JP2000253001A - Connecting device between network and equipment and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use equipment not adaptable to a network similarly to the case with the equipment adaptable to the network. SOLUTION: The device is provided with a 1st means 10 that converts a data signal outputted from equipment 3, which cannot be connected to a network unless a modification is made but is externally controllable, into a data signal format of the network or converts the data signal received via the network into the data signal format, which can be processed by the equipment 3 and outputs the converted signal to the equipment 3, a 2nd means 6 that receives a control signal to control the equipment 3 via the network, receives the data signal via the network and outputs the signal to the 1st means 10 or transmits the data signal converted by the 1st means 10 via the network and a 3rd means 15 that controls the 1st and 2nd means 10, 6, converts the control signal received by the 2nd means 6 into a control signal format that can be processed by the equipment 3 on the basis of a prescribed conversion table and controls the equipment 3 with the converted control signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network for connecting a device which cannot be connected to a network as it is but can be controlled from the outside to a network, and which can be used by other devices on the network. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for connecting a device to a device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a network, IEEE13
94 etc. have been standardized, and this has
(PCs), televisions, telephones, and the like have been connected, and various signals such as moving images, sounds, and character data can be communicated and shared. In addition, new network standards for the network itself are being considered one after another due to the need for improved device performance and higher speed.

[0003]

However, the standardization of such a home network makes it impossible for a device that is not compatible with the conventional network or a device that is compatible with the conventional network to connect to the new network. Since it is necessary to purchase a new one that supports the network with the same function, there is a problem that assets cannot be used effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to enable a non-network-compatible device to be used on a network in the same manner as a network-compatible device, thereby effectively utilizing existing devices. It is to provide a technology that can do this.

[0005]

In order to achieve this object, a network-to-device connection device according to the present invention is a device that cannot be connected to a network as it is, but is controllable from outside (non-network connection compatible device). First means for converting a data signal output by the first means into a data signal format of the network, and a control signal for controlling the device via the network, and a data signal converted by the first means. Through the network, and controlling the first and second means, and transmitting the control signal received by the second means to the device based on a predetermined conversion table. And a third means for converting the control signal into a controllable signal format and controlling the device with the converted control signal. And butterflies.

Alternatively, a data signal received via a network is converted into a data signal format which can be processed by a device which cannot be connected to the network but can be controlled from the outside, and outputs the data signal to the device. Means for receiving a control signal for controlling the device via the network, receiving a data signal via the network, and outputting the received data signal to the first means. Means for controlling the first and second means, and
Converting the control signal received by the means into a control signal format that can be processed by the device based on a predetermined conversion table, and controlling the device with the converted control signal.
Means are provided.

The method for connecting a device to a network according to the present invention includes a step of receiving, via the network, a control signal for controlling a device which cannot be connected to the network as it is but can be controlled from the outside. Converting the received control signal into a control signal format that can be processed by the device based on a predetermined conversion table, and outputting the converted control signal to the device; and Outputting a data signal; and converting the data signal into a data signal format of the network and transmitting the data signal via the network.

[0008] Alternatively, a step of receiving, via the network, a control signal for controlling a device which cannot be connected to the network but can be controlled from the outside via the network, and converts the received control signal into a predetermined conversion table. Converting the control signal into a control signal format that can be processed by the device, and outputting the converted control signal to the device, and receiving a data signal to the device via the network, which can be processed by the device. The method includes a step of converting the data signal into a data signal format and outputting the data signal to the device, and a step of receiving the data signal by the device according to the output control signal.

According to this, an analog output V is displayed on a display or the like having a function according to the present invention on a network.
By connecting a non-network-compatible device such as a TR, it becomes possible to control a VTR or the like through a network from a display or the like at a remote location, and it is possible to use the non-network-compatible device as if it were a network-compatible device. It becomes possible.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, before a non-network-compatible device is used for a network through the network, a self-identification device including information for identifying and using the device is used. Sends a signal to the network. In using the device, a signal indicating that the control has been completed is transmitted to the network after a lapse of a fixed time after the device is controlled by the third means or by detection of an output signal output by the device. Send out. Thereafter, data is transmitted / received to / from the device via the network.

The conversion table has a plurality of sets of control signal format data for a plurality of devices. By selecting the data of the device to be used from the plurality of sets, the control signal received via the network is converted into a data signal format that can be processed by the device. Control of the device by the converted control signal is performed by an infrared remote controller, a wired remote controller, a radio remote controller, or the like.

The data signal input / output to / from the device is an analog signal. Further, the conversion table can be rewritten via a network. The signaling form of the network is, for example, an electrical or optical signal and is a serial digital signal.

[0013]

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This control device is built in the television 2 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, here, a television 1 connected to a network conforming to IEEE 1394 is connected to a non-network-compatible V connected to a television 2 having the control device of FIG.
An example in which the TR3 is controlled and a video signal output from the VTR3 is displayed on the television 1 via a network will be described.

First, the configuration of the control device of FIG. 1 provided in the television 2 will be described with reference to FIG. This control device roughly has three interfaces. One is a network interface 6 for directly exchanging signals with the network, and the other is an AV interface with the VTR 3.
An analog AV interface 10 for exchanging signals, and a control interface 15 for controlling the network interface 6 and the analog AV interface 10 and transmitting a remote control signal to the VTR 3. These interfaces are connected to the CPU 16 of the control interface 15.
, And controls the non-network compatible device as if it were a network compatible device.

Next, each interface will be described. The network interface 6 controls the physical layer, and a physical layer controller 7 that directly exchanges packets with the network, a link layer controller 9 that has a function of converting data of the DMA 8 into network packets, and a link layer controller 9 that transmits and receives the data. It has a DMA 8 for storing packet data.

The analog AV interface unit 10 converts digital compressed video data into an NTSC format, and converts digital compressed audio data into a normal audio format. The decoder 11 converts this into an analog signal. D / A converter 12, NT
The A / D converter 14 for converting the SC analog video signal and the analog audio signal into digital data and the data from the A / D converter 14 are subjected to compression processing.
It comprises an encoder unit 13 for transferring to the MA8.

The control interface unit 15 includes a link layer controller 9 of the network interface 6.
Thus, the control signal of the VTR 3 from the network is read out of the packet data stored in the DMA 8 of the network interface 6 and converted into a control signal format corresponding to the infrared remote controller of the VTR 3 by the conversion table 18 of the control interface 15. And the IR transmitter 1 of the control interface 15
7 and the network interface 6
CPU 16 having a function of controlling link layer controller 9 and DMA 8 of network interface 6 and encoder 13 of analog AV interface 10 by interrupt signals from link layer controller 9 and DMA 8, and various analog AV
It has a conversion table 18 which has a control format for controlling the device by infrared rays and which can rewrite the control format via a network, and an IR transmitter 17 for converting a control signal format from the CPU 16 to infrared rays.

As shown in FIG. 2, the conversion table 18 has a control signal format such as a header for performing control by infrared rays for each model, a recording, a reproduction, and a fast forward. Here, for example, a PC (personal computer) or the like on a network (not shown) receives the conversion table No. "Company A V" in "1"
When the control signal format of "TR1" is set, CP
U16 is No. The pointer information of "1" is written into a memory (not shown). Next, when there is a request to reproduce the VTR 3 from the network, the CPU 16 reads this pointer information from a memory (not shown), "1"
"0001" and playback "00110" corresponding to
010 ”is read from the conversion table 18. The CPU 16 sends this signal to the
By outputting to the transmitter 17, VT
Send a playback command to R3. Also, the CPU 16
When a write request for a control signal format of a new model is issued from a PC (personal computer) or the like on a network (not shown), for example, if the model item of the conversion table 18 is “*”, it is determined that the area is an empty area. , A header, a recording operation, and a reproduction operation in a new control signal format.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation in the configuration of FIG. Next, this operation will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the CPU 16 included in the control interface 15 in the control circuit in the television 2 placed in the room 42 transmits V to the root node of the network via the link layer controller 9 and the physical layer controller 7 of the network interface 6.
Two self-identification packets (address information; physical ID, transfer speed, link layer state, etc.) of the TR 3 and the television 2 are sent (step S1). This allows each node on the network to connect the television 2 and VTR 3 to the network.
Is connected, and each node can directly use not only the television 2 but also the VTR 3.

Next, when the remote control 5 requests the television 1 in the room 41 to reproduce the VTR 3, the television 1 outputs a network use request signal to the root node, and starts using the network. Next, the television 1 issues a VTR reproduction request to the VTR 3 node (step S2). Then, the CPU 16 of the control interface 15 of the control device in the television 2 transmits the DMA via the physical layer controller 7 and the link layer controller 9 of the network interface 6.
8 receives a playback request signal for the VTR 3 read from the VTR 3 and converts the signal into a conversion table 18 from the input control format to the preset VTR 3
Is converted into a control signal format using infrared rays corresponding to the above, and a reproduction command is output to the VTR 3 using the IR transmitter 17 (step S3).

The VTR 3 receives the reproduction request from the IR transmitter 17, reproduces the tape, and outputs an analog AV signal (NTSC video signal, audio signal) to the A / D converter 14 of the analog interface 10 (step). S4). Thereafter, the CPU 16 reads the data of the timer circuit (not shown), and after a lapse of a predetermined time, sends a control completion signal as a node of the VTR 3 to the television 1 on the network via the DMA 8 of the network interface 6 (step). S5). Next, the control device of the television 2 sends a cycle start packet to the network as a VTR 3 node,
Is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 14, compressed and rearranged by the encoder 13, and written to the DMA 8 of the network interface 6. Network interface 6
After the link layer controller 9 converts the data of the DMA 8 into a packet, the physical layer controller 7 outputs the packet to the network (step S6). Finally, the television 1 receives the packet including the information of the AV data signal of the VTR 3 output from the control device of the television 2 mounted on the network, and sequentially reads out the data from the packet.
Plays back the signal and displays it on the screen (step S
7).

Although the present embodiment uses a network conforming to IEEE 1394, the format of the network is not limited to this.

[Embodiment 2] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, a playback command is sent to the VTR 3 using an infrared signal, and the playback output of the VTR 3 is sent to the television 1 on the network. As described below, in the configuration of FIG. , A video recording command may be transmitted, and the image data from the television 1 may be converted to an analog AV signal (NTSC video signal, audio signal) by the control device of FIG. This operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5.

First, the CPU 16 in the control circuit built in the television 2 in the room 42 sends the VTR 3 and the television 2 to the root node of the network via the link layer controller 9 and the physical layer controller 7 of the network interface 6. A self-identification packet (address information; physical ID, transfer speed, link layer state, etc.) is transmitted (step S11). As a result, each node on the network determines that the TV 2 and the VTR 3 are connected to the network, and each node can directly use not only the TV 2 but also the VTR 3.

Next, when the remote controller 5 requests the television 1 in the room 41 to record the VTR 3, the television 1 outputs a network use request signal to the root node, and starts using the network. Next, the television 1 issues a VTR recording request to the VTR 3 node (step S12). The CPU 16 of the control interface 15 of the control device receives a recording request signal for the VTR 3 read into the DMA 8 of the network interface 6 via the physical layer controller 7 and the link layer controller 9 of the network interface 6, and converts the control interface 15. According to the table 18, this is converted from the input control format to a preset control signal format using infrared rays corresponding to the VTR 3, and a recording command is output to the VTR 3 using the IR transmitter 17. (Step S13).

The VTR 3 is connected to the I
Upon receiving a recording request from the R transmitter 17, the tape is set to a recording state. The CPU 16 of the control interface 15 of the control device of the television 2 reads data of a timer circuit (not shown), and after a lapse of a certain period of time, via the DMA 8 of the network interface 6, the link layer controller 9 and the physical layer controller 7. Sends a control completion signal as a node of the VTR 3 to the television 1 (step S14).

Upon receiving the control completion signal, the television 1 sends a cycle start packet to the network and starts sending packet data having AV data to the VTR 3 on the network (step S1).
5).

Next, the control device transmits the AV signal from the television 1 to the D layer via the physical layer controller 7 and the link layer controller 9 of the network interface 6.
Import to MA8, analog AV interface 10
From the compressed discontinuous data to the uncompressed continuous data by the decoder 11 of the D / A converter 1
2 to convert it into an analog AV signal (NTSC video signal, audio signal) (step S16). The AV signal converted to the analog signal is recorded by the VTR 3 (step S17).

Embodiment 3 FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This control device is provided in the audio AMP 20 in FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a network-incompatible C connected from a PC 21 connected to a network to an audio AMP 20 having the control device of FIG.
The D player 19 is controlled via a network, and the audio output from the CD player 19 is output to the audio AMP2.
0 and the speaker 22 of the PC 21 via the network
Here is an example of output from.

The configuration of the control device will be described with reference to FIG. This control device roughly has three interfaces. One is a network interface 23 that directly exchanges signals with the network, and the other is a network interface 23.
One is a control interface 30 for controlling the network interface 23 and the analog audio interface 27 and transmitting a remote control signal to the CD player 19, and the other is an analog audio interface 27 for exchanging AV signals with the CD player 19. is there. These interfaces are controlled by the CPU 31 of the control interface 30,
Control non-network compatible devices as if they were network compatible devices.

Next, each interface will be described. The network interface 23 controls a physical layer, and a physical layer controller 24 that directly exchanges packets with the network, a link layer controller 26 having a function of converting data of the DMA 25 into a network packet, and a link layer controller 26 that transmits and receives data. DMA for storing packet data to be transferred
25.

Analog audio interface unit 2
Reference numeral 7 denotes an A / D converter 29 for converting an analog audio signal into digital data, and an A / D converter 2
9 compresses and rearranges the data signal output by
It comprises an encoder 28 for transferring to the DMA 25.

The control interface 30 receives the CD player 19 control signal from the network stored in the DMA 25 by the link layer controller 26, converts the control signal to the control signal format of the CD player 19 by the conversion table 32, To the link layer controller 26 and D
A CPU 31 having a function of controlling the link layer controller 26, the DMA 25, and the encoder 28 by an interrupt signal from the MA 25, and a conversion table 32 having control formats for various analog audio devices in advance and rewriting the control formats via a network Consists of

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation in the configuration of FIG. The audio AMP 20 of FIG. 7 incorporates the control circuit of FIG. This operation is shown in FIGS.
8 will be described. First, audio AMP20
CP of the control interface 30 in the control circuit inside
U31 is a link layer controller 26 of the network interface 23, a physical layer controller 24
And two self-identification packets (address information; physical ID, transfer speed, link layer state, etc.) of the audio AMP 20 and the CD player 19 to the root node of the network via the network (step S31). Thus, each node on the network determines that the audio AMP 20 and the CD player 19 are connected to the network, and each node can directly use not only the audio AMP 20 but also the CD player 19.

Next, when the PC 21 (personal computer) requests the CD player 19 to reproduce, the PC 21 outputs a network use request signal to the root node.
Start using the network. Next, the PC 21 (personal computer) issues a CD playback request to the node of the CD player 19 (step S32). The CPU 31 of the control interface 30 of the control device receives a reproduction request signal for the CD player 19 read into the DMA 25 via the physical layer controller 24 and the link layer controller 26 of the network interface 23,
The conversion table 32 of the control interface 30 converts the input control format from the input control format to a preset control signal format corresponding to the CD player 19, and outputs a reproduction command to the CD player 19 (step S33). ).

The CD player 19 receives a playback request from the CPU 31 of the control interface 30 and performs CD playback.
An analog audio signal is output to the / D converter 29 (step S34). Control interface 3
The CPU 31 of 0 compares the output of the A / D converter 29 with a preset reference level by a comparator (not shown), and when the output of the comparator changes, determines that the control has been completed.
The control code is written into the MAP 25, and a control completion signal is transmitted to the PC 21 (personal computer) via the link layer controller 26 and the physical layer controller 24 (step S35).

Next, the control device sends a CD to the network.
A cycle start packet is sent out as a node of the player 19, and a reproduction signal from the CD player 19 is converted into digital data by an A / D converter 29 of the analog audio interface 27, and the encoder 28
Performs compression and rearrangement processing, and writes the result in the DMA 25 of the network interface 23. In the network interface 23, the link layer controller 26 converts the data of the DMA 25 into a packet,
This is output on the network by the physical layer controller 24 of the network interface 23 (step S36).

Finally, the PC 21 receives the packet containing the information of the audio data of the CD player 19 output from the control device of the audio AMP 20 mounted on the network, reads out the data sequentially from this, reproduces the data as an audio signal, and reproduces the audio signal. (Step S3)
7).

[0039]

According to the present invention as described above,
Devices that are not compatible with the network can be used by connecting to the network. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the conventional device in a network environment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control device for controlling a non-network compatible VTR according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a conversion table included in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a non-network compatible VT using the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for controlling R.

FIG. 4 shows a non-network compatible V in the configuration of FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing an operation for controlling reproduction of a TR.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of controlling recording of a non-network compatible VTR according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control device for controlling a non-network compatible CD player according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a non-network compatible CD using the apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration for controlling a player.

8 is a diagram showing a C corresponding to a non-network in the configuration of FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which controls a D player.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: 2: TV 3: Non-network compatible VTR, 5:
Remote controller, 6: network interface, 7: physical layer controller, 8: DMA, 9: link layer controller, 10: analog AV interface,
11: decoder, 12: D / A converter, 13: encoder, 14: A / D converter, 15: control interface, 16: CPU, 17: IR transmitter,
18: conversion table, 19: CD player, 20: audio AMP, 21: PC, 22: speaker, 23: network interface, 24: physical layer controller, 25: DMA, 26: link layer controller, 27: analog audio interface, 2
8: Encoder, 29: A / D converter, 30: Control interface, 31: CPU, 32: Conversion table, 41, 42: Room.

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A first means for converting a data signal output from a device which cannot be connected to a network as it is but can be controlled from the outside into a data signal format of the network, and the device via the network. A second means for receiving a control signal for controlling the first means and transmitting the data signal converted by the first means via the network, and controlling the first and second means, And a third means for converting the control signal received by the second means into a control signal format that can be processed by the device based on a predetermined conversion table, and controlling the device with the converted control signal. A device for connecting a network and a device. 2. A first method of converting a data signal received via a network into a data signal format which can be processed by a device which cannot be connected to the network as it is but can be controlled from the outside, and outputs the data signal to the device. Means for receiving a control signal for controlling the device via the network, receiving a data signal via the network, and outputting the received data signal to the first means. Means for controlling the first and second means, and converting the control signal received by the second means into a control signal format that can be processed by the device based on a predetermined conversion table, A network-device connection device, comprising: third means for controlling the device by a control signal. 3. A data signal output from a device that cannot be connected to a network but can be controlled from the outside as it is is converted into a data signal format of the network, and a data signal received via the network is converted. First means for converting to a data signal format that can be processed by the device and outputting the converted signal to the device;
Receiving a control signal for controlling the device via the network and receiving a data signal via the network, transmitting the data signal converted by the first means via the network, A second means for outputting the received data signal to the first means; controlling the first and second means; and converting the control signal received by the second means into a predetermined conversion table. And a third means for converting the control signal format into a control signal format that can be processed by the device based on the control signal and controlling the device with the converted control signal. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a function of transmitting a self-identification signal including information for identifying and using the device to the network. Network and device connection equipment. 5. The third means sends a signal to the network to the effect that control has been completed after a certain period of time has elapsed after controlling the device or by detecting an output signal output by the device. The network and device connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a function. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data signal input / output to / from the device is an analog signal. 7. The conversion table has data of a plurality of sets of control signal formats for a plurality of devices, and the third means selects from the plurality of sets according to a target device. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is converted. 8. The network-to-device connection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion table is rewritable. 9. The network-to-device connection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion table is rewritable via the network. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a signal form of the network is an electric signal or an optical signal. 11. The network according to claim 1, wherein a signal form of said network is a serial digital signal.
10. The connection device between a network and a device according to any one of 0. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third unit includes an infrared remote controller for controlling the device. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said third means includes a wired remote controller for controlling said device.
12. The connection device between a network and a device according to any one of items 11 to 11. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said third means includes a radio remote controller for controlling said equipment.
12. The connection device between a network and a device according to any one of items 11 to 11. 15. A step of receiving, via the network, a control signal for controlling a device which cannot be connected to a network but can be controlled from the outside, and converts the received control signal into a predetermined conversion table. Converting the control signal into a control signal format that can be processed by the device, and outputting the converted control signal to the device; and outputting the predetermined data signal from the device in response to the control signal. Converting the data into a data signal format of the network and transmitting the data via the network. 16. A step of receiving, via the network, a control signal for controlling a device which cannot be connected to a network but can be controlled from the outside, and converts the received control signal into a predetermined conversion table. Converting the control signal into a control signal format that can be processed by the device, and outputting the converted control signal to the device, and receiving a data signal to the device via the network, which can be processed by the device. A method of connecting a network to a device, comprising: converting the data signal into a data signal format and outputting the data signal to the device; and receiving the data signal by the device according to the output control signal.