JP2002223482A - Network remote control system, method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network remote control system that allows an operator to simply make a desired operation without the need for viewing a screen. SOLUTION: The network remote control system where operation information including image information of a device 1300 to be controlled is transmitted to a controller 1000 having a remote controller and a display section 1060 and connected to a network and the controller 100 makes control by returning the operation information to the device 1300 to be controlled, is provided with a storage section 1065 that stores the identification information of the device 1300 to b controlled, the operation information and an output of the remote controller ('F4' key), allows the operator to make a desired operation through one operation of the 'F4' key without the need for key operations different from a conventional system.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a network remote control device, method, and recording medium. More specifically, a network remote control device that controls a device connected to the network with a remote control device of another device,
The present invention relates to a method and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an increasing demand for connecting audio-visual (AV) devices and home electric appliances in a home, which have been operated independently or by connecting the devices independently, through a single network. High-speed digital communication technology that can transfer data requiring real-time performance such as video data and audio data and data requiring transfer reliability such as still image data and control data in a mixed state This has been achieved.

[0003] As a method of controlling peripheral devices connected via a network, in a home network, a device providing an interface is a TV, and an operation screen of the connected peripheral device is displayed on the TV screen by the TV itself.
It is conceivable that a user inputs an operation using a remote control device of a television (hereinafter, simply referred to as a remote controller), and the television controls peripheral devices based on the operation.

However, in the above-mentioned method, commands and programs for executing control based on operation screen data to be displayed and user operations are required for each peripheral device. Since various types of peripheral devices are connected to the network, the amount of these commands and programs is enormous. Furthermore, since devices with new functions appear over time, preparing a control program for all devices that may be connected on the TV side will increase the amount of control programs and control future devices. Building a program is difficult.

As a method for avoiding such a problem, the following has been proposed.

[0006] The function of the controlled device is represented as an operation panel, and the controlled device prepares image data of the operation panel and transmits it to the network. Then, a control device having a display device such as a television receives this and displays an operation panel for the user. Then, according to the user's operation input, the operation panel selected by the user or the identification information thereof is returned to the controlled device. The controlled device controls its own operation based on the returned operation panel or its identification information.

In such a control method, the user selects a desired operation panel using the up / down / left / right cursor keys on the operation panel displayed on the screen, and presses the enter key with the enter key. A method of executing a function of an operation panel is general.

FIG. 39 shows the concept of such a conventional system.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3500 denotes a controlled device that transmits an operation panel to a network 3505 and is remotely controlled by the network 3505. AV equipment such as video cassette records (VCRs), tuners and stereo sets, home appliances such as refrigerators, fans, air conditioners, etc., and printers, faxes, digital cameras, etc.
A-devices, PC peripheral devices, etc. also belong to this category. 3
An image generation unit 510 generates display data (operation panel) for remote control. Reference numeral 3520 denotes a two-way communication unit, which is connected to a network. A processing unit 3530 transmits an operation panel to the network 3505, receives user operation information from the network 3505, and controls the controlled main unit 3540 based on the user operation information.
Control. Reference numeral 3540 denotes a controlled main body, which provides a service to a user by operating under control.

Reference numeral 3550 denotes a remote control device, such as a television having a display function as described above. 3
Reference numeral 545 denotes a two-way communication unit, which is connected to a network. A display unit 3560 displays an operation panel.
An input unit 3570 receives a user's operation input from a remote controller or the like. A storage unit 3580 stores the operation panel received from the network 3505. 359
A processing unit 0 stores the received operation panel in the storage unit 358.
0, and the operation panel is displayed on the display unit 3560 based on this data. Then, based on the user's operation input received from input unit 3570, user operation information is output to network 3505.

A controlled device 3500 via a network
Is displayed on the display unit 3560 of the control device 3550. The user sees this and operates the remote controller. The user operation information regarding the user operation is transmitted to the control device 3550 via the network 3505.
Is transmitted to the controlled device 3500, and based on this information, the controlled main body 3540 is controlled to provide services to the user.

Regarding key assignment of a remote controller, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-108144 discloses a multi-channel selection interface.
The table for the correspondence between the channel and the remote control key is created, and a composite image of the channel and the number of the corresponding remote control key is displayed.

Also, for example, even when the air volume of the air conditioner is changed, it is necessary to display the operation panel, so that it is necessary to supply power to the display unit.

[0014]

However, in the above-described conventional example, the cursor key is pressed several times to select one function, and the enter key is pressed on the operation panel to be executed. The number of times you press the key on the remote control increases.

In the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-108144, the user needs to press the key of the remote controller corresponding to the channel desired to be viewed while viewing the composite display screen.

In addition, the prior art generally has a problem to be solved in that the above-described display unit consumes a large amount of power and requires a long time to be displayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a network remote control device, a method, and a recording apparatus capable of easily performing a desired operation without looking at a screen. The purpose is to provide a medium.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, at least one controlled device having operation information and a control device for controlling the at least one controlled device are provided. Are connected by a network, the control device has control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal based on a user operation, and the operation information is transmitted to the one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal receiving means. A network remote control system that controls the controlled device by receiving and displaying the received operation information from the selected controlled device among the devices and transmitting the received operation information to the selected controlled device; The controlled device includes first storage means for storing identification information for identifying the controlled device, and the control device stores the identification information in association with an output type of the control signal receiving means. And the operation information is acquired from the one or more controlled devices, and the acquired identification information, the operation information, and one or more data sets that are sets of output types of the control signal receiving unit are stored. Storage means, in relation to the output type of the control signal receiving means, to obtain the identification information of the selected controlled device, the obtained identification information and the data set having the output type of the control signal receiving means A comparison unit for comparing the identification information with the identification information; and a transmission unit for transmitting, when the result of the comparison unit matches, the operation information of the data set having the matching identification information to the selected controlled device. When the selected controlled device receives the operation information transmitted from the control device by the transmission unit, the controlled device provides a service based on the received operation information. And wherein the Rukoto.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, one or more controlled devices having operation information and a control device for controlling the one or more controlled devices are connected via a network, and the control device comprises:
A control signal receiving unit configured to receive a control signal based on a user operation; receiving the operation information from a controlled device selected from the one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal receiving unit; In the network remote control system that controls the controlled device by transmitting the received operation information to the selected controlled device, the one or more controlled devices identify the controlled device. Storage means for storing identification information for
The control device acquires the identification information and the operation information from the one or more controlled devices in relation to an output type of the control signal receiving unit, and acquires the acquired identification information, the operation information, and the control information. Second storage means for storing at least one data set which is a set of output types of the signal receiving means, and the data having the output type of the control signal receiving means in relation to the output type of the control signal receiving means. Transmitting means for transmitting identification information of a set and the operation information to the one or more controlled devices, wherein the controlled device transmits the identification information and the operation transmitted from the control device by the transmitting means; When the received information is received, the received identification information is compared with the identification information stored in the first storage unit, and when the comparison result matches, the received identification information is determined based on the received operation information. And providing a service Te.

A third aspect of the present invention is the network remote control system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the network is an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the first aspect is configured to be connectable to a network.
Storage means, comparison means, and transmission means.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control device according to the second aspect is configured to be connectable to a network.
Storage means and transmission means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the controlled device according to the second aspect receives the identification information and the operation information transmitted from the control device by the transmitting means. In this case, comparing the received identification information with the identification information stored in the first storage means, and providing a service based on the received operation information when the result of the comparison matches. Features.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the control device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the network is an I / O network.
It is characterized by being an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the controlled device according to the sixth aspect, the network is an IEEE1394.
It is a serial bus.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, one or more controlled devices having operation information and a control device for controlling the one or more controlled devices are connected via a network.
A control signal receiving unit configured to receive a control signal based on a user operation; receiving the operation information from a controlled device selected from the one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal receiving unit; In the network remote control method of the network remote control system for controlling the controlled device by transmitting the received operation information to the selected controlled device, the one or more controlled devices include: Identification information for identifying the control device is stored in advance in the controlled device, the control device,
In connection with the output type of the control signal receiving means, the identification information and the operation information are obtained from the one or more controlled devices, and the obtained identification information, the operation information, and the output of the control signal receiving means are obtained. A storage step of storing one or more data sets as a set of types, and in relation to an output type of the control signal receiving means, acquiring identification information of the selected controlled device, and obtaining the acquired identification information and A comparing step of comparing the identification information of the data set having the output type of the control signal receiving means, and, when the result of the comparison step matches, selecting the operation information of the data set having the matching identification information; A transmitting step of transmitting to the controlled apparatus, wherein the selected controlled apparatus transmits the operation transmitted from the control apparatus in the transmitting step. When receiving the broadcast, and providing a service based on the received operation information.

[0027] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile communication system comprising:
The above-mentioned controlled device and a control device for controlling the one or more controlled devices are connected via a network, and the control device has control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal based on a user operation. Based on the output of the signal receiving means,
The operation information is received from a selected controlled device of the one or more controlled devices and displayed, and the received operation information is transmitted to the selected controlled device to control the controlled device. In the network remote control method for a network remote control system, the one or more controlled devices previously store identification information for identifying the controlled device in the controlled device, and the control device includes: In connection with the output type of the control signal receiving means, the identification information and the operation information are obtained from the at least one controlled device, and the obtained identification information, the operation information, and the output type of the control signal receiving means are obtained. And storing an output type of the control signal receiving means in association with an output type of the control signal receiving means. Transmitting the identification information of the data set and the operation information to the at least one controlled device, wherein the controlled device transmits the identification information transmitted from the control device in the transmitting step. And when the received operation information is received, the received identification information is compared with the identification information stored in the controlled device in advance, and when the result of the comparison matches, the received operation information is The service is provided on the basis of:

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the network remote control method according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the network is an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to the ninth to the first aspects.
A program for causing a control device to execute the network remote control method according to any one of (1) to (3), is recorded.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1000 denotes a television as a control device;
It has user operation input means by remote control. 10
10 is the IEEE 1394-1995 standard (hereinafter, 13
1394 I / F section conforming to the received Asynchronous transfer data and I / F.
For example, the data is separated from the sochronous transfer data. Reference numeral 1020 denotes a decoder unit, which is a 1394 I / F unit 1
From 010, the Isochronous transfer data (video,
(Stream data such as audio) is received, decomposed into an image stream and an audio stream, and each stream data is decoded. An audio control unit 1030 controls internal audio data. Reference numeral 1032 denotes a voice synthesis unit that synthesizes voice data decoded by the decoder unit 1020 and voice data from the voice control unit 1030. 1035
Reference numeral denotes an audio output unit, which includes a D / A converter, an amplifier, a speaker, and the like, and outputs audio data synthesized by the audio synthesis unit 1032 as audio.

Reference numeral 1040 denotes a display data memory.
The data of the operation panel received by the 94 I / F unit 1010 is stored. Reference numeral 1050 denotes a drawing unit, which generates an image of the operation panel based on the operation panel data stored in the display data memory 1040. Reference numeral 1052 denotes an image synthesizing unit, which synthesizes the moving image data decoded by the decoder unit 1020 and the operation panel from the drawing control unit 1050.
A display unit 1060 displays the image data from the image combining unit 1052. A panel ID storage unit 1065 stores a key code of a remote controller described later, a button ID of an operation panel, and identification information of a device on a 1394 serial bus.

Reference numeral 1070 denotes a remote control signal receiving unit which receives / decodes infrared rays transmitted from the remote control and outputs a key code of a key operated by the user with the remote control.
1080 is a control unit, and a 1394 I / F unit 1010,
Decoder section 1020, audio control section 1030, display data memory 1040, drawing section 1050, and panel ID
The storage unit 1065 is integrally controlled, and the control information based on the key code from the remote control signal receiving unit 1070 is output through the 1394 I / F unit 1010.

Reference numeral 1300 denotes a video cassette recorder (VCR) which is a controlled device. 1310 is 13
94 I / F section, and 1394 I / F in the television 1000
This is the same as the F section 1010. Reference numeral 1320 denotes a VTR unit, which includes a video tape traveling system mechanism, a mechanism controller, a video signal modulator / demodulator, and the like, and records / reproduces stream data on a cassette tape. 1330
Is a display data generation unit for storing or generating data of the operation panel. Reference numeral 1340 denotes a control unit.
Necessary operation panel data through the / F unit 1310
The data is transmitted to the 94 I / F unit 1310 and transmitted to the 1394 I / F unit 13.
10 based on the control information received from the
20.

Reference numeral 1400 denotes a video cassette recorder (VCR) which is a controlled device.
Same as 300. However, the operation panel generated by the display data generation unit is not always the same.

An apparatus 1500 has a 1394 I / F. The device 1500 includes a VCR 1300, a VCR 14
It does not have a data generation unit of the operation panel, such as 00.

The television 1000, VCR 1300,
The 1394 I / F sections of the VCR 1400 and the device 1500 are connected to each other and constitute a 1394 serial bus.

FIG. 2 shows a television 1000 used in the present invention.
A remote controller for the system is illustrated and described below. As shown in the figure, the remote control includes keys for operating the television such as channel switching, volume, power supply, etc., a “panel” key 200 for requesting display of the operation panel, and an “end” key for requesting deletion of the operation panel. 205, an "up" key 210, a "down" key 220, a "left" key 230, a "right" key 240 used to select a panel on the operation panel, and a "decision" used to execute a function of the selected panel Key 250, “store” key 260, “F1” key 270, “F2” key 280,
An “F3” key 290 and an “F4” key 300 are provided.

When a key of the remote controller is pressed, a key code corresponding to the key is transmitted once by infrared rays. When the key is kept pressed, a code called a repeat code is periodically transmitted as a key code regardless of the key while the key is kept pressed. The remote control signal receiving unit 1070 in the television 1000 can determine the pressed key from the key code obtained by decoding the received infrared ray. Further, it is possible to determine from the repeat code that the pressed key is kept pressed, and therefore, it is determined that the pressed key is released because the key code and the repeat code are not received. Is possible. These can be realized by a known technique.

Here, it is apparent that the same operation can be obtained even if the user operates the television 1000 by providing the keys of the remote controller shown in FIG. However, even in such a form, the gist of the present invention is not bent at all.

The basic functions of the 1394 serial bus will be described below. The 1394 serial bus has features such as a highly flexible connection method, automatic setting, and real-time transfer. The 1394 serial bus has a daisy-chain topology found in SCSI standards, etc.
It also supports a star topology, enabling highly flexible connections. 100Mbps, 200Mbps
In a data transfer method for performing serial transfer at a transfer rate of 400 Mbps, nodes having higher transfer rates (connected devices and devices) support nodes having lower transfer rates, and therefore have nodes having different transfer rates. Can be mixed. In addition, it has an automatic setting function, and when a power supply of a node is turned ON / OFF or when a new node is connected, this is detected and a bus reset is automatically performed. After the bus reset, topology recognition and ID assignment to each node are automatically performed.

Further, the 1394 serial bus enables connection and disconnection of a new node without turning off the power supply of the connected node. Bus reset after connection / disconnection, Automatic recognition of topology,
The function of Plug & Play is realized by automatic assignment of IDs. The transfer mode is an Asynch suitable for transferring control signals such as commands and file data.
Isochr suitable for chronological transfer and transfer of time-continuous data such as video data and audio data
There are two transfer modes, onous transfer.

The 1394 serial bus has a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. The physical layer 5.01
It performs mechanical / electrical specifications of cables / connectors, encodes / combines input / output signals, initializes buses, arbitrates bus use rights, and the like. The link layer 5.05 provides a service for realizing transmission and reception of packet data between the physical layer 5.01 and the transaction layer 5.10. The transaction layer 5.10 includes read, write, and lock between the link layer 5.05 and an upper layer such as an application.
Services for realizing the three types of Asynchronous transfer.

The bus 1394 has a bus ma
name (BM) and Isochronous re
There are two bus management nodes, a source manager (IRM). These may be the same node. The bus management layer 5.15 includes node control, Isoch
3 of ronous resource management and bus management
Do one. The node control exists at each node of the 1394 bus, and is controlled by a control protocol defined by the IEEE1212 standard.
1 status register (CSR), and manages Asynchronous transfer between nodes. Isochronous resource management is performed by the node that has become the IRM, and the Isochronous resource is managed.
A channel number and a band are given to a node that intends to perform a strong transfer.
A channel number used for transfer and a guaranteed band are secured. Bus management is performed by a bus manager node, and performs management of connection information (creation of a topology map), management of speed information (creation of a speed map), power supply management, and the like.

Function Control Pr
otocol (FCP) 5.20 is available from Asynchron
Called FCP frame using nous transfer 51
Transmission and reception of data of 2 bytes or less is performed, and control between nodes is enabled. The FCPframe command frame is data to be written from the control node (controller) to the command register of the controlled node (target). The response frame is data written from the controlled node to the response register of the control node as a response to the command frame. This is shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows the structure of an Asynchronous transfer packet of FCP.
Shown in FCP frame data is written in the data portion of the packet.

AV / C command set 5.2
Reference numeral 5 denotes an upper layer of the FCP.
C Isochronous transfer connection control and so-called control commands for AV devices such as televisions, monitors, and VCRs are applied. AV / C c
FIG. 13 shows the structure of an omand command frame, and FIG. 14 shows the structure of a response frame. The contents of the control command are opcode and subfu in FIG.
nction. FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17 show a part of the VCR subunit command used in the VCR among these commands. Play, record, stop, rewind,
Fast forward etc. are defined.

Next, moving image data and audio data,
AV / C used to transfer stream data
Isochronous transfer 5.30 will be described. AV / C Isochronous Transfer 5.30
Is positioned as an upper layer of the link layer 5.05, and connection management is performed using a concept called a plug (same as “plug”). FIG. 18 shows a plug control register for controlling the plug. Access to the plug control register is performed by Asynchronous transfer.

The oMPR (output) shown in FIG.
A master plug register is a register for managing the entire output plug, and its details are shown in FIG.
It is shown in FIG. Data rate capability
Is the maximum possible transfer rate (100Mbps, 200M
bps, 400 Mbps). Broadcast
The channel base is broadcast-
This is a register for setting the reference of the channel number when out connection is established. N
"number of output plug" indicates the number of output plugs implemented by the node.

The oPCR (output) shown in FIG.
A plug control register is a register for managing the output plug, and details thereof are shown in FIG. On-line is on-line or off
Indicates f-line. Broadcast conn
The action counter is a broadcast
It is "1" when -out connection exists, and "0" when it does not exist. point-t
o-point connection count
r is a point-to-point connect
Shows the number of IONs (the number of nodes transmitting data). Channel number indicates a channel number used in the plug. Data rate is
Transfer rate of data transmitted from the plug (100M
bps, 200 Mbps, and 400 Mbps). O
The verhead ID indicates a band used by the plug. Payload is the I transmitted from the plug.
Indicates the maximum value (excluding header and CRC) of the number of quadlets of a sochronous packet.

The iMPR (input m) shown in FIG.
21 is a register for managing the entire input plug, and the details thereof are shown in FIG.
Shown in Date rate capability
Is the maximum possible transfer rate (100Mbps, 200M
bps, 400 Mbps). Number of
The input plug is the input implemented by the node.
Indicates the number of t plugs.

The iPCR (input p
lug control register)
A register that manages put plug.
The details are shown in FIG. On-line is on-li
ne or off-line. Broadcast
The connection counter is broa
When dcast-in connection exists, it is “1”, and when it does not exist, it is “0”. point-
to-point connection count
er is a point-to-point connect
This indicates the number of nodes (the number of nodes receiving data). Channel number indicates a channel number used in the plug. Data rate is
Transfer rate of data received by the plug (100 Mb
ps, 200 Mbps, and 400 Mbps).

Next, the procedure for establishing some connections will be described. FIG. 23 shows a point-to
-Point connection, ie, one-to-one
This is the procedure for establishing the connection. point-to-po
Int connection means that a protected connection is formed between an input plug and an output plug for which a connection has not been established, using one unused channel. The protected connection means that only the person who established the connection (upper layer software) can release the connection. point-to-point connecti
The node for which it is desired to establish on is first channel number [n]
And the necessary band [s] (step st30)
6.01, step st306.02). If the acquisition has failed, it is considered that the channel number [n] to be acquired has already been used, or writing to the register has not been permitted. In this case, the process is stopped (step st306.10). . Alternatively, the channel number and the band may be changed, and the process may return to step st306.01 and retry. If successful, use n
output plug [a] and nod of mode [A]
The acquired channel number [n] is assigned to both input plug [b] of e [B] and oPCR of node [A].
In [a], the acquired bandwidth [s] and the transfer speed are shown as lock tr
Write using an action. At the same time, no
oPCR [a] of de [A] and iPC of node [B]
R [b] point-to-point cone
"1" is written to the ction counter (step st306.03, step st306.04).
If the writing has failed, it is considered that the plug is being used, etc., and the used plug is changed, and the retry or stop is performed (step st306.1).
0). If writing is successful, node [A] out
input of put plug [a] and node [B]
point-to-pointc between plug [b]
The connection is established and the output plug
[A] enables data transfer.

Next, the above-mentioned point-to-point
overlay co in connection
nection, ie already established poi
Addition of a connection on the nt-to-point connection will be described. overlay
A connection is a protection between one used output plug and one unused input plug.
ed connection.

FIG. 24 shows overlay connect.
The procedure for establishing an ion is shown. Here, node
Output plug [a] and node of [A]
Point-to-point connection established between input plug [b] of [B]
On n, input plug [c] of node [C]
Is overlaid. The node that wants to establish the connection is the already established poi
Information about the output side of nt-to-point connection, node ID and output pl
It is necessary to recognize ug number and the like, but this is recognized by a layer higher than AV / C Isochronous transfer 5.30.

First, a preparation is made to copy the channel number of the oPCR [a] of the node [A] to the iPCR [c] of the node [C] to be overlaid (step st307.01).
OPCR [a] of [A] and iPCR of node [C]
Point-to-point connect of [c]
A preparation for incrementing the "tion counter" is made (step st307.02), and these are locked.
Write using transaction. If the writing fails, the operation is stopped (step st307.1).
0). Alternatively, the set value is changed and the like, and step st3 is performed.
It may return to 07.01 and retry. If the writing is successful, the overlay connection is established, and input plug [c] is changed to output pl
ug [a] can be received.

Next, a broadcast which only outputs one-sidedly
The cast-out connection will be described. broadcast-out connecti
On means that an unplugged output plug whose connection has not been established using one unused channel
It is to form a ted connection.

FIG. 25 shows the broadcast-out c
The procedure for establishing the connection will be described. broad
The cast-out connection is a point-to-point conn without setting on the input side.
approx. First, point-to
-Broken similar to point connection
A node that wants to establish an adcast-out connection acquires a channel number [m] and a band [r] (step st308.01, step st3).
08.02). If the acquisition has failed, the process is stopped (step st308.10). Alternatively, the channel number and the band are changed in the same manner as described above, and step st308.01 is performed.
You may return to and retry.

If acquisition is successful, the node to be used
The acquisition channel number [m] is written to output plug [d] of [D], and the acquisition band [r] and transfer speed are written to oPCR [d] using lock transaction. At the same time, oPCR [d] of node [D]
No broadcast connection cou
write “1” to the “inter.” (step st308.0)
3). If writing fails, cancel (step s
t308.10). Alternatively, as described above, use plu
g may be changed and the process may return to step st308.01 and retry. If writing is successful, node
The output plug [d] of [D] is
cast out connection is established and o
Data transfer becomes possible from input plug [d].

Next, overlay broadcast is performed.
-Out connection will be described. o
verlay broadcast-out conn
The “action” means that an output plug with a connection already established and an unprotect between the channel and the output plug are connected.
ed connection. Since the details are the same as those described above, here, FIG.
6 overlaybroadcast-out co
Only the procedure for establishing the connection is shown.

Next, the broadcast-inc
The connection will be described. broadca
The st-in connection is to form an unprotected connection between one channel and an input plug to which one connection has not been established. Since the details are the same as those described above, the broadcast-in FIG.
Only the procedure for establishing the connection is shown.

Finally, overlay broadca
The st-in connection will be described.
overlay broadcast-in conn
“action” refers to unprotect between an input plug for which a connection has already been established and its channel.
That is, forming a d connection. Since the details are the same as those described above, FIG.
Overlay Broadcast-In Con
Only the procedure for establishing the connection is shown.

FIG. 29 shows the data structure of an AV / C Isochronous transfer packet transferred over the established connection. Data_Block in FIG.
And MPEG2-TS (Transport Stream)
Data, DVCR (Digital Video Recorder) data,
Alternatively, audio / music (MIDI) data or the like is divided, stored, and transferred.

Next, Asynchronous serial bus, which is the transfer of data, such as control signals and file data, which is transferred asynchronously as necessary.
Connection 5.40 will be described.

Asynchronous serial
The establishment of a connection in bus Connection 5.40 is based on the above-mentioned AV / C Isochron.
Similar to the ous transfer, the transfer is performed using the concept of a plug.
Asynchronous serial bus Co
The transfer control in connection 5.40 is pro
ducerCount, limitCount, seg
The data is managed by three resources, ie, the ment_buffer. The transmitting side of data is called a producer, and the receiving side of data is called a consumer. A device that manages and controls the connection is called a controller. Asyn
chronous serial bus Cone
The connection in the action 5.40 is the same as the A
Asynchrono of V / C command set
us connectioncommand (opco
de "26h").

Asynchronous connect
FIG. 30 shows the structure of the command frame of the T. command, and FIG. 31 shows the structure of the response frame.
ynchronous connection man
FIG. 32 shows the arrangement command.

ALLOCATE command is c
This is a command for allocating an observer plug resource. ALLOCATE_ATTACH comm
and is a command that allocates a producer plug resource and causes the consumer plug to connect it. ATTACH command is
Consumer pl to producer plug
ug is connected. RELEASE c
Omand is a command for releasing the consumer plug resource. DETACH_RELEA
SE command is a consumer plug
This is a command for disconnecting and releasing the producer plug resource. DETACH command
Is the producer plug and the consumer
This is a command to disconnect the plug. ADD_O
VERLAY command is a consumer
plug into the producer plug overla
This is a command to make y connection.

FIG. 33 shows the basic procedure for establishing a connection. First, the controller 7.01 issues an ALLOCATE command to the consumer 7.05.
Send nd. Consumer 7.05 is ALLOCA
Consumer pluga that can use consumer 7.05 as a response of TE command
address is returned to the controller 7.01 (st
7.91). Next, the controller 7.01 operates the ALLO
Send CATE_ATTACH command to producer 7.10. Along with this command, cons of controller 7.01 to consumer 7.05
The user plug address is transmitted to the producer 7.10, and the producer plug address of the producer 7.10 is returned as a response.
address is returned to the controller 7.01 (st
7.92). Producer 7.10 found the plug address of consumer 7.05,
Perform initial settings for data transmission.

Lastly, the controller 7.01 has the ATTA
Send CH command to consumer 7.05. Along with this command, the controller plug-in from the controller 7.01 to the producer 7.10
The address is transmitted to the consumer 7.05 (st7.93). The consumer 7.05 initializes the data transmission because the plug address of the producer 7.10 has been found.

With the above, the plug connection is completed, and the connection is established. If the controller 7.01 and the consumer 7.05 are on the same node, ALLOCAT
Plug connection is possible only with E_ATTACH command.

Next, the connected Asynchronous
A control method of transferring data from a producer to a consumer using s plug will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, a register called "limitCount" exists in the plug address of the producer obtained when the plug is connected. In addition, at least one or more producerCounts exist in the plug address of the consumer. In the limitCount, the data size that can be received by the consumer is written. Producer transfers data to consumer segment
Transfer to buffer.

The producerCount is written with the amount of data actually transferred by the producer. The consumer writes the receivable data size into producerCount again when the next data can be received. The above data transfer is repeated. A unit of data to be transferred is called a frame, but the frame may be divided into a plurality of subframes. FIG. 35 shows an example of the structure of the frame.

Next, a data transfer procedure will be described. In FIG. 34, it is assumed that the consumer has a segment buffer area of 32 KByte, and a case where the producer transfers 34 KByte data (frame) will be described.

The consumer is the producer li
The size that data can be received in mitCount (32
KB) and mode “SEND”. SE
ND indicates that the consumer's segment buffer is effective.

As for the producer, the mode is “SEN”.
D "is recognized, it is transferred to 34 KB.
The data of 32 KB in the data of e is transferred to the segment buffer of the consumer.

When the transmission of 32 KB data is completed, the producer returns to the producer of the consumer.
For the Count, the value of the transmitted 32 KB and m
mode "MORE" is written. MORE indicates that the frame of the transfer data of the producer has not been completed yet.

The consumer has a mode of “MOR”.
E ", and again, limitCount
The size (32 KBytes) that can receive data and m
mode "SEND" is written. At this time segment
Switch Count from 0 to 1 and segment b
Notify that the buffer is to be switched.

The producer uses the remaining 2 KB data as the segment buffer of the consumer.
Transfer to

After the transfer is completed, the producer writes the transferred size 2 KB and mode “LAST” to the producerCounter of the consumer. LAST indicates that the transfer of the frame of the transfer data of the producer has been completed, and the next frame is another frame.

Thus, the transfer of one frame is completed. In the 1394 I / F section of each device, A / V command for control between devices is performed according to the above procedure.
d. Transfer of stream data by Isochronous transfer and data by Asynchronous transfer.

Next, the structure of the operation panel and control commands used in this embodiment will be described. The display data transmitted from the controlled device to the control device as the operation panel is a set of elements displayed as the operation environment. Every element has a unique ID. FIG. 36 shows the types of these elements and the data of each element.

The panel element is a set of elements of the operation panel, and has an element ID belonging to the panel element. Further, it has a label which is character string data to be a title of the operation panel, a position on the display screen of the control device, and a size. In addition, it is possible to have, as options, a background color of the operation panel, bitmap data to be displayed on the background, and designation of font selection for a character string to be displayed.
In addition, Is for transferring streams of moving images and audio
An ochronous transfer channel number can be provided as an option. When this option is specified, a moving image decoded from the transferred stream can be displayed on the operation panel, and audio can be reproduced.

The button element is an element that can be operated by the user to “press” or “release” with the remote control. Two bitmap data corresponding to each of the button element when pressed and when released Having. The size of the bitmap is indicated by size data, and the display position is indicated by position data. The position data specifies the relative position in the panel element to which the button element belongs in pixel units. Also, it has a link to a label that becomes the title (or functional description) of the button element. Then, it is possible to optionally select a font for the character string to be displayed.

The text element is an element for displaying a title or an explanation as a character string, and has text data as a position, a size, and a label. Then, it is possible to optionally specify the background color and the font selection.

The icon element is an element that allows the user to perform a “selection” operation using a remote controller. It has bitmap data, labels, positions, sizes, and text data as labels. Then, a font selection designation can be provided as an option.

The range element is an element for displaying a range defined by numerical values indicating the maximum and the minimum and a specific value within the range, and has a position, a size, and a link to text data serving as a label. Then, a font selection designation can be provided as an option.

FIG. 37 shows commands used for transmission and reception of the operation panel. This is the AV / C com
mand set5.25, FC
Transferred according to P.

When the user_action command is issued, the contents of the user operation together with the button ID
It is transmitted together as on_code. FIG. 38 shows a user operation for each element. Operations include "select",
There are "press", "release", and the like. In the button element, a user operation of “pressed” when the element is pressed and a user operation of “open” when released are transmitted as action_code.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the operation of the control device of the remote control system shown in FIG. 1 and will be described below.

First, the control unit 1080 sets the initial value as
The variable ID is set to "0", and among the plurality of controlled devices connected to the 1394 serial bus, n of the target controlled device is
modeID is set to “0”. Further, the display flag indicating that the operation panel is displayed is set to “0” (not displayed) (step st500). The control unit 1080 constantly monitors the key code from the remote control signal receiving unit 1070 (step st505), and performs various processes based on the key code.

If the "panel" key 200 has been pressed, panel display processing (step st515) is performed. FIG. 4 shows a panel display processing routine.

In the panel display process, first, when the operation panel is not displayed (the display flag is "0"), communication is performed with a device whose variable ID is nodeID, and whether or not the device is compatible with the operation panel is determined. Is determined (step st63).
0) If the device is not compatible, the variable ID is incremented (step st640), and communication with the device indicated by the variable ID is performed again to determine whether the device is compatible with the operation panel.

If the operation panel is displayed (display flag is "1"), it is determined that the request is for an operation panel of a device other than the device controlled by the operation panel, and the currently displayed operation panel is deleted. , Asynchronous serial bus Co for its operation panel
The connection is terminated, the variable ID is incremented (step st620), communication is performed with a device having the variable ID as nodeID, and it is determined whether or not the device is compatible with the operation panel (step st630). Steps
If the device is compatible with the operation panel at t630, the device requests the operation panel and displays it (step st65).
0).

The procedure for requesting and displaying the operation panel at this time is shown in FIG. 5 and will be described below.

First, the control unit 1080 of the television 1000
Transmits the operation panel data of the VCR 1300 to the television 10
Asynchronous se for transferring to 00
The real bus connection is established according to the connection establishment procedure already described (sequences st5402 and st5403). When the connection of the operation panel is established, the control unit 1080 of the television 1000
Issues a GUi_Update (start) command (sequence st5404). GUi_Upda
The te (start) command is transmitted to the control unit 1340 of the VCR 1300 when a change occurs in the operation panel.
By transferring a new operation panel, the TV 100
This command instructs 0 to notify the change, and its effect is continued until a GUi_Update (stop) command is received.

Next, the control unit 1080 of the television 1000
Is Pus, which directly requests the operation panel of VCR1300.
Issues an h_GUi command (sequence st540)
5). Upon receiving this, the control unit 134 of the VCR 1300
0 indicates an operation panel from the display data generation unit 1330;
Asynchronous serial bus C
Transfer to the television 1000 through the connection (sequence st5406). The transferred operation panel is stored in the display data memory 1040 of the television 1000, read out for each element by the drawing unit 1050 under the control of the control unit 1080, and generates an image of the operation panel. It is displayed at 1060 and provided as an operation environment for the user.

In step st650, the operation panel is displayed and the display flag is set to "1".

Here, step st620, step s
In increment of the variable ID at t640,
In the 1394 serial bus, the node no
The maximum value of deID can be determined, and when the variable ID is the maximum value, a process of setting the variable ID to "0" is performed. At this time, n assigned to the television 1000
It goes without saying that the modeID is skipped. In addition, depending on the determination result of step st630, an infinite loop may be formed between step st630 and step st640. However, when the number of lubes reaches the maximum value of the connected node, the loop exits. This can be avoided by performing the processing.

Note that these are not shown in FIG. The same applies to the description that follows.

For example, now, in FIG.
The deID is “3” for the television 1000 and the VCR 1300
Is “1”, the VCR 1400 is “2”, and the device 1500 is “0”. Control unit 108 in television 1000
In the case of “0”, first, communication is performed with the device whose nodeID is “0”, that is, the device 1500, and it is determined whether or not the device is compatible with the operation panel. Since the device 1500 is not an operation panel, the variable ID is incremented (the ID becomes “1”) and n
The device communicates with the device whose modeID is “1”, that is, the VCR 1300, and determines whether or not the device is compatible with the operation panel.
Since the VCR 1300 is compatible with the operation panel, the process proceeds to step st650, where the operation panel is requested to the VCR 1300 and displayed.

Now, the operation panel of the VCR 1300 is displayed on the display unit 1060. In this state, if the “panel” key 200 is pressed, the panel display processing is performed again. Since it is displayed, first, the control unit 1080 of the television 1000
A _Update (stop) command is issued (sequence st5410). And, Detach_Rel
issue command, DisconnectAV command, Disconnect command (sequences st5411, st5412, st5413), and VC
Asynchronous seri with R1300
The process terminates the al bus connection and deletes the currently displayed display panel of the VCR 1300.

Thereafter, the variable ID is incremented (I
D becomes “2”), and communication is performed with the device having the node ID of “2”, that is, the VCR 1400, and it is determined whether or not the device is compatible with the operation panel. Since the VCR 1400 is compatible with the operation panel, the operation panel is connected to the VCR 140 as described above.
Request for 0 and display. That is, the display unit 106
0 on the operation panel
Updated to that of R1400.

In FIG. 3, when the "end" key 205 is pressed, the panel erasing process (step st52) is performed.
Perform 5). In the panel erasing process, first, the display flag is determined, and if the display flag is “0” (the operation panel is not displayed), the process ends as it is.

If the display flag is "1" (the operation panel is displayed), the control unit 1080 of the television 1000 sets the GUi_ as in step st620 of FIG.
Update (stop) command, Detach_R
issue an release command, a DisconnectAV command, and a Disconnect command (sequences st5411, st5412, and st5413), and connect the connected asynchronous serial bus.
s Terminate the Connection and erase the currently displayed display panel. At the same time, the display flag is set to “0”.

In FIG. 3, "up" key 210, "down" key
If any one of the key 220, the “left” key 230, and the “right” key 240 has been pressed, an operation panel process is performed (step st535).

In the operation panel processing, first, the display flag is determined, and if the display flag is "0" (the operation panel is not displayed), the processing is terminated as it is.

If the display flag is “1” (the operation panel is displayed), the control unit 1080 of the television 1000
Are the drawing unit 1050, the display data memories 1040 and 13
The 94 I / F unit 1010 is controlled and processed as needed. "Up"
Key 210, “down” key 220, “left” key 230,
Based on the “right” key 240, the cursor on the selected button on the operation panel displayed on the display unit 1060 is moved in the direction indicated by the key (up / down / left / right).

For example, it is assumed that the operation panel shown in FIG. 6 is currently displayed. At this time, when the “left” key 230 is pressed, the cursor 350 is
Move to button 320. If the user cannot move at the end, that is, if the “down” key 220 is pressed in the state of FIG. 6, a round process of moving to the button 340 is performed. If the release is not a press, the cursor is not moved.

In FIG. 3, if the “enter” key 250 has been pressed or released, control processing is performed (step st545).

In the control processing, first, the display flag is determined, and if the display flag is "0" (the operation panel is not displayed), the processing is terminated as it is.

If the display flag is “1” (the operation panel is displayed), the control unit 1080 of the television 1000
When the “Enter” key 250 is pressed, the bitmap data corresponding to the currently selected (cursor) button is read from the display data memory 1040 and the drawing unit 1050 is pressed. Are combined as an operation panel and displayed on the display unit 1060. Then, the button ID corresponding to the selected button is
Read out from the display data memory 1040 and, together with the action code corresponding to the press, as user operation information
The data is transmitted to the device indicated by the variable ID, that is, the device corresponding to the currently displayed operation panel.

When the "OK" key 250 is released, the bitmap data corresponding to the currently selected (cursor) button is released from the display data memory 1040, and the bit map data corresponding to the release of the button is read out. Drawing unit 1
In step 050, the display panel 106 synthesizes the operation panel.
Display to 0. Then, a button ID corresponding to the selected button is read out from the display data memory 1040 and, together with an action code corresponding to the release, as a user operation information, is displayed on the device indicated by the variable ID, that is, on the currently displayed operation panel. Send to corresponding device.

The device that has received the button ID and the action code controls the inside based on the button ID and the action code. At this time,
If there is a new operation panel, it may be transmitted to the television 1000. If necessary, an isochron for transferring the stream output to the television 1000 can be used.
The connection for the ous transfer is established according to the connection establishment procedure already described.

Now, the operation panel shown in FIG.
00 and transferred. At this time, when the “enter” key 250 is pressed while the cursor is on the button 330 (playback), the button ID of the button 330 and the action code of “press” are displayed on the television 1000.
To the VCR 1300. And VCR13
00 is recognized as “play” from the received button ID and the action code of “press”, and the VTR unit 1320
To the playback state, and the Isochron
The connection of the ous transfer is established, and the VTR unit 1320
Is transferred to the television 1000 via the Isochronous transfer connection.

Next, the control unit 1080 in the television 1000
Detects that the “Enter” key 250 is released,
30 button ID and the action code of "open"
Send to CR1300. And VCR1300 is
Although the button ID and the action code of “open” are received, the state of the VTR unit 1320 does not change here.

In this state, when the “enter” key 250 is pressed while the cursor is on the button 320 (fast-forward), the button ID of the button 320 and the action code of “press” are transmitted from the television 1000 to the VCR 1300. . Then, the VCR 1300 receives the received button ID.
From the action code of “press”, “fast-forward” is recognized, and the VTR unit 1320 is set to the fast-forward playback state.
As a result, fast-forward moving image data is output from the VTR unit 1320, and is transferred to the television 1000 via the Isochronous transfer connection.

Next, the control unit 1080 in the television 1000
Detects that the “Enter” key 250 is released,
The button ID of 20 and the action code of "open"
Send to CR1300. And VCR1300 is
Based on the received button ID and the action code of “open”, the VTR unit 132 recognizes that “fast-forward end”.
0 is set to the reproduction state. Thereby, the VTR unit 1320
Output video data of normal playback from the
TV 1 through the chronous transfer connection
000. By operating the “enter” key 250, the controlled device is controlled as described above.

In FIG. 3, when the “storage” key 260 is pressed, a storage process is performed (step st55).
5). FIG. 7 shows the storage processing routine.

In the storage process, first, the display flag is determined, and if the display flag is "0" (the operation panel is not displayed), the process is terminated.

If the display flag is "1" (the operation panel is displayed), first, wait for the "memory" key 260 to be released (step st1000), and then wait for a new key to be pressed (step st1005). Subsequent key presses indicate "F
"1" key 270, "F2" key 280, "F3" key 2
If the key is not one of the keys 90 and the "F4" key 300, the storage process is terminated. Subsequent key presses
If the key is one of the “F1” key 270, “F2” key 280, “F3” key 290, and “F4” key 300, the device indicated by the variable ID, that is, the currently displayed operation panel Vendor I
D and the chip ID are read (step st10)
10). Vendor ID and chip ID are IEEE139
It is defined in the 4-1995 standard.
It can be read from bus_info_block in the ationROM. And that vendor I
D, the chip ID, and the button ID of the currently selected button on the displayed operation panel are indicated by “F1” key 270, “F2” key 280, “F3” key 290,
In association with the pressed key of the “F4” key 300,
It is stored in the panel ID storage unit 1065 (step st1)
015).

Panel ID storage unit 1065 stores “F1” key 270, “F2” key 280, “F3” key 290,
For each of the "F4" keys 300, a vendor ID,
It has storage areas for chip ID and button ID.

Now, the operation panel shown in FIG.
00 and transferred. At this time, when the cursor is on the button 330 (playback), the “memory” key 250 is pressed, and then the “F1” key 270
Is depressed, the VCR1300 vendor ID,
The chip ID and the button ID of the button 330 are the panel ID.
It is stored in the area of the “F1” key 270 of the storage unit 1065. Similarly, when the cursor is on the button 320 (fast forward), the "memory" key 250 is pressed, and then the "F2"
When the key 280 is depressed, the vendor ID and chip ID of the VCR 1300 and the button ID of the button 320 are displayed.
It is stored in the area of “F2” key 280 of panel ID storage section 1065.

When the VCR 1400 transfers and displays an operation panel similar to that shown in FIG. 6, when the cursor is on the button 330 (playback), the "store" key 250
Is pressed, and then the “F3” key 290 is pressed, the vendor ID of the VCR 1400, the chip ID, and the button ID of the button 330 are stored in the panel ID storage unit 1065.
Is stored in the area of the “F3” key 290 of FIG. Similarly, when the “memory” key 250 is pressed while the cursor is on the button 320 (playback), and then the “F4” key 300 is pressed, the vendor ID and chip ID of the VCR 1300 and the button ID of the button 320 are changed. It is stored in the area of the “F4” key 300 of the panel ID storage unit 1065.

At this time, the vendor ID of the VCR 1300 is 000085h, and the chip ID is 0000103DE8.
h, button ID of button 330 is 44h, button 320
Button ID of 42h, VCR1400 vendor ID
000085h and chip ID 00000E7943
h, button ID of button 330 is 44h, button 320
Is 42h, the panel ID storage unit 1
The inside of 065 is as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, "F1" key 270, "F
2 "key 280," F3 "key 290," F4 "key 3
If any one of the keys 00, 00 is pressed, function key processing is performed (step st565). FIG. 9 shows a function key processing routine.

First, the variable TMP_ID is set to “0” as an initial value (step st1200). Next, the variable T
From the device having MP_ID as nodeID, the vendor I
D and the chip ID are read (step st12)
05). Then, the vendor ID, chip ID, and “F1” key 270 and “F
2 "key 280," F3 "key 290," F4 "key 3
Then, the vendor ID and the chip ID corresponding to the pressed key of “00” are compared with each other (step st1210). If they are not the same, the variable TMP_ID is incremented (step st1215). The ID and the chip ID are read and compared.

For comparison, if they are the same, the variable T
The corresponding button ID in the panel ID storage unit is transmitted to the device indicated by MP_ID together with the action code “press” (step st1220).

Next, the process waits for the detection of the release of the key (step st1225), and transmits the corresponding button ID in the panel ID storage unit 1065 together with the action code "release" to the device indicated by the variable TMP_ID (step st1225).
1230).

For example, when the “F4” key 300 is depressed when the panel ID storage unit 1065 is in the state shown in FIG.
Is “0”, that is, the vendor I of the device 1500
D and the chip ID are read out, and the vendor I corresponding to the “F4” key 300 in the panel ID storage unit 1065 is read out.
D, chip ID, ie, vendor ID 000085
h and chip ID 00000E7943h.
Vendor ID 000085h, Chip ID 00000E
Since 7943h belongs to the VCR 1400, the comparison result becomes inconsistent, the variable TMP_ID is incremented (TMP_ID becomes "1"), and the device whose nodeID is "1", that is, the vendor I of the VCR 1300
D and the chip ID are read and compared. As a result, the result also becomes inconsistent, and again the variable TMP_ID is incremented (TMP_ID becomes “2”), and nodeI
The device whose D is “2”, that is, the vendor ID and chip ID of the VCR 1400 are read and compared.

Since the result is a match, the button ID corresponding to “F4” key 300 in panel ID storage section 1065, that is, 42h, is transmitted to VCR 1400 together with action code “press down”. Then, as described above, the VCR 1400 recognizes that it is “fast forward” from the received button ID 42h and the action code of “press”, and sets the VTR unit 1320 to the fast forward playback state. As a result, fast-forward moving image data is output from the VTR unit 1320 and transferred to the television 1000 via the Isochronous transfer connection.

Next, the control unit 1080 in the television 1000
Detects that the “F4” key 300 has been released, and sets the button ID of
42h and the action code of "open"
Send to 0. Then, the VCR 1400 recognizes that “fast-forwarding ends” based on the received button ID and the action code of “release”, and sets the VTR unit 1320 to the playback state. As a result, the video data of normal reproduction is output from the VTR unit 1320, and the Isochrono video data is output.
The data is transferred to the television 1000 via the USB transfer connection.

As described above, the “up” key 210 and the “left” key
A desired operation can be performed by one operation of the “F4” key 290 without operating a plurality of keys such as the key 240 and the “enter” key.

Here, the button ID corresponding to “F4” key 300 in panel ID storage section 1065, ie, 4
2h and action code are not VCR1400,
When transmitted to the VCR 1300, the VCR 1300 performs a fast-forward playback operation.
Since the vendor ID and the chip ID in the configuration ROM are stored and compared, such a situation is prevented and the data is transmitted to a desired device. This effect is effective regardless of how the node ID of each device is assigned after the power is turned on.

Finally, in FIG.
If a key such as volume, power, etc. has been pressed, it is performed as other key processing (step st570). In the other key processing, channel change, volume change, and power control of the television 1000 are performed as in a normal television.

In the above description, the operation panel shown in FIG. 6 may transfer image data typified by bitmap data from VCR 1300 or VCR 1400, or transfer data such as "PLAY" An ASCII code representing a character.
The code may be converted into image data readable as “PLAY” and displayed.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 is substantially the same as the remote control system according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, regarding the second embodiment, a function key process different from the first embodiment will be described.

In the function key processing according to the second embodiment, “F
"1" key 270, "F2" key 280, "F3" key 2
90, the vendor I in the panel ID storage unit 1065 corresponding to the pressed key out of the “F4” key 300
D, the chip ID, and the button ID are transmitted to the 63 nodeIDs, that is, to all the connected devices, together with the action code “press”.

Waiting for detection of the release of the key, the vendor ID, chip ID, button ID, and
The action code is “open”, and 63 nodes
It is transmitted to the ID, that is, to all connected devices.

The format of the packet at this time is as shown in FIG.
3 is a command frame of the AV / C command, and CTS is a value indicating the AV / C command set, for example, “0000b”, ctpye
Is a value indicating control, for example, “0000b”, s
The unit_type is a value indicating that the operation panel is supported, for example, “09h”, and the unitID is a unit identification number, for example, “1Fh” indicating the entire apparatus, o
The pcode is a code indicating that the packet is a packet of this function, for example, “66h” here. o
perand (0) is the action code, opera
nd (1) to (3) indicate vendor IDs and operand
(4) to (8) indicate chip IDs and operand (9)
Is a button ID.

For example, when the “F4” key 300 is depressed when the inside of the panel ID storage unit 1065 is as shown in FIG. 8, the action code is “depressed” from the television 1000 as described above, that is, 01h, and the vendor ID is 00008.
5h, chip ID 00000E7943h, button I
D is 42h, etc., and 63 nodeIDs, that is, command registers of all the connected devices
er.

The device 1500 that has received the packet
Does not respond to this packet because it does not support FCP.

VCR 1300 receiving the packet
Identifies an AV / C command set from CTS, identifies control from cttype, identifies an operation panel compatible from subunit_type, identifies a unit identification number from subunitID, and identifies the unit from opcode. Identifies that the packet is a packet of this function, and operand (0)
Although it is identified that the action is a “press” action, the following operands (1) to (3) and operand
(4) to (8) are compared with the vendor ID and chip ID of the own device, it is determined that they do not match, and the processing by receiving the packet ends here.

VTR 1400 receiving the packet
Is similarly CTS, ctpye, subunit, t
type, subunitID, opcode,
From the operand (0), the action is identified as a “press” action, and the following operands (1) to (3)
Operands (4) to (8) are replaced by own vendor I
D, compare with chip ID, identify match, op
The button ID is identified from erand (9). And
Based on the identified button ID 42h and the action code of “press”, it is recognized that “fast forward” and the VTR unit 1320
To fast-forward playback mode.

After releasing the "F4" key 300, the action code is changed to "release", that is, 02
h, vendor ID 000085h, chip ID 00
000E7943h, the button ID is 42h, etc., and 6
It transmits to three nodeIDs, that is, command registers of all the connected devices.

In response to the reception of the packet, the device 1500 does not support the FCP as described above.
00 is the operands (1) to (3) and the operanda
nd (4) to (8) are replaced with their own vendor ID and chip I
Since the result of the comparison with D does not match, no response is made to this packet.

VCR 1400 receiving the packet
Is similarly CTS, ctpye, subunit_t
type, subunitID, opcode,
From the operand (0), the action is identified as a “press” action, and the following operands (1) to (3)
Operands (4) to (8) are replaced by own vendor I
D, compare with chip ID, identify match, op
The button ID is identified from erand (9). And
Based on the identified button ID 42h and the action code of "open", the VTR unit 1 recognizes that "fast-forward end".
320 is set to the reproduction state.

(Effects of Embodiment) As described above,
According to the present embodiment, control is performed by transmitting operation information including image information of a controlled device to a control device having a remote controller and a display unit connected to a network, and returning the operation information to the controlled device. In the network remote control system, identification information of the controlled device, operation information,
By having a means for storing the output of the remote controller, the "up" key 210 and the "left" key 24
Do not operate multiple keys such as 0 and the "Enter" key.
A desired operation can be performed by one operation of the “F4” key 290.

In any of the function key processes in the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to display the operation panel on the display unit 1060, and the 1394 I / F unit 1010 and the panel I
It is sufficient that the D storage unit 1065, the remote control signal receiving unit 1070, and the control unit 1080 operate. Conventionally, a television that can be controlled by a remote controller has a power supply of a display unit of O.
Even if it is FF, the power of the display means is turned on by the remote control
In order to enable the above, the above-mentioned 1394 I / F unit 101
0, panel ID storage unit 1065, remote control signal receiving unit 1
070 and the control unit 1080 are continuously supplied with electric power. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, remote control is possible even when the power of the display unit is off.

[0148]

As described above, according to the present invention, one or more controlled devices having operation information and a control device for controlling the one or more controlled devices are connected via a network. Has control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal based on a user operation, and receives operation information from a controlled device selected from one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal receiving means. In a network remote control method of a network remote control system for controlling a controlled device by displaying and transmitting received operation information to a selected controlled device, one or more controlled devices may identify the controlled device. Is stored in advance in the controlled device, and the control device obtains the identification information and the operation information from one or more controlled devices in relation to the output type of the control signal receiving means. And a storage step of storing at least one data set which is a set of the acquired identification information and operation information and the output type of the control signal receiving means. A comparison step of acquiring the identification information of the data set, and comparing the acquired identification information with the identification information of the data set having the output type of the control signal receiving means. Transmitting the operation information of the data set to the selected controlled device. Accordingly, when the selected controlled device receives the operation information transmitted from the control device in the transmission step, the selected controlled device provides a service based on the received operation information.

Alternatively, the control device obtains identification information and operation information from one or more controlled devices in relation to the output type of the control signal reception means, and obtains the obtained identification information, operation information, and control signal reception means. A storage step of storing one or more data sets each of which is a set of output types; ,
Transmitting to one or more controlled devices,
When the controlled device receives the identification information and the operation information transmitted in the transmission step from the control device, the controlled device compares the received identification information with the identification information stored in the controlled device in advance, and a result of the comparison is performed. If they match, a service is provided based on the received operation information.

As a result, a desired operation can be performed by one operation without performing a plurality of key operations as in the related art. Further, when the control device receives the operation information from the controlled device, it does not always need to display the operation information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a remote controller used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of panel display processing of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a procedure for requesting an operation panel of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an operation panel of the controlled device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a storage key process of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a panel ID storage unit of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a function key process of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure of IEEE1394 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an FCP according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an FCP frame format according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an AV / C Comma according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure of the nd frame format.

FIG. 14 is an AV / C Respo according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure of ns frame format.

FIG. 15 is an AV / C Comma according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an nd set command.

FIG. 16 is an AV / C Comma according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an nd set command.

FIG. 17 is an AV / C Comma according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an nd set command.

FIG. 18 is an AV / C Isoch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
ronous plug Control Regis
It is a figure of ter.

FIG. 19 is an AV / C Isoch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
ronous output master plug
It is a figure of Register.

FIG. 20 is an AV / C Isoch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
ronous, output plug Contro
It is a figure of 1 Register.

FIG. 21 is an AV / C Isoch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
ronous, Input master plug
It is a figure of Register.

FIG. 22 is an AV / C Isoch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
ronous, Input plug Control
It is a figure of Register.

FIG. 23 shows a point-to-p according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart of establishment of an point connection.

FIG. 24 shows an overlay co according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart of establishment of nection.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a broadcast- according to the embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart of establishing an out connection.

FIG. 26 shows an overlay br according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart of establishment of oadcast-out connection.

FIG. 27 shows a broadcast- according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart of establishment of in connection.

FIG. 28 shows an overlay br according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart of establishment of oadcast-in connection.

FIG. 29 shows an Isochronou according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure of the data structure of an s transfer packet.

FIG. 30 shows an Asynchrono according to an embodiment of the present invention.
us connection command Com
It is a figure of a mand frame.

FIG. 31 shows an Asynchrono according to an embodiment of the present invention.
us connection command Res
It is a figure of a pose frame.

FIG. 32 shows an Asynchrono according to an embodiment of the present invention.
us connection management
It is a figure of a command.

FIG. 33 shows an Asynchrono according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure of the connection procedure of us serial bus Connection.

FIG. 34 shows an Asynchrono according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure of the procedure of the data transfer using us plug.

FIG. 35 shows an Asynchrono according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure of the example of the frame structure of the transfer data which used us plug.

FIG. 36 is a diagram of a structure of an operation panel data element according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram of commands used for transmission and reception of the operation panel according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a user operation of an element of operation panel data according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1000 Television as a control device 1010 1394 I / F unit compliant with the IEEE 1394-1395 standard 1020 Decoder unit 1030 Audio control unit 1032 Audio synthesis unit 1035 Audio output unit 1040 Display data memory 1050 Drawing unit 1052 Image synthesis unit 1060 Display unit 1065 Panel ID storage unit 1070 Remote control signal receiving unit 1080 Control unit 1300 VCR 1310 1394 I / F unit 1320 VTR unit 1330 Display data generation unit 1340 Control unit 1400 VCR 1500 1394 I / F unit that is a controlled device 200 Key 205 "end" key 210 "up" key 220 "down" key 230 "left" key 240 "right" key 250 "enter" key 260 "store" key 270 "F1" key 280 “F2” key 290 “F3” key 300 “F4” key 310 Button “A” 320 Button “B” 330 Button “C” 340 Button “C” 350 Selection cursor

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04N 5/00 H04N 5/00 A 5/44 5/44 Z 5/7826 H04Q 9/02 Z H04Q 9/02 H04N 5 / 782 Z (72) Inventor Masaki Kutsuna 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tetsu Fukuda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Takashi Yamamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Shuntaro Araya 3-30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Katsuhiro Miyamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term within Canon Inc. (reference) 5C018 HA11 5C025 BA25 BA27 CA09 DA10 5C056 AA07 BA08 CA11 DA11 EA05 EA09 5K048 AA04 AA13 BA12 DA05 DC04 EB02 FB10 HA01 HA21

Claims (12)

[Claims] At least one controlled device having operation information and a control device that controls the at least one controlled device are connected via a network, and the control device receives a control signal based on a user operation. A control signal receiving unit that receives and displays the operation information from a selected one of the one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal reception unit, and displays the received operation information In the network remote control system that controls the controlled device by transmitting the selected device to the selected controlled device, the one or more controlled devices store identification information for identifying the controlled device.
The control device acquires the identification information and the operation information from the one or more controlled devices in relation to the output type of the control signal receiving unit, and acquires the acquired identification information and A second storage unit that stores one or more data sets that are sets of the operation information and the output type of the control signal receiving unit; and the controlled device selected in association with the output type of the control signal receiving unit. Comparing means for acquiring the identification information of the data set and the identification information of the data set having the output type of the control signal receiving means, and when the result of the comparing means matches, Transmitting means for transmitting the operation information of the data set having identification information to the selected controlled device, wherein the selected controlled device is transmitted from the control device to the transmitting means. When receiving the operation information more sent,
A network remote control system for providing a service based on the received operation information. 2. One or more controlled devices having operation information and a control device for controlling the one or more controlled devices are connected via a network, and the control device receives a control signal based on a user operation. A control signal receiving unit that receives and displays the operation information from a selected one of the one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal reception unit, and displays the received operation information In the network remote control system that controls the controlled device by transmitting the selected device to the selected controlled device, the one or more controlled devices store identification information for identifying the controlled device.
The control device acquires the identification information and the operation information from the one or more controlled devices in relation to the output type of the control signal receiving unit, and acquires the acquired identification information and A second storage unit that stores one or more data sets each of which is a set of the operation information and an output type of the control signal receiving unit; Transmitting means for transmitting identification information of the data set having an output type and the operation information to the at least one controlled device, wherein the controlled device is transmitted from the control device by the transmitting means. When the identification information and the operation information are received, the received identification information is compared with the identification information stored in the first storage unit, and when the comparison result matches, the reception is performed. A network remote control system for providing a service based on the operation information. 3. The network remote control system according to claim 1, wherein said network is an IEEE 1394 serial bus. 4. A control device comprising a second storage means, a comparison means and a transmission means of the control device according to claim 1, which is configured to be connectable to a network. 5. A control device which is configured to be connectable to a network and includes a second storage means and a transmission means of the control device according to claim 2. 6. The controllable device according to claim 2, wherein the controllable device is configured to be connectable to a network when the control device receives the identification information and the operation information transmitted from the control device by the transmission unit. Comparing the received identification information with the identification information stored in the first storage means, and providing a service based on the received operation information when the comparison results match; apparatus. 7. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the network is an IEEE 1394 serial bus. 8. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the network is an IEEE 1394 serial bus. 9. One or more controlled devices having operation information and a control device for controlling the one or more controlled devices are connected via a network, and the control device receives a control signal based on a user operation. A control signal receiving unit that receives and displays the operation information from a selected one of the one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal reception unit, and displays the received operation information In the network remote control method of the network remote control system for controlling the controlled device by transmitting the selected device to the selected controlled device, the one or more controlled devices include identification information for identifying the controlled device. Is stored in the controlled device in advance, and the control device stores the identification information and the operation information in the one or more values in association with an output type of the control signal receiving unit. And a storage step of storing at least one data set that is a set of the obtained identification information, the operation information, and the output type of the control signal receiving unit, and an output type of the control signal receiving unit. A comparison step of acquiring identification information of the selected controlled device, and comparing the acquired identification information with identification information of the data set having an output type of the control signal receiving unit; And transmitting the operation information of the data set having the matching identification information to the selected controlled device, when the result of the step matches, the selected controlled device includes: Receiving the operation information transmitted by the transmitting step from step (b), providing a service based on the received operation information. Network remote control method for a network remote control system. 10. One or more controlled devices having operation information and a control device that controls the one or more controlled devices are connected via a network, and the control device receives a control signal based on a user operation. A control signal receiving unit that receives and displays the operation information from a selected one of the one or more controlled devices based on an output of the control signal reception unit, and displays the received operation information In the network remote control method of the network remote control system for controlling the controlled device by transmitting the selected device to the selected controlled device, the one or more controlled devices include identification information for identifying the controlled device. Is stored in the controlled device in advance, and the control device stores the identification information and the operation information in the form of the 1 in association with an output type of the control signal receiving unit. A storage step of obtaining from the above controlled device, storing the obtained identification information, the operation information, and one or more data sets which are sets of output types of the control signal receiving means; and an output of the control signal receiving means. A transmission step of transmitting identification information and the operation information of the data set having an output type of the control signal receiving means to the one or more controlled devices in relation to the type, wherein the controlled device includes: When receiving the identification information and the operation information transmitted by the transmission step from the control device, comparing the received identification information with identification information stored in advance in the controlled device, A network for providing a service based on the received operation information when the result of the comparison is the same. Remote control method. 11. The network remote control method for a network remote control system according to claim 9, wherein the network comprises an IEEE 1
A network remote control method for a network remote control system, which is a 394 serial bus. 12. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a control device to execute the network remote control method according to claim 9 is recorded.