JP2000259545A - Information processing device, its method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and quickly retrieve a desired device by producing a list of devices accordant with the set retrieval condition from the device information to be acquired. SOLUTION: In a constitution example of an image processor applying a retrieval/display method, the image data photographed by a digital camera, etc., are stored in a prescribed area of an HD 24 via a CF card 22 or a 1394-interface 11 and can be optionally edited by a user by means of a display 18 and a touch panel 20. The image processor also has a function to send and print the image data via a printer connected to a 1394-network. and a selection candidate production function to select a desired device on the 1394-network. The code of the application software where the above functions are programmed is stored in a prescribed area of a ROM 15 or the HD 24 and then expanded on a RAM 16 to be executed there. The selection set information store area of the HD 24 stores the selection set information that is needed for selecting a desired device on the 1394-network.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a plurality of information processing apparatuses and methods connected via a serial bus such as IEEE1394, and a recording medium. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A serial bus interface such as IEEE1394 is different from a one-to-one connection between a host and a device in an interface such as RS232C, and a plurality of devices such as a digital video camera (DV), A plurality of devices such as a digital still camera (DC), a host computer, a scanner, a printer, and a digital video tape recorder can be connected together. Therefore, it is conceivable to apply a serial bus interface to a data communication network system connecting these devices.

In the case of a serial bus interface conforming to or conforming to IEEE 1394 (hereinafter simply referred to as "1394 interface"), each device has a node unique ID as means for identifying a certain device. This ID is 64
The upper 24 bits are based on IEEE (The Institute).
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.), and the lower 48 bits can be freely determined by each manufacturer. Therefore, a specific node unique ID is set for one device regardless of the manufacturer and model of the device. By means of such device identification, it becomes possible to specify a device in data communication in a network using IEEE1394 (hereinafter referred to as "1394 network") to which a plurality of devices are connected.

Further, by recognizing a plurality of devices using a node unique ID and displaying device connection information in a network called a topology map, a 1394 device is displayed.
Display means for managing the use state of the network and improving its convenience have been considered.

[0005]

If the above display means is introduced into a 1394 network environment in which a plurality of devices are connected, device information such as a maker name and a model name can be obtained by a node unique ID. The user can know the correspondence between the display device and the actual device that is actually connected.

However, in the case of a 1394 network in which a plurality of the same models of the same maker are connected, a user who must specify the actual device only from the maker name and the model name needs to associate the displayed device with the actual device. It is difficult to identify.

[0007] Further, even when the relative connection relationship between devices on the 1394 network is displayed by the topology map, the user matches the physical connection of the 1394 network with the display contents, and thereby, the display device and the actual display device are compared. The correspondence with the device will be specified. For this reason, in a 1394 network to which many devices are connected, it is not easy to specify the correspondence between the display device and the actual device.

[0008] It is also difficult for a user to specify a real device within a necessary range under desired conditions. Furthermore, when the device is disconnected from the 1394 network and then reconnected, the identification method changes, which confuses the user.

[0009] Some devices change their functions by replacing parts. For example, there is an inkjet printer that functions as a scanner by replacing a print head with a scanner head.
When such a device is connected to a 1394 network or the like, it is difficult to know that the function has been changed via the network.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and to provide an information processing apparatus and method capable of easily and quickly searching for a desired device in a network environment in which a plurality of devices are connected. The purpose is to provide.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and a method for displaying a searched device so that the user can easily recognize the device and allowing the user to easily select a device according to the intended use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and a method for recognizing a device once searched by the same method.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus and a method thereof that can easily recognize that a function or other change has occurred in a device in a network environment in which a plurality of devices are connected.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of notifying another device of update information when a function or other change is made, and a method therefor.

[0015]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with an acquisition unit for acquiring the device information from a device which is connected to a serial bus and has a device for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. ,
Setting means for setting a search condition of a device connected to the serial bus, and control means for creating a list of devices matching the set search condition from device information acquired by the acquisition means. Features.

Further, an acquisition means for acquiring the device information from a device having a memory connected to the serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus; and an acquisition means connected to the serial bus. Setting means for setting the search condition of the device and the priority thereof, and control means for creating a list in the order of devices that match the set search condition with a high priority from the device information obtained by the obtaining means. It is characterized by having.

[0018] Further, an acquisition means for acquiring the device information from a device having a memory connected to the serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus; Setting means for setting the search condition of the device, its priority and search range, and obtaining device information of the search range set by the obtaining means, in the order of devices that match the set search condition with the higher priority. Control means for creating a list.

Preferably, a name specific to a device is used in the list.

An information processing apparatus is provided with a memory connected to a serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. The memory stores update information of device information. It is characterized by having.

[0021] Preferably, when the device information is updated, the update information is notified to a device connected to the serial bus.

An acquisition unit for acquiring the device information from a device having a memory connected to the serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus; and an acquisition unit connected to the serial bus. Creation means for creating a device map of a device that has been created, wherein the creation means, if a device map has already been created when creating the device map, the acquisition means obtains the device information from the memory by the acquisition means. Update information is obtained, and only the device information of the device whose device information has been updated is obtained.

Acquisition means for acquiring the device information from a device which is connected to the serial bus and has a memory for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus; Communication means for communicating with the device, and creation means for creating a device map of a device connected to the serial bus, wherein the creation means has already created a device map when creating the device map. If it is, the acquisition unit acquires only the device information of the device that has received the information indicating that the device information has been updated by the communication unit.

An information processing method according to the present invention obtains the device information from a device which is connected to a serial bus and has a device for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. A search condition of a device connected to the bus is set, and a list of devices that match the set search condition is created from the obtained device information.

Further, the device information is obtained from a device which is connected to the serial bus and has a memory for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus, and acquires the device information of the device connected to the serial bus. A search condition and its priority are set, and a list is created from acquired device information in the order of devices that match the set search condition with a higher priority.

Further, the device information is obtained from a device having a memory connected to the serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus, and obtaining the device information of the device connected to the serial bus. A search condition, its priority, and a search range are set, device information of the set search range is obtained, and a list is created in the order of devices that match the set search condition with a high priority.

Also, an information processing method for an information processing apparatus comprising a memory connected to a serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus, wherein the device information update information is stored in the memory. Is stored.

Further, the device information is obtained from a device having a memory connected to the serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus, and acquiring the device information from the device connected to the serial bus. Create a device map, if a device map has already been created when creating the device map, obtain the update information of the device information from the memory, and only the device information of the device whose device information has been updated get.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the embodiment described below, for example, a digital interface connecting each device is used.
In order to describe an example using IEEE1394-1995 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "1394 serial bus"), an outline of the 1394 serial bus will be described first. For details on the IEEE1394-1995 standard, see 199
"IEEE Standard for IEEE" published by IEEE on August 30, 6
a High Performance Serial Bus ".

[0031]

[Overview of 1394 serial bus] With the advent of home digital video tape recorders and digital video discs (DVDs), video data and audio data (hereinafter collectively referred to as "AV data") have a large amount of information in real time. There is a need to transfer data. In order to transfer AV data to a personal computer (PC) or other digital devices in real time, an interface having a high-speed data transfer capability is required. The interface developed from such a viewpoint is the 1394 serial bus.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a network system configured using a 1394 serial bus.

The devices A to H forming nodes of the network system shown in FIG. 1 have digital interfaces conforming to or conforming to the IEEE1394 standard. The 1394 network constitutes a bus type network capable of communicating serial data.

Between devices AB, AC, BD, DE, CF
, CG and CH are connected by a twisted pair cable for a 1394 serial bus. Examples of these devices A to H include a host computer device such as a personal computer, and computer peripheral devices. Computer peripherals include digital video cassette recorders, Digital Video Disc (DVD) players, digital still cameras, storage devices using media such as hard disks and optical disks, CRT and LCD monitors, tuners, image scanners, film scanners, printers,
It covers all computer peripherals such as MODEM and terminal adapter (TA). The recording method of the printer may be any method such as an electrophotographic method using a laser beam or an LED, an inkjet method, an ink melting type or sublimation type thermal transfer method, and a thermal recording method.

The connection between the devices can be a mixture of the daisy chain system and the node branching system, and a highly flexible connection can be made. Each device has an ID, and recognizes each other to form one network within a range connected by a 1394 serial bus. For example, a single 13
Just by daisy-chain connection with a 94 serial bus cable, each device plays the role of relay, so that one network can be configured as a whole.

The 1394 serial bus is plug and play.
It has a function that automatically recognizes the device by simply connecting the 1394 serial bus cable to the device and recognizes the connection status. In addition, in the system shown in FIG. 1, when a certain device is removed from the network or newly added, the bus is automatically reset (the network configuration information up to that point is reset) and the new bus is reset. Rebuilding a good network. With this function, the configuration of the network at that time can be constantly set and recognized. The bus reset is also performed when the power of the existing device is turned on and off.

Further, the 1394 serial bus has a function of relaying data transferred from another device. With this function, all devices on the 1394 network can grasp the operation status of the bus.

The data transfer speed of the 1394 serial bus is defined as 100/200/400 Mbps, and the device having the higher transfer speed supports the lower transfer speed.
Compatibility is maintained. The data transfer mode includes an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) for transferring asynchronous data such as control signals and an isochronous transfer mode for transferring synchronous data such as real-time AV data.
(Isochronous) transfer mode. The asynchronous data and the synchronous data include a cycle start packet (C) indicating a cycle start in each cycle (usually 125 μs / cycle).
Following the transfer of the SP, the transfer of the synchronous data is prioritized and the transfer is performed in a mixed manner in the cycle. The transfer band in the isochronous transfer mode is guaranteed in each communication cycle.

The asynchronous transfer mode is effective when transferring data required to be transferred asynchronously as necessary, that is, when transferring control signals, file data, and the like. In addition, the isochronous transfer mode is effective when transferring data required to continuously transfer a predetermined amount of data at a fixed data rate, that is, video data, audio data, and the like.

[Architecture] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the 1394 interface, which has a layer structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the connector port 810 is connected to a connector at the end of a cable 813 for a 1394 serial bus. Above the connector port 810, the hardware section 8
00 physical layer 811 and link layer 812
There is. The hardware unit 800 is configured by an interface chip, of which the physical layer 811 performs coding and connection-related control and the like, and the link layer 812 performs packet transfer and cycle time control and the like.

The transaction layer 814 of the firmware unit 801 manages data to be transferred and provides read, write, and lock transactions.
Serial bus management 815 of firmware section 801
Manages the connection status and ID of each device connected to the 1394 serial bus, and manages the configuration of the 1394 network. Up to the above hardware and firmware, 1394
This is a substantial configuration of a serial bus.

The application layer 816 of the software section 802 differs depending on the software used.
How data is transferred on the interface is defined by a protocol such as a printer or an AV / C protocol.

Link Layer FIG. 3 is a diagram showing services provided by the link layer 812. The link layer 812 provides the following four services. (1) Link request (LK_DATA.request) for requesting the response node to transfer a predetermined packet (LK) (2) Link notification (LK_DATA.indication) for notifying the response node of reception of the predetermined packet (3) From the response node (LK_DATA.response) (4) Link confirmation to confirm the acknowledgment from the requesting node (LK_DATA.confirmation)

The link response (LK_DATA.response) is
It does not exist in the case of broadcast communication and transfer of isochronous packets. Further, the link layer 812 realizes two types of transfer modes, an asynchronous transfer mode and an isochronous transfer mode, based on the above-described service.

[Transaction Layer] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing services provided by the transaction layer 814. The transaction layer 814 provides the following four services. (1) Transaction request (TR_DATA.reqqest) for requesting a predetermined transaction to the response node (2) Transaction notification (TR_DATA.indication) for notifying the response node of the reception of the predetermined transaction request (3) Transaction response (TR_DATA.response) indicating that status information (including data for write and lock) has been received (4) Transaction confirmation (TR_DATA.confirmation) to confirm status information from request node

The transaction layer 814 manages asynchronous transfer based on the above-mentioned service,
Implement three types of transactions: read, write, and lock transactions. (1) Read transaction: a request node reads information stored at a specific address of a response node. (2) Write transaction: The request node writes predetermined information to a specific address of the response node. (3) Lock transaction: The request node transfers reference data and update data to the response node.
The responding node compares the received reference data with the information of the specific address, and updates the information of the specific address to update data according to the comparison result.

Serial Bus Management The serial bus management 815 specifically provides the following three functions. That is, a node control, an isochronous resource manager (IRM), and a bus manager. (1) Node control: manages each layer described above, and manages asynchronous transfer performed with another node. (2) IRM: manages isochronous transfer executed between other nodes. Specifically, it manages information necessary for assigning a transfer bandwidth and a channel number, and provides this information to other nodes.

The IRM exists only on the local bus, and is dynamically selected from candidates (nodes having an IRM function) at each bus reset. The IRM may provide some of the functions (such as management of connection configuration, power supply and speed information) that can be provided by a bus manager described later. (3) Bus manager: It has an IRM function and provides a more advanced bus management function than IRM. More specifically, more advanced power management (management of information such as whether or not power can be supplied via a communication cable, whether or not power supply is necessary for each node), and more advanced speed It manages information (manages the maximum transfer rate between nodes), manages a more advanced connection configuration (creates a topology map), and optimizes the bus based on the management information. Further, it has a function of providing such information to other nodes.

Further, the bus manager can provide a service for controlling the 1394 network to the application. This service includes a serial bus control request (SB_CONTROL.request), a serial bus event control confirmation (SB_CONTROL.confirmation), and a serial bus event notification (SB_CONTROL.indication). (1) SB_CONTROL.request: Service that requests bus reset by application (2) SB_CONTROL.confirmation: Service that confirms SB_CONTROL.request to application (3) SB_CONTROL.indication: Sends asynchronously generated events to application Notification service

[Address Specification] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an address space in the 1394 serial bus. 1394
In the serial bus, Command according to ISO / IEC13213-1994
and 64 according to the Status Register (CSR) architecture.
A bit-width address space is defined.

In FIG. 5, the first 10-bit field 601 is used for an ID number designating a predetermined bus, and
The bit field 602 is used for an ID number for specifying a predetermined device (node). These upper 16 bits are called "node ID", and each node identifies another node by this node ID. In addition, each node can identify a partner using the node ID and communicate with the identified partner.

The remaining 48-bit field specifies the address space (256 Mbyte structure) of each node, and the 20-bit field 603 specifies a plurality of areas constituting the address space. The last 28-bit field 604 specifies an address where common or unique information is stored in each node.

The area from 0 to 0xFFFFD in the field 603 is “memory space”, 0xFFFFE is “private space”, 0xF
FFFF is each called "register space". The private space is an address that can be freely used by each node. The register space stores information common to the nodes connected to the bus, and communication between the nodes is managed by using the information stored in the register space.

For example, the first 512
The bytes are used for the CSR architecture core (CSR core) registers. The addresses and functions of the information stored in the CSR core register are shown in FIG. In Figure 6, 0xFFFFF0
The address is indicated by an offset from 000000.

The next 512 bytes are used as serial bus registers. The addresses and functions of information stored in the serial bus register are shown in FIG. 0x in Figure 7
The address is indicated by an offset from FFFFF0000200.

The next 1024 bytes are the configuration
Used for ROM (Configuration ROM). The configuration ROM has a minimum format and a general format, and 0xFFFFF00
It is arranged from 00400. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration ROM of a minimum format. A 24-bit vendor ID is a numerical value uniquely assigned to each vendor by IEEE.

FIG. 9 shows a general configuration ROM.
In the figure, the above vendor ID is the root directory (Roo
t Directory) 1002. Bus information block
(BusInfo Block) 1001 and Root & Unit Leaves 1005 can hold a node unique ID as unique ID information for identifying each node.

The node unique ID is a unique ID that can specify one node regardless of the manufacturer and model.
An ID has been determined. Node unique ID is
It is composed of 64 bits, the upper 24 bits indicate the above-mentioned vendor ID, and the lower 48 bits indicate information that can be freely set by the manufacturer of the node device, for example, the device serial number. The node unique ID is used, for example, when a specific node is continuously recognized before and after a bus reset.

Further, a root directory (Root Director)
y) 1002 can hold information on the basic functions of the node. Detailed function information is stored in a subdirectory (Unit Directories) 1004 offset from the root directory (Root Directory) 1002. Unit Directories 1004 stores, for example, information on software units supported by the devices of the nodes. Specifically, information on a data transfer protocol for performing data communication between nodes, a command set for defining a predetermined communication procedure, and the like are stored.

The node-dependent information directory (Node
Dependent Info Directory) 1003 can hold device-specific information. The node dependent information directory (Node Dependent Info Directory) 1003 is offset by a root directory (Root Directory) 1002.

Further, vendor-dependent information (Vendor Dependen
t Information) 1006 can hold information unique to a vendor that manufactures or sells node equipment.

In FIG. 5, the remaining area is called a “unit space”, and information unique to each node, for example, identification information of each device (such as a vendor name and a model name) and an address in which use conditions are stored. specify. FIG. 10 shows addresses and functions of information stored in the serial bus device register in the unit space. In FIG. 10, the address is indicated by an offset from “0xFFFFF0000800”.

Generally, to simplify the design of a heterogeneous bus system, each node should use only the first 2048 bytes of the unit space. In other words, it is desirable that the register space is composed of 4096 bytes, which is a total of 2048 bytes of the register space including the CSR core register, the serial bus register, and the configuration ROM, and the first 2048 bytes of the unit space.

[Communication Cable] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a communication cable conforming to the IEEE1394 standard.

The communication cable is composed of two sets of twisted pair signal lines and a power supply line. By providing the power supply line, the 1394 serial bus can supply power to a device whose main power is turned off, a device whose power is reduced due to a failure, and the like. The voltage of the DC power supplied by the power supply line is regulated at 8 to 40 V, and the current is regulated at a maximum of 1.5 A.

[DS-Link System] Information is transmitted to the two twisted pair signal lines by the DS-Link (Data / Strobe Link) system. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the DS-Link method.

This DS-Link system is suitable for high-speed serial data communication, and its configuration requires two twisted pair signal lines. One set of twisted pair signal lines transmits a data signal, and the other set of twisted pair signal lines transmits a strobe signal. On the receiving side, the clock can be reproduced by exclusive-ORing the data signal and the strobe signal received by the two signal lines.
The 1394 serial bus using the DS-Link system has the following advantages, for example. (1) Since it is not necessary to mix a clock signal into a data signal, transfer efficiency is higher than other serial data transfer methods. (2) A phase locked loop (PLL) circuit is not required, and the circuit size of the controller LSI can be reduced. (3) When there is no data to be transferred, there is no need to send information indicating the idle state, and the transceiver circuit can be easily put into the sleep state, and power consumption can be reduced.

[Bus Reset] The 1394 interface of each node can automatically detect that a change has occurred in the network connection configuration. In this case, the 1394 network performs a process called a bus reset according to the following procedure. A change in the connection configuration can be detected by a change in the bias voltage applied to the connector port 810 provided in each node.

A node that detects a change in the network connection configuration, for example, an increase or decrease in the number of nodes due to disconnection of network devices or power on / off, or a node that needs to newly recognize the network connection configuration,
A bus reset signal is transmitted on the 1394 serial bus via the 1394 interface.

The physical layer 811 that has received the bus reset signal transmits the occurrence of the bus reset to the link layer 812, and transfers the bus reset signal to another node. The node that has received the bus reset signal clears the network connection configuration and the node ID assigned to each device that have been recognized so far. After all nodes finally receive the bus reset signal, each node
Initialization processing accompanying a bus reset, that is, recognition of a new network connection configuration and assignment of a new node ID are automatically performed.

The bus reset is activated by the change of the network connection configuration as described above, and is controlled by the host to control the application layer 816.
Is also activated by issuing a command directly to the physical layer 811. When the bus reset is activated, the data transfer is temporarily suspended, and after the initialization process accompanying the bus reset is completed, the data transfer is resumed under the new network.

[Sequence after Bus Reset Activation] After the bus reset activation, the 1394 interface of each node
Recognize the new network connection configuration and assign a new node ID. Hereinafter, a basic sequence from the start of the bus reset to the end of the assignment of the node ID will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state after the start of the bus reset in the 1394 network. Each of the nodes A to F has one to three connector ports 810. The connector port 810 of each node is provided with a port number for identifying each port. Hereinafter, a procedure from the start of the bus reset to the assignment of the node ID in the 1394 network having the configuration shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 14, each of the nodes A to F constituting the 1394 network constantly monitors whether or not a bus reset has occurred (S1501). When a bus reset signal is output from a node that has detected a change in the configuration of the network connection (activation of a bus reset), each node executes the following processing.

When the bus reset is activated, each node gives a reminder of the parent-child relationship (S1502), and step S1502 is repeated until it is determined in step S1503 that the parent-child relationship has been determined between all the nodes.

After the parent-child relationship is determined between all the nodes, the node for mediating the 1394 network, that is, the “root” is determined (S1504). After the route is determined, each node starts to set its own node ID (S1505), and step S1505 is repeated until it is determined in step S1506 that the node IDs of all nodes have been set.

Finally, node IDs for all nodes
Is set, each node executes isochronous transfer or asynchronous transfer (S1507). Each node executes data transfer in step S1507,
In step S1501, activation of the bus reset is monitored. Then, when the bus reset is activated, the processing after step S1502 is executed.

According to the above procedure, each node can recognize a new network connection and execute assignment of a new node ID every time the bus reset is activated.

[Determination of Parent-Child Relationship] FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of a process for declaring a parent-child relationship in FIG.

In FIG. 15, after the bus reset is activated, the nodes A to F connect to their own connector ports 810.
The connection state (connected or not connected) is checked (S1601), and then the connector port 810 connected to another node is checked.
(Hereinafter referred to as “connection port”) (S160
2).

The node having one connection port recognizes itself as a “leaf” (S1603). Note that a leaf is a node to which only one other node is connected. The leaf declares that it is a "child" to the connected node (S1604),
The connected node is recognized as "parent".

As described above, the declaration of the parent-child relationship is made by first setting the leaf and the branch located at the end of the 1394 network.
Is done between Subsequently, the declaration of the parent-child relationship is sequentially performed between the branches. Note that a branch is a node having two or more connection ports.

In this manner, the parent-child relationship is determined in order from the nodes where the advisory of the parent-child relationship can be made. In each node, a connection port in which a certain node refers to a “child” is recognized as a “parent port” connected to an oya node, and a connection port of a node receiving the declaration is connected to a child node. Is recognized as a “child port”. For example,
In FIG. 13, nodes A, E, and F each recognize that they are leaves, and declare a parent-child relationship. As a result, the parent-child relationship between nodes AB, ED, and FD becomes “child-
Parent ".

A node having two or more connection ports recognizes itself as a branch (S1605). The branch accepts a parent-child relationship statement from a node connected to each connection port (S1606). The connection port that has accepted the declaration of the parent-child relationship is recognized as a “child port”.

After recognizing one connection port as a “child port”, the branch detects whether or not there are two or more connection ports (undefined ports) for which a parent-child relationship has not yet been determined (S1607), If there are two or more undefined ports, the process of step S1606 is performed again. If there is only one undefined port (S1608), the branch recognizes the undefined port as a “parent port”, and becomes a “child” for the node connected to the connection port. Say something to say
(S1609).

The branch cannot declare a parent-child relationship until there is one undefined port, that is, cannot affirm to other nodes that it is a "child". For example, figure
At 13, nodes B, C, and D recognize themselves as branches and accept parent-child statements from leaves or other branches. Node D is DE and DF
After the parent-child relationship is determined, the parent-child relationship is advised to the node C. Also, the node C, which has received the parent-child relation statement from the node D, makes a parent-child relation statement to the node B.

If it is determined in step S1608 that there is no undefined port, that is, if all the connection ports have become “child ports”, the branch recognizes itself as a root (step S1610).

For example, in FIG. 13, a node B in which all of the connection ports are child ports is recognized by another node as a route for mediating communication on the 1394 network. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the node B is determined to be the root. However, if the parent-child relation of the node B is earlier than the parent-child relation of the node C, another node becomes the root. That is, depending on the timing of giving a parent-child relationship, there is a possibility that any node may become the root, and even if the network configuration is the same, the same node is not always the root.

By declaring the parent-child relationship of all connection ports, each node can recognize the connection configuration of the 1394 network as a hierarchical structure (tree structure) (S1611). Note that the above-described parent node is higher in the hierarchical structure, and the child node is lower in the hierarchical structure.

[Assignment of Node ID] FIG. 16 shows step S1505.
9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of a node ID assignment process in FIG. The node ID is composed of a bus number and a node number. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that each node is connected on the same bus and is assigned the same bus number.

In FIG. 16, the root gives the node ID setting permission to the connector port 810 having the smallest number among the child ports to which the node whose node ID is not set is connected (S1701). After the node IDs of all the nodes connected to the child port with the smallest number are set, the root sets the child port as already set, and gives permission for setting the node ID to the child port having the next smaller number. Then, after the node IDs of all the nodes finally connected to the child ports are set by the processing of steps S1702 to S1708,
The node ID of the route itself is set (S1709). The node numbers are basically assigned as 0, 1, 2,... In the order of leaf, branch, and route. Therefore, the route will have the highest node number.

The node that has obtained the node ID setting permission determines whether there is a child port including a node whose node ID has not been set among its own child ports (S1702), and determines whether the node ID has not been set. If a child port including the node is detected, permission for setting a node ID is given to a node directly connected to the child port (S1703).

The node that has obtained the node ID setting permission in step S1703 determines whether or not there is a child port including a node whose node ID has not been set among its own child ports (S1704).
If a child port including a node whose node ID has not been set is detected, node node setting permission is given to a node directly connected to the child port (S1703).

If no child port including a node for which a node ID has not been set is not detected in step S1702 or S1704, the node sets its own node ID (S1702).
1705). And the node that set its own node ID is
It broadcasts a self ID packet including its own node number, information on the connection state of the connector port 810, and the like (S1706). The broadcast means transferring a communication packet of a certain node to an unspecified number of nodes connected to a network.

By receiving the self ID packet, each node can recognize the node number already allocated to another node, and can know the node number that can be allocated to itself. For example, in FIG. 13, the node B, which is the root, gives node A setting permission to the node A connected to the connector port 810 having the minimum port number “# 1”. The node A assigns “0” as its own node number, sets a node ID including a bus number and a node number for itself, and broadcasts a self ID packet including the node number.

Next, if the parent node of the node that has broadcasted the self ID packet in step S1706 is not the root node, the process returns from step S1707 to S1702, and the parent node executes the processing of step S1702 and subsequent steps, and the
Is set to a node for which the node ID has not been set.

If the parent node of the node that broadcasts the self ID packet in step S1706 is the root, the process advances from step S1707 to step S1708 to determine whether the node IDs of the nodes connected to all the child ports of the root have been set. Is determined. If there is a node for which the node ID has not been set, the root grants the node ID setting permission to the lowest-numbered child port among the child ports including the node (S
1701). If the node IDs of all nodes have been set, the root sets its own node ID (S1709) and broadcasts a self ID packet (S1710).

By the above processing, each node of the 1394 network can assign its own node ID.

[Self ID Packet] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a self ID packet. A field 1801 for storing the node number of the node that has transmitted the self ID packet, and information on a transfer rate that can be supported are stored. Field 18
02, bus management function (with or without bus manager capability)
And a field 1804 for storing information on power consumption and supply characteristics. Further, a field 1805 in which information on the connection status of each connector port 810 of the port numbers “# 0” to “# 2” (connection, non-connection, port parentage, etc.) is stored.
From 1807.

The contender bit in the field 1803 is set to “1” when the node transmitting the self ID packet has a capability to be a bus manager, and is set to “0” otherwise. The bus manager is a node having a function of performing the following management based on various information included in the self ID packet and providing the information to other nodes. With these functions, the bus manager can manage the bus of the entire 1394 network. (1) Bus power management: Information on whether power can be supplied via a communication cable and whether power must be supplied is managed for each node. (2) Management of speed information: The maximum transfer speed between the nodes is managed based on the information on the transfer speed that each node can support. (3) Management of topology map information: The network connection configuration is managed from the parent-child relationship information of the communication port. (4) Bus optimization based on topology map information.

After the node ID setting process, if a plurality of nodes have the bus manager capability, the node with the largest node number becomes the bus manager. In other words, when the route having the largest node number in the 1394 network has a function that can be the bus manager, the route becomes the bus manager. However, if the route does not have that function, the node having the next highest node number becomes the bus manager. Further, which node has become the bus manager can be grasped by checking the contender bit 1803 in the self ID packet broadcast by each node.

[Arbitration] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining arbitration in a 1394 network. In the 1394 network, arbitration of the right to use the bus is always performed prior to data transfer. The 1394 network is a logical bus type network, and transfers the same packet to all nodes in the network by relaying a packet transmitted from each node to another node. Therefore, arbitration is always required to prevent packet collision, and only one node can transmit a packet at a certain timing.

FIG. 18A shows a state where nodes B and F are requesting the right to use the bus. Nodes B and F are
Request the bus usage right from each parent node. Node B
The parent node (node C) that has received the request relays the request to its parent node (node D). These requests eventually reach the arbitrating route (node D). The route that has received the request for the right to use the bus performs arbitration to determine which node is to be given the right to use the bus. This arbitration can be performed only by the route, and the node that wins the arbitration is given the right to use the bus.

FIG. 18 (b) shows a state in which the right to use the bus is given to the node F and the request from the node B is rejected. The route is DP (Data Prefix) for the node that lost the arbitration.
Sends a packet to indicate that the request has been rejected. The node for which the request has been rejected will wait for the request for the right to use the bus until the next arbitration.

Through the above arbitration, the right to use the bus of the 1394 network is controlled and managed.

[Communication Cycle] The isochronous transfer mode and the asynchronous transfer mode can be mixed in a time-division manner within the period of each communication cycle. The duration of a communication cycle is typically 125 μS. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which the isochronous transfer mode and the asynchronous transfer mode are mixed during one period of the communication cycle.

The isochronous transfer mode is executed prior to the asynchronous transfer mode. The reason is,
After the cycle start packet (CSP), the idle period (subaction g) required to start the asynchronous transfer
This is because ap) is set to be longer than an idle period (isochronous gap) necessary to start isochronous transfer. By setting these different idle periods,
The isochronous transfer mode is executed prior to the asynchronous transfer mode.

In FIG. 19, at the start of each communication cycle, a cycle start packet (CSP) is transferred from a predetermined node. Each node can obtain the same timing as the other nodes by adjusting the timing using the cycle start packet (CSP).

[Isochronous Transfer Mode] The isochronous transfer mode is a synchronous transfer method. The isochronous transfer mode can be executed for a predetermined period after the start of a communication cycle. The isochronous transfer mode is always executed for each cycle in order to maintain real-time transfer.

The isochronous transfer mode is particularly suitable for transferring data that requires real-time transfer, such as moving image data and sound data including sound. The isochronous transfer mode is not a one-to-one communication but a broadcast communication as in the asynchronous transfer mode, and a packet transmitted from a certain node is uniformly transferred to all nodes on the network. Note that there is no acknowledgment (ack) as a reply code for reception confirmation in the isochronous transfer.

In FIG. 19, a channel e (ch e), a channel s (ch s), and a channel k (ch k) indicate periods during which each node performs isochronous transfer. In the 1394 serial bus, different channel numbers are given to distinguish a plurality of different isochronous transfers. This enables isochronous transfer between a plurality of nodes. The channel number does not specify the transmission destination, but merely gives a logical number for the data.

The isochronous gap shown in FIG.
The (isochronus gap) indicates the idle state of the bus, and after a certain period of time in the idle state, the node desiring the isochronous transfer judges that the bus can be used and requests the right to use the bus. .

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a format of a packet transferred in the isochronous transfer mode. Hereinafter, a packet transferred in the isochronous transfer mode is referred to as an “isochronous packet”.

In FIG. 20, the isochronous packet is composed of a header section 2101, a header CRC 2102, a data section 2103, and a data CRC 2104.

The header section 2101 has a data_length field 2105 storing the data length of the data section 2103, a tag field 2106 storing format information of the isochronous packet, a channel field 2107 storing the channel number of the isochronous packet, and a packet format. And a tcode field that stores the transaction code (tcode) that identifies the processing that must be performed
2108 and sy field 21 for storing synchronization code
There is 09.

[Asynchronous Transfer Mode] The asynchronous transfer mode is an asynchronous transfer system. The asynchronous transfer can be executed after the end of the isochronous transfer period until the next communication cycle starts, that is, before the cycle start packet (CSP) of the next communication cycle is transferred.

In the communication cycle shown in FIG. 19, the first subaction gap indicates the idle state of the bus. After a certain period of time in this idle state, the node desiring asynchronous transfer,
It determines that the bus can be used and requests the right to use the bus.

The nodes that have obtained the right to use the bus through arbitration are
The packet indicated by 21 is transmitted to a predetermined node. The node receiving this packet returns an ack or response packet after an evil ridge gap (ack gap).

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a format of a packet transferred in the asynchronous transfer mode. Hereinafter, a packet transferred in the asynchronous transfer mode is referred to as an “asynchronous packet”.

In FIG. 21, the asynchronous packet is composed of a header section 2201, a header CRC 2202, a data section 2203, and a data CRC 2204.

The header 2201 stores the node ID of the destination node of the packet.
5, sou where the node ID of the source node of the packet is stored
An rce_ID field 2206, a tl field 2207 in which a label indicating a series of transactions is stored, an rt field 2208 in which a code indicating a retransmission status is stored, a transaction code (tcode) for identifying a packet format and processing to be executed are included. Tco stored
de field 2209, pri field 2210 storing priority, dest storing memory address of destination node
ination_offset field 2211, data_length field 2212 storing data length of data part, and extended_t storing extended transaction code
There is a code field 2213.

Asynchronous transfer is one-to-one communication from the own node to the partner node. The packet transmitted from the transmission source node is distributed to each node in the 1394 network, but since each node ignores a packet other than its own, only the destination node reads the packet.

When the time to transfer the next CSP has been reached during asynchronous transfer, the transfer is not forcibly interrupted.
After the transfer is completed, the next CSP is transmitted. Thus, when one communication cycle continues for 125 μS or more, the period of the next communication cycle is shortened accordingly. By doing so, the 1394 network can maintain a substantially constant communication cycle.

[Preparation Method for Creating Device Map] The above is the description of the configuration and functions of the network using the 1394 serial bus. Hereinafter, an outline of a preparation method for creating a device map will be described.

As means for the application software to know the connection topology of the 1394 network in order to create a device map, the 1394 serial bus has the following means. (1) Read the topology map register of the bus manager. (2) Estimate from self ID packet at bus reset.

However, according to the above-described means, although the topology of the connection order of the 1394 cables can be determined from the parent-child relationship of each node, the topology of the physical positional relationship cannot be known, and even ports that are not mounted can be seen. There is such a problem.

In addition, a method of storing information for creating a topology map as a database other than the configuration ROM is conceivable.
The means for obtaining various information depends on protocols such as database access and data transfer.

On the other hand, the configuration ROM itself and the function of reading the configuration ROM are always possessed by devices conforming to or conforming to the IEEE1394 standard. Therefore, by storing information such as device location and function in the configuration ROM of each node and providing the function of reading that information from application software, it does not depend on a specific protocol such as database access or data transfer. Thus, it is possible to realize a so-called device map display function in the application software of each node. The configuration ROM can store physical positions and functions as information unique to the node, and can be used to realize a device map display function.

In this way, the application software reads information from the configuration ROM of each node at the time of bus reset or in response to a request from the user, and can know the topology of the 1394 network based on the physical positional relationship. Will be possible. Furthermore, by reading not only the physical position of the node but also various node information such as functions described in the configuration ROM, it is possible to obtain functional information of each node together with the physical position of the node.

When the application software obtains the information of the configuration ROM of each node,
Application interface (AP) for acquiring information of any configuration ROM of the specified node
I) is used. By using such means,
The application software of the devices on the 1394 network can create various device maps and lists according to applications, such as a physical topology map and a function map of each node. Further, the application software allows the user to select a device having a necessary function.

[0131]

First Embodiment In this embodiment, in a network using a 1394 serial bus, the configuration RO of each device connected to the network is set.
The function information including the individual information of the device is stored in M. Using the function information stored in the configuration ROM, application software capable of successfully displaying the functions of the device according to the intended use, and searching for and determining a device to be connected. As a service.

[Structure] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of an image processing apparatus having a search / display method according to the present invention. In this image processing apparatus, image data captured by a digital camera or the like is stored in a predetermined area of a hard disk (HD) 24 via a compact flash (CF) card 22 or a 1394 interface 11. Then, the image data stored in the HD 24 is transferred to the display 18 or the touch panel.
Using 20, the user can arbitrarily edit. further,
A function for sending image data to a printer or the like connected to the 1394 network via the 1394 interface 11 to print an image represented by the image data, and a selection candidate creation function for selecting a desired device on the 1394 network. Have.

The display 18, the touch panel 20, the CF card 22, the HD24 and 1394 interfaces 11, and the ROM1
5. The controller 12, which includes the RAM 16, the MPU 13, the ASIC 14, and the like, can be freely controlled by higher-level application software by a driver or firmware that drives them.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the 1394 interface 11. The 1394 interface 11 is a physical layer IC (PHY IC) 1 for realizing the physical layer 811.
16, Link layer IC (LINK I
C) 11 and a configuration ROM 11c. The configuration ROM 11c is composed of, for example, an EEPROM, and cannot be externally written via a 1394 serial bus, but can be rewritten from the MPU 13 of the controller 12.

The application software incorporated in the image processing apparatus includes functions such as image editing, printing, and selection of a desired device on the 1394 network. The code of the application software in which the above-described functions are programmed is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 15 or the HD 24, expanded on the RAM 16, and executes a predetermined process.

In the selection setting information storage area of the HD 24,
Selection setting information necessary for executing a function of selecting a desired device on the 1394 network is stored, and the previous information remains even when the power of the image processing apparatus is turned off. further,
An area 16a is reserved in the RAM 16 for storing necessary variables and for temporarily storing a state.

[Processing] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the application software of the image editing apparatus. When the application software is started, a process selection screen is displayed in step 11, and the process branches in steps S12 to S15 according to the user's selection. That is, if “selection of device on 1394 network” is selected, “selection process of device on 1394 network” is selected in step S16, and if “print” is selected, step S1 is selected.
If "print processing" and "image editing" are selected in 7, "image editing processing" is executed in step S18. When “end” is selected, the application software ends the processing. Although not shown in FIG. 24, processes other than those described above may be present, and if these processes are selected, appropriate processes corresponding to the processes are executed.

Selection of Device on Network FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing “selection process of device on network”.

The "selection candidate updating process" (S21) for searching for a new device and the "candidate display process matching the setting conditions" (S22) for displaying candidates matching the setting conditions are performed.
A device list window of the selection candidates as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. In the display of FIG. 26, the setting condition is “printer”.
13 is an example of a device list in the case of FIG.

Subsequently, the processing branches depending on whether the setting conditions are changed, the details of the device included in the device list are displayed, or the application is switched to another application, based on the determination in steps S23 to S25. Here, switching to another application is, for example, a process of performing printing by the selected device. Regardless of which process is selected, the setting is saved when returning to the main routine shown in FIG.

When the setting condition change is selected by the check box at the upper left of the window box shown in FIG. 26, the "setting condition change process" in step S26 and step S26
27 “Setting condition saving processing” is executed. If the check box in the window box for displaying the device name is selected, the "device function display process" of step S28 is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S22, and the “candidate display process that matches the set conditions” is executed again.

When print is selected by a button shown in the lower part of the window shown in FIG. 26, "setting saving processing" in step S29 and "application switching processing" in step S30 are executed.

When the close box at the upper right of the window shown in FIG. 26 is selected, for example, the “selection process of the device on the 1394 network” ends, and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

Print FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a process for selecting an apparatus from the apparatus list and performing printing, and corresponds to the processing in step S30.

In step S31, a login process is performed on the selected device to connect to the selected device and secure a communication channel, and it is determined in step S32 whether login is permitted. If the login is permitted, in step S33, the print application is operated, the image data to be printed is selected, and the print processing is executed through the secured communication channel. If the login is not permitted, a retry is performed. If the connection is still not possible, an error is displayed, and the process returns to the routine shown in FIG.

Update of Selection Candidate FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the details of the "selection candidate update process" in step S21.

The previously stored unit list table (Unit List Table) is called from the HD 24 (S41), and device information is obtained from the configuration ROMs of all devices connected to the 1394 network (S42). Then, based on the acquired device information, it is determined whether or not there is a device that is not registered in the unit list table (S43), and if there is an unregistered device, information on the device is added to the unit list table (S44). ).

If there is no unregistered device, it is checked whether there is a device that has not been connected for a long time among devices registered in advance (S45).
Delete the device information from the unit list table
(S46). The unconnected period during which device information is deleted from the unit list table can be set arbitrarily. For example, the information is deleted after a predetermined number of bus resets or after a predetermined period has elapsed. What should I do?

Next, if addition to the unit list table is performed in step S44, or if there is no device that has not been connected for a long time in step S45, a function list table covering the contents of the configuration ROM of the device
Call (function list table) (S47). Subsequently, it is checked whether or not a functional unit has been added or updated to the device registered in the unit list table (S48). If there is an addition or update, the unit list table is referred to and a new function serial number (function serial number) is added. The function list table is updated based on #) and information on the function (S49). Thereafter, the process returns to the routine shown in FIG.

When there is no additional functional unit,
It is checked whether there is a functional unit that has not been used for a long time (S50). If there is a functional unit that has not been used for a long time, the process proceeds to step S51 described later. If there is no functional unit that has not been used for a long time, the process returns to the routine shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if deletion from the unit list table has been performed in step S46, or if there is a functional unit that has not been used for a long period of time, the function list table is called, and information of the unit list table is referred to. Delete the function serial number of the functional unit related to the device deleted from the unit list table or unused for a long period of time, and information on the function (S5).
1). Thereafter, the process returns to the routine shown in FIG.

The details of the unit list table and the function list table will be described later.

Display of Selection Candidate FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the "display processing of a candidate meeting the setting conditions" in step S22. In step S61,
The apparatus is searched for each set search condition, and the search results are sorted in the order of the set priority. In step S62, after the selection candidates are displayed in accordance with the display settings linked to the specific search condition, the process returns to the routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 shows an example in which the devices searched for under the condition “Setting 1” display selection candidates by “Display setting 1” linked to “Setting 1”. In this example, "Setting 1"
According to the search condition set as `` Connected or connected printers '', the search result is displayed according to the display condition set as display setting 1 `` Display in order of frequency of use '' This is an example of the display.

At the upper left of the window box shown in FIG. 26, a check box and “Printer” which is a search condition of “setting 1” are displayed. In this window box, there are a plurality of window boxes for each device.
They are displayed in the order set by the display condition of "Display setting 1" linked to "1". For example, taking "Printer-1" at the top of a window box for each device as an example, from the left, "a generic name of a specific functional device and a number for specifying an individual device" (hereinafter simply referred to as "function Another specific number ”),“ user nickname ”enclosed in parentheses ([]),
It is composed of "Equipment company name", "Model name" and check box. Note that the device is connected in the past but not currently connected to a window box that is darkly displayed, such as “Printer-2”.

Also, “Printer-5” and “Printer-3”
Has no user name, and has the same company name and model name. That is, "Printer-5" and "Print
"er-3" means devices of the same company with the same model name. Specific numbers "Printer-5" and "Pri
nter-3 "alone.

Also, in this display example, the window boxes for each device are displayed in the order of use frequency.
It shows that the usage frequency is lower in the order of ter-1, "Printer-2", "Printer-5", and "Printer-3".

The window box corresponding to “Printer-4” does not exist because the device corresponding to “Printer-4” has not been connected for a predetermined period of time or has been physically connected even if it has been physically connected. Indicates that connection information, unique setting information, device information, and the like have been discarded along with a function-specific number in a state where is not supplied.

Change of Setting Conditions When the check box at the upper left of the window box shown in FIG. 26 is checked, the setting condition changing process shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 is executed.

In step S71, the setting condition list is read, and in steps S72 to S76, the processing branches according to the operation of the user.

When the “selection priority” tag is selected, the item of the selection priority is displayed in step S77 (see FIG. 32).
The priority is set by the user in step S78, and if outside the tag area is selected in step S79, the process proceeds to step S89. Steps S77 to S79 are repeated unless an area outside the tag area is selected.

In the display example of the selection priority tag shown in FIG. 32, the priority for selection is described from the item having the highest priority. That is, the first priority is “equipment device function specification information”
Use to select all functional devices called "Printer". The second priority is to select all the devices in "Ogawa-sanchi's 1F living room (this location is referred to as" A "for display convenience)" in "Location identification information". The third priority is "protocol / application service information" and selects all protocols whose protocol is "SBP-2" or "Thin". The fourth priority is “use status”, the fifth priority is “use record”, and the sixth priority is “specific name”, all of which are conditioned.

If the “display setting” tag is selected, the display setting items are displayed in step S80 (see FIG. 33), and the display order is set by the user in step S81, and the display order is set in step S82.
If the area outside the tag area is selected, the process proceeds to step S89. Steps S80 to S82 are repeated unless an area outside the tag area is selected.

In the display example of the display setting tag shown in FIG. 33, the display order is described. The first display is a set of "specific device type information" and its individual identification number (n), the second display is a location "A" in "location identification information", the third display is a "specific name", and the fourth display is `` Manufacturer (VEN
DER) name "and the fifth display is" MODEL name ".

When the “Other settings” tag is selected,
In step S83, other setting items are displayed (see FIG. 34). In step S84, if the user selects a function-specific setting #, and if outside the tag area is selected in step S85, the process proceeds to step S89. Steps S83 to S85 are repeated unless an area outside the tag area is selected.

In the display example of other setting tags shown in FIG. 34, a list of setting # and specific device type information corresponding thereto is described. The currently selected setting # is indicated by checking the check box adjacent thereto.

If the "default" tag is selected, the default setting items are displayed in step S86 (see FIG. 35), the items are changed by the user in step S87, and the outside of the tag area is selected in step S88. If so, proceed to step S89. Step S86 unless the area outside the tag is selected
To S88.

In the display example of the default tag shown in FIG. 35, various default settings are described. In this default example, setting 1 is selected, the setting screen is displayed on one screen, and the screen is divided by location (by window box)
It is shown that

Further, when there is an instruction from the user to terminate the change of the setting conditions, for example, when the "ESC" key is pressed, the processing for changing the setting conditions is terminated by the judgment in step S76.

Next, in step S89, the user is inquired whether or not the setting conditions are further changed. If there is an instruction to change the setting conditions, the process returns to step S72. If not, the process proceeds to step S90 and thereafter, where processing relating to reflection and storage of the changed settings is performed (see FIG. 35).

In other words, if the user selects “do not reflect setting change” in the setting saving dialog shown in FIG. 36, the setting condition change process ends, and the routine returns to the routine shown in FIG. Also, if "display reflecting the setting change" or "display and save reflecting the setting change" is selected, the content of the setting condition list on the work is updated in step S91,
If "display and save by reflecting the setting change" is selected, the setting condition list on the work is saved in the storage area 24a of the HD 24 in step S93. After these processes are completed, FIG.
The routine returns to the routine shown in FIG.

Display of Function of Device In the device list window of the selection candidate shown in FIG. 26,
Click the "Printer- #" part to display the functions of the device. FIG. 37 shows the function display processing of this device (step S2).
It is a flowchart which shows the detail of 8).

An overview of the function of the device selected in step S101 is displayed (see FIG. 38). In the pop-up box shown in FIG. 38, “protocol / application service information”, “equipment device characteristics”, “usage status / use record”, and “specific name / location information” are displayed as device outlines.

FIG. 38 shows that there are two layer models “SBP-2 / SAM2 / LIPS3” and “Thin / DPP” as “protocol / application service information”. The former “SBP-2 / SAM2 / LIPS3” indicates a layer model in which a SAM2 command of SCSI is placed on SBP-2 of a lower protocol layer, and an upper application command is LIPS3 of a printer command. The latter “Thin / DPP” represents a layer model in which the lower protocol layer is Thin and the upper application command is DPP. The above two layer models indicate that either can be used in connection with a printer. Specifically, when a printer is specified and the process proceeds to the printing process, one of the layer models is selectively introduced according to the application. In FIG. 37, “Color LBP (color laser beam printer)” is shown as the “device characteristic”.

A check box located to the right of each item such as “Color LBP” indicates that the item has more detailed information. When the check box is checked, the detailed display of the function of the apparatus is selected in step S102, and the detailed function of the designated item is displayed in step S103 with reference to the unit list table (see FIG. 39).

FIG. 39 shows a case where the detailed display of the item of “Color LBP” is selected, and detailed information on the cassette, print grade, handling of additional functions, and the like is displayed on a pop-up window.

[0177] Also, the "use status / use results" shown in FIG.
Displays the status of this printer, and when the check box adjacent to the status display of "Connecting" is checked, the detailed connection status and past usage results shown in FIG. 40 are displayed in a pop-up window. When there is a portion that cannot be displayed in the pop-up window, a triangle symbol (▽) is displayed, indicating that there is information that is not displayed.

The “specific name / location information” shown in FIG.
It can be seen that the printer name is "Susan" and the installation location is "Ogawa Sanchi's 1F living room". Further, by checking a check box on the right side, a manufacturer name and a model name of the apparatus are displayed in a pop-up window, not shown in the figure.

By clicking outside the popup window area, the user can return to the previous popup window or the routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a display example when “Printer-1” is finally selected. When the check box at the right end of the “Printer-1” window box is checked, The device has been selected. When print processing is executed in this state, a connection is made with the selected apparatus called “Printer-1”, and thereafter, a print application is activated and a procedure for printing is performed.

Display Example of Selection Candidates FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a display example of selection candidates in the setting 1. In contrast to the selection candidate display shown in FIG. 26, the display setting tag shown in FIG. Information "is changed to" Ogawa-sanchi / 1F Living Room; B or Ogawa-sanchi / 2F Papa's Room; A ". That is, as shown in FIG. 35, “screen division by location”
Is set as the default, the same selection condition of setting 1 is used, but the location identification information is “1F living room” and “2
The display of the selection candidates is divided by location because it is divided into "F dad's room".

Among them, setting 1 in “Dad's room”
From the selection candidate display, the three printers "Printer-1", "Printer-2" and "Printer-5" are displayed as "2F Papa's Room"
It can be seen that they are arranged in Also, from the selection candidate display of the setting 1 in “1F living room”, it can be seen that the printer of “Printer-3” is arranged in “1F living room”.

[Configuration ROM] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the above-described general configuration ROM.

The software unit information of each device is stored in the Unit Directories (Unit Directories) 1004, and the information unique to the node is stored in the node dependent information directory (Node Directory).
pendent Info Directory) 1003. Therefore, the information of the transport of the device and the layer thereon can be known from the software unit information of Unit Directories 1004.

Information on functions supported by each device such as a printer function and a scanner function is stored in a function directory (Function directory) which is a subdirectory offset from a root directory (Root directory) 1002.
Directory) 1007. Function Directory (Function Directory) 1007 stores pointer information (Fun
ction_class entry), Unit Directories (Unit Directories) that store software information corresponding to each function.
s) Pointer information to 1004 (Unit directory offset entr
y) is stored, and unique information on each function is stored. The information included in the hierarchy below the capability information of the device, that is, the function information (func info.) Shown in FIG. 44 is also included therein. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing information on individual devices included in the function list.

All the devices corresponding to the present embodiment are provided in the node-dependent information directory of the configuration ROM.
(Node Dependent Info Directory) 1003 together with the unique information of the own node and the location information of the own node in a position information entry (Position in) according to a predetermined format.
fo entry).

As shown in FIG. 43, all nodes are stored in the node-dependent information directory (No.
de Dependent Info directory) 1003 together with the unique information of the own node and the change information of the function of the own node in a function information generation entry (Function info g
eneration entry).

The function information generation entry (Fun
45 and 46 show function list tables in which the change information stored in the ction info generation entry) is read out and listed as it is along with other information by function ID.

As shown in FIG. 45, an initial value '000' after reset is set in the function information generation entry of each node. The function information generation entry is rewritable,
The value is updated according to the change of the function information. This situation is shown in FIGS. 45 and 46. That is, the function of the printer “Printer-3”, which is an inkjet printer, can be switched from the printer to the scanner by replacing the color print head with the scanner head. At this time, “Printer-3” changes the function information of its own configuration ROM, and accordingly, the function information generation entry is incremented from the initial value “000” to “001”.

On the other hand, from a different viewpoint, “Pr
"inter-3" and "Scanner-4" have exactly the same OUI-64, indicating that the nodes are the same. “Printer-3” is available, but “Scanner-4” is unavailable.
available and the function information generation entry (Functio
n info generation entry) is '000',
The function information has not been updated, indicating that the printer function can be used.

Next, in FIG. 46, the OUI-64 has the same “Pr
Both "inter-3" and "Scanner-4" have a Function info generation entry of '001', indicating that the available functions have been changed to scanner functions due to the function change .

If the function or location is changed,
Update information indicating that fact can be broadcast to other devices connected to the 1394 network. In this way, the device that has received the update information can update the device map and the function list table only by acquiring the device information of the device that has issued the update information.

As shown in FIG. 43, all nodes are located in the node-dependent information directory of the configuration ROM.
(Node Dependent Info Directory) 1003, along with the unique information of the own node, according to a predetermined format, the use status and connection status of the own node are used information entry (Use inf
o entry) and Connection info ent
ry). By reading these pieces of information, it is possible to know the usage status, connection status, and usage history of the node.

As described above, in the configuration ROM shown in FIG. 43, in addition to the device information, the location information, the use information entry (Use info entry) and the location information stored in the position information entry (Position info entry) are stored. Usage information stored in the connection info entry (Connection info entry), connection status and usage record, protocol / application service information stored in Unit Directories, and function information generation entry (Function info generation) entry) contains the change information of the function stored in the entry.

As described above, the configuration RO
The information is read from M, and the function list table managed on the HD 42 and / or the RAM 16 is updated. FIG. 45
And the function list table shown in 46 shows details of information actually managed by function ID in a hierarchical manner.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a mechanism for quickly and easily selecting a desired printer before printing can be provided.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
In an environment in which a plurality of devices are connected on a network using a 1394 serial bus or the like, a desired device can be searched and listed according to a condition given priority. Furthermore, since each device can be handled with a name unique to the device on the list, even when multiple devices of the same model from the same manufacturer are connected, it is easy to associate the display device with the actual device. it can.

Further, at the time of the above-described search for each priority condition, a device is searched in order of priority from a plurality of items, and a list is created in the order of devices having the most items that match the set conditions.
Since the display can be performed, the user can easily select a device having a higher priority.

Furthermore, since the search range can be specified, the user can easily narrow down the devices in selecting the desired device, and can efficiently select the devices.

Further, at the time of display after condition setting and search, the device can be specified by using the serial number of each model, and the numbering based on this serial number can be held for a predetermined period. The same serial number can be used and the device can be selected without confusion.

When the device information and the location information are updated, the updated information is stored in the configuration ROM.
It is not necessary to read all the information in the configuration ROM, just read the update information or the device information and location information indicated by the update information to determine how the device functions and status have changed. You can know.

Further, in the case of updating the device map, only the device information of the device whose device information has been updated based on the update information needs to be changed to change the device map. , Network traffic can also be significantly reduced.

[0203]

[Other Embodiments] The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a copying machine). Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It is needless to say that a case in which the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing part or all of the actual processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0207]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and a method for easily and quickly searching for a desired device in a network environment in which a plurality of devices are connected.

Further, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and a method for displaying a searched device so that the user can easily recognize the device and allowing the user to easily select a device according to the intended use.

Further, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and a method thereof in which devices once searched can be recognized by the same method.

[0210] Further, in a network environment in which a plurality of devices are connected, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus and a method thereof that can easily recognize that a function or other change has occurred in a device.

[0211] Further, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of communicating update information when a function or other change is made, and a method thereof.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network system configured using a 1394 serial bus;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a 1394 interface;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a service provided by a link layer;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing services provided by a transaction layer;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an address space in a 1394 serial bus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing addresses and functions of information stored in a CSR core register;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing addresses and functions of information stored in a serial bus register;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration ROM in a minimum format;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration ROM in a general format;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing addresses and functions of information stored in a serial bus device register in a unit space.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a communication cable conforming to the IEEE1394 standard,

FIG. 12 illustrates a DS-Link system.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a state after activation of a bus reset in the 1394 network;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure from the start of a bus reset to the assignment of a node ID in the 1394 network;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of processing for declaring a parent-child relationship;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a node ID assignment process;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a self ID packet.

FIG. 18 illustrates arbitration in a 1394 network.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state where an isochronous transfer mode and an asynchronous transfer mode are mixed during one period of a communication cycle;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a format of a packet transferred in the isochronous transfer mode;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a format of a packet transferred in an asynchronous transfer mode.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing apparatus provided with a search / display method according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the 1394 interface shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by application software of the image editing apparatus;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing “selection processing of a device on a network”;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a device list window of a selection candidate;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processing for selecting a device from a device list and performing printing;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of “selection candidate update processing”;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing “display processing of candidates meeting setting conditions”;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a setting condition changing process;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a setting condition changing process;

FIG. 32 is a view showing a display example of selection priority items;

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a display example of display setting items;

FIG. 34 is a view showing a display example of other setting items;

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a display example of default setting items.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a setting save dialog;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing details of a function display process;

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic display of functions of a selected device;

FIG. 39 is a view showing a detailed function display example of the designated item;

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a pop-up window showing a detailed connection status and a past use record;

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a display example when “Printer-1” is finally selected;

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a display example of selection candidates in setting 1;

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of a general configuration ROM;

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing information on individual devices included in the function list;

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of a function list before updating;

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated function list.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B014 HC02 HC05 5D066 DA03 DA07 DA12 5K032 AA03 BA01 CC01 DB01 DB19 DB25 EA07 EC01 EC02

Claims (47)

[Claims] An acquisition unit configured to acquire the device information from a device that is connected to a serial bus and includes a memory that stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus; and an acquisition unit that is connected to the serial bus. An information processing apparatus comprising: a setting unit configured to set a search condition of a set device; and a control unit configured to create a list of devices that match the set search condition from the device information acquired by the acquisition unit. . 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list uses a name unique to a device. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes at least information indicating a location of the device and information indicating a hierarchical position. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes at least capability information indicating a capability of the device. 5. The capability information includes at least range information of capability information to be handled, transfer capability information in communication for each function,
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising application capability information for each function. 6. The transfer capability information in the communication is information indicating a communication protocol of a device, information indicating whether a plurality of communication protocols can be simultaneously supported, or information indicating a use priority order. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein: 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes at least function information indicating a function of the apparatus. 8. The functions of the device represented by the function information include a printer, a facsimile, a still camera, a video camera, a video tuner, a monitor, an audiovisual device, a digital video disk, a scanner, a copy, a personal computer and a gateway. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one is included. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes at least information indicating a use state of the apparatus. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device information includes at least information indicating a connection state of the apparatus. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device information is stored in a configuration ROM area of the memory. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the list. 13. An acquiring means for acquiring the device information from a device connected to a serial bus and having a memory for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus; Setting means for setting a search condition of a device and its priority, and control means for creating a list in the order of devices that match the set search condition with a high priority from the device information obtained by the obtaining means. An information processing apparatus, comprising: 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a name unique to a device is used in the list. 15. An acquisition unit connected to the serial bus and configured to acquire the device information from a device including a memory that stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. Setting means for setting the search condition of the device, its priority and the search range, and acquiring the device information of the search range set by the obtaining means, in the order of the devices that match the set search condition with the higher priority An information processing apparatus, comprising: control means for creating a list. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a name unique to a device is used in the list. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a serial number for each device type is used in the list. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein among the devices listed by the serial number, the serial number of a connected device is not changed even after the reset of the serial bus. . 19. The serial number of the listed device is not changed during a predetermined number of bus resets even if there is a device disconnected after resetting the serial bus. 18. The information processing device according to claim 17. 20. The device according to claim 17, wherein the serial number of the listed device is not changed for a predetermined period after the reset of the serial bus even if there is a device disconnected. Information processing device. 21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the device information includes at least information indicating a location of the device and information indicating a hierarchical position. 22. A display unit for displaying the list, wherein the control unit, when a device is selected from the displayed list, causes the display unit to display detailed information of the selected device. 16. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein: 23. The information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein information indicating a location of a device included in the device information is displayed. 24. Information indicating a device capability included in the device information is displayed.
22. The information processing device according to 22. 25. Information indicating a function of a device included in the device information is displayed.
22. The information processing device according to 22. 26. The information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein transport information of a device included in the device information is displayed. 27. The information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein information indicating a use state of a device included in the device information is displayed. 28. The information processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein information indicating a device connection status included in the device information is displayed. 29. A device connected to a serial bus, the device information being obtained from a device having a memory for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. An information processing method, wherein a search condition is set, and a list of devices that match the set search condition is created from the obtained device information. 30. A device connected to a serial bus, the device information being obtained from a device having a memory for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. An information processing method, wherein a search condition and its priority are set, and a list is created from the obtained device information in the order of devices that match the set search condition with a higher priority. 31. A device connected to a serial bus, the device information being obtained from a device having a memory for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. Information that sets a search condition, its priority, and a search range, acquires device information of the set search range, and creates a list in the order of devices that match the set search condition with a higher priority. Processing method. 32. A recording medium on which a program code for information processing is recorded, wherein the program code is connected to at least a serial bus and stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. A code of a step of obtaining the device information from a device having: a code of a step of setting a search condition of a device connected to the serial bus; and the obtained device information matches the set search condition. And a code for creating a list of devices. 33. A recording medium on which a program code for information processing is recorded, wherein the program code is connected to at least a serial bus and stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. A code of a step of acquiring the device information from a device comprising: a code of a step of setting a search condition and a priority of a device connected to the serial bus; and a priority set from the acquired device information. A step of creating a list in the order of devices that match the search condition with a high degree of search. 34. A recording medium on which a program code for information processing is recorded, wherein the program code is connected to at least a serial bus and stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. A code for a step of acquiring the device information from a device comprising: a code for a step of setting a search condition of the device connected to the serial bus, its priority and a search range; and device information of the set search range. And a code for creating a list in the order of devices that match the set search condition with the highest priority. 35. An information processing apparatus connected to a serial bus and having a memory for storing its own device information, wherein the memory further stores update information indicating an update status of the device information, The information processing apparatus, wherein the update information is read-only via the serial bus. 36. The information processing apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying the device connected to the serial bus of the update information when the device information is updated. . 37. The information processing apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the notification of the update information is broadcast. 38. An acquisition means for acquiring the device information from a device which is connected to a serial bus and has a memory for storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus, and which is connected to the serial bus. Creation means for creating a device map of a device that has been created, and if the device map has already been created when creating the device map, the creation means updates the device information from the memory by the acquisition means. An information processing apparatus, comprising: acquiring information; and acquiring only device information of a device whose device information has been updated. 39. An acquisition unit that acquires the device information from a device that is connected to a serial bus and has a device that stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. Communication means for communicating with the device; and creation means for creating a device map of a device connected to the serial bus, wherein the device map is created when a device map is already created when creating the device map. The information processing apparatus, wherein the means causes the acquisition means to acquire only device information of a device that has received information indicating that the device information has been updated by the communication means. 40. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus which is connected to a serial bus and has a memory for storing its own device information, the method comprising a step of storing update information indicating an update status of device information in the memory. An information processing method, wherein the device information and the update information are read-only via the serial bus. 41. The information processing method according to claim 40, further comprising, when the device information is updated, notifying the device connected to the serial bus of the update information. 42. The information processing method according to claim 41, wherein the update information is broadcast. 43. Acquiring the device information from a device that is connected to a serial bus and has a memory that stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. Create a device map, if a device map has already been created when creating the device map, obtain the update information of the device information from the memory, and only the device information of the device whose device information has been updated An information processing method characterized by acquiring. 44. Acquiring the device information from a device that is connected to a serial bus and includes a memory that stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. If a device map is created and a device map is already created when the device map is created, it is necessary to acquire only the device information of the device that has received the information indicating that the device information has been updated by communication. Characteristic information processing method. 45. A recording medium on which a program code of information processing of an information processing apparatus including a memory connected to a serial bus and storing its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus is recorded, The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the program code includes at least a code for storing update information of device information in the memory. 46. A recording medium on which a program code for information processing is recorded, wherein the program code is connected to at least a serial bus and stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. From a device comprising: a code for a step of acquiring the device information; a code for a step of creating a device map of a device connected to the serial bus; and a device map already created when the device map is created. A step of acquiring update information of the device information from the memory, and acquiring only the device information of the device whose device information has been updated. 47. A recording medium on which a program code for information processing is recorded, wherein the program code is connected to at least a serial bus and stores its own device information in a read-only manner via the serial bus. From a device comprising: a code for a step of acquiring the device information; a code for a step of creating a device map of a device connected to the serial bus; and a device map already created when the device map is created. A step of acquiring only the device information of the device that has received the information indicating that the device information has been updated by communication.