JP2002185558A - Network startup controlling method and electronic device to which such method is applied - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically start devices which are networked in a system in a previously determined order of startup. SOLUTION: When a device B starts its startup procedure by the operation of a power source ON 501, it interrupts once its startup procedure and transmits a packet 502 indicating the permission to initiate startup to a device A if the ID in the first startup order in its ID information shows the device A. When the device A receives the packet 502, it starts its startup procedure and transmits a packet 503 indicating that it is in course of startup to the device B if the ID in the next order in its ID information shows the device B, for example. Then the device A transmits a packet 504 indicating the permission to initiate startup to the device B when its startup procedure is completed or when the initiation of startup of a device in the next order is possible. In this way, the device B restarts its startup procedure and transmits a packet 505 to a device C in the next order indicating that it is in course of startup.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system in which a plurality of electronic devices whose startup order is predetermined are interconnected by at least one network.
In particular, the present invention relates to a network activation control method for controlling activation between electronic devices and an electronic device to which the method is applied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of network technology,
Communication functions are integrated in all fields, not only computer equipment but also peripheral equipment, and AV (Audio Visual)
By connecting various electronic devices such as devices and home appliances to a network, remote devices are integrated into one system (network system), that is, networking of devices has been realized. As a result, distance restrictions and sharing restrictions on devices have been relaxed, and devices can be operated remotely instead of directly or using a short distance (using a remote controller or the like). . Here, the network is a public network, a LAN,
(Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network)
Refers to various communication systems such as k).

[0003]

As described above, in a system in which a plurality of electronic devices are interconnected by a network, the devices in the system can be remotely operated. However, such remote control is possible when each device is activated.
It does not operate remotely until each device is started. Therefore, in a conventional system in which electronic devices having a predetermined startup order between devices are connected to a network, an operation for starting each device in the system in a predetermined startup order is required.

However, when the devices in the system are arranged at remote locations from each other, it is not always easy to start up a device and then start up the device in the next boot order correctly. For this reason, in the conventional system, there were problems such as an activation order violation and an operation failure due to a delay in processing. This problem is particularly noticeable in a system having a large number of devices connected to a network.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to automatically start each device in a predetermined startup order in a system in which electronic devices in which the startup sequence between devices is predetermined are connected via a network. In order to be able to be activated.

[0006]

A network activation control method according to the present invention comprises communication means having a standby function and a remote function, and a plurality of electronic devices whose activation order is predetermined are interconnected by at least one network. In the network activation control system, activation sequence information is set in advance for each electronic device, and a predetermined function is used between the electronic devices via the network according to the activation sequence information by using the remote function of the electronic device. By performing communication, each electronic device is activated in a predetermined order.

In such a configuration, it is possible to automatically execute a start-up procedure according to start-up sequence information by a remote function of each electronic device. Here, it is preferable that each electronic device is sequentially activated while confirming activation between the electronic devices via a network.

Further, according to the present invention, the electronic device includes, as the start-up sequence information, a next-order ID which is an address (ID) on a network for specifying the next-order electronic device.
The D (address) information is held in advance, and the next I-order in the ID information is used to start the next electronic device startup procedure.
It is also characterized in that a specific communication packet (startup packet) addressed to D is used.

With this configuration, it is possible to sequentially activate the activation procedure of each electronic device by transmitting and receiving a specific communication packet. In particular, a plurality of next order I
If D is set in advance and specific communication packets are respectively transmitted to the devices specified by the plurality of next-order IDs, it is possible to start up a plurality of devices in the same start-up order in parallel (simultaneously). Become.

In the present invention, as the specific communication packet, a first start packet indicating that the start procedure is being executed by itself and a second start packet indicating permission of start of a destination device.
The device that has received both the first and the second startup packets starts the execution of its own startup procedure by receiving the second startup packet and sets the next-order ID. In the case where the ID information includes the ID information, the first start packet addressed to the device indicated by the next-order ID is transmitted, and then the start of the start-up procedure of the own device or the start of the next-order device is possible. It is also characterized in that the second start packet is transmitted to the transmission destination device of the first start packet at the timing.
With this configuration, it is possible to control the startup sequence while confirming the startup between the devices.

Further, according to the present invention, the ID information includes a first boot order ID which is an address on the network for specifying the electronic device having the first boot order, and is manually operated in a standby state by any electronic device in the system. When the start procedure is started in response to the operation, the start procedure is temporarily suspended, and when the first start order ID in the ID information owned by the start point indicates itself, that is, the device having the first start order In the case of, the first startup packet addressed to the device indicated by the next-order ID in the ID information is transmitted, and the interrupted startup procedure is restarted.
If the device itself is not the first boot order, the electronic device transmits a second boot packet addressed to the device indicated by the first boot order ID in the ID information, and the electronic device that has received the second boot packet, First boot order ID in own ID information
Indicates the own address, and starts its own start procedure irrespective of whether or not the first start packet has been received.

In such a configuration, even if the start-up procedure is started in response to a manual operation such as a power-on operation in any of the plurality of electronic devices constituting the network start-up control system, the device having the first start order is always present. , Each device can be activated in a predetermined order.

A plurality of electronic devices constituting the network activation control system are not in the same network,
When connected to different networks in a distributed manner, the layer 2 address of the communication layer model, that is, the hardware address is used in the same network, and the layer 3 address of the communication layer model, that is, the network address is used between the networks. Good.

The above method (network activation control method)
The present invention according to the invention according to the apparatus to which the method is applied,
That is, the present invention is also realized as an invention relating to an electronic device, or an invention relating to a Ruru system (network activation control system) including a plurality of such electronic devices.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a network activation control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The system shown in FIG. 1 includes a network, for example, a LAN 101 conforming to IS08802-3,
Devices A to G (102 to 108) connected to AN 101
It is composed of

The devices A to G (102 to 108) are computer devices, their peripheral devices, AV devices, home electric appliances and the like. It is assumed that the devices A to G (102 to 108) have a predetermined starting order. Devices A to G (102 to 10
8) includes, as shown in FIG. 2, a network controller 201 for controlling communication with the LAN 101, and a memory (external memory) 202 provided outside the controller 201. The network controller 201 and the memory 202 are interconnected by a bus 203.

The network controller 201 has a well-known standby function that enables a minimum necessary processing in a standby state. The standby function includes a function of waking up the own device in response to a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger is a power ON (power switch ON) operation,
This is a specific communication packet (activation packet) indicating activation start permission. Also, the network controller 201
It also has a remote function that enables mutual control with other devices by communication via a network (LAN 101 in FIG. 1). Using this remote function, the network controller 201 performs predetermined communication between the devices via the network 101 in accordance with preset ID information (as start-up sequence information) to be described later. Start up in the prescribed order. The remote function includes a function of transmitting the start packet to wake up a destination device (next-order device) of the packet.

The memory 202 is a nonvolatile memory or a volatile memory backed up by a backup power supply such as a battery. The memory 202 has an ID area 203 in which ID information as start-up sequence information indicating an order of starting the apparatuses is held. In order to hold the ID information, a memory built in the network controller 201 may be used instead of the memory 202. Further, as a means for holding ID information, a register or DI
It is also possible to use a P (Dual Inline Package) switch or the like.

FIG. 3 shows ID information stored in an ID area 203 of a memory 202 in each of the devices A to G (102 to 108), that is, ID information 302 to 308 of the devices A to G.
An example is shown below.

The ID information 302 to 308 include the ID of the device to be activated first (in the first activation order) (the ID of the device A in this example), the ID of the device to be activated next to the device itself (in the next order), and the like. Consists of Here, the IDs (addresses) of the devices A to G
Are connected to the same network (L) as shown in FIG.
In this embodiment connected to the AN 101), the devices A to G
Hardware address, for example, a MAC address.

In the example of FIG. 3, the devices A to G (102 to 10)
8) ID information 302 to 308 indicate that the first boot order is the device A (102). Also,
ID information 302, 30 of devices A, B (102, 103)
3 indicates that the next order is devices B and C (103, 104), respectively, and ID information 304 of device C (104).
Indicates that the next order is two of the devices E and F (106 and 107). Also, the devices D, E, F (10
5, 106, 107) ID information 305, 306, 30
7, devices G, D, and D (108, 10)
5, 105), and I of device G (108)
The D information 308 has no next order, that is, the device G (10
8) indicates the final activation order. Therefore, the ID information 302 to 308 of the devices A to G shown in FIG.
Thus, the activation order of the device A → the device B → the device C → the device E and the F → the device D → the device G is designated.

Next, start control in the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. First, the basics of the remote start control function between the devices will be described. Device i (i = A to G)
Has a function of transmitting a start-up packet in which the destination address is the ID of the next (or first start-up) device. There are two types of start-up packets: a start-up packet (including data) indicating that the device itself is starting up, and a start-up packet (including data) indicating start start permission for the next device. The transmission timing of these activation packets is as follows.

The timing of transmitting the activation packet indicating that the device i is being activated is when the device i receives the activation packet indicating that activation is permitted. When transmitting the activation packet, the device i starts its own activation procedure.

The timing at which the device i transmits the activation packet indicating the permission to start the device to the next device is the timing at which its own activation procedure is completed or the timing at which the activation of the next device can be started.

[Operation Example 1] Next, details of the startup control procedure in the system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG. First, in order for the activation control procedure to be started in the system of FIG.
108), the power ON (power switch ON) operation needs to be performed. It is assumed that even if this power ON operation is not performed, only the minimum power required to realize the standby function is supplied to the network controllers 201 of the devices A to G.

Here, it is assumed that the operation of power ON 501 has been performed on the apparatus B as shown in FIG. In this case, the device B (the network controller 201 therein) starts its own startup procedure in accordance with the power ON 501. In this start-up procedure, the device B has its own ID information 303 (FIG. 3).
From (b)), the device in the first boot order is specified. As in this example, when the device in the first boot order is not the device itself (device A in this case), the device B interrupts its own startup procedure triggered by the power-on 501 and also has the device in the first boot order, that is, the device. A transmits a start packet 502 indicating start start permission to A and using the ID of the device A as a destination address.

Device A (within network controller 2
01) receives the activation packet 503 indicating the activation start permission from the device B, wakes up from the standby state (standby state), and starts its own activation procedure. Then, the device A identifies the next device from its own ID information 302 (see FIG. 3A), and in the case of the device B as in this example, the device A itself is being activated with respect to the device B. Start packet 50 indicating that the destination address is the ID of the device B
Send 3. Upon receiving the activation packet 503 indicating that the device is being activated from the device A, the device B determines that the activation packet indicating the activation start permission is transmitted from the device A, and waits for the transmission of the packet.

After starting the start-up procedure, the apparatus A starts when the start-up procedure is completed or when the start-up of the next apparatus can be started (for example, when the start-up procedure of the apparatus A has advanced to a predetermined state). , Or the timing after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the startup procedure)
Then, a start packet 504 indicating start start permission is transmitted to the next-order apparatus B, that is, the apparatus B which has transmitted the start packet 503 indicating that the apparatus is currently starting.

At this time, the apparatus B (the network controller 201 in the apparatus) is in a state of interrupting the start-up procedure started by the operation of turning on the power supply 501. When the device B receives the activation packet 504 indicating the activation start permission from the device A in such a state, the device B starts (resumes) the activation procedure and also has its own ID information 303 (FIG. 3).
(B)), the next device is specified, and in the case of the device C as in this example, the device C transmits a start packet 505 indicating that the device C is being started.

After starting (resuming) the start-up procedure, the apparatus B first transmits a start-up packet 505 indicating that the apparatus is starting up, at the timing when the start-up procedure is completed or when the start-up of the next apparatus can be started. This time, a start packet 506 indicating start start permission is transmitted to the device C.

Device C (within network controller 2)
01) receives the activation packet 506 indicating the activation start permission from the device B, starts its own activation procedure, specifies the next device from its own ID information 304 (see FIG. 3C), In the case of the devices E and F as in this example, start packets 507 and 508 indicating that they are running are transmitted to the devices E and F, respectively. Upon receiving the activation packets 507 and 508 indicating that the apparatuses are being activated from the apparatus C, the apparatuses E and F determine that an activation packet indicating the activation permission is transmitted from the apparatus C, and the packets are transmitted. In the standby state.

After starting the start-up procedure, the apparatus C transmits the start-up packets 507 and 508 indicating that the apparatus is starting up at the timing when the start-up procedure is completed or when the start-up of the next apparatus is possible. For E and F,
Start packets 509 and 510 indicating start start permission are transmitted.

When the devices E and F (the network controller 201 therein) receive the activation packets 509 and 510 indicating the activation start permission from the device C, respectively, they start their own activation procedure and also have their own ID information 306 and 307. (See FIGS. 3 (e) and 3 (f)) to identify the next device, and in the case of device D as in this example, a start packet indicating that the device D itself is being started. 511 and 512 are transmitted.

After the devices E and F have started the boot procedure,
At the timing when the activation procedure is completed or at the timing when the activation of the next device can be started, the device D that has transmitted the activation packets 511 and 512 indicating that the device is being activated first,
Start packets 513 and 514 indicating start start permission are transmitted.

The device D (within the network controller 2)
01), in a case where the startup packets 511 and 512 indicating that the device is being started are received from the devices E and F, the device waits in the standby state for transmission of a startup packet indicating that the device E and the device F have been started. ing. In this case, the device D does not start its own start procedure even if a start packet indicating start start permission is transmitted from one of the devices E and F, and receives a start packet indicating start start permission from the other device. Wait for it to be sent. Then, the device D receives a start packet 51 indicating a start start permission from each of the devices E and F.
Upon receiving 3 and 514, it starts its own activation procedure. Thereby, the starting order of the devices E and F → D can be realized. When the device D starts its own activation procedure, the device D specifies the next device from its own ID information 305 (see FIG. 3D), and in the case of the device G as in this example, the device G In response to this, a start packet 515 indicating that it is running
Send

After starting the start-up procedure, the apparatus D transmits the start-up packet 515 indicating that the apparatus is starting up to the apparatus G which has transmitted the start-up packet 515 at the timing when the start-up procedure is completed or when the start-up of the next apparatus can be started. On the other hand, a start packet 516 indicating start start permission is transmitted.

The device G (within the network controller 2)
01) receives the activation packet 516 indicating the activation start permission from the device D, starts its own activation procedure, and has its own ID information 308 to identify the next device.
(See FIG. 3 (g)). As in this example, when there is no device next to the device G, that is, when the device G is in the final startup order, the device G needs to transmit a startup packet indicating that the device is being started and a startup packet indicating that the device is to be started. There is no.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the power-on (501) operation is performed in the device (B) that is not in the first boot order, the device (A) in the first boot order must be used.
Each device in the system is activated in a predetermined order. FIG. 8A shows the starting order of the devices A to G according to the sequence chart of FIG. 5 described above.

In the above example, the activation of one of the devices E and F is delayed before the activation packet indicating the activation is transmitted from the other device due to a reason such as a delay in activation of one of the devices E and F. When the start packet indicating the start is transmitted and the start packet indicating the start start permission is also transmitted, the device D starts without waiting for the start of the device F. That is, the device D
Cannot confirm the malfunction of the device F at this time. However, after the devices have been booted up to the last device in the boot order, it is sufficient that each device confirms the startup between the devices in the normal processing after the devices are booted.

Also, in FIG.
The devices other than G are not connected, but even if they are connected, the boot order including the devices A to G according to the ID information (actually, the ID of the device in the first boot order and the device in the next order).
Is not indicated, devices other than the devices A to G are not subjected to a series of activation control and do not constitute a network activation control system. If the boot sequence is realized only by devices other than the devices A to G, these devices are connected to the LAN 10
1 and a network activation control system different from the devices A to G connected to the LAN 101.

[Operation Example 2] Next, referring to the sequence chart of FIG. 6, a case where the power-on startup sequence is started from the device (A) in the first boot order is different from that of FIG. This will be mainly described.

Now, it is assumed that the operation of power ON 601 has been performed on the device A (102). Then, the device A (the network controller 201 therein) starts its own startup procedure with the power ON 601 as a trigger, and specifies the device of the first startup order from its own ID information 302 in the startup procedure. As in this example, the device in the first boot order is itself,
That is, in the case of the device A, unlike the case of the device B, the start packet is not transmitted to the device of the first start order unlike the case of the start sequence by turning on the power of the device that is not in the first start order. Then, the device A specifies the next device from its own ID information 303, and in the case of the device B as in this example, transmits a start packet 603 indicating that the device A is being started to the device B. And continue its startup procedure.

Thereafter, the device A transmits a start packet 604 indicating permission to start to the next device B at the timing when the start procedure is completed or when the start of the next device can be started. The subsequent operations of the apparatuses B to G are the same as those in the sequence chart of FIG.
G is the procedure shown in the sequence chart of FIG.
The devices are activated in the order of: device C → device E and F → device D → device G. Devices A to G according to the sequence chart of FIG.
FIG. 8 (b) shows the order of startup.

As shown in the example of the sequence chart of FIG. 6, when the apparatus A in which the start sequence procedure is started by the operation of turning on the power supply is in the first start order, this apparatus A
It is preferable to use a device that manages the startup procedure, for example, a device such as a server.

[Modification] In the embodiment described above, the device A → device B → device C → device E and F → device D → by using the ID information 302 to 308 of the devices A to G shown in FIG.
The description has been made assuming that the activation order of the device G is specified.
Here, the device D is predetermined to be activated after both the devices E and F are activated. However, in some systems, device D may be activated if device E is activated, regardless of the activation of device F. In this case, the ID information of the device F includes FIG.
The ID information 407 shown in FIG. 4 is used instead of the ID information 307 shown in (f). The feature of the ID information 407 is that, similarly to the ID information 308 of the device G (see FIG. 3G), the ID information 407 does not have the ID of the next device.

Therefore, such an example will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG. Now, the devices E and F receive the activation packet 7 indicating the activation start permission from the device C.
It is assumed that the self-start procedure has been started in accordance with 09 and 710. In this case, the devices E and F each have their own ID information 306 (FIG. 3) in order to specify the next device.
(See (e)) and the ID information 407 (see FIG. 4).

When the next device is the device D as in this example, the device E transmits to the device D an activation packet 711 indicating that the device E is being activated. On the other hand, device F
FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 shows that there is no next device.
Unlike the example of the sequence chart, the activation packet indicating that activation is in progress is not transmitted. As a result, the activation packet transmitted to the device D indicating that the device is being activated is only the activation packet 711 from the device E. For this reason, the device D waits for a start packet from the device E indicating permission to start. This point is also different from the example of the sequence chart of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 in which a start packet indicating start start permission from the devices E and F is waited.

Thereafter, the device E transmits a start packet 713 indicating permission to start to the next device D at the timing when the start procedure is completed or when the start of the next device can be started. Upon receiving the activation packet 713 indicating the activation start permission from the device E, the device D starts the activation procedure and also has its own ID information 305 (FIG. 3).
(D), the next device is specified, and in the case of the device G as in this example, the device G transmits a start packet 715 indicating that the device G is being started. Subsequent operations are the same as those in the example of the sequence chart of FIG. 5 or FIG. Devices A to G according to the sequence chart of FIG.
(C) of FIG.

A configuration in which a plurality of devices in the same order exist like the devices E and F in the sequence chart of FIG. 7 and the sequence charts of FIGS.
It is suitable to be applied when the device takes a long time to start or when the start sequence is unnecessary.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, a network activation control system in which a plurality of devices whose activation order is predetermined is connected to the same network (LAN 101) has been described. However, the present invention is similarly applicable to a network activation control system in which a plurality of devices whose activation order is predetermined are connected to different networks. FIG. 9 shows an example of such a network activation control system.

In the system shown in FIG. 9, a device D (907) is connected to a public network 901 such as an ISDN. Also,
Devices A to C on LAN 902 such as IS08802-3
(904 to 906) are connected, and devices EG (908 to 910) are also connected to the LAN 903. The public network 901 and each of the LANs 902 and 903 are connected by a network connection device such as a bridge or a router. Here, a hardware address such as a MAC address in the same network, that is, a layer 2 address which is a communication hierarchy model is used as an ID, and a network address such as a telephone number or an IP (Internet Protocol) address is used between different networks. That is, an address of layer 3 which is a communication layer model is used. Therefore, the ID information may have both IDs.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified in the implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effects described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. When at least one of the above is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0054]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in a system in which electronic devices having a predetermined startup sequence between devices are connected to a network, the existing remote function of each device is used. By performing predetermined communication between the devices via the network in accordance with the preset startup sequence information, the devices can be automatically started in a predetermined start order. In particular, in a configuration where each device is activated sequentially while confirming activation between the devices, each device only needs to wait for a notification from the device in the previous order, and the startup sequence between devices can be easily followed, and each device can be activated. Can be executed reliably.

Further, according to the present invention, by giving each device not only the address of the device in the next order but also the address of the device in the first boot order, even if the boot sequence is manually started in any device. Thus, it is possible to realize simplified network activation control such that the activation procedure is always started from the device having the first activation order.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a network activation control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside devices A to G (102 to 108) in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the I that each of the devices A to G (102 to 108) holds
The figure which shows an example of D information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of the ID information of the device F.

FIG. 5 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation example 1 of a startup control procedure in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sequence chart for explaining an operation example 2 of the startup control procedure in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart for explaining a modification of the activation control procedure in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a start order of devices A to G according to the sequence charts of FIGS. 5 to 7;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a network activation control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 902, 903 LAN (network) 102-108, 904-910 device (electronic device) 201 network controller 203 ID area 302-308, 407 ID information (startup sequence information, address information) 901 public Network (network)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A network activation control system comprising a communication unit having a standby function and a remote function, wherein a plurality of electronic devices whose activation order is predetermined are interconnected by at least one network. A network activation control method for controlling activation via the network, wherein activation sequence information is set in advance in each of the electronic devices, and the electronic device is used in accordance with the activation sequence information by using the remote function of the electronic device. A network activation control method, wherein the electronic devices are activated in a predetermined order by performing predetermined communication between the devices via the network. 2. The network activation control method according to claim 1, wherein each of the electronic devices is sequentially activated while confirming activation between the electronic devices via the network. 3. The electronic device stores in advance address information including a next address, which is an address on a network for specifying the next electronic device, as the start sequence information, and starts the next electronic device. 3. The network activation control method according to claim 2, wherein a specific communication packet in which the next-order address in the address information is set as a destination address is used. 4. As the specific communication packet, a first activation packet indicating that the communication device itself is being activated, and a second activation packet indicating permission to start activation of a destination device can be used. After receiving the first activation packet, the electronic device starts executing its own activation procedure by receiving the second activation packet and holds address information including the next-order address. In this case, the first activation packet having the next address as the destination address is transmitted, and then the next address is transmitted at a timing when its own activation procedure is completed or at a timing when the activation of the next device can be started. 4. The network activation control method according to claim 3, wherein the second activation packet as a destination address is transmitted. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the address information includes a first address on a network that specifies an electronic device having a first boot order.
Including the boot order address, when starting the boot procedure of its own in response to a manual operation in a standby state in any of the electronic devices in the system, temporarily suspends the boot procedure and retains itself Refers to the first activation order address in the address information, and if the address points to itself, transmits the first activation packet with the next-order address in the address information as the destination address; The electronic device that restarts the interrupted start procedure, transmits the second start packet with the address as a destination address when the address indicates a destination other than itself, and receives the second start packet. In the case where the first activation order address in the address information held by itself indicates its own address,
5. The network activation control method according to claim 4, wherein the activation procedure is started irrespective of whether or not the activation packet is received. 6. When a plurality of next-order addresses are included in the address information, the same number of the specific communication packets each having the plurality of next-order addresses as a destination address are transmitted, so that a plurality of the same start-up addresses are transmitted. 4. The network activation control method according to claim 3, wherein the devices are activated in parallel. 7. An electronic device having communication means having a standby function and a remote function, wherein the electronic device is interconnected with at least one other electronic device by at least one network, and has a predetermined startup order. An address information holding unit in which address information including a next-order address which is an address on a network for specifying a next-order electronic device is provided in advance, and a start-up procedure provided in the communication unit and executing its own start-up procedure Executing means for starting the startup procedure by receiving a specific communication packet addressed to itself in a standby state, wherein the address information held in the address information holding means at a predetermined timing after the start of the startup procedure. The specific communication packet in which the next-order address in the packet is set as the destination address is sent to the network. An electronic apparatus characterized by comprising the activation procedure execution means for transmitting on click. 8. The first address information is an address on a network that specifies an electronic device in a first boot order.
The boot procedure execution means includes a boot order address, and when the boot procedure is started in response to a manual operation in a standby state, the boot procedure execution unit temporarily suspends the boot procedure and holds the boot procedure. Referring to the first activation order address in the address information, and when the address points to itself, specifying the next-order address in the address information held in the address information holding means as a destination address 8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: transmitting the communication packet and resuming the suspended start-up procedure, and transmitting the specific communication packet having the address as a destination address when the address indicates a destination other than itself. Electronic device as described.