JP3489133B2 - AV equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

This invention relates to one or more other AV equipment.
And an AV device that constitutes an AV system .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art AV systems include TV (television receiver), VTR (video tape recorder) and LDP.
A plurality of AV devices such as (laser disc player) are formed as a predetermined connection structure.

[0003]

In the conventional AV system, the standard connection configuration is stored in advance in the ROM or the like.
And select the desired connection configuration from them.
I was there. And even some of the connections differ from the standard connection configuration.
When making a continuous configuration, change the actually connected configuration.
All were stored in NVRAM or the like. others
Therefore, the storage capacity of the NVRAM that stores the actual connection configuration information
Need to be large, and the connection
It was complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is a first object of the present invention to provide an AV device capable of reducing the capacity for storing connection configuration information.

A second object of the present invention is to simplify the connection setting of AV equipment.

[0006]

A first AV device of the present invention is an A system which constitutes an AV system together with one or more other AV devices.
A V device , which stores a plurality of predetermined connection configurations between the AV device and one or more other AV devices, and a plurality of connections.
Of the plurality of flag information stored in the first storage means (for example, the connection configuration information ROM 5A in FIG. 1) and the first storage means, which stores the flag information indicating each of the configurations ,
It is characterized by including a second storage means (for example, the SIP (system information pointer) memory 6A and the non-volatile memory 7 in FIG. 1) for storing a pointer corresponding to flag information indicating an actual connection configuration .

The second AV device of the present invention comprises one or more other AV devices .
An AV device that constitutes an AV device and an AV system ,
A first storage unit (for example, the connection configuration information ROM 5A in FIG. 1) that stores a plurality of predetermined connection configurations of AV equipment, and a difference between the connection configuration stored in the first storage unit and the required connection configuration are described. A second storage unit (for example, the difference information memory 6B and the non-volatile memory 7 in FIG. 1) for storing is provided.

A third AV device of the present invention is one or more other AV devices .
An AV device that constitutes an AV device and an AV system ,
A first storage unit (for example, the connection configuration information ROM 5A in FIG. 1) that stores a plurality of predetermined connection configurations of AV equipment;
Among the plugs of the V equipment, a second storage unit (for example, the IHP memory 6C and the non-volatile memory 7 in FIG. 1) for storing the prohibited plug information indicating the prohibited plug is provided.

In this AV device , in order to confirm the connection state of the AV device, a control means for generating a test signal in the AV device or a test signal is generated toward the AV device, and the test signal is sent to the AV device. Further, a control means (for example, the AV bus control communication processing microcomputer 9 in FIG. 1) for returning the data can be further provided.

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

In the first to third AV equipment of the present invention,
A plurality of predetermined connection configurations of AV equipment including oneself are stored, and one of them is designated by the pointer. Alternatively, the difference between the predetermined connection configuration and the required connection configuration is stored. Alternatively, use prohibition plug information indicating a use prohibition plug among the plugs of the AV equipment is stored.
Therefore, the capacity for storing the connection configuration information can be reduced.

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the AV system of the present invention. When the operation button 1 of the TV 100 as the AV center is operated, the interface 3 and the internal bus 2
A predetermined command can be input to the CPU 4 via 0. Similarly, when the commander 12 is operated, infrared rays are emitted from the commander 12, and the infrared rays are received by the receiver 2. As a result, the CP is also received from the receiving unit 2 via the interface 3 and the internal bus 20.
A predetermined command can be input to U4.

In addition to the interface 3 described above, the CPU 4 is provided with a program ROM 5 via an internal bus 20.
Connection configuration information ROM 5A, RAM 6, SIP (system information pointer) memory 6A, difference information memory 6B, IHP (plug use prohibited bit) memory 6
C, non-volatile memory 7, clock timer 8, AV bus control communication processing microcomputer 9, tuner 11, screen display IC
14 and a switch 18 are connected.

The CPU 4 processes the input command, outputs a tuning instruction to the tuner 11, and an AV described later.
Command output to the bus control communication processing microcomputer 9, etc.
Performs various processes.

The program ROM 5 stores a program necessary for the CPU 4 to operate. RAM
Reference numeral 6 stores data obtained as a result of the processing of the CPU 4. The nonvolatile memory 7 stores data that needs to be stored even after the power is turned off, such as another AV device (first VTR).
The connection state with the (video tape recorder) 30, the second VTR 40 and the LDP (laser disc player) 50 is stored. The clock timer 8 constantly performs a timekeeping operation and generates time information.

The connection configuration information ROM 5A is used for the TV 100,
A plurality of pieces of information indicating a predetermined connection configuration (connection pattern) between various AV devices such as the VTRs 30 and 40 and the LDP 50 are stored. The SIP memory 6A is a RAM that stores SIP for instructing any of the connection configuration information stored in the ROM 5A. 2, 3 and 4 show SI
3 shows three examples of the connection configuration information in the ROM 5A specified (instructed) by P.

FIG. 2 shows that the AV center 100 has three plugs, the plug 1 and the plug 2 are input / output plugs, and the plug 3 is an input plug. The plug 1 is connected to the plug 1 of the VTR 1 having the address 120H, the plug 2 is connected to the plug 1 of the VTR 2 having the address 121H, and the plug 3 is connected to the plug 1 of the LDP having the address 130H. The signals input to and output from these plugs are a composite video signal (CVBS) and an analog audio signal (A-AUDIO).

In the example of FIG. 3, the plug 4 has a sub-A
The V center is connected. Further, the plug 1 of the VTR 3 having the address 122H is connected to the plug 2 of the VTR 1 connected to the plug 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a lower AV device is connected to the VTR 3, the VTR 3 serves as a pointer to SIP of the lower layer.

The difference information memory 6B stores the connection configuration information RO
It is a RAM that stores the difference between the connection configuration stored in the M5A and the predetermined connection configuration. The IHP memory 6C is the TV 1
00, VTRs 30 and 40, LDP 50, and the like, which is a RAM for storing use prohibited plug information indicating use prohibited plugs among AV device plugs. RAM6, SIP memory 6
A, the difference information memory 6B, and the IHP memory 6C are
It can be configured with one RAM.

The AV bus control communication processing microcomputer 9
Bus control communication processing IC 10 and AV bus, that is, A
The first VTR 30, the second VTR 40, and the LDP 5 are connected via the V bus control lines 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively.
Connected to other AV equipment such as 0 in a star shape (radial shape),
Sends and receives data and commands.

That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, another AV device is connected around the AV center (TV) 100, and
The center 100 is configured to manage the connection information of the whole.

The first VTR 30 is connected to the terminal T1 of the switching unit 18 via the AV signal line 31, and can send and receive a video signal and an audio signal to and from the switching unit 18. The second VTR 40 is connected to the terminal T2 of the switching unit 18 via the AV signal line 41 so that it can send and receive a video signal and an audio signal to and from the switching unit 18. The LDP 50 is connected to the terminal T3 of the switching unit 18 via the AV signal line 51 so that a video signal and an audio signal can be transmitted to and received from the switching unit 18.

The video signal and the audio signal output from the switch 18 are selected by the CPU 4 or the microcomputer 9.

The CRT (cathode ray tube) 13 displays the image represented by the video signal output from the switch 18. Also,
The screen display IC 14 displays the OSD data sent from the microcomputer 9 via the internal bus 20 in a predetermined area of the CRT 13 as a message. Also, the switch 1
The audio signal output from 8 is reproduced by a speaker (not shown).

The operation button 1, the receiver 2, the interface 3, the CPU 4, the program ROM 5, the connection configuration information ROM 5A, the RAM 6, the SIP memory 6A, the difference information memory 6B, the IHP memory 6C, the non-volatile memory 7, and the clock timer 8 in FIG. , AV bus control communication processing microcomputer 9, AV
Bus control communication processing IC10, CRT13, screen display IC
14, the tuner 11, the switch 18, and the speaker (not shown) are the AV center, that is, the television receiver 1.
00 is configured.

First VTR 30, second VTR 40 and L
DP50 is also an AV bus control communication processing microcomputer and AV
A bus control communication processing IC is provided, and the AV bus control line 2
Command and OSD data, etc., are transmitted and received via 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an AV system composed of a plurality of audio devices. In this example, the AV amplifier 200 is used as an AV center, and the tape recorder 210 and the compact disc player 220 are connected thereto.

FIG. 6 shows the AV system of FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows an example of 1 structure of the AV system at the time of adding R and LDP. In this example, the TV 100 is used as the AV center, and the VTR 30 and LDP 5
0 is connected, and the AV pump 200 is connected to the AV center 100 which is a TV as a sub AV center. The sub AV center internally holds information (one layer) up to the device directly connected to it, and can execute the feature between the devices directly connected to it without using the information in the higher AV center. .

FIG. 7 shows the TV and VT in the AV system of FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows another structural example of AV system in case R and LDP are added. In this example, the AV amplifier 2
00 as it is as an AV center, and this AV amplifier 20
0 to connect TV100 as a sub AV center,
Connect VTR 30 and LDP 50 to 100.

8 and 9 are flow charts showing an embodiment of the connection setting method for AV equipment according to the present invention. First, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 displays a menu or a message on the CRT 13 via the screen display IC 14, and a device to be connected to the TV 100 which is an AV center.
That is, the user is inquired about the connected devices up to the first layer (step S1). Specifically, it asks how many VTRs, LDPs, etc. should be connected, further asks whether another AV center should be connected, and stores the user's answer from the commander 12, etc. in the memories 1, 2, ... N. . At this time, connect A
The name of the V device may be input by the user. In addition to this command, the operation button 1
In addition to the predetermined one, a mouse, a touch panel, a trackball, or the like can be used.

Next, the microcomputer 9 causes the memories 1, 2, ...
・ SIP memory 6 by selecting the actual SIP from the contents of N
Temporarily stored in A, in correspondence with the unused plug sets IHP, the temporarily stored in the IHP memory 6C, 1 layer of cis
System setting is completed (step S2). Then finally
The SIP and IHP are non-volatile when
It is stored in the memory 7.

Next, the microcomputer 9 performs connection setting for the second layer. That is, the microcomputer 9 uses the screen display IC 14
A menu or message is displayed on the CRT 13 via the, and the user is inquired about the device to be further connected to the device connected to the AV center 100, that is, the connected device of the second layer (step S3). Specifically, a question is asked as to how many devices are to be connected to the devices connected to the AV center 100, for example, the first VTR and the second VTR, and the user's answer from the commander 12 is stored in the memories A1, A2, A.
Store in 3, A4 ...

Next, the microcomputer 9 checks whether the configuration in the sub AV center has been set (step S4). If the setting has been made, the process directly proceeds to step S6, and if not set, the process at step S5 is performed.

In step S5, the microcomputer 9 displays a menu or message on the CRT 13 via the screen display IC 14 to inquire of the user about the device and the number of devices to be connected to the sub AV center, and the commander 12
The user's answers from the above are stored in the memories S1, S2 ,. Then, the microcomputer 9 sets the SIP of the sub AV center from the contents of the memories S1, S2, ..., Temporarily stores it in the SIP memory 6A, sets the IHP corresponding to the unused plug of the sub AV center, and sets the IHP. It temporarily stores in the memory 6C, then stores SIP and IHP in the nonvolatile memory 7, and further transmits the SIP and IHP set values to the sub AV center.

Next, in step S6, the microcomputer 9
Selects and sets SIP and IHP based on the contents of the memories 1, 2, ... A1, A2, A3, A4. Next, the microcomputer 9 determines whether the connection configuration requested by the user is a predetermined connection configuration, that is, the connection configuration information stored in the ROM 5A (step S7). If it is not the predetermined connection configuration, the microcomputer 9 stores the difference between the connection configuration requested by the user and the predetermined connection configuration in the difference information memory 6B, and further stores the content in the non-volatile memory 7. It is stored (step S8).

In the present embodiment, unused plugs are managed as IHPs, so it is sufficient to store other differences. However, if IHP is not used,
All differences from SIP are stored.

If the connection configuration requested by the user is a predetermined connection configuration (YES in step S7), or the difference information is stored in the non-volatile memory 7 (step S8), the microcomputer 9 executes SIP and IHP. Is set (step S9), connection support information of the actual AV signal / bus signal control line is provided (step S10), and post-connection confirmation processing is performed (step S11).

That is, in step S9, SIP ≠ OFF
H (SIP = OFFH at the time of factory shipment). In step S10, the CRT 13 displays the procedure for the user to connect the AV bus control line 21 and the AV signal lines 31, 41, 51. The user can easily connect each line by looking at this display. Further, in step S11, it is confirmed via the bus control line whether or not all the designated devices are connected. For example, let each device output a video signal (test signal) and
13 for display as an overall image or in the form of picture-in-picture (P-IN-P). Alternatively, the audio signal from each device is output to the speaker. The user can thereby determine whether or not each plug has been properly connected.

According to the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, since the connection is selected for each layer, the selection in each layer is made from a relatively small number of combinations, and the connection setting operation by the user is facilitated. . In addition, S at the AV center
Since the entire connection configuration is managed by IP and SIP in the lower layer, the whole can be managed with less data than managing raw connection information (individual direct connection information).

As the connection information, if the connection configuration is a predetermined connection configuration, that is, the connection configuration in SIP, the flag information in the ROM designated by SIP is used (for example, SIPNO8, SIPNO9, etc.). ), If the connection configuration is not predetermined, the difference information is stored in the non-volatile memory 7. Such a situation occurs, for example, when the AV center has a smaller number of plugs than the connection configuration required by the user. In such cases, SI
P and difference information (IHP may be added to this)
By this, connection setting is performed.

In the conventional AV system, each device only knows the connection information to the adjacent device, and as a result, the information is managed up to one layer. Therefore, when executing various features, for example, one-touch play (for example, when one button of one predetermined device is operated, all other related devices are automatically activated), the feature is executed. Device must complete the entire connection, but each device only knows the connection information to the adjacent device, so when the final device for feature execution is connected before the adjacent device, In order to complete the connection, it was necessary to propagate a connection command (connection commands for adjacent devices should be propagated to the adjacent devices one after another until the final device is reached).

The embodiment of the present invention does not adopt a distributed architecture as in the prior art, but configures an AV system centered on the AV center and holds all connection configuration information in the AV center. When the feature is executed,
It is possible to set connection with each device without sending connection commands to the bus one after another.

However, with this configuration, the connection configuration information managed by the AV center increases, so in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the connection configuration is managed by SIP. Infinitely allowing system configuration variations, A
Since the storage and management load of the V-center increases, it is preferable to limit the maximum management hierarchy in a practical place and balance the whole (processing amount, data amount, number of manageable combinations).

Specifically, a predetermined connection configuration, that is, a configuration in which the number of AV terminals of the AV center is increased so that the SIP can be completed in one layer even if considering a slightly large system with two layers or less. However, it is advisable to instruct this via SIP. Regarding expansion,
The connection configuration including one sub AV center should be determined in advance, and the system configuration should be within that range.

When the user requests the system including the sub AV center, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, "E" of the system connection information expanded by the basic SIP is used.
The pointer value to the plug connection information table of the sub AV center may be defined at "XT-Pointer to sub AV center information table".

As described above, in this embodiment, when the connection configuration that exactly corresponds to the desired connection configuration is not prepared (stored) in advance, the connection is wider than the desired connection configuration (including the desired connection configuration). Select the configuration and connect the specified AV equipment to each plug. Then, unused plugs (collected plugs) are managed as IHPs. Even in this way, the AV center can execute the desired operation. That is, for example, the playback video signal of VTR1 is changed to VT.
When performing the dubbing operation to R2, VTR1 and VTR
As long as TR2 is connected to the plug of the AV center, the AV center ignores the existence of the unused plug and executes the dubbing operation even if other plugs not related to this dubbing operation are unused. Of.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of system setting in the sub AV center for simplifying the setup of the entire system by using the sub AV center. First, the AV of the sub AV center
The bus control microcomputer displays a menu or a message, asks the user about the device and the number of devices to be connected to the sub AV center, and stores the user's answer in the memories 1, 2 ... (Step S21).

Next, the AV bus control microcomputer selects an actual SIP from the contents of the memories 1, 2, ...
Temporarily stored in memory, IHP corresponding to unused plugs
Is set and is temporarily stored in the IHP memory, and then SI
The P and IHP are stored in the non-volatile memory, and the system setting is completed (step S22).

Next, the AV bus control microcomputer determines whether the connection configuration requested by the user is a predetermined connection configuration (step S23). If the connection configuration is not predetermined, the AV bus control microcomputer returns the process to the start in FIG. 10 if there is a reset input (YES in step S24), and if there is no setting input, the system setting cannot be displayed. (Step S25), and the process ends.

When the connection configuration requested by the user is a predetermined connection configuration (YES in step S23), the AV bus control microcomputer sets information indicating that SIP and IHP are set ( Step S2
6) The connection support information of the actual AV signal / bus signal control line is provided (step S27), and post-connection confirmation processing is performed (step S28). The processing of steps S26 to S28 is the same as the processing of steps S9 to S11 in FIG.

11 and 12 are flowcharts showing an embodiment of system settings on the AV center side for simplifying the setup of the entire system by using the sub AV center. First, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 displays a menu or a message on the CRT 13 via the screen display IC 14 to inquire of the user about a device to be connected to the TV 100 which is the AV center (step S31). Specifically, it asks how many VTRs, LDPs, etc. should be connected, and further asks whether the sub AV center should be connected, and the user's answer from the commander 12, etc.
Stored in memories 1, 2 ... Z.

Next, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 selects an actual SIP from the contents of the memories 1, 2, ...
The I-memory is temporarily stored in the P memory 6A, the IHP is set corresponding to the unused plug, the IHP memory 6C is temporarily stored, and then the SIP and the IHP are stored in the nonvolatile memory 7 (step S32). Then, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 displays the connection configuration set in the CRT 13 via the screen display IC 14 (step S33).

Next, when the AV bus control microcomputer 9 determines that the connection configuration requested by the user is the same as the displayed connection configuration (YE in step S34).
S) Inquires via the AV bus whether or not the configuration in the sub AV center has been set (step S35). If set, the process directly proceeds to step S38, and if not set, the process at step S37 is performed.

In step S37, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 displays a menu or message on the CRT 13 via the screen display IC 14 to inquire of the user about the device and the number of devices to be connected to the sub AV center, and the commander 12 or the like Of the user's answer to the memory S1,
Store in S2 ... Then, the AV bus control microcomputer 9
Sets SIP from the contents of memories S1, S2, ... Temporarily stores it in SIP memory 6A, sets IHP corresponding to an unused plug, temporarily stores it in IHP memory 6C, and stores SIP and IHP in a nonvolatile manner. Stored in the sex memory 7,
Further, the setting values of SIP and IHP are transmitted to the sub AV center.

Next, in step S38, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 prepares the system configuration information based on the SIP / IHP in the AV center in the RAM 6, and the sub AV
The system connection configuration information in the center is prepared in the RAM (step S38). Next, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 provides actual AV signal / bus signal control line connection support information (step S39), and performs post-connection confirmation processing (step S40).

By adopting the configuration using the sub AV center, it is not necessary to reset all the system configurations used up to now from the beginning, and it is possible to set a newly added system at a higher level than the existing system. Yes (new equipment is the AV center, existing equipment is the sub AV center), and the newly added system can be set as a lower level of the existing system (new equipment is the sub AV center, until now) The equipment of A as it is
V center).

For example, of the SIP values in the AV center, the two-digit value is used for the configuration in which the sub AV center is not connected, and the three-digit value (one in the high order (100s) of the two-digit value) is used.
Can be used for a configuration in which one sub AV center is connected.

When the user sets the sub AV centers in combination, it is preferable that the sub AV center originally has the function of setting the SIP, and the device connected to the device has only one layer. While setting the AV center, sub AV
Setting with center results in, for example, SIP
Is set to the value after 100 (three digits). SIP
Not only that, if the connection is set by SIP and IHP, it can be set as if the sub AV center is connected, so that all connections can be set by the 3-digit SIP. So SIP up to 100 (two digits)
Definitions can be assigned to different combinations.

13 and 14 are flow charts showing an embodiment of the AV center setting method. As a premise of this method, each device including the sub AV center has an AV function.
It is assumed that the devices are connected to the bus and the power of each device is turned on. First, the AV bus control microcomputer of the device displays a message or a menu and sets the device as the parent of the system, that is, the AV center, or asks the user a question (step S51). User is A
If the answer is not to set as the V center, the AV bus control microcomputer of the device displays a message or a menu and sets the device as the sub AV center or asks the user (step S52). If the user replies not to set as the sub AV center, the AV bus control microcomputer of the device ends the processing,
When the user replies to set as the sub AV center, the AV bus control microcomputer of the device performs the processing shown in FIG.

When the user answers in step S51 that the AV center is set as the AV center, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 confirms whether there is another device set as the AV center in the system (step S5).
3). Specifically, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 is a 1C8
A dummy command is issued to the H address (this address is the address of the AV center), and if there is a transmission error, it is known that there is no other AV center.

If there is another parent, that is, an AV center (NO in step S54), the AV bus control microcomputer 9
Confirms that there is no other sub AV center (device whose address is 1C9H) (step S55), and if it exists (YES in step S56), changes another AV center to the sub AV center as described later. Then, since there are multiple sub AV centers, the CRT
A warning to that effect is displayed on step 13 (step S57).

When it is determined in step S56 that there is no other sub AV center, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 determines that the device whose address is 1C8H, that is, another A
"Sub AV Center (address is 1
Become a C9H device) (become a child, not a parent) ”(step S58). By this, another AV center is changed to a sub AV center.

If there is no other AV center (NO in step S54) or after performing the processing in step S58, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 prompts the user to input the system connection configuration to be set, and the SIP information is used from the information. And IHP are set (step S59). And AV
The bus control microcomputer 9 sets its own address to 1C8H
Set to (parent) and set itself to the AV center (step S60). Next, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 confirms whether or not another sub AV center is set (step S61).
V center, that is, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 of the device
Saves the information so that it can be used in the system setting process (step S62). Then, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 determines that the sub AV center exists in the system connected by the bus, and thus determines the final SIP and IHP of the AV center (step S63).

Next, the device, that is, A of the AV center
The V bus control microcomputer 9 is operated by the SIP from the sub AV center.
And IHP are read (step S64), and the read SIP and IHP and the S in the AV center are read.
Plug table information (connection configuration information) for the entire system is created in the work area based on the IP and IHP (step S65).

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of a method for saving the selected system connection information as it is. The AV bus control microcomputer 9 displays a menu or a message on the CRT 13 via the screen display IC 14 and inquires the user of the device to be connected to the TV 100, which is the AV center, that is, the connected device up to one layer (step S71). Specifically, V
Ask how many TRs, LDPs, etc. will be connected, and then sub A
A question is asked as to whether the V center is connected, and the user's answer from the commander 12 or the like is stored in the memories 1, 2, ... Z.

Next, the microcomputer 9 operates the memories 1, 2, ...
The actual system connection configuration is stored in the memory from the contents of Z, and the system setting for the first layer is completed (step S7).
2).

Next, the microcomputer 9 performs connection setting for the second layer. That is, the microcomputer 9 uses the screen display IC 14
A menu or message is displayed on the CRT 13 via the, and the user is inquired about the device to be further connected to the device connected to the AV center 100, that is, the connected device of the second layer (step S73). Specifically, a question is asked as to how many devices are to be connected to the devices connected to the AV center 100, for example, the first VTR and the second VTR, and the user's answer from the commander 12 is stored in the memories A1, A2, A.
Store in 3, A4 ...

Next, the microcomputer 9 checks whether or not the configuration inside the sub AV center has been set (step S74). If it has been set, the process directly proceeds to step S76, and if it has not been set, the process of step S75 is performed.

At step S75, the microcomputer 9
A menu or message is displayed on the CRT 13 via the screen display IC 14 to inquire of the user about the device and the number of devices to be connected to the sub AV center.
The user's answers from the second grade are stored in the memories S1, S2, .... Then, the microcomputer 9 uses the memories S1, S2, ...
The system connection configuration of the sub AV center is set from the contents of the above and the system connection configuration information is transmitted to the sub AV center.

Next, in step S76, the microcomputer 9 sets the system connection configuration information based on the contents of the memories A1, A2, A3, A4 ... Next, the microcomputer 9 provides actual AV signal / bus signal control line connection support information (step S77) and performs post-connection confirmation processing (step S78).

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, if the device connected to each AV terminal of the device and its AV terminal number are stored in the memory as they are, a lot of memory is used and The use of non-volatile memory (NVRAM) to recover system connection information when turned on from a power-off condition would be quite costly.

Therefore, in the present invention, the nonvolatile memory is managed by managing the entire connection information by the pointer SIP to the predetermined system connection configuration information and the information (difference information) of the part different from the actual system. The capacity of is reduced.

In this case, if the actual configuration can be represented only by the predetermined system connection configuration information, a smaller nonvolatile memory capacity will be required. The present invention requires an NVRAM area for "information about the presence or absence of difference information" and an NVRAM area for storing difference information.

In order to set SIP and select IHP, for example, the following menus may be sequentially displayed to allow the user to select the system connection configuration information.

Do you want to connect VTR? How many in the case of Y / N Y? 1, 2, 3? Do you want to connect LDP? Do you connect Y / N AAMP (audio amplifier)? Y /
Do you connect NVTU (Video Tuner)? Y / N

However, in this case, if the AV center (TV) has many plugs, the above selection operation is relatively easy (because it is not necessary to consider the connection to the lower layer), but the number of plugs is small. Then, it becomes necessary to consider the connection to the lower layer, and the selection operation becomes complicated. Therefore, displaying the actual connection diagram on the CRT 13 during the above selection makes it easier for the user to understand.

When connecting to the subordinate, ask whether there is a device connected below after Y / N in the question menu. If there is, select the subordinate device. When the subordinate device is the sub AV center, the selection process according to the setting menu of the AV center is performed.

That is, when the number of each device to be connected to the AV center is input first, and the maximum number of plugs the AV center has is not enough for the one-stage configuration,
The user is allowed to select while displaying the diagram of the second stage connection configuration on the CRT 13.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example for facilitating the user's connection setting. First, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 displays the display of FIG. 17A at the beginning of the initial setting process. In this figure, the cursor is at the leftmost VTR position. In this state, the user is instructed to press the selection button. This selection button may be provided as the operation button 1 of the TV 100 or the commander 12. When the select button is operated, the cursor position remains at the left end, and the display below the cursor indicates VTR, LDP, sub AV center, ...
・ Switches from VTR in order. After setting the left end, move the cursor to the position of the central VTR, and similarly select LDP, sub AV center, ... With the selection button.

Regarding the setting of the sub AV center, it may be set on the side of the sub AV center, or may be set on the screen of FIG. 17A, and after setting, the information of the AV center is sent to the sub AV center. May be.

When setting in the screen of FIG. 17 (a), the sub AV center setting screen as shown in FIG. 17 (b) is displayed, and setting is performed by the same processing procedure as described above. After setting, when setting information is transferred to the sub AV center, sub A
Since the system connection configuration information that originally existed in the V center is rewritten, it is advisable to perform a process for confirming whether or not the sub AV center can be rewritten before transferring the setting information.

When the setting of the second layer is selected, FIG.
The screen of (a) is changed to the screen shown in FIG. 17 (c),
For example, the settings for LDP are similarly made.

Conventionally, since the system configuration must be reset when the main power is turned off and then turned on, the system connection configuration information is stored in the non-volatile memory, and the system configuration once set from this memory is stored. Methods have been taken to recover connection information.

However, if the connection information itself is stored in a raw form (directly), a lot of information must be stored, which is costly. Therefore, the present invention uses SIP as described above to reduce the amount stored in the non-volatile memory. This SIP
In the storage of, the system configuration information is not stored in a raw form, but a pointer to the system configuration information is stored, so that the same effect as the conventional one can be obtained while reducing the storage capacity.

Further, since a small amount of information storage management is required, it is not necessary to provide a special non-volatile memory as in the past, and a part of the non-volatile memory originally provided for TV etc. for channel selection is used. It is enough.

Further, management information such as whether this non-volatile memory has already been set or has not been set even once and should be set by the user,
Since the amount of information is originally small, it can be managed relatively easily.

As shown in FIG. 17, connection configuration information ROM
A predetermined connection configuration (that satisfies the input condition from the user) stored in advance in 5A is displayed on the CRT 13 and the user selects a predetermined one from the displayed ones. Will be easier. The display for this may be performed as shown in FIGS.

Further, the connection configuration stored in advance in the connection configuration information ROM 5A is not displayed on the CRT 13, but is printed on, for example, an instruction manual of an AV center or AV equipment, and a predetermined configuration is selected from the printed information. It is also possible to let the user select one.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of processing when the main power is turned off and then turned on.
If the SIP of the AV center is not set (YES in step S81), the AV bus control microcomputer 9 executes the process shown in FIG.
Through the system settings of FIG. 14 (step S82),
The main processing (processing that is normally performed after the power is turned on) is entered.

When SIP is set, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 judges whether it is predetermined connection information composed of SIP and IHP (step S83), and if so, the system connection configuration based on SIP and IHP. The information is read from the non-volatile memory 7, expanded in the RAM 6, and (in the case of the configuration including the sub AV center, the sub A
You can read SIP and IHP in V Center,
The connection configuration information of the sub AV center is expanded in the RAM area in the center) (step S84), and the main processing starts.

When it is not the predetermined connection information composed of SIP and IHP, the AV bus control microcomputer 9
System connection information is created based on the difference information between the predetermined connection information composed of IP and IHP and the connection configuration requested by the user (step S85), and the main processing is started.

Next, the usage of SIP and IHP will be described. The use of IHP is one of the methods for realizing an actual system configuration even if the definition of SIP is reduced. For example, 101 or later (3
Digit) number (SIP) and IHP combined, 100
It is not necessary to define the SIP with a number (two digits) smaller than the number.

[0098] Also the use of use a combination of the SIP and the IHP, SIPNO3> SIPNO1 SIPNO4> SIPNO1 SIPNO5> SIPNO1 SIPNO6> SIPNO1 SIPNO7> SIPNO1 SIPNO8> SIPNO1 SIPNO9> SIPNO1 SIPNO4> SIPNO2 SIPNO5> SIPNO2 SIPNO6> SIPNO2 SIPNO9> SIPNO2 SIPNO5> SIPNO3 SIPNO7> SIPNO3 SIPNO9> SIPNO3 SIPNO5> SIPNO4 SIPNO9> SIPNO4 (for example, SIPNO3> SIPNO1 indicates that the SIP of the number 3 is larger than the SIP of the number 1), and the system configuration with a small number of plugs. Is SIP + I that represents a large system configuration Since can be set in P,
The data table of the ROM 5A for storing the predetermined system configuration information can be relatively small. However, an NVRAM area for IHP (area of the non-volatile memory 7) is required. IHP is 1 byte (8 bits) and 8 plugs ON /
Since it can be managed to be OFF (used / not used), 4 in SIP of each AV center / sub AV center and each IHP
Bytes are required, but if the total number of AV center / sub AV center plugs is 8, you can use 3 bytes.

FIG. 19 shows a combination of SIP and IHP, which allows many connection configurations using only SIP to be integrated into one SI.
It represents that it can be expressed as P. For example, in the original connection configuration in which the SIP number is 1 (when IHP is not used), the plug P1 of a TV having one plug is used.
In this configuration, the VTR1 is connected. If this connection configuration is expressed using SIP and IHP, for example, the SIP with the number 9
And can be represented by IHP of FEH. IHP (16
The base number is the eight plugs P8, P7, P6, P5, P
4 out of 4, P3, P2 and P1 (P8 to P5)
Is represented by the second digit, and the last four (P4 to P1) are represented by the first digit. In the case of this example, the plugs P8, P7, P
Although not shown in the figure, P6 and P5 are not used, so that they are (1111) in binary notation and F in hexadecimal notation. In addition, since only P1 of the plugs P4, P3, P2, and P1 is used, the binary notation (1
110), which is E in hexadecimal notation. That is, IHP is F
It becomes EH.

Similarly, for example, the SIP of the original number 7 has a structure in which the VTR1 is connected to the TV plug P1 having three plugs, the VTR2 is connected to the plug P2, and the VTR3 is connected to the plug P3. If this is expressed by combining SIP and IHP, P8, P7, P6, and P5 are unused, so (11
11) (= F), and among P4, P3, P2 and P1, P3, P2 and P1 are used, so (100
0) (= 8). Therefore, IHP becomes F8H,
The same SIP number 9 as the original SIP number 1 (IH
Only P is different), and can be summarized.

Next, it will be described that a system having a more complicated system configuration can be handled by relatively simple management / management data by dividing the roles of the sub AV center and the AV center.

The address of the AV center is fixed to only one address 1C8H on the system, and if there is one sub AV center, 1C9H, if there are two sub AV centers, 1C9H, 1CAH, 3
If it is, it will be defined as 1C9H, 1CAH, and 1CBH. The sub AV center supports only the hierarchy of devices directly connected to the sub AV center. The sub AV center stores the system connection state up to the layer directly connected to itself (specifically, the SIP / IHP value).

The sub AV center itself has the means for setting the connection information of the sub AV center. However, the AV center can also set the connection information in the sub AV center. In that case, the setting information in the sub AV center is transmitted from the AV center and stored in the sub AV center.

Next, a method of switching between the AV center and the sub AV center will be described. First, consider how to define that a TV or the like becomes an AV center having an address 1C8H as an AV center without using the original device address 100H or the like. The device that can be the AV center is its own address (TV = 100H, ..., 107).
H or the like) or the address 1C8H as the AV center is used. When the user defines, for example, a TV as an AV center, the system connection configuration information is set to T
Must be set in V (AV Center).

When the TV is defined as the AV center, if the AV center already exists in the system (for example, if the AV amplifier is set as the AV center) (assuming that the bus signal line is connected). A) and OSD of TV (device to be AV center)
A warning is displayed to the effect that multiple V centers will occur. After confirming the warning display of the user, this device (TV) is newly set as the AV center. At that time, the AV center up to now is positioned as a sub AV center, and in that case, it is confirmed whether the devices connected to the sub AV center are connected in one layer (directly connected to the sub AV center) (SIP / IHP Check). As a procedure,
The device that the new AV center should become the sub AV center sends a command "You must be the sub AV center" to 1C8H (for example, AV amplifier), and then sets your (TV) address to 1C8H.

Former A designated as a sub AV center
The V center device (AV amplifier) checks if 1C9H is not used, and if not, uses that address as the sub AV center, and if it is already used,
Repeat the operation to set another address (1CAH) and check if the address is already in use (up by +1 in order from 1C9H. Up to 1CFH, 7 sub AV centers are defined on the system) I can).

20 and 21 are flowcharts showing a part of another embodiment of the AV center setting method. First, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 of the device displays a message or a menu to set the device as the parent of the system, that is, the AV center, or to ask the user (step S91). When the user answers that the AV center is not set, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 of the device ends the process.

When the user answers in step S91 that the AV center is set as the AV center, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 confirms whether there is any other device set as the AV center in the system (step S9).
2). Specifically, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 is a 1C8
A dummy command is issued to the H address (this address is the AV center address), and if there is a transmission error,
You can see that there is no other AV center.

If there is no other parent, that is, the AV center (NO in step S93), the AV bus control microcomputer 9
Sets the address of the device to 1C8H and sets the device to the AV center (step S94). Next, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 confirms whether another sub AV center is set (step S95), and the sub A
When the presence of the V center is found, the AV center, that is, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 of the device stores the information so that it can be used in the system setting process (step S96).

If it is determined in step S93 that there is another AV center, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 sends the "sub AV center (address is 1C9H) to the device having the address 1C8H, that is, the other AV center.
Device) ”is transmitted (step S97).

The AV bus control microcomputer 9 of the device which has received the above command internally determines whether or not the connection is up to one hierarchical level, and if so, it is internally defined as the sub AV center and the address 1
Check if C9H is not used (step S9)
8). If not used (N in step S99)
O), the address is used as the address of the sub AV center (step S100), and if it is used (YES in step S99), the youngest unused address among the addresses up to 1CFH is set in the sub AV center. Used as an address (step S101), AV
A setting completion report is sent to the center together with the set address information (step S102).

Next, system configuration setting method (partially automatic)
An example will be described. For example, if you have one TV and two VTRs, you can use the TV (one) on the system setting initial screen.
And VTR (two units) are input, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 of the AV center selects, for example, SIPNO = 106 (see FIG. 24) from the SIPs that satisfy this condition, and whether the sub AV center is connected. It is confirmed by issuing a dummy instruction to the addresses 1C9H, 1CAH, ..., 1CFH. When the AV bus control microcomputer of the AV center determines that the sub AV center is connected, it sets a mask bit at the flag of the sub AV center in the IHP.

If the AV bus control microcomputer is, for example, SIPN
When the connection configuration of O = 109 (see FIG. 24) is selected,
Devices that are not actually connected are also assigned, and some commands (which may be inquiry commands) are issued to each device based on SIP. If the target device is not connected to the bus, a transmission error occurs and it can be seen that the device does not exist.

Next, the AV bus control microcomputer of the AV center determines the addresses 1C9H, 1CAH, ..., 1CFH.
Issue a dummy command to check if the sub AV center is connected. When it is confirmed that the sub AV center is connected, the sub AV in IHP in the AV center
Set a mask bit at the center flag.

In this way, after confirming the actual connection state, the SIPNO is not changed and the information of the unconnected device is stored in, for example, the memory 7, and the SIPN is stored.
System connection management is performed based on O and this unconnected information. It is realistic that this unconnected information is realized by 1 byte. This is because if the SIPNO and this information are 2 bytes, the non-volatile memory for storing channel information can be used.

In the case of simple handling, use / non-use control of 8 plugs can be performed with 1 byte. In other words, if the AV center has up to 8 plugs, even if SIP is selected to be slightly larger, this 1 byte is used
It is possible to prohibit the use of a specific plug among the plug configurations of the AV center specified by.

The system check is SIPNO.
After setting, the OSD menu may be instructed or SI
When P is selected, it may be checked whether each device is actually connected to the bus. However, it cannot be checked whether the AV signal line is properly connected to the plug. This can be done, for example, by using PinP to check the video signal from the playback device. Well
Also, which SIPN is selected from among the SIPs that satisfy the conditions?
It is arbitrary to select O, but for example,
Minimum configuration (SIPNO = 1 in the embodiment of FIG. 24)
05), or the one with the maximum configuration (the embodiment of FIG. 24)
Let's select SIPNO = 149)
You can Then, as described above, the selected structure is selected.
The difference from the result is stored in the non-volatile memory 7.

22 to 25 are tables showing SIP number designation examples. For example, in SIP of number 41, a TV having three plugs is an AV center,
A VTR, AAMP (audio amplifier) and VTUNER (video tuner) are connected to each plug.

Further, [NOX] in the figure indicates that the SIP having a number smaller than NOX is NO by adding IHP.
It means that the SIP of X can be put together.
For example, SIP number 5 can include SIP numbers 1 through 4 in combination with IHP.

Further, in the figure, the mark * indicates that they are hierarchically connected. For example, in SIP of number 6, the TV as an AV center has only two plugs, but two VTRs and one LDP are connected. In this case, VTR2 connected to the TV is further connected to VTR2.

26 to 31 are tables showing a concrete connection configuration example of the AV system. For example, in FIG. 26, in SIP of number 5, the plug 1 of the VTR 1 having the address 120H is connected to the plug 1 of the TV serving as the AV center, and the plug 2 of the TV has the address 121H
Plug 1 is connected to TV plug 3 and address 1
The LDP plug 1 of 30H is connected.

32 to 35 are tables showing another example of specifying the SIP number.

FIG. 36 shows another method for setting a connection configuration different from the SIP (connection configuration) stored in advance in the connection configuration information ROM 5A. This method
For example, the process is started by operating a predetermined button (additional registration button) of the commander 12. First, in step S201, the AV bus control microcomputer 9
The additional registration menu is displayed for 13. Many connection configurations (SIP) are displayed in this menu. Next, in step S202, the user operates the commander 12, for example, while viewing this display to select a predetermined SIP that is a target for additional registration of AV equipment.

In step S202, a predetermined SIP
If is selected, the selected SIP connection configuration is displayed on the CRT 13 in step S203. A predetermined empty plug is prepared for each SIP. In other words, in the SIP, the connection of a predetermined AV device is defined with respect to other plugs except at least the empty plug. That is, the user configures an AV system with a predetermined AV device in advance, sets a predetermined SIP, and then adds another AV device in the future.
A predetermined empty plug is prepared in advance.

Next, proceeding to step S204, the user
The AV device to be added to this empty plug is specified by operating the commander 12. Furthermore, it progresses to step S205 and A
The V-bus control microcomputer 9 additionally registers the AV device specified in step S204 in the SIP selected in step S202.

With the above arrangement, the operation for adding a predetermined AV device to the already set AV system becomes extremely easy. In addition, already in the AV system,
When there is an AV device having the same device address as the added AV device, the device address of the added AV device is defined as the device address next to the device address. This is because if a plurality of identical de-ice addresses are present in the AV system, a plurality of AV devices will respond to various requests from the AV center, and the system will be confused. The process of avoiding the duplication of the device address can be performed automatically by the AV center, or when the same device address already exists, an error message can be displayed and the user can manually input the address change. .

FIG. 37 shows another method for confirming the connection state of the connected AV equipment in each of the above embodiments. In this method, first, step S2
In 11, a predetermined one AV device is selected from the AV devices included in the already set SIP. Step S2
In 12, a signal line is secured between the AV device selected in step S211 and the CRT 13, and a speaker (not shown).

Then, in step S213, AV
The bus control microcomputer 9 selects the A selected in step S211.
Request output of a test signal from the V device. For example,
When the selected AV device is a VTR, the VTR is requested to output a video signal and an audio signal as a test signal. At this time, the AV bus control microcomputer 9 outputs a presence confirmation command to the VTR.

Upon receipt of the test signal output request in step S213 and the presence confirmation command, the VTR outputs, for example, a demodulated signal of a built-in video tuner or a reproduced signal of a video tape. This output signal is output in step S21.
It is output to the CRT 13 or a speaker (not shown) via the signal line secured by 2. This ensures that the video and audio signals are correctly CR
It is possible to confirm whether T13 and the speaker are being supplied.

This VTR (similar to other AV equipment)
Is provided with an output unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the presence confirmation command when the presence confirmation command is received. This output unit can be configured by, for example, a lamp or a speaker. That is, the AV device (VTR in this case) that has received the presence confirmation command is currently outputting the test signal.
The lamp is blinked or a predetermined audio signal is output from the speaker so that the user can be informed that he is himself. The user can confirm the AV device outputting the test signal by looking at this display or listening to the audio signal.

Furthermore, in step S214,
The video signal currently displayed on the CRT 13, or
The audio signal output from the speaker is a test signal.
Display the character that indicates that there is.

[0132]

Next, in step S215, connection is established.
Is performed correctly. That is, even if a video signal of a predetermined AV device is output and displayed on the CRT 13 or an audio signal is output to the speaker by the processing of steps S211 to S215,
It may be output by being connected to a plug of the AV center that should not be connected. Also, the audio signal may have the left and right channels incorrectly connected. The AV bus control microcomputer 9 determines whether or not the above-mentioned incorrect connection is made. And in case of incorrect connection ,
The process proceeds to step S216 and the fact is displayed on the CRT 13 (error display is performed).

The above processing is performed in step S217.
Then, the processing is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the same processing is performed on all the AV devices.

[0135]

Further, in the above embodiment, the test signal is generated in the AV equipment, but it is also possible to generate the test signal from the built-in video tuner in the AV center. in this case,
The AV center is the test target A from the AV center.
The signal line for the V device is secured, and the signal line from the AV device to the AV center is secured. Then, the AV device returns the test signal transmitted and input from the AV center to the AV center. By doing so, it is possible to simultaneously check the round trip of the signal line.

As described above, the connection state can be confirmed.

Although the above embodiments relate to the AV system, the present invention combines a communication system in a transportation device such as an aircraft, a car, a train, a ship, and a bus, a personal computer communication system, or a combination of a personal computer and an AV device. The present invention can be applied to various systems such as a system and a system for controlling a distant device using a modem (telephone line / wireless).

[0139]

Effects of the Invention According to the AV apparatus <br/> according to claim 1, 5 or 6, a plurality stores a predetermined connection configuration of the AV equipment including itself, to instruct by them pointer either Since the difference between the predetermined connection configuration and the predetermined connection configuration is stored, or the prohibited plug information indicating the prohibited plug is stored, the capacity for storing the connection configuration information should be reduced. You can Claim 2
Or according to the AV device described in 3, the AV including itself
Stores multiple predetermined connection configurations of equipment, whichever
In addition to pointing by a pointer,
Remember the difference between the fixed connection configuration and the actual connection configuration,
Or store prohibited plug information indicating prohibited plug
Since this is done, it is necessary to store the connection configuration information.
The amount can be further reduced. Claim 4
According to AV equipment, AV equipment including oneself is hierarchical.
AV if the AV system is configured to be connected
Stores the connection configuration up to the level directly connected to the device itself
Since this is done, the capacity to store the connection configuration information
Can be further reduced.

According to the AV system of the seventh or eighth aspect , since the test signal is generated in the AV equipment, the connection state can be easily confirmed.

[0141]

[0142]

[0143]

[0144]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an AV system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of connection configuration information in a ROM 5A specified by SIP.

FIG. 3 is a table showing another example of connection configuration information in a ROM 5A specified by SIP.

FIG. 4 is a table showing another example of connection configuration information in the ROM 5A specified by SIP.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an AV system including a plurality of audio devices.

FIG. 6 shows a TV, VTR and LD in the AV system of FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows an example of 1 structure of the AV system in case P is added.

FIG. 7 shows a TV, VTR and LD in the AV system of FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows another structural example of AV system in case P is added.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of an embodiment of the connection setting method of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the rest of the embodiment of the connection setting method of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of system settings in the sub AV center for simplifying setup of the entire system by using the sub AV center.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of system setting on the AV center side for simplifying setup of the entire system by using the sub AV center.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the rest of an example of system settings on the AV center side for simplifying the setup of the entire system by using the sub AV center.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of an embodiment of an AV center setting method.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the embodiment of the AV center setting method.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of a method for saving selected system connection information as it is.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the rest of the example of the method for storing the selected system connection information as it is.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example for facilitating a user's connection setting.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example when the main power is turned off and then turned on.

FIG. 19 is a chart showing an example of using SIP and IHP.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a part of another embodiment of the AV center setting method.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a part of another embodiment of the AV center setting method.

FIG. 22 is a chart showing an example of SIP number designation.

FIG. 23 is a chart showing an example of SIP number designation.

FIG. 24 is a chart showing an example of SIP number designation.

FIG. 25 is a chart showing an example of SIP number designation.

FIG. 26 is a chart showing a specific example of the connection configuration of the AV system.

[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a table showing a specific connection configuration example of an AV system.

[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a table showing a specific connection configuration example of the AV system.

[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a table showing a specific connection configuration example of the AV system.

[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a chart showing a specific connection configuration example of the AV system.

[Fig. 31] Fig. 31 is a table showing a specific connection configuration example of an AV system.

FIG. 32 is a table showing another example of specifying SIP numbers.

FIG. 33 is a table showing another example of specifying SIP numbers.

FIG. 34 is a table showing another example of specifying SIP numbers.

FIG. 35 is a table showing another example of specifying SIP numbers.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a method of additionally registering an AV device connected to an empty terminal.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing another method for confirming the connection state.

[Explanation of symbols]

5A Connection configuration information ROM 6A SIP memory 6B Difference information memory 6C IHP memory 7 Non-volatile memory 9 AV bus control communication processing microcomputer 13 CRT 18 Switch 21 AV bus control line 30 First VTR 40 Second VTR 50 LDP

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Koichi Sugiyama 6-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Makoto Sato 6-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony stock In-company (72) Akira Katsuyama 6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation (72) In-house Yoshio Sakabe 6-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Yasuo Kusugaya 6-735 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Sony Corporation (56) References JP-A-4-21282 (JP, A) JP-A-2-260190 (JP , A) Japanese Patent Publication 1-223997 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/38-5/46

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. One or more other AV equipment and AV system
In AV equipment constituting, as well as a plurality stores predetermined connection configuration between the AV device and one or more of the other AV apparatus, a plurality of the connection configuration
The flag information of the first storage means for storing flag information indicating each of the plurality stored in the first storage unit
Of the above, corresponding to the flag information indicating the actual connection configuration
An AV device, comprising: a second storage unit that stores a pointer to be stored. 2. The predetermined memory stored in the first storage means
Storing a difference between the connection configuration and the actual connection configuration
3. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising:
AV equipment according to. 3. The use of the plug of the AV device is prohibited.
Third memory for storing prohibited plug information indicating a plug
The method of claim 1, further comprising means.
AV equipment. 4. The AV device and one or more other AV devices.
The AV system is configured so that the devices are connected in a hierarchical manner.
If so, the first storage means is directly connected to the AV device.
The above-mentioned connection configuration up to the layer to be connected, and the connection configuration
And storing the flag information corresponding to
The AV device according to claim 1. 5. One or more other AV equipment and AV system
A first storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined connection configurations of the AV equipment, and a difference storing unit for storing the difference between the connection configurations stored in the first storage means and the predetermined connection configuration. AV equipment comprising two storage means. 6. One or more other AV equipment and AV system
In the constituent AV equipment, a first storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined connection configurations of the AV equipment, and a second storage for storing prohibited plug information indicating a prohibited plug among the plugs of the AV equipment. AV equipment comprising means. 7. In order to confirm the connection state between the other AV apparatus, according to claim 1, 5, characterized in that it further comprises control means for generating a test signal to the other AV apparatus
Alternatively, the AV system according to Item 6 . To 8. In order to confirm a connection state between the other AV apparatus, it generates a test signal towards the other AV apparatus further comprise a control means for returning the test signal to the AV equipment 6. The method according to claim 1, 5 or
The AV system according to item 6 .