JP2003333046A - Signal-processing system and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of the difficulty in establishing connection between apparatus different in generation. <P>SOLUTION: A signal output unit or a signal input unit sends a variety of commands one after another, to a signal input unit or a signal output unit of the opposite party. Based on the answer from the opposite party's signal input unit or the signal output unit to the command, the generation of the opposite party's signal input or output unit is decided to control for establishing a connection with the opposite party's signal input or output unit, based on the decision results, using a technique suited to the generation of the opposite party's signal input or output unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a signal processing system,
Regarding a signal output device, a signal input device, and a communication control method,
It is suitable to be applied to a network system in which various AV (audio / visual) devices are connected to a network and data is transmitted and received between the connected AV devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, IEEE has been used as a bus standard for transferring multimedia data at high speed in real time.
(Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers)
There is a 1394 system, and various AV devices capable of mutually transmitting data via a network using the 1EEE1394 digital serial bus have been developed.

In such a network system, an isochronous transfer mode for transmitting real-time data and an asynchronous transfer mode for surely transmitting a control command are prepared.

That is, in this network system, when transmitting real-time data, it serves as a signal transmission path between a source for generating and outputting the real-time data and a sink for inputting the real-time data output from the source. , It is necessary to establish a logical connection (hereinafter referred to as a logical connection).

On the other hand, in this network system, AV / C (Audio / video cont) is used as a control command.
rol) command transaction set (AV / C Comm
By transmitting an andTransaction Set) (hereinafter referred to as an AV / C command), the AV equipment connected to the network system can be controlled.

By the way, there are various plugs at both ends of the logical connection, and these plugs are subunit plugs (Subunit plugs) for transmitting signals inside the equipment.
Plug), a plug control register for inputting and outputting digital signals between devices
r) (hereinafter referred to as PCR), an external plug (Exte
rnal Plug).

The sub-unit plug is a sub-unit source plug for output.
And there is a Subunit Destination Plug for input. The PCR includes an output oPCR (Output Plug Control Registe).
r) and iPCR (Input Plug Control Regist for input)
er) exists. The external output plug (External O
utput plug) and external input for input
There is a plug (External Input Plug). Hereinafter, the output plug will be referred to as an output plug, and the input plug will be referred to as an input plug.

The logical connection includes an intra-device connection and an inter-device connection, among which the intra-device connection indicates a signal path existing inside each device, and the inter-device connection exists between a source and a sink. The signal path to do is shown.

Further, there are various forms of this inter-device connection. In other words, the connection between devices is 1
Point-to-Poin that connects one oPCR and one iPCR via one isochronous channel (hereinafter referred to as channel)
t) There is a connection (hereinafter referred to as PtoP connection).

Further, one oP is provided for the connection between the devices.
Broadcast that connects CR to one channel
Broadcast out connection (hereinafter referred to as Bout connection) and one iPCR
Broadcast In (Br
oadcast in) connection (hereinafter, this is referred to as Bin connection), and these Bout connection and Bin connection are broadcast (Broadcas
t) Called a connection.

The inter-device connection includes an external connection for connecting an external output plug and an external input plug.

The procedure for establishing and releasing such a logical connection is described in IEC (International Electrotechnic).
al Commission) 61883-1.

The network system requires a channel and an isochronous band (hereinafter, referred to as a band) to establish one device-to-device connection, and these channels and bands are allocated to an isochronous resource (hereinafter, referred to as an isochronous resource). Call it a resource).

By the way, in such a network system, by using the control command transmitted between the source and the sink when establishing the logical connection,
AV / C connection and compatibility management (AV / C Connect and Compatibility Management) is used as a mechanism to mutually transmit information for properly establishing a logical connection.
ion and Compatibility Management) (hereinafter, this is C
A command set called CM) is defined.

The mechanism for establishing the signal path of the logical connection by this CCM will be described below. That is, the intra-device connection can be established by using the signal source (SIGNAL SOURCE) command specified in the CCM, and the inter-device connection can be CC
Input Select (INPUT SELE
CT) command.

This input select command includes connect (CONNECT) and path change (PATH CHAN
GE), select (SELECT), disconnect (DISCONNE
Four sub functions (CT) are defined, and when transmitting an input select command, it is necessary to specify one of them. The following is a specific example of the case where the sink permits the input / select / command, that is, returns an accepted (ACCEPTED) response.

When the sink receives the connect,
When the device-to-device connection is established with the specified source and a path change is received, the device-to-device connection is basically established with the specified source, but when the specified source is not selected, the device is connected. The establishment of the inter-connection can be rejected, that is, a rejected (REJECTED) response can be returned.

When the sink receives the select, the sink selects the designated source. In this case, the sink itself can determine whether to establish the inter-device connection, and when the sink receives the disconnection. Disconnects the specified device-to-device connection.

In this CCM, the source transmits the information of the source to the sink by transmitting the input select command to the sink, and the sink uses the information to establish the connection between the source and the device. There is. In this case, in the network system, it is necessary to store in advance the sink of the transmission target to which the input / select / command should be transmitted.
In M, an output preset (OUTPUT PRESET) command is provided to realize the function. Further, in the CCM, when the source is stored in the sink, an input select command is used.

In this network system,
Based on the CCM, it is assumed that the device itself establishes the connection within the device and the sink establishes the connection between the devices. However, in the intra-device connection, it is also possible to control from the outside of the device using a signal source command.

In a network system using CCM, the source attaches the input / select command to the input / select command by attaching the information about the output plug of the source (hereinafter referred to as output plug information) to the input / select command. Send to sink. The sink is
The device-to-device connection was established using the output plug information given by the received input-select-command.

Further, in the network system, when the sink establishes the inter-device connection, the sink directly establishes the inter-device connection using the default output plug information.

Further, in the network system, when a controller, which is an AV device other than the source or sink, establishes an interdevice connection, the controller is
Input / Select / Set default output plug information
Send it to the sink along with the command. The sink has established an inter-device connection using the output plug information given by the received input select command.

By the way, in a network system using CCM, an autoplay process has been developed for establishing an interdevice connection between the source and the sink by changing the state of the source.

Specifically, the controller causes the source to register the sink by sending an output preset command to the source. Then the source is
When a trigger such as a change to the playback state occurs, an input select command is sent to the sync. When the sink receives this input-select-command, it uses the information described in the input-select-command to establish an interdevice connection.

Further, in a network system using CCM, a so-called source route information notification process has been developed as a method of establishing a connection between devices without using a controller.

Specifically, when the appropriate output plug of the source itself changes, the source sends an input select command whose subfunction field is a path change to all currently registered sinks. By doing so, new output plug information is notified to each of the sinks. The sync is this input select
When the command is received, the output plug information described in the input / select / command is used to establish an inter-device connection with an appropriate input plug.

[0028]

By the way, such CC
Considering the actual usage environment of the network system using M, not all devices connected to the network necessarily support CMM or support all CMMs.

This is a problem that occurs due to differences in device manufacturers and differences in versions even for the same CMM. Conventionally, in such a case, it is not possible to establish a device-to-device connection between such devices. was there.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and is intended to propose a signal processing system, a signal output device, a signal input device, and a communication control method capable of making a connection between devices more reliably. is there.

[0031]

According to the present invention, in a signal processing system, a signal output device and / or a signal input device sends various commands to a counterpart signal input device or signal output device. While sequentially transmitting, based on the response of the signal input device or the signal output device to the command, the determination means for determining the generation of the signal input device or the signal output device, and based on the determination result of the determination means, A connection establishment control means for performing control for establishing a connection with the signal input device or the signal output device is provided by using a method according to the generation of the signal input device or the signal output device.

As a result, in this signal processing system, the signal output device and / or the signal input device can establish a connection with the signal output device or the signal input device of the counterpart of a different generation.

In the present invention, the signal output device sequentially transmits various commands to the signal input device of the other party, and determines the generation of the signal input device based on the response of the signal input device to the command. And a connection establishment control means for performing control for establishing a connection with the other signal input device by using a method according to the generation of the other signal input device based on the determination result of the determination device. I decided to set and.

As a result, this signal output device can establish a connection with a signal input device of a counterpart of a different generation.

Further, in the present invention, in the signal input device, various commands are sequentially transmitted to the signal output device of the other party, and the generation of the signal output device is judged based on the response of the signal output device to the command. And a connection establishment control means for performing control for establishing a connection with the signal output device of the other party based on the determination result of the determination device and using a method according to the generation of the signal output device of the other party. I decided to set and.

As a result, this signal input device can establish a connection with a signal output device of a counterpart of a different generation.

Further, in the present invention, in the communication control method, the signal output device and / or the signal input device sequentially transmits various commands to the signal input device or the signal output device of the other party, and at the same time, the signal input device for the command. Alternatively, the first step of determining the generation of the signal input device or the signal output device based on the response of the signal output device, and the signal output device and / or the signal input device based on the determination result in the first step. And a second step of performing control for establishing a connection with the signal input device or the signal output device by using a method according to the generation of the counterpart signal input device or the signal output device. I did it.

As a result, according to this communication control method, the signal output device and / or the signal input device can establish a connection with the signal output device or the signal input device of the counterpart of a different generation.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(1) Establishing an inter-device connection, device selection processing, and releasing an inter-device connection When explaining a method of establishing an inter-device connection in consideration of the generation of the device according to the present invention, the applicant of the present application first The establishment of the inter-device connection, the device selection process, and the release of the inter-device connection proposed by the above will be described.

(1-1) Configuration of Network System FIG. 1 shows a network system 1 used for explaining establishment of an inter-device connection, device selection processing, and release of an inter-device connection. In this network 1, S is connected to the IEEE 1394 serial bus 2.
TB (Set Top Box) 3, VCR (Video Cassette Reco)
rder) 4 and TV (Television) 5 are connected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the STB 3 inputs the received signal received by the antenna 6 to the tuner 7, performs a predetermined signal processing by the tuner 7, and then obtains the obtained AV data by the IEEE1394 interface 8
To the outside via. CPU (Central Processing
Unit) 9 controls the operation of each circuit constituting the STB 3 according to the user's input operation on the operation unit 10,
Further, various commands are transmitted / received to / from the VCR 4 and the TV 5 via the IEEE 1394 interface 8 based on the software stored in the internal memory.

As shown in FIG. 3, the VCR 4 inputs the received signal received by the antenna 11 to the tuner 12, performs predetermined signal processing by the tuner 12, and then outputs AV data obtained as necessary. Recording / playback unit 13
To the internal recording medium for recording or IEEE 1394
It is output to the outside through the interface 14. Also V
When the AV data is input from the outside via the IEEE1394 interface 14, the CR4 sends the AV data to the recording / reproducing unit 13 to record the AV data.

The recording / reproducing unit 13 reproduces the AV data recorded on the recording medium as required, and reproduces it.
Output to the outside via the 394 interface 14.
Further, the VCR 4 outputs AV data supplied from the outside to the outside as it is via the IEEE 1394 interface 14 as necessary.

The CPU 15 controls the operation of each circuit constituting the VCR 4 in response to the user's input operation on the operation unit 16, and controls the IEEE 1394 interface 14 based on the software stored in the internal memory. Various commands are transmitted and received to and from the STB 3 and the TV 5 via the.

The TV 5, as shown in FIG.
The AV data input via the EEE1394 interface 17 is sent to the display unit 18 and displayed. CPU
Reference numeral 19 controls the operation of each circuit constituting the TV 5 in accordance with the user's input operation on the operation unit 20, and based on the software stored in the internal memory,
Various commands are transmitted and received between the STB 3 and the VCR 4 via the IEEE 1394 interface 17.

Here, the functional configuration of the network system 1 is shown in FIG. 5 in which the same parts as those in FIGS. In this network system 1, as shown in FIG. 5, as the PCR, the oPCR for output is provided to the STB 3.

[0] is provided, and the VCR4 has an iPCR for input.

[0] is provided and output oPCR

[0] and oPCR [1] are provided, and the iPCR for input is provided on the TV 5.

[0] is provided.

(1-2) Establishment of inter-device connection according to signal path in source The establishment of inter-device connection according to signal path in source in the network 1 will be described below. Here, it is assumed that the STB 3 operates as a controller and executes a device selection process for setting a set of a sink and a source, thereby setting the VCR 4 as the source and the TV 5 as the sink.

First, STB3 as a controller
Registers the VCR 4 as a source in the TV 5, as shown in FIG. That is, STB3 as a controller
Sends an input select command to the TV 5. In this case, the STB 3 as the controller specifies select in the subfunction field of the input select command,
Specify the node ID of VCR4 in the node ID (node_ID) field, and output plug (output_plu
g) Specify the default output plug number in the field. Incidentally, this default output plug number can be freely set by the STB 3 as a controller.

When the TV 5 receives this input / select / command, the TV 5 receives the specified node ID, that is, V
Register CR4 as a source.

Next, STB3 as a controller
As shown in FIG. 7, the TV 5 is registered in the VCR 4 as a sink. That is, STB3 as a controller is V
Send an output preset command to CR4. In this case, the STB 3 as the controller specifies the node ID of the TV 5 in the destination node ID (destination_node_ID) field of the output preset command.

Upon receipt of this output preset command, the VCR 4 serving as the source inputs the signal to the TV 5 having the designated node ID as shown in FIG.
Send a select command. In this case, the VCR 4 as the source specifies the path change in the subfunction field of the input select command, the node ID of the VCR 4 itself in the node ID field, and the output plug In the field, an appropriate output plug according to the signal path in the VCR 4 is designated.

Subsequently, when the TV 5 as the sink receives this input / select command, it establishes an interdevice connection based on the output plug information given in association with the input / select command, as shown in FIG. Establish.

That is, the TV 5 serving as the sink has the output plug oPCR described in the output plug field of the VCR 4 specified by the node ID described in the node ID field of the received input select command. [1] and an appropriate input plug iPCR of the TV 5

A PtoP connection is established with [0].

After that, STB3 as a controller
As shown in FIG. 10, when releasing the inter-device connection between the TV 5 serving as the sink and the VCR 4 serving as the source, the VCR 4 serving as the source transmits an output preset command indicating cancellation.
That is, the STB3 as the controller sets the value included in the response received at the time of registration in the preset entry number (preset_entry_number) field of the output preset command, and sets the destination node ID field. And signal destination (signal_destination)
FFFF is set in the field and transmitted.

When the VCR 4 as the source receives this output preset command, it cancels the registration of the sink. Then, the VCR 4 as the source investigates the registration status of the TV 5 as the sink for which cancellation is requested, whether another controller or the VCR 4 itself has separately registered the sink, and as a result, If it is determined that all the registrations have been canceled, the TV 5 serving as the sink transmits an input select command in which a disconnection is designated in the sub-function field.

When the TV 5 serving as the sink receives this input-select-command, the V 5 serving as the source.
Release the inter-device connection with CR4.

(1-3) Device Selection Process Next, the device selection process will be described. Here, STB
3 operates as a controller, and by performing a device selection process for logically connecting the optimum output plug of the source and the optimum input plug of the sink according to the output plug of the source, the VCR 4 is set as the source. At the same time, the TV 5 is set as a sink.

First, STB3 as a controller
Registers the VCR 4 in the TV 5 as a source, as shown in FIG. That is, STB3 as a controller
Sends an input select command to the TV 5. In this case, the STB 3 as the controller specifies select in the subfunction field of the input select command, the node ID of the VCR 4 in the node ID field, and the output plug field in the output plug field. Specify the default output plug number. Incidentally, this default output plug number can be freely set by the STB 3 as a controller.

Upon receiving this input / select / command, the TV 5 receives the specified node ID, that is, V
Register CR4 as a source.

Next, STB3 as a controller
As shown in FIG. 12, the TV 5 is registered in the VCR 4 as a sink. That is, STB3 as a controller
Send output preset command to VCR4. In this case, the STB 3 as the controller specifies the node ID of the TV 5 in the destination node ID field of the output preset command.

Upon receipt of this output preset command, the VCR 4 serving as the source judges whether or not the device-to-device connection is currently to be established. As a result, when the VCR 4 as the source judges that the VCR 4 is currently being reproduced and the inter-device connection is currently to be established, the VCR 4 shown in FIG.
As shown in, the input select command is transmitted to the TV 5 having the designated node ID. In this case, the VCR 4 serving as the source has a pass function in the subfunction field of the input select command.
Change is specified and VCR is set in the node ID / field.
4 Specify the node ID of its own, output plug
In the field, an appropriate output plug according to the signal path in the VCR 4 is designated.

Next, when the TV 5 as the sink receives this input / select command, is it in a state in which an interdevice connection should be established based on the output plug information given in association with the input / select command. Determine whether or not. As a result, when the TV 5 serving as the sink determines that the device-to-device connection is currently to be established, as shown in FIG. 14, the output plug information given along with the input select command is added to the output plug information. Based on this, a connection between devices is established.

That is, the TV 5 as the sink has the output plug oPCR described in the output plug field of the VCR 4 specified by the node ID described in the node ID field of the received input select command. [1] and an appropriate input plug iPCR of the TV 5

A PtoP connection is established with [0].

On the other hand, the TV 5 as a sink
If it is determined that the device-to-device connection should not be currently established, the received input / select / input
The output plug oPCR [1] described in the output plug field of the command is not registered to establish the interdevice connection, and in this case, the rejected response is transmitted to the VCR 4 as the source.

After that, when the TV 5 serving as the sink determines that the device 5 has transitioned to the state where the device-to-device connection should be established, it establishes the device-to-device connection based on the output plug information of the VCR 4 as the registered source. .

By the way, when the VCR 4 as the source receives the output preset command, but when it judges that the inter-device connection should not be established at present, it simply registers the TV 5 as the sink. The input / select / command is not transmitted to the TV 5 as the sink.

After that, when the VCR 4 as the source judges that the VCR 4 has started the output of AV data and has made a transition to a state in which an interdevice connection should be established,
As shown in FIG. 15, T as a registered sink
Send an input select command to V5. In this case, the VCR 4 as a source specifies connect in the subfunction field of the input select command and an appropriate output plug according to the signal path in the VCR 4 in the output plug field. To do.

Subsequently, when the TV 5 as the sink receives this input / select / command, it determines whether or not the connection between the devices is currently established. As a result, when the TV 5 serving as the sink determines that the device-to-device connection is currently to be established, as shown in FIG.
An interdevice connection is established based on the output plug information given along with the command.

That is, the TV 5 serving as the sink has the output plug oPCR described in the output plug field of the VCR 4 specified by the node ID described in the node ID field of the received input select command. [1] and an appropriate input plug iPCR of the TV 5

A PtoP connection is established with [0].

On the other hand, the TV 5 as the sink
If it is determined that the device-to-device connection should not be currently established, the received input / select / input
The output plug oPCR [1] described in the output plug field of the command is not registered to establish the interdevice connection, and in this case, the rejected response is transmitted to the VCR 4 as the source.

After that, when the TV 5 serving as the sink determines that the connection between the devices has transitioned to the state in which the connection between the devices should be established, it establishes the connection between the devices based on the output plug information of the VCR 4 registered as the source. .

By the way, as described above, the VCR 4 as the source is currently in a state where an inter-device connection is to be established, and even if an input select command is sent to the TV 5 as the sink, the TV 5 is currently in the device state. If you are in a state where you should not establish a connection between
A rejected response may be received from the TV 5. If the VCR 4 as the source registers the TV 5 as the sink but is not in the state where the connection between devices should be established at present, the
Do not send select command.

In such a case, the VCR 4 as the source
Cannot know which input plug of the TV 5 itself is used for source registration.

Therefore, in this state, the VCR 4 as a source outputs from the STB 3 as a controller an output preset signal indicating cancellation of sink registration.
When a command is received, as a general rule, the sub-function field transmits an input select command, which is a disconnection, to the TV 5 as a sink.

However, when the VCR 4 as the source does not receive the accepted response to the input select command from the TV 5 as the sink, the TV 5 as the sink uses which input plug to register the source. I couldn't know what
In this case, the input select command cannot be transmitted because the plug to be specified in the input plug field of the input select command cannot be determined.

As a method of avoiding such inconvenience,
There is a method in which the VCR 4 as a source investigates which input plug the TV 5 as a sink is currently using for source registration. Specifically, first, V as a source
CR4 investigates the input plug which TV5 as a sink has using the plug info (PLUG INFO) command defined in AV / C General (AV / C General).

As a result, the VCR 4 serving as the source transmits the status (STATUS) command of the input select command designating each of the obtained input plugs to the respective input plugs of the TV 5 serving as the sink. Can know which source is selected or whether or not it is selected.

Therefore, the VCR 4 as the source is
When the input plug selecting CR4 as the source is obtained, the input plug is designated and the input select command in which the subfunction is the disconnect is transmitted. On the other hand, VCR4 as a source
If the input plug selecting the VCR 4 as the source cannot be obtained, the subfunction cannot send the input select command which is the disconnection, but the T function as the sink.
There is no inconvenience because there is no need to cancel the registration to V5.

Further, as a method of avoiding the above-mentioned inconvenience, the VCR 4 as the source is set to the T
When the accepted response to the input select command from V5 has not been received even once, there is a method in which the subfunction does not transmit the input select command which is the disconnection.

In this case, the source registration remains in the TV 5 serving as the sink. However, since the sink registration in the VCR 4 as the source is prioritized first, when the number of registrations exceeds the maximum number of registrations determined by the device, the subsequent registrations are rejected, whereas the sink Since the source registration in the TV5 is prioritized later, unnecessary source registration remains in the TV5 as the sink, and thereafter, even if another controller performs source registration in the TV5 as the sink, no inconvenience occurs. become.

Here, a device that can perform input / output, but cannot perform input and output at the same time, registers only the source when it is in the output state, and then goes out of the output state to enable the input. A case will be described where an interdevice connection is established on the basis of the source registration in the event of a failure.

Here, the VCR 4 is a device that can perform input / output and cannot perform input and output at the same time.
V5 is a controller / sink that operates as a controller and a sink, and STB3 is a controller / source that operates as a controller and a source.

First, the TV 5 operates as a controller to execute the device selection process, thereby setting the VCR 4 as the source and the TV 5 as the sink, and when the VCR 4 as the source makes a transition to the reproduction operation, As shown in 16, an interdevice connection is established.

At this time, the STB 3 operates as a controller by the user's operation to execute the device selection processing, and sets the STB 3 as a source and the VCR 4 as a sink.

Specifically, STB3 as a controller
As shown in FIG. 17, while the VCR 4 is playing,
An input select command whose subfunction is select is transmitted to R4. When the VCR 4 receives this input select command, the STB 3
Register as a source. Subsequently, the STB 3 registers the VCR 4 as a sink with respect to the functional block operating as the source by the functional block operating as the controller.

After that, STB3 operating as a source
As shown in FIG. 18, the VCR4 in the output state has the input function whose subfunction is the path change.
Send a select command.

Here, the VCR 4 operating as a sink
Since it is currently outputting and cannot input, it cannot be used effectively even if a device-to-device connection is established, and it will not be possible to effectively use bus resources. , Connection between devices should not be established.

Therefore, the VCR 4 operating as a sink
Sends a rejected response to STB3 as shown in FIG. In this case, the VCR 4 stores the output plug information of the STB 3 included in the output field of the input select command.

After that, the VCR 4 which operates as a sink
As shown in FIG. 19, when the reproduction is finished, the device establishes an interdevice connection with the STB 3 based on the stored source registration. At that time, VCR4
An appropriate inter-device connection can be established by using the stored output plug information as the output plug of TB3.

(1-4) Release of inter-device connection by sink Next, release of inter-device connection by sink will be described. Here, the STB 3 operates as a controller, sets the VCR 4 as the source and sets the TV 5 as the sink, and the inter-device connection is established by the playback operation of the VCR 4 as the source, and the V
The case where the inter-device connection is released by the stop operation of CR4 will be specifically described below.

First, STB3 as a controller is connected to V
Although CR4 is set as the source and TV5 is set as the sink, the VCR 4 as the source, as shown in FIG. 20, has the T as the sink when the output is stopped.
No input / select / command is transmitted to V5, so that the TV 5 as a sink does not establish an interdevice connection.

In this state, the VCR as the source
4, when the reproduction state is entered, the output plug oP is executed by executing the auto play process as shown in FIG.
After determining CR [1], an input select command whose subfunction is connect is transmitted to the TV 5 as the sink. When the TV 5 as a sink receives this input select command, the VCR
Establishes a device-to-device connection with 4. At that time, the VCR 4 as the source receives the response sent from the TV 5, and the input plug field of the response causes the input plug iPCR of the TV 5 to which the interdevice connection is established.

Understand [0].

Next, when the VCR 4 as the source transits to the stopped state, the TV 5 as the sink requests the release of the inter-device connection for the purpose of saving the resource of the bus because there is no AV data to be transmitted. . That is, the VCR 4 specifies the disconnect in the subfunction field as shown in FIG.
Specify oPCR [1] in the output plug field and iPCR in the input plug field.

An input select command specifying [0] is transmitted.

In this case, STB3 as a controller
Did not cancel the setting of auto play processing,
The VCR 4 as a source is not allowed to cancel the sink registration of the VCR 4 itself even if the device-to-device connection becomes unnecessary, and therefore does not change the sink registration.

When the TV 5 as the sink receives the input / select / command from the VCR 4 as the source, it releases the interdevice connection.

Here, receiving the input select command whose sub-function field is disconnection means that the VCR 4 as the source does not need the inter-device connection and the STB 3 as the controller has the source as the source. This may be due to cancellation of sync registration in the VCR 4. The TV 5 serving as the sink cancels the source registration without determining in which case the input / select command is received.

After that, the VCR 4 as a source, when it becomes necessary to establish an interdevice connection with the TV 5 as a sink, sends route input information in which a subfunction field is a path change. Instead of the notification process, as shown in FIG. 23, the auto play process for transmitting the input select command whose sub-function field is connect is executed.

Therefore, even if the source registration is canceled, the TV 5 as the sink executes the normal autoplay process of performing the source registration and establishing the inter-device connection when the VCR 4 as the source starts outputting again. Therefore, there is no inconvenience caused by canceling the source registration.

(2) Method for establishing inter-device connection in consideration of device generation (2-1) Generation of device Next, a method for establishing inter-device connection in consideration of device generation according to the present invention will be described. In this case, first, the generation of the device will be described.

At present, the devices that can be used when constructing a network system using the IEEE 1394 serial bus are roughly classified into the following three types according to the type of input / output control method between the devices applied to the devices. can do.

The first is a device for directly establishing and releasing a logical connection by using the procedure specified in IEC-61883. In this type of device, a device serving as a controller controls a logical connection between a source and a sink. In the following, this type of device will be referred to as a first generation device.

The second is A prepared by CCM.
It is a device that establishes and releases a logical connection by using a V / C command and an assumed basic concept. This type of device controls input / output by directly controlling the internal logical signal path of the source and sink using the signal source (SIGNAL SOUECE) command by the device that is the controller, or by performing autoplay. To do. In the following, this type of device will be referred to as a second generation device.

Third, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 23, the device serving as the controller sets a pair of source and sink, and establishes an actual logical connection between devices according to the device states of the source and sink. A device to be released, and in the following, this type of device is referred to as a third generation device.

Then, the input / output control method proposed by the applicant of the present invention, which is mounted on this third-generation device (FIGS. 1 to 23)
Assumes that the other device is also a third-generation device. Therefore, in consideration of the actual usage environment, the third-generation device uses such an input / output control method to establish a connection between devices. When performing control processing for establishment etc.,
It is necessary to investigate beforehand the generation of the partner device. The present application proposes a method for establishing an inter-device connection in consideration of such a device generation.

(2-2) Method of Establishing Inter-Device Connection Considering Device Generation FIG. 24 shows a network system 30 used for explaining the present invention. An IEEE 1394 serial bus 31 is shown in FIGS. STB3 described above,
ST having the same function as VCR4 and TV5
It is configured by connecting the B32, the VCR 33, and the TV 34.

Hereinafter, a method for establishing an interdevice connection in consideration of the generation of the device according to the present invention will be described by appropriately using the network system 30. Although not described below, each processing performed by the controller, the source, and the sink is a C provided inside the processing.
This is performed by software processing of PU.

First, the TV 34, which is a third-generation device, serves as a controller, the STB 32 is the source, and the VCR 33 is the source.
A method for setting as a sink will be described.

In this case, the TV 34 as the controller
Checks the generation of the VCR 33 before setting the VCR 33 to register the STB 32. That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the TV 34 causes the VCR 33 to send the CCM signal source (SIGNAL SOURCE) command to the general inquiry (GENERAL INQUIRY) command.
Send a command.

In the CCM, this command is defined as one that must be supported. For this reason, when the counterpart device is a device of the second generation or later (device of the second generation or third generation or a device complying with the standard of the later), the general source inquiry command of the signal source command An INPLEMENTED response is always returned as a response, and if the partner device is a first-generation device that does not use CCM, it is always a knot as a response to the general inquiry command of the signal source command.・ Implemented (NOT INPLEMENTED)
・ Response is returned. Therefore, the response from the other device to the general inquiry command of the signal source command causes the other device to receive the first
It can be seen whether the device is a generational device or a device of the second generation or later.

Here, it is assumed that the VCR 33 is a first generation device. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25, the VCR 33 returns a not implemented response to the TV 34, which causes the TV 34 to receive the VCR 3
Recognize that 3 is a first generation device.

In this case, the TV 34 cannot register the source in the VCR 33. This means that even if the STB32 is a second-generation device or later, the STB32 has a VC
After registering R33 as a sink, this results in STB3
Input Select sent from 2 to VCR 33
This is because the VCR 33 does not support the command. Therefore, in this case, if STB32 is VCR33
Even if the input select command is transmitted to STB 32, the VCR 33 returns a not implemented response to STB 32 as shown in FIG.

Here, as a method for establishing an inter-device connection between the sink and the source when the controller is the third generation device and the sink is the first generation device, the controller directly connects the source and the source. There are two types of conceivable methods: a first inter-device connection establishing method for establishing an inter-device connection between sinks and a second inter-device connection establishing method for establishing an inter-device connection between a source and a sink.

In this case, in the first inter-device connection establishing method in which the former controller directly establishes the inter-device connection between the source and the sink, firstly, an appropriate output plug is unknown in the source, and secondly. , If an appropriate input plug is unknown in the sink, and thirdly, if the state of the source and the sink is not a state in which the device-to-device connection can be used effectively, it is not There are three problems of waste.

Regarding the first problem, the following two types of measures can be considered.

As a first coping method, first, the controller grasps all the output plugs of the source. For that purpose, the controller uses PLUG INFO
Send the command to the source and use the information contained in the response. Next, the controller sends the status (STATUS) command of the signal source command to all the output plugs in order to find out which output plug the internal signal source of the source logically sends a signal, From the information contained in the response, it is determined whether the output plug is connected to the internal signal source. If you find that some of the output plugs are connected to the internal signal source, use the most appropriate output plug, based on the results of a survey of the sink's input plugs. The investigation on the input plug of the sink will be described later as the second problem.

As a result of using the first coping method, when it is found that the internal signal source is not connected to any output plug in the source, the following second coping method is used.

The first coping method cannot be applied because the signal source command is not supported when the source is the first generation device. Therefore, in this case, the following second coping method is used.

The second countermeasure is, as a simpler implementation, an external output plug whose source port number is "0".

[0] or oPCR

Of [0], one that can always be connected to the input plug of the sink is used. In the case of the second coping method, there is a possibility that an effective inter-device connection cannot be established depending on the internal configuration of the source, but it is effective when the source has only one output plug.

On the other hand, the following measures can be considered for the second problem.

If the sink is a first generation device,
The command prepared in CCM cannot be used. Therefore, the external input plug in the sync

[0] or iPCR

Among [0], one that can be always connected to the output plug of the source is used. In the case of the first coping method, there is a possibility that an effective device-to-device connection cannot be established depending on the internal configuration of the sink, but it is effective when the sink has only one input plug.

It should be noted that, for both the specification of the output plug of the source and the specification of the input plug of the sink as described above, the controller determines which of the external connection and the isochronous connection is selected as a simple implementation. It depends on the installed application.

With regard to the above-mentioned first and second problems, the controller periodically inspects the output plug of the source and the input plug of the sink, so that the controller can appropriately detect the change in the internal state of the source or the sink. It becomes possible to switch the connection between devices.

On the other hand, with respect to the third problem, whether the controller grasps the internal states of the source and / or the sink by different means and establishes the interdevice connection based on the grasped internal state. To judge. The method of grasping and judging the internal state of the source or the sink is not particularly defined in the present invention.

With regard to the third problem, it is possible for the controller to appropriately establish, change, and release the interdevice connection by periodically inspecting the internal states of the source and / or the sink. Become.

Next, of the two possible methods when the controller is a third-generation device and the sink is a first-generation device, the latter source establishes an interdevice connection with the sink. A second method for establishing a connection between devices will be described.

In this second method for establishing connection between devices, the source must be a third generation device. That is, the controller registers the sink with the source using the input / output control method proposed by the applicant of the present application and described above with reference to FIGS. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the TV 34 as the controller is the STB 32 as the source.
To send the output preset command to.

However, in the input / output control method proposed by the applicant of the present application, when the source which has received the output preset command is currently in the state where the connection between the devices should be established, the input / select to the sink is performed.・ A command is to be sent, but this second
In the method of establishing a connection between devices, the source checks the generation of the sink by using the general inquiry command of the signal source command described above before transmitting the input select command.

When the result of this investigation reveals that the sink is a device of the second generation or later, the input / select command is transmitted using the input / output control method proposed by the applicant of the present application. Note that problems that may occur when the sink is a second-generation device will be described later. When it is determined that the sink is a first-generation device, the source establishes an interdevice connection with the sink.

By the way, in the second inter-device connection establishing method in which the source establishes the inter-device connection with the sink in this way, firstly, an appropriate input plug in the sink is unknown, and secondly, If the state of the sink is not in a state where the connection between devices can be used effectively,
Nevertheless, establishing inter-device connections is a waste of bus resources, and thirdly, there are three problems for the controller that there is no way to confirm that the source is a third generation device.

However, the first problem can be solved by the same method as the solution to the second problem in the first method for establishing connection between devices, in which the controller establishes the connection between devices between the source and the sink. Also, the second problem can be solved by the same method as the solution of the third problem in the first inter-device connection establishing method.

On the other hand, the third problem cannot be solved by the conventional method, so that another method is required. As an example, the vendor unique (VE
NDERUNIQUE) -Using commands is possible. This embodiment does not specify this method.

According to the above method, the TV 34 as the controller, which is the third-generation device, is connected to the STB as the source.
32 and VCR3 as a sink which is a first generation device
3 can be connected.

Next, the controller is a third-generation device,
A case where the source is a first generation device will be described. In this case, the case where the sink is the first-generation device has already been examined, and therefore the sink is assumed to be the second-generation device or later. Also, in the following, the controller, source and sink are each TV3
4, STB 32, and VCR 33, any of them may be used. Therefore, in the following description, these are not specified.

In this case, the controller establishes a first inter-device connection establishing method in which the controller directly establishes an inter-device connection between the source and the sink, and a second inter-device connection establishing in which the sink establishes an inter-device connection between the source and the sink. Two types of methods are possible. Each will be described below.

In the first inter-device connection establishment method in which the former controller directly establishes the inter-device connection between the source and the sink, the first inter-device connection establishment method examined when the sink is the first generation device There are three problems similar to. In this case, the solution for the first and second problems among these three problems is
Use a method different from the method considered when the sink is a first-generation device. The third problem is dealt with in the same manner.

The first problem will be dealt with as follows. CCM for sources that are first generation devices
You cannot use the commands prepared in. Therefore, the external output plug whose plug number is "0"

[0] or oPCR

Of [0], one that can always be connected to the input plug of the sink is used. In the case of this coping method, there is a possibility that an effective device-to-device connection cannot be established between the source and the sink depending on the internal configuration of the source, but it is effective when the source has only one output plug.

Regarding the second problem, the following two types of measures can be considered.

As a first countermeasure, the controller first grasps all the input plugs of the sink. For that purpose, the controller sends the status command of the input select command to all the input plugs of the sink in order to check whether or not the plug info command is logically receiving the signal from the input plug, From the information included in the response, it is determined whether the input plug is connected to the internal signal destination.

As a second coping method, the controller sends an internal signal destination to the signal destination (signal destination) with respect to the sink. send the status command of the signal source command specified in the destination field. The signal source (signal source) field shows which plug the internal signal destination is connected to. This second
The method of (1) can specify an appropriate input plug more quickly than the first method when the internal signal destination of the sink is known in advance.

When it is found as a result of using the first or second countermeasures that the internal signal destination of the sink is not connected to any input plug, the third method described below is used.
Use the coping method of.

The third countermeasure is to use an external input plug as a simpler implementation.

[0] or iPCR

Among [0], one that can be always connected to the output plug of the source is used. The third coping method may not be able to establish an effective inter-device connection between the source and the sink depending on the internal configuration of the sink.
This is effective when the sink has only one input plug.

Next, a second method for establishing a device-to-device connection in which the latter sink establishes a device-to-device connection with the source will be described.

First, the controller recognizing that the source is the first generation device
CONNECT field and node I
D (node id) field with the source node ID,
The source is registered in the sink by sending an input select command specifying the default output plug to the sink in the output plug field.

At this time, regarding the source output plug, if it is known that it is better to use an appropriate plug rather than the default by using some method, specify the output plug in the output plug field. .

The sink that receives this input select command registers the source and establishes an interdevice connection with the source. This is the same for both second-generation equipment and third-generation equipment. Depending on the internal state of the sink, a rejected (REJECTED) response may be returned and the device-to-device connection may not be established.

In FIG. 28, the TV 34 uses the STB as a source.
The input select command specifying 32 is VC
Sent to R33, and VCR in response
33 shows a state in which a device-to-device connection is established with the STB 32.

Next, in the case where the source and the sink are both second-generation devices, how the controller detects this and handles it will be described.

In this case, the controller checks whether the source and the sink are first-generation devices by the method using the general inquiry command of the signal source command, and then the source and sink are the first
If it is confirmed that the device is not the generational device, the source and the sink are assumed to be the third generational device and control is performed.

That is, the controller first causes the sink to register the source by using the input / output control method (FIGS. 1 to 23) proposed by the applicant of the present invention, which is mounted on the third generation device. Specifically, an input select command is sent to the sink with the subfunction field having a select (SELECT), the node ID field having the source node ID, and the output plug field having the default output plug number. To do.

The response to this input select command may reveal that the sync is a second generation device. That is, this is a case where the sink sends back a knot implemented response even though there are no problems in the fields other than the subfunction. This is because the sink of the third generation device is obliged to support the input select command whose subfunction field is select (SELECT).

In this case, the controller
Connect Subfunction Field (CONNEC
Change to T) and send again. Since the sink of the second generation device always supports the input select command whose subfunction field is CONNECT, if the internal state of the sink allows,
The source is registered. Also, if the bus conditions permit, the sink establishes an interdevice connection with the default output plug of the specified source. However, it is unclear at this point whether this output plug is really a suitable output plug depending on the source.

FIG. 29 shows a state in which the STB 32, which is the controller, is transmitting the input select command to the TV 34, which is the sink of the second-generation device, in order to establish an interdevice connection with the VCR 33, which is the source. Indicates.

Next, the controller
The input / output method (FIGS. 1 to 23) proposed by the applicant and installed in the third-generation device is set so as to register the sink by the method described above. Specifically, the output preset command specifying the sink is transmitted to the source.

At this time, if the source is a third-generation device, the source that has received the output preset command changes the subfunction to a more appropriate inter-device connection using an output plug. -There is a possibility to send an input select command whose field is a path change.

Even if the sink is a second-generation device, if the subfunction field supports an input select command that is a path change, it is possible to change to a more appropriate device-to-device connection. Is. On the other hand, if the sink is a second-generation device and the subfunction field does not support the input select command that is a path change, it is not possible to change to a more appropriate device-to-device connection. Can not. However, when the output plug at the source can be easily assumed, for example, when the controller and the source are the same device. You can specify the appropriate output plug when you first send the input select command.

FIG. 30 shows an example of how a connection is established with a sink, which is a second generation device, when the controller and the source are the same device. Here, VCR
33 serves as a controller and a source and establishes an interdevice connection with the TV 34, which is a sink of the second generation device.

Described below is how to deal with the case where the source is a second generation device when the controller registers the sink with the source.

If the source is a second generation device, it may not support the output preset command. In this case, the sink cannot be registered in the source, and the source cannot be notified of the most appropriate output plug. Therefore, the device-to-device connection using the default output plug transmitted to the sink will continue to be used.

As in the case where the source is the first-generation device, when it is found that the source is the second-generation device, the controller periodically determines the internal state of the source by some method. By inspecting, it is possible to establish, release, and change the route between the devices.

Even if the source supports the output preset command, the source is the second
If it was a generational device, output presets
The reception of the command does not trigger the output plug notification using the input / select / command to the sink. In this case, the device-to-device connection between the sink and source still uses the default output plug. However, if a trigger that causes the source to establish the device-to-device connection after this is entered, the output plug information that is valid depending on the source. An input select command whose subfunction field is Connect with is sent to the sink. This is an autoplay operation used in the basic concept of CCM.

Even if the source is the second generation device and the output preset command is received, the subfunction does not send the input select command which is the path change regardless of the internal state. In this case, it is shown that the autoplay operation establishes a connection between devices using a more appropriate output plug.

In FIG. 31, the STB 32, which is the third generation controller, is set to select the VCR 33 as the source of the TV 4, which is the sink, and after the connection between devices is established, the second generation source is used by this controller. The setting in which the TV 34 is selected as the sink is shown in the VCR 33.

Further, FIG. 32 shows an example in which an inter-device connection is established through an appropriate path for the source by newly performing an operation for prompting the auto play on the source. In this example, when the play button is pressed again on the VCR 33, the VCR 33 sends an input select command to the TV 34.

(2-3) Specific Control Processing Procedure Next, a specific series of control processing contents of the source and the sink in the case of establishing the inter-device connection in consideration of the generation of the device as described above will be described. To do.

(2-3-1) First Procedure for Establishing Inter-Device Connection FIG. 33 to FIG. 36 show a process for establishing a connection between a source and a sink using the method for establishing an inter-device connection in consideration of the generation of the device described above. When performing a control process for establishing a connection between devices, it shows a control process procedure of the source when there is a stream to be output.

In practice, when the source generates a trigger to set up an interdevice connection with the designated sink, this first interdevice connection establishment processing procedure RT
1 is started in step SP0 and is continued in step SP0.
In 1, the signal source
Send the command General Inquiry Command.

[0168] Here, this general inquiry
When the source receives a knot implemented response as the response of the sink to the command (step SP2), this means that the sink is not a device of the second generation or later and the method described with reference to FIGS. It means that it is a first-generation device that cannot establish a connection between devices. Therefore, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP3 to establish an inter-device connection between itself and the default input plug of the sink, and then proceeds to step SP4 to establish the first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT1. To finish.

On the other hand, when the source receives the implemented response as the response of the sink to the general inquiry command of step SP1 (step SP5), this means that the sink receives the information shown in FIGS. This means that the device is a second-generation device or later that can establish an inter-device connection by the method described. Therefore, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP6 and transmits an input select command whose subfunction field is select in order to register itself in the sink.

When the source receives a knot implemented response as the response of the sink to this input select command (step SP
8) This means that the sink is a 3rd generation device that does not support input / select / commands.

Therefore, at this time, the source is the step SP.
After proceeding to step 9 to register the sync, step SP10
Proceed to step 2, and again register the device to the sink by sending the input select command whose subfunction field that is supported by the 3rd generation device is always connect to the sink, and Request the sink to establish a connection.

When the source receives an accepted response in response to the sink's response to this input select command (step SP11),
This means that the sink has registered the source and has established an interdevice connection with the source. Thus, at this time, the source then proceeds to step SP13 and ends the first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT1.

On the other hand, as a response of the sync to the input / select / command at step SP10,
When the source receives the rejected response (step SP12), this means that the sink has neither registered the source nor established an interdevice connection with the source. Thus, also at this time, the source proceeds to step SP13 and ends the first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT1.

When the source receives an accept command as a response of the sink to the input select command in step SP7 (step SP1)
4), this means that the sink has already registered the source. At this point, the device may have already established a connection between devices from the sink side, but the source need not be aware of it.

Then, the source is the step SP15 after this.
Proceed to step to internally register the sink, and then step S
In step P16, the input select command whose sub-function field is path change is transmitted to the sync.

Here, when the source receives a knot implemented response as the response of the sink to this input select command (step SP17), this means that the sink supports the input select command. It means that it is not a third generation device. At this time, the device-to-device connection between the source and the sink has not been established yet.

Therefore, at this time, the source is step SP1.
In step 8, the input select command whose subfunction field supported by the third generation device is connect is transmitted to the sink again.

When the source receives an accepted response as the response of the sink to this input select command (step SP1)
9), which means that the sink has established an interdevice connection with the source. Thus, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP21 and ends the first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT1.

On the other hand, as a response of the sync to the input / select / command at step SP18,
When the source receives the rejected response (step SP20), this means that the sink cannot establish an interdevice connection with the source.

The cause of this is as follows:
It is conceivable that the sink may have changed the registration to another source during the period from the transmission of the input-select-command in to the transmission of the input-select-command in step SP18.

In this case, the device-to-device connection between the source side and the sink should not be established. This is because there is a concern that the sink selecting another source will be robbed and the operation will not be as intended by the user. Therefore, also at this time, the source proceeds to step SP21 and ends the first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT1.

On the other hand, when the source receives an accepted response from the sink in response to the input select command in step SP16 (step SP22), this means that the sink has established an interdevice connection with the source. means. Thus, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP24 and ends the first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT1.

When the source receives a rejected response from the sink in response to the input select command in step SP16 (step S
P23), which means that the sink did not establish an interdevice connection with the source for some reason. Thus, also at this time, the source is step SP24.
Proceed to step R to establish the first inter-device connection
Terminate T1.

On the other hand, when the source receives a rejected response from the sink in response to the input select command in step SP7 (step SP25), this means that the sink has not yet registered the source. . Thus, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP26 to execute a predetermined error processing, and thereafter proceeds to step SP27 to end the first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT1.

(2-3-2) Second Inter-Device Connection Establishing Procedure Next, the source establishes the inter-device connection with the sink by using the inter-device connection establishing method taking the generation of the device into consideration. In the case of performing the control processing for establishing, the processing of the source when there is no stream to be output will be described.

In this case, the source performs such control processing according to the second inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT2 shown in FIGS.

That is, the source starts this second inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT2 in step SP30 when the inter-device connection setting trigger is input, and in the subsequent step SP31, the general source of the signal source command to the sink.・ Send an inquiry command.

When the source receives a knot implemented response as the response of the sink to this general inquiry command (step S
P32), which is a first-generation device whose connection cannot be established by the input / output control method (FIGS. 1 to 23) proposed by the applicant whose sink is mounted on a third-generation device. Means that.

Therefore, at this time, the source is step SP3.
When the trigger for establishing the inter-device connection with the sink comes in after that, the device itself establishes the inter-device connection with the default input plug of the sink, and then step SP35. Then, the procedure RT2 for establishing the second inter-device connection is completed.

On the other hand, when an implemented response is received as a response to the general inquiry command in step SP31 (step SP3)
6), which is the input / output control method proposed by the applicant of the present invention in which the sink is mounted on a third-generation device (see FIGS.
FIG. 23) means that the device is a second-generation device or later that may establish an inter-device connection. Therefore, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP37,
An input select command whose subfunction field is select is transmitted to the sink in order to register itself.

When the source receives the accept command from the sink in response to this input select command (step SP38), this means that the sink has already registered the source.
At this point, the device may have already established a connection between devices from the sink side, but the source need not be aware of it.

Then, the source is the step SP39 after this.
Go to and register the sink internally. At this stage, the device-to-device connection between the source and the sink has not been established yet. At this stage, the source selects the sink regardless of whether the sink has registered the source or not, so the following processing is the same as the case of the auto play.

Thus, the source is the next step SP4.
When a trigger to establish an interdevice connection with the sink is input at 0, the process proceeds to step SP41, and an input select command whose subfunction field is connect to the other sink is transmitted to the sink.

When the source receives an accepted response from the sink in response to the input select command (step SP42), this means that the sink has established an interdevice connection with the source. To do. Thus, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP44 to end this second inter-device connection establishment procedure RT2.

On the other hand, when the source receives a rejected response from the sink in response to the input select command in step SP41 (step SP43), this means that the sink establishes an interdevice connection with the source. Means you can't do. Thus, even at this time, the source is step SP4.
4, the procedure RT2 for establishing the second inter-device connection is ended.

On the other hand, in response to the input / select command in step SP37, the source changes from the sink to the knot
When an implemented response is received (step SP45), this means that the sink is a third-generation device that does not support this input select command.

Then, the source is the step SP47 after this.
Go to and register the sink internally. At this stage, the device-to-device connection between the source and the sink has not been established yet. At this stage, the source selects the sink regardless of whether the sink has registered the source or not, so the following processing is the same as the case of the auto play.

On the other hand, when the source receives a rejected response from the sink in response to the input select command in step SP37 (step SP46), this means that the sink has not registered its source (step SP46). It means that self registration to the sink has failed). However, also in this case, the source proceeds to step SP47 to internally register the sink. Therefore, also in this case, the following processing is the same as the case of the auto play.

Thus, the source is the next step SP4.
When a trigger for establishing an interdevice connection with the sink is input at 8, the process proceeds to step SP49, and an input select command whose subfunction field is connect to the other sink is transmitted to the sink.

When the source receives the accepted response from the sink in response to the input select command (step SP50), this means that the sink has established an interdevice connection with the source. . Thus, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP52 and ends the second inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT2.

On the other hand, when the source receives a rejected response from the sink in response to the input select command in step SP49 (step SP51), this means that the sink establishes an interdevice connection with the source. Means you can't do. Thus, at this time, the source proceeds to step SP52 while the device-to-device connection with the sink is not established, and the second device-to-device connection establishment processing procedure RT
Finish 2

(2-3-3) Third inter-device connection establishment processing procedure Next, the sink establishes the inter-device connection with the source using the inter-device connection establishment method considering the generation of the device described above. A case of performing control processing for establishing will be described.

In this case, the sink performs the control processing according to the third inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT3 shown in FIGS.

That is, the sink starts this third inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT3 in step SP60 when the inter-device connection setting trigger is input, and in the following step SP61, the sink sends a general signal source command to the source.・ Send an inquiry command.

When the sink receives a knot implemented response as the source's response to this general inquiry command (step S
P62), which is a first-generation device whose inter-device connection cannot be established by the input / output control method (FIGS. 1 to 23) proposed by the applicant whose sink is installed in a third-generation device. Means that.

At this time, the source is step SP6.
When the trigger for establishing the inter-device connection with the sink is entered after that, the inter-device connection is established with the default input plug of the sink, and then step SP65. Then, the procedure RT3 for establishing the third device-to-device connection is completed.

On the other hand, when the sink receives an implemented response as a response from the source to the general inquiry command in step SP61 (step SP66), this means that the source is the applicant. Proposed input / output control method (Fig. 1
23), it means that the device is a second-generation device or later that can establish an inter-device connection.

Therefore, at this time, the sink is step SP6.
Proceed to step 7 to register the source internally, then step S
Proceed to P68 to send an output preset command to that source.

When the sink receives a knot implemented response as the source's response to this output preset command (step S
P69), which means that the sink cannot obtain a service such as route notification by registering the sink in the source using the output preset command. Thus, at this time, the sink proceeds to step SP63, and thereafter, step SP6.
3 to step SP65 are processed in the same manner as described above.

When the sink receives a rejected response as the source's response to the output preset command in step SP68 (step SP70), this means that the source has not registered the sink. . Thus, also at this time, the sink proceeds to step SP63 and thereafter processes step SP63 to step SP65 in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, when the sink receives an accepted response as the response of the source to the output preset command in step SP68 (step SP71), this means that the source has registered the sink. In this case, if the source is a 3rd generation device, the subfunction field is passed within 2 seconds.
It is stipulated that the input / select / command in which the change is stored should be returned.

Thus, when the sink receives an input select command in which a path change is stored in the subfunction field within 2 seconds thereafter (step SP72), it remembers the output plug information included in this. deep. If the sink wants to establish an inter-device connection with the source at that time, it sends an accepted response to the source to establish the inter-device connection, and if it does not want to establish it yet. , Send rejected response to source.

When the sink sends the rejected response to the source, the sink then proceeds to step SP73.
When a trigger for establishing an inter-device connection with the source is input in step S74, the process proceeds to step SP74 to establish the inter-device connection to the designated output plug of the source, and then to step SP79 to execute the third step. The inter-device connection establishment processing procedure RT3 is ended.

On the other hand, the sink is step SP68.
If the input select command in which the path change is stored in the subfunction field is not received within 2 seconds after receiving the accepted response of (step SP75), then step SP
When a trigger for establishing an interdevice connection with the source is input at 76, the process proceeds to step SP77 to establish the interdevice connection to the default output plug of the source, and then proceeds to step SP79 to proceed to this third step. The inter-device connection establishment procedure RT3 is ended.

Further, the sink receives the input select command in which the path change is stored in the subfunction field within 2 seconds after receiving the accepted response in step SP68, and before receiving the input select command, Even when a trigger to establish the connection between the devices is input (step SP78), the process proceeds to step SP77 to establish the connection between the devices to the default output plug of the source, and then step SP7.
Then, the procedure advances to step 9 to end the third device-to-device connection establishment processing procedure RT3.

(3) Operation and effects of the present embodiment In the above configuration, when the source or sink establishes the sink or the connection between the source and the device, the source or sink first sends the signal source command to the sink or the source of the other party. General inquiry command is transmitted, and it is determined based on the response whether the sink or source of the other party is a first generation device. When the source or sink determines that the sink or source of the other party is a first-generation device, it establishes an inter-device connection with the default plug of the sink or source.

On the other hand, if the source or sink determines that the sink or source is a device of the second generation or later, it uses the command of the CMM installed in the device of the third generation and thereafter. In addition to executing the control process to establish the connection between the devices, if the sink or source of the other party at this time does not support the command, the sub-function field supported by the second generation device An input / select command in which CONNECT is stored is used to establish an interdevice connection with the sink or source.

Therefore, according to such a method, even if the source or sink which is trying to establish an inter-device connection has a different sink or the generation of the source is different, the source or sink has a higher probability. Inter-connection can be established.

According to the above configuration, when establishing a connection between devices, various commands are transmitted to the other party, the other party's generation is judged based on the other party's response to the command, and based on the judgment result. By controlling to establish the device-to-device connection with the other party by the method according to the other party's generation, even if the other party's generation is different, the source and sink have a higher probability of inter-device A connection can be established, and thus a device-to-device connection can be made more reliably.

(4) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the network system using the CMM has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can be widely applied to network systems using other various command sets and other various communication formats.

In this case, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the generations are classified into three generations from the first generation to the third generation has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied by classifying the number of generations into two generations or four generations or more in accordance with the number of versions of command sets and other communication formats used in the network system to which is applied.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, various commands are sequentially transmitted, and the determination means for determining the generation of the sink or source based on the response of the sink or source to the command and the determination result of the determination means. Based on the above, using a method according to the generation of the other party's sink or source, inside the sink or source as a connection establishment control means for performing control for establishing an interdevice connection with the sink or source. The case where the same CPUs provided respectively are applied has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and these may be provided individually.

[0223]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the signal processing system, the signal output device and / or the signal input device sequentially transmits various commands to the signal input device or the signal output device of the other party, and Based on the response of the signal input device or the signal output device to the command, the determination means for determining the generation of the signal input device or the signal output device, and based on the determination result of the determination means, the signal input device or signal of the other party By providing a connection establishment control means for performing control for establishing a connection with the signal input device or the signal output device by using a method according to the generation of the output device, the signal output device And / or the signal input device may establish a connection with a signal output device or a signal input device of a different generation. Thus possible to realize a signal processing system capable of performing a connection between devices more reliably.

Further, according to the present invention, in the signal output device, various commands are sequentially transmitted to the counterpart signal input device, and the generation of the signal input device is determined based on the response of the signal input device to the command. A connection establishing control for performing a control for establishing a connection with the signal input device of the other party based on the determination means for determining and the determination result of the determination device by using a method according to the generation of the signal input device of the other party. By providing the means, it is possible to establish a connection with a signal input device of a partner of a different generation, and thus to realize a signal output device that can more reliably perform connection between devices.

Further, according to the present invention, in the signal input device, various commands are sequentially transmitted to the counterpart signal output device, and the generation of the signal output device is determined based on the response of the signal output device to the command. A connection establishment control for performing a control for establishing a connection with the signal output device of the other party by using a method according to the generation of the signal output device of the other party based on the determination means for determining and the determination result of the determination device. By providing the means, it is possible to establish a connection with a signal input device of a partner of a different generation, and thus it is possible to realize a signal input device that can make a connection between devices more reliably.

Further, according to the present invention, in the communication control method, the signal output device and / or the signal input device sequentially sends various commands to the signal input device or the signal output device of the other party, and at the same time, the signal input for the command is performed. The first step of judging the generation of the signal input device or the signal output device based on the response of the device or the signal output device, and the signal output device and / or the signal input device, based on the judgment result in the first step. And a second step of performing control for establishing a connection with the signal input device or the signal output device by using a method according to the generation of the counterpart signal input device or the signal output device. By providing the signal output device and / or the signal input device, the signal output device and / or the signal input device may be connected to the signal output device or the signal input device of the counterpart of a different generation It can be established transfection, thus possible to realize a communication control method capable of performing a connection between devices more reliably.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network system used for explaining establishment of a connection between devices, device selection processing, and release of a connection between devices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of an STB.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a VCR.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a TV.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a network system.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a VCR is registered as a source in a TV.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a case where a TV is registered as a sink in a VCR.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case of registering an output plug in a TV.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a PtoP connection is established.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case of releasing a PtoP connection.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a VCR is registered as a source in a TV.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a TV is registered as a sink in a VCR.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case of registering an output plug in a TV.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a PtoP connection is established.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a VCR starts output.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a PtoP connection is established.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining source registration by STB.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where a rejected response is transmitted by a VCR.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where an interdevice connection is established.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where an interdevice connection is not established.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where an interdevice connection is established.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case of releasing a connection between devices.

[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram for explaining the case of establishing a connection between devices again.

[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method for establishing an inter-device connection in consideration of a device generation according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method of establishing a connection between devices in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method of establishing a connection between devices in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method of establishing a connection between devices in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method for establishing an inter-device connection in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method for establishing a connection between devices in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method for establishing an inter-device connection in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method of establishing a connection between devices in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

[Fig. 32] Fig. 32 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system used for explaining a method for establishing an inter-device connection in consideration of a generation of a device according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing a first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure.

[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 is a flowchart showing a procedure for establishing a first connection between devices.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing a first device-to-device connection establishment processing procedure.

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing a first inter-device connection establishment processing procedure.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a second device-to-device connection establishment processing procedure.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a second device-to-device connection establishment processing procedure.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a second device-to-device connection establishment processing procedure.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a third inter-device connection establishment processing procedure.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a third device-to-device connection establishment processing procedure.

FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing a third inter-device connection establishment processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 30 ... Network system, 2, 31 ... IE
EE serial bus, 3, 32 ... STB, 4, 33 ...
VCR, 5, 34 ... TV, RT1 ... First inter-device connection establishment processing procedure, RT2 ... Second inter-device connection establishment processing procedure, RT3 ... Third inter-device connection establishment processing procedure.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Michio Miyano             Sony 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo             Within the corporation (72) Inventor Yuichi Kageyama             Sony 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo             Within the corporation (72) Inventor Norifumi Yoshikawa             Sony 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo             Within the corporation F-term (reference) 5B077 NN02                 5B089 GA11 GA21 GB01 HB18                 5K033 AA04 CB01 CC02 DA13 EC02

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A signal path between the signal input device and the signal output device, which is constructed by connecting a signal processing device, a signal output device and a control device to a predetermined network, according to a request of the control device. And a signal processing system for inputting a data signal output from the signal output device to the signal input device via the signal path, wherein the signal output device and / or the signal input device is the other party's signal input. Various commands are sequentially transmitted to the device or the signal output device, and the generation of the signal input device or the signal output device is determined based on the response of the signal input device or the signal output device to the command. Based on the judgment means and the judgment result of the judgment means, depending on the generation of the partner's signal input device or signal output device. Using techniques, signal processing system characterized by comprising a connection establishment control means for controlling to establish the connection between the signal input device or the signal output device. 2. The connection establishment control means, when the determination means determines that the generation of the counterpart signal input device or signal output device is a predetermined first generation, the signal input device. Alternatively, the signal processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed to establish the connection with a default plug of the signal output device. 3. The connection establishment control means, when the determination means determines that the generation of the partner's signal input device or signal output device is a predetermined second generation different from its own generation. If the other party's signal input device or signal output device cannot respond to the above-mentioned first command that can be handled by the own generation, a predetermined second command that can be handled by the second generation The signal processing system according to claim 1, wherein the command is used to perform the control for establishing the connection with the signal input device or the signal output device. 4. The signal processing system according to claim 1, wherein the network comprises IEEE 1394. 5. A signal path, which is constructed by connecting a signal processing device, a signal output device and a control device to a predetermined network, between the signal input device and the signal output device according to a request of the control device. In the signal output device of the signal processing system that establishes the above, and inputs the data signal output from the signal output device to the signal input device via the signal path, various commands are sequentially sent to the signal input device of the other party. A determination means for determining the generation of the signal input device based on the response of the signal input device to the command while transmitting, and the generation of the counterpart signal input device based on the determination result of the determination means. Connection establishment control means for performing control for establishing a connection with the signal input device by using a method according to Signal output apparatus characterized by obtaining. 6. The connection establishment control means, when the determination means determines that the generation of the counterpart signal input device is a predetermined first generation, the default plug of the signal input device. 6. The signal output device according to claim 5, wherein the control is performed to establish the connection with the signal output device. 7. The connection establishment control means, when the determination means determines that the generation of the partner's signal input device is a predetermined second generation different from its own generation, the connection establishment control means If the signal input device of the other party cannot respond to the first command that is compatible with the generation, the signal is transmitted using the predetermined second command that is compatible with the second generation. The signal output device according to claim 5, which performs the control for establishing the connection with an input device. 8. The signal output device according to claim 5, wherein the network comprises IEEE 1394. 9. A signal path between the signal input device and the signal output device, which is constructed by connecting a signal processing device, a signal output device and a control device to a predetermined network, according to a request of the control device. In the signal input device of the signal processing system that establishes the above, and inputs the data signal output from the signal output device to the signal input device through the signal path, various commands are sequentially output to the signal output device of the other party. A determination means for determining the generation of the signal output device based on the response of the signal output device to the command while transmitting, and the generation of the counterpart signal output device based on the determination result of the determination means. Connection establishment control means for performing control for establishing a connection with the signal output device by using a method according to Signal input apparatus characterized by obtaining. 10. The connection establishment control means, when the determination means determines that the generation of the counterpart signal output device is a predetermined first generation, the default plug of the signal output device. 10. The signal input device according to claim 9, wherein the control is performed to establish the connection between the signal input device and the signal input device. 11. The connection establishment control means, when the determination means determines that the generation of the other party's signal output device is a predetermined second generation different from its own generation, the connection establishment control means When the signal output device of the other party cannot respond to the first command that can be handled by the generation, the signal is output by using the predetermined second command that can be handled by the second generation. The signal input device according to claim 9, wherein the control is performed to establish the connection with an output device. 12. The network is IEEE 1394.
The signal input device according to claim 9, wherein: 13. A signal path, which is constructed by connecting a signal processing device, a signal output device and a control device to a predetermined network, between the signal input device and the signal output device in response to a request of the control device. And a data signal output from the signal output device is input to the signal input device via the signal path, wherein the signal output device and / or the signal input device is a counterpart. To the signal input device or the signal output device of, while sequentially transmitting various commands, based on the response of the signal input device or the signal output device to the command, the signal input device or the signal output device of the above The first step of determining the generation, and the signal output device and / or the signal input device are determined by the determination in the first step. A second control for establishing a connection with the signal input device or the signal output device based on the result by using a method according to the generation of the counterpart signal input device or the signal output device And a communication control method. 14. In the second step, if the determination means determines that the generation of the partner's signal input device or signal output device is a predetermined first generation, the signal input device concerned. Alternatively, the communication control method according to claim 13, wherein the control for establishing the connection with the default plug of the signal output device is performed. 15. In the second step, it is determined in the first step that the generation of the partner's signal input device or signal output device is a predetermined second generation different from its own generation. In some cases,
If the other party's signal input device or signal output device cannot respond to the above-mentioned first command that can be responded to if it is its own generation, then the predetermined second above-mentioned that can be responded to if it is the second generation. 14. The communication control method according to claim 13, wherein the command is used to perform the control for establishing the connection with the signal input device or the signal output device. 16. The network is IEEE 1394.
14. The communication control method according to claim 13, wherein: