless communication (step S504). Also, the content data sent from the music reproduction application 123 is discarded (step S505). After processing so that the speaker 107 does not output content data, a dialog window 170 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed (step S506).
[0101]
The dialog window 170 is displayed when the wireless communication is disconnected. When the “OK” button displayed in the dialog window 170 is pressed, the output of the content data is switched to the speaker 107 provided in the personal computer 1. When the “cancel” button is pressed, a reconnection process with the headset 2 is executed.
[0102]
Here, when the “OK” button is pressed, it is determined that the instruction is to switch the output destination to the speaker 107 provided in the personal computer 1 (YES in step S507), and the BT sound driver 137 is terminated (step S508). ), The AVDTP 144 switches from the BT sound driver 137 to the sound driver 135 (step S509). As a result, the content data is sent from the music reproduction application 123 to the sound driver 135, and the content data is output from the speaker 107 (step S510).
[0103]
If the "cancel button" is pressed in the dialog window 107, it is determined that reconnection processing is to be performed (NO in step S507), and reconnection processing with the headset 2 is performed (step S511).
[0104]
When the personal computer 1 and the headset 2 are reconnected, the music playback application 123 continues the content data playback process, so the BT sound driver 137 starts encoding the received content data (step S512). ), Transmission of the content data is restarted (step S513).
[0105]
As described above, in the third embodiment, when the wireless communication is disconnected, the window for inquiring how to perform the output processing of the content data is displayed, and the output of the content data is controlled according to the support of the user. It becomes possible. This embodiment is effective when the wireless communication is intentionally cut off and the content data is to be output from the speaker 107 provided in the personal computer 1.
[0106]
Subsequently, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0107]
Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, audio data is used as an example of content data, but in the fourth embodiment, video data is used as an example of content data.
[0108]
FIG. 14 shows a configuration diagram of a system according to the fourth embodiment.
[0109]
In the fourth embodiment, a television (hereinafter referred to as a TV) 301 is an example of an electronic device, and a personal computer 1 is an example of an external device. Content data including video and audio from the TV 301 is transmitted to the personal computer 1 by wireless communication. An example of transmission to the server will be described. Since the personal computer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted.
[0110]
The TV 301 displays video data on an LCD 303 provided on the front surface of the main body case 302, and outputs audio data from a speaker 304 provided below the main body case. Further, the TV has a wireless communication unit provided therein, and can perform wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 117 of the personal computer 1, and can transmit the above-described video data and audio data to the personal computer 1.
[0111]
Next, FIG. 15 shows a hardware configuration diagram of a TV according to the fourth embodiment.
[0112]
The TV 301 is provided with a system control unit 311, a wireless communication unit 312, a tuner 313, and a video / audio controller 314 that perform system control of the entire TV.
[0113]
The system control unit 311 is a processor provided to control the operation of the TV 2, and controls the wireless communication unit 312 and the like.
[0114]
The wireless communication unit 312 is, like the wireless communication unit 117 provided in the personal computer 1, ^TM Is a module capable of executing wireless communication in accordance with the standard conforming to the standard, and has a data modulation / demodulation unit 314 and an RF unit 315.
[0115]
The wireless communication unit 312 is used for performing wireless communication with the personal computer 1, and transmits content data to the personal computer and receives control commands (such as channel change) transmitted from the personal computer 1. The control command received by the wireless communication unit 312 and the control signal from the operation switch 316 provided for the TV 2, such as channel change and volume change, are processed by the system control unit 311 to change the channel, change the volume, and the like.
[0116]
The tuner 313 demodulates a TV signal (UHF / VHF) input from an antenna cable (not shown) and transmits content data (video data / audio data) to the system control unit 311. The system control unit 311 outputs video data and audio data to the LCD 303 and the speaker 304, respectively, so that the user can view video and audio.
[0117]
When transmitting content data to the personal computer 1 via the wireless communication unit 312, the system control unit 311 encodes the content data sent from the tuner 313, passes the encoded data to the wireless communication unit 212, and modulates / demodulates the data. The content data is transmitted to the personal computer via the unit 314, the RF unit 315, and the antenna 317.
[0118]
Further, the system control unit 311 has a function of performing, for example, a compression process of the content data. When transmitting the content data to the personal computer 1 via the wireless communication unit 312, the system control unit 311 is configured to compress and transmit the content data. Is also good.
[0119]
In the present embodiment, the system control unit 311 is configured to be able to transmit the content data received from the tuner 313 to only one of the LCD 303 and the speaker 304 or the wireless communication unit 312.
[0120]
For this reason, when viewing the content data on the TV 301, the content data is not transmitted to the personal computer 1, and when viewing the content data on the personal computer 1, the content data cannot be viewed on the TV 301. In the personal computer 1, the received content data is reproduced by a predetermined dedicated application or the like.
[0121]
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a description will be given of a process performed when wireless communication is disconnected while content data is being transmitted from the TV 301 to the personal computer 1. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart when wireless communication is disconnected according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram of a dialog window output to the display unit of the TV according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 shows a diagram of a dialog window output to the display unit of the personal computer according to the fourth embodiment.
[0122]
When the wireless communication is disconnected (YES in step S602) while the content data is being transmitted from the TV 301 to the personal computer 1 (step S601), the system control unit 311 transmits the content data to the wireless communication unit 312 and the LCD 303 /. The content data is discarded without transmitting to the speaker 304 (step S603). Subsequently, a reconnection process with the personal computer 1 is performed. In this reconnection process, a request may be issued from the personal computer 1 or a request may be issued from the TV 303. When reconnected, the TV 303 transmits the content data to the personal computer 1 via the wireless communication unit 312.
[0123]
In addition, when the connection cannot be re-established for the predetermined time (NO in step S605) and the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S607), the dialog window shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the LCD 303 provided in the TV 301. If the personal computer 1 cannot reconnect for a predetermined time, a dialog window as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed.
[0124]
The dialog window 320 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the LCD 303 of the TV 301, and asks whether to change the output destination of the content data transmitted from the TV 301. Here, if the “OK” button in dialog window 320 is pressed (YES in step S609), system control unit 311 outputs content data to LCD 303 / speaker 304 (step S610). When "cancel" is pressed in the dialog window 320 (NO in step S609), the power of the TV 301 is turned off because the output destination of the content data is not changed and the wireless communication cannot be established (step S611).
[0125]
A dialog window 330 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the LCD 106 of the personal computer 1. The personal computer 1 is a device that receives content data from the TV 301 and views the content data.
[0126]
For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the “OK” button of the dialog window 330 is pressed, the application that performs the content data reproduction processing ends. If "cancel" is pressed in the dialog window 330, the reconnection process is attempted from the personal computer 1. In this case, when the TV is turned off, the wireless connection is not established. Therefore, for example, the number of times the dialog window is displayed may be counted on the personal computer side, and if the dialog window is displayed three or more times, the application for automatically reproducing the content data may be terminated.
[0127]
In the fourth embodiment, an example in which video data is communicated to a TV or a personal computer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and video data read from a DVD drive (not shown) provided in the personal computer is transmitted to an external display device. The present invention is also applicable to a case in which video data demodulated by a TV tuner provided in a personal computer is transmitted to an external display device.
[0128]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the wireless communication is disconnected while the content data is being transmitted from the TV to the personal computer by the wireless communication, the switching of the output destination of the video / audio content data to the TV is prohibited. I do. By displaying an inquiry screen as to whether or not to switch to the TV display screen, output control of content data can be appropriately performed.
[0129]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the output of the content data when the communication with the wireless communication device is disconnected.
[0130]
In the present invention, Bluetooth is used as an example of wireless communication. ^TM However, the present invention is also applicable to wireless communication such as a wireless communication standard (for example, IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g) defined by the IEEE 802.11 working group. When applied to these, it is preferable to provide a means for monitoring connection of wireless communication, a means for switching between a sound driver and a driver for a graphic controller.
[0131]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in an implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0132]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention described in detail above, it is possible to provide an electronic apparatus and a content data output method capable of appropriately controlling output of content data when communication with a wireless communication device is disconnected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the personal computer 1 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a headset 2 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of software and hardware related to reproduction of content data according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a profile configuration diagram of A2DP.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of communication connection between the personal computer and the headset according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a processing flowchart when wireless communication is disconnected according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a reconnection process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary view of a dialog window showing an output destination change according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is an exemplary view of a content data output setting window according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a processing flowchart of the personal computer when the wireless communication according to the second embodiment is disconnected.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart when wireless communication is disconnected according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an exemplary view of a dialog window showing an output destination change according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a hardware configuration diagram of a TV according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart when wireless communication is disconnected according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is an exemplary view of a dialog window output to a display unit of a TV according to a fourth embodiment;
FIG. 18 is an exemplary view of a dialog window output to a display unit of a personal computer according to the fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... PC
2. Headset
101 ... body case
102 ... Display case
103 ... hinge part
104 ... Keyboard
105 ... Touch pad
106 ... LCD
107 ... speaker
111 ... CPU
113: Main memory
117, 212: Wireless communication unit
120 ... Operating system
121 ... Driver software
123 ... Music playback application
129, 217 ... data modulation / demodulation unit
130, 216 ... RF section
135 ... Sound driver
136: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
137, 245 ... BT sound driver
141, 241 ... LMP (Link Manager Protocol)
142, 242... L2CAP (Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol)
143, 243 ... SDP (Service Discovery Protocol)
144, 244... AVDTP (Audio / Video Distribution Transport Protocol)
150… Dialog window
160: Sound output setting window
201 ... Head arm
202, 203 ... pad
214 audio playback unit

Claims (18)

Body and
Processing means provided on the main body for reproducing content data;
Output means for reproducing and outputting the content data processed by the processing means,
Wireless communication means for transmitting the content data processed by the processing means to an external device by wireless communication,
Outputting the content data processed by the processing means to one of the wireless communication means or the output means, and performing the wireless communication when the content data is transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication means. When is disconnected, output control means for stopping the output of the content data from the output control means to the output means,
An electronic device comprising: Body and
Processing means provided on the main body for processing content data;
Output means capable of reproducing and outputting the content data processed by the processing means,
Wireless communication means capable of transmitting the content data processed by the processing means to an external device by wireless communication,
Output control means for outputting the content data processed by the processing means to one of the wireless communication means or the output means,
Setting means capable of setting output processing of the content data when the wireless communication is disconnected when the content data is transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication means,
The electronic device, wherein the output control means executes the output processing set by the setting means when the wireless communication is disconnected. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit is capable of setting to stop outputting the content data from the output control unit to the wireless communication unit and the output unit when the wireless communication is disconnected. An electronic device according to claim 1. The control means, when the wireless communication is disconnected while the content data is being transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication means, outputs the content data from the output control means to the wireless communication means. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is stopped. Detecting means for detecting disconnection of the wireless communication,
A determination unit that determines whether a predetermined communication end process for disconnecting the wireless communication has been performed,
4. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, when the wireless communication is disconnected without executing the predetermined communication end process, the wireless communication unit performs a reconnection process of wireless communication with the external device. Electronic device as described. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein when the wireless connection with the external device is enabled by the reconnection process, the output control unit outputs the content data to the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein the reconnection process is performed, and when wireless communication with the external device is not enabled within a predetermined time, the output control unit outputs the content data to the output unit. Electronics. 6. The wireless communication unit according to claim 5, wherein the wireless communication unit is capable of executing wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth ^TM standard, and the predetermined communication termination processing is an AVDTP (Audio / Video Distribution Transport Protocol) signaling processing. Electronic device as described. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit can set to output the content data from the output control unit to the output unit when the wireless communication is disconnected. 4. machine. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the processing of the processing unit is stopped when the wireless communication is disconnected. The stopping unit includes a detecting unit that detects disconnection of the wireless communication, and a determining unit that determines whether or not a predetermined communication end process for disconnecting the wireless communication has been performed,
If the wireless communication is disconnected without executing the predetermined communication end process, the wireless communication unit executes a reconnection process of the wireless communication with the external device, and performs the reconnection process with the external device. 11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein when the wireless communication becomes possible, the processing by the processing unit is started. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the content data is audio data, and the output unit is a speaker. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the content data is video data, and the output unit is a display provided in the electronic device. The electronic device includes display means for displaying information,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the wireless communication is disconnected, an inquiry as to whether to switch output of the content data to the output unit is displayed on the display unit. In a content data output method used in an electronic device having an output unit capable of outputting content data and a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting the content data by wireless communication,
Outputting the processed content data to one of the wireless communication means or the output means,
Determine whether the wireless communication has been disconnected when the content data is being transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication means,
A content data output method, wherein, when it is determined in the determination process that the wireless communication is disconnected, the output of the content data to the wireless communication unit and the output unit is stopped. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the wireless communication is disconnected, an inquiry notification as to whether to switch the output of the content data to the output unit is displayed on a display unit included in the electronic device. Content data output method. In a content data output method used in an electronic device having an output unit capable of outputting content data and a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting the content data by wireless communication,
Outputting the processed content data to one of the wireless communication means or the output means,
Setting the output processing of the content data when the wireless communication is disconnected when the content data is transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication means,
Determining whether the wireless communication has been disconnected when the content data is being transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication means,
The content data output method, wherein the set output process is executed when it is determined in the determination process that the wireless communication has been disconnected. In a computer system including a computer having wireless communication means and a content data output device capable of wireless communication with the computer,
The computer is
Processing means for processing the content data;
First output means capable of reproducing and outputting the content data processed by the processing means;
Wireless communication means capable of transmitting the content data to the content data output device by wireless communication,
Outputting the content data processed by the processing means to one of the wireless communication means or the first output means, and transmitting the content data to the external device via the wireless communication means. Output control means for stopping the output of the content data from the output control means to the first output means when the wireless communication is disconnected,
The content data output device,
A second wireless communication unit capable of receiving the content data transmitted from the computer,
A second output unit capable of reproducing and outputting the content data.

Images