JP6251026B2 - Electronic device, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device that provides a device connection service with an opposite device via a communication path, a method thereof, and a program.

  When executing an application link service (hereinafter referred to as “device link service”) between devices connected via a communication path, the parameter value is set according to the capabilities of the partner device acquired in the negotiation process even if there are unspecified items in the parameters. There was a method of automatically determining the specified value (Non-patent Document 1). In addition, when realizing a device connection service between devices connected via an always-connected communication path, the negotiation process as described above is performed via the communication path so that the connection service is suitably performed. There has been a method of automatically determining function sharing (Patent Document 1). Furthermore, when realizing a device connection service between devices connected by a bandwidth reservation type communication path, there is a method of obtaining the reserved bandwidth information in the negotiation process and automatically determining the parameter information according to the bandwidth information. (Patent Document 2).

CIPA website Pictbridge is 2.PictBridge direct print functions and features, [Standard print settings] http://www.cipa.jp/pictbridge/contents_j/01pictbridge1_2_e.html

JP 2000-347777 A JP 2009-118022 A

  When a device connection service is performed between devices connected via a close proximity wireless communication path, since the operation side device does not recognize the Capability of the opposite device, it is an appropriate option for the operator regarding the setting operation for the service. Could not be provided. Under this background, the setting information for the service is matched with the information already set in the opposite device, and the operator executes the linked service using the corresponding setting value as it is without newly specifying it in the operation side device. A method has been proposed (Non-Patent Document 1). In order to execute a desired device connection service using this method, an operation to change the setting value of the opposite device to a desired value is required. Therefore, the simplicity that is a feature of the proximity wireless communication interface is sufficient. It was not alive.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to facilitate operations related to device connection services and improve user convenience.

As a means for achieving the above object, an electronic apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an electronic device that provides a user with a service linked to a counterpart device connected via a communication path, and is information for providing the service, for performing negotiation between devices. The first information is generated before the communication path is formed, and the first information is generated and the communication path is formed, and then received from the counterpart device via the communication path. Based on the received information and the first information, determination means for determining whether or not the counterpart device can execute the service based on the first information, and the counterpart device can execute the service by the determination means when it is determined that includes an execution means for executing the service, the first information includes information of the service type and device type, the determining means, the device received from the partner device When the type information does not match the device type information included in the first information, the counterpart device determines that the service based on the first information is not executable, and the generation means Generate alternative information to provide .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a user's convenience improves by facilitating operation regarding an apparatus connection service.

1 is a configuration diagram of a 2-Box Print system (connection of printing devices) according to a first embodiment. The block diagram of 2-Box Print system (connection of a display apparatus) of 1st Embodiment. The sequence chart in the imaging device at the time of a close proximity wireless communication path not forming. A sequence chart when forming a close proximity wireless communication path between an imaging device and a printing device. The sequence chart at the time of close proximity wireless communication path formation between an imaging device and a display device. The control conceptual flowchart of Control Proxy before near field communication path formation. Control concept flow chart of Control Proxy when forming a close proximity wireless communication path in the first embodiment Configuration diagram of 2-Box A / V Play system (connection of display device (with DRM)). Configuration diagram of 2-Box A / V Play system (connection of display device (without DRM)). The control conceptual flowchart of Control Proxy at the time of the proximity | contact wireless communication path not forming in 2nd Embodiment. A sequence chart at the time of forming a close proximity wireless communication path between an imaging device and a display device (with DRM). A sequence chart when a close proximity wireless communication path is formed between an imaging device and a display device (without DRM). The control conceptual flowchart of Control Proxy at the time of proximity | contact wireless communication path formation in 2nd Embodiment. Configuration diagram of 2-Box Print system using always-connected communication path (conventional example). Configuration diagram of 2-Box A / V Play using an always-connected communication path (conventional example).

[First Embodiment]
1 and 2 are configuration diagrams of a 2-Box Print system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a 2-Box Print system constituted by an imaging device 1 and a printing device 2, and FIG. 2 shows a 2-Box Print system constituted by the imaging device 1 and a display device 3. In the 2-Box Print system according to the present embodiment, electronic devices are connected via a close proximity wireless communication path as a point-to-point communication path (hereinafter referred to as a P2P communication path). Then, the applications in both devices are linked to implement a 2-Box service such as printing (FIG. 1), display (FIG. 2), etc. as a device linking service. Hereinafter, the printing device 2 and the display device 3 are also referred to as a counter device or a counterpart device. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a conventional 2-Box Print system, in which devices are connected via a constant connection communication path as a P2P communication path. Compared with the conventional example of FIG. 14, the imaging device 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 differs in that it includes a Control Proxy 11 and an Operation Scenario 12, and the imaging device 1 of FIG. 2 further includes a Temporary Scenario 18.

  1 and 2, as a device control application group for realizing the 2-Box service, UPnP Control Point 14 is in the imaging device 1, and UPnP Devices 22 and 32 are in the image printing device 2 and the image display device 3, respectively. It is equipped. In addition, as a service control application group, the Print Control Point 13 is provided in the imaging device 1, and the Print Service 21 and the Viewer Service 32 are provided in the printing device 2 and the display device 3, respectively. In addition, Media Transport Server 17 is provided in imaging device 1 and Media Transport Clients 27 and 37 are provided in printing device 2 and display device 3, respectively, as an application group that manages the distribution of payload data for 2-Box service. Print Engine 26 and Display Engine 36 connected to Media Transport Clients 27 and 37 respectively perform print output and display output.

  The imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a Control Proxy 11. The imaging device 1 simulates the connection state with the application group of the opposite device by operating the Control Proxy 11. The Control Proxy 11 transmits a device connection service designation message, analyzes the received signal, and stores the operation procedure and parameter values in the reproducible Operation Scenario 12. The Control Proxy 11 recognizes the information (type granularity of image printing, image reproduction, etc.) of the specified linked service when analyzing the received signal, and stores this information together in the Operation Scenario 12. In addition, Control Proxy 11 automatically generates operation procedures and parameter value values when executing linked services of the specified type using other device control applications that can be executed in its own machine. It may be temporarily stored.

  Control Proxy 11 performs service negotiation processing on behalf of Control Point 13 and 14 for application groups 21, 22, 31, and 32 of the opposite device according to the information stored in Operation Scenario 12 after the formation of the proximity wireless communication path I do. In addition, Control Proxy 11 can operate with the other device when the other device recognizes that the device connection service according to Operation Scenario 12 cannot be executed during this service negotiation process. Automatically generate Temporary Scenario 18 that remembers etc. The processing procedure of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the system configuration diagram of FIGS. 1 and 2, the message sequence of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a message sequence chart in the imaging device 1 that is executed before the close proximity wireless communication path of the imaging device 1 is formed. FIG. 3 shows a processing concept when a message from an upper layer corresponding to a user operation is received. First, the imaging device 1 operates the Control Proxy 11. As a result, when the opposite device is the printing device 2, the imaging device 1 is connected to the UPnP Device 22 and Print Service 21 of the opposite device to be linked to the UPnP Control Point 14 and Print Control Point 13 in the device. Simulates the connected state. When the opposite device is the display device 3, the imaging device 1 simulates the connected state between the application group UPnP Device 32 and the Viewer Service 31 of the opposite device. In this pseudo connection state, the Control Proxy 11 creates a scenario for the messaging sequence of the Device Discovery and Service Discovery procedures exchanged between the UPnP Control Point 14 and the Print Control Point 13, and stores them in the Operation Scenario 12.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation concept for the Control Proxy 11 in the imaging device 1 to update the information of Operation Scenario 12. In the state where the proximity wireless communication path is not established (“N” in 601), the Control Proxy 11 sends “Device Discovery”, “Device Discovery”, which is transmitted from the Print Control Point 13 and the UPnP Control Point 14 in response to a user operation. A “Service Discovery” message is received (“Y” in 602, “Y” in 605). The Control Proxy 11 is information that the Control Proxy 11 already has for each Control Point 13, 14 of the message transmission source after receiving the message ("Y" at 602, "Y" at 605). The device type and service type that can be connected to each other are returned (603, 606). The device type includes Print Device, Display Device, and the like, and the service type includes XHTML Print, Digital Media Play, and the like.

  After returning the device type and service type, the Control Proxy 11 updates the negotiation proxy information, which is information included in the Operation Scenario 12, according to the return information (604, 607). Negotiation proxy information is designation information in arbitration control executed before the start of the service, such as a linkage target device (eg, Print Device) and a linkage target service (eg, XHTML Print), which are specified by the user on the assumption that they will be used later. .

  After the negotiation proxy information is updated, Control Proxy 11 receives the “Job” control message for device connection service sent from Print Control Point 13 in response to further user operations (“Y” in 608). . The Control Proxy 11 recognizes the received information as service parameter setting information for the device connection service (609). In accordance with this recognition, Control Proxy 11 updates service parameter information, which is information included in Operation Scenario 12 (610). The Control Proxy 11 recognizes the type of the linked service designated this time as “image printing” from the contents of the negotiation proxy information, and stores this together with the information of the Operation Scenario 12. At this time, Control Proxy 11 automatically generates various service parameters that should be set when using other communication applications in its own machine that can realize “image printing”, and stores them together with the information of Operation Scenario 12. Also good.

  4 and 5 are message sequence charts after establishing a close proximity wireless communication path between the imaging device 1 holding the Operation Scenario 12 according to the user's operation and a device providing the 2-Box service (FIG. 4 A printing device, and FIG. 5 shows a display device). The sequence chart of FIG. 4 shows a connection between devices of the same type as the connection target device type that is assumed as the execution target device connection service and stored in Operation Scenario 12 at the time of operation when the proximity wireless communication path is not established. An example in which a close proximity wireless communication path is established is shown. On the other hand, the sequence chart of FIG. 5 has established a proximity wireless communication path between devices of different types from the connection target device type stored in Operation Scenario 12, but can be provided in the currently connected device combination. An example of automatically executing an alternative service is shown.

  Fig. 7 shows the Control Proxy 11-led inter-device connection service negotiation based on the information stored in Operation Scenario 12, which is executed when the imaging device 1 is brought close to the connection target device and a close proximity wireless communication path is formed. It is a flowchart of a process. When the close proximity wireless communication path is formed, Control Proxy 11 confirms (701) whether or not there is information (operation scenario information) stored in Operation Scenario 12. If there is stored information ("Y" in 701), Control Proxy 11 performs the processing shown in 702 and below. If there is no stored information ("N" in 701), the process ends and the user Wait for the add operation by.

  When there is stored information in Operation Scenario 12 ("Y" in 701), Control Proxy 11 transmits a "Device Discovery" message to the opposite device (702). Then, the Control Proxy 11 determines whether the device type of the opposite device received as response information matches the stored type (Print Device) (703). After confirming that it is “Print Device” (“Y” in 703), the Control Proxy 11 transmits a “Service Discovery” message to the opposite device (704). Then, the Control Proxy 11 determines whether the service type of the opposite device received as the response information matches the stored type (XHTML Print) (705). After confirming that it is “XHTML Print” (“Y” in 705), the Control Proxy 11 transmits a “Print” control message to the opposite device (706). Control Proxy 11 deletes Operation Scenario 12 (707), and then instructs execution of the “XHTML Print” service (708). Thereby, one processing unit is completed. The order of processing 707 and processing 708 may be reversed.

  The sequence chart after establishing the close proximity wireless communication path with the opposite device shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the processes 701 to 708 in FIG. That is, the sequence chart shown in FIG. 4 represents that an image printing service (XHTML Print) based on information (operation scenario information) stored in Operation Scenario 12 is executed.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 7, when Control Proxy 11 cannot confirm that the device type of the opposite device is “Print Device” (“N” in 703), Temporary Scenario 18 (alternative) based on the information stored in Operation Scenario 12 Scenario) is generated (709). The Temporary Scenario 18 stores alternative service information generated by the Control Proxy 11 that can be provided by devices and services of different device types. In the present embodiment, the information stored in Operation Scenario 12 is information for executing the image printing service (XHTML Print). In the present embodiment, the Control Proxy 11 generates, in the Temporary Scenario 18, alternative service information for executing the print preview display service using a device that provides the image display service based on the stored information (709). . Control Proxy 11 transmits a new device type (Display Device) in Temporary Scenario 18 and a “Device Discovery” message, and performs a comparison determination with the device type of the opposite device received in response to this transmission ( 710).

  After confirming that it is “Display Device” (“Y” in 710), the Control Proxy 11 transmits a “Service Discovery” message to the opposite device (711). Then, the Control Proxy 11 determines whether the service type of the opposite device received as the response information is an alternative service type (Digital Media Play) (712). After confirming that it is “Digital Media Play” (“Y” in 712), Control Proxy 11 sends a “Print Pre-View” control message to the opposite device (713) to instruct service execution . The Control Proxy 11 deletes the Temporary Scenario 18 (714), and then instructs the execution of the “Print Pre-View” service (715). Thereby, one processing unit is completed. The order of processing 714 and processing 715 may be reversed.

  The sequence chart after the close proximity wireless communication path with the opposite device shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the processes 701 to 703 and 709 to 715 in FIG. That is, the sequence chart shown in FIG. 5 represents that automatic setting of an alternative service for Temporary Scenario 18 and execution of an image print preview service (Print Pre-View) based on the setting information.

  In FIG. 7, when the device type matches, but the service type does not match (“N” of 705 “N” of 712), and when the device type is different in Temporary Scenario 18, the imaging device 1 Prompts the user to reselect the service (716). For example, the imaging device 1 displays “service reselection display” on a display unit (not shown). Thereby, the imaging device 1 notifies the user that the service cannot be executed. Note that the Control Proxy 11 may generate a plurality of different Temporary Scenarios 18 and prompt the user to reselect a service when the service types do not match in all of them.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, regarding the device connection service, based on the user operation, the type (type of image printing, image reproduction, etc.) information, the operation procedure, and the parameter value are converted into a scenario and temporarily stored as scenario information (Operation Secnario 12). Remember. By executing the connection service negotiation process using the scenario information with a communication path connection as a trigger, it is possible to realize activation of a desired device connection service with the communication path connection as a trigger. Accordingly, a user operation for instructing a device connection service via a communication path is executed before connection of the communication path, and a device connection service corresponding to the user operation that has been executed is triggered by the connection of the communication path as a trigger. Is possible. In addition, because the operation scenario for the alternative service (Temporary Scenario 18) is automatically generated and executed according to the device type of the device connected to the communication path, the scenario information (Operation Secnario 12) based on the user operation is Holds until service execution. Further, by re-execution of the control flow of FIG. 6, it is possible to update the stored information according to the additional operation information or the like before the scenario information (Operation Secnario 12) based on the user operation is deleted. .

  In this embodiment, before the communication path is formed, the operation side device recognizes the assumed service on the opposite device side, so that the UI for the setting information corresponding to the assumed service even in the state before the communication path is formed. Operation reception is possible. In addition, after the communication path is formed, by executing the service negotiation process using the parameter information stored corresponding to the UI operation input, the device-linked service negotiation process reflecting the user operation input information can be performed. . And by using these, the convenience of a user improves by starting automatically the apparatus connection service which reflected a user's thought triggered by formation of a near field communication channel.

  According to the present embodiment, after performing image confirmation and correction operations such as layout and trimming by the print preview service, the procedure for performing the direct print service is a simple operation of switching the connection destination device after setting for direct printing. Will be available only.

[Second Embodiment]
8 and 9 are configuration diagrams of a 2-Box A / V Play system according to the second embodiment. 8 and 9 show a 2-Box A / V Play system constituted by the imaging device 4 and the display device 3. In the 2-Box Print system according to the present embodiment, devices are connected via a close proximity wireless communication path as a P2P communication path. Then, the applications in both devices are linked in operation to implement a 2 Box service such as AV data playback. Hereinafter, the display device 3 is also referred to as a counter device. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a conventional 2-Box A / V Play system, in which devices are connected via a constant connection communication path as a P2P communication path. Compared with the conventional example, the imaging device 4 in FIGS. 8 and 9 is different in that it includes a Control Proxy 41 and an Operation Scenario 42, and the imaging device 1 in FIG. 9 further includes a Temporary Scenario 48.

  8 and 9, a UPnP Control Point 44 is provided in the imaging device 1 and a UPnP Device 32 is provided in the display device 3 as a device control application group for realizing the 2-Box service. In addition, an A / V Control Point 43 is provided in the imaging device 4 and a Viewer Service 31 is provided in the display device 3 as a service control application group. In addition, Media Transport Server 47 is provided in imaging device 4 and Media Transport Client 37 is provided in display device 3 as an application group that manages the distribution of payload data for the 2-Box service. The Display Engine 36 connected to the Media Transport Client 47 performs display output.

  The imaging device 4 according to the present embodiment includes a Control Proxy 41. The imaging device 4 simulates the connection state with the application group of the opposite device by operating the Control Proxy 41. The Control Proxy 41 transmits a device connection service designation message, analyzes the received signal, and stores the operation procedure and parameter values in the reproducible Operation Scenario 42. The Control Proxy 41 performs service negotiation processing for the opposing application groups 31 and 32 in place of the Control Points 43 and 44 in accordance with the information stored in the Operation Scenario 42 after the close proximity wireless communication path is formed. Furthermore, when Control Proxy 41 recognizes that the device connection service according to Operation Scenario 42 is an infeasible device during the service negotiation process, it can be realized with the opposite device. 48 is automatically generated. The processing procedure of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the system configuration diagrams of FIGS. 8 and 9, the message sequence of FIGS. 10 to 12, and the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a message sequence chart in the imaging device 4 that is executed before the close proximity wireless communication path of the imaging device 4 is formed. FIG. 10 illustrates a processing concept when a message from an upper layer corresponding to a user operation is received. First, the imaging device 4 operates the Control Proxy 41. As a result, the imaging device 4 simulates the connected state of the application group UPnP Device 32 and Viewer Service 31 of the opposite device to be linked to the UPnP Control Point 44 and A / V Control Point 43 in the device. ing. In addition, Control Proxy 41 creates a scenario for the messaging sequence of Device Discovery and Service Discovery procedures exchanged with UPnP Control Point 44 and A / V Control Point 43 in this pseudo-connected state, and temporarily stores them in Operation Scenario 42. Let The operation concept for the Control Proxy 41 in the imaging device 4 to update the information of the Operation Scenario 42 is the same as that in FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 are message sequence charts after a close proximity wireless communication path is established between the imaging device 4 holding the Operation Scenario 42 information corresponding to the user's operation and the device providing the 2-Box service. The display device 3 in FIG. 11 has a DRM (digital copyright protection) compatible data playback function, and the display device 3 in FIG. 12 does not have a DRM compatible data playback function. This is a premise of the embodiment. The sequence chart of FIG. 11 assumes that the device connection service to be executed at the time of operation in the state where the close proximity wireless communication path has not been established, and the connection target service type stored in the Operation Scenario 42 An example in which a close proximity wireless communication path is established is shown. On the other hand, the sequence chart of FIG. 12 has established a proximity wireless communication path between devices of different types from the connection target service type stored in the Operation Scenario 42, but can be provided in the currently connected device combination. An example of automatically executing an alternative service is shown.

  FIG. 13 shows the control service 41-led inter-device connection service negotiation based on information stored in the Operation Scenario 42, which is executed when the imaging device 4 is brought close to the connection target device and a close proximity wireless communication path is formed. It is a flowchart of a process. When a close proximity wireless communication path is formed, the presence or absence of information (operation scenario information) stored in Operation Scenario 42 is confirmed (1301). If there is stored information ("Y" in 1301), Control Proxy 41 performs the processing shown in 1302 and below. If there is no stored information ("N" in 1301), the process ends and the user Wait for the add operation by.

  When there is stored information in Operation Scenario 42 ("Y" in 1301), Control Proxy 41 transmits a "Device Discovery" message to the opposite device (1302). Then, the Control Proxy 41 determines whether the device type of the opposite device received as response information matches the stored type (Display Device) (1303). After confirming that it is “Display Device” (“Y” in 1303), the Control Proxy 41 transmits a “Service Discovery” message to the opposite device (1304). Then, the Control Proxy 41 determines whether or not the service type of the opposite device received as response information matches the stored type (Digital Media Play DRM compatible) (1305). After confirming that it is “Digital Media Play DRM compatible” (“Y” in 1305), the Control Proxy 41 determines whether it is compatible with the DRM system set for the designated content (1306). After confirming that the setting DRM system (DTCP, CPRM, etc.) can be supported (“Y” in 1306), the Control Proxy 41 transmits a “Streaming” control message (1307). The Control Proxy 41 deletes the Operation Scenario 42 (1308), and then instructs the execution of the “Digital Media Play” service (1309). Thereby, one processing unit is completed. Note that the order of the processes 1308 and 1309 may be reversed.

  The sequence chart after establishment of the close proximity wireless communication path with the opposite device shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the processes 1301 to 1309 in FIG. That is, the sequence chart shown in FIG. 11 represents that an A / V Streaming playback service (compatible with Digital Media Play DRM) based on information (operation scenario information) stored in Operation Scenario 42 is executed.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 13, when Control Proxy 41 confirms that it does not support the DRM method set for the specified content ("N" in 1306), based on the information stored in Operation Scenario 42, Generate Temporary Scenario 48 (1311). Also, when the Control Proxy 41 confirms that the service type of the opposite device is “Digital Media Play DRM not supported” (“N” in 1305 → “Y” in 1310), it also generates a Temporary Scenario 48 (1311). The Temporary Scenario 48 stores alternative service information that can be provided by devices / services of different service types. In the present embodiment, the information stored in the Operation Scenario 42 is information for executing the A / V Streaming reproduction service (compatible with Digital Media Play DRM). In the present embodiment, the Control Proxy 41 generates, in the Temporary Scenario 48, alternative service information that can be played back by a device that does not support DRM and that changes the content file information to be played back to DRM-free information based on this stored information (1311). ). Then, the Control Proxy 41 transmits an “A / V Streaming playback” control message that has been changed to a playback target to DRM-free File to the opposite device (1312). The Control Proxy 41 deletes the Temporary Scenario 48 (1313), and then instructs the execution of the “A / V Streaming playback” service (1314). Thereby, one processing unit is completed. Note that the order of the processes 1313 and 1314 may be reversed.

  The sequence chart after establishing the close proximity wireless communication path with the opposite device shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to 1301 to 1305 and 1310 to 1314 in FIG. That is, the sequence chart shown in FIG. 12 represents that the automatic setting of the alternative service for the Temporary Scenario and the DRM-free file temporary playback service based on the setting information are executed.

  In FIG. 13, if the device type matches but the service type does not match ("N" in 1310), the imaging device 4 prompts the user to reselect the service (1315). For example, the imaging device 4 displays “service reselection display” on a display unit (not shown). Thereby, the imaging device 4 notifies the user that the service cannot be executed. Although not shown, the imaging device 4 may notify the user that the service cannot be executed when the Control Proxy 41 determines that the service according to the Temporary Scenario 48 cannot be executed.

  According to the present embodiment, the user operation for instructing the device connection service via the communication path is executed before the connection of the communication path, and the user operation specified before the connection is established using the connection of the communication path as a trigger. Device connection service can be started. In addition, because the operation scenario for the alternative service (Temporary Scenario 48) is automatically generated and executed according to the service type of the device connected to the communication path, the service cannot be implemented due to a difference in some setting information. Events can be reduced. The scenario information (Operation Scenario 42) based on the user operation is held until the service is executed. Further, by re-execution of the control flow of FIG. 6, it is possible to update the stored information according to the additional operation information or the like before the scenario information (Operation Scenario 42) based on the user operation is deleted. .

  According to this embodiment, even if an alternative A / V Streaming playback service is started on a non-DRM compatible viewer device, the connection with the DRM compatible viewer device can be re-connected to the original playback setting information. In addition, you can enjoy the original A / V Streaming playback service. At the same time, if you want to enjoy the A / V Streaming playback service with non-DRM compatible viewer devices, you can change the DRM target file to the desired A / V with the minimum change. You can enjoy V Streaming playback service.

[Modification]
In the first and second embodiments, an example of a 2-Box device connection service using a close proximity wireless communication medium as a communication path as a communication interface that a user forms a communication path immediately before the service reception timing is shown. In the first and second embodiments, an example in which a close proximity wireless communication path is used as a communication medium has been shown. However, the same effect can be obtained even when adapting to P2P connection using wireless communication or wired communication (USB, etc.) that is not always connected. can get. In addition, “XHTML Print” and “A / V Streaming” have been shown as examples of 2-Box device linking services, but collecting device capabilities and service capabilities via the communication path before starting other services. The same effect can be obtained even if it is applied to a service (Pictbridge, etc.) that executes the operation.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (14)

An electronic device that provides a user with a service linked to a counterpart device connected via a communication path,
Information for providing the service, and generating means for generating first information for performing negotiation between devices before the communication path is formed;
After the first information is generated and the communication path is formed, the counterpart device uses the information received from the counterpart device via the communication path and the first information as the first information. A determination means for determining whether the service based on the service is executable;
An execution unit that executes the service when the determination unit determines that the counterpart device can execute the service;
The first information includes service type and device type information,
The determination unit may not execute a service based on the first information when the device type information received from the counterpart device does not match the device type information included in the first information. The electronic device is characterized in that the generation means generates alternative information for providing an alternative service . An electronic device that provides a user with a service linked to a counterpart device connected via a communication path,
Information for providing the service, and generating means for generating first information for performing negotiation between devices before the communication path is formed;
After the first information is generated and the communication path is formed, the counterpart device uses the information received from the counterpart device via the communication path and the first information as the first information. A determination means for determining whether the service based on the service is executable;
An execution unit that executes the service when the determination unit determines that the counterpart device can execute the service;
The first information includes service type and device type information,
The determination unit includes the device type information received from the counterpart device and the device type information included in the first information, and is included in the service type information and the first information received from the counterpart device. When the information on the service type does not match, the counterpart device determines that the service based on the first information is not executable, and the generation unit generates alternative information for providing an alternative service. Features electronic equipment. It said determining means, electronic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the determination by comparing the information received from the other device, and stored in said first information data. The first information includes service type and device type information,
The determination unit determines that the counterpart device receives the first information when the service type and device type information received from the counterpart device match the service type and the device type information included in the first information, respectively. electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to determine that can execute the service based on. A notification means for notifying the user;
The first information includes service type and device type information,
The determination unit includes the device type information received from the counterpart device and the device type information included in the first information, and is included in the service type information and the first information received from the counterpart device. When the information on the service type does not match, the counterpart device determines that the service based on the first information cannot be executed, and the notification unit performs notification for reselecting the service. The electronic device of any one of Claim 1 to 4 . The electronic device according to claim 5 prior Symbol counterpart device when it is determined that the determination means infeasible the substitute service, the notification unit is characterized in that a notice for re-select a service. The first information is electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an operation procedure and parameter values for executing the service in its own flight. After said execution means executes the service, the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 7, further comprising a deleting means for deleting the first information. 9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the counterpart device can execute the alternative service, the execution unit executes the alternative service . 10. machine. Wherein the alternative information, the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 9, characterized in that it comprises an operation procedure and parameter values for executing the service in its own flight. After said execution means executes the substitute service, the electronic device according to claims 1 to 1 wherein one of 10, further comprising a deleting means for deleting the substitute information. A method for controlling an electronic device that provides a user with a service linked to a counterpart device connected via a communication path,
A generation step of generating information for providing the service, the first information for performing negotiation between devices before the communication path is formed;
After the first information is generated and the communication path is formed, the counterpart device uses the information received from the counterpart device via the communication path and the first information as the first information. A determination step for determining whether the service based on the service can be executed;
When the partner device in the determining step is determined to be performed the service, it possesses an execution step of executing said service,
The first information includes service type and device type information,
In the determination step, when the device type information received from the counterpart device does not match the device type information included in the first information, the counterpart device cannot execute a service based on the first information. And the generation step generates alternative information for providing an alternative service . A method for controlling an electronic device that provides a user with a service linked to a counterpart device connected via a communication path,
A generation step of generating information for providing the service, the first information for performing negotiation between devices before the communication path is formed;
After the first information is generated and the communication path is formed, the counterpart device uses the information received from the counterpart device via the communication path and the first information as the first information. A determination step for determining whether the service based on the service can be executed;
An execution step of executing the service when it is determined that the counterpart device can execute the service in the determination step;
The first information includes service type and device type information,
In the determination step, the device type information received from the counterpart device matches the device type information included in the first information, and is included in the service type information and the first information received from the counterpart device. When the information of the service type does not match, the counterpart device determines that the service based on the first information is not executable, and the generation step generates alternative information for providing an alternative service. Characteristic control method. 12. A program that causes a computer to function as the electronic device according to claim 1.

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