JP2001298465A - Controller, control method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a controller, a control method and a recording medium by which time can unifiedly be managed by each electronic device on a network. SOLUTION: The controller, the control method and the recording medium acquire control information to control a plurality of electronic devices from each electronic device, discriminate whether each of the electronic devices has a time setting function on the basis of the acquired control information and set acquired time information to each of the electronic device discriminated to have the time setting function, so as to set the time on the basis of the time information to the electronic devices, even when the electronic devices connected to a network system have no function to acquire the time information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a recording medium, for example, an IEEE (Institute of Industry)
It is suitable for use in a home network system in which a plurality of digital AV (Audio Visual) devices are interconnected via a 1394 bus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a home network system, HAVi (Home Audio / Video interoperator) has been used as middleware for centrally managing and controlling a plurality of digital AV devices connected to an IEEE1394 bus.
An interconnect specification called "ability architecture" has been proposed.

In such a home network system,
Among the plurality of digital AV devices via the IEEE 1394 bus, a digital AV device on the control side (hereinafter referred to as a control device) is replaced with a digital AV device on the control side (hereinafter referred to as a controlled device). ) By uploading the control software stored in it, a plurality of digital A
Even when V devices are connected, the device operates normally and interoperability between devices becomes possible.

[0004]

By the way, this kind of high-end digital AV equipment is provided with a clock inside,
The time is corrected based on time information obtained from outside (for example, digital satellite broadcasting) (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a time correction function).

On the other hand, some inexpensive digital AV devices do not have a time correction function due to the price.

[0006] For example, when dubbing between digital VTRs connected via an IEEE 1394 bus, if the time of both digital VTRs is shifted, the difference between the video recorded on the recording side and the video recorded on the playback side during dubbing may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the time in advance so that the time of both digital VTRs is synchronized.

Therefore, it is desirable to uniformly manage the time for each digital AV device on the home network system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to propose a control device, a control method, and a recording medium capable of uniformly managing time for each electronic device on a network. .

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a control apparatus for transmitting and receiving information signals to and from a plurality of electronic devices via a network system. Control information obtaining means for obtaining information from each electronic device, and presence / absence of time setting for determining whether or not a plurality of electronic devices have a time setting function based on the control information obtained by the control information obtaining means Determining means, time information obtaining means for obtaining time information, and, for each electronic device determined to have a time setting function by the time setting presence / absence determining means, the time information obtained by the time information obtaining means. Time information setting means for setting is provided.

As a result, in the control device, even if the electronic device connected to the network system does not have a function of acquiring time information via the network system, the time of the electronic device can be stored in the time information. Can be set to a time based on

Further, according to the present invention, in a control method for exchanging information signals with a plurality of electronic devices via a network system, a first method for obtaining control information for controlling the plurality of electronic devices from each of the electronic devices. Steps and
A second step of determining whether or not the plurality of electronic devices have a time setting function based on the obtained control information; a third step of obtaining time information; and a time setting function. And a fourth step of setting the acquired time information for each of the electronic devices determined to have been performed.

As a result, according to the control method, even when the electronic device connected to the network system does not have a function of acquiring time information via the network system, the time of the electronic device is stored in the time information. Can be set to a time based on

Further, according to the present invention, a first step of obtaining control information for controlling a plurality of electronic devices from each of the electronic devices, and the plurality of electronic devices having a time setting function based on the obtained control information. A second step of determining whether or not the electronic device has a time setting function; a third step of obtaining time information; A recording medium characterized by recording a program for executing the fourth step of setting information is provided.

As a result, even if the electronic device connected to the network system does not have the function of acquiring time information via the network system by executing the program on the recording medium, The time of the device can be set to a time based on the time information.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of AV system to which the present invention is applied In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an AV system according to the present embodiment as a whole.
1 shows a system, and a first receiver (IRD: Integrated Receiver and Decod) via an IEEE1394 bus 2
er) 3, a CD (Compact Disc) player 4, a second receiving device (IRD) 5, a digital video tape recorder (Digital Video Tape Recorder) 6, an MD (Mini Disc)
) Deck 7, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player 8, and digital television (Digital Televisi)
on) 9, a plurality of digital AV devices 3 to 9 are interconnected.

In order for devices on the network to operate in cooperation with each other as shown in FIG. 1, middleware (operating system (OS)) for controlling and managing the network, a network control program or a database system, etc. Software that provides various services to applications, which is located between lower-level software and higher-level 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 (Home Audio / Video interoperator) is used as middleware for network control and management.
A network system in the case of applying “AbilityArchitecture” (trademark) will be described.

In the AV system 1, the first receiving device 3 as a control device among a plurality of digital AV devices is usually a digital VT as a local controlled device.
R6, MD deck 7 and DVD player 8 are respectively controlled, and by executing HAVi software described later as necessary, the CD player 4 and digital TV as other remote controlled devices are controlled.
9 can be controlled individually.

In the AV system 1, the second receiving device 5 as a control device of the plurality of digital AV devices normally controls the CD player 4 and the digital TV 9 as local controlled devices, respectively. By executing the HAVi software as needed, the digital VTR 6, the MD deck 7, and the DVD player 8 as other remote controlled devices are provided.
Respectively.

In this case, for example, in the first receiving device 3 as a control device, as shown in FIG.
ral processing unit) 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11 storing various programs, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1 as a work memory of the CPU 10.
2. The IEEE 1394 interface circuit 13, the tuner unit 14, and the input / output interface circuit 15 are connected to each other via the internal bus 16, and the input / output interface circuit 15 is connected to an LCD (Liquid Crystal).
Display 17 and a touch panel 18 are connected.

The CPU 10 sends display data based on the program stored in the ROM 11 to the LCD 17 via the internal bus 16 and the input / output interface circuit 15 sequentially.
, The necessary information is displayed on the LCD 17.

The CPU 10 also makes necessary changes based on various commands input via the touch panel 18 and commands given from the digital AV devices 4 to 9 (FIG. 1) via the IEEE 1394 bus 2 as described above. The tuner 14 and the IEEE 1394 interface circuit 13 are controlled accordingly.

As a result, in the first receiving apparatus 3, when a reception command or command of a predetermined channel such as digital satellite broadcasting is given via the touch panel 18, the tuner unit 14 selects the channel, The obtained video and / or audio signals are transferred to the internal bus 16, IEEE
1394 interface circuit 13 and IEEE 1394
Various digital AV devices 4 corresponding sequentially through the bus 2
-9.

The first and second receiving devices 3 and 5 can periodically take in time information superimposed on digital satellite broadcast via the antenna 19 and the tuner 14 and correct their own time. I have.

On the other hand, a digital VT as a controlled device
In R6, as shown in FIG.
The M21, the RAM 22, the IEEE1394 interface circuit 23, the recording / reproducing unit 24, and the input / output interface circuit 25 are connected via an internal bus 26, respectively, and the LCD 27 and the touch panel 28 are connected to the input / output interface circuit 25. Have been.

In this case, the CPU 20 transmits the display data based on the program stored in the ROM 21 to the LCD 2 via the internal bus 26 and the input / output interface circuit 25 in order.
7, the necessary information is displayed on the LCD 27.

Further, the CPU 20 is provided with various commands input through the touch panel 28 and commands given from the first or second receiving devices 3 and 5 (FIG. 1) via the IEEE1394 bus 2 as necessary. Recording and reproducing unit 2
4 is controlled.

As a result, in this digital VTR 6, for example, when a recording command is given, various digital A
Video / audio signals supplied from the V devices 3, 5, 8, and 9 via the IEEE 1394 bus 2 are taken into the recording / reproducing unit 24 via the IEEE 1394 interface circuit 23 and the internal bus 26 in order, and the video / audio signals are recorded on the recording / reproducing unit 2
In step 4, the data is recorded on a magnetic tape (not shown).

In the digital VTR 6, for example, when a reproduction command is given, a video / audio signal recorded on a magnetic tape (not shown) is reproduced in the recording / reproducing unit 24, and this is reproduced by the internal bus 26 and the IEEE 139.
4 to the corresponding digital TV 9 via the bus 2.

Thus, in this AV system 1,
A plurality of digital AV devices 3 to 9 interconnected via the IEEE 1394 bus 2 transmit and receive data to and from each other, and control devices (first receiving device, second receiving device)
Controlled devices (CD player, digital VT
R, MD deck, DVD player, digital TV)
4, 6 to 9 can be controlled by giving various control commands.

(2) Software Configuration in First Receiving Apparatus In practice, software in the first receiving apparatus 3 as a control device is constituted by an HAVi software module 30 as shown in FIG. The HAVi software module 30 includes an application (Application
) 31, Event Manager (Event Manager) 3
2. Auto Time 33, Registry (Re)
gistry) 34, a plurality of device control modules (DCMs) 35A to 35C,
Clock functional component modules (Clock FCM) corresponding to each device control module (DCM)
36A-36C, Message System
m) 37, Communication Media Manager (C
MM: Communication Media Manager) 38, a self-device control module (Self DCM) 39, and a corresponding clock functional component module (Clock FCM) 40, a 1394 driver 41, and a DCM manager 42.

Further, such a software module is provided to each device connected to the network by HAVi.
Owned according to the class of device specified in. In HAVi, four types of device classes are defined.

A full AV device (FAV: Full AV)
Device) is a device having a function of managing a network, and may not have a device control module (DCM) and a functional component module (FCM) that include all of the HAVi software modules described above. However, for example, a base AV device (BAV: Base A
V Device).

The FAV device (HAV)
It is possible to execute an application using Java (trademark) adopted as Vi bytecode. As described above, the FAV device (FAV)
Can own a device control module (DCM) and a functional component module (FCM) of another device, and a device control module (DCM) and a functional component module (FCM) of another device.
Owning another device can be under control.

The intermediate AV device (I
An AV (Intermediate AV Device) is a device having a function of managing a network similarly to a full AV device (FAV).
Unlike V), this is an environment in which an application using Java (trademark) adopted as HAVi bytecode cannot be executed. Therefore, in order to control another device, it is necessary to previously incorporate a device control module (DCM) and a functional component module (FCM) corresponding to the device.

The base AV device (BAV) is H
It corresponds to a controlled device that can be directly connected to the AVi network, and has its own device control module (DCM) and functional component module (FCM).

A legacy device (LAV: Lega
The cy AV Device has only a function as a device connectable to the IEEE 1394 serial bus 4. A
In order to respond to the V / C command, it can operate as a controlled device in addition to operating alone.

On a network as shown in FIG. 1, a first receiving device (IRD) 3 and a second receiving device (IRD) 5 are a full-available device (FAV) and a CD.
Player 4, Digital VTR 6, MD deck 7, DV
The D player 8 and the digital TV 9 will be described below as a base AV device (BAV).

FIG. 4 shows an example of software stored in the ROM 11 of FIG. 1394 driver 4
Portions other than 1 and the application 31 are software modules compatible with HAVi. The 1394 driver 41 is a module that describes a portion that depends on the IEEE 1394 serial bus 4, and is software for providing higher-level software with a sharing procedure for device access.

The application 31 is software for executing various processes. In this example, in particular, control contents (functions) input through a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling a device are described below. Auto Time 33, which will be described later, and a clock functional component module (Clock FCM: Functional Compo)
nent Modules) 36A to 36C is software that outputs a command that can be recognized and executes the command.

The application 31 sends an HA from the local controlled device via the IEEE 1394 bus 2 to the HA.
When the device control modules (DCMs) 35A to 35C are uploaded into the Vi software module 30, respectively, the attribute information of the controlled device is queried and read from the registry 34.

The registry 34 is a directory service of HAVi software, and can recognize all software elements on the home network. The registry 34 stores attribute information corresponding to local digital AV devices on the home network in a list format.

The event manager 32 is a software element that manages events that occur in the home network (for example, when a new device is connected to or disconnected from the network and the state of the network changes). Such an event manager 32
Notifies a software element registered in advance of a specific event of the event when the event occurs.

Device control module (DC
An M (Device Control Module) manager 42 installs a device control module (DCM) and a functional component module (FCM) corresponding to each device on the network. In a network employing HAVi, a device control module (DCM) manager 42
Installs a device control module (DCM) and a functional component module (FCM) corresponding to a newly connected device when a new device is connected to the network, and disconnects when the device is disconnected from the network. Device control module (DC
M) and the functional component module (FCM) are uninstalled.

Device control module (DC
M) controls a device, and the application 31 does not directly control each device connected to the network, but controls the device via a device control module (DCM). The functional component module (FCM) represents the content (function) of the control executed by the application 31 corresponding to each device, and the device specified by the device control module (DCM) includes A
Send a V / C (Audio & Video / Control) command.

Device control module (DC
M) and a functional component module (FCM) are an application programming interface (API).
The application 31 itself does not need to consider differences between individual devices. Therefore, HA
In a network employing Vi, devices on the network can recognize the functions of other devices, and can operate other devices from a remote place.

The auto time 33 is provided for each device control module (DCM) 35A to 35C by A
A time information setting function based on a V / C (Audio & Video / Control) command (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a set clock function), and time information is obtained from outside (digital satellite broadcasting in the case of the present embodiment). This is a software element having a time information acquisition function.

The auto time 33 is stored in the registry 3
4 to obtain a list of clock functional component modules (Clock FCMs) corresponding to all digital AV devices (3 to 9) connected to the network using the G.4, and a clock functional as an input. By giving the ID of the component module (Clock FCM), information as to whether or not the electronic device corresponding to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) has a time correction function of performing time correction by itself based on external time information. Get the Has Auto Clock "Has Auto
"Get Clock" which acquires the time information such as date and time by inputting the ID of the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) from the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) having the automatic time correction function.
”, A set-allowable“ Set Allowable Clock ”that acquires information as to whether or not the clock information setting module is externally permitted to set time information, and a clock functional component module (Clock FCM). Clock FC
M) Each application program interface (AP) of the set clock "Set Clock" to set the time to
I).

Accordingly, the auto time 33 sends all clock functional component modules (Clocks) connected to the same network by sending the get clock FCM “Get Clock FCM” to the registry 34.
FCM) Software Element ID (SEID: So)
After acquiring the ftware Element ID), all of the acquired clock functional component module (Clock FCM) IDs are sent to the “Has auto clock“ Ha
s Auto Clock ”to send a clock functional component module (Clock F
Acquire the software element ID (SEID) of the CM).

As a result, the auto time 33 is a set for obtaining information as to whether or not it is required to provide accurate time correction information for each clock functional component module (Clock FCM) having no time correction function. While the arrow clock “Set Allowable Clock” is sent, for each clock functional component module (Clock FCM) having a time correction function, a “Get Clock Accurac” is obtained.
“y” to obtain the time accuracy of each clock functional component module (Clock FCM).

When a plurality of clock functional component modules (Clock FCMs) having a time correction function are found, the auto time 33 is determined based on a predetermined processing procedure, for example, the clock functional component having the best time accuracy. Set the component module (Clock FCM) to the reference clock "Referenc
e Clock ", or a clock functional component module (Clock FCM) having auto time may be used as a standard clock functional component module (Clock FCM).

Thereafter, the auto time 33 is used for the clock functional component module (Clock FC) whose time accuracy is determined to be the best in the network.
M) to obtain the time information by sending a get clock command “Get Clock” to the clock functional component module (Clock F) corresponding to the device to be provided.
The time information is sent to the CM) by the set clock “Set Clock” and set.

In the case of this embodiment, the first receiving apparatus 3 having the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) having the automatic time correction function and the auto time 33 has been handled as the standard clock of the time information. A clock functional component module (Clock FCM) in which the second receiving device 5 has a time correction function regardless of the presence or absence of the auto time 33.
, The clock functional component module of the second receiving device 5 (Clock FC
M) may be a standard clock functional component module (Clock FCM) for time information.

The communication media manager (CMM) 38 is connected to the IEEE1394 bus 2 and HAVi
It functions as an interface with each software module and application in the software module 30, and provides a transmission mechanism for transmitting and receiving signals between devices connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2 and an operation status of the IEEE 1394 serial bus 2 And provide that information to other software modules.

The messaging system 37 functions as an application program interface (API) for communication between software modules of each device on the network, and plays a role of transmitting messages between the software modules. Therefore, in a network employing HAVi software, a message transmitting side and a message receiving side can transmit a message without knowing each other's network location.

Further, the self-device control module (Self DCM) 39 is a device control module of the first receiving device 3 itself, and a corresponding clock functional component module (Clock FCM) 40 is also provided in the first receiving device 3. 3 is its own functional component module.

(3) First Embodiment (3-1) Automatic Time Setting Procedure In practice, the CD player 4 is operated by the user in accordance with the IEEE 13 standard.
When the AV system 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is operated by being connected to the 94 bus 2, that is, when a bus reset occurs due to a topology change on the network, the CPU 10 of the first receiving apparatus 3 in FIG. It is determined that the setting application has been started. At this time, the time automatic setting processing procedure RT shown in FIG.
Enter 1.

Subsequently, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP1 and resets the bus to the IEEE 1394 bus 2.
set) (that is, re-initialization of the network layer) is recognized.

That is, in step SP1, the IEEE1
When the controlled devices (4, 6 to 9) and the control device (5) are connected to the 394 bus 2, an event indicating that a bus reset has occurred in the IEEE 1394 bus 2 is sent to the communication media manager in the HAVi software module 30. The event manager 32 is notified via the (CMM) 38. This event manager 32
The bus reset occurrence event is notified to the application 31, the auto time 33, and other software elements that have registered the event.

Subsequently, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP2, in which the auto time 33 makes an inquiry about the get clock FCM “Get Clock FCM” to the registry 34 in the HAVi software module 30 to be connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2. The clock functional component module (Cl) existing in the controlled device (4, 6 to 9) and the control device (5)
After acquiring the ID of the “ock FCM”, the process proceeds to step SP3.

In this step SP3, the CPU 10
Is a clock functional component module (Clock FCM) to be controlled by the second receiving device 5 in which the recognized target clock functional component module (Clock FCM) has been removed from the local control target of the first receiving device 3. It is determined whether or not the result is negative, and if a negative result is obtained, the process directly proceeds to step SP4.

In this step SP4, the CPU 10
Is based on the ID of the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) obtained in step SP2, and the time obtained by the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) via external communication means such as digital satellite broadcasting, a network, and a cable. It is determined whether the time can be corrected by itself based on the information. That is, within the HAVi software module 30, the auto time 33
The clock functional component module (Clock FCM) obtained in step SP2 connected to the E1394 bus 2 has the "Has Auto C"
It sends an inquiry "lock" and determines whether or not it has a time correction function based on the response.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP3 described above, this is recognized as the recognized clock functional component module (Clock FCM).
Is not the local control target of the first receiving device 3 but the second
At this time, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP5 and sends a signal to the CPU (not shown) in the second receiving device 5 to the controlled device. After acquiring the presence / absence information of the time correction function of (4 and 9), the return value is received, and step SP
Proceed to 4.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP4, this means that the clock functional component module (Cl
ockFCM) does not have a time correction function therein, and at this time, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP6
After acquiring time information supplied via, for example, digital satellite broadcasting in the first receiving device 3,
Proceed to step SP7. In order to increase the time setting accuracy, step SP6 may be set immediately before step SP9.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP4, this means that the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) obtained in step SP2 has a time correction function inside. At this time, the CPU 10 proceeds directly to step SP10.

Next, at step SP7, the CPU 1
0 is obtained in step SP2 and step SP4
Clock functional component module (Clock FCM) determined to have no time correction function
Has an external time information setting function, and determines whether external time information setting is permitted. That is, the auto time 33 sends a set-allowable “Set Allowable Clock” command to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM), and determines based on the return value.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP7, this means that the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) has an external time setting function and permits external setting. At this time, the CPU 10 proceeds directly to step SP9, and sends a set clock “Set Clock” command to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) that has given the time setting permission. As a result, the time information is set from the auto time 33 to the device on the network corresponding to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP10.

That is, in step SP10, after confirming whether all the clock functional component modules (Clock FCM) have been checked,
If not, return to step SP3,
The same processing as described above is continuously performed on the remaining clock functional component module (Clock FCM).

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP7, this means that the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) does not have an external time information setting function or permits external time information setting. At this time, the CPU 10 determines in step SP10 that the digital AV device corresponding to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) does not permit external time information setting. move on.

Subsequently, at step SP10, the CPU
Reference numeral 10 denotes a clock functional component module (Clock F) connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2.
It is determined whether the time automatic setting process (SP3 to SP9) has been performed for all digital AV devices having the CM).

If a positive result is obtained in step SP10, the CPU 10 proceeds to step S10.
Proceeding to P11, the time automatic setting procedure RT1 ends.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP10, the CPU 10 determines that the clock functional component module (Clock FC FC) has not been subjected to the time automatic setting processing (SP3 to SP9).
It is determined that the digital AV device having M) remains, and the process returns to step SP3 again to repeat the processing as described above.

As described above, the CPU 10 in the first receiving device 3 as a control device, when the controlled device (4, 6 to 9) and the control device (5) are newly connected to the IEEE1394 bus 2, By extracting a digital AV device for which time information can be set and supplying time information to the digital AV device, the time of the digital AV device can be automatically set to be a time based on the time information.

(3-2) Operation and Effect According to the Present Embodiment In the above configuration, in the AV system 1, the first receiving device 3 as the control device is connected to the IEEE.
When devices (4 to 9) desired by the user are newly connected to the 1394 bus 2, the first receiving device 3
4, the ID of the existing clock functional component module (Clock FCM) is obtained for the devices (4 to 9) connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2.

Subsequently, a clock functional component module (Clock FC) corresponding to the acquired ID
If M) is not a local object to be controlled by the first receiving device 3 but a local object to be controlled by the second receiving device 5, the device (4 to
9) The presence / absence information of the time correction function is acquired.

Then, based on the ID of the clock functional component module (Clock FCM), it is determined whether the corresponding device has a time correction function. If it is determined that there is no time correction function,
It is determined whether or not the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) has a time information setting function and permits external time information setting.

If the device having the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) has a time information setting function and permits time information setting from outside, the first receiving device 3 By transmitting an AV / C command indicating “Set Clock”, the device is not locally controlled by the first receiving device 3 or the device does not have a time correction function. Even so, the time of the device can be set to the time determined by the first receiving device 3 as the standard time for time adjustment.

According to the above configuration, this AV system 1
Then, a new device (4-9) is added to the IEEE1394 bus 2.
Is connected, the first receiving device 3 as a control device
Is a clock functional component module (Cl) existing in the connected devices (4 to 9).
ock FCM) determines that it is not a local control target of the first receiving device 3 but a local control target of the second receiving device 5. The presence / absence information of the time correction function of the devices (4 to 9) is obtained in advance.

Subsequently, the first receiving device 3 as a control device
Is a clock functional component module (Cl) existing in the connected devices (4 to 9).
ockFCM) has a time information setting function and permits time information setting from outside, and when a positive result is obtained, the time of the device is based on time information obtained from digital satellite broadcasting or the like. By automatically setting the time, even when the device is not a local control target of the first receiving device 3 or when the device does not have the time correction function, the time is substantially reduced. The command conversion can be performed between the first receiving device 3 and the device having the clock FCM capable of setting the time, and thus accurate time information is supplied to a device that wants to provide accurate time information on the network. can do.

(4) Second Embodiment (4-1) Time Setting Processing Procedure After the first receiving device 3 is turned on by the user, the first receiving device 3 is actually set to an arbitrary operation according to the user's operation. When the time setting application is started at the timing, the CPU 10 enters the time setting processing procedure RT2 shown in FIG. 6 from step SP20.

Subsequently, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP21 and recognizes an event indicating that the time setting application has been started by a user operation.

That is, in step SP21, when the time setting application is started in response to the user operation, an event indicating that the time setting application has been started by the user operation is sent to the communication media manager (CMM) in the HAVi software module 30. ) 38 to the event manager 32. The event manager 32 notifies the application 31, the auto time 33, and other software elements that have registered the event to that effect.

Subsequently, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP22, in which the auto time 33 makes an inquiry about the get clock FCM “Get Clock FCM” to the registry 34 in the HAVi software module 30 to be connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2. The clock functional component module (Cl) existing in the controlled device (4, 6 to 9) and the control device (5)
After acquiring the ID of the “ock FCM”, the process proceeds to step SP23.

In this step SP23, the CPU 1
0 indicates that the recognized target clock functional component module (Clock FCM) is
It is determined whether it is a clock functional component module (Clock FCM) to be controlled by the second receiving device 5 that is not a local control target. If a negative result is obtained, the process directly proceeds to step SP24.

In this step SP24, the CPU 1
0 is the I of the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) obtained in step SP22.
Based on D, it is determined whether or not the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) can correct the time by itself based on time information obtained via external communication means such as digital satellite broadcasting, a network, and a cable. I do. That is, in the HAVi software module 30, the auto time 33 is
In the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) obtained in step SP2 connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2, the has auto clock “Has
An inquiry is sent by sending "Auto Clock", and it is determined whether or not a time correction function is provided based on the response.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP23, the fact is recognized that the clock functional component module (Clock FC
M) is not a local object to be controlled by the first receiving device 3 but a local object to be controlled by the second receiving device 5, and at this time, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP25 and performs the second receiving. After obtaining the presence / absence information of the time correction function of the controlled devices (4 and 9) with respect to the CPU (not shown) in the device 5, the return value is received, and step S
Proceed to P24.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP24, this means that the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) obtained in step SP22 has a time correction function therein. At this time, the CPU 10 proceeds directly to step SP28.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP24, this means that the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) obtained in step SP22 has no internal time correction function. At this time, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP26.

Next, at step SP26, the CPU
10 is obtained in step SP22 and step S22
The clock functional component module (Clock F) determined to have no time correction function in P24
CM) has a time information setting function and determines whether external time information setting is permitted. That is, the auto time 33 sends a set-allowable “Set Allowable Clock” command to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM), and determines based on the return value.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP26, this means that the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) has an external time setting function and permits external setting. At this time, the CPU 10 proceeds to step SP27 and sets the clock functional component module (Clock FC
After registration as M), the process proceeds to step SP28.

That is, in step SP28, it is confirmed whether or not all the clock functional component modules (Clock FCM) have been checked, and it is determined that there is a clock functional component module (Clock FCM) that has not been checked. In this case, the process returns to step SP23, and the remaining clock functional component module (Cl
ock FCM).

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP26, this means that the clock functional component module (Clock FCM) does not have an external time setting function or does not permit external setting. At this time, the CPU 1
0 is the digital A corresponding to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM).
After determining that the V device does not have the set clock function, the process proceeds to step SP28.

When an affirmative result is obtained in step SP28, the CPU 10 proceeds to step S28.
Proceeding to P29, a GUI screen as shown in FIG. 7A (hereinafter, referred to as a time setting menu screen) is displayed on the LCD 17 for the device whose time can be set.

The time setting menu screen P1 shows only the functions for which the time can be set among the devices 4 to 9 connected to the same network as the first receiving apparatus 3 (in this embodiment, the digital VTR 6, The DVD player 8 and the digital TV 9) have device selection buttons F1 to F1, respectively.
A list is displayed as F3, and a current time field M1, an OK button F4, and a cancel button F5 are sequentially displayed from the top on the right side of the screen.

In this step SP29, the CPU 1
0 indicates that a device selection button (F1 to F3) for which the user desires automatic time setting is designated from among the device selection buttons (F1 to F3) displayed on the time setting menu screen P1 (in this case, the device is selected). When the selection button F1 is selected), the time setting menu screen P is displayed as shown in FIG.
1 changes, and a mark such as a double circle is displayed in the check mark column of the device selection button F1 among the check mark columns provided at the left ends of the device selection buttons F1 to F3.

Subsequently, the time setting menu screen P1 (FIG. 7)
When the OK button F4 displayed in (B)) is clicked, the CPU 10 determines in step SP30 that the controlled device 6 corresponding to the device selection button F1 in which a mark such as a double circle is displayed in the check mark column. Is determined to be a time information setting target device, the process proceeds to step SP31.

In this step SP31, the CPU 1
If the time is 0, the process proceeds to step SP32 after acquiring the time information supplied via, for example, digital satellite broadcasting in the first receiving device 3.

At this step SP32, the CPU 1
0 sends a command for performing a set clock (including time information indicating the time displayed in the current time column M1) to the specified controlled device 6, and then proceeds to step SP33 to execute the time setting processing procedure RT2. To end.

When the cancel button F5 is clicked in the state shown in FIG. 7 (B), the time setting menu screen P1 (FIG. 7 (B)) is completely designated by the device selection button as shown in FIG. 7 (A). Return to the state that has not been done. Thereafter, when the OK button F4 or the cancel button F5 is clicked while the time setting menu screen P1 is in the display state of FIG. 7A, the CPU 10 changes the time setting menu screen P1 to the original setting state (that is, the time setting menu). The processing is terminated while maintaining the state before entering the processing procedure RT2).

As described above, the CPU 10 in the first receiver 3 as a control device extracts and registers a device whose time can be set among a plurality of digital AV devices 4 to 9 connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2. A set clock “Set Clock” is sent to the digital AV device designated by the user from the registered digital AV devices.
By outputting a “command” (for example, an AV / C command), the time of the digital AV device can be set to match the time based on the time information of the command.

(4-2) Operation and Effect According to Second Embodiment In the above configuration, in the AV system 1, the first receiving device 3 as a control device includes the IEEE 1394 bus 2 in the HAVi software module 30. Via the registry 34, the ID of the clock functional control module (Clock FCM) existing in the plurality of digital AV devices (controlled devices and control devices) 4 to 9 connected to.

Subsequently, the clock functional component module (Clock FC) corresponding to the acquired ID
If M) is not a local object to be controlled by the first receiving device 3 but a local object to be controlled by the second receiving device 5, the device (4 to
9) The presence / absence information of the time correction function is acquired.

After transmitting the has auto clock “Has Auto Clock” and the set arrowable clock “Set Allowable Clock” to the clock functional component module (Clock FCM), based on these return values, It is determined whether or not each clock functional control module (Clock FCM) has a time information setting function and permits external time information setting.

Thereafter, among the digital AV devices determined to have the time information setting function and to permit the time information setting from the outside, the first digital AV device specified by the user is given to the first digital AV device. By transmitting a command indicating the clock set (including time information), the receiving device 3 has an automatic time correction function when the device is not controlled by the first receiving device 3 or the device has an automatic time correction function. Even if not, the time of the device can be set to the time based on the time information in the command.

According to the above configuration, this AV system 1
Here, a plurality of digital AV devices (controlled devices and control devices) 4 to 9 connected to the IEEE 1394 bus 2
A digital AV device for which time information can be set is extracted and registered, and when an arbitrary digital AV device is designated by the user from the registered digital AV devices, the first receiving device 3 as a control device By setting the time of the digital AV device to a time based on time information obtained from digital satellite broadcasting or the like, the digital AV device is not controlled by the first receiving device 3, Even if the device does not have the time correction function, the first reception device 3
In addition, command conversion can be performed between devices, and thus the time can be uniformly managed for each device on the network.

(5) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the control device (control device, that is, the first electronic device) of the present invention is connected to the AV system 1
Although the description has been given of the case where the present invention is applied to the first and second receiving devices 3 and 5 in the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of digital AV devices (electronic devices) 4 to 9 can be widely applied to various other control devices (control devices) configured to control the control device 9. Further, in the present embodiment, a case has been described in which second receiving apparatus 5 possesses the time correction function. The automatic correction is handled as a controlled device of the first receiving device 3.

In the present embodiment, a network system in which control devices 3 and 5 and controlled devices 4 and 6 to 9 are connected via an IEEE 1394 bus 2 is described.
Although the V system 1 is applied, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be widely applied to various network systems in which a control device can control a controlled device and other control devices via a network.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of digital AV devices 4 to 9 connected on a network are used.
As middleware that manages and controls
Although the description has been given of the case where the HAVi software module 30 set to each of the digital AV devices 4 to 9 interconnected via the EE1394 bus 2 is applied, the present invention is not limited to this.
9 can be widely applied as long as the software module 9 can be managed and controlled as a whole.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where the first receiving device 3 constituting the AV system 1 is applied as the control device according to the present invention. May be applied. Further, in addition to the receiving device (IRD), the HAVi device class may be FAV (Full AV Device) or IAV.
(Intermediate AV Device) controls various devices such as digital television receivers, AV selectors and personal computers if it has an auto time software element and means for acquiring real-time time information from outside the system You may apply as an apparatus.
The controlled object may be widely applied to various digital AV devices such as the MD deck 7, the CD player 4, the DVD player 8, and the tuner 9 other than the digital VTR 6.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the antenna 19 and the tuner unit 14 in the first receiving device 3 are applied as acquisition means for acquiring the time information from the outside, and the time information superimposed on the digital satellite broadcast is obtained. Has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, if time information supplied from the outside can be obtained, other various configurations may be used as obtaining means. You may make it apply widely.

Further, in the above embodiment, the IE
The command system for controlling digital AV equipment (electronic equipment) connected to the EE1394 bus 2 is AV / C.
Although the digital interface command set is used and the AV / C command is applied as the time information supplied via the network for this purpose, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. If it can be supplied to the electronic device via the network, it can be widely applied to various other native commands.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, a control device for transmitting and receiving information signals to and from a plurality of electronic devices via a network system transmits control information for controlling the plurality of electronic devices to each of the electronic devices. Control information obtaining means for obtaining from the device, time setting presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not a plurality of electronic devices have a time setting function based on the control information obtained by the control information obtaining means, Time information acquisition means for acquiring information, and time information setting for setting the time information acquired by the time information acquisition means for each electronic device determined to have the time setting function by the time setting presence / absence determination means. Means that the electronic device connected to the network system does not have a function of acquiring time information via the network system. Also, it is possible to set the time based on the time of the electronic apparatus to the time information, thus possible to realize a control device capable of managing the unified time for each electronic device in the network.

According to the present invention, in a control method for transmitting and receiving information signals to and from a plurality of electronic devices via a network system, control information for controlling the plurality of electronic devices is obtained from each of the electronic devices. Based on the obtained control information, it is determined whether or not a plurality of electronic devices have a time setting function, as a result, each of the electronic devices determined to have a time setting function On the other hand, by setting the obtained time information, even if the electronic device connected to the network system does not have a function of obtaining the time information through the network system, Can be set to a time based on the time information, and thus a control method capable of uniformly managing the time for each electronic device on the network can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, the first step of obtaining control information for controlling a plurality of electronic devices from each of the electronic devices, and the plurality of electronic devices setting the time based on the obtained control information. A second step of determining whether or not the electronic device has a function, a third step of obtaining time information, and obtaining a time information of each electronic device determined to have the time setting function. By recording the program for executing the fourth step of setting the time information on the recording medium, the electronic device connected to the network system can acquire the time information via the network system. Even if the electronic device does not have the time, the time of the electronic device can be set to the time based on the time information, and thus the time can be uniformly set for each electronic device on the network. The program may manage can realize the recorded recording medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an AV system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a first receiving device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital VTR shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a HAVi software module;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a time automatic setting processing procedure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a time setting processing procedure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a time setting menu screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... AV system, 2 ... IEEE1394 bus, 3
... First receiving device, 4... CD player, 5.
Receiving device, 6 ... Digital VTR, 7 ... MD deck, 8 ... DVD player, 9 ... Digital TV, 1
0, 20 ... CPU, 11, 21 ... ROM, 12, 2
2. RAM, 13, 23 IEEE 1394 interface circuit, 14 Tuner section, 15, 25 Input / output interface circuit, 16, 26 Internal bus, 1
7, 27 ... LCD, 18, 28 ... touch panel, 1
9: antenna, 24: recording / reproducing unit, 30: HAV
i software module, 31 application, 32 event manager, 33 auto time, 34 registry, 35A to 35C device control module (DCM), 36A to 36C,
40 clock functional component module (Clock FCM), 37 message system, 38 communication media manager (CMM), 39 self device control module (Self DCM), 41 1394 driver,
42 Device control module (DCM) manager, RT1 Time automatic setting procedure, RT2
... time setting processing procedure, P1 ... time setting menu screen.

Continued on front page F term (reference) 2F002 AA05 AD06 AD07 BB00 BB04 EA01 ED02 FA16 GA07 GA08 GA17 5K032 BA01 BA08 CC13 DA01 5K033 BA01 BA08 CB13 CB15 DA01 EC01 5K047 AA18 BB12

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A control device for exchanging information signals with a plurality of electronic devices via a network system, comprising: control information obtaining means for obtaining control information for controlling the plurality of electronic devices from each of the electronic devices. A time setting presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not the plurality of electronic devices have a time setting function based on the control information obtained by the control information obtaining means; time information for obtaining time information Acquiring means, and a time information setting means for setting the time information acquired by the time information acquiring means for each of the electronic devices determined to have the time setting function by the time setting presence / absence determining means; A control device comprising: 2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein:
The control device according to claim 1, comprising a 394 serial bus. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein said control information obtaining means obtains said control information when a topology of said network system changes. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information obtained by the control information obtaining means is a control program for controlling the plurality of electronic devices and device attribute information of the plurality of electronic devices. Control device. 5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a time setting availability determination unit configured to determine whether the plurality of electronic devices permit the external time information setting, wherein the time information setting unit determines the time setting availability. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the time information setting is performed for the plurality of electronic devices permitted by the means. 6. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising time setting display means for displaying said plurality of electronic devices for which said time information can be set by said time information setting means. 7. The plurality of electronic devices for which the time information is to be set by the time information setting means are selected from the plurality of electronic devices for which the time information can be set displayed on the time setting display means. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a time setting selecting unit. 8. The control device according to claim 1, wherein said time information acquiring means acquires said time information from outside said network system. 9. A time correction presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not the plurality of electronic devices have a time correction function for performing time correction by themselves based on time information from the outside, The setting means sets the time information acquired by the time information acquiring means to the plurality of electronic devices determined to have no time correction function by the time correction presence / absence determining means. Item 2. The control device according to Item 1. 10. The time information acquisition means according to claim 9, wherein said time information acquisition means acquires said time information from said plurality of electronic devices determined to have said time correction function by said time correction presence / absence determination means. Control device. 11. A control method for exchanging information signals with a plurality of electronic devices via a network system, comprising: a first step of obtaining control information for controlling the plurality of electronic devices from each of the electronic devices. A second step of determining whether or not the plurality of electronic devices has a time setting function based on the obtained control information; a third step of obtaining time information; A fourth step of setting the obtained time information for each of the electronic devices determined to have a function. 12. A first step of obtaining control information for controlling a plurality of electronic devices from each of the electronic devices, and the plurality of electronic devices have a time setting function based on the obtained control information. A second step of determining whether or not the electronic device has the time setting function; and a third step of obtaining time information. A recording medium on which a program for executing the fourth step of setting time information is recorded.