JP2002314545A - Transmitter, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transmitter that can simultaneously transmit a plurality of streams even when a CCM (AV/C Connection and Compatibility Management specification) incompatible device exists in reception devices and to provide a program. SOLUTION: The transmitter is provided with a plurality of output plugs 505a-505c to output data to an AV device 401 via an IEEE 1394 bus 104, a command issue section 504 that issues a command, which is used to diagnose whether or not the AV device 401 can designate from which plug data are to be outputted in the case of receiving the outputted data, to the AV device 401, a plug management section 503 and an application 502a that decide the output plug from which the data are to be outputted on the basis of the result of diagnosis.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus and a program using a network such as IEEE 1394 suitable for real-time transmission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the improvement of LSI technology, networks for digitizing and transmitting video information and audio information are being developed. Since video signals and audio signals need to be reproduced in real time, a network capable of real-time transmission is required.

[0003] As a network suitable for such real-time transmission, there is an IEEE 1394 network. IEEE 1394 is a serial high-speed bus system, which can transmit data synchronously, so that real-time transmission is possible.

IEEE 1394 is a digital V for home use.
Set Top Box that receives MPEG2 data from CR (hereinafter referred to as DV), D-VHS, satellite broadcasting, etc.
(Hereinafter referred to as STB), and can be mounted as an external interface on many AV devices. IEEE
By using 1394, real-time data transmission between AV devices can be performed. IEEE 1394
IEC61883 has been established as a standard for transmitting AV data, such as DV and MPEG2, using.

In IEC61883, transmission between AV devices is represented by the concept of an input / output plug. Each AV
The device has zero or one or more virtual input plugs and output plugs, and each AV device establishes a virtual connection between these plugs before actually transmitting a stream. After establishment, it is specified that the stream is transmitted between the connected output plug and input plug.

[0006] As a command set for controlling these AV devices, "AV / C Dig" is used.
ital Interface Command Se
t ”is IEEE1394 Trade Associate
is standardized in Tion. "AV / C Di
gital Interface CommandSe
At “t”, a plurality of AV devices are connected to the same bus, and “AV / CC” is used to adjust input / output plugs when transmitting a plurality of streams at the same time.
connection and Compatibili
ty Management Specificati
on "standard has been determined. Here, "AV / C
Connection and Compatibil
ityManagement Specificati
An AV device conforming to the “on” standard will be referred to as a CCM-compatible device.

On the other hand, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC)
Microsoft OS, which is a standard OS)
IEEE 139 officially in Windows 98 etc. of t company
With the support of IEEE 1394, IEEE 1394 is rapidly spreading in the PC world. CP
U's performance has been dramatically improved.
Data transmission is becoming more common.

The plug and connection in IEC61883 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a plug and a connection in IEC61883. In FIG. 1, 1
01, 102 and 103 are AV equipment, 104 is IEEE
E1394 bus, 105a, 105b and 105c are input plugs, 106a, 106b, 106c and 10
6d is an output plug.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the overlay in IEC61883. In FIG.
a, 201b and 201c are AV equipment, 202a, 2
02b and 202c are output plugs, 203a and 203
b and 203c are input plugs.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a connection (connection method) in a CCM-compatible device. 3, reference numerals 301, 302, and 303 denote AV devices, 304
a, 304b, 304c and 304d are output plugs,
305d and 305e are input plugs. Where A
The V device 302 is assumed to be a CCM-compatible device.

[0012] IEC61883 defines the concept of a plug that represents a logical connection between AV devices. A plug that outputs a stream to the IEEE 1394 bus is called an output plug, and a plug that inputs a stream from the IEEE 1394 bus is called an input plug. As a logical concept, the stream is transmitted from the output plug of the output AV
The data is transmitted to the input plug of the input AV device through the EEE1394 bus.

Each AV device can have a plurality of plugs, and can also have only input plugs and only output plugs. For example, the AV device 1 in FIG.
01 has two input plugs, and the AV device 10
2 has one input plug and one output plug. The AV device 103 has three output plugs.

Each device needs to make a logical connection when transmitting a stream. The connection includes a broadcast connection that does not specifically specify the other party, and 1
There are two types of point-to-point connection (hereinafter referred to as p2p connection) for designating a pair of output plugs and input plugs.
By performing a p2p connection that specifies a plurality of input plugs to one output plug, one-to-many transmission can be performed simultaneously.

For example, in FIG. 1, the output plug 106a of the AV device 102 and the input plug 10
5b performs p2p connection using channel 0. The output plug 106b of the AV device 103 and the AV
Input plug 105b of device 101 and AV device 10
The third output plug 106b and the input plug 105c of the AV device 102 are in p2p connection.

Now, a p2p connection is further made to the original output plug of the p2p connection (for example, in FIG. 2, A
Output plug 202a of V device 201a and AV device 201
b, when the input plug 203b performs p2p connection, the output plug 202a of the AV device 201a and the output plug 202a
Performing a p2p connection with the input plug 203c of the V device 201c) is called an overlay.

Depending on the AV equipment, data input is
When the setting is made from EE1394, there is a case where a p2p connection is automatically made to the designated AV device.

If the output AV device has only one output plug, the output plug to be connected is only one, so it does not matter if the output AV device has a plurality of output plugs. Needs to manage which output plug to connect to.

For such a case, "AV /
C Connection and Compatibibi
lightity Management Specifica
Tion standard has been enacted.

For example, when an INPUT SELECT command is issued to a receiving device, an instruction can be given to establish a p2p connection between a specified output plug and a specified input plug. In this case, it is possible to instruct the connection to be performed immediately when the command is received, and it is also possible to specify the output plug of the receiving device when the receiving device performs the p2p connection after receiving the command. It is.

More specifically, for example, in FIG. 3, p2p connection is made between the output plug 304c of the AV device 301 and the input plug 305e of the AV device 303 first. At this time, when the AV device 301 issues an INPUT SELECT command to the AV device 302 such that a p2p connection is made between its own output plug 304b and the input plug 305d of the AV device 302, A
The V device 302 includes an input plug 305d and an output plug 30
4b is connected to the P2p. As a result, the AV device 301 can connect the output plug for outputting the stream for the AV device 302 to the input plug of the AV device 302.

[0022]

However, at present, CCM-compatible devices are not widely used.
In many cases, the receiving device cannot specify which output plug of the transmitting device is to be connected. That is, as described above, some of the AV devices have a specific output plug (usually # 0).
Some of them perform p2p connection.

For example, the AV device 401 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of such an AV device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a connection (connection method) in a non-CCM-compatible device, where 401 is an AV device, 402a is an output plug, and 403a is an input plug.

When the AV device 401 is set to input from the AV device 301 through IEEE 1394, a p2p connection is always made with the output plug 304a. If the AV device 301 already has the output plug 304a and the AV
Even when a p2p connection is made between the input plug 305e of the device 303 and the AV device 401, the output plug 3
04a is overlaid.

Then, the AV device 301 becomes the AV device 30
3 is different from the stream being transmitted to AV3.
It cannot be transmitted to the device 401.

As described above, even if the transmitting device is a CCM-compatible device, there is a possibility that a plurality of streams cannot be transmitted at the same time if the receiving device is a non-CCM-compatible device.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and has as its object to provide a transmission device and a program capable of simultaneously transmitting a plurality of streams even when a receiving device includes a non-CCM-compatible device. It is assumed that.

[0028]

Means for Solving the Problems The first invention (claim 1)
Correspond to a plurality of output plugs for outputting data to a receiving device via a transmission bus, and output the data from any of the output plugs when the receiving device receives the output data. Command issuing means for issuing a command to the receiving device to check whether or not the device is capable of designating the output plug, and the output plug to which the data is to be output is determined based on the result of the screening. And an output plug deciding means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 2), at least one of the plurality of output plugs outputs the data from any of the output plugs when receiving the output data. It is a dedicated output plug dedicated to a device that cannot be specified as a device, and as a result of the examination, a device that can specify which of the output plugs should output the data when the receiving device receives the output data. If it is determined that the output plug is to be output, the output plug to which the data is to be output is the transmitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which is determined as an output plug other than the dedicated output plug among the plurality of output plugs. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 3), as a result of the examination, when the receiving apparatus receives the output data, it designates which output plug outputs the data. If it turns out that the device can be used,
The output plug is determined on the transmitting device side and is notified to the receiving device side in the second transmitting device of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 4), the output plug determining means outputs data to a plug management unit for managing the use status of the plurality of output plugs and the receiving device. The instruction for issuing the command to the receiving device is a transmitting device according to a third aspect of the present invention performed by the application.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 5), the application inquires the plug management unit of an output plug to which the data is to be output, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry, When the output plug to output the data can be determined (1),
Notifying the application of the determined output plug, and (2) notifying the application to the effect that the determination was not possible, and outputting data to the receiving device via the transmission bus. Is a transmission device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, which is substantially performed when the output plug is determined.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 6), the application inquires of the plug management unit about the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry, Notifying the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, the plug management unit determines the output plug to receive the notification and output the data, and determines whether to permit use of the determined output plug in the plug management. The connection for requesting a unit and outputting data to the receiving device via the transmission bus is a transmitting device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, which is substantially performed when the output plug is determined.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 7), the application inquires of the plug management section about an output plug to which the data is to be output, and the plug management section receives the inquiry, When the output plug to output the data can be determined (1),
Notifying the application of the determined output plug, and (2) notifying the application to the effect that the determination was not possible, and outputting data to the receiving device via the transmission bus. Is a transmission apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, which is substantially performed when the data is output.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 8), the application inquires of the plug management section about the use status of the plurality of output plugs, and the plug management section accepts the inquiry, Notifying the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, the plug management unit determines the output plug to receive the notification and output the data, and determines whether to permit use of the determined output plug in the plug management. The connection for requesting a unit and outputting data to the receiving device via the transmission bus is a transmitting device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, which is substantially performed when the data is output.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 9), the output plug determining means outputs data to a plug management unit for managing a use state of the plurality of output plugs, and the receiving device. An instruction for issuing the command to the receiving device is provided by the plug management unit of the third transmitting device of the present invention.

[0037] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 10), the application inquires of the plug management unit about the use status of the plurality of output plugs, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry, Notifying the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, the plug management unit determines the output plug to receive the notification and output the data, and determines whether to permit use of the determined output plug in the plug management. The connection for requesting a unit and outputting data to the receiving device via the transmission bus is substantially the transmission device of the ninth invention when the output plug is determined.

The eleventh invention (corresponding to claim 11) provides:
The application inquires of the plug management unit about the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, the plug management unit receives the inquiry, notifies the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, and The unit receives the notification, determines an output plug to output the data, requests the plug management unit to permit use of the determined output plug, and sends the data to the receiving device via the transmission bus. The connection for outputting is the transmitting device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, which is substantially performed when the data is output.

The twelfth invention (corresponding to claim 12) provides:
A plurality of output plugs for outputting data to a receiving device via a transmission bus of the transmitting device of the first present invention, and from any of the output plugs when the receiving device receives the output data Command issuing means for issuing to the receiving device a command for examining whether or not the device is capable of designating whether to output the data, and the output plug to which the data is to be output is a result of the examination. This is a program for causing a computer to function as all or a part of output plug determining means for determining based on the output plug.

[0040]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) First, the configuration and operation of the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission method performed between the transmitting apparatus and the CCM-incompatible device in the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes an AV device;
02b is an application, 503 is a plug management unit, 5
04 is a command issuing unit, 505a, 505b, 505c
Is an output plug, 506 is a request, 507 is a response, 5
08 is a command, 509 is a response, and 510 is transmission data.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission method performed between the transmitting device and the CCM-compatible device in the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes transmission data.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a simultaneous transmission method performed between the transmitting apparatus and each of the CCM compatible device and the CCM non-compliant device in the present embodiment.

Referring to FIGS.
Reference numeral 2a denotes an application that transmits data to the AV device 401 that is a CCM-incompatible device, and application 502b denotes an application that transmits the AV device 302 that is a CCM-compatible device.
It is assumed that the application transmits data to the application. The output plug 505a is used only at the time of transmission performed with a device that does not support CCM.

(1) First, with reference to FIG. 5, a transmission method performed between a transmitting apparatus and a non-CCM-compatible device will be described. In an initial state, it is assumed that all output plugs are unused.

The application 502a checks whether the AV device 401 is compatible with CCM (examination).
The command to be transmitted is transmitted to the AV device 401 through the command issuing unit 504 as a command 508. As a command for confirming whether or not CCM is supported, for example, INPU
A command for inquiring whether the T SELECT command is supported can be used.

Since the AV device 401 does not support CCM, it sends a response 509 to the AV device 501 as a response 509 indicating that the device does not support CCM.

By looking at the response 509 received through the command issuing unit 504, the application 502a can know that the AV device 401 is not compatible with CCM. The application 502a is an AV device 401
Output the permission to use the output plug 505a that should be used only with the CCM-incompatible device as a request 506 to the plug management unit 503 as described above (the output plug 505a cannot be used). If so, a notice to that effect is given). Plug management unit 503
Responds that the use of the output plug 505a is permitted because the requested output plug 505a is unused and usable.
7 is returned to the application 502a. When the application 502a receives the permission to use the output plug 505a, the application 502a issues a command instructing the AV device 501 to receive data from IEEE 1394 to the AV device 501 through the command issuing unit 504 as a command 508. Output to 401.

Upon receiving a command to perform data reception from IEEE 1394, the AV device 401 makes a p2p connection to the AV device 501. At this time, even if the AV device 401 is a device that always makes a p2p connection to a specific output plug (# 0) as described above, the p2p is correctly connected to the output plug 505a that is # 0.
Connection can be made.

Thus, the application 502a
The transmission data 510 is output through the output plug 505a.

The AV device 401 is connected to the input plug 4
03a, the transmission data 510 is received.

When the AV device 401 does not support a command for instructing the AV device 501 to receive data from IEEE 1394, or when the AV device 401 receives the command even if the command is received,
If a p2p connection is not made to the device 501, for example, the user directly operates the AV device 401 to
A p2p connection to the V device 501 may be performed.

Therefore, when the AV device 401 is a CCM non-compliant device, there is not much difference between the timing of performing the p2p connection before and after the application 502a checks whether the AV device 401 is CCM compatible.

(2) Next, a transmission method performed between the transmitting device and the CCM-compatible device will be described with reference to FIG. In an initial state, it is assumed that all output plugs are unused.

First, the application 502b transmits a command for confirming whether or not the AV device is compatible with the CCM as a command 508 to the AV device 302 through the command issuing unit 504. As a command to confirm whether or not CCM is supported, INPUT S
A command for inquiring whether the ELECT command is supported or not can be used.

Since the AV device 302 is compatible with the CCM, the AV device 302 sends a response 509 to the AV device 501 as a response 509.

By looking at the response 509 received through the command issuing unit 504, the application 502b can know that the AV device 302 is compatible with CCM. Since the AV device 302 is compatible with the CCM, the application 502b requests the number of a plug that can be used other than the output plug 505a and the permission to use the plug.
6 is output to the plug management unit 503 (as described above, the output plug 505a is used only at the time of transmission performed with a non-CCM compatible device). Then, the plug management unit 503 returns to the application 502b, as a response 507, a permission to use the output plug 505b that is a usable (unused) output plug. When the application 502b receives permission to use the output plug 505b, the AV device 302
A command for instructing p2p connection between the device 05b and the input plug 305d is output as a command 508 to the AV device 302 through the command issuing unit 504.

When the AV device 302 receives a command instructing to perform a p2p connection, the output plug 505b and the input plug 305d of the AV device 501 make a p2p connection.

Thus, the application 502b
The transmission data 601 is output through the output plug 505b.

The AV device 302 is connected to the input plug 3
The transmission data 601 is received through 05d.

The output plug 505b and the input plug 3
The timing at which the p2p connection with 05d is established is arbitrary. That is, before the actual data transmission, the AV device 501 outputs a command instructing to receive data from the IEEE 1394 to the AV device 302 as a command 508, or the user operates the AV device 302 directly. You may set so that data may be received from IEEE1394. In short, AV
P before data transmission between the device 501 and the AV device 302.
What is necessary is just to make 2p connection.

In the above, (1) the transmission method performed between the transmission device and the CCM non-compliant device and (2) the transmission method performed between the transmission device and the CCM-compatible device have been described. If the device is a non-CCM compatible device, be sure to use output plug # 0, and if the receiving device is a CCM compatible device, be sure to use an output plug other than output plug # 0 for transmission to CCM compatible devices. It can be seen that the output plug # 0 is always in a usable state even when only the output plug # 0 is performed. Therefore, even when transmission to a CCM-compatible device has already been performed, transmission to a CCM-incompatible device can be performed without any problem.

That is, when such two processes (see FIGS. 5 and 6) are performed in any order, the communication state becomes as shown in FIG. 7 and one CCM-compatible device and one Is simultaneously output to each of the CCM non-compliant devices.

Of course, since the AV device 501 has a total of three output plugs, another A
It is also possible to output data to the V device at the same time (however, in this case, the AV device serving as the receiving device is a CC device).
M compatible device).

The first embodiment has been described above in detail.

As the command for confirming whether or not CCM is supported, a command for inquiring whether or not the INPUT SELECT command is supported is used, but another command may be used.
In short, it is only necessary to confirm whether the target device is compatible with CCM.

Although the AV device 501 has three output plugs, any number of output plugs may be used as long as the number of output plugs is two or more, and one or more input plugs may be simultaneously held. You can do it.

The AV device 302 and the AV device 40
No. 1 has one output plug and one input plug, but if at least one input plug is held, the number of output plugs and input plugs held is arbitrary. Absent.

The application 502a or the application 502b sends an inquiry about the usage status of the output plug to the plug management unit 50 as a request 506.
3, the plug management unit 503 may return a list of available output plugs or the usage status of all output plugs to the application 502a or 502b as a response 507. In this case, the application 502a or the application 502b can select an output plug to use by referring to the received response 507. Thereafter, the application 502a or the application 502b outputs the permission to use the selected output plug to the plug management unit 503 as a request 506. Then, if the specified output plug is usable, the plug management unit 503 returns the use permission of the specified output plug to the application 502a or 502b as a response 507.

Also, the application has been described as two applications, the application 502a and the application 502b. However, any number of applications may exist at the same time, and one application may communicate with a plurality of AV devices. Transmission may be performed.

Further, a part or all of the AV device 501 may be constituted by software.

(Embodiment 2) Next, the configuration and operation of a transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission method performed between the transmitting apparatus and the non-CCM-compatible device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes an AV device;
02b is an application, 803 is a plug management unit, 8
04 is transmission data. Note that, in the present embodiment, unlike the above-described first embodiment, the plug management unit 803 uses the applications 802a and 802b.
On the command issuing unit 504 side.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission method performed between the transmitting device and the CCM-compatible device in the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes transmission data.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a simultaneous transmission method performed between the transmitting apparatus and each of the CCM compatible device and the CCM non-compliant device in the present embodiment.

8 to 10, the application 8
02a is an application that transmits data to the AV device 401 that is a CCM non-compliant device, and the application 802b is an application that transmits data to the AV device 30 that is a CCM non-compliant device.
It is assumed that the application transmits data to the application 2. The output plug 505a is used only at the time of transmission with a non-CCM compatible device.

(1) First, with reference to FIG. 8, a transmission method performed between a transmitting apparatus and a non-CCM-compatible device will be described. In an initial state, it is assumed that all output plugs are unused.

The application 802a outputs the permission to use one of the output plugs to the plug management unit 803 as a request 506. When the plug management unit 803 receives the request 506, the plug management unit 803 transmits a command for checking whether the request is CCM compatible to the AV device 401 through the command issuing unit 504 as a command 508. CCM
As a command to confirm whether or not it is compatible, for example, IN
A command for inquiring whether or not the PUT SELECT command is supported can be used.

Since the AV device 401 does not support CCM, the AV device 401 transmits a response 509 to the AV device 801 as a response 509 indicating that the CCM is not supported.

The plug management unit 803 is the command issuing unit 5
Since the AV device 401 can know that the device is not CCM-compliant by looking at the response 509 received through the application 04, the AV device 401 outputs permission to use the output plug 505a to the application 802a. At the same time, the plug management unit 803 notifies the AV device 401
A command instructing to receive data from the IEEE 1394 is referred to as a command 508 by the command issuing unit 50.
4 to the AV device 401.

Upon receiving a command to perform data reception from IEEE 1394, the AV device 401 makes a p2p connection to the AV device 801. At this time, the AV device 401 can correctly perform the p2p connection to the # 0 output plug 505a even if the AV device 401 is a device that always performs the p2p connection to a specific output plug (# 0) as described above. .

Thus, the application 802a
Upon receiving permission to use the output plug 505a, the transmission data 804 is output through the output plug 505a.

The AV device 401 is connected to the input plug 4
03a, the transmission data 804 is received.

When the AV device 401 does not support a command for instructing the AV device 801 to receive data from IEEE 1394, or when the command is received even if the command is received,
If a p2p connection is not made to the device 801, for example, the user directly operates the AV device 401 to
A p2p connection to the V device 801 may be performed.

Further, instead of the plug management unit 803, after the application 802a receives the permission to use the output plug 505a, the AV device 401
A command instructing the device 1 to receive data from IEEE 1394 may be output as a command 508 to the AV device 401 through the command issuing unit 504.

(2) Next, a transmission method performed between the transmitting device and the CCM-compatible device will be described with reference to FIG. In an initial state, it is assumed that all output plugs are unused.

The application 802 b outputs the permission to use one of the output plugs to the plug management unit 803 as a request 506. When the plug management unit 803 receives the request 506, the plug management unit 803 transmits a command for confirming whether the request is CCM compatible to the AV device 302 through the command issuing unit 504 as a command 508. CCM
As a command to confirm whether or not it is compatible, for example, IN
A command for inquiring whether or not the PUT SELECT command is supported can be used.

Since the AV device 302 is compatible with the CCM, it sends a response 509 to the AV device 801 as a response 509.

The plug management unit 803 is the command issuing unit 5
By looking at the response 509 received through the device 04, the AV device 302 can know that the device is CCM compatible. Therefore, if any of the output plugs other than the output plug 505a of # 0 can be used, it can be used. The use permission of the output plug is output to the application 802b.
In the present embodiment, since the output plug 505b is usable, permission to use the output plug 505b is output to the application 802b. At the same time, the plug management unit 803 notifies the AV device 302 of the AV device 5
01 between the output plug 505b and the input plug 305d.
The command instructing to make the 2p connection is command 5
08 through the command issuing unit 504
Output to 2.

Upon receiving a command instructing to perform a p2p connection, the AV device 302 makes a p2p connection between the output plug 505b and the input plug 305d of the AV device 801.

Thus, the application 802b
Upon receiving permission to use the output plug 505b, the transmission data 901 is output through the output plug 505b.

The AV device 302 is connected to the input plug 3
The transmission data 901 is received through 05d.

The output plug 505b and the input plug 3
The timing at which the p2p connection with 05d is established is arbitrary. That is, before the actual data transmission, the AV device 801 outputs a command for instructing data reception from the IEEE 1394 to the AV device 302 as a command 508, or the user operates the AV device 302 directly. You may set so that data may be received from IEEE1394. In short, AV
P before data transmission between the device 801 and the AV device 302.
What is necessary is just to make 2p connection.

In the above, (1) the transmission method performed between the transmitting device and the non-CCM-compatible device and (2) the transmission method performed between the transmitting device and the CCM-compatible device have been described. If the device is a non-CCM compatible device, be sure to use output plug # 0, and if the receiving device is a CCM compatible device, be sure to use an output plug other than output plug # 0 for transmission to CCM compatible devices. It can be seen that the output plug # 0 is always in a usable state even when only the output plug # 0 is performed. Therefore, even when transmission to a CCM-compatible device has already been performed, transmission to a CCM-incompatible device can be performed without any problem.

That is, if such two processes (see FIGS. 8 to 9) are performed irrespective of the order, the communication state becomes as shown in FIG. 10 and one CCM-compatible device and one Is simultaneously output to each of the CCM non-compliant devices.

Of course, since the AV device 801 has a total of three output plugs, another A
It is also possible to output data to the V device at the same time (however, in this case, the AV device serving as the receiving device is
M compatible device).

The second embodiment has been described above in detail.

A medium carrying a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or part of the transmitting apparatus of the present invention, and which can be processed by the computer. The medium characterized by the above also belongs to the present invention.

An information aggregate characterized by a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or a part of the transmitting device of the present invention is also included in the present invention. Belong.

A medium carrying a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the operations of all or some of the steps of the packet form determination method of the present invention, which can be processed by the computer The medium characterized by the above also belongs to the present invention.

An information aggregate characterized by being a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of all or part of the steps of the packet form determination method of the present invention is also described. Belongs to the invention.

Note that the output plug of the present invention is determined in the above-described embodiment by determining from which output plug the data is output when the receiving apparatus receives the data output as a result of the examination. If it is determined that the device can be designated, the process is performed on the transmitting device side and notified to the receiving device side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the determination of the output plug of the present invention may be performed by, for example, notifying the receiving device of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs in the transmitting device and based on the result of the notification. . In short, the output plug of the present invention is determined by issuing a command for examining whether the receiving device is a device capable of designating which output plug to output data when receiving data to be output. It may be performed based on the result of the examination.

Further, the command issuing means of the present invention is a means including a command issuing unit in the above-described embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In short, the command issuing unit of the present invention checks whether or not the receiving device is a device that can specify which output plug to output data when receiving data to be output. Any means may be used as long as it issues a command for executing the command to the receiving device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the output plug determining means of the present invention comprises a plug managing section for managing the use status of a plurality of output plugs and an output plug for outputting data to the receiving device. It was a means to have an application. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output plug determining means of the present invention may be any means as long as it is a means for determining an output plug to which data is to be output based on the result of the examination.

The instruction for issuing the command of the present invention to the receiving device may be performed by the application of the present invention or may be performed by the plug management unit of the present invention.

Of course, the application inquires of the plug management unit about the output plug to which data is to be output, and the plug management unit has accepted the inquiry and has determined (1) the output plug to which data should be output. In this case, the present invention includes a transmitting device that notifies the application of the determined output plug, and (2) notifies the application if it cannot be determined.

Further, the application inquires of the plug management unit about the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, the plug management unit receives the inquiry, notifies the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, and Determine the output plug that should receive the notification and output the data,
The transmitting device that requests the plug management unit to permit the use of the determined output plug is included in the present invention.

The connection for outputting data to the receiving device via the transmission bus of the present invention may be made substantially when the output plug is determined, or substantially connected when the data is output. May be.

The present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the functions of all or a part of the above-described transmitting apparatus of the present invention (or an apparatus, an element, a circuit, a unit, etc.). It is a program that works in cooperation with. Of course, the computer of the present invention is not limited to pure hardware such as a CPU, but may include firmware, an OS, and peripheral devices.

It should be noted that some means (or an apparatus, an element, a circuit, a part, etc.) of the present invention means some of the plurality of means, or one of the means. Means the function of the unit.

Further, some devices (or elements, circuits, parts, etc.) of the present invention mean some of the plurality of devices, or some of the means in one device. (Or an element, a circuit, a part, or the like) or a part of the function of one means.

Further, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program of the present invention is recorded is also included in the present invention. Further, one usage form of the program of the present invention may be a form in which the program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and operates in cooperation with the computer. One usage of the program of the present invention may be a mode in which the program is transmitted through a transmission medium, read by a computer, and operates in cooperation with the computer. The recording medium includes a ROM and the like, and the transmission medium includes a transmission medium such as the Internet, light, radio waves, and sound waves.

Note that the configuration of the present invention may be realized by software or hardware.

As described above, the present invention provides, for example, one or a plurality of output plugs for outputting a data stream through a transmission bus to a receiving device having an input plug, and a plug management means for managing the output plug. If the receiving device cannot specify which of the output plugs to output the data stream, a request to use the first output plug among the output plugs is issued to the output plug management means. When the permission to use the first output plug is returned from the plug management unit, the data stream is output to the transmission bus through the first output plug. If it is possible to specify whether to output a data stream, a request to use an unspecified output plug If the plug management means returns a permission to use the second output plug among the output plugs, the plug management means issues a connection request to the second output plug to the receiving device, An application for outputting the data stream to the transmission bus through the second output plug after the receiving device has made a connection to the input plug and the second output plug; , From the application to the first
Receiving the request to use the first output plug, if the first output plug is available, returning to the application permission to use the first output plug to the application; When the output plug is not usable, the application is notified to the application that the first output plug is not usable. When a request to use the unspecified output plug is received from the application, the usable output plug is not used. If there is an output plug, one of the available output plugs is used as the second output plug, and permission to use the second output plug is issued. If there is no usable output plug, use is made. A transmission device that outputs an impossibility.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the first output plug is a specific one of the output plugs, and the plug management means is configured so that the receiving device determines which one of the output plugs The transmission apparatus according to the above, wherein when it is possible to specify whether to output a data stream, the output plug other than the first output plug is selected as the second output plug.

Further, the present invention further comprises, for example, command issuing means for transmitting a command to the receiving device through the transmission bus and receiving a response to the command through the transmission bus. The transmission device described above, wherein the connection request is output to the reception device by issuing the command.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the application issues an above-mentioned command to inquire whether the receiving apparatus can designate which output plug to output the data stream. The transmission device described above, characterized by the following.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the transmission bus is an IEEE 1394 bus, and the output plug is an IEEE 1394 bus.
An output plug according to the C61883 standard, the input plug is an input plug according to the IEC61883 standard, and the command and the response are “AV /
C Digital Interface Comma
nd Set ”, and the receiving device is IEC61883 and“ AV / C Digit ”.
al Interface CommandSet ", and when the connection from the receiving device to the output plug is performed, a point-to-point connection is established between the input plug and the output plug of the receiving device. The transmission device described above, wherein:

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the fact that the receiving apparatus can designate from which output plug the output data stream is to be output means that the receiving apparatus transmits “AV
/ CConnection and Compatib
ility Management Specific
compliant with the “AV / C Connection” standard.
and Compatibility Management
The transmission device according to the above, wherein the connection request is issued by using a command defined in the "ent Specification" standard.

The present invention also provides, for example, one or a plurality of output plugs for outputting a data stream through a transmission bus to a receiving device having an input plug, a plug managing means for managing the output plug, If the receiving device cannot specify which of the output plugs to output the data stream, it issues a request to use the first output plug among the output plugs to the output plug management means, When the permission to use the first output plug is returned from the plug management means, the data stream is output to the transmission bus through the first output plug, and if the receiving device receives the data stream from any of the output plugs, If it is possible to specify whether or not to output the output plug, the plug management means inquires about the usage status of the output plug. So, if there is the output plug available, it is one of the available output plug second
Issue a request for use of the output plug to the plug management means,
If the use permission of the second output plug is returned from the plug management means, a request for connection to the second output plug is issued to the reception device, and the reception device receives the input plug and the second After connecting to the output plug of 2,
An application for outputting the data stream to the transmission bus through the second output plug, wherein the plug management means receives a request from the application to use the first output plug,
If the first output plug is available, the application is returned to the application with permission to use the first output plug. If the first output plug is not available, the first To the application, and receiving a request from the application to use the second output plug, if the second output plug is available, the second output plug And if the second output plug cannot be used, issue a disable request. If the application inquires about the use status of the output plug, return the use status of the output plug. The transmission device described above, characterized by the following.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the inquiry about the use status of the output plug from the application specifies one or a plurality of the output plugs, and the output plugs include all the specified output plugs. The transmission device according to the above, wherein the use status of the output plug is returned.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the first output plug is a specific one of the output plugs, and from which output plug the receiving apparatus outputs the data stream. In the transmission device, the plug management means selects the output plug other than the first output plug as the second output plug.

The present invention further comprises, for example, command issuing means for transmitting a command to the receiving device through the transmission bus and receiving a response to the command through the transmission bus. The transmission device described above, wherein the connection request is output to the reception device by issuing the command.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the application issues a predetermined command so as to inquire whether the receiving apparatus can designate which output plug the data stream is output from. The transmission device described above, characterized by the following.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the transmission bus is an IEEE 1394 bus, and the output plug is an IEEE 1394 bus.
An output plug according to the C61883 standard, the input plug is an input plug according to the IEC61883 standard, and the command and the response are “AV /
C Digital Interface Comma
nd Set ”, and the receiving device is IEC61883 and“ AV / C Digit ”.
al Interface CommandSet ", and when the connection from the receiving device to the output plug is performed, a point-to-point connection is established between the input plug and the output plug of the receiving device. The transmission device described above, wherein:

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the fact that the receiving apparatus can specify from which output plug the data stream is to be output means that the receiving apparatus is capable of outputting “AV
/ CConnection and Compatib
ility Management Specific
compliant with the “AV / C Connection” standard.
and Compatibility Management
The transmission device according to the above, wherein the connection request is issued by using a command defined in the "ent Specification" standard.

The present invention also provides, for example, one or more output plugs for outputting a data stream to a receiving device through a transmission bus, and plug management means for managing the output plug. If it is not possible to specify whether to output the data stream from the output plug, a request to use the first output plug among the output plugs is issued to the output plug management unit,
When the use permission of the first output plug is returned from the plug management unit, the data stream is then output to the transmission bus through the first output plug as necessary, and if any of the If it is possible to specify whether to output the data stream from the output plug, a request to use the unspecified output plug is issued to the plug management means, and if the plug management means outputs the second of the output plugs, A connection reservation for designating the receiving device to make a connection to the second output plug when the receiving device makes a connection to the output plug when the use permission of the output plug is returned; An application for outputting the data stream to the transmission bus through the second output plug as needed. Means, when receiving a request to use the first output plug from the application, if the first output plugs are available,
Returning permission to the application to use the first output plug to the application; if the first output plug cannot be used, returning to the application the disablement of the first output plug to the application; If a request to use the unspecified output plug is received from, if there is the available output plug, one of the available output plugs is set as the second output plug, and the 2
A transmitting device that permits use of the output plug, and prohibits use if there is no usable output plug.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the receiving device cannot specify which of the output plugs should output the data stream, and before the application outputs the data stream to the transmission bus. Alternatively, the transmitting device connects the first output plug specified by the application and the input plug of the receiving device during output.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the receiving apparatus can designate which of the output plugs the data stream is to be output from, before the application outputs the data stream to the transmission bus. Alternatively, the transmitting device connects the second output plug specified by the application and the input plug of the receiving device during output.

Further, the present invention provides, for example, a case where the first output plug is a specific output plug, and the receiving apparatus can specify which output plug outputs the data stream. The above-mentioned transmission device, wherein the plug management means selects the output plug other than the first output plug as the second output plug.

Further, the present invention further comprises, for example, command issuing means for transmitting a command to the receiving device through the transmission bus and receiving a response to the command through the transmission bus. The transmission device described above, wherein the connection request is output to the reception device by issuing the command.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the application issues an above-mentioned command to inquire whether or not the receiving device can designate from which of the output plugs to output the data stream. The transmission device described above, which is characterized in that:

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the transmission bus is an IEEE 1394 bus, and the output plug is an IEEE 1394 bus.
An output plug according to the C61883 standard, the input plug is an input plug according to the IEC61883 standard, and the command and the response are “AV /
C Digital Interface Comma
nd Set ”, and the receiving device is IEC61883 and“ AV / C Digit ”.
al Interface CommandSet ", and when the connection from the receiving device to the output plug is performed, a point-to-point connection is established between the input plug and the output plug of the receiving device. The transmission device described above, wherein:

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the fact that the receiving apparatus can specify which output plug outputs the data stream means that the receiving apparatus transmits an “AV
/ CConnection and Compatib
ility Management Specific
compliant with the “AV / C Connection” standard.
and Compatibility Management
The transmission device according to the above, wherein the connection request is issued by using a command defined in the "ent Specification" standard.

The present invention also provides, for example, one or more output plugs for outputting a data stream to a receiving device through a transmission bus, and plug management means for managing the output plug. If it is not possible to specify whether to output the data stream from the output plug, a request to use the first output plug among the output plugs is issued to the output plug management unit,
When the use permission of the first output plug is returned from the plug management unit, the data stream is then output to the transmission bus through the first output plug as necessary, and if any of the If it is possible to specify whether to output the data stream from an output plug, the plug management unit inquires about the use status of the output plug, and if there is the available output plug,
A request for use of a second output plug, which is one of the available output plugs, is issued to the plug management means. If the use permission of the second output plug is returned from the plug management means, Issues a connection reservation to the receiving device to specify that the receiving device should connect to the second output plug when the receiving device connects to the output plug, and if necessary, the second An application for outputting the data stream to the transmission bus through an output plug, wherein the plug management means receives a request from the application to use the first output plug, if the first output plug is used. If an output plug is available, a permission to use the first output plug is returned to the application to the application, and if the first output plug is If the application cannot use the first output plug, the application returns to the application a disabling of the first output plug. If a request to use the second output plug is received from the application, the second output plug is disabled. If possible, the use permission of the second output plug is issued, and if the second output plug cannot be used, the use permission of the second output plug is issued, and the use of the output plug is performed by the application. The transmitting device is configured to return a use status of the output plug when a status inquiry is received.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the inquiry about the use status of the output plug from the application designates one or a plurality of the output plugs, and the output plug includes all the designated output plugs. The transmission device according to the above, wherein the use status of the output plug is returned.

[0138] Also, according to the present invention, for example, the receiving device cannot specify which of the output plugs the data stream is to be output from, and before the application outputs the data stream to the transmission bus. Alternatively, the transmitting device connects the first output plug specified by the application and the input plug of the receiving device during output.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the receiving apparatus can designate which of the output plugs should output the data stream, and before the application outputs the data stream to the transmission bus. Alternatively, the transmitting device connects the second output plug specified by the application and the input plug of the receiving device during output.

Further, the present invention provides, for example, a case where the first output plug is a specific output plug, and the receiving apparatus can specify which output plug to output the data stream from. The above-mentioned transmission device, wherein the plug management means selects the output plug other than the first output plug as the second output plug.

Further, the present invention further comprises, for example, command issuing means for transmitting a command to the receiving device through the transmission bus and receiving a response to the command through the transmission bus. The transmission device described above, wherein the connection request is output to the reception device by issuing the command.

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the application issues a predetermined command so as to inquire whether the receiving device can designate which output plug the data stream is output from. The transmission device described above, which is characterized in that:

In the present invention, for example, the transmission bus is an IEEE 1394 bus, and the output plug is an IEEE 1394 bus.
An output plug according to the C61883 standard, the input plug is an input plug according to the IEC61883 standard, and the command and the response are “AV /
C Digital Interface Comma
nd Set ”, and the receiving device is IEC61883 and“ AV / C Digit ”.
al Interface CommandSet ", and when the connection from the receiving device to the output plug is performed, a point-to-point connection is established between the input plug and the output plug of the receiving device. The transmission device described above, wherein:

In addition, the present invention, for example, states that the receiving apparatus can designate from which output plug the data stream is to be output, if the receiving apparatus specifies "AV
/ CConnection and Compatib
ility Management Specific
compliant with the “AV / C Connection” standard.
and Compatibility Management
The transmission device according to the above, wherein the connection request is issued by using a command defined in the "ent Specification" standard.

The present invention also provides, for example, one or more output plugs for outputting a data stream to a receiving device having an input plug through a transmission bus, and plug management means for managing the output plug. A request to use the unspecified output plug is issued to the plug management unit, and if the plug management unit outputs
An application for outputting the data stream to the transmission bus through the first output plug as needed when the permission to use the first output plug is returned; and If the receiving device cannot specify which of the output plugs to output the data stream, upon receiving the request to use the unspecified output plug from the application, the available output plugs are As a first output plug, a permission to use the first output plug is returned to the application, and if the receiving device can specify which output plug to output the data stream, it can be used first. The first output plug is used as the first output plug and the first
Issue a connection request to the output plug, and when the receiving device connects to the input plug and the first output plug,
The transmitting device returns a permission to use the first output plug to the application, and returns a non-usability to the application when all of the output plugs cannot be used.

[0146] Further, for example, when the receiving device cannot specify which output plug outputs the data stream, the plug management means always sets the first output plug as the first output plug. The transmission device according to the above-described transmission device, wherein a second output plug, which is the specific output plug, is selected, and if the second output plug cannot be used, a non-usability is returned to the application.

Further, the present invention provides, for example, when the receiving device can designate from which output plug the data stream is to be output, the first output plug other than the second output plug is used as the first output plug. The transmission device described above, wherein the output plug is selected.

Further, the present invention further comprises, for example, command issuing means for transmitting a command to the receiving device through the transmission bus and receiving a response to the command through the transmission bus. The transmission device described above, wherein the connection request is output to the reception device by issuing the command.

Further, the present invention provides, for example, that the application inquires whether the receiving device can designate which output plug the data stream is output from by issuing the predetermined command. The transmission device described above, which is characterized in that:

In the present invention, for example, the transmission bus is an IEEE 1394 bus, and the output plug is an IEEE 1394 bus.
An output plug according to the C61883 standard, the input plug is an input plug according to the IEC61883 standard, and the command and the response are “AV /
C Digital Interface Comma
nd Set ”, and the receiving device is IEC61883 and“ AV / C Digit ”.
al Interface CommandSet ", and when the connection from the receiving device to the output plug is performed, a point-to-point connection is established between the input plug and the output plug of the receiving device. The transmission device described above, wherein:

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the fact that the receiving apparatus can designate which output plug outputs the data stream means that the receiving apparatus transmits an “AV
/ CConnection and Compatib
ility Management Specific
compliant with the “AV / C Connection” standard.
and Compatibility Management
The transmission device according to the above, wherein the connection request is issued by using a command defined in the "ent Specification" standard.

The present invention also provides, for example, one or more output plugs for outputting a data stream to a receiving device having an input plug through a transmission bus, and plug management means for managing the output plug. A request to use the unspecified output plug is issued to the plug management unit, and if the plug management unit outputs
An application for outputting the data stream to the transmission bus through the first output plug as needed when the permission to use the first output plug is returned; and If the receiving device cannot specify which of the output plugs to output the data stream, and receives the request to use the unspecified output plug from the application, the available output plug is output. Returning a permission to use the first output plug to the application as the first output plug, and if the receiving device can specify which output plug to output the data stream from, the receiving device On the other hand, when the receiving device makes a connection to the output plug, the first
After issuing a connection reservation designating the connection to the output plug of the application, the use permission of the first output plug is returned to the application, and if all of the output plugs cannot be used, the application cannot be used. Is returned.

Also, the present invention is characterized in that, for example, if the receiving apparatus cannot specify which output plug outputs the data stream, the plug management means always sets the first output plug as the first output plug. The transmission device according to the above-described transmission device, wherein a second output plug, which is the specific output plug, is selected, and if the second output plug cannot be used, a non-usability is returned to the application.

Further, the present invention provides, for example, when the receiving apparatus can specify which output plug outputs the data stream, the first output plug may be other than the second output plug. The transmission device described above, wherein the output plug is selected.

The present invention further comprises, for example, command issuing means for transmitting a command to the receiving device through the transmission bus and receiving a response to the command through the transmission bus. The transmission device described above, wherein the connection request is output to the reception device by issuing the command.

The present invention is also directed to, for example, the application inquiring whether the receiving device can designate which output plug the data stream is output from by issuing the predetermined command. The transmission device described above, which is characterized in that:

Further, according to the present invention, for example, the transmission bus is an IEEE 1394 bus, and the output plug is an IEEE 1394 bus.
An output plug according to the C61883 standard, the input plug is an input plug according to the IEC61883 standard, and the command and the response are “AV /
C Digital Interface Comma
nd Set ”, and the receiving device is IEC61883 and“ AV / C Digit ”.
al Interface CommandSet ", and when the connection from the receiving device to the output plug is performed, a point-to-point connection is established between the input plug and the output plug of the receiving device. The transmission device described above, wherein:

[0158] Also, according to the present invention, for example, the fact that the receiving apparatus can designate from which output plug the data stream is to be output means that the receiving apparatus is capable of outputting "AV
/ CConnection and Compatib
ility Management Specific
compliant with the “AV / C Connection” standard.
and Compatibility Management
The transmission device according to the above, wherein the connection request is issued by using a command defined in the "ent Specification" standard.

The present invention also relates to, for example, a medium that carries a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or part of the above-described transmission device, and The medium is characterized by being processable by the following.

Further, the present invention provides, for example, an information set characterized by being a program and / or data for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the functions of all or a part of the above-mentioned transmitting device. Body.

[0161]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention has an advantage that a plurality of streams can be transmitted simultaneously even when a receiving device includes a device which does not support CCM.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a plug and a connection in IEC61883.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an overlay in IEC61883.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a connection (connection method) in a CCM-compatible device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a connection (connection method) in a device that does not support CCM.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a transmission apparatus and a CC according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Explanatory diagram of a transmission method performed between devices that do not support M

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a transmission apparatus and a CC according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Explanatory drawing of the transmission method performed between M compatible devices

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a transmission apparatus and a CC according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
Explanatory drawing of the simultaneous transmission method performed between each of the M compatible device and the CCM non-compliant device

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a transmission apparatus and CCs according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Explanatory diagram of a transmission method performed between devices that do not support M

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a transmission apparatus and CCs according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Explanatory drawing of the transmission method performed between M compatible devices

FIG. 10 shows a transmitting apparatus and C in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Explanatory drawing of the simultaneous transmission method performed between each of the CM compatible device and the CCM non-compliant device

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 102, 103 AV equipment 104 IEEE 1394 bus 105a, 105b, 105c Input plug 106a, 106b, 106c Output plug 201a, 201b, 201c AV equipment 202a, 202b, 202c Output plug 203a, 203b, 203c Input plug 301, 302, 303 AV equipment 304a, 304b, 304c Output plug 305d, 305e Input plug 401 AV equipment 402a Output plug 403a Input plug 501 AV equipment 502a, 502b Application 503 Plug management unit 504 Command issuing unit 505a, 505b, 505c Output plug 506 Request 507 Response 508 Command 509 Response 510 Transmission data 601 Transmission data 801 AV equipment 802a, 802 Application 803 plug control unit 804 transmits the data 901 transmitted data

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 5K032 BA08 CC01 EC00 5K033 BA01 BA08

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of output plugs for outputting data to a receiving device via a transmission bus, and when the receiving device receives the output data, the data is output from any of the output plugs. Command issuing means for issuing to the receiving device a command for examining whether or not the device is capable of designating the output plug; and determining the output plug from which the data is to be output based on the result of the examination. Transmission device comprising an output plug determination unit for determining whether or not the output plug is determined. 2. At least one of the plurality of output plugs is a dedicated output plug dedicated to a device that cannot specify which of the output plugs to output the data upon receiving the output data. If, as a result of the examination, the receiving device is determined to be a device that can specify which of the output plugs should output the data when the receiving device receives the output data, the data is output The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the output plug to be performed is determined as an output plug other than the dedicated output plug among the plurality of output plugs. 3. As a result of the examination, when it is determined that the receiving device is a device capable of designating which of the output plugs should output the data when the receiving device receives the output data, 3. The output plug is determined on the transmitting device side and notified to the receiving device side.
The transmitting device according to the above. 4. A plug management unit for managing a status of use of the plurality of output plugs,
And an application for outputting data to the receiving device, wherein the instruction to issue the command to the receiving device is performed by the application.
The transmitting device according to the above. 5. The application inquires of the plug management unit about an output plug to output the data, and the plug management unit accepts the inquiry and specifies an output plug to output the data, (1) If it can be determined, the determined output plug is notified to the application. (2) If determined, the output plug is notified to the application. 5. The transmission device according to claim 4, wherein the connection for outputting data to the reception device is substantially performed when the output plug is determined. 6. The application inquires the plug management unit about the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry and notifies the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs. The plug management unit receives the notification, determines an output plug to output the data, requests the plug management unit to permit use of the determined output plug, and 5. The transmitting device according to claim 4, wherein the connection for outputting data to the receiving device is made substantially when the output plug is determined. 7. The application inquires of the plug management unit about an output plug to output the data, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry and determines an output plug to output the data. If it can be determined, the determined output plug is notified to the application. (2) If determined, the output plug is notified to the application. The transmitting device according to claim 4, wherein the connection for outputting data to the receiving device is substantially performed when the data is output. 8. The application inquires of the plug management unit about the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry and notifies the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs. The plug management unit receives the notification, determines an output plug to output the data, requests the plug management unit to permit use of the determined output plug, and The transmitting device according to claim 4, wherein the connection for outputting data to the receiving device is substantially performed when the data is output. 9. A plug management unit for managing a use state of the plurality of output plugs,
The transmission device according to claim 3, further comprising an application for outputting data to the reception device, wherein the instruction to issue the command to the reception device is performed by the plug management unit. 10. The application inquires the plug management unit about the usage status of the plurality of output plugs, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry and notifies the application of the usage status of the plurality of output plugs. The plug management unit receives the notification, determines an output plug to output the data, requests the plug management unit to permit use of the determined output plug, and The transmitting device according to claim 9, wherein the connection for outputting data to the receiving device is substantially performed when the output plug is determined. 11. The application inquires of the plurality of output plugs about use status of the plurality of output plugs to the plug management unit, and the plug management unit receives the inquiry and notifies the application of use status of the plurality of output plugs. The plug management unit receives the notification, determines an output plug to output the data, requests the plug management unit to permit use of the determined output plug, and 10. The transmitting device according to claim 9, wherein the connection for outputting data to the receiving device is substantially performed when the data is output. 12. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of output plugs for outputting data to a receiving device via a transmission bus, and any one of the output plugs when the receiving device receives the output data. Command issuing means for issuing to the receiving device a command for examining whether or not the device is capable of designating whether to output the data from the output plug; andthe output plug from which the data is to be output. A program for causing a computer to function as all or a part of output plug determining means for determining based on a result of the examination.