JP2001230641A - Device and method for processing information and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use plural devices of the same kind connected through a network as virtual multiple devices. SOLUTION: An application program(AP) of an IRD 1 issues a command to a Multi-Amp FCM and stores the setting states of respective Amp 2 to 4 in an inner table. The AP issues a command to the Multi-Amp FCM for reading setting information, recorded in the inner table and setting the respective Amp 2 to Amp 4 on the basis of that setting information. On the basis of the setting information, the Multi-Amp FCM sets respective AmpFCM 1 to 3 and issues a command for reproducing a CD drive 5 to an AVDISCFCM. The Multi-Amp FCM outputs audio data reproduced from the CD drive 5 to the respective AmpFCM 1 to 3, the respective AmpFCM 1 to 3 output audio data on conditions set to the respective Amp 2 to 4, and the respective Amp 2 to 4 output sound from respectively incorporated speakers.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to a method for simplifying wiring of a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network and a plurality of electronic devices according to data to be output. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for optimizing equipment and making it easy to use, and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an audio system, a technique using a plurality of amplifying devices is becoming popular. In an audio system using a plurality of amplifying devices, a playback signal from one playback device (for example, a CD (Compact Disc) drive) can be simultaneously amplified and output by a plurality of amplifying devices.

[0003]

However, in the case of the above system, there is a problem that physical wiring becomes complicated because a plurality of amplifying devices are connected to one reproducing device.

[0004] Further, for example, when a mode such as a movie mode or a music mode is switched in accordance with the content of reproduction, the switching operation has to be performed for each individual amplifying device, which causes a problem that the operation becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and simplifies wiring for a plurality of amplifying devices.
By centrally controlling a plurality of amplifying devices from a single information processing device, the plurality of amplifying devices can be optimized according to the content of reproduction and can be easily used. , The number of connected Amps or the like, which was limited by the number of plugs, can be made unlimited in principle.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: parameter acquisition means for acquiring parameters for controlling each electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network; Setting means for performing the setting, a storage means for storing the parameters set by the setting means, and a control means for controlling a plurality of electronic devices based on the parameters stored by the storage means.

[0007] The network may be constituted by an IEEE1394 serial bus.

[0008] One of the plurality of electronic devices may be an electronic device.

One of the plurality of electronic devices is a CD.
The player and the other electronic devices may be amplifiers.

The parameters include sound volume, loudness,
The balance, equalizer information, or delay time can be included.

[0011] The data may be audio data.

A control program acquisition means for acquiring a control program for each of the plurality of electronic devices may be further provided. The control means includes a control program acquired by the control program acquisition means based on parameters. Can be used to control a plurality of electronic devices.

Command means for commanding the transfer of the data or the transfer of the data, virtually connecting one of the plurality of electronic devices with the other plurality of electronic devices, or An electronic device connecting means to be opened can be further provided, and when data transfer is instructed by the command means, the electronic device connecting means includes one electronic device out of the plurality of electronic devices, It is possible to virtually connect with other multiple electronic devices,
When the data transfer stop is instructed by the command means, the electronic device connecting means releases the virtual connection between one of the plurality of electronic devices and the other plurality of electronic devices. Can be

[0014] A determination means for determining whether or not an electronic device of the same type exists in the plurality of electronic devices may be further provided.
By determining the type of FCM, it is possible to determine whether or not the same type of electronic device exists among the plurality of electronic devices.

The setting means may set parameters of a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network for each mode.

A mode selection means for selecting the mode may be further provided. The setting means includes a parameter for each of the modes selected by the mode selection means, for a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network. Can be set.

A setting screen for displaying a mode selection screen for selecting a mode by the mode selection means and a setting screen for setting parameters of a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network by the setting means Display means can be further provided.

The setting screen display means may preferentially display a preset mode as a mode selection screen.

According to the information processing method of the present invention, a parameter obtaining step of obtaining parameters for controlling each electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network, a setting step of setting the parameters, It is characterized by including a storage step of storing parameters set in the processing of the step, and a control step of controlling a plurality of electronic devices based on the parameters stored in the processing of the storage step.

The program of the recording medium according to the present invention controls a parameter acquisition control step of controlling acquisition of parameters for controlling each electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network, and controls a parameter setting. A setting control step, a storage control step of controlling storage of parameters set in the processing of the setting control step, and a control step of controlling a plurality of electronic devices based on the parameters stored in the processing of the storage control step. It is characterized by including.

In the information processing apparatus and method and the recording medium according to the present invention, parameters for controlling each electronic device are obtained from a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network, and the parameters are set. The set parameters are stored, and a plurality of electronic devices are controlled based on the stored parameters.

[0022]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system when a plurality of amplifying devices are connected to an information processing device.

The IRD 1 receives a broadcast signal from a satellite (not shown) via an antenna (not shown), demodulates the signal, and displays an image on the monitor 7. IRD1 is IEEE1394
The audio information from the CD drive 5 connected via the serial bus 6 is output to Amps (Amplifiers) 2, 3, and 4, and Amps 2 to 4 are controlled.

The Amps 2 to 4 and the CD drive 5
When connected to the EEE1394 serial bus 6, the IEEE1394
Via the serial bus 6, the IRD 1 is provided with the DCM (Device Control Module) of each device and the FCM (Functional
Component Module) (Details of DCM and FCM will be described later).

IRD 1 is composed of Amps 2 to 4 and CD drive 5
From the DCM and FCM sent from the device, detects the connection status of the device connected to the IEEE1394 serial bus 6,
GUI (Graphical Use) for controlling those devices
r Interface) is displayed on the monitor 7.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the IRD 1. The input / output interface 21 is an LCD (Liq
uid (Crystal Display) 11 functions as an interface for signals to be output to the internal bus 25.

The tuner 22 demodulates a broadcast signal received from an antenna (not shown), and transmits the demodulated signal to the internal bus 25 and IEEE13.
It is output to the monitor 7 via the 94I / F 29 and the IEEE1394 bus 6 and displayed.

The touch panel 23 is provided on the surface of the main body of the IRD 1, and when the user operates the touch panel 23 based on the display on the LCD 11,
The CPU 26 generates a control signal and outputs the control signal to the IEEE1394 serial bus 6.
, Various instructions are given to the Amps 2 to 4 and the CD drive 5.

The HDD 24 stores application programs to be executed by the CPU 26, middleware, and the like.

The internal bus 25 includes an input / output interface 21, a tuner 22, an HDD 24, a CPU 26, a RAM 27, and a ROM.
28 and the IEEE1394 interface 29,
It enables mutual transmission and reception of data.

The CPU 26 controls the entire operation of the IRD 1, and executes various application programs as needed. In the RAM 27, various application programs executed by the CPU 26 and the IE
The latest information necessary for the device connected to the EE1394 serial bus 6 to execute processing is written. ROM2
8 includes an OS (Operation System) required for processing of the CPU 26.
m) and a program for loading and starting the program are stored. The IEEE1394 interface 29 is an IEEE13
94 Functions as an interface with serial bus 6,
The exchange of data with the IEEE1394 serial bus 6 is executed.

A semiconductor memory 41, a magneto-optical disk 42, an optical disk 43, a magnetic disk 44, and the like can be mounted on the drive 30.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of Amp2. The signal transmitted from IRD1 is IEEE1
394 is input to the CPU 55 via the serial bus 6, the IEEE1394 interface 58 and the internal bus 54. When the user operates the touch panel 52 while viewing the display contents displayed on the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 51, a signal corresponding to the user's operation is transmitted to the CPU 55 via the input / output interface 59 and the internal bus 54.
, And based on this, the CPU 55
Control.

The amplifying section 53 performs D / A conversion on the audio data in accordance with the control signal input from the CPU 55, amplifies the data, outputs the amplified data to the speaker 61, and generates audio.

The CPU 55 reads the ROM 5 according to the input signal.
7 is read out, loaded into the RAM 56 and executed, outputs a control signal to the amplifying unit 53 via the internal bus 54, and executes the own DCM and FCM stored in the ROM 57. , The internal bus 54, the IEEE 1394 interface 58, and the IRD 1 via the IEEE 1394 serial bus 6. The RAM 56 stores data generated by the execution of the program of the CPU 55 and other Amps.
2 temporarily stores data necessary to execute the processing.

Since Amp3 and Amp4 have the same configuration as Amp2 shown in FIG. 3, their description will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the CD drive 5. The signal transmitted from IRD1 is IEEE1
394 is input to the CPU 75 via the serial bus 6, the IEEE1394 interface 78 and the internal bus 74. When the user operates the touch panel 72 while viewing the display content displayed on the LCD 71, a signal corresponding to the user's operation is input to the CPU 75 via the input / output interface 79 and the internal bus 74, and based on this, Then, the CPU 75 controls the reproducing unit 73.

The reproducing unit 73 reads the data recorded on the attached CD 81 in accordance with the control signal input from the CPU 75, and connects to the network via the internal bus 74, the IEEE1394 interface 78 and the IEEE1394 serial bus 6. Is transmitted to the respective Amps 2 to 4 that have been set.

The CPU 75 reads the ROM 7 according to the input signal.
7 is read out and the RAM 76 is read out.
To the playback unit 73 via the internal bus 74.
Output a control signal or stored in the ROM 77,
It transmits its own DCM and FCM to the IRD 1 via the internal bus 74, the IEEE1394 interface 78, and the IEEE1394 serial bus 6. The RAM 76 temporarily stores data generated by the execution of the program by the CPU 75 and other data necessary for the CD drive 5 to execute processing.

In order for devices on a network as shown in FIG. 1 to operate in cooperation, middleware for controlling and managing the network (lower software such as an OS, a network control program or a database system, and lower Software that is located between applications and provides various services to the applications). Furthermore, even when devices of different manufacturers are connected to the network, a common specification that the middleware must conform to is essential for the network to operate normally and for the devices to interoperate. Here, HAVi is a middleware for network control and management (trademark pending)
(Home Audio / Video Interoperability Architecture)
A network system in the case where is adapted will be described.

FIG. 5 shows the hard disk drive 2 shown in FIG.
4 shows an example of software stored. 13
94 Except for the driver and application programs, the software modules corresponding to HAVi are included.

The 1394 driver is an IEEE1394 serial bus 6
This is a module that describes a part that depends on, and is a software for providing higher-level software with a sharing procedure for device access.

The CMM (Communication Media Manager)
It functions as an interface between the IEEE1394 serial bus 6 and each software module and application of HAVi. The CMM provides a transmission mechanism for transmitting and receiving signals between devices connected to the IEEE1394 serial bus 6,
The operation status of the software module and provide the information to other software modules.

The messaging system has an API (Application Programming) for communicating software modules of each device on the network.
Interface), and serves to transmit messages between software modules. For this reason, in a network adopting HAVi, a message transmitting side and a message receiving side can transmit a message without knowing each other's location on the network.

The DCM (Device Control Module) manager manages the DCM and F for each device on the network.
It installs a CM (Functional Component Module). In networks employing HAVi,
When a new device is connected to the network, the DCM manager starts the DCM corresponding to the newly connected device.
If the device is removed from the network after installing the FCM and FCM, DCM corresponding to the removed device
And uninstall FCM.

The application program is software for executing various processes. In this example, in particular, control contents (functions) input through a GUI for controlling a device can be recognized by MultiAmpFCM described later. This is software that outputs it as a command and executes it.

The DCM controls the devices, and the application program does not directly control each device connected to the network, but controls the devices via the DCM. The FCM indicates the content (function) of control executed by each application program on each device, and transmits an AV / C (Audio Video / Control) command or an AV / C protocol to a device specified by DCM. . Since DCM and FCM function as APIs, application programs themselves do not need to consider differences between individual devices. Therefore, in a network adopting HAVi, a device on the network can recognize the function of another device, and can operate the other device from a remote place.

MultiAmpFCM includes AmpFCM1 to AmpFCM3 and AVD
Located between ISCFCM and application programs,
FCM that manages AmpFCM1 to 3 and AVDISCFCM in an integrated manner
It is. That is, the MultiAmpFCM and the AVDISCFCM integrally control and manage the AmpFCMs 1 to 3 based on commands from the application programs as shown in Table 1 below. For this reason, application programs (here, Amps 2 to 4 and CDs) connected via a network through this MultiAmpFCM
The drive 5) is optimized according to the content of the reproduction, and can be used easily.

<Table 1> init Initialization setting getTable Returns inner table setTable Sets inner table setAttributes Amp attributes (balance, loudness,
Set the equalizer) selectmode Select the mode regidterAmp Add the amp on the network to the group unregisterAmp Remove the amp on the network from the group openStream Connect the stream using the stream manager closeStream Release the stream connection using the stream manager Do

The inner table, as shown in FIG.
It is a list in which ltiAmpFCM stores the setting contents of AmpFCM1 to AmpFCM1 set by the application program. In this example, as the mode (Mode), Music1 and Mov
ie1 is provided so that each Amp can be individually set. In this example, Select
ion includes CD and VCR (Video Cass
ette Recorder) (not shown) is displayed. As the mode name, names prepared in advance in the device are displayed in order. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, in Selection, CD is displayed as the first playback device, Music1 is displayed as the corresponding mode, and VCR is displayed as the second playback device. Movie 1 is displayed as a corresponding mode. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, since a plurality of Amps 2 to 4 are connected, an initial operation screen as shown in FIG.
The MultiAmp setting screen is displayed.

Below that, the set value of the level (volume) of each Amp is shown. In Music 1, Amp 2 is
40, Amp3 is set to 30, Amp4 is set to 20, Movi
In e1, Amp2 is set to 50, Amp3 is set to 20, and Amp4 is set to-. Note that-indicates that Amp4 has not been set. In addition, each value indicates a value in the unit of dB (the same applies hereinafter).

Below Level, the set value of Loudness is shown. In Music1, Amp2 is 60, Amp3 is 50, A
mp4 is set to 40, and in Movie1, Amp2 is
50 and Amp3 are set to 50, and Amp4 is set to-.

Under Loudness, the set value of Balance is
Outputs from the left and right speakers are L / R (L and R, respectively, the outputs from the left and right speakers)
)), And expressed as a percentage.
In Music1, Amp2 is 50, Amp3 is 50, Amp4 is 40
In Movie1, Amp2 is 50, Amp3
Is set to 50, and Amp4 is set to-.

Under Balance, the setting values of the Equalizer include Hi (high range), Middle (middle range), and Low (low range).
Are shown, and in Music 1, Hi is set.
Amp2 is +1, Amp3 is +1 and Amp4 is +1.
Amp2 is +2, Amp3 is +2, Amp4 is +2, Low Am
p2 is set to +1; Amp3 is set to +1; Amp4 is set to +1. In Movie1, the setting value of Equalizer is Hi Amp
2 is +1; Amp3 is +1; Amp4 is-;
2 is +2, Amp3 is +2, Amp4 is-, Low Amp2
Is set to +1 and Amp3 is set to +1 and Amp4 is set to-. The value of Equalizer is a value in dB.

Under Equalizer, the set value of Delay is displayed. In Music1, Amp2 is changed to Standard, Amp3.
However, +15 and Amp4 are set to +30, and in Movie1, Amp2 is set to Standard, Amp3 is set to +10, and Amp4 is set to-. Note that “Standard” means a reference sound source, and the delay of each Amp is multiplied by a delay (delay) with respect to this Standard sound source. The unit of Delay is nsec.

FIG. 7 shows an inner table in which MultiAmp settings are recorded. This inner table can control each set value recorded in the inner table of FIG. 6 by the ratio. In this example, Selection shows CD, and as the setting of Amp,
Level is shown as 40, Loudness is shown as 60, Balance is shown as 50, and the setting of Equalizer is Hi, +1 and Middl
e indicates +2, and Low indicates +1. Each unit is the same as in FIG. When the setting of this MultiAmp is, for example, Level is 40, the setting of Amps 2 to 4 of Movie is 40, 30, and 20, which indicates that each setting is multiplied by 40/100. . That is, by changing the setting of MultiAmp, the output can be changed without changing the ratio of the settings of Amps 2 to 4. This is the same for the other settings.

The event manager plays a role of generating an event and transmitting it to another software module when the state of the network changes, for example, when a new device is connected to or disconnected from the network. This makes it possible to realize plug-and-play in a network employing HAVi.

The registry holds and updates information about devices, such as what devices are connected on the network and what functions the devices have, and enables interaction between different devices. It is to be. The application program obtains necessary information from this registry. Each device on the network can confirm the location of the basic software module of another device on the network by referring to the registry.

The stream manager monitors the flow of stream data (continuous data) on the network.
It manages and enables real-time transmission of stream data. The stream manager manages connections inside and between devices, secures and releases network resources, and provides connection information for the entire network. In addition, the stream manager may support reconnection after a network reset.

The resource manager manages a device use right collision problem, manages scheduled events such as a process reserved for a connected device, and checks whether a device has been removed after registration. , Monitor the network.

The DCMs 1 to 3 correspond to the DCs corresponding to the respective devices installed from the Amps 2 to 4, respectively.
M. DCM4 uploaded from CD drive 5
DCM. AmpFCM1 to AmpFCM3 are FCMs uploaded from Amp2 to Amp4 and corresponding to each device. AVDISCFCM is an FCM uploaded from the CD drive 5.

In addition, not all functions are possessed by the software module as described above. In view of this, HAVi defines four types of device classes.

The FAV (Full AV Device) corresponds to a device having a function of managing a network, and includes all of the HAVi software modules described above (in some cases, the device does not have DCM and FCM. For example, it is possible to upload from BAV described later). FAV is J adopted as HAVi bytecode.
It is possible to execute an application using ava (trademark). Therefore, the FAV is the DCM of other devices and
It is possible to own the FCM and to bring the other device under control by owning the DCM and FCM of the other device.

An IAV (Intermediate AV Device) supports a device having a function of managing a network similarly to an FAV. However, unlike the FAV, Java (trademark) adopted as HAVi bytecode is used. Your own DCM and F
You can own a CM, but you cannot upload DCMs and FCMs of other devices. For this reason,
If you want to control other devices, you need to
It is necessary to incorporate CM.

The BAV (Base AV Device) corresponds to a controlled device that can be directly connected to the HAVi network, and has its own DCM and FCM. LAV (Legacy AV Device) has only a function as a device connectable to the IEEE1394 serial bus 6. In order to respond to AV / C commands, it can operate as a controlled device in addition to operating alone.

Here, the IRD 1 will be described as a device corresponding to FAV, the Amps 2 to 4 and the CD drive 5 as devices corresponding to BAV. As shown in FIG. 5, IRD1 which is FAV is AAV which is BAV.
By uploading the DCMs and FCMs of the mps 2 to 4 and the CD drive 5, the Amps 2 to 4 and the CD drive 5 can be controlled. As a result, the IRD1, which is a device that manages the HAVi network, is controlled by the stream manager, for example, the controlled devices Amp2 through Amp4.
And a connection to the CD drive 5 and stream data can be made to flow.

Next, referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, FIG.
A GUI for controlling each Amp displayed on the LCD 11 will be described. The GUI operates on an application program, and a command generated by operating the GUI is issued to the MultiAmpFCM. MultiAmpFCM is based on the above-mentioned command, and uses AmpFCM1 to 3 and AVDISCFCM
And the AmpFCM1 ~ 3 and AVDISCFCM,
Based on this command, Amp2 to 4 and CD drive 5
Issue V / C command.

A list of selectable modes is displayed in the mode display column 101 in FIG. 8, and a desired mode can be selected by moving the cursor. In this example, Music1 displayed in white is selected.

On the right side of the mode display column 101, there is an Amp list display column 102. In this example, which amplifier is selected is shown. It should be noted that the Amp list display field 102 shows a so-called Multi
This is displayed as a list when functioning as Amp. If Amp is connected by itself, Amp is 1
There is only one display.

On the right side of the Amp list display column 102, there is an add button 103, which is operated when determining an Amp. Delete button 104 below it
Is operated when deleting the selected Amp. Further, a setting button 105 thereunder is displayed in an Amp list display field 10.
It is operated when setting the Amp selected in step 2, and when operated, a setting screen as shown in FIG.

The save button 106 is operated when saving the settings on this setting screen. By moving the Level knob 107 left and right, the volume is adjusted in accordance with the setting state of all Amps shown in the Amp list so that the volume increases toward the left and decreases as the position approaches the right. You. Below the Level knob 107, there is a Balance knob 10
8, the output balance of the left and right speakers is adjusted according to the position of the speaker. Balanc
Below the e-knob 108 is a Selection display section 109, on which a sound source is displayed. In this example, CD, MD (Mini Disc), DAT (Digital Audio Tap)
e) VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) and DVD
(Digital Versatile Disc) is displayed, in which it is displayed that a CD is selected. An end button 110 is displayed at the upper right of the setting screen in FIG. 8, and is operated when the setting screen is ended.

The Amp selected in the Amp list display column 102 of FIG. 8 is displayed in the Amp display column 121 of FIG. In this example, it is displayed that Amp3 is selected as Amp.

Under the Amp display field 121, Level, Loudness, Equalizer Hi, E
Equalizer Middle, Equalizer Low, and Balance are displayed. Level knob 122, Loudness knob 123, Equalizer Hi knob 124, Equalizer Middle
The setting can be made by moving the knob 125, the equalizer low knob 126, and the balance knob 127 up and down in the figure.

A cancel button 128 is provided beside each setting knob. The cancel button 128 is operated when canceling the setting screen, and the screen returns to the previous setting screen (FIG. 8) while the setting remains in the original state. . Cancel button 1
28, a setting completion button 129 is operated. When the setting is completed, the setting completion button 129 is operated.
The screen returns to the previous setting screen (FIG. 8) with the settings saved.
Below the setting completion button 129, there is a Delay display field 130, and in this example, + 15nsec is displayed. This Del
The ay (delay) increases by 1 nsec by the number of times the button 130 a is pressed, and decreases by 1 nsec by the number of times the button 130 b is pressed.

FIG. 10 shows the GUI of the initial operation screen when there is only one Amp. This example shows a case where only Amp3 is detected. A
Since there is only one mp, the MultiAmp operation screen as shown in FIG. 8 is not displayed, and instead, as shown in FIG.
A Selection display unit 109 is added to FIG. 9, and a Single Amp operation screen in which Single Amp is displayed in the mode display column 101 is displayed.

As described above, FIG. 8 and FIG.
By operating the setting screen of FIG. 10, the above various parameters are set on the inner table as shown in FIGS.

Next, a GUI for controlling the CD drive 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The playback device name selected in the selection display section 109 (FIG. 8) is displayed in the playback device display field 141 in FIG. In this example, CD is selected.

Below the playback device display section 141, there is a track display section 142, in which the current track reproduced from the CD in the playback apparatus display section 141 is displayed. In this example, [01] AAA12: 05 is selected.

The Play button 143 at the upper right moves the cursor to that position and clicks the button to open the track display section 14 of the disc displayed in the playback device display section 141.
The track indicated by No. 2 is reproduced. Below the Play button 143, from the left, a Rev (Reverse) button 144,
Forwd (Forward) button 145, Pause button 146, S
The top button 147, and below it, Prev (Previou
s) A Track button 148, a Forwd Track button 149, and an Eject button 150 are displayed. Rev button 1
When the button 44 is clicked, the track that is currently being played is played back in reverse while the button is clicked. Also, Forwd
When the button 145 is clicked, the currently reproduced track is fast-forward reproduced while the button 145 is being clicked. When the Pause button 146 is clicked, the reproduction is paused. When the Play button 143 is clicked again, the reproduction is started from the paused position. When the Stop button 147 is clicked, the reproduction is stopped. Pr
When the ev Track button 148 is clicked, it moves to the track immediately before the current track, and the reproduction is started. Conversely, the Forwd Track button 149 is operated when moving to the next track and starting playback. Ej
The ect button 150 is operated when instructing removal of the disc displayed in the playback device display field 141.

When the Random button 151 is clicked once, the display turns black, and the random reproduction is turned on. When the button is clicked again, the white turns white and the random reproduction is turned off. When the random playback is turned on, the respective tracks of the specified disc are played back in a random order. In the example of FIG. 11, the Random button 151
Is white, indicating that random playback is off.

When the Repeat button 152 is clicked once, the display turns black, repeat playback is turned on, and when the button is clicked again, it turns white, and the repeat playback is turned off. In the repeat reproduction, a designated track is repeatedly reproduced. In this example, the Repeat button 152
Is black, indicating that repeat playback is on.

Next, the network management processing executed by the IRD 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Although not described below, each software module described with reference to FIG. 5 is copied from the hard disk drive 24 to the RAM 27, read by the CPU 26, and executed.

In step S1, the event manager determines whether a new device has been inserted into the network (whether a new device has been connected). If it is determined that a new device has been inserted, the event manager determines whether a DCM has been inserted. Notify the manager to that effect.

At step S2, the DCM manager uploads the DCM and FCM from the inserted new device, and proceeds to the processing at step S3. In this example, since Amps 2 to 4 and the CD drive 5 are newly inserted, DCMs 1 to 3 from Amps 2 to 4 and DCM 4 from CD drives 5 and AmpFCMs 1 to 3
And AVDISCFCM will be installed.

In step S3, the event manager notifies each software module that a new device has been connected, based on a message from the CMM, and the registry determines, based on the notification, a new device that has been connected. Register information. In this example, the event manager notifies that Amps 2 to 4 and CD drive 5 have been newly added, and the registry
Information on Amps 2 to 4 and CD drive 5 will be registered.

In step S4, the event manager determines whether there is still a new device in the network. If it is determined that there is no new device, the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the CMM determines whether or not a new device has been removed from the network (whether there is any device that has been removed). If it is determined that the new device has been removed from the network, for example, When Amp2 is detached, the CMM notifies the event manager to that effect, and the event manager notifies each software module to that effect. In step S6, DC
M manager, based on this notification, withdrawn Amp2
Uninstall DCM1 and AmpFCM1.

In step S7, the registry stores
Delete the information of p2. In step S8, the resource manager determines whether or not there is any device that has been further disconnected from the network. If it is determined that there is no device that has been disconnected, the process ends.

If it is determined in step S1 that a new device has not been inserted, steps S2 and S
The process of Step 3 is skipped, and the process proceeds to Step S4.
If it is determined in step S4 that there is still a new device, the process returns to step S2, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If it is determined in step S5 that a new device has not been disconnected from the network,
The processing of steps S6 and S7 is skipped, and the processing ends. If it is determined in step S8 that there is a disconnected device, the process proceeds to step S8.
6, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

The FC in steps S2 and S3 described above
The process of installing M and DCM and registering them in the registry should be performed not only when a new device is inserted, but also when the power of Amps 2 to 4 is turned on or when a plug-in connection is made. May be. Further, the process of uninstalling the FCM and the DCM in steps S6 and S7 and deleting the FCM and the DCM from the registry is performed, for example, in a case where the attached device is detached.
4 to 4 may be executed when the power is turned off or unplugged.

Next, the operation when the IRD 1 generates the inner table will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S11, MultiAmpFCM
From the application program, the command setTab
When the supply of le is received, device information recorded in the registry is obtained, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, MultiAmpFCM
Determines whether there are a plurality of devices of the same type among the detected devices. This determination is made by comparing the types of the corresponding FCMs. In this example, since Amps 2 to 4 are the same type of device, in step S13, the MultiAmpFCM notifies the application program to that effect and displays the GUI displayed on the monitor 7 in the MultiAmp.
Switch to mode display. This allows the GUI to:
As shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to display Amp as a list in the Amp list display column 102.

In step S14, MultiAmpFCM
Displays the setting screens of FIGS. 8 and 9 and allows the user to set the Level, Loudness, and Balan of each amplifier based on the setting screens.
ce, Equalizer (Hi, Middle, Low) and Delay
Is set, and the setting is saved. In step S15, based on the setting information, an inner table as shown in FIG. 6 is generated and recorded, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S12 that a plurality of devices of the same type do not exist, in step S16, the application program determines the presence or absence of Amp. If it is determined that Amp is present, the process proceeds to step S17. The single Amp setting screen shown is displayed, the process proceeds to step S14, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S16 that there is no Amp, in step S18, a GUI of "There is no applicable Amp" as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the LCD 11, and the process ends.

Next, the operation when the CD drive 5 reproduces an audio signal will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When the user operates the touch panel 23 to move the cursor to the Play button 143 on the basis of the display of the GUI shown in FIG. 11 and clicks the button, the process is started, and the application program is selected in step S21. Read the setting information of the playback mode and instruct MultiAmpFCM to set each Amp based on the setting information. In the example of FIG.
The setting information of the first mode is read, and it is instructed to set each Amp based on the setting information.

At step S22, MultiAmpFCM
Reads the setting information of Music1 from the inner table shown in FIG. 6 based on the received instruction to read the setting information, and sets the read setting information in each of Amp2 to Amp4.

In step S23, MultiAmpFCM
Is based on the information in the read inner table.
It is determined whether or not there is a lay. If it is determined in step S23 that there is no Delay, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, MultiAmpFCM
Is the AVDISCFCM oPCR to the stream manager
Specify each AmpFCM in (output Plug Control Register),
AVDIS to iPCR (input Plug Control Register) of each AmpFCM
Specify CFCM and instruct it to establish a connection. oPCR and iPCR mean a virtual output terminal and input terminal on HAVi, data is output to the device specified by oPCR,
Data is input from the device specified in the iPCR.

In step S25, the stream manager establishes a connection for each PCR based on a command from MultiAmpFCM.

In step S26, AVDISCFCM
Based on a command from the application program, an AV / C command for playing the CD drive 5 selected in the playback device display field 141 is sent to the CD drive 5 and played.

In step S27, AVDISCFCM sets C
The playback data from the D drive 5 is output to each of the AmpFCMs 1 to 3, and each of the Amps 2 to 4 outputs audio, and the process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S23 that there is a delay, the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, MultiAmpFCM
Is the AVDISCFCM oPCR to the stream manager
To the MultiAmpFCM itself, and the AV to the MultiAmpFCM iPCR
Instructs the oPCR of the MultiAmpFCM to specify each AmpFCM and the iPCR of each AmpFCM to specify the MultiAmpFCM, and establishes the respective connection.

In step S29, the stream manager establishes each connection based on a command from MultiAmpFCM.

At step S30, AVDISCFCM
CD based on instructions from application program
The drive 5 is played.

In step S31, MultiAmpFCM
Is temporarily stored in the RAM, and the read timing is shifted, whereby the audio data from the AVDISCFCM is output to each of the Amps 2 to 4 with a delay of the set Delay, and the process proceeds to step S27. Repeated.

When the Amps 2 to 4 have a Delay function, the Delay operation may be performed within each Amp.

Next, with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 16, a process for changing the level by operating the GUI of FIG. 8 will be described.

The level knob 107 in FIG. 8 is operated,
The process starts when the application program outputs a volume change command corresponding to the GUI operation to the MultiAmpFCM.

In step S41, based on a command from the application program, MultiAmpFCM
Each AmpFCM1 to 3 has a volume change command.
Output the setVolume command.

In step S42, each AmpFCM is set to Mu
The setVolume command input from ltiAmpFCM is converted into the AV / C protocol and output to each of Amps 2 to 4.

In step S43, each of Amps 2 through 4
CPU 55, based on the input AV / C protocol,
The amplifier 53 is controlled to adjust the sound volume, and the process is terminated.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17, the CD drive 5 as the reproducing apparatus is inserted into the Sto
A process when the operation is stopped by operating the p button 147 will be described.

When the Stop button 147 of the GUI shown in FIG. 11 is operated and the application program issues a stop command to the MultiAmpFCM, the process starts. Outputs the C command to the CD drive 5, controls the stream manager, and executes oPCR of AVDISCFCM.
Release the connection. The CD drive 5 stops the reproduction operation based on a command from AVDISCFCM.

In step S52, MultiAmpFCM
Controls the stream manager to release the connection of the iPCR of each AmpFCM, and the process ends.

The various parameters constituting the inner table may be included in the FCM so that predetermined values are set in advance. In this case, when the FCM is installed, an inner table is generated from parameters set to predetermined values included in the FCM, and FIG.
Even if the setting operation is not particularly performed on the setting screen of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, a standard mode in which a standard value is set as a parameter for each Amp can be set.

In the above description, the setting of the playback device by Selection and the example in which each Amp is set for each mode and then played back have been described. By enabling selection, if you select a playback device from Selection, just select the standard mode as the mode,
Even if you do not set the new mode Amp, it is possible to reproduce the sound by MultiAmp with the standard setting.

Further, for example, when a playback device is selected by Selection, based on the playback device and its Amp configuration, a registered playback device and a registered inner table of the same Amp configuration are registered based on the registered inner table. The mode may be searched, and the searched mode may be preferentially displayed in the mode display column 101 in FIG. 8. By doing so, after selecting the playback device by Selection, Just click on the mode setting and the parameters set in the mode registered in advance
Audio playback by MultiAmp can be executed.

However, when various parameters are not included in the FCM (including the case where the parameter values are not set), it is necessary to set the parameters on the setting screen of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 or FIG. Become.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may be executed by a computer built into dedicated hardware or by installing various programs to execute various functions. It is installed from a recording medium to a possible general-purpose personal computer or the like.

This recording medium has an IRD1 as shown in FIG.
Not only the hard disk drive 27 on which the program is recorded, which is provided to the user in a state in which the program is pre-installed, but also the magnetic recording on which the program is recorded, which is distributed separately from the computer to provide the user with the program Disk 44 (including a floppy (registered trademark) disk), optical disk 43 (CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Re
ad Only Memory), a DVD (including a Digital Versatile Disk), a magneto-optical disk 42 (including an MD (Mini-Disk)), or a package medium including a semiconductor memory 41 or the like.

In this specification, the step of describing a program recorded on a recording medium is not limited to processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. , And processing executed in parallel or individually.

In the present specification, the term “system” refers to an entire apparatus including a plurality of apparatuses.

[0127]

According to the information processing apparatus and method and the recording medium of the present invention, a parameter for controlling each electronic device is obtained from a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network, and the parameter is obtained. Setting, storing the set parameters, and controlling the plurality of electronic devices based on the stored parameters, so that the plurality of electronic devices according to the data to be transmitted can be optimized and easily used. Becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a network system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an IRD in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of Amp of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the CD drive in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating software stored in a hard disk drive in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an inner table.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an inner table.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a GUI displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a GUI displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a network management process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an inner table is generated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI displayed on the monitor of FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when reproducing the CD drive in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when performing a volume change process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a CD drive stop process is performed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 IRD, 2, 3, 4 Amp, 5 CD drive, 6 IEEE
1394 serial bus, 7 monitors, 11 LCD, 21 input / output interface, 22 tuner, 23 touch panel, 24 HDD, 25 internal bus, 26 CPU, 27 RA
M, 28 ROM, 29 IEEE1394 interface, 30
Drive, 51 LCD, 52 Touch panel, 53
Amplifier, 54 internal bus, 55 CPU, 56 RAM, 57
ROM, 58 IEEE1394 interface, 59 input / output interface, 71 LCD, 72 touch panel, 73 playback unit, 74 internal bus, 75 CPU, 76
RAM, 77 ROM, 78 IEEE1394 interface,
79 input / output interface, 81 CD, 101 mode display field, 102 Amp list display field, 103 add button, 104 delete button, 105 setting button, 10
6 Save button, 107 Level knob, 108 Balan
ce knob, 109 Selection display, 121 Amp display, 130 Delay display, 141 playback device display,
142 Track display field

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G11B 31/00 535 G11B 31/00 535 H04Q 9/00 301 H04Q 9/00 301E 321 321E H04S 7/00 H04S 7/00 C

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for outputting data from one of a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network to another of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the information processing device is connected via the network. Parameter acquisition means for acquiring parameters for controlling each electronic device from the plurality of electronic devices, setting means for setting the parameters, storage means for storing the parameters set by the setting means, An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the plurality of electronic devices based on the parameters stored by the storage unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the network is configured by an IEEE 1394 serial bus. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of electronic devices is itself. 4. One of the plurality of electronic devices is an electronic device.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a CD player, and the plurality of other electronic devices are amplifiers. 5. The parameters include volume, loudness,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes balance, equalizer information, or delay time. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is audio data. 7. A control program acquisition unit for acquiring a control program for each of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the control unit uses a control program acquired by the control program acquisition unit based on the parameter. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic devices are controlled by an electronic device. 8. A command means for instructing the data transfer or the data transfer stop, one of the plurality of electronic devices, and the other plurality of electronic devices being virtually connected to each other. The electronic device connecting means further comprises an electronic device connecting means for connecting or opening, and when the transfer of the data is instructed by the command means, the electronic device connecting means is connected to one electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices. Virtually connecting the plurality of other electronic devices, and when the command device instructs to stop the data transfer, the electronic device connecting device includes one of the plurality of electronic devices. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a virtual connection between a device and a plurality of other electronic devices is released. 9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether an electronic device of the same type exists in the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the determination unit determines a type of FCM of each electronic device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the same type of electronic device is present among the plurality of electronic devices. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets parameters of the plurality of electronic devices connected via the network for each mode. 11. The electronic apparatus further comprising mode selection means for selecting the mode, wherein the setting means sets parameters of the plurality of electronic devices connected via the network for each mode selected by the mode selection means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the setting is performed. 12. A mode selection screen for selecting a mode by the mode selection means, and a setting screen for setting parameters of the plurality of electronic devices connected via the network by the setting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a setting screen display unit that displays a setting screen. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said setting screen display means preferentially displays a preset mode as said mode selection screen. 14. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus for outputting data from one of a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network to the other plurality of electronic devices, the information processing method comprising: A parameter acquisition step of acquiring parameters for controlling each of the electronic devices from the plurality of electronic devices connected via the control unit; a setting step of setting the parameters; and setting the parameters set in the processing of the setting step. An information processing method, comprising: a storage step of storing; and a control step of controlling the plurality of electronic devices based on the parameters stored in the processing of the storage step. 15. A program for controlling an information processing device for outputting data from one of a plurality of electronic devices connected via a network to the other plurality of electronic devices, the program comprising: A parameter acquisition control step of controlling acquisition of parameters for controlling each electronic device from the plurality of electronic devices connected via a network; a setting control step of controlling setting of the parameter; and the setting control step And a control step of controlling the plurality of electronic devices based on the parameters stored in the processing of the storage control step. Recording medium on which a computer-readable program is recorded.