JP2002077253A - Input/output switch controller and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input/output switch controller, capable of improving the operability at switching of the connection of input/output by linking plural levels, and easily confirming the mismatch of the inter-linked level connected situations. SOLUTION: Setting information, related to the linkage of connection switching and connected situation information in an input/output switching device, is stored in a setting information storing means 12 and a connected situation storing means 13 and displayed at a display means 18. Then, the setting information and the connected situation information is updated, according to instructions for connection switching by a control information outputting means 14 or the periodic detection of the connected information by a connection situation detecting means 15, and the mismatch of the connection between the other input/output terminal groups, at which the linkage of the connection switching is set, is detected by a connected situation comparing means 17, and the result is displayed at the display means 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input / output switching control device for controlling connection switching for an input / output switching device having a plurality of input / output terminal groups capable of switching connection between input terminals and output terminals, and input / output. The present invention relates to a switching control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Broadcasting facilities that handle a large number of video signals, audio signals, and the like use a device called a router that switches input and output of these signals. This router has a plurality of input terminals and output terminals for video signals and audio signals, respectively, and according to a control signal input from the outside,
A process is performed in which input signals from the input terminals are connected to arbitrary output terminals and output. Broadcasting facilities use this router to perform operations such as allocating a plurality of input signals from a television camera or a video device to inputs of a switcher.

FIG. 13 conceptually shows connection of input / output terminals in such a router. In FIG.
A plurality of input terminals 131 are arranged in parallel on the input side shown above, and a plurality of output terminals 132 are similarly provided on the output side shown on the right side.
Are parallel. Input terminal 131 and output terminal 13
2 is given an individual number (name). For example, in FIG. 13, “001” is added after “IN” indicating the input terminal 131 or “OUT” indicating the output terminal 132.
A three-digit number such as “002” is attached to indicate a first terminal and a second terminal, respectively. Input terminal 1
The input signal from 31 is, for example, a video signal or an audio signal from a television camera, a video device, an optical disk device, or the like.
An output signal from the output terminal 132 is transmitted to, for example, a switcher or a monitor.

In FIG. 13, cross points 133, 134, 135 and 136 shown at a part of the intersection of the line from the input terminal 131 and the line from the output terminal 132.
Indicates that the input terminal 131 and the output terminal 132 located on the line at each intersection are connected. For example, in FIG.
OUT002 is connected to N002.
When controlling the connection switching in the router, display a screen as shown in FIG. 13 on a monitor and perform the line switching operation so that the cross point of each input terminal 131 and output terminal 132 can be easily visually confirmed. There is.

Some routers have a concept called “level”. In this system, an input / output terminal group composed of a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of output terminals connectable thereto is defined as one level, and a plurality of such levels are provided. FIG. 14 shows how input / output terminals are connected in a router having the concept of a level.

In FIG. 14, an input terminal 14 having the same name
1 and the output terminal 142, there are two lines each.
Alternatively, it represents an individual line from the output terminal 142. Among them, for example, the input / output lines indicated by solid lines as lines 143 and 144 are included in level 1, and the input / output lines indicated by broken lines as lines 145 and 146 are included in level 2. The input terminal 141 and the output terminal 142 belonging to each level are assigned the same number or name, for example, and correspond between the levels. Also,
It is assumed that an input terminal 141 belonging to a certain level cannot be connected to an output terminal 142 belonging to another level. Although two levels are shown in FIG. 14,
More levels may be set.

In a router having such a level, for example, a video signal and an audio signal are set to terminals of different levels, and when a line connection is switched within the level of the video signal, the audio signal is switched. There is a possible use method in which connection switching between a plurality of levels is linked, for example, connection switching of corresponding lines in a signal-side level is performed at the same time. In the example shown in FIG. 14, for example, if a video signal is assigned to level 1 and an audio signal is assigned to level 2,
When the output terminal 142 connected to IN001 is changed from OUT001 to OUT005, if the levels 1 and 2 are set to work together, a connection switching instruction at level 1 is issued, and the connection of the terminal of the same number at level 2 is performed. The switching is performed at the same time, and the input and output lines of the audio signal corresponding to the video signal can be switched at the same time.

[0008]

By the way, in a conventional router having a concept of a level, a display as shown in FIG. 13 is used as a screen display for controlling connection switching. On this screen, the status of input / output cross points at one level is confirmed, and when another level is confirmed, an operation input for designating a level to be displayed is performed. However, in such a display, when connection switching between a plurality of levels is set to be interlocked, a cross point is displayed for each level in order to check the connection status at each level. There is a need. For example, connection switching of a router may be performed by control from another device such as a remote controller connected to the router, and connection switching in another level not displayed by such another device may be considered. If so, the level display is switched to display cross points at other levels, and unless compared, cross point mismatches cannot be confirmed on the screen, and operability cannot be said to be good.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and improves operability when input / output connection switching is performed by interlocking a plurality of levels, thereby preventing a mismatch in connection status between the linked levels. An object is to provide an input / output switching control device that can be easily checked.

It is another object of the present invention to improve operability when input / output connection switching is performed by interlocking a plurality of levels, and to easily confirm a mismatch in connection status between the interlocked levels. To provide an input / output switching control method that can perform the above.

[0011]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the connection switching is performed by connecting to an input / output switching device having a plurality of input / output terminal groups capable of switching connection between input terminals and output terminals. A combination setting means for setting a combination of the input / output terminal group that performs the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name in conjunction with each other. Setting information storage means for storing the setting information of the combination, connection state storage means for storing connection state information of all the input terminals and the output terminals, and instruction information for the connection switching in a certain input / output terminal group When receiving the input terminal, referring to the setting information, the input terminal having the same number or the same name in the input / output terminal group to be linked. And a control information output means for outputting the switching control information for performing the connection switching of the output terminals at the same time, a connection state detecting means for detecting a connection status of the input switching device at predetermined intervals,
The connection status updating means for updating the connection status information according to the detection information and the switching control information by the connection status detection means, the connection status information updated by the connection status updating means, and the setting information storage means. With reference to the stored setting information, between the input / output terminal groups set so that the connection switching is interlocked, the same number or the same name of the input terminal and the output terminal A connection status comparison means for comparing the connection status, and simultaneously displaying each of the setting information and the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups, and comparing the connection status comparison means with the input terminal and the output terminal When the connection with the input / output terminal groups does not match, display means for indicating the effect on the corresponding input terminal or output terminal, Output changeover control apparatus characterized by having an input means for inputting instruction information and the setting information of the serial connection switching, is provided.

In such an input / output switching control device,
The setting information about the combination of the input / output terminal groups that perform the connection switching in conjunction with the connection status information for each input / output terminal group in the input / output switching device are simultaneously displayed on the display means. When the user of the input / output switching control device inputs an instruction to switch connection at a certain input / output terminal group by the input means while confirming such display by the display means, the control information output means causes the input / output terminal group to be controlled. The switching control information for simultaneously performing the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal having the same number or the same name in the other input / output terminal group in which the connection switching of the connection switching is set is output to the input / output switching device. Is done.

The connection status in the input / output switching device is detected at regular intervals by the connection status detection means. Therefore, the connection status information is updated by the connection status update means, and the latest connection status information is displayed on the display means. Is done. Further, the connection status comparison unit refers to the connection status information updated by the connection status update unit and the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit, and determines the connection between the input / output terminal groups in which the linking of the connection switching is set. Compare the connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name, and detect the input terminal and the output terminal whose connection does not match between the input / output terminal groups set to interlock. If the input terminal or the output terminal is displayed on the display means, the fact is displayed.

Further, according to the present invention, in the input / output switching control method for controlling the connection switching for an input / output switching device having a plurality of input / output terminal groups capable of switching connection between an input terminal and an output terminal, Stores setting information that sets the combination of the input / output terminal group that performs the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal with the same name, and the connection status of all the input terminals and the output terminals. Storing information, simultaneously displaying the setting information and the contents of the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups, and when receiving the connection switching instruction information in a certain input / output terminal group, The connection of the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name in the interlocked input / output terminal group with reference to Outputting switching control information for simultaneously performing switching, detecting a current connection status in the input / output switching device at regular time intervals, and according to the current connection status detection information and the switching control information, performing the connection. Update the status information, and refer to the updated connection status information and the stored setting information, between the input / output terminal groups set so that the connection switching is interlocked, the same number or When the connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal with the same name is compared, and the connection status is compared, the connection between the input terminal and the output terminal does not match between the input / output terminal groups. And a corresponding input terminal or output terminal indicating the fact.

In such an input / output switching control method,
The setting information about the combination of the input / output terminal groups that perform the connection switching in conjunction with the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups in the input / output switching device are simultaneously displayed. When the user of the input / output switching control device inputs a connection switching instruction in a certain input / output terminal group while confirming such a display, another user in which the connection switching with this input / output terminal group is set to be linked is set. Switching control information for simultaneously performing the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name in the input / output terminal group,
Output to the input / output switching device.

Further, since the connection status in the input / output switching device is detected at regular intervals, the connection status information is updated by this detection, and the displayed connection status information is updated. In addition, updated connection status information,
With reference to the setting information stored in the setting information storage means,
The connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name among the input / output terminal groups set to be linked with the connection switching is compared, and the input / output terminal set to be linked by this comparison is compared. If an input terminal and an output terminal whose connection does not match between the groups are detected, the corresponding input terminal or output terminal is displayed in the displayed connection status information.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an input / output switching control device of the present invention.

The input / output switching control device 1 includes a video signal,
This device is provided with a plurality of input terminals 21 and output terminals 22 for audio signals or the like, each of which is connected to an input / output switching device 2 capable of switching connections, and transmits a control signal to execute connection switching. The input / output switching control device 1 includes a combination setting unit 11 for setting a combination of input / output terminal groups for interlocking connection switching, and a setting information storage unit 1 for storing setting information of the combination.
2, the connection status storage means 13 for storing the connection status information of all the input terminals 21 and the output terminals 22 in the input / output switching device 2, and the connection when a connection switching instruction is input in a certain input / output terminal group. Corresponding input terminal 21 and output terminal 22 in another input / output terminal group
Control information output means 14 for outputting switching control information for simultaneously performing the connection switching, connection status detecting means 15 for detecting the connection status of the input / output switching device 2 at regular intervals, and detection by the connection status detecting means 15 The connection status updating unit 16 that updates the connection status information according to the information and the switching control information, the updated connection status information, and the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 12. A connection status comparing means 17 for comparing the connection status between the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22 assigned the same number or the same name among the input / output terminal groups set so that connection switching is interlocked.
And display means 18 for simultaneously displaying setting information and contents of connection status information for each input / output terminal group, and input means 19 for inputting connection switching instruction information and setting information.

The input / output switching control device 1 includes, for example, a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random
CPU (Central Processes) with Access Memory
singUnit) and a computer device such as a personal computer having an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk. Each of the above-described processing means is stored in the auxiliary storage device or the like as a program for implementing these processes,
This is realized by being read out and executed. The display means 18 is, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray).
The input means 19 is a keyboard, a mouse pointer or the like. On the other hand, the input / output switching device 2 includes, for example, a CPU (not shown).
Selectively outputs a plurality of input signals from an input terminal 21 to a plurality of output terminals 22 according to a control signal received from a control unit (not shown). Further, the input / output switching control device 1 has a plurality of input / output terminal groups capable of switching connection between the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22, and the same number or the same name is assigned to the plurality of input / output terminal groups. It is also possible to perform control for interlocking connection switching between the attached input terminal 21 and output terminal 22.

The input / output switching device 2 analyzes the control information output from the input / output switching control device 1 and converts the control information into a receivable state by the input / output switching device 2. It may be configured to be connected to the switching control device 1. Further, the input / output switching control device 1 may be realized by being integrated as a part of the input / output switching device 2.

In the input / output switching control device 1, the contents of the setting information about the combination of the input / output terminal groups for performing the connection switching in conjunction with the display means 18, and the connection for each input / output terminal group in the input / output switching device 2. The contents of the status information are displayed at the same time. For example, a character image indicating the number of a plurality of interlocking input / output terminal groups and an image indicating a correspondence table between the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22 of the input / output switching device 2 are displayed in parallel. Is done. At this time, for example, the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22
Is displayed for each input / output terminal group, and by selecting the number of the input / output terminal group, the display is switched to the connection correspondence table for the selected input / output terminal group.
The user of the input / output switching control device 1 checks the connection status by such a display on the display unit 18,
The input / output switching device 2 is controlled using the input means 19.

The user can use the input means 19 to set a combination of input / output terminal groups for interlocking connection switching and to instruct connection switching in the input / output switching device 2. When the setting input of the combination of the input / output terminal group for interlocking the connection switching is performed from the input means 19, the setting processing is performed in the combination setting means 11 according to the setting input information. The setting information by this processing is stored in the setting information storage means 12 and displayed by the display means 18. When a connection switching instruction is input from the input unit 19, the control information output unit 14 creates control information in a predetermined command format according to the instruction input information. The control information is output to the input / output switching device 2, and the input / output switching device 2 performs processing by a CPU (not shown) in accordance with the received control signal.
2 is switched.

Further, the user can input an instruction for interlocking connection switching between predetermined input / output terminal groups through the input means 19. When an instruction to switch connection at a certain input / output terminal group is input from the input unit 19, the control information output unit 14 refers to the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 12 according to the instruction input, and performs input. It recognizes another input / output terminal group set so as to link the input / output terminal group with the connection switching. As a result, the input terminal 2 assigned the same number or the same name in all the input / output terminal groups for which the connection switching interlock is set.
1 and all the information for instructing connection switching between the output terminals 22 are described in the control information and output to the input / output switching device 2. In the input / output switching device 2, all the connection switchings specified by the control information are performed at once.

On the other hand, the connection status storage means 13 of the input / output switching control device 1 stores connection status information between the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22 of the input / output switching device 2. When a connection switching instruction is input from the input unit 19, the connection status updating unit 16 detects the control information output from the control information output unit 14, and according to the control information, stores the connection status stored in the connection status storage unit 13. Update status information. The contents of the connection status information are displayed by the display unit 18.

The connection status detecting means 15 detects the connection status of the input / output switching device 2 at regular intervals. This is, for example, by sending command information for requesting connection status detection to the input / output switching device 2 and receiving the command information.
The connection state of all the input terminals 21 and the output terminals 22 is detected by the processing of the PU, and this detection signal is sent to the connection state detecting means 15 to perform the detection.
The information detected by the connection status detection means 15 is sent to the connection status update means 16, and the connection status information stored in the connection status storage means 13 is updated according to the detection information.
The content of the connection status information is displayed by the display unit 18, and the user can know the latest connection status of the input / output switching device 2 on the display unit 18. The detection of the connection status is performed when the input means 19 inputs an instruction to switch the display of the connection status information on the display unit 18 to the display of the connection status information on another input / output terminal group. May also be performed. As a result, the connection status information switched and displayed is always updated to the latest information.

Incidentally, devices other than the input / output switching control device 1, such as a remote controller, may be connected to the input / output switching device 2 at the same time, and a connection switching instruction may be input. At this time, connection switching may be performed irrespective of the combination of the input / output terminal groups that are set in the input / output switching control device 1 to link the connection switching. The user of the input / output switching control device 1 needs to recognize that the connection status is different between the input / output terminal groups set to operate in conjunction with each other in the operation of the device. For this purpose, in the input / output switching control device 1, the connection status comparing unit 17 refers to the connection status information stored in the connection status storage unit 13 and the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 12, and Input terminals 21 having the same number or the same name among input / output terminal groups set so that connection switching is interlocked.
The connection status between the input terminal 21 and the output terminal 22 is compared, and when such a different connection is made between the input / output terminal groups, the corresponding input terminal 21 or output terminal 22 is displayed by the display means 18.

For example, when the numbers assigned to all the input terminals 21 in a certain input / output terminal group are displayed in association with the numbers assigned to the connected output terminals 22, an interlock is set. The display image of the number of the input terminal 21 or the output terminal 22 that is differently connected between the input / output terminal groups is displayed in an identifiable state such as a background color or a character color different from the others. On such a screen,
The setting information about the connection switching interlocking and the connection status information for each input / output terminal group in the input / output switching device 2 are simultaneously displayed, and the connection is different between the input / output terminal groups set to be interlocked. Can be easily confirmed, the connection status in the input / output switching device 2 can be accurately grasped, and the operability of the connection switching control is improved.

Next, the input / output switching control device 1 of the present invention
An embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a router control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The router control system 3 includes a personal computer 4 on which a connection switching operation is performed by a user, a switching control unit 5 for relaying a control signal from the personal computer 4, and a router for selectively connecting a plurality of input signals to output terminals. 6. The personal computer 4 controls the input / output connection switching in the router 6 via the switching control unit 5. The personal computer 4 includes a processor and an RO for controlling
M, a CPU 41 composed of a RAM, and an RA storing data set by a user and data obtained from the router 6.
M42, an interface (I / F) 43 for communicating with the switching control unit 5, a hard disk (HD) 44 for storing programs and various data executed by the CPU 41, various data and a GUI (Graph).
hical User Interface) A monitor 45 such as a CRT for displaying an image and the like, and an input device 46 which is a keyboard and a mouse pointer. The personal computer 4 controls the input / output connection switching in the router 6 by executing the connection switching control program stored in the hard disk 44 by the CPU 41. The RAM 42 stores setting information for connection switching control and connection status information in the router 6. The interface 43 is, for example, RS (Recommen
ded Standard) -422 interface circuit.

On the other hand, the switching control unit 5 includes a processor and an RO for controlling the switching control unit 5.
It comprises a CPU 51 comprising M and RAM, and interfaces 52 and 53 for communicating with the personal computer 4 and the router 6, respectively. The switching control unit 5 receives command information based on a predetermined communication protocol sent from the personal computer 4 and controls the router 6 according to the command information. Further, command information is generated based on the data obtained from the router 6 and transmitted to the personal computer 4. In addition,
The interfaces 52 and 53 are, for example, RS-422 interface circuits.

The router 6 includes a CPU 61 including a processor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for controlling, an input terminal unit 62 connected to a television camera or a video device by a multi-cable or the like, and an output terminal connected to a switcher, a monitor, or the like. A switching unit 64 for switching an input signal from the input terminal unit 62 to the output terminal unit 63 under the control of the CPU 61 for output, an interface 65 connected to the switching control unit 5, and a serial bus (S-BUS). 7 and an interface 67 connected to a personal computer (not shown) for performing various settings of the router 6. Each of the input terminal unit 62 and the output terminal unit 63 is provided with a plurality of terminals capable of inputting or outputting a video (video) signal, an audio signal, or the like. In the input terminal unit 62 and the output terminal unit 63, an input / output terminal group including a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of output terminals connectable thereto is defined as one level.
Here, for example, a total of 51 of 64 levels of 8 levels for both input and output
2 terminals are provided for each terminal, and 1 to 1
Numbers up to 64 are given.

In addition to the router 6, various devices such as a remote controller 8 for remotely controlling connection switching in the router 6 and a display panel (not shown) are connected to the serial bus 7, and the router 6 is connected to these devices. Operate as master station. The router 6 polls each device connected to the serial bus 7 at regular time intervals, and each device notifies the router 6 of necessary information in response to the polling, if necessary. For example, the remote controller 8 capable of controlling connection switching of the router 6 has a device ID of the remote controller 8 which is a destination device ID included in polling information from the router 6.
If it is determined that this is a polling of the remote controller 8, and if an instruction to switch the connection to the router 6 has been made by an operation input from the remote controller 8 at this time, this instruction input information is transmitted to the router 6. Send to

Next, control of connection switching of the router 6 in the personal computer 4 will be described. In the personal computer 4, it is possible to control the switching of the input / output level in the router 6 in conjunction with a plurality of levels. In the personal computer 4,
When the CPU 41 reads and starts the connection switching control program stored in the hard disk 44, the description of the level setting information at the time of the previous execution stored in the hard disk 44 is read and stored in the RAM 42. This level setting information is, for example, “Levels = 1-2, 4-5” as one item in the initial setting file (Config.ini) in the connection switching control program.
-6 ". In the case of this description example, it is shown that level 2 is dependent on level 1 and levels 5 and 6 are dependent on level 4 in connection switching. That is, in this setting, when the connection switching at level 1 is performed by the instruction input from the input device 46, the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal assigned the same number at level 2 is performed simultaneously and simultaneously. Then, the instruction information is transmitted to the switching control unit 5.

FIG. 3 shows a data description example of the level setting data stored in the RAM 42. Since the router 6 according to the present embodiment can perform processing of levels 1 to 8, the level setting data of levels 1 to 8 are described as 1-byte information in the RAM 42 as shown in FIG. The information described at each level is information indicating whether the level is a main level having a subordinate level or a subordinate level, and information indicating the number of the main level in the case of a subordinate level. In the case of a subordinate level, the most significant bit is set to 1 and the number of the main level is expressed by the lower bits. In the description example of FIG. 3, it is shown that the lower bit of the level 1 is 1, the level 1 itself is mainly used, and the level 2 has the highest bit of the level 1.
Therefore, the lower level indicates that the main level is “1”. In the personal computer 4, this RAM
Based on the level setting information stored in 42, information on the set level is displayed on the monitor 45 as described later.

The RAM 42 stores connection status information of each input terminal and output terminal of the router 6 together with the level setting information. When the user uses the input device 46 of the personal computer 4 to perform an operation input for switching the connection to the router 6, the processing of the CPU 41 includes the number of the output terminal and the number of the input terminal newly connected thereto. Command information for instructing connection switching is generated and sent to the switching control unit 5. The switching control unit 5 sends control information for instructing the router 6 to switch the connection between a predetermined input terminal and an output terminal based on the command information. In the router 6, the switching processing unit 64 is controlled by the processing of the CPU 61 in accordance with the control information, and a predetermined connection switching is performed. On the other hand, in the personal computer 4, the connection status information stored in the RAM 42 is updated based on the generated command information or the information of the operation input from the input device 46.

The CPU of the personal computer 4
41 senses the connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal in the switching processing unit 64 of the router 6 at regular intervals. At the time of this sensing, command information for instructing the sensing of the switching processing unit 64 is sent from the personal computer 4 to the switching control unit 5, and the switching control unit 5 uses the command information to determine the connection status to the router 6. Instruction information requesting a sense is transmitted. In response to the instruction information, the router 6 senses the connection status of the switching processing unit 64 by the processing of the CPU 61 and sends the sensing result to the switching control unit 5.
In the switching control unit 5, command information including connection status information in the switching processing unit 64 is created from the received information, and sent to the personal computer 4.
The personal computer 4 updates the connection status information stored in the RAM 42 based on the command information.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data format of the connection status information stored in the RAM 42. In the connection status information, as shown in FIG. 4, a list of the numbers of the output terminals at each level and the numbers of the input terminals connected to the respective output terminals are described in association with each other. In FIG. 4, “00” in “OUT001” and “OUT002”
1 and “002” indicate the number of the output terminal, and “IN00”
"001" and "005" in "1" and "IN005" indicate the numbers of the input terminals. That is, at level 1, IN001 is connected to OUT001 and OUT001
02 is connected to IN005. The input terminal number is changed when the user inputs a connection switching instruction and the router senses at regular intervals.
In the personal computer 4, the RA is
Based on the connection status information stored in the M42, the connection status information in the router 6 is monitored by the monitor 45 as described later.
Displayed by The display of the connection status information by the monitor 45 is performed, for example, for each level. However, the sensing of the router 6 may be performed even when the displayed level is switched.

Next, the display of the level setting information and the connection status information stored in the RAM 42 on the monitor 45, and the operation for switching the connection will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of a display screen of the level setting information and the connection status information.

On the display screen 500 of the monitor 45,
The currently set level is displayed on the display unit 501 based on the data stored in the RAM 42, and the display unit 502
, The current connection status in the router 6 is displayed based on the data stored in the RAM 42, and the name of the input terminal is displayed on the display unit 503. Scroll bars 504, 505, and 506 are displayed on each display unit 501,
This is displayed when the information in 502 and 503 does not fit on the screen, and is used to scroll the display of each of the display units 501, 502 and 503 up and down by a drag operation with a mouse pointer. The display screen 500 is a GUI that can not only notify the user of the level setting and the connection status, but also switch the display and switch the connection to the router 6 using this image.

In the display unit 501, for example, "1-2", "4"
The indication "-5-6" indicates the number of the level in which the first number is the main number, and the numbers after that indicate the number of the level on which it depends. That is, level 2 is dependent on level 1, and levels 5 and 6 are dependent on level 4.
The display unit 501 displays the level setting and also displays the level to which the input terminal and the output terminal currently displayed on the display units 502 and 503 belong. In the display unit 501, a diagonal line is displayed on the display image “1-2”, and the diagonal line indicates the currently displayed level. Note that this oblique line indicates that the display can be distinguished from other displays by actually changing the color of the background or the characters. Since the levels 1 and 2 are set so that the connection switching is linked, the input terminals and the output terminals displayed on the display units 502 and 503 indicate the main levels, that is, those included in the level 1 here. Have been. The display 501 displays “1” and “2”.
It is also possible to display the connection status at each level regardless of the connection switching. The display is switched by clicking a display image indicating a desired level number on the display unit 501 with a mouse pointer. By this click operation,
In the display unit 501, the hatched display moves to the image indicating the clicked level number.

The display unit 502 displays the connection status at level 1 at present. The display unit 502a shows a list of numbers assigned to the output terminals.
b shows the name given to each output terminal, and the display unit 50
2c shows the name given to the input terminal currently connected to each output terminal. Further, a list of input terminals at level 1 is displayed on the display unit 503, and
3a shows a list of numbers assigned to the input terminals, and the display section 503b displays the names assigned to the input terminals. Here, the input terminal and the output terminal correspond to the display unit 502.
a and 503a, it is difficult to identify the terminals only by the simple serial numbers.
"IN01""CAM10""STD01" shown in 3b
As described above, it is possible for a user to freely assign a name to each terminal.

The display units 502 and 503 allow the router 6 to perform a connection switching operation. To do this, the user drags the display image of the desired input terminal name on the display unit 503b using the mouse pointer and drops it on the display unit 502c corresponding to the output terminal name to be connected. For example, the current output terminal O
The UT01 is connected to the input terminal IN01. When the connection is switched to the input terminal IN02, the display image of “IN02” on the display unit 503b is dragged with the mouse pointer, and the current display becomes “IN01” on the display unit 502c. By dropping on the displayed image, the display image of “IN01” on the display unit 502c is changed to “IN02”, and at the same time, command information for switching connection is transmitted to the switching control unit 5 by the processing of the CPU 41. Is done. At this time, the connection status information stored in the RAM 42 is updated. The connection switching operation may be performed by dragging and dropping the display image displayed in a list, for example, by displaying the names of input terminals and output terminals with icons or the like, and by dragging and dropping, or by input device. A method of selecting a terminal name using an arrow key provided on a keyboard as 46 can also be used.

As described above, the personal computer 4 senses the connection status of the router 6 at regular intervals, and updates the connection status information stored in the RAM 42 with the obtained information. That is, when the connection is switched in the router 6 by an instruction input from the remote controller 8 or the like, the personal computer 4 detects this by the sense at regular time intervals, and outputs the RAM.
At this time, the image of the connection status information displayed on the display screen 500 is also changed. In the router 6, the personal computer 4
In some cases, connection switching may be performed by an instruction input from a device other than the above regardless of the level setting at which the connection switching is interlocked. In the personal computer 4, when this is detected by sensing, the connection differs between the interlocking levels. Is displayed on the display screen 500.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen of the connection status when the connection status differs between the linked levels. FIG. 6 shows a part of the display unit 502 that displays the connection status in the router 6. RAM 4 by the sense of router 6
When the connection status information stored in the CPU 2 is updated, the CPU 4
1 reads out the level setting information stored in the RAM 42, and detects whether or not there is a terminal whose connection is different between the levels set so that the connection switching is linked in the updated connection status information. As a result, when a terminal having a different connection is detected, the CPU 41 displays on the display unit 502 of the display screen 500 displayed on the monitor 45 that the connection is different. The display example at this time is the image of FIG. 6. Here, assuming that level 1 is displayed, terminals having different connections at other interlocking levels are indicated by oblique lines. That is, in FIG. 6, the input terminal IN03 is connected to the output terminal OUT02 at level 1, but the input terminal connected at another subordinate level (level 2 in the setting shown in FIG. 5) is not IN03. It is shown. It should be noted that the hatched lines shown in the figure indicate that this image is displayed in a state that can be distinguished from other images, such as by making the background and characters of the image different colors. The image to be identified and displayed is not the display unit 502c, but the display units 502a and 502 on which the numbers and names of the output terminals are displayed.
2b may be used. Here, the connection mismatch between the interlocked levels is identified by the image displaying the terminal names on the display unit 502. For example, the connection mismatch is displayed using a pop-up display, or a message display unit is separately provided. May be provided and displayed.

As described above, the display screen 500 in which the level setting and the connection status of the router 6 are displayed in parallel allows the user to easily check the setting of the interlocking level and the connection status of the router 6. Since the displayed information is updated by the sense of the router 6 at regular intervals, the latest connection status in the router 6 can be accurately grasped. Also, G is displayed on the display screen 500.
By providing the UI function, it is possible to easily switch the connection of the router 6 while checking the level setting and the connection status, and the operability is improved. Further, in the router 6, when the connection status is different between the levels at which the connection switching is set to be linked, an image indicating the corresponding terminal is identified and displayed on the display screen, so that the connection status in the router 6 can be easily changed. Can be recognized.

Next, an example of communication data between the personal computer 4 and the switching control unit 5 at the time of connection switching and sensing of the router 6 will be described. In FIG.
An example of a command format of data transmitted from the personal computer 4 at the time of connection switching will be described.

FIG. 7 shows a command format of a communication protocol of data transmitted from the personal computer 4 to the switching control unit 5 when the connection of the router 6 is switched. No. 1 STX (Start of T
ext Code) is 1-byte binary data and indicates the start of command information, and is defined here as "02" (hexadecimal notation; h in Fig. 7 means hexadecimal notation). The BC (Byte Count) of item number 2 indicates the length of data from item number 3 to item number 10. No. 3 UA1 (Unit
Address 1) indicates the device ID of the transmission source. Here, the device ID of the personal computer 4 that is the transmission source is defined as “31”. No. 4 UA2 (Unit Add
ress 2) indicates the device ID of the transmission destination, and here, the device ID of the switching control unit 5 is described. Here, “01” is assigned to the BT (Block Type Command) of item number 5. In the command code of item No. 6, the instruction information based on this command information is defined, and here, "22" which means a request to switch the connection of the router 6 is described. In the item No. 7, the number of the output terminal for performing connection switching is described. The destruction level of No. 8 is
The level number of the output terminal for performing connection switching is described. The source number of item No. 9 describes the number of an input terminal connected to the output terminal described in item No. 7. No. 10
Is described with the number of the level of the input terminal to be connected. The CS (CheckSum) of No. 11 is No. 2
The least significant bit of the carry addition result of each byte of the data from BC of item No. to immediately before CS of item number 11 is described. The item No. 12 ETX (End of TextCode) is 1-byte binary data indicating the end of command information, and is defined here as "03" (hexadecimal notation). Here, in each of the BC, UA1, UA2, BT, command code, dest level, source level, and CS commands, 2-byte setting data is HEX (Hex Decima).
l) The character string is described as a character string, and the dest number and source number are described as HEX character strings of 3-byte setting data.

The command information sent from the personal computer 4 to the switching control unit 5 under the control of the CPU 41 is created as data in which set values for these commands are arranged in parallel. The command information may include a plurality of combinations of input terminals and output terminals for connection switching. In this case, a set value is described by repeating from a command of a destroy number to a command of a source level. Therefore, the value of the command BC is variable, and the maximum number is 24 here. For example, in the case of connection switching at a level at which connection switching is linked, after describing the number of the level at which connection is switched and the numbers of input terminals and output terminals, the number of the linked level and the input having the same number at this level The numbers of the terminal and the output terminal are described successively.

FIG. 8 shows a personal computer 4.
4 shows an example of a command format when a request for sensing the connection status of the router 6 is made from the server. When a command for requesting a sense is issued, command information as shown in FIG. 8 is sent from the personal computer 4 to the switching control unit 5. The command type is the same as that of FIG. 7, but the value of the command code of the item No. 6 is “62” which defines the sense request. Is determined to be a sense request signal according to the description of
Based on the output terminal number and the level to which the output terminal belongs, which is described in the dest number and the dest level of No. 8 and 8, respectively, the router 6 sends an instruction signal for requesting a sense of the connection status of the output terminal of the corresponding level to the router 6.
Is sent to

Further, the result of sensing the connection status based on this instruction signal is sent from the router 6 to the connection control unit 5.
The connection control unit 5 creates command information of a sense result to be sent to the personal computer 4 from the result. FIG. 9 shows an example of a command format when the connection control unit 5 notifies the sensing result of the router 6.

In the command format shown in FIG. 9, the type of command is the same as that in FIG. 7, but the value of the command code of item No. 6 is "72" which defines the notification of the sense result. The personal computer 4 which has received the command information determines that the signal is a signal for notifying the sense result based on the description of the command code.
Based on the output terminal number, the belonging level, the number of the input terminal connected thereto, and the belonging level described in the dest number, dest level, source number and source level of 8, 9 and 10, respectively, the corresponding level , The connection status information stored in the RAM 42 is updated.

Finally, an example of the operation of the personal computer 4 at the time of the connection switching operation and at the time of the connection status sensing will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the personal computer 4 during the connection switching operation.

At the start of the flowchart of FIG. 10, in the personal computer 4, the connection switching control program is executed by the CPU 41, and the level setting information and the connection status information of each input terminal and output terminal of the router 6 are displayed on the monitor 45. Have been. Step S1
At 01, an input for instructing connection switching is made by the input means 46, and the CPU 41 receives this instruction information. In step S102, based on the input instruction information, the CPU 41 changes the number of the input terminal and the number of the output terminal connected thereto into In_No and Out_N.
Store in o. In step S103, the number of the level to which the terminal to be connected belongs is Le based on the instruction information.
Store in vel. In step S104, command information for requesting connection switching is created from the stored input terminal, output terminal, and each number of the level to which they belong. In step S105, the created command information is sent to the switching control unit 5. In step S106, based on the created command information,
Of the connection status information of the router 6 stored in the RAM 42, the connection description for the corresponding input terminal and output terminal is changed, and the connection status information is updated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the personal computer 4 when sensing the connection status of the router 6. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the personal computer 4 in the mismatch flag processing of the flowchart of FIG.

When the process of sensing the connection status of the router 6 is started in the personal computer 4, the CPU 41 fetches the level setting information stored in the RAM 42 in step S111. In step S112, Dest_No is set to 0, and Dest_En
The number of the last output terminal among the output terminals to be sensed is set to d. In step S113, Dest_N
1 is added to the set value of o (here, 0). Step S1
In 14, the command information for requesting the sensing of the router 6 to be sent to the switching control unit 5 is created, the value of Dest_No is set to the dest number, and the number of the predetermined level is set to the dest level. The command information is sent to the switching control unit 5. Thus, in the router 6, the input terminal connected to the corresponding output terminal is sensed in the switching processing unit 64,
The sense result is sent to the switching control unit 5.

In step S115, command information for notifying the sense result is received from the switching control unit 5. In step S116, the CPU 41 recognizes the number of the input terminal connected to the requested output terminal from the received command information, and
Update the connection status information stored in. At this time, if the connection is changed, the display of the connection status on the monitor 45 is changed. In step S117, connection switching is set to be linked to the level to which the sensed terminal belongs based on the level setting information fetched in step S111, and it is determined whether or not this level is the main. If this level is not the main, step S1
Proceed to step 19, and if it is the main, step S1
Proceeding to 18, a mismatch flag process is performed. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the mismatch flag processing.

In FIG. 12, a mismatch flag is used for identification when a connection mismatch is detected between levels at which connection switching is interlocked, to display the fact on the monitor 45. In step S121, the acquired level setting information is referred to, and the number of levels dependent on the level determined to be the main in step S117 is referred to as Sub_
Set to No. Also, command information for requesting the sense of the router 6 is created, and the number of the subordinate level is set to the dest level. At this time, the setting of the dest number is the same as the value set in step S114. If there are a plurality of subordinate levels, the number of one level is set. In step S122, the created command information is sent to the switching control unit 5. As a result, the input terminal connected to the corresponding output terminal is sensed in the router 6, and the sensing result is sent to the switching control unit 5.

In step S123, command information for notifying the sense result is received from the switching control unit 5. In step S124, the CPU 41 recognizes the number of the input terminal connected to the output terminal that has requested the sensing from the description of the source number in the received command information, and inputs the input terminal obtained from the command information received in step S115. Compare with the terminal number. As a result of this comparison, if the numbers of the input terminals match, step S127
The process proceeds to step S125 if they do not match.

In step S125, a mismatch flag indicating that there is a connection mismatch between the levels in which connection switching is linked is set. In step S126,
In step S123, the number of the output terminal from which the sensing result is obtained is recognized, and the display corresponding to the name of the corresponding output terminal is displayed on the monitor 45 indicating the connection by associating the name of the output terminal with the name of the input terminal. The background color of the image of the input terminal name is changed to indicate that the connection is not consistent between the levels. In step S127, the value of Sub_No set in step S121 is subtracted by one. In step S128, this Sub_N
It is determined whether or not o is equal to or less than 0. If it is not equal to or less than 0, there is another dependent level for which no sensing is performed. , A process of sensing an input terminal to be connected is performed. Step S1
If the value of Sub_No is equal to or less than 0 in 28, it means that the sensing at the subordinate level has been completed, so the flow proceeds to step S119, and the mismatch flag processing ends.

Returning to FIG. 11, in step S119, Dest_No is set to the value of D set in step S112.
est_End is determined to be greater than or equal to
If the value of st_No is smaller, it means that sensing of all output terminals has not been completed, so that step S1
Proceeding to 13, the value of Dest_End is increased by 1 and the corresponding output terminal is sensed again. Step S
If Dest_No ≧ Dest_End in 119, it means that the sensing of all the output terminals at the corresponding level has been completed, and the process of performing the sensing of the router 6 is completed.

[0060]

As described above, in the input / output switching control device of the present invention, the setting information about the combination of the input / output terminal groups that perform the connection switching in conjunction with the input / output terminal group in the input / output switching device. Is simultaneously displayed on the display means. When the user of the input / output switching control device inputs an instruction to switch connection at a certain input / output terminal group by the input means while confirming such display by the display means, the control information output means causes the input / output terminal group to be controlled. The switching control information for simultaneously performing the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal having the same number or the same name in the other input / output terminal group in which the connection switching of the connection switching is set is output to the input / output switching device. Is done. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously perform connection switching in each of the input / output terminal groups set to be linked.

Since the connection status of the input / output switching device is detected at regular intervals by the connection status detecting means, the connection status information is updated by the connection status updating means, and the latest connection status information is displayed on the display means. Is done. Further, the connection status comparison unit refers to the connection status information updated by the connection status update unit and the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit, and determines the connection between the input / output terminal groups in which the linking of the connection switching is set. Compare the connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name, and detect the input terminal and the output terminal whose connection does not match between the input / output terminal groups set to interlock. If the input terminal or the output terminal is displayed on the display means, the fact is displayed. This allows the display means to simultaneously check the setting information on the interlocking of the connection switching and the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups in the input / output switching device, while connecting between the input / output terminal groups for which the interlocking is set. Can be easily confirmed on the screen by the display means, and the connection status in the input / output switching device can be accurately grasped, and the operability is improved.

Further, in the input / output switching control method of the present invention, the setting information on the combination of the input / output terminal groups for interlocking the connection switching and the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups in the input / output switching device are provided. , Are displayed at the same time. When the user of the input / output switching control device inputs a connection switching instruction in a certain input / output terminal group while confirming such a display, another user in which the connection switching with this input / output terminal group is set to be linked is set. Switching control information for simultaneously performing the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal having the same number or the same name in the input / output terminal group is output to the input / output switching device. by this,
Operability for simultaneously performing connection switching in each of the input / output terminal groups set to be linked is enhanced.

Since the connection status of the input / output switching device is detected at regular intervals, the connection status information is updated by this detection, and the displayed connection status information is updated. In addition, updated connection status information,
With reference to the setting information stored in the setting information storage means,
The connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name among the input / output terminal groups set to be linked with the connection switching is compared, and the input / output terminal set to be linked by this comparison is compared. If an input terminal and an output terminal whose connection does not match between the groups are detected, the corresponding input terminal or output terminal is displayed in the displayed connection status information. As a result, the connection between the input / output terminal groups set to be interlocked can be simultaneously confirmed by the display while the setting information about the interlocking of the connection switching and the connection status information for each of the input / output terminals in the input / output switching device are simultaneously displayed. The difference can be easily confirmed on the displayed screen, the connection status in the input / output switching device can be accurately grasped, and the operability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input / output switching control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a router control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data description example of level setting data stored in a RAM.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data format of connection status information stored in a RAM.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of level setting information and connection status information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection status display screen when the connection status differs between linked levels.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a command format of data transmitted from a personal computer at the time of connection switching.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command format when a request to sense the connection status of a router is made from a personal computer.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a command format when a connection control unit notifies a sensing result of a router;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the personal computer at the time of a connection switching operation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation in the personal computer when sensing the connection status of the router.

12 is a flowchart showing an operation of the personal computer in the mismatch flag processing of the flowchart of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually showing connection of input / output terminals in a router.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a connection state of input / output terminals in a router having a concept of a level.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... I / O switching control device, 2 ... I / O switching device, 11 ... Combination setting means, 12 ... Setting information storage means, 13 ... Connection status storage means, 14 ... Control information output means, 15 ... ... connection status detection means, 16 connection status update means, 17 connection status comparison means, 18 display means, 19 input means, 21 input terminals, 22
… Output terminal

Claims (5)

[Claims] An input / output switching control device for controlling connection switching by connecting to an input / output switching device having a plurality of input / output terminal groups capable of switching connection between an input terminal and an output terminal. Combination setting means for setting a combination of the input / output terminal group that performs the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal each having a name, and setting information storage means for storing setting information of the combination. Connection status storage means for storing connection status information of all of the input terminals and the output terminals; upon receiving the connection switching instruction information in a certain input / output terminal group, referring to the setting information, At the same time, the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal having the same number or the same name in the entry output terminal group is performed. Control information output means for outputting switching control information for connection, connection status detection means for detecting a connection status in the input / output switching device at regular time intervals, and detection information by the connection status detection means and the switching control information. Referring to the connection status updating means for updating the connection status information, the connection status information updated by the connection status updating means, and the setting information stored in the setting information storage means, and performing the connection switching. A connection status comparing means for comparing the connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name between the input / output terminal groups set to be interlocked, the setting information and The contents of the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups are displayed at the same time, and the input status is compared by the connection status comparison means. When the connection between the input terminal and the output terminal does not match between the respective input / output terminal groups, a display means for displaying the corresponding input terminal or the output terminal, and the connection switching instruction information and the setting information An input / output switching control device, comprising: input means for inputting. 2. An instruction input for switching the display of the connection status information by the display unit to the display of the connection status information at another input / output terminal group is performed by the input unit. 2. The input / output switching control device according to claim 1, wherein the connection status of the input / output switching device at that time is detected. 3. The display means is attached to the corresponding input terminal when the connection between the input terminal and the output terminal does not match between the input / output terminal groups in the comparison by the connection status comparing means. 2. The input / output switching control device according to claim 1, wherein any of the numbers or names given to the corresponding output terminals and the numbers or names given to the corresponding output terminals can be identified. 4. The display means includes: a first table for displaying a list of the input terminals or the output terminals as the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups; And a second table displaying the correspondence with the input terminal, wherein a mouse pointer is used as the input means, and a number or name assigned to the input terminal or the output terminal in the first table is displayed. 2. The connection switching instruction input is performed by performing a drag operation and a drop operation on a display unit of the input terminal or the output terminal in the second table. Input / output switching control device. 5. An input / output switching control method for controlling connection switching for an input / output switching device having a plurality of input / output terminal groups capable of switching connection between an input terminal and an output terminal. Setting information that sets the combination of the input / output terminal group that performs the connection switching of the input terminal and the output terminal in conjunction with each other, and stores connection status information of all the input terminals and the output terminals. Simultaneously displaying the setting information and the contents of the connection status information for each of the input / output terminal groups, and, when receiving the connection switching instruction information in a certain input / output terminal group, referring to the setting information. Simultaneously switching the connection of the input terminal and the output terminal with the same number or the same name in the interlocked input / output terminal group. Outputting switching control information for performing, detecting the current connection status in the input / output switching device at regular intervals, and updating the connection status information according to the detection information of the current connection status and the switching control information. Referring to the updated connection status information and the stored setting information, the same number or the same name is assigned to each of the input / output terminal groups set so that the connection switching is linked. Comparing the connection status between the input terminal and the output terminal, and comparing the connection status, when the connection between the input terminal and the output terminal does not match between the input / output terminal groups, An input / output switching control method, wherein the input terminal or the output terminal is displayed to that effect.