JP2000278296A - Communication system and electronic apparatus to be used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the availability of a user by displaying an icon even when the power source of an electronic apparatus to be controlled is turned off by storing peculiar information transmitted from second electronic apparatus in the memory means of the first electronic apparatus so as to control the second electronic apparatus from the first electronic apparatus. SOLUTION: The first electronic apparatus receives response signals from second and third electronic apparatus through a communication network 38 and a communication interface 11 and stores received data in a memory means 14. Concerning the peculiar information of second and third electronic apparatus stored in the memory means 14, the required information can be displayed on a display 22 by a function display means 21. On the basis of the data displayed on the display 22 such as the icon display of the remote controller of the second electronic apparatus or display of connecting state of every apparatus, for example, the user can control the second electronic apparatus actually connected to the communication network 38 as instructed by operating the icon or remote controller.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to, for example, IEEE
(The Institute of Electric
cal and Electronic Engineering
ers) 1394 High Performance
When communication is performed between a plurality of electronic devices connected by a communication control bus capable of transmitting control signals and information signals in a mixed manner, such as a serial bus conforming to the Serial Bus (hereinafter referred to as IEEE 1394 serial bus) standard. The present invention relates to a communication system and an electronic device used for the communication system.

More specifically, the control-side electronic device can request the controlled-side electronic device for specific information such as function information and icon information, thereby facilitating control of the controlled-side electronic device by the control-side electronic device. In addition, even if the power of the electronic device on the controlled side is turned off to save power or the like, the electronic device on the controlling side can display the icons and the like of the electronic device on the controlled side as they are, thus improving the usability of the user. The present invention relates to a communication system and the like aiming at improvement of communication.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art A plurality of electronic devices are connected by a communication control bus capable of transmitting control signals and information signals in a mixed manner like an IEEE 1394 serial bus. For example, a plurality of AV (Audio-Video) devices are connected to a computer.
In a communication system in which devices are connected, when a computer controls the system, it is considered that icons of the respective devices and a control panel for controlling a predetermined device are displayed on a display to prompt a user's operation. Further, there are the following conventional examples regarding a communication control method, a communication system, and an electronic device used for efficiently controlling these electronic devices without waste.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-326799,
The electronic device on the controlled side has a memory means for storing icon information and function information, and the computer as the electronic device on the control side transmits a command requesting the icon information and function information to the electronic device on the controlled side. And obtains that information as a response.

The computer displays an icon indicating the controlled electronic device on the display based on the icon information, and displays the individual functions of the controlled electronic device on the display, such as buttons, based on the function information. Displays the control panel in format.

There is no need for the computer to inquire whether the electronic device on the controlled side supports the functions shown on the panel, and the user can operate all the functions of the electronic device on the controlled side on the panel. .

[0007]

However, as in the communication control method and the like described above, a computer as the electronic device on the control side fetches icon information and function information of the electronic device on the controlled side and displays the function on the display. In the method, a user operates a peripheral controlled electronic device, for example, a television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as TV), a magnetic recording / reproducing device (hereinafter, referred to as VTR) such as a video tape recorder, a DVD (Digital Versatile).
Disc, hereinafter referred to as a DVD), audio equipment, and the like, and when these are to be controlled by a computer, if all the equipments are turned on, the icon of the equipment owned by the user is displayed on the display. Can be displayed, but nowadays, the need for energy saving is increasing worldwide, and the number of users who turn off devices that are not in use is increasing, so even if you have many devices, A situation occurs in which the device icon is not displayed.

In particular, when the device on the control side is a TV instead of a computer, the power of devices other than the TV is not always turned on, and if the peripheral device is turned on, the icon of the device is displayed on the TV. That is to say, as a general user, icons of all the devices owned by the user are always displayed, and devices that are not turned on should be more user-friendly if the user can understand them on the icons.

That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to display icons and functions unless the power of the electronic device on the controlled side is constantly turned on.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and once information from a controlled electronic device is taken into a controlling device such as a computer or a TV, or an icon or icon is taken by taking the information. When the function display is performed, this information is stored for a predetermined period or until it is erased, and even if the power of the electronic device on the controlled side is cut off, information indicating that the power is currently cut off is displayed on a display such as a computer or TV. Together with the display of icons and functions.

[0011]

The present invention provides means for solving such problems, and the invention of each claim constitutes the following technical means.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to claim 1 of the present invention has a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device stores unique information. Memory means capable of being stored, and command transmission means for transmitting a command for requesting unique information to the second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device has a memory means for storing unique information, and receives the command. And response response means for reading out the unique information from the memory means storing the unique information and returning it as a response to the first electronic device. When the power of the second electronic device is turned on, a control signal and an information signal are provided. When the first electronic device and the second electronic device are connected by a communication control bus capable of transmitting the mixed information, unique information is required from the first electronic device to the second electronic device. Command is sent, the unique information stored in the memory means of said second electronic device in response to the command is transmitted to the first electronic device,
The unique information transmitted from the second electronic device is stored in a memory unit of the first electronic device, and the second electronic device can be controlled from the first electronic device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the first electronic device further comprises:
An additional information generating unit that generates additional information indicating that communication with the second electronic device is not possible; when the additional information is generated, the additional information is stored in a memory unit of the first electronic device. The unique information of the second electronic device that has been set is held.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect, when the power of the second electronic device is cut off, the communication system according to the third aspect displays the second electronic device on a display of the first electronic device. And information indicating that communication with the second electronic device is impossible even if the power supply of the first electronic device is cut off. Is stored in the memory means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect, the first electronic device further comprises:
A timer means, and an erasing means for erasing the contents stored in the memory means, and after transmitting the unique information of the second electronic device from the second electronic device to the first electronic device, When it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generating means and communication with the device cannot be performed, a predetermined time is measured by the timer, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first electronic device stores the unique information. The unique information of the second electronic device stored in the memory means that can be erased is erased by the erasing means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect, the first electronic device further comprises:
A timer means, and an erasing means for erasing the contents stored in the memory means, and after transmitting the unique information of the second electronic device from the second electronic device to the first electronic device, When it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generating means and communication with the device cannot be performed, a predetermined time is measured by the timer, and after the predetermined time elapses, communication with the second electronic device is possible. If it is confirmed that the communication is not possible, the first electronic device deletes the unique information of the second electronic device stored in the memory unit capable of storing the unique information by the erasing unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the first electronic device further comprises:
Response returning means for receiving a command from the third electronic device, reading the unique information of the second electronic device stored in the memory means capable of storing the unique information, and returning the read information as a response to the third electronic device. And the third
A command requesting the unique information of the second electronic device is transmitted from the electronic device, and it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generating means and communication with the second electronic device cannot be performed. In addition, the first electronic device holds the unique information of the second electronic device held in the memory means capable of storing the unique information and / or the fact that communication with the second electronic device is impossible. The additional information shown is transmitted by the response returning means in place of the second electronic device.

According to a communication system according to claim 7 of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of claim 2, the first electronic device further comprises:
Power supply control means for shutting off the power supply of the communication interface of the electronic device, comprising, when it is determined that additional information is generated by the additional information generation means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is disabled, The power of the communication interface of the first electronic device is turned off by the power control unit.

A communication system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the second aspect, further comprises a time measuring means, wherein the additional information is generated by the additional information generating means, and the communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is performed. When it is determined that it is no longer possible, a predetermined time is measured by the timing means, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is checked whether communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is possible,
If communication is not possible, the power of the communication interface of the first electronic device is turned off.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the communication system according to the ninth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the seventh or eighth aspect, the first electronic device includes an operation for detecting that any operation has been performed. Comprising a detecting means, when it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generating means and communication with the controlled electronic device is disabled, or after the communication with the device is disabled, A predetermined time is measured by a timer, and it is checked whether communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is possible after a predetermined time has elapsed.If communication is not possible, a power supply of a communication interface of the first electronic device is turned off, When the operation detecting means detects that any operation has been performed on the first electronic device,
The power of the communication interface is turned on by the power control means.

[0021] In a communication system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the first electronic device includes a predetermined information included in the unique information transmitted from the second electronic device. Comparing means for comparing the information with predetermined information included in the unique information already stored in the memory means of the first electronic device; if the comparison results by the comparing means are the same, The transmission of the unique information of the second electronic device is not newly requested.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control-side electronic device used in a communication system for communicating a control signal and / or an information signal among a plurality of electronic devices, wherein Memory means capable of storing the unique information transmitted from the electronic device on the side, command transmission means for transmitting a command requesting the unique information to the electronic device on the controlled side, a display, and the memory included in the unique information. Function display means for displaying predetermined information of the electronic device on the control side on the display, and additional information generating means for generating additional information indicating that communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is impossible, The electronic device on the controlled side is connected to the electronic device on the controlled side by a communication control bus capable of turning on the power of the electronic device on the controlled side and simultaneously transmitting a control signal and an information signal. That when, on a display of the electronic device, wherein the controlled side of the electronic device icon is displayed,
The controlled electronic device can be controlled from the electronic device, and from the controlled electronic device to the electronic device,
After transmitting the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side, if it is determined that additional information is generated by the additional information generating means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is disabled, the electronic device The unique information of the controlled electronic device held in the memory means capable of storing the unique information is used as current unique information of the controlled electronic device, and the unique information included in the unique information is used. The display unit displays predetermined information of the electronic device on the control side and / or additional information generated by the additional information generation unit and indicating that communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is impossible.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the electronic device on the control side further comprises a time measuring means and an erasing means for erasing the contents stored in the memory means. After transmitting the unique information of the controlled electronic device from the electronic device on the side to the electronic device, additional information is generated by the additional information generating means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side becomes impossible. When it is determined, the predetermined time is measured by the timing unit, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the electronic device deletes the unique information of the controlled electronic device held in the memory unit capable of storing the unique information. To erase.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the control-side electronic device transmits the unique information of the controlled-side electronic device from the controlled-side electronic device to the electronic device. After transmitting, when it is determined that additional information has been generated by the additional information generating means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side has become impossible, a predetermined time is measured by the timing means, and after a predetermined time elapses, It checks whether communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is possible, and if communication is not possible, the electronic device on the controlling side stores the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side held in the memory means capable of storing the unique information. The information is erased by the erasing means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, a command requesting unique information of the controlled electronic device is transmitted from another electronic device on the control side. When it is determined that additional information has been generated by the additional information generation means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side has become impossible, the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side held, and And / or transmits additional information indicating that communication with the controlled electronic device is not possible, in place of the controlled electronic device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the control-side electronic device further comprises a power supply control means for shutting off a power supply of a communication interface of the electronic device, and When it is determined that additional information has been generated by the information generating means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side has become impossible, the power supply of the communication interface is turned off.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the control-side electronic device further includes a power supply control unit for shutting off a power supply of a communication interface of the electronic device, and If it is determined that the additional information is generated by the information generating means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is no longer possible, it is further confirmed after a predetermined time that communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is possible, and the communication is performed. If not, the power of the communication interface is turned off by the power control means.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, the control-side electronic device further comprises an operation detecting means for detecting that any operation has been performed. However, when it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generation means and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side cannot be performed, or after communication with the device cannot be performed, and further after a predetermined time elapses, Check whether communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is possible, and if communication is not possible, the power supply control unit turns off the power of the communication interface, and the operation detection unit detects that some operation has been performed. At this time, the power of the communication interface is turned on by the power control means.

The electronic device on the control side according to claim 18 of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of claim 11, further comprises: a predetermined information included in the unique information transmitted from the electronic device on the controlled side; Comparing means for comparing with predetermined information included in the unique information already stored in the memory means,
If the comparison result by the comparing means is the same, the transmission of the unique information of the controlled electronic device is not newly requested.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controlled electronic device, wherein a memory means for storing unique information and a memory means for receiving a command transmitted from the controlled electronic equipment and storing the unique information. A response returning unit that reads the unique information from the control-side electronic device as a response, a power supply control unit that shuts off a power supply of a communication interface of the controlled-side electronic device, and a control-side electronic device Or additional information generating means for generating additional information indicating that communication with another controlled electronic device is not possible, wherein the additional information is generated by the additional information generating means and the other electronic device When it is determined that communication with the communication interface is no longer possible, the power of the communication interface is turned off by the power control unit.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the nineteenth aspect, the controlled-side electronic device further comprises a clock unit, and the additional information generation unit generates additional information, and the electronic device is connected to another electronic device. If it is determined that communication has become impossible, a predetermined time is measured by a timer, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, it is checked whether communication with another electronic device is possible.If communication is not possible, the power of the communication interface is turned off. Turn off.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the nineteenth aspect, the controlled electronic apparatus further comprises an operation detecting means for detecting that any operation has been performed, and When it is determined that additional information has been generated by the information generating means and communication with another electronic device has become impossible, or it is determined that additional information has been generated by the additional information generating means and communication with another electronic device has become impossible. After that, a predetermined time is measured by the timer means, and after the predetermined time elapses, it is confirmed whether communication with another electronic device is possible.If communication is not possible, the power supply of the communication interface is turned off, and the operation detection means When detecting that any operation has been performed on the electronic device, the power supply control unit turns on the power of the communication interface.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the twenty-second aspect, in addition to the configuration of the nineteenth aspect, a display and predetermined information of the electronic device and / or the additional information included in the unique information are included. Function display means for displaying, on the display, additional information generated by the generation means indicating that communication with the electronic device is impossible.

[0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention and an electronic apparatus used for the communication system will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a configuration of an embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention and an electronic device used for the communication system. A first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a third electronic device are connected to a communication network 38. It shows the case where the connection is established via.

Of course, the connection may be between the first electronic device and the second electronic device only, or the fourth, fifth and plural electronic devices may be connected on the communication network 38.

The first electronic device includes a comparing unit 10, a communication interface 11, a command transmitting unit 12, a response returning unit 13, a memory unit 14, an instruction input unit 15,
Erasing means 16, time measuring means 17, power control means 18, operation detecting means 19, additional information generating means 20, function displaying means 2
1, a display 22.

The second electronic device includes a communication interface 23, a response returning means 24, a memory means 25, an additional information generating means 26, a power control means 27, a time measuring means 28,
Display 29, function display means 30, operation detection means 3
1 is comprised.

The third electronic device includes a communication interface 32, a response returning means 33, a memory means 34, a command transmitting means 35, a function display means 36, and a display 3.
7.

As the first electronic device, a device generally serving as a center for controlling devices on a network, such as a television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as a TV) or a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a video tape recorder (hereinafter, referred to as a VTR) or the like may be used.

The second and third electronic devices are also usually VTRs.
And DVD (Digital Versatile Di)
sc, hereafter referred to as DVD) and the like.
Or a personal computer.

Here, the first electronic device is connected to a TV (TV1).
It is assumed that the second electronic device is a DVD and the third electronic device is another TV (TV2).

The communication network 38 is wired, wireless,
It is not limited to transmission media and communication protocols such as light and sound waves, and is not limited to IEEE (The Institute).
ofElectrical and Electro
nic Engineers) 1394 High P
IEEE 1394 interface or IrCo conforming to the Performance Serial Bus standard
Any device that can transmit information, such as ntrol, may be used.

FIG. 2 shows a display example of icons and a control panel on a display screen of a display.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation when the unique information of the power-off DVD is displayed on the TV 1.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the power supply of the TV 2 is cut off.
An operation example in the case where the unique information of the VD is obtained from the TV 1 will be described.

S1 to S31 in FIGS. 3 and 4 indicate each operation step.

DV connected to communication network 38
When controlling D and TV2 from TV1, which is the center of control in this case, the user first instructs TV1 to display what is in the devices connected to communication network 38.

At this time, the command transmission means 12 sends a command for requesting, via the communication interface 11 and the communication network 38, to unspecified devices connected to the communication network 38, specific information of those devices. Transmit (step 1).

On the other hand, for the DVD, the command transmitted from the TV 1 is determined by the communication interface 23 and the response returning means 24, and the unique information of the DVD stored in the memory means 25 is transmitted to the communication interface 23.
(Steps 1 and 2).

Similarly, in the case of the TV 2, the command transmitted from the TV 1 is determined by the communication interface 32 and the response returning means 33, and the unique information of the TV 2 stored in the memory means 34 is transmitted to the communication interface 32.
(Steps 5 to 7).

Since the memory means 25 and the memory means 34 need only store information unique to the device,
(Read Only Memory) may be used, or a rewritable nonvolatile memory device may be used.

RAM (Random Access M)
memory) and a backup battery or capacitor.

Here, the unique information of DVD or TV2 is
For example, what kind of remote control keys can be used for the DVD or TV2, what functions can be used, and the graphical representation of the device or remote control operation unit as shown in FIG. Display data.

The DVD has a disk playback function, a playback key, a stop key, and the like, but the TV 2 does not have such a function or key, and instead has a reception function, a CH key, and the like, which can be used by devices. The keys and functions are different.

However, in addition to information that does not change when the device is manufactured, timer reservation information input by a user to the device, for example, can be similarly handled as unique information of the device.

The TV 1 receives a response signal from the DVD or the TV 2 through the communication network 38 and the communication interface 11, and the received data is stored in the memory unit 14.

When a response from the DVD or the TV 2 is made at the same time, data collision avoidance, priority processing, and the like are normally performed by the communication protocol used for the communication network 38, and the TV 1 has no problem in such a case. It is possible to receive both data.

The DVD or TV stored in the memory means 14
As the second unique information, necessary information can be displayed on the display 22 by the function display means 21 (steps 4 and 8).

Based on the data displayed on the display 22, for example, the icon display of the remote controller of the DVD or the display of the connection status of each device, the user operates the icon or the remote controller on the TV 1 side to actually operate the icon. The DVD and the TV 2 connected to the communication network 38 can be operated as instructed.

In the display example shown in FIG. 2, it is displayed that TV 1, TV 2 and DVD are connected on the network being used, and a remote control key of TV 2 and a remote control key of DVD are displayed. By clicking these icons, devices on the network can be easily controlled.

As described above, the DVD or the TV is
2, the device that is the center of control periodically checks the connection status of devices on the communication network 38 when the device is connected to a network.

When the user shuts down the power of the DVD to reduce the standby power (step 9), the TV 1 tries to communicate through the communication interface 11 and the communication network 38 (step 10). No response from DVD (step 1)
1).

At this time, the additional information generation means 20 judges the situation in which communication is not possible by referring to the communication interface 11, generates additional information indicating that communication with the DVD is impossible, and stores the additional information in the memory means 14. The function display means 21 displays the display 2 together with the unique information of the DVD being read.
2 can be displayed (step 12).

That is, it is possible to display icons of a remote controller of a DVD which is already in a power-off state and in a state where communication is not possible and a display of a connection state of each device, etc. However, it is possible to cause the display 22 to display the contents indicating that the power is currently cut off and cannot be used. The display example of FIG. 2 shows that the DVD is connected on the network but its power supply is currently cut off.

Further, when a response from the DVD or the TV 2 is not obtained and the additional information generating means 20 generates the additional information indicating that the communication between the DVD and the TV 2 is not possible, the time measuring means 17 After a predetermined time has elapsed (step 13), the erasing means 16 erases the unique information of the device for which communication is disabled from the unique information of each device stored in the memory means 14. I do.

Here, if the predetermined time is set to, for example, about one month, if a device which has been used once is not used for one month, the device is regarded as unused and stored in the memory means 14. The unique information can be deleted, and the display of the icon of the unnecessary device can be prevented from being displayed.

It is also effective to confirm the communication state again after a predetermined time has elapsed (steps 14 and 15) and then delete the unique information on the memory means 14 (step 16).

Alternatively, the user may use the instruction input means 15 to cause the erasing means 16 to erase the unique information of the unnecessary device.

When the additional information generating means 20 determines that there is no device capable of responding to the communication network 38, a predetermined time is measured by the timer 17. When the additional information generation unit 20 determines that there is no device that can respond to the request, the power supply control unit 18 turns off the power of the communication interface 11.

In this case, the predetermined time may be set to, for example, 5 minutes. As a result, the power of the communication interface 11 having no communication partner can be turned off, and unnecessary power consumption can be avoided.

When the TV 1 is caused to perform any operation, this is detected by the operation detecting means 19 and the power control means 1
8 can be turned on to supply power to the communication interface 11 to check whether communication can be resumed.

The DVD controlled by the TV 1 does not require any means such as the command transmission means 12 included in the TV 1.
If the user cannot find a communication partner on the communication network 38, the additional information generating means 26 determines that communication is not possible, and the timer 28 measures a predetermined time. When the additional information generation unit 26 determines that there is no device that can respond to the request, the power supply control unit 27 turns off the power of the communication interface 23.

When any operation is performed on the DVD, this operation is detected by the operation detecting means 31 and the power control means 2
7 can be turned on to supply power to the communication interface 23 to confirm whether communication can be resumed.

Normally, a DVD does not have a display, but a function display means 30 and a display 29 may be provided to display the connection status on the communication network 38 and the like.

If the DVD and the TV 1 are communicating with each other on the communication network 38 before the TV 2 starts operating, the TV 1 transmits the command requesting the unique information by the command transmitting means 12 in the same manner as described above. Is transmitted via the communication interface 11 (step 17), while the DVD transmits the unique information of the DVD from the memory means 25 (steps 18 and 19), and this information is
V1 is stored in the memory means 14, and the function display means 36,
The display can be displayed on the display 37 (step 20).

Thereafter, the power of the DVD is cut off by the user (step 21), and communication with the DVD becomes impossible (steps 22 and 23).
Is turned on (step 24), and the operation is started.

In this case, the TV 2 transmits the command requesting the unique information by the command transmitting means 35 via the communication interface 32 as the TV 2 (step 2).
5).

At this time, the DVD cannot respond to the command from the TV 2 because the power is turned off (step 26), but the TV 1 obtains the DVD obtained from the operating DVD in addition to the unique information held by the TV 1. Is stored in the memory means 14 and the response reply means 13
In response to the command requesting the unique information from the TV 2 (step 27), the memory means 14 sends the unique information of the TV 1 itself and the unique information of the DVD obtained from the DVD to the TV 2 via the communication interface 11 ( Step 2
8-31).

Although the memory unit 14 stores the unique information sent from the DVD, the unique information of the TV 1 itself may be stored.

Alternatively, another memory means may be prepared.

As described above, when any device on the communication network 38 has the unique information of the device that cannot be responded due to the power cutoff, the unique information of the device replaces the device that cannot respond when the power is cut off. Can be transmitted together with additional information obtained by the additional information generating means 20 indicating that communication with the device has been disabled. The information of the device whose power is shut off can be transmitted correctly.

When the DVD and the TV 1 maintain a connection on the communication network 38 and the unique information of the DVD is stored in the memory means 14 of the TV 1, the TV 1 is used to confirm the device on the communication network 38. For example, when the command transmitting unit 12 periodically transmits a command requesting the specific information of the connected device, the command transmitting unit 12 transmits a predetermined part of the specific information transmitted from the DVD to the memory unit 14.
Is compared with a part of predetermined information in the DVD unique information stored in the DVD. When these pieces of information have the same content, the command transmitting means 12 sends the command information to the command transmitting means 12 for the remaining DVD unique information. Prevents sending request commands.

That is, in the second and subsequent confirmations, a part of the specific information in the specific information is checked first, and if it is the same, all the specific information is not retransmitted. 38 can reduce the data transmission load and shorten the communication time.

In particular, in this case, a part of the predetermined information in the unique information can be reduced by a small amount of data by using version information including a maker name, a data name, and a creation date of the icon data of the DVD. Can be determined, and the communication efficiency can be much improved as compared with the case where bitmap data such as icon data or compressed data is transferred.

[0086]

According to the present invention described above, the following effects can be obtained.

Since the communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention has the above-described configuration, the peripheral device can be controlled from a TV or a personal computer by turning on the power of the peripheral device and connecting to the network by IEEE1394 or the like. In this case, once information from a peripheral device is taken into a device on the control side such as a computer or a TV, this information can be stored even if the power of the peripheral device is cut off.

Since the communication system according to the second aspect of the present invention has the above-described configuration, the peripheral device can be controlled from a TV or a personal computer by turning on the power of the peripheral device and connecting to the network by IEEE1394 or the like. In the above, once information from a peripheral device is taken into a device on the control side such as a computer or a TV, if the power of the peripheral device is cut off, this information can be automatically stored. .

The communication system according to the third aspect of the present invention and the electronic device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention have the above-described configurations.
When a network connection is established by IEEE 1394 or the like, the icon of the device is displayed on a TV or a personal computer, and in a system in which the peripheral device can be controlled, the computer or the T
Once the information from the peripheral device is taken into the device on the control side, such as V, or if the icons and functions are displayed by taking the information, this information can be stored, and even if the power of the peripheral device is cut off. It becomes possible to display icons and functions of peripheral devices whose power is shut off on a display such as a computer or a TV.

Since the communication system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention and the electronic device according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention have the above-described configurations, even if the peripheral device is powered off, the computer, the TV, etc. Can display icons and functions along with information that the power is currently shut off, and can automatically erase data in memory if the peripheral device is not used for a long time. Avoid running out of memory,
It becomes possible not to display icons or the like of devices that are no longer used.

The communication system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention and the electronic device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention have the above-described configurations, so that even when the power supply to peripheral devices is cut off, a computer, a TV, etc. An icon or function can be displayed on the display together with the information that the power is currently turned off, and once the information has been imported, if the user decides not to use the peripheral device anymore, In addition to avoiding a situation in which data can be erased and a memory shortage occurs, it is possible to prevent icons and the like of unused devices from being displayed.

Since the communication system according to the invention of claim 6 of the present application and the electronic device according to the invention of claims 14 and 22 have the above-described configuration, the power supply of a specific peripheral device is cut off. Even when communication is not possible, a device storing information on the peripheral device can respond instead of the peripheral device, and even if a computer or TV does not store the information on the peripheral device at that time. ,
It is possible to display on the display information indicating that power is being cut off, and icons and functions of peripheral devices whose power is cut off.

The communication system according to the invention of claim 7 of the present application and the electronic device according to the invention of claims 15 and 19 have the above-described configuration. If communication is not possible, the power supply to the interface with the peripheral device is automatically shut off, so that energy saving can be achieved.

The communication system according to the invention of claim 8 of the present application and the electronic device according to the invention of claims 16 and 20 have the above-described configuration. After communication is disabled, check if communication is possible again after a predetermined time elapses,
Since the power of the interface with the peripheral device is automatically turned off, even if the power of the peripheral device is temporarily turned off, communication can be performed immediately when the power of the peripheral device is turned on. In addition, it is possible to ensure the convenience of network connection and to cope with energy saving.

Since the communication system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention and the electronic equipment according to the seventeenth and twenty-first aspects of the present invention have the above-described configuration, the power supply of peripheral equipment may be cut off. If communication is not possible, automatically shut off the power to the interface with peripheral devices,
Since the power of the interface can be turned on when any device operation is performed, it is possible to ensure the convenience of network connection and to cope with energy saving.

In the communication system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention and the electronic device according to the eighteenth aspect, after the information of the peripheral device is fetched and stored in a computer, a TV, or the like, the computer, the TV, etc. However, even if the peripheral device requests unique information again, only a part of the data, such as the icon version information, can be returned and collated, so that there is no need to retransmit all data, shortening the communication time, Network load can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of icons and a control panel on a display screen of a display.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in a case where unique information of a power-off DVD is displayed on a TV 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in a case where the TV2 obtains, from the TV1, unique information of a power-off DVD.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 comparing means 11 communication interface 12 command transmitting means 13 response returning means 14 memory means 15 instruction input means 16 erasing means 17 clocking means 18 power control means 19 operation detecting means 20 additional information generating means 21 function displaying means 22 display 23 communication interface 24 Response response means 25 Memory means 26 Additional information generation means 27 Power supply control means 28 Clocking means 29 Display 30 Function display means 31 Operation detection means 32 Communication interface 33 Response return means 34 Memory means 35 Command transmission means 36 Function display means 37 Display 38 Communication network

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04Q 9/00 321 H04L 11/00 310D F-term (Reference) 5E501 AA02 AB06 BA05 CA02 EA05 EA33 EB17 FA03 FA04 FA46 5K032 BA08 DA01 DB19 DB31 EA07 5K033 BA08 DA01 DB12 DB25 EA07 5K048 BA02 DC04 EB02 EB03 FA07 FB05 FB10 FB15 HA04 HA06

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A communication system for transmitting a control signal and / or an information signal between a plurality of electronic devices, the communication system including a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device The device includes a memory unit that can store the unique information, and a command transmitting unit that transmits a command requesting the unique information to the second electronic device. The second electronic device has a memory unit that stores the unique information. And a first response returning means for receiving the command, reading the unique information from a memory means storing the unique information, and returning the read unique information as a response to the first electronic device, and a power supply for the second electronic device. When the first electronic device and the second electronic device are connected by a communication control bus capable of transmitting a control signal and an information signal in a mixed manner, the first electronic device A command for requesting the unique information to the second electronic device is transmitted from the electronic device, and the unique information stored in the memory unit of the second electronic device is transmitted to the first electronic device in response to the command. , The second
The communication system, wherein the unique information transmitted from the electronic device is stored in a memory unit of the first electronic device, and the second electronic device can be controlled from the first electronic device. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first electronic device includes an additional information generation unit configured to generate additional information indicating that communication with the second electronic device is not possible. A communication system, wherein, when the additional information is generated, unique information of the second electronic device stored in a memory unit of the first electronic device is retained. 3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein when the power of the second electronic device is cut off, the first electronic device is turned off.
Display on the display of the electronic device that communication with the second electronic device is not possible, even if the power of the first electronic device is shut off, the unique information and the second electronic device A communication system, wherein information indicating that communication is impossible is held in the memory means. 4. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the first electronic device includes a clock unit, and an erasing unit that erases a storage content of the memory unit. When transmitting the unique information of the second electronic device to the first electronic device and determining that additional information is generated by the additional information generating device and communication with the device is no longer possible, the timer means The first electronic device erases the unique information of the second electronic device stored in the memory device capable of storing the unique information after the predetermined time has elapsed. Communication system. 5. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the first electronic device includes a clock unit, and an erasing unit for erasing contents stored in the memory unit. After transmitting the unique information of the second electronic device to the first electronic device, when it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generating device and communication with the device cannot be performed, a predetermined time is determined by the timing device. The time is measured, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, it is checked whether communication with the second electronic device is possible. If the communication is not possible, the first electronic device is held in a memory unit capable of storing the unique information. A communication system, wherein the unique information of the second electronic device is erased by the erasing means. 6. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first electronic device receives a command from a third electronic device and holds the command in a memory unit capable of storing unique information. Read out the unique information of the electronic device of
A second response returning means for returning a response to the electronic device of the third electronic device, wherein a command requesting unique information of the second electronic device is transmitted from the third electronic device, Is determined when additional information is generated by additional information generating means for generating additional information indicating that communication with the second electronic device is not possible and communication with the second electronic device is disabled. In addition, the first electronic device holds the unique information of the second electronic device held in the memory means capable of storing the unique information and / or the fact that communication with the second electronic device is impossible. A communication system, wherein the additional information is transmitted by the second response returning means in place of the second electronic device. 7. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein the first electronic device includes a power supply control unit for shutting off a power supply of a communication interface of the electronic device, and the first electronic device is added by the additional information generation unit. When information is generated and it is determined that communication with the second electronic device is no longer possible, the power supply control unit turns off the power of the communication interface of the first electronic device. . 8. The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising a clock unit, wherein when it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generating unit and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is disabled, A predetermined time is measured by a timer, and it is checked whether communication with the second electronic device is possible after the predetermined time has elapsed.
A communication system, wherein the power supply of the communication interface of the electronic device is turned off. 9. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein the first electronic device includes an operation detecting unit that detects that an operation has been performed, and the first electronic device generates the additional information. If it is determined that the additional information has been generated by the means and communication with the second electronic device has been disabled, or since communication with the device has been disabled, a predetermined time is measured by a timer, and the predetermined time has elapsed. Thereafter, it is confirmed whether communication with the second electronic device is possible. If the communication is not possible, the power of the communication interface of the first electronic device is turned off, and the operation detecting means causes the first electronic device to perform any communication. A communication system, wherein when the operation is detected, the power of the communication interface is turned on by the power control unit. 10. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first electronic device includes predetermined information included in the unique information transmitted from the second electronic device, and the first electronic device. Comparing means for comparing predetermined information included in the unique information already stored in the memory means, and if the comparison results by the comparing means are the same, the second means
A communication system that does not newly request transmission of unique information of the electronic device. 11. A control signal and / or signal between a plurality of electronic devices.
Or, a control-side electronic device used in a communication system for communicating information signals, wherein a memory means capable of storing unique information transmitted from the controlled-side electronic device, and a request for the unique information to the controlled-side electronic device A command transmitting unit for transmitting a command to be performed, a display, a function display unit for displaying predetermined information of the controlled electronic device included in the unique information on the display, and a controlled electronic device. An additional information generating means for generating additional information indicating that communication is not possible, by turning on the power of the electronic device on the controlled side and transmitting a control signal and an information signal together by a communication control bus. When the electronic device and the electronic device on the controlled side are connected, an icon of the electronic device on the controlled side is displayed on a display of the electronic device. The electronic device can control the electronic device on the controlled side, and after transmitting the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side to the electronic device from the electronic device on the controlled side, the additional information generating means When it is determined that the additional information is generated and communication with the controlled electronic device can no longer be performed, the electronic device stores the unique information of the controlled electronic device held in a memory unit capable of storing the unique information. Information is used as current unique information of the controlled electronic device, and is generated by the predetermined information of the controlled electronic device included in the unique information and / or the additional information generating means. An electronic device on the control side, wherein additional information indicating that communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is impossible is displayed on the display. 12. The electronic device on the control side according to claim 11, further comprising: a clocking unit; and an erasing unit for erasing storage contents of the memory unit. After transmitting the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side, when it is determined that additional information is generated by the additional information generating unit and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side cannot be performed, a predetermined time is determined by the timing unit. Measuring the time, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the electronic device erases the unique information of the controlled electronic device held in the memory means capable of storing the unique information by the erasing means. Electronic equipment. 13. The control-side electronic device according to claim 11, wherein after transmitting the unique information of the controlled-side electronic device from the controlled-side electronic device to the electronic device, the additional information generating unit. When it is determined that additional information is generated and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is no longer possible, a predetermined time is measured by a timer, and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is possible after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the communication is not possible, the electronic device on the control side erases the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side held by the memory means capable of storing the unique information by an erasing means. Control electronics. 14. The electronic device on the control side according to claim 11, wherein a command for requesting unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side is transmitted from another electronic device on the control side, and the additional information generating means is provided. When it is determined that additional information is generated and communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is disabled, the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side and / or the electronic device on the controlled side are held. And transmitting additional information indicating that communication with the electronic device is impossible in place of the controlled electronic device. 15. The electronic device on the control side according to claim 11, further comprising a power supply control unit for shutting off a power supply of a communication interface of the electronic device, wherein the additional information is generated by the additional information generation unit. The electronic device on the control side, wherein when it is determined that communication with the electronic device on the controlled side becomes impossible, the power supply of the communication interface is turned off. 16. The electronic device on the control side according to claim 11, further comprising a power supply control unit for shutting off a power supply of a communication interface of the electronic device, wherein the additional information is generated by the additional information generation unit. If it is determined that communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is no longer possible, it is checked whether communication with the electronic device on the controlled side is possible after a lapse of a predetermined time, and if communication is not possible, the power control means An electronic device on the control side, wherein a power supply of the communication interface is turned off. 17. The electronic device on the control side according to claim 15, further comprising an operation detecting means for detecting that an operation has been performed, and wherein the additional information is generated by the additional information generating means. When it is determined that the generated electronic device cannot communicate with the controlled electronic device, or after the communication with the controlled device has been disabled, the communication with the controlled electronic device can be performed after a lapse of a predetermined time. If communication is not possible, the power supply control means turns off the power of the communication interface, and when the operation detection means detects that any operation has been performed, the power control means turns off the communication interface. An electronic device on the control side, which is turned on. 18. The electronic device on the control side according to claim 11, wherein predetermined information included in the specific information transmitted from the electronic device on the controlled side and specific information already stored in the memory unit. And a comparison unit for comparing with the predetermined information included in the electronic device on the control side, wherein if the comparison result by the comparison unit is the same, the transmission of the unique information of the electronic device on the controlled side is not newly requested. Control electronics. 19. A control signal and / or signal between a plurality of electronic devices.
Or a controlled electronic device used in a communication system that communicates information signals, a memory unit storing unique information, and receiving a command transmitted from the controlling electronic device,
Response returning means for reading out the unique information from the memory means storing the unique information and returning it as a response to the electronic device on the control side, and power control for shutting off the power supply of the communication interface of the electronic device on the controlled side Means, and additional information generating means for generating additional information indicating that communication with the electronic device on the control side or another electronic device on the controlled side is impossible. If it is determined that additional information has been generated and communication with other electronic devices is no longer possible,
An electronic device on the controlled side, wherein the power of the communication interface is turned off by the power control unit. 20. The electronic device on the controlled side according to claim 19, further comprising a clock unit, wherein when it is determined that the additional information is generated by the additional information generating unit and communication with another electronic device becomes impossible. ,
The controlled side measures a predetermined time by the timing means, checks whether communication with another electronic device is possible after the predetermined time has elapsed, and turns off the power of the communication interface when communication is not possible, Electronic equipment. 21. The electronic device on the controlled side according to claim 19, further comprising an operation detecting unit for detecting that an operation has been performed, wherein the additional information is generated by the additional information generating unit. If it is determined that communication with the electronic device can no longer be performed,
Alternatively, after determining that additional information has been generated by the additional information generating means and communication with another electronic device has become impossible, a predetermined time is measured by a timer, and communication with the other electronic device is performed after the predetermined time has elapsed. The communication interface is turned off when communication is not possible, and the communication interface is turned off by the power control unit when the operation detection unit detects that any operation has been performed on the electronic device. An electronic device on the controlled side, characterized in that the power is turned on. 22. The controlled electronic device according to claim 19, further comprising: a display; predetermined information of the electronic device included in the unique information;
Or a function display means for displaying, on the display, additional information generated by the additional information generation means and indicating that communication with the electronic device is not possible. machine.