JP2003296561A - Constitution method for electrical equipment, electrical equipment system, and device constituting electrical equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To introduce a concept of evolution, make functions and capacity of electrical equipment match with preference of respective users, and prevent obsolescence of the equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The respective devices are constituted by an actuation part for achieving functions and capacity of each of the devices, a negotiation part, and an interface part. The negotiation part is constituted by an information part wherein information of the functions and the capacity is described, and an information processing part for extending the functions and the capacity of each of the devices to the functions and the capacity as a whole system. When the respective devices are connected through the interface part of the respective devices, the information of the functions and the capacity of each of the devices described in the negotiation part is exchanged among the respective devices. Thus, the functions and the capacity of each of the devices are extended and developed to the functions and the capacity as the whole of the system. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of configuring electronic equipment such as movie cameras and digital still cameras,
The present invention relates to an electronic device system and devices constituting the electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device which is capable of evolving the functions and capabilities of the electronic device so as to meet the taste of each user and prevent the device from becoming obsolete.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the mass production and consumption era of mass production and sale of the same products using huge production facilities has come to an end, and individual consumers who desire products that match their individual tastes. The era of delivering to has arrived. Also, due to rapid technological progress, the trend cycle of products has become very short, and the life cycle of one product has become very short.

[0003] Such a background has a side that it brings a certain disadvantage to both a manufacturer developing a product and a consumer purchasing the product. In other words, many manufacturers have to prepare models of other varieties to suit the tastes of many users, and it is necessary to develop and introduce new products one after another, which reduces product development costs. We must introduce new products before they can be collected. In addition, the consumer is obliged to replace the model after just using the product for several months.

Therefore, to prevent the product from becoming obsolete,
It is desired that new functions and performances can be added later and that the product can be changed according to individual taste.

The concept of adding options in order to add new functions or improve performance is already known.

For example, a system including a headphone stereo and a speaker amplifier attached to the headphone stereo is sold as a product. If you buy only a headphone stereo for such a product, you can get the function as a headphone stereo and enjoy playing music on the move. And if you attach a speaker amplifier to it, you can add the function to enjoy music through the speaker. This means that a new option called a speaker amplifier has been added to the headphone stereo product, and the function to enjoy music through the speaker has been added.

[0007]

However, this is because the headphone stereo and the speaker amplifier only realize their respective functions as they are, and the functions of the headphone stereo itself and the speaker amplifier itself have not been developed or evolved. It is not something that has been done.

Further, the fact that the speaker amplifier is attached to the headphone stereo is merely an integration of a plurality of divided functions, and from the viewpoint of the developability and evolution from that, it is extremely Limited.

[0009] Therefore, the applicant of the present application pays attention to the concept of "evolution", and in the meantime, the device itself is evolved so that the living thing is evolved, and the new function or ability is later added so that the product does not become obsolete. It proposes to add or change the product according to individual tastes to improve its function and ability.

That is, the organism combines the genes of the parents to leave offspring. At this time, the survival is strong and the ones that are compatible with the environment are left behind, and thus progressing. This idea is introduced into the devices so that when the devices are combined, the ability is high and the ability to meet the taste of the user remains. In addition, by combining the respective functions, a completely new function that suits the user's taste is generated. By evolving the device in this way, it is possible to provide products that match the tastes of the user and prevent the products from becoming obsolete.

As described above, an object of the present invention is to introduce the concept of evolution to match the function and ability of an electronic device to the taste of each user and to prevent the device from becoming obsolete. , An electronic equipment system, and a device constituting the electronic equipment.

[0012]

According to the present invention, there is provided an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which function information is described, and a process for expanding the function of each device to the function as a whole. Each device is configured by a negotiation unit that includes an information processing unit that performs the operation, and an interface unit that exchanges information about the function of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between each device, and interfaces each device. If you connect each device to other devices that make up the system via the interface part of each device, you can connect each device via the interface part to configure the system. Function information is exchanged between each device, and each device gathers from the function of each device The functions of the system that have been evolved into the functions that can be realized when the system is configured, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved function, and each time the device is added, each device gathers and is configured. Is a method of constructing electronic equipment that has evolved.

The functions include, for example, various electronic devices such as still image shooting, moving image shooting, voice recording, timer, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, auto focus, and devices provided in the electronic device. It is a kind of work that can be realized.

Further, expanding and evolving functions means increasing the realizable functions or replacing them with newer functions, convenient functions, or functions suited to the taste of the user. An electronic device evolves into various other electronic devices by increasing or changing the functions of devices that make up the electronic device (by replacing a predetermined function with another function).

According to the present invention, various functions are negotiated between devices having the functions so that the devices function organically and can be used as electronic equipment. Then, it becomes possible to effectively use one device in various electronic devices.

According to the present invention, there are provided an operation unit for realizing the capability, an information unit in which information on the capability is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the capability of each device to the capability as a whole. Each device is composed of a negotiation unit that consists of a device and an interface unit that exchanges information about the capabilities of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices, and multiple devices are connected via the interface unit. When each device is connected to other devices that make up the system through the interface section of each device, the capability information for each device described in the negotiation section of each device is displayed. It was exchanged between each other, and each device gathered from the capabilities of each device to form a system. The capability of the system that is configured by gathering each device will evolve as the device is added and the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved capability. This is the method of configuring the electronic device.

The capability is, for example, a function that can be realized by various electronic devices and devices provided therein such as a recordable capacity and a calculation speed.
It is a value from the viewpoint of a predetermined parameter. This ability can be said to be the degree to which the above function can be performed.

Further, expanding and evolving the capability means increasing or decreasing the capability of a feasible function, and changing it to an extent suited to the taste of the user, the capability of other devices and the like.

According to the present invention, when capabilities of various functions are negotiated between devices and different capabilities are provided for the same function, the device with the highest capability is selected or the capability that suits the taste of the user is selected. A device is selected or the device with the most efficient capability is selected in light of the capabilities and capabilities of other devices. Then, an electronic device is realized by the selected device. Therefore, while using a predetermined device as it is, it is possible to realize an electronic device having a higher capability (specification), or to realize an electronic device with an efficient capability that is useless according to the capability of a device that constitutes the electronic device. , User's preference (including operation ability in addition to preference)
It is possible to realize an electronic device according to.

According to the present invention, there are provided an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which information about the function is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the function of each device to the function as a whole. Each device is configured from a negotiation unit that is configured as follows and an interface unit that exchanges information about the function of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices, and multiple devices are connected through the interface unit. If the device is connected to other devices that make up the system through the interface unit of each device, the function information of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device Are exchanged between each device, and each device gathers from the function of each device to configure the system. The function of the system that is configured by collecting each device evolves as the device is added, and the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved function. It is an electronic device system that is designed to work.

According to the present invention, there are provided an operation unit for realizing the capability, an information unit in which information on the capability is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the capability of each device to the capability as a whole. Each device is composed of a negotiation unit that consists of a device and an interface unit that exchanges information about the capabilities of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices, and multiple devices are connected via the interface unit. If the device is configured as an electronic equipment system and each device is connected to other devices that make up the system through the interface unit of each device, information on the capabilities of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device Are exchanged between each device, and each device gathers from the capabilities of each device to form a system. When the device is added, the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved capability, and each time a device is added, the capability of the system configured by collecting each device evolves. It is an electronic device system that is designed to work.

According to the present invention, there are provided an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which information on the function is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the function of each device to the function as a whole. It consists of a negotiation unit and an interface unit that exchanges information about the function of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between each device, and when connecting to other devices that make up the system via the interface unit Information about the function of each device, which is described in the negotiation section of each device, is exchanged between each device, and the function of each device is evolved into the function that can be realized when the system is assembled by each device. , The electronic function that allows the description of the negotiation part of each device to be rewritten by the advanced function. Is a device constituting the vessel.

According to the present invention, there are provided an operation unit for realizing a capability, an information unit in which information on the capability is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the capability of each device to the capability as a whole. It consists of a negotiation unit and an interface unit that exchanges information on the capabilities of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between each device, and when connecting to other devices that make up the system via the interface unit Information about the capabilities of each device, which is described in the negotiation section of each device, is exchanged between the devices, and the capabilities of each device are evolved into capabilities that can be realized when the devices are gathered to configure the system. , The electronic function that allows the description of the negotiation part of each device to be rewritten by the evolved ability. Is a device constituting the vessel.

Each device is a device that constitutes an electronic device such as a video device and an audio device. Here, the device may be a product of one video device or audio device, or may be a part that constitutes these devices. A collection of these devices constitutes one electronic equipment system.

Each device is composed of an operation unit for realizing the function and capability of each device, a negotiation unit, and an interface unit. The negotiation unit is an information unit in which information on the function and capability is described. And an information processing unit that performs a process of expanding the function and capability of each device from the function and capability to the overall function and capability. Then, when each device is connected through the interface unit of each device, the function and capability information of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device is exchanged between the devices, and the function of each device is
It evolves and expands from ability to function and ability as a whole.

In this way, by evolving and expanding the functions and capabilities, it becomes possible to provide products that match the tastes of each user, and it is possible to prevent products from becoming obsolete.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of each device that constitutes an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, each device 1 constituting the electronic equipment has an operation section 10 for performing a basic operation as the device, and an interface section 11
And a negotiation unit 12.

The interface section 11 exchanges data and signals between each device, and
In the device 1 to which the present invention is applied, information such as the function, capability, and status of each device 1 is exchanged via the interface unit 11 at the time of negotiation.

The negotiation section 12 is provided so as to be attached to the interface section 11, and it is provided so as to pass through that section when inputting and outputting information.
As shown in FIG. 2, the negotiation unit 12 has the device function information INF1, capability information INF2, and status information I.
A new function as a whole by referring to the information unit 13 in which NF3 is described, the device function information, capability information, and status information of the device and the function information, capability information, and status information of other devices The information processing unit 14 that evolves and expands the ability and the state.

As shown in FIG. 3, an electronic equipment system to which the present invention is applied is configured by connecting a plurality of devices 1, 1, 1, ... Of the basic configuration shown in FIG. When connecting a plurality of devices 1, 1, 1, ...
Functional information, capability information, and state information are exchanged among 1, 1, ..., And evolved and expanded to new functions, capabilities, and states as a whole.

Each of the devices 1, 1, 1, ... Is, for example, a device 1 which constitutes an electronic device such as a video device and an audio device.
1, 1, ... Here, the devices 1, 1, 1, ...
It may be a product of one video device or audio device, or may be a part that constitutes these.
A collection of these devices constitutes one electronic equipment system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a negotiation process performed when the devices 1, 1, 1, ... Of such a basic configuration are connected.

In FIG. 4, it is judged whether or not a new device is connected via the interface section 11 (step S1).

When a new device 1 is connected, the function information IN from the negotiation section 12 of the device 1
F1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3 are read (step S2). The read function information INF1, capability information INF2, and status information INF3 of the device.
Is transmitted to each newly connected device 1 (step S3).

Further, each newly connected device has
From each of the other devices 1, 1, 1, ...
1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3 are sent. With the newly connected device, each other device 1,
The function information INF1, the capability information INF2, and the state information INF3 of 1, 1, ... Are received (step S4).

Then, the function information INF1, capability information INF2, and status information INF3 of the newly connected device 1
And the function information INF of each of the other devices 1, 1, 1, ...
1, the capability information INF2 and the state information INF3 are referred to, and a newly evolved and expanded function, capability and state are generated (step S5).

The negotiation units 12, 12, 12, ... Of the devices 1, 1, 1 ,.
The newly evolved and expanded function information, capability information, and status information that can be realized when 1, ... Are gathered to configure the system are written (step S6).

FIG. 5 shows a device 1 to which the present invention is applied.
It shows processing when A and the device 1B are connected.

In FIG. 5, the device 1A has a function A.
1, an ability A2 and a state A3 are provided, and an operation unit 10A for realizing the original function A1, ability A2 and state A3 is provided. Then, in the negotiation unit 12A, the function A1, the ability A2, and the state A3 are displayed as the function information INF1, the ability information INF2, and the state information INF3.
Is written as.

The device 1B has a function B1 and a capability B.
2 and state B3, and an operation unit 1 for realizing such an original function B1, capability B2, and state B3.
OB is provided. And the negotiation unit 12B
Contains the function B1, ability B2, state B3, and function information IN.
It is written as F1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the device 1A and the device 1B are connected via the interface units 11A and 11B. When the device 1A and the device 1B are connected via the interface units 11A and 11B, a negotiation process is performed as shown in FIG. 5B. By this negotiation process, the device 1
Function A written in the negotiation unit 12A of A
The information of 1, capability A2, and state A3 is sent to the device 1B side via the interface unit 11A and the interface unit 11B. Further, information on the function B1, capability B2, and state B3 written in the negotiation unit 12B of the device 1B is sent to the device 1A side via the interface unit 11B and the interface unit 11A.
Then, the function A1, the capability A2, and the state A3 of the device 1A
Then, the newly evolved and expanded function (A1 + B1), capability (A2 + B2), and state (A3 + B3) are generated from the function B1, capability B2, and state B3 of the device 1B.

As described above, as the functions, capabilities, and states have evolved and expanded, as shown in FIG. 5C, the device 1A
Function information INF1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3 information of the negotiation unit 12A of the function Aa1,
The ability Aa2 and the state Aa3 are rewritten. Function Aa
1, the ability Aa2 and the state Aa3 are the original function A1, the ability A2 and the state A3, and the newly extended function (A1 + B).
1), ability (A2 + B2), and state (A3 + B3).

As the device 1B, functions, capabilities, and states have evolved and expanded, as shown in FIG. 5C, the function information INF of the negotiation unit 12B of the device 1B.
1, the capability information INF2 and the state information INF3 information are rewritten into the function Ba1, the capability Ba2, and the state Ba3. The function Ba1, the ability Ba2, and the state Ba3 are the original function B.
1, capability B2, state B3, and newly expanded function (A
1 + B1), ability (A2 + B2), state (A3 + B3)
Is.

Here, the addition of the functions, abilities, and states is a combination of the functions, abilities, and states of each device, but it is not a simple combination of the functions, abilities, and states of each device, but rather the preference of each user. It is changed to the best combination of functions, capabilities, and states of each device so that it fits or the equipment does not become obsolete.

This is similar to inheritance so that bad elements are hidden and high-quality elements appear when the functions, abilities, and states of each device are considered as genes of the organism. In this invention, by changing the function, ability, and state to the best combination of functions, abilities, and states of each device, so that organisms evolve in such a genetic process, Equipment will evolve. This can prevent the product from becoming obsolete.

For example, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the device 1C is a moving image camera and the device 1D is a still image camera. The device 1C includes an operation unit 10C for realizing the functions, capabilities, and states of the video camera. Then, in the negotiation unit 12C, function information of "video camera", capability information of "low resolution and large capacity storage", and status information of "video camera operation" are written.

The device 1D is provided with an operating unit 10D for realizing the functions, capabilities and states of a still image camera.
Then, in the negotiation unit 12D, function information of "still image camera", capability information of "high resolution and small capacity storage", and state information of "still image camera operation" are written.

When the device 1C and the device 1D are connected via the interface units 11C and 11D, a negotiation process is performed as shown in FIG. 6B.
By this negotiation processing, information on the function, capability, and state written in the negotiation unit 12C of the device 1C is sent to the device 1C side via the interface units 11C and 11D. Further, information on the function, capability, and state written in the negotiation unit 12D of the device 1D is sent to the device 1C side via the interface unit 11D and the interface unit 11C. Then, from the function, ability and state of the device 1C and the function, ability and state of the device 1D,
New functions, abilities and states are created.

For example, considering a new capability, the capability of the device 1C is "low resolution and large capacity storage". On the other hand, the capability of the device 1D is “high-resolution, small-capacity storage”. Therefore, if the capabilities of device 1C and device 1D are combined,
It is possible to combine "low resolution and small capacity storage", "low resolution and large capacity storage", "high resolution and small capacity storage", and "high resolution and large capacity storage". Since the best combination of these capabilities is "high resolution and large capacity storage", "high resolution and large capacity storage" is adopted as a new capability. In this way, the evolution of equipment can be realized by adopting the combination with the higher ability.

As described above, the evolution and expansion of the capability can be said to be “adopted by the higher performance”. If the storage capacity is large, the one that has a high transfer rate, the one that has a high transfer rate, the one that has high accuracy for image quality and sound quality, the color for monochrome or stereo, and the stereo sound for monaural or stereo sound will be adopted.

Further, the user is not required to always adopt the one with higher performance, but may be selected by the user.
Since allowing the user to make a selection matches the taste of the user, this can also be regarded as evolution.

Of course, it is conceivable that the performance of one of the devices is limited. For example, assume that there is a system including a monaural speaker unit device and a stereo amplifier device. In this case, the best combination is stereo, since the amplifier device is stereo and the speaker unit device is monaural. However, if the speaker unit is monaural, stereo reproduction is impossible. Even if you say "adopt high performance", it is necessary to avoid such impossible combinations.

Generally, the performance of the part of the first input and the performance of the part which realizes the final function will predominantly determine all performances. For example, in the case of audio, the performances of the microphone and the speaker determine all performances, and it is not possible to expect a sound quality higher than the sound input by the microphone or the sound that can be reproduced by the speaker.

Therefore, in the case where a device such as an input / output device that predominantly limits functions and capabilities is assumed,
It is possible to change to the best combination within the limits. That is, for example, it is considered that the best combination is determined for each input / output device, and the connection of the input / output device is used as a trigger to switch to the best performance that the input / output device can use. To be

The evolution of the function can be explained as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the device 22 having a function of inputting voice is attached to the device 21 functioning as a recording unit, the function of “recording”,
The function of "voice input" evolves to the function of "recorder". It is the evolution of functions that new functions are realized by adding such functions.

As shown in FIG. 8, when a device 23 having a function of photographing a still image is attached to the device 21 functioning as a recording unit, a "recording" function and a "still image photographing" function are used. Evolves into a function as a "still image camera".

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the device 24 having the function of the time controller is mounted, the function as the “still image camera” realized by mounting the device 21 and the device 23 and the function as the time controller are realized. "Generate signal every predetermined time" of functioning device 24
By combining with the functions, it evolves into a "simple video recording function" for creating animations. That is, the device 24 having the function of the time controller generates a signal for one second every 30 minutes, for example, and releases a shutter at every predetermined time by this signal to continuously shoot still images, thereby enabling a simple moving image shooting. Become.

Furthermore, as an example of expansion and evolution of functions,
Combining "clock function" and "thermometer function",
Example of evolution and expansion to "medical 24-hour thermometer",
A combination of "clock function" and "pressure sensor function" to evolve and expand to "function to record pulse when attached to arm", example of combining "monaural recording function" and "stereo recording function" It is possible to think of an example in which the function is evolved and expanded.

As an example of evolution and expansion to a new function by combining three functions, an example of combining a "clock function", a "voice input function" and a "moving image shooting function" and expanding to a movie camera , "Voice input function", "Amplifier function", and "Speaker function" are combined and evolved and expanded to a loudspeaker, "Voice input function", "Voice output function" and "Wireless transmission / reception function" An example is conceivable in which they are combined and evolved and expanded to mobile phones.

There are many other functions that can be realized by combining a plurality of functions. The advantage of the system to which the present invention is applied is that a product having a function realized by combining a plurality of such functions can be easily developed.

When a plurality of devices are combined and a plurality of functions are realized, it is possible to select the best function among them. As the best function, for example, it is considered that the tendency of the function to be used for each user is learned and the function having the higher tendency to be used is evolved. For example, a user who frequently expands a function related to video when combining the functions can determine that he / she expects the function related to the video this time, and changes the function to the video.

Further, the user may be allowed to select a function required by the user. Since making the user select is to match the taste of the user, it can be regarded as evolution.

It should be noted that when considering some inputs and outputs in an overlapping manner, some synchronization may be required. For example, in the case of animation,
Audio and video are recorded or recorded separately. In order to synchronize these, the function of synchronous reproduction is required. Therefore, it is conceivable to include time information as the information of the negotiation unit.

Further, it is possible to synchronize the areas by including the area information. The regional synchronization means that the television system, the camera system, the frequency, the modulation system used in the region, and the user's preference peculiar to the region are matched in each device.

The evolution of the state may be made selectable by the user and adapted to the taste of the user. For example, in the case of a camera, there are various setting states such as focus / exposure manual / auto and resolution. The user may set and inherit the setting state. If the setting state is inherited, it is considered that the preference of the user can be always met and the evolution of the state can be achieved.

In the above example, the functions, capabilities, and states are exchanged between the devices, but they may be the functions and capabilities. Of course, only functions, capabilities, or states may be used.

If the interface is a connector having a common physical shape, it is possible to easily cope with a change in the model. For example, IEEE (Institute o
It is also conceivable to use a general-purpose interface such as f Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394. Also, instead of using a general-purpose interface as it is, it is conceivable to extend it so that it has a negotiation part.

Of course, a new interface may be developed. Also, if you can negotiate,
The physical shape may change, and it is not limited to unifying physical interfaces. The interface may be connected to a common serial or parallel bus. Further, not only an interface by wire or mechanical connection, but also a wireless interface by radio or optical communication may be used.

Next, a more specific example of the system realized by the device to which the present invention is applied will be described. 10 and 11 show specific examples of a system realized by a device to which the present invention is applied. By using the system to which this invention is applied,
A product called a movie camera as shown in FIG. 10 is evolved and expanded to a product called a digital still camera as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of a movie camera, the main body 52 and the movie camera 51 are connected. As will be described later, an interface section for connecting the movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 is provided, and this interface section is a negotiation for exchanging functions, capabilities, and states between devices. Section is provided. The movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 are connected via this interface section.

The movie camera unit 51 has a function of shooting the subject image light incident through the optical system 61 and outputting a video signal, and a function of outputting an audio signal based on the sound picked up by the microphone 64. have.

The main body section 52 has a function of displaying a photographing screen on the display section 74, a function of recording / reproducing a signal, an operation function, and a power supply function.

When the main body unit 52 and the movie camera unit 51 are connected to each other, negotiation is carried out, and the main body unit 52 and the movie camera unit 51 have the functions, abilities, and states so as to be the best when functioning as a movie camera. Is changed.

When the main body section 52 and the movie camera section 51 are connected and made to function as a movie camera, the video signal and the audio signal photographed by the movie camera section 51 are operated by operating the operation section 75.
Will be recorded in the storage. The display unit 74 also displays a monitor screen during shooting and a playback screen.

As shown in FIG. 11, when a finder section 53 and a still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52 so as to sandwich the main body section 52, it evolves as a high-performance digital still.

When the viewfinder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52,
Negotiation is performed between the viewfinder section 53 and the still camera section 54, and the main body section 52 and the viewfinder section 5
Function information, capability information, and status information are exchanged between the 3 and the still camera unit 54. As a result, the best functions, capabilities, and states for realizing the functions of the digital still camera are evolved and expanded.

When the viewfinder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52, when the shutter button on the operation section of the main body section 52 is pressed, the video signal taken by the still camera section 54 is recorded in the storage. To be done. In addition, a monitor screen during shooting is displayed on the display unit 74. Since the finder unit 53 is attached on the display unit 74, the photographing screen is displayed through the finder, and the camera can be held for photographing.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the operation when the movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 are connected. In FIG. 12, a movie camera unit 51 includes an optical system 61 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).
Image sensor 62, video signal processor 63, microphone 6
4. It has an audio signal processing unit 65 and the like. Also,
The movie camera unit 51 includes an interface unit 6
6 and a controller 67 are provided. The interface unit 66 is provided with a negotiation unit 68 in which the capabilities, functions and states of the movie camera unit 51 are written.

The input subject image light is focused on the light receiving surface of the CCD image pickup device 62 via the optical system 61. CC
The subject image light is photoelectrically converted by the D image pickup element 62.
The output of the CCD image pickup device 62 is the video signal processing unit 63.
Is supplied to. The video signal processing unit 63 forms a digital video signal based on the input subject image light.
The output of the video signal processing unit 63 is supplied to the interface unit 66.

Further, external sound is picked up by the microphone 64, and the vibration of the sound is converted into an electric signal by the microphone 64. The output of the microphone 64 is supplied to the audio signal processing unit 65. Audio signal processing unit 65
Then, a digital audio signal based on the voice input to the microphone 64 is formed. This digital audio signal is supplied to the interface unit 66.

The main body section 52 includes a video recording / reproducing section 71, an audio recording / reproducing section 72, a storage section 73, and a display section 7.
4, an operation unit 75, and a power supply unit 76. Further, the main body 52 includes interface parts 77A and 77B.
And a controller 80 is provided. The interface units 77A and 77B are provided with negotiation units 81A and 81B in which the capabilities, functions, and states of the main body unit 52 are written. The interface units 77A and 77B
Can input and output the same signal, and the function is the same regardless of which interface unit is used.

An interface section 66 is provided at the bottom of the movie camera section 51. At the top of the main body 52,
The interface section 77A is provided, and the interface section 77B is provided at the bottom thereof. The interface section 77A above the main body section 52 and the movie camera section 5
The movie camera unit 51 is mounted on the main body unit 52 by fitting the interface unit 66 of No. 1.

When the movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 are mounted, the capability, function and state of the movie camera section 51 written in the negotiation section 68 of the movie camera section 51 and the negotiation section 8 of the main body section 52.
The capabilities, functions, and states of the main body 52 written in 1A and 81B are exchanged to generate newly evolved capabilities, functions, and states. The evolved capabilities, functions, and states are written in the negotiation unit 68 of the movie camera unit 51 and the negotiation units 81A and 81B of the main body unit 52.

When the movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 are mounted, the main body section 52 provides a function for shooting a moving image.

That is, when the movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 are attached, the recording / reproducing operation of the moving image is set by operating the operation section 75 in FIG. At this time, the power source for the movie camera unit 51 is sent from the power source unit 76 of the main body unit 52 via the interface unit 77A and the interface unit 66.

At the time of recording, a digital video signal and a digital audio signal are output from the interface section 66 of the movie camera section 51. The digital video signal and digital audio signal are sent to the main body 52 side via the interface 66 and the interface 77A.

The video signal from the interface section 77A is supplied to the video recording / reproducing section 71 and also sent to the display section 74. The video recording / playback unit 71 performs a video signal recording process. Further, the screen of the subject image being photographed is displayed on the display unit 74. The output of the video recording / playback unit 71 is sent to the storage unit 73. A digital video signal based on a shooting screen is recorded in the storage unit 73.

The audio signal from the interface section 77A is supplied to the audio recording / reproducing section 72. The output from the audio recording / reproducing unit 72 is supplied to the storage unit 73. A digital audio signal based on the recorded voice is recorded in the storage unit 73.

When the reproduction operation is set by the operation unit 75, the reproduction signal of the storage unit 73 is transferred to the video recording / reproducing unit 7.
1 and is supplied to the audio recording / reproducing unit 72. The video recording / reproducing unit 71 reproduces the video signal based on the reproduction signal from the storage unit 73. This video signal is output via the interface sections 77A and 77B and is also supplied to the display section 74. An image based on the video signal reproduced from the storage unit 73 is displayed on the display unit 74.

Further, the audio recording / reproducing unit 72 reproduces an audio signal based on the reproduction signal from the storage unit 73. This audio signal is output via the interface units 77A and 77B, and the speaker 8
2 is supplied. From the speaker 82, the storage unit 7
The audio based on the audio signal reproduced from 3 is output.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the operation when the finder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52.

When the main body 52 is sandwiched between the finder 53 and the still camera 54, the finder 53 and the still camera 54 are attached to the main body 52.
Operates as a digital still camera.

The still camera section 54 includes an optical system 91, CC
It has a D image pickup element 92, a video signal processing section 93, and the like. A high-performance lens assembly can be used as the optical system 91, and a lens exchange type can be used. In addition, the still camera unit 54 has
An interface unit 94 and a controller 95 are provided. The interface unit 94 is provided with a negotiation unit 96 in which the capabilities, functions, and states of the still camera unit 54 are written.

The finder section 53 is a monitor with light shielding, and as shown in FIG. 11, the transparent panel 104 arranged on the display section 74 of the main body section 52, the light shielding plate 106, the number of sheets, the date, various kinds of information. LCD (Liquid Crys) that displays warnings, etc.
tal Display) display unit 103. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the finder section 53 is provided with an interface section 101 and a controller 102. In the interface unit 101, the negotiation unit 1 in which the capabilities, functions and states of the finder unit 53 are written.
05 is provided.

In FIG. 13, the input subject image light is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD image pickup device 92 via the optical system 91. The subject image light is photoelectrically converted by the CCD image pickup device 92. The output of the CCD image pickup element 92 is supplied to the video signal processing section 93. Video signal processing unit 9
At 3, a digital video signal based on the input subject image light is formed. The output of the video signal processing unit 93 is supplied to the interface unit 94.

When the finder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52, the abilities, functions, and states of the main body section 52 written in the negotiation sections 81A and 81B of the main body section 52, and the finder section 53. The capability, function, and state of the finder unit 53 written in the negotiation unit 105 of the still camera and the capability, function, and state of the still camera unit 54 written in the negotiation unit 96 of the still camera unit 54 are newly exchanged. Evolved abilities, functions, and states are created. This evolved ability, function, and state are the negotiation unit 81 of the main body unit 52.
A, 81B, negotiation section 1 of finder section 53
05, is written in the negotiation unit 96 of the still camera unit 54.

When the main body section 52, the finder section 53, and the still camera section 54 are connected, the operation section 75 is operated in FIG. 13 to set the recording / reproducing operation of a still image. At this time, the finder section 5
3. The power supply to the still camera unit 54 is sent from the power supply unit 76 of the main body unit 52 via the interface unit 77A and the interface unit 101, the interface unit 77B and the interface unit 94.

At the time of recording, a digital video signal of a shooting screen is output from the interface section 66 of the movie camera section 51. The digital video signal and digital audio signal are transferred to the interface unit 94,
It is sent to the main body 52 side through the interface 77B.

The video signal from the interface section 77B is supplied to the video recording / reproducing section 71 and is also sent to the display section 74. A screen of the subject image being photographed is displayed on the display unit 74.

As shown in FIG. 11, the finder section 53
Is disposed on the display unit 74 of the main body unit 52, and the screen displayed on the display unit 74 is displayed via the transparent panel 104 of the finder unit 53. The user can monitor the screen to be photographed while watching the screen displayed through the transparent panel 104 of the finder section 53. Further, the LCD display section 103 of the finder section 53 displays the number of shots, the date, various warnings, and the like.

When the shutter button in the interface unit 66 of the still camera unit 54 is pressed, the output of the video recording / playback unit 71 is sent to the storage unit 73. A digital video signal based on a shooting screen is recorded in the storage unit 73.

When the reproduction operation is set by the operation unit 75, the reproduction signal of the storage unit 73 is transferred to the video recording / reproducing unit 7.
1 is supplied. The video recording / reproducing unit 71 reproduces the video signal based on the reproduction signal from the storage unit 73. This video signal is transmitted to the interface sections 77A and 77A.
It is output via B and is also supplied to the display unit 74. An image based on the video signal reproduced from the storage unit 73 is displayed on the display unit 74.

As described above, in this example, when the movie camera section 51 is attached to the main body section 52, it functions as a movie camera, and when the finder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52, the digital still camera is attached. Will evolve to function as.

Then, the main body 52 and the movie camera 5
1 is attached, the capability, function, and state of the movie camera unit 51 written in the negotiation unit 68 of the movie camera unit 51 and the main body unit 5 written in the negotiation units 81A and 81B of the main body unit 52.
The two abilities, functions, and states are exchanged to generate a newly evolved ability, function, and state. This evolved ability,
Functions and states are the negotiation unit 68 of the movie camera unit 51 and the negotiation units 81A and 8A of the main body unit 52.
Written to 1B.

When the viewfinder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52, the main body section 52
Of the main body 52 written in the negotiation units 81A and 81B of the finder unit 53.
Capability, function and state of the finder unit 53 written in the negotiation unit 105 of the still camera unit 54.
The capabilities, functions, and states of the still camera unit 54 written in the negotiation unit 96 are exchanged to generate newly evolved capabilities, functions, and states. The evolved capabilities, functions, and states are the negotiation units 81A and 81B of the main body unit 52, the negotiation unit 105 of the finder unit 53, and the negotiation unit 9 of the still camera unit 54.
Written in 6.

Therefore, the same main body 52 is used both as a movie camera and as a digital still camera, but its capability, function, and state are used as a movie camera. And when used as a digital still camera.

Further, in this example, the operating section 75 can be shared both when it is used as a movie camera and when it is used as a still camera. In this way, sharing the user interface
That is a great advantage.

[0109]

According to the present invention, each device is composed of an operation unit for realizing the function and ability of each device, a negotiation unit, and an interface unit,
The negotiation unit is composed of an information unit in which information on functions and capabilities is described, and an information processing unit that performs processing for expanding the functions and capabilities of each device to the overall functions and capabilities. Then, when each device is connected via the interface unit of each device, information on the function and capability of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device is exchanged between each device, and the function and capability of each device is exchanged. From the function and ability as a whole,
Evolved and expanded.

As described above, by evolving and expanding the functions and abilities, it becomes possible to provide products that match the tastes of each user, and prevent products from becoming obsolete, thus improving the life of the products. You can keep the cycle long.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram used for explaining a basic configuration of a device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a negotiation unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram used to describe an electronic equipment system configured based on a device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart used for explaining a negotiation process.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram used for explaining a negotiation process.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram used for explaining a negotiation process.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram used to describe an electronic device system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram used to describe an electronic device system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram used to describe an electronic device system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device, 10 ... Operation part, 11 ... Interface part, 12 ... Negotiation part, 13
... Information section, 14 ... Information processing section

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kazuo Haraoka             6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Soni             -Inside the corporation F term (reference) 5C022 AA00 AA13 AC07 AC42 AC77                       AC78

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A negotiation comprising an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which function information is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the function of each device to the function as a whole. Unit and an interface unit for exchanging information on the function of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between each device, and each device is configured through the interface unit. When the above devices are connected to other devices that configure the system via the interface unit of each device, each device described in the negotiation unit of each device is connected. Function information for each device is exchanged between each device, Serial is evolved functions that may be implemented when configuring the system gathered each device,
The electronic function that the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved function, and the function of the system configured by gathering each device is evolved every time the device is added. How to configure. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the functions that can be realized from the functions of each device when the devices are collected to form a system are generated from a combination of the functions of the devices. How to configure equipment. 3. The method of configuring an electronic device according to claim 2, wherein a function selected by a user among the combinations of functions of the devices is determined as the evolved function. 4. The method of configuring an electronic device according to claim 2, wherein a function having a high usage tendency is determined as the evolved function among the combinations of capabilities of the devices. 5. A negotiation comprising an operation unit for realizing the capability, an information unit in which information on the capability is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the capability of each device to the capability as a whole. Unit and an interface unit for exchanging information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between each device, and each device is configured through the interface unit. When the above devices are connected to other devices that configure the system via the interface unit of each device, each device described in the negotiation unit of each device is connected. Information on the capabilities of each device is exchanged between the above devices, and from the capabilities of each device Serial is evolved the ability can be realized when configuring the system gathered each device,
Electronic equipment that the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved capability and that the capability of the system configured by gathering the devices is evolved each time the device is added. How to configure. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein from the capabilities of each device, capabilities that can be realized when the devices are gathered to form a system are generated from a combination of capabilities of the devices. How to configure equipment. 7. The method of configuring an electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the ability selected by the user is determined as the evolved ability among the combinations of the capabilities of the respective devices. 8. The method of configuring an electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the highest capability among the combinations of capabilities of the devices is determined as the evolved capability. 9. A negotiation comprising an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which information on the function is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the function of each device to the function as a whole. Unit and an interface unit for exchanging information on the function of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between each of the devices, each device is configured through the interface unit. In the electronic equipment system configured by connecting the devices to each other, when the devices are connected to other devices configuring the system via the interface unit of the devices, the device is described in the negotiation unit of the devices. Information about the function of each device is exchanged between the above devices, Evolved from Noh to functions that can be realized when the above devices are gathered together to form a system,
The electronic function that the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved function, and the function of the system configured by gathering each device is evolved every time the device is added. system. 10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein a function that can be realized from a function of each device when the devices are collected to form a system is generated from a combination of functions of the devices. Equipment system. 11. The electronic device system according to claim 10, wherein a function selected by a user in the combination of functions of each device is determined as the evolved function. 12. The electronic device system according to claim 10, wherein a function having a high usage tendency is determined as the evolved function among the combinations of capabilities of the respective devices. 13. A negotiation comprising an operation unit for realizing the capability, an information unit in which information on the capability is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the capability of each device to the capability as a whole. Unit and an interface unit for exchanging information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between each device, and configuring each device through the interface unit. In the electronic equipment system configured by connecting the devices to each other, when the devices are connected to other devices configuring the system via the interface unit of the devices, the device is described in the negotiation unit of the devices. Information on the capabilities of each device is exchanged between the above devices, Evolved from the ability to the ability that can be realized when the above devices gather to form a system,
Electronic equipment that the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved capability and that the capability of the system configured by gathering the devices is evolved each time the device is added. system. 14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein from the capabilities of each device, the capabilities that can be realized when the devices are assembled to form a system are generated from a combination of capabilities of the devices. Equipment system. 15. The electronic equipment system according to claim 14, wherein the ability selected by the user among the combinations of the abilities of the respective devices is determined as an evolved ability. 16. The electronic device system according to claim 14, wherein the highest capability among the combinations of capabilities of the respective devices is determined as an evolved capability. 17. A negotiation comprising an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which function information is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the function of each device to the function as a whole. Unit and an interface unit for exchanging information on the function of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices, and to other devices that configure the system via the interface unit. When connected, information about the function of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is exchanged between each device, and when each device gathers from the function of each device to configure the system. Evolved into functions that can be realized,
A device constituting an electronic device in which the description of the negotiation unit of each device is rewritten by the evolved function. 18. A negotiation comprising an operation unit for realizing the capability, an information unit in which information on the capability is described, and an information processing unit for performing processing for expanding the capability of each device to the capability as a whole. Section and an interface section for exchanging information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation section of each device between each of the devices, and to other devices constituting the system via the interface section. When connected, information on the capabilities of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is exchanged between the devices, and when the devices are assembled from the capabilities of each device to configure the system. Evolved into achievable capabilities,
A device constituting an electronic device in which the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved capability.