JP2006115530A - Information device, information device system control method, and information device system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To construct a system in such a manner that all other devices can be controlled from one connected device when a plurality of AV devices, PCs and PC peripherals are connected. <P>SOLUTION: A self-information memory 313 stores device name data of a present device and function data for connected devices to operate the present device. Upon receiving a function data request from another device, the device sends the data stored in the self-information memory 313. When function instruction data are thereafter received, the device performs a function indicated by the data. Each of all the connected devices has a self-information memory 313, a connected device memory 308 and a communication pair memory 309, so that the other device can be operated from any device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention is an audio visual (hereinafter referred to as “AV”) device and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), which can perform processing such as recording or reproduction of data such as images and sounds. In addition, it relates to devices that have the function of receiving or transmitting data such as images and sounds. Especially when connecting multiple devices, devices can be connected without being aware of the connection order. The present invention relates to a device having a function capable of remotely controlling another device by operating any one of the devices.

In recent years, with the widespread use of AV equipment, it is not uncommon to have a single-person device such as a CD player, a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as “TV”), and a video player (hereinafter referred to as “VCR”). . There is also a growing demand for connecting these AV devices to each other to construct a so-called AV system. In that case, in order to operate the devices, each remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) must be used, so that the same number of remote controllers as the connected devices are arranged on the desk.

Various ideas have been proposed to eliminate the hassle of having to use many remote controls. For example, as disclosed in JP-A-8-79847, a remote controller having a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”).
A method has been proposed in which all connected devices are registered in advance on this remote control and the device is operated by touching the registered connected device icon displayed on this liquid crystal display with a finger. Yes. By using this remote control, all devices can be controlled with only one remote control.

JP-A-8-79847

However, when using the remote controller proposed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-79847, devices must first be connected in accordance with the use. For example, V
When connecting three of the TR, TV, and satellite receiver,
If you want to record to the TR, you need to connect the output terminal of the satellite broadcast receiver and the input terminal of the VTR, and if you want to display the image of the satellite broadcast receiver on the TV,
It is necessary to connect the output terminal of the satellite broadcast receiver and the input terminal of the TV. Further, when it is desired to display the VTR video on the TV, it is necessary to connect the output terminal of the VTR and the input terminal of the TV. In this way, the advantages of the remote control according to the prior art cannot be utilized unless the user considers the connection order and connects them.

Also, if you add a new device, you may run out of connection terminals, or you may not know which one is connected, and you may end up reconnecting all the connections. That is, the operation of connecting to construct an information device system such as an AV system must be performed completely the same as before. Further, in the above-described conventional invention, the icon of the connected device must be registered in advance in the remote controller, and the function (for example, recording and playback) of the device must be supplied to the remote controller from an IC card or a telephone line and stored. There is also a problem.

An object of the present invention is to allow a user to easily and freely operate a connected device without considering a method for connecting the device and without having to install driver software or the like each time a connected device is added. Is to make it.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, each connected device stores its own model name memory for storing model name data indicating its own device name, and function data indicating what functions it has. Have self-functional memory. In addition, a connected device memory that stores all connected model name data in at least one of the connected devices, a communication pair function memory that stores functions of two devices that exchange data, A display means such as a liquid crystal or the like is provided on the remote controller or the casing of the device, or a display device connection terminal for connecting to some display device is provided.

Under such a configuration, the model name data and function data received from other connected devices are displayed, and the selected function can be transmitted to the selected device so that other connected devices can be operated. Become.

  The memory means a storage device or storage means.

When a plurality of devices according to the present invention are connected, the user need not be aware of the connection order and can control all other devices from one device among the connected devices. Also, there is no need to install driver software for each device, which is indispensable for connecting peripheral devices of a PC, and the user can use this system simply by connecting the devices with a cable.

FIG. 1 shows a digital satellite broadcast receiver (hereinafter referred to as “IRD”) 102, a digital video cassette recorder (hereinafter referred to as “D-VCR”) 103, and a digital television (hereinafter referred to as “D”) that can receive and display digital image signals. -TV ") 104,
A personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 106 is connected to the cables 100, 10.
1 and 105 are connected.

In this embodiment, the interfaces between the cables 100, 101, and 105 and the connected device are bus interfaces such as the international standard IEEE 1394, for example, having a protocol for grasping the connection status by an ID number, an address, or the like. Shall. However, the present invention is not limited to IEEE 1394, and the digital interface may be any one of USB, SSA, fiber channel, FC-EL, and SCSI.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the work of recording video received by the D-TV 104 on the D-VCR 103 is performed by operating the IRD 102. First, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 will be described.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the IRD 102. 201 is a reception channel display LCD for displaying a channel being received, 202 is a button group for selecting a channel, 2
Reference numeral 03 denotes an operation button group and a display unit (hereinafter referred to as “communication mode operation unit”) used when the IRD is operated in the communication mode.

204 is a power button for turning on / off the power, 205 and 207 are communication mode indication L
Cursor movement button for moving the cursor displayed on the CD 209, 206 is a select button for switching an item displayed at the cursor position, 208 is a start button for starting communication, and 210 is a communication mode button for operating the IRD in the communication mode. , 211 is a communication program button for confirming display of setting items when a plurality of communications are set, 212 is a stop button for stopping communication, and 213 is a communication confirmation button for confirming the communication state.

FIG. 3 simply shows the internal circuit configuration of the IRD 102. Reference numeral 300 denotes a bus of the CPU 301 of the IRD 102, and main means such as a memory is connected to this bus. Data exchange described below is performed under the control of the CPU 301. 302 is a working memory used when the CPU 301 performs processing, 303 is an image processing unit that performs processing such as decoding of received image data and DA conversion, and 304 is processing for digital connection with other devices. This is an interface unit for digital connection according to a certain protocol (for example, IEEE 1394).

305 is a tuner unit that receives a signal sent by a satellite, and 306 is an IR unit.
A communication mode screen display control unit for controlling characters and the like displayed on the communication mode display LCD 209 provided on the front panel of D102, 311 is a self-model name memory for storing model name data of the IRD102, and 312 is provided in the IRD102. It is a self-function memory that stores functional data. The model name here is "IR
The device name itself such as “D” or “D-VCR” is used.

Reference numeral 307 denotes nonvolatile storage means (ROM) in which a program for controlling the entire IRD 102 is stored. 308 is a connected device memory for storing all model names and their ID numbers or addresses connected to the bus or network to which the IRD 102 is connected, and 309 is a function of a communication pair (sending side and receiving side). The communication pair function memory 310 temporarily stores the communication setting memory 310 for storing the started communication settings.

As mentioned above, the operation used to record the video received by the D-TV 104 on the D-VCR 103 by operating the IRD 102, the flowchart FIG. 4 and the operation used when operating the IRD 102 in the communication mode. This will be described with reference to the enlarged view of the button group and display unit 203. IRD102
Therefore, such a device is called a control device. In addition, the connected D-VCR 103, D-TV 104 and PC1
06 is a circuit configuration of the IRD 102. At least the self-function memory 312 in FIG.
Assume that the device has the same model name memory 311 and connection interface 304.

First, connect a cable to the IRD 102 or input power (phase 40).
1) and initial setting is made according to the specifications of the digital interface of this cable (phase 402). At this time, ID numbers of all connected devices are determined.

At this time, as an ID number determination method, for example, in the international standard IEEE 1394, the IEEE 1394-1995 standard (IEEE Standard for for
As detailed in a High Performance Serial Bus, the parent-child relationship of all devices is determined, and the ID numbers are assigned in order starting from the device in the leaf (the device to which no device other than the parent is connected). (Node number) is determined, and it is determined by notifying all other devices of its own number.

In this embodiment, for example, the IRD 102 has an ID number 102, the D-VCR 103 has an ID number 103, the D-TV 104 has an ID number 104, and the PC 106 has an ID number 10.
Suppose that it is assigned to 6.

Next, the process proceeds to phase 403 where the model name of the user is communicated to other devices.

Here, there are two ways of telling other devices what model name they are.

One is that immediately after the completion of the initial interface setting in phase 402, the assigned own ID number and the own model name stored in the own model name memory 311 are connected to all other connected devices via the connection interface 304. It is a method of transferring to In this method, all the connected devices having the connected device memory 308 at this time receive the model name data of all the devices and receive their own connected device memory 30.
Therefore, all connected model names can be stored. For example,
In this embodiment, all devices such as the IRD 102, the D-VCR 103, and the D-TV 104 transmit their model names to all the connected devices via the connection interface.
All connected model names will be stored.

In another method, after the interface initial setting in phase 402 is completed, all devices are in an idling (waiting for request) state. During this time, if model name data request data is received via the connection interface 304, the request source receives its own data. This is a method of transferring the model name. For example, in this embodiment, the IRD 102 is DV.
The model name is requested to the CR 103 or D-TV 104, and the model name data of all models transmitted in response to this request is stored in its own connected device memory 308.
At this time, the model name request data is transferred to all connected devices by pressing the communication mode button of the IRD 102.

The former advantage is that the time for step-up to the next phase 404 after the user presses the communication mode button (selects as a control device) is shortened. Conversely, the latter advantage is that the memory capacity can be reduced because it is not necessary to receive the model name data unless it is selected as a control device.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a transfer data structure when requesting model name data. 210
1 is header data indicating that the model name data request flag 2103 follows, in accordance with the standard of the digital interface to which the device is connected, and 2102 is the source I
D number. The self-model name memory 311 stores display character data for displaying characters so as to be understood by the user as shown in FIG. brackets(
) Means to store a character code representing the parentheses.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a transmission data structure when the ID number and model name are transferred to another device. Reference numeral 901 denotes header data indicating that the model name data follows the protocol of the digital interface, 902 is its own ID number, and 903 is the model name.

In order to correctly display the display character data on the receiving side, means for converting the character data into characters on the receiving side is required. In the IRD 102, the communication mode screen display control unit 306 in FIG. 3 manages this work and displays it on the communication mode LCD 209.

In phase 403, the model name and ID number of the user are transmitted, while the ID number and model name of the other device transmitted via the digital interface (the user ID).
Stored in the connected device memory 308 (with number and model name). However, in the case of a method in which the control device requests model name data from another device (the latter method of the above-mentioned two model name data transfer methods), it is not necessary to transmit at least its own model name.

As shown in FIG. 7, the connected device memory 308 stores an ID number 701 and a model name character display code 702 corresponding thereto. The parenthesis () 702 means a character code expressing the inside of the parenthesis. Up to this point, the preparation for determining the device that transmits data and the device that receives data is completed.

6A shows an example of data storage in the self model name memory 311. As shown in FIG. 3, an area in one memory (self information memory 313) is defined as a self model name memory area, The remaining area may be used as a self-function memory area, and data may be stored in the self-model name memory area.

An example of data storage in the self-information memory 313 is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 604 denotes a self-model name memory area, and the remaining areas 602 and 603 are self-function memory areas. 604
Is a model name data, 602 is a function flag, and is a command number for executing a function corresponding to this data when it is sent from the outside. Reference numeral 603 denotes a function name for displaying characters so that the user can understand what function the function flag 602 is. Similarly to 601, parentheses () of 603 and 604 mean that character codes expressing the inside of the parentheses are stored.

Next, the process proceeds to phase 404 in which a source device and a target device that are a pair for exchanging data are determined. Here, the “source device” refers to a device that transmits information, and the “target device” refers to a device that receives information transmitted from the source device. Phases 404 to 407 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 in which the communication mode operation unit 203 in the IRD 102 is enlarged.

The communication mode is turned on by pressing the communication mode button 210 in the previous phase. As a result, the cursor is displayed at the position 501 of the source side area 506 displayed on the communication mode display LCD 209. The communication mode button 21
If 0 is not pressed, the communication mode is turned off and the IRD 102 is operated alone, and the channel is set by operating the button group 202 of FIG. 2 or the attached remote controller.

When the select button 206 is pressed, the model name stored in the connected device memory 308 (
702) in FIG. 7 are sequentially displayed at the position 501. When “D-TV” is displayed, the button 206 is stopped. Then, the cursor movement button 207 is pressed to move the cursor to the position 502. By moving the cursor from the position 501, it is considered that the D-TV 104 has been selected as the source device, and the connected device memory 30
8 using the ID number (104 in FIG. 7) of the D-TV 104 stored in FIG.
-Requests function data (a flag for executing a function of the D-TV by an external operation and a character code expressing the function) to the TV 104. When the requested D-TV function data is sent, it is stored in the communication pair function memory 309 (phase 405).

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a transmission data structure example and a functional data transmission data structure example at the time of function data request, respectively. In FIG. 22, reference numeral 2201 denotes a header that follows the standard of the digital interface to which the device is connected and the function data request flag follows, 2202 denotes the ID number of the data transfer source, and 2203 denotes the function data request flag. In FIG. 23, reference numeral 2301 denotes a header according to the standard of the digital interface for connecting the device and indicating that functional data follows, 230
2 is the ID number of the data transfer source, 2303 is the function data.

Since the D-TV 104 has a self-function memory similar to the IRD, when it receives a function request signal, data (function data) stored in its own function memory
Is transferred to the IRD 102 which is the request transmission device via the digital interface.

FIG. 8 shows an example of data storage in the communication pair function memory 309. The communication pair function memory 309 has function flags 803 and 804 and character code data 80 representing them.
5, 806 are divided into a source device data area 801 (the upper half frame line in FIG. 8) and a target device area 802 (the lower half frame line in FIG. 8). Note that separate memories may be prepared for the source device and the target device and used.

When the select button 206 is pressed, the character data 805 of the function data after the model name (D-TV) stored in the source device area 801 is sequentially displayed in the cursor area 502 of FIG. 5, and the desired function is displayed. Stop pressing the select button 206. This completes the setting of the source device (phase 406).

Next, returning to the phase 404, the target device is determined. By pressing the cursor movement button 205 or 207, the cursor is moved to a position 503 in the target device display area 507. In determining the target device and its function, the desired device and function are selected in exactly the same manner as the operation performed on the source device (phase 404, phase 405). However, communication pair function memory 3
09 uses the target device area 802. In the example of FIG. 5, D-TV
A mode in which 104 channel 1 is recorded on the D-VCR 103 is shown.

When the source device and the target device and their function selection are completed (phase 406), the start button 208 is finally pressed (phase 407).
), An instruction “select channel 1 and send to ID 103 (D-VCR)” is transferred to D-TV 104, and “ID 104 (D
The command “receive data recorded from TV) and record (record)” is transferred via the digital interface.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the data transmitted by the IRD 102 also transfers the communication partner ID number 1202 together with the function flag 1203. That is, DT
For V104, the ID field 1202 contains the ID number of the D-VCR 103, and the function flag field 1203 contains the command number 01 for receiving channel 1.
Send. For the D-VCR 103, the ID field 1202 has an ID number of the D-TV 104, and the function flag field 1203 has a command number 02 for recording (in this embodiment, the recording function corresponds to the recording function as indicated by 804 in FIG. 8). The command number to be transmitted is “02”).

As a result, each device can recognize where the data should be transferred or where the data is transferred from. Note that the field 1201
Is header data indicating that the following data is a function flag in accordance with the protocol of the digital interface to be connected.

When communication is started, the communication mode display LCD 209 may display a character 505 “communicating” indicating that communication is being performed. The control device (IRD 102 in this case) may be provided with a timer function so that the communication start time and end time can be set by pressing a timer button (not shown) before pressing the communication start button. However, in this case, when the set time is reached, the control device transfers the function flag with the packet of FIG.

When the communication start button is pressed, the settings of each device and I
The D number is stored in the communication setting memory 310. Note that, regarding the communication pair setting, either the source device or the target device may be performed first.

Of the two model name data transfer methods described above, in the case of the method described as the latter (the method of transferring the self model name in response to the model name request), the model name data request and response, and the function data request and response respectively. Although it was performed in another phase (phases 403 and 405), both model name data and function data may be obtained with one request. That is, the control device transfers a function data request including model name data to all other devices. The connected device that has received this request transmits its model name data and function data together. The control device separates the function data including the transmitted model name data into model name data and function data and stores them in the connected device memory 308 and the communication pair memory 309, respectively.

FIG. 24 shows an example of the data configuration when the model name data and the function data are transmitted together. 2401 conforms to the digital interface standard, and model name data 2
A header 2402 indicates that 403 and function data 2404 are collectively followed, and a transmission source ID number.

Now, after setting communication for recording channel 1 of the D-TV 104 to the D-VCR and setting another communication, for example, when recording a certain program received by the IRD 102 to the D-VCR 103 is considered. However, it can be set by pressing the communication program button 211. By pressing button 211,
On the communication mode display LCD 209, characters indicating the setting of the next communication are displayed as indicated by 1001 in FIG. 10, and a new setting screen is displayed. Just as when setting up the first communication, you can set the source and target devices and start the second communication. By repeating the same thing, three or four ...
Multiple communications can be started.

After the communication is started, when the communication confirmation button 213 is pressed, the communication setting stored in the communication setting memory 310 is displayed on the communication mode display LCD 209 as shown in FIG.
Is displayed. At this time, when the stop button 208 is pressed, the ID of the D-TV and D-VCR stored in the communication setting memory 310 is changed to “
A signal “end communication” is transmitted, and the communication can be stopped.

Up to this point, the description has been given from the standpoint of the IRD 102, that is, the control device. Here, DV
This will be described using CR103.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing how the D-VCR 103 (controlled device) is controlled from the control device. Phase 401, phase 40
2. The phase 403 is exactly the same as that of the control device, and the description thereof is omitted.

In phase 1101, continue to wait until functional data is requested from another device (
Use polling, interrupts, timers, etc.). When there is a function data request, the function flag stored in the self-function memory and its display character data are transferred to the request source (phase 1102) and kept waiting until the function flag (function command) is transmitted (phase 1103). Since a command for a function is transmitted from the control device in the data structure as shown in FIG. 12, when this (function flag) is received, a function (for example, recording) to which the flag is assigned is executed (phase 1104).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the data transmission source (in this example, DT
Since the ID number V) is also transmitted, the D-VCR 103 can recognize where the data is transmitted from. After executing the function, it waits for the function request signal again in phase 1101 in preparation for the next communication.

As described above, all the connected devices have the self model name memory 311 and the self function memory 312 (or the self information memory 313), and at least one of the devices has the connection device memory 308 and the communication pair function memory. By having 309, the user can operate all connected devices by operating only one device (including the connected device memory 308 and the communication pair function memory 309).

Note that the connected device memory, the communication pair function memory, and the communication setting memory may be used by dividing an area of one memory (RAM 314 in FIG. 3) instead of providing separate memories. Similarly, since the contents stored in the self-function memory, self-model name memory, and program ROM are all information that cannot be rewritten, each memory area is divided and used instead of providing separate memories. May be.

Further, the communication mode display LCD can be configured as follows.
(1) The source and target device settings are set on the same screen (both the source device setting and the target device setting are displayed simultaneously), but the target device setting screen is displayed after the source device setting is completed.
(2) A separate LCD is provided for each of the source device setting and the target device setting so that the settings can be selected separately.
(3) The communication mode display LCD 209 is not provided on the device as shown in FIG.
Provide on the remote control.

Examples of the IRD main body and the remote control in the case of (3) above are shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, respectively. Reference numeral 2501 denotes an IRD main body that does not have a communication mode display LCD, and 2502 denotes a light receiving unit that receives a signal from a remote controller. In the remote controller 2601, 260
2 is a communication mode display LCD (equivalent to 209), 2603 is a button for controlling the power supply of the IRD, 2604 is a button group for controlling the reception channel (202) of the IRD,
The other components having the same numbers as those in FIG. 2 are the same as those in FIG. Ii and perform the same operations.

Further, when a device such as a D-TV 104 having a display for displaying images is used as a control device, the communication mode display LCD 209 is not provided separately from the display for displaying images, but as shown in FIGS. Various communication setting menu screens may be displayed on the same display.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an external view of the D-TV 104 that is such a device. 1301
Is a display for displaying received video and a communication setting menu, 1302 is a power switch, and 1303 is a video button for displaying received video. The other buttons have the same functions as those described in FIG. 2 (the same numbers are assigned).

By pressing the communication mode button 210, the D-TV 104 becomes a control device, and a communication setting menu is displayed on the display 1301. By pressing the cursor movement buttons 205 and 207 and the select button 206, the source device and the target device are set, and the start button 208 starts communication. When the video button 1303 is pressed, the display 130
1 changes from a communication mode display screen to a normal received video display screen. When another communication is set, the communication mode button 210 is pressed again. That is, D-TV1
04 has two screen display modes, a received video display and a communication mode display, which can be switched by buttons 210 and 1303.

In the embodiment described above, the self-model name memory 311 and the self-function memory 312
The data stored in the self-information memory 313 is as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG.
The description has been given by taking as an example the case where the connected device converts the character data into characters and displays them on the display device.

This is, for example, a character conversion method A. Each device stores a character code according to the character conversion method A in its own model name memory, self-function memory, and self-information memory. Each device can also display the received character data on the screen according to the character conversion method A. However, a certain connected device stores a character code that does not conform to the character conversion method A, and if it is transmitted to another device, this character code is not displayed correctly. Let's change the viewpoint a little and consider using pictures and symbols instead of letters. That is, an embodiment in which all the connected devices in FIG. 1 adopt the graphic display method A instead of the character conversion method A will be described.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the D-TV 104 is operated to record video received on the channel 2 of the IRD 102 on the D-VCR 103. Here, the IRD 102, the D-VCR 103, the D-TV 104, and the PC 106 all have a self-information memory 313, and all store model name data and function data in a data format according to the graphic display system A. To do. In addition, the D-TV 104 additionally includes a communication setting memory 310 and a connected device memory 30.
8, and a communication mode screen display control unit 306 capable of correctly displaying data according to the graphic display method A and performing operations associated therewith. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the self-model name data and the self-function data are collectively stored in the self-information memory 313 as self-information data. Communication pair memory 30 for storing self-function data.
9 is unnecessary.

FIG. 16 shows an example of self-information data stored in the self-information memory of the D-TV 104. Reference numeral 1601 denotes self-information data in which model name data and function data of the D-TV are collectively converted by the graphic display method A. Here, the parenthesis [] indicates that the self-information data of the device in the parenthesis is converted by the graphic display method A.

FIG. 15 shows a second external view of the D-TV 104. 15 at the beginning of the figure
Those not marked with are the above-mentioned numbers and will not be described. The D-TV in FIG. 15 can select an item by directly touching the screen with a finger without using the cursor movement buttons 205 and 207 and the select button 206 unlike the D-TV in FIG. By hitting continuously, select button 206
It is assumed that the same effect as that obtained by pressing is obtained.

First, by pressing the communication mode button 210 in FIG.
The TV 104 is selected as a control device. The D-TV 104 requests self-information data from all connected devices. A response (ID number and self-information data) is received and stored in its own connected device memory 308.

FIG. 17 shows an example of data storage in the connected device memory. Reference numerals 1701 and 1702 denote ID numbers and self-information data of the IRD 102, respectively. Similarly, reference numerals 1703 and 1704 denote ID numbers and self-information data of the D-VCR 103, respectively.
And 1706 are the ID number and self-information data of the D-TV 104, respectively.
As in FIG. 16, parentheses [] indicate that the self-information data of the device in the parentheses is converted by the graphic display method A.

After storing all connected device ID numbers and self-information data in the connected device memory,
The D-TV 104 reads the contents of the connected device memory 308, performs reverse conversion according to the graphic display method A, and displays the screen. A screen 1301 in FIG. 15 shows an example of the screen display at this time. Reference numeral 1501 is a display of model name data of the D-VCR 103 (hereinafter referred to as an icon), 1502 is an icon of the D-TV 104, 1
Reference numeral 503 denotes an icon of the IRD 102, and 1504 denotes an icon of the PC 106. At this time, in order to make the control device (self) easy to understand, it may be displayed using a color different from that of other connected devices.

When the user first selects the IRD 102 (by tapping the IRD icon 1503 twice in succession), an IRD operation panel 1800 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the screen. This data is based on the IRD self-information data 1702 in FIG. 1
Reference numerals 804, 1805, 1806, and 1807 are scroll buttons, and by touching these with a finger, characters displayed on the left side are scrolled. Reference numeral 1808 denotes an input source model name when inputting data to the IRD. In this case, nothing is input to the IRD, so “NONE” is selected. Reference numeral 1809 denotes an output destination model name for outputting data. In this case, D-VCR is selected. Reference numeral 182 denotes a receiving channel. In this case, two channels are selected. When the setting is completed, an OK button 1810 is selected. When it is desired to redo the setting, a cancel button 1811 is selected.

Next, when the D-VCR icon 1501 is selected, a D-VC as shown in FIG.
The R operation panel 1900 is displayed on the screen. This data is based on the self-information data 1704 of the D-VCR in FIG. 1903, 1904, 1905, 1
Reference numeral 906 denotes a scroll button. By touching these buttons with a finger, characters displayed on the left side are scrolled. Reference numeral 1901 denotes an input source model name for inputting data to the D-VCR, and “IRD” is selected. Reference numeral 1902 denotes an output destination model for outputting data. In this case, nothing is output, so “NONE” is selected. 1907, 1
Reference numerals 908 and 1909 denote buttons for stopping, reproducing, and recording, respectively, and in this case, recording is selected. When the setting is completed, an OK button 1910 is selected. When it is desired to redo the setting, a cancel button 1911 is selected. This completes the “setting for recording the IRD channel 2 on the D-VCR”.

Thereafter, when the communication start button 208 is pressed, the IRD 102 (
ID number 102) is “D-VCR (ID number 1
03) ”to the D-VCR 103“ IRD102 ”.
A command “record data (video) sent from (ID number 102)” is transmitted in a structure as shown in FIG. 12 to start communication. In addition, communication may be started by selecting the OK button in the setting of the second device, or the characters “Is it OK to start communication” are displayed as in 2000 of FIG.
Communication may be started by selecting the OK button 2001.

Thereafter, a plurality of communications can be set by the program button 211 and the confirmation button 213 and the stop button 212 can be set in the same manner as described in the example of recording the D-TV video on the D-VCR using the IRD as a control device. Communication that has already been started or reserved can be stopped.

When a plurality of devices according to the present invention are connected, the user need not be aware of the connection order and can control all other devices from one device among the connected devices. Also, there is no need to install driver software for each device, which is indispensable for connecting peripheral devices of a PC, and the user can use this system simply by connecting the devices with a cable.

It is an example figure of AV apparatus connection. It is an example figure of the external appearance of IRD. It is an example figure of the circuit structure of IRD. It is an example of the flowchart of a control apparatus. It is an example figure of a communication mode operation part. It is an example figure which showed the data storage method of the self-information memory. It is an example figure which showed the data storage method of connected apparatus memory. It is an example figure which showed the data storage method of the communication pair function memory. It is an example figure of the packet which transfers ID number and model name data. It is an example figure of communication mode display LCD. It is an example of the flowchart of apparatuses other than a control apparatus. It is an example figure of the packet which transfers ID number and a function flag. It is an example of the communication mode setting display screen of D-TV. It is an example of a display screen when a communication confirmation button is pressed. It is an example of the external view of D-TV. It is an example of the data storage example of a self-information memory. It is an example of the data storage example of a connection apparatus memory. It is an example of an IRD operation panel. It is an example of a D-VCR operation panel. It is an example of a communication start permission screen. It is an example of the data packet of model name data request | requirement transmission. It is an example of the data packet of function data request | requirement transmission. It is an example of the data packet of functional data transmission. It is an example of a data packet when transferring model name data and function data together. It is an example of the outline figure of IRD which does not have communication mode display LCD. It is an example of an IRD remote control.

Explanation of symbols

102 ... IRD,
103 ... a digital video recorder player,
104: Digital television receiver,
106: Personal computer,
206 ... select button,
208 ... Start button,
209 ... Communication mode display LCD,
210 ... Communication mode button,
211 ... Communication program button,
212 ... Stop button,
213 ... Communication confirmation button,
304 ... connection interface,
311: Self model name memory,
312: Self-function memory,
308 ... connected device memory,
309: Communication pair function memory,
1800 ... IRD operation panel,
1900: D-VCR operation panel.

Claims (46)

An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
An information device comprising: a self-model name storage means for storing at least self-model name data; and a transmission means for transmitting at least the self-model name data to another connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
An information device comprising request means for requesting the other connection information device to transmit model name data indicating the model name of the other connection device to the other connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Means for transmitting the own model name data to the other connection information device when the other model information data is transmitted from another connection information device or when there is a request to transmit the own model name data. An information device characterized by comprising: 3. The information device according to claim 1, further comprising a connected device storage unit for storing the model name data when the model name data of another connected information device is sent. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Self-function storage means for storing the function data of the own machine;
An information device comprising a transmission means for transmitting the converted function data to another connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
An information device comprising request means for requesting the other connection information device to transmit function data of the other connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
When another connection information device requests to send its own function data,
An information device comprising means for transmitting the functional data to the other information device. 7. The information device according to claim 5, further comprising a connected device function storage means for storing the converted function data when the function data of the other connection information device is sent. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Information having self-information storage means for storing self-information data including at least model name data of the own machine and function data of the own machine, and transmission means for transmitting the self-information data to another connection information device machine. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
An information device comprising request means for requesting the other connection information device to transmit model name data and function data of the other connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
When the self-information data including model name data and function data is transmitted from another connection information device, the self-information data is transmitted to the other connection information device. machine. 11. The information device according to claim 9, further comprising a connected device information storage unit that stores the function data when self-information data of the other connected information device is sent. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
First request means for requesting the other connection information device to transmit the model name data of the other connection information device;
A connected device storage means for storing the converted model name data when the model name data is sent from the other connection information device;
Second request means for requesting the other connection information device to transmit the function data of the other connection information device;
An information device comprising: a connected device function storage means for storing the conversion function data when the function data is sent from the other connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Request means for requesting the other connection information device to transmit self-information data including model name data and function data of the other connection information device;
An information device comprising: a connected device information storage means for storing the self information data when the self information data is sent from the other connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Own model name data storage means for storing own model name data;
Self-function storage means for storing self-function data;
An information device comprising: transmission means for transmitting at least the own model name data to all other connection information devices and transmitting the conversion function data to at least one information device among the other connection information devices . An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Self-information storage means for storing self-information data including own model name data and function data;
An information device comprising means for transmitting the self-information data to another connection information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
An information device comprising: means for transmitting the converted model name data to the other information device when another connection information device requests to transmit its model name data. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
An information device comprising means for transmitting the function data to the other information device when another connection information device requests to transmit its own function data. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
When there was a request from another connected information device to send its own model name data, there was a request to send the converted model name data to the other information device and send its own function data An information device characterized by comprising means for transmitting the function data to the other information device. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
An information device comprising means for transmitting the self-information data when there is a request from the other connection information device to transmit self-information data including own model name data and function data . 15. A display means for displaying model name data of the other connection information device by characters, pictures, icons, or the like.
An information device according to any one of the above. 9. A display means for displaying the function data of the other connection information device by means of characters, pictures, icons, panels or the like.
The information device according to any one of 12 to 14 or 21. A connection information device having a display function other than its own device by using at least one of the model name data of the other connection information device and the converted function data, such as characters, pictures, icons or panels. The information device according to claim 4, wherein the information device is displayed on a display unit. 15. The operation of the other connection information device is performed by selecting a device and a function displayed on the display unit or the display unit of the connection information device other than the own device. Information equipment. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Connected device storage means for storing model name data of other connection information devices;
Connected device function storage means for storing function data of the other connection information device;
Display means for displaying the model name data and function data by characters, pictures, icons, panels, etc .;
First selection means for selecting at least one information device from the connection information devices displayed on the display means;
Second selection means for selecting at least one function of the connection information device displayed on the display means;
Request means for requesting the connection information device selected by the first selection means to transmit the function data;
A transmission means for transmitting function command data for causing the connection information device selected by the first selection means to execute the function selected by the second selection means;
An information device, wherein the selected other connection information device is operated. 26. The information device according to claim 25, wherein the display device requests the other connected device to transmit the model name data before displaying the model name data on the display unit. An information device constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Connected device information storage means for storing self-information data including model name data and function data of other connected information devices;
Display means capable of separately displaying the converted model name data and the function data separately by characters, pictures, icons or like panels;
First selection means for selecting at least one information device from the connection information devices;
Second selection means for selecting a function of the connection information device;
Request means for requesting the connection information device selected by the first selection means to transmit the self-information data;
Transmission means for transmitting function command data for causing the other connection information device selected by the first selection means to execute the function selected by the second selection means;
An information device, wherein the selected other connection information device is operated. 28. A data separating means for separating model name data and function data in the self-information data, wherein the model name data and the function data can be displayed in different areas on the display means. Information equipment described. The information according to any one of claims 3, 7, 11 and 17 to 20, wherein the function data is received from an information device which has transmitted the function data, and a function based on the function data is executed. machine. 30. The information device according to claim 25, further comprising communication setting storage means for storing the function data to be transmitted to the other connection information device and the model name data. The information equipment system according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the information equipment system is an information equipment system connected via a digital interface. 32. The information device according to claim 31, wherein the digital interface is one of IEEE 1394, USB, SSA, Fiber Channel, FC-EL, or SCSI. The conversion code for displaying model name data and function data on the display means is ASC.
The information device according to any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein the information device is an II code. An information device system control method for forming an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
Visually display the model name of the connection information device using characters, symbols, pictures, icons, etc.
Select at least one information device from the displayed connection information devices,
Requests the selected information device to send functional data that can be visually displayed using characters, symbols, pictures, icons or panels,
Display the received function data visually using characters, symbols, pictures, icons or panels,
Select one of the displayed connected device functions, and send function command data corresponding to the function to the selected information device,
The information device system control method, wherein the selected information device executes the function command. Request the other connection information device to send model name data that can be visually displayed using characters, symbols, pictures, icons, etc.,
34. The information equipment system control method according to claim 33, wherein the requested model name of the connection information equipment is visually displayed using characters, symbols, pictures, icons, or the like. An information device system control method for forming an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
When there is a request from another connection information device to transmit the function data for executing the function of the own device, the function data is transmitted to the other connection information device,
An information equipment system control method comprising receiving function data of a function to be executed from the other connection information equipment and executing the function to be executed. An information device system control method for forming an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
When there is a request from another connection information device to transmit the model name model name data of the own device, the model name data is transmitted to the other connection information device,
When there is a request from another connection information device to transmit the function data for executing the function of the own device, the function data is transmitted to the other connection information device,
An information equipment system control method comprising receiving function data of a function to be executed from the other connection information equipment and executing the function to be executed. The information equipment system control method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the information equipment system is an information equipment system connected through a digital interface. 39. The information equipment system control method according to claim 38, wherein the digital interface is one of IEEE 1394, USB, SSA, fiber channel, FC-EL, or SCSI. The conversion code for displaying model name data and function data on the display means is ASC.
The information device system control method according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the information device system is an II code. An information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
At least one of the model name data and the function data; connection device storage means for storing model name data of other connection information equipment; connection device function storage means for storing function data of the other connection information equipment; Display means for displaying characters, symbols, pictures, icons, panels, etc .; means for selecting the other connection information equipment and the function of the other connection information equipment; and the other connection selected by the selection means A first connection information device having transmission means for transmitting the function data of the selected function to the information device;
A second connection information device having own model name storage means for storing own model name data and self function storage means for storing own function data;
The display means visually displays the model name of the second connection information device with characters, symbols, pictures or icons, and the first connection information device is the selected second connection information device. Requesting the function data to be transmitted, the display means displays the received function data using characters, symbols, pictures, icons or panels, and the first connection information device is selected. An information device system, wherein the second connection information device executes the selected function command by transmitting the selected function command to the selected second connection information device. An information device system constituting an information device system in which at least two information devices are connected,
At least one of the model name data and the function data; connection device storage means for storing model name data of other connection information equipment; connection device function storage means for storing function data of the other connection information equipment; Display means for displaying characters, symbols, pictures, icons, panels, etc .; means for selecting the other connection information equipment and the function of the other connection information equipment; and the other connection selected by the selection means A first connection information device having transmission means for transmitting the function data of the selected function to the information device;
A second connection information device having own model name storage means for storing own model name data and self function storage means for storing own function data;
The first connection information device requests the selected second connection information device to transmit the model name data, and the display means displays the received model name data as characters, symbols, pictures or Displayed visually with an icon or the like, and the first connection information device requests the selected second connection information device to transmit the function data, and the display means receives the function data. Is displayed with characters, symbols, pictures, icons, panels, etc., and the selected function command is transmitted to the selected second connection information device so that the second connection information device can select the selected function command. An information equipment system characterized by executing The information equipment system according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the information equipment system is an information equipment system connected through a digital interface. 44. The information equipment system according to claim 43, wherein the digital interface is any one of IEEE 1394, USB, SSA, Fiber Channel, FC-EL, or SCSI. The conversion code for displaying model name data and function data on the display means is ASC.
45. The information equipment system according to claim 41, wherein the information equipment system is an II code. An information device comprising: means for receiving data indicating a model name of another connected device from another connected device connected by a bus, and displaying that the other connected device is connected by a bus.

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