JPH05236378A - Image controller, electronic equipment controller, and address confirming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily confirm a correct connection by displaying images corresponding to image signals outputted from a VTR and an LDP which are controlled by a control part. CONSTITUTION:The devices are equipped with the control part 9 as a control means which controls devices such as the video tape recorder (VTR) 13 and laser disk player(LDP) 14 outputting the image signals, a switching part 8 as a selecting means which selects the image signals outputted by the VTR 13 and LDP 14, a CRT 10 as a display means which displays the image corresponding to the image signal selected by the switching part 8 on a screen 21, etc. Then, the control part 9 controls the devices such as the VTR 13 and LDP 14, the switching part 8 selects the image signal outputted from the VTR 13 or LDP 14, and the selected image is displayed on the screen of the CRT 10. Further, the CRT 10 displays the image corresponding to the image signal on the picture-in-picture screen. The device which is connected to a receiver and controlled can easily be confirmed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image control apparatus suitable for use in, for example, a television receiver for displaying an image output from a video tape recorder, a laser disc player or the like, and also used in an AV system, for example. And a suitable electronic device control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a conventional video system. Television receiver 31
Selects a target frequency band (channel) from a radio wave supplied from an antenna (not shown) with a built-in tuner, demodulates it to extract an image signal and an audio signal, and for example, a CRT (not shown) And a speaker (not shown). Furthermore, the television receiver 31
Is a video tape recorder (VTR) 1 connected in parallel via its external input terminals 33 and 32.
3 and the image reproduced by the laser disc player (LDP) 14 are selected as required and displayed on the CRT.

The VTR 13 and the LDP 14 not only have their image output terminals (not shown) connected to the external input terminals 33 and 32 of the television receiver 31 in parallel, but also have their control terminals (not shown). )When,
The control signal output terminal 34 of the television receiver 31 is serially connected. VTR13 and LDP14
VTR13 and LDP14 by operating the operation panel of the device or operating the dedicated remote controller (not shown).
It is possible to control operations such as power on / off, image and sound reproduction, and so on.

Thus, VTR13 and LDP14
By operating the dedicated remote controller, the power on / off, the reproduction of images and sounds, and the like can be controlled. However, the remote control of the VTR 13 and the remote control of the LDP 14 are connected to the television receiver 31.
If the remote controller 37 is included, it is necessary to operate three remote controllers, which makes the operation complicated. Therefore, in the video system shown in FIG.
The control signal output from the remote controller 37 supplied via 4 allows the VTR 13 and the LDP 14 to perform the above-mentioned control.

In the AV system, the VTR,
A plurality of AV devices such as LDP and DAT are connected to the AV center, and predetermined ones are selectively used as necessary,
Each device can be used in an organically connected state. Therefore, for example, the BS tuner is operated by timer reservation, and its reception signal is transmitted to a predetermined VTR.
Can be recorded on.

In the current D2B bus (AV bus) protocol specification, the addresses of the same type of devices connected to the bus are determined in the order of power-on.
That is, when each device is plugged in and powered on, the device issues a dummy command to the address to be assigned to the device. If the same type of device to which the address is assigned is not connected to the bus, this dummy instruction will cause an address error,
The device finds that the address is not assigned to the same type of device connected to the bus, and the address is used as the self-address. If no address error occurs, the addresses are sequentially increased up to a maximum of 8, and the same process as above is performed for each to determine its own address.

For example, the VTR has 120H to 127H
Although the device addresses up to are assigned, a dummy command is first transmitted from the VTR to the address of 120H via the bus when the power is turned on. If this instruction is recognized as an address error, it is understood that the VTR assigned the address 120H is not connected to the bus. Then, this address 120H is set to the V
The address of TR. If no address error occurs, a dummy instruction is sent to the address one larger, that is, the address 121H. If there is an address error, it is known that the VTR of that address is not connected to the bus, so that address is used as its own address.
If no address error occurs, the address is incremented by 1 again and a dummy command is sent again. In this way, the VTR determines its address.

[0008]

By the way, in FIG. 9, the VTR 13 and the LDP 14 are connected in parallel to the external input terminals 33 and 32, and serially connected to the control signal output terminal 34, and thereafter, the television image is received by the remote controller 37. Machine 31, VTR13 and LDP14
In order to be able to control (operate) all the devices, initialization for causing the television receiver 31 to distinguish (recognize) the devices (VTR 13 and LDP 14) connected to the external input terminals 32 and 33. There is a need to do.

In the conventional television receiver 31, during the initialization work, the television receiver 31 and the VTR 1 are
3 and LDP14 cannot be confirmed, external input terminals 33 and 32 and VTR13 and LDP14
, And, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, attempting to connect them by mistake, and by mistake, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 9, connect the external input terminals 32 and 33 to the VTR 13 and the LDP 14, respectively, and perform initialization. If it is done, it has to be reinitialized from the beginning, and there is a problem that the user feels troublesome.

Further, in the conventional AV system, it is necessary to select, specify, and operate a predetermined function of a predetermined one of the connected AV equipments. Therefore, each equipment connected to the AV center is required. Not only does the user have to be familiar with the function of, but if the specified device does not have the function to operate, the function cannot be realized and the operability is poor. was there.

As mentioned above, the current D2B is also used.
According to the bus protocol specifications, the addresses of the same type of devices connected to the bus are determined in the order of power-on, and when changing, the order of turning on the power must be changed. Therefore, it is troublesome to change or reset the address.

A first object of the present invention is to enable a correct connection easily.

A second object of the present invention is to realize better operability.

A third object of the present invention is to facilitate address confirmation of a device when a plurality of devices of the same type are connected to a bus.

[0015]

An image control apparatus of the present invention outputs an image signal, for example, a video tape recorder (VTR) 13 and a laser disc player (LDP) 1.
A control unit 9 as a control means for controlling the device such as 4.
The VTR 13 and the LDP 14 are provided with a switching unit 8 as a selection unit for selecting an image signal, and a CRT 10 as a display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the image signal selected by the switching unit 8 on a screen 21. CRT10
Is a VTR 1 controlled by the control unit 9 within a predetermined range of the screen 21 such as the picture-in-picture screen 22.
3. An image corresponding to the image signal output from the LDP 14 is displayed.

The electronic device control apparatus of the present invention is a selection circuit 6 as a selection means for selecting a predetermined one of a plurality of electronic devices, and an RA as a storage means for storing the function of the electronic device.
M9, the operation unit 11 as an input means for inputting a command to the electronic device, the command input by the operation unit 11 and the function of the electronic device stored in the RAM 9 are compared,
It is characterized by including a CPU 7 as a control means for controlling the selection circuit 6 in accordance with the comparison result.

The address confirmation method of the present invention is a method for confirming the addresses of a plurality of devices of the same type (eg, VTRs 13A to 13H in FIG. 6) connected to a bus (eg, bus 131 in FIG. 6). For the address to be confirmed,
A presence command for proof of existence is sent via the bus (for example, step S32 in FIG. 8), and it is determined that the above-mentioned address is assigned to the device that responds to the presence command.

[0018]

In the image control apparatus of the present invention, the control unit 9 controls the devices such as the VTR 13 and the LDP 14, and the switching unit 8 selects the image signal output from the VTR 13 and the LDP 14 and corresponds to the selected image signal. The image to be displayed is displayed on the screen 21 of the CRT 10. Furthermore, CRT1
0 displays an image corresponding to the image signal output from the VTR 13 and the LDP 14 controlled by the control unit 9 on the picture-in-picture screen 22. Therefore, the device controlled by the control unit 9 can be confirmed.

In the electronic device control apparatus of the present invention, the command input by the operation unit 11 is compared with the function of the electronic device stored in the RAM 9, and the selection circuit 6 is controlled according to the comparison result. It Therefore, the user does not need to memorize the function of each electronic device, and if any of the connected devices has the function, the function can be realized and the operability is improved. It

In the address confirmation method of the present invention, the address to be confirmed is sent to the device which is sent by the presence command for proof of existence or via the bus, and the address is assigned to the device which responds to the presence command. Judged as something. Therefore, the address can be easily confirmed.

[0021]

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of a video system to which an image control apparatus of the present invention is applied. The parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are designated by the same reference numerals. The remote controller 2 outputs a power switch for turning on / off the power of the television receiver 1, a channel button for selecting a channel, a volume adjusting switch for adjusting a sound output from a speaker (not shown), and a tuner 7. Of the image signal, the image signal input to the external input terminal 15, or the image signal input to the external input terminal 16, connected to the external input terminals 15 and 16 together with a selection switch for selecting an image signal to be displayed on the CRT 10. A control switch for controlling the operated device is provided, and light corresponding to the operated switch (button) is emitted from the built-in light emitting element. The light receiving unit 3 converts the light emitted from the remote controller 2 into an electric signal and converts the electric signal into the CPU 5
Supply to. The operation unit 4 has a switch (button) equivalent to that of the remote controller 2, and is connected to the external input terminals 15 and 16 when turning on / off the power of the television receiver 1 and selecting a channel. It is operated when controlling the device.

The CPU 5 controls the volume 6, the tuner 7, the switching unit 8, the control unit 9 and the message display circuit 12 when the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated. The volume 6 is controlled by the CPU 5 and adjusts the sound (volume) output from the speaker when the volume adjustment switch of the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated. The tuner 7 selects a target frequency band (channel) from a radio wave supplied from an antenna (not shown), extracts an image signal and an audio signal, and switches the switching unit 8
To the CRT 10 and the speaker.

The control unit 9 is serially connected to the VTR 13 and the LDP 14 via the control signal output terminal 17, and corresponds to the operation of the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 in the V
It controls operations such as power-on / off of the TR 13 and the LDP 14 and reproduction of images and sounds.

The switching unit 8 is controlled by the CPU 5 and outputs one of an image signal output from the tuner 7, an image signal supplied to the external input terminal 15 and an image signal supplied to the external input terminal 16. Select and supply to CRT 10. Further, the switching unit 8 is connected to the external input terminal 15 from the VTR 13 and the LDP 14 controlled by the control unit 9.
And one of the image signals output via 16 is supplied to the picture-in-picture (PinP) circuit 11. The picture-in-picture circuit 11 converts the image signal supplied from the switching unit 8 into a picture-in-picture image signal. That is, the picture-in-picture circuit 11 outputs the image signal supplied from the switching unit 8 in a predetermined range (picture-in-picture screen 2) on the screen 21 of the CRT 10 shown in FIG.
Convert as shown in 2).

The message display circuit 12 is controlled by the CPU 5 to connect the VTR 13 and the LDP 14 to the external input terminals 15 and 16, and then to the television receiver 1.
Characters for displaying a predetermined message in a predetermined range (message display unit 23) on the screen 21 of the CRT 10 when performing initialization for discriminating (recognizing) the device connected to the external input terminals 15 and 16. Output the data.

The CRT 10 displays an image corresponding to the image signal output from the switching section 8 on its screen 21, and also corresponds to the image signal and character data supplied from the picture-in-picture circuit 11 and the message display circuit 12. The image to be displayed and the character string as the message are displayed on the screen 21 in the picture-in-picture screen 2 respectively.
2 and the message display section 23 (FIG. 2).

Next, the operation will be described. When operating in the normal mode, one of the image signal output from the tuner 7, the image signal supplied to the external input terminal 15, or the image signal supplied to the external input terminal 16
One is selected by the switching unit 8, the selected image signal is supplied to the CRT 10, and the image corresponding to the image signal is displayed on the screen 21 of the CRT 10.

When initialization is performed, the television receiver 1
VTR13 and LD to external input terminals 15 and 16 of
After connecting P14, first, the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated to set the operation mode of the television receiver 1 to the initialization mode. When the operation mode of the television receiver 1 is set to the initialization mode, the name of the device (device name) that can be connected to the television receiver 1 on the CRT 10 is displayed on the message display unit 23 by the message display circuit 12. Since it is displayed, the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated to select the device name “VTR” connected (probably) to one of the external input terminals 15 and 16 (for example, 15). Then, the selection switch of the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated so that the image signal input to the external input terminal 15 is selected by the switching unit 8. After that, the image signal is output from the device (which is considered to be) connected to the external input terminal 15 selected in advance, that is, the VTR 13 (VTR1).
3 starts reproduction of the image signal), the remote controller 2
Alternatively, the control switch of the operation unit 4 is operated.

Here, when the remote controller 2 is operated, the light corresponding to the operation is emitted from the light emitting element incorporated in the remote controller 2, and the light is received by the light receiving section 3, and the received light is It is converted into an electric signal and supplied to the CPU 5. When the operation unit 4 is operated, an electric signal corresponding to the operation is supplied to the CPU 5.

When the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated in this manner, the CPU 5 switches so that the image signal input to the selected external input terminal 15 is selected and output to the picture-in-picture circuit 11. A device which is (probably) connected to the selected external input terminal 15 while the control signal is output to the unit 8, that is, V
To control the output of the image signal from TR13,
A control signal is output to the control unit 9. Then, in the switching unit 8, the image signal input to the external input terminal 15 is selected according to the control signal output from the CPU 5, and is supplied to the picture-in-picture circuit 11. At the same time, in the control unit 9, in accordance with the control signal output from the CPU 5, the VTR 13 outputs an image signal (so that the VTR 13 starts reproducing the image signal), through the control signal output terminal 17, VTR1
A control signal is output to 3, and in the VTR 13,
The reproduction of the image signal is started.

In the picture-in-picture circuit 11,
The image signal supplied from the switching unit 8 is converted into a picture-in-picture image signal and output to the CRT 10.

On the other hand, in the CPU 5, the image signal output from the picture-in-picture circuit 11 to the CRT 10 is the image signal output from the device corresponding to the device name "VTR" selected in advance, that is, the image output from the VTR 13. As a message for confirming that it is a signal, the message display circuit 12 is controlled to output, for example, the character string "This is a VTR." Is a VTR. "Is output to the CRT 10.

In the CRT 10, a picture-in-picture image signal output from the picture-in-picture circuit 11, that is, an image corresponding to the image signal input to the external input terminal 15 is displayed as a picture-in-picture image on the picture-in-picture screen 22. At the same time, the character string "This is a VTR." Output from the message display circuit 12 is displayed on the message display section 23.

Here, when the VTR 13 is not connected to the external input terminal 15 and is mistakenly connected to the external input terminal 16 (indicated by a dotted line in the figure), an image signal is output from the VTR 13, In the switching unit 8, the image signal input to the external input terminal 15 is selected and output to the picture-in-picture circuit 11. In this case, since no image signal is input to the external input terminal 15, nothing is displayed on the picture-in-picture screen 22 (for example, a predetermined screen such as a blue screen).

Therefore, depending on the message (character string) displayed on the message display section 23 and the image displayed on the picture-in-picture screen 22, V is applied to the external input terminal 15.
It is possible to easily confirm whether or not the TR 13 is connected.

Next, on the CRT 10, the name (device name) of the device that can be connected to the television receiver 1 again is displayed on the message display section 23 by the message display circuit 12, so that the remote controller 2 or the operation is performed. The part 4 is operated to select the device name “LDP” (probably) connected to the external input terminal 16 from the external input terminals 15 and 16 this time. Then, the selection switch of the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated so that the image signal input to the external input terminal 16 is selected. After that, the device connected to the external input terminal 16 selected in advance, (that is, the device), that is, the LDP 14 outputs the image signal (so that the LDP 14 starts the reproduction of the image signal), the remote controller 2 or The control switch of the operation unit 4 is operated.

When the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 is operated in this manner, the CPU 5 switches so that the image signal input to the selected external input terminal 16 is selected and output to the picture-in-picture circuit 11. A control signal is output to the unit 8 and is connected to the selected external input terminal 16 (likely), that is, L
In order to control the output of the image signal from the DP 14,
A control signal is output to the control unit 9. Then, in the switching unit 8, the image signal input to the external input terminal 16 is selected according to the control signal output from the CPU 5, and is supplied to the picture-in-picture circuit 11. At the same time, in the control unit 9, according to the control signal output from the CPU 5, the LDP 14 outputs the image signal via the control signal output terminal 17 so that the LDP 14 outputs the image signal (starts the reproduction of the image signal).
A control signal is output to, and the LDP 14 starts reproduction of the image signal.

In the picture-in-picture circuit 11,
The image signal supplied from the switching unit 8 is converted into a picture-in-picture image signal and output to the CRT 10.

On the other hand, in the CPU 5, the image signal output from the picture-in-picture circuit 11 to the CRT 10 is the image signal output from the device corresponding to the device name "LDP" selected in advance, that is, the image output from the LDP 14. The message display circuit 12 is controlled to output the character string "This is LDP." As a message for confirming that it is a signal. , LDP. ”Is output to the CRT 10.

In the CRT 10, a picture-in-picture image signal output from the picture-in-picture circuit 11, that is, an image corresponding to the image signal input to the external input terminal 16 is displayed as a picture-in-picture image on the picture-in-picture screen 22. In addition, the character string “This is LDP.” Output from the message display circuit 12 is displayed on the message display unit 23.

Here, when the LDP 14 is not connected to the external input terminal 16 but is erroneously connected to the external input terminal 15 (indicated by a dotted line in the figure), an image signal is output from the LDP 14, In the switching unit 8, the image signal input to the external input terminal 16 is selected and output to the picture-in-picture circuit 11. In this case, since no image signal is input to the external input terminal 16, nothing is displayed on the picture-in-picture screen 22 (for example, a predetermined screen such as a blue screen).

Therefore, depending on the message (character string) displayed on the message display section 23 and the image displayed on the picture-in-picture screen 22, L is applied to the external input terminal 16.
It is possible to easily confirm whether or not the DP 14 is connected.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation will be further described. First, in step S1, the image signal input to the external input terminal 15 of the external input terminals 15 and 16 is selected. In step S2, the output of the image signal from the VTR 13, which is considered to be connected to the external input terminal 15 selected in step S1, that is, the reproducing operation of the VTR 13 is started, and the process proceeds to step S3, where the message display unit 23 A character string (message) "This is a VTR." Is displayed on the screen and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, it is determined whether or not an image is displayed on the picture-in-picture (PinP) screen 22. In step S4,
When it is determined that the image is not displayed on the PinP screen 22, that is, when the VTR 13 is not connected to the external input terminal 15 and the image signal output from the VTR 13 is not supplied to the external input terminal 15, Proceeding to step S5, the message "VTR is not connected correctly." Is displayed on the message display unit 23 as a message for prompting the user to check the connection status between the television receiver 1 and the VTR 13. Please. "Is displayed and the process returns to step S1. The processes of steps S1 to S5 are repeated until it is determined in step S4 that the image is displayed on the PinP screen 22.

In step S4, the PinP screen 22
If it is determined that the image is displayed on the screen, step S
Proceed to step 6 of the external input terminals 15 and 16
The image signal input to the external input terminal 16 not selected in 1 is selected. In step S7, the image signal output from the LDP 14 which is considered to be connected to the external input terminal 16 selected in step S6, that is, LD
The reproduction operation of P14 is started, and the process proceeds to step S8, and a character string (message) is displayed on the message display section 23 of the screen 21.
“This is LDP.” Is displayed and the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, it is determined whether or not an image is displayed on the PinP screen 22. When it is determined in step S9 that the image is not displayed on the PinP screen 22, that is, the LDP 14 is not connected to the external input terminal 16, and the image signal output from the LDP 14 is supplied to the external input terminal 16. If not, the process proceeds to step S10, and the message "LDP is not connected correctly." Is displayed on the message display unit 23 as a message for the user to confirm the connection state between the television receiver 1 and the LDP 14. Please check. ”Is displayed, and the process returns to step S1. The processes of steps S1 to S10 are repeated until it is determined in step S4 and step S9 that the image is displayed on the PinP screen 22.

If it is determined in step S4 and step S9 that the image is displayed on the PinP screen 22, the process is terminated.

In this way, at the time of initialization, the image output from the device is displayed on the PinP screen 22 so that the image output from the device can be confirmed, so that correct connection can be easily performed. ..

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an AV system to which the electronic device control apparatus of the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, the LDP 12 is provided as an electronic device to the AV center 101 via the bus 120.
1, DAT 122, VTRs 123 and 124 are connected. The bus 120 connects the electronic devices in cascade.

The AV center 101 is the BS tuner 10
3, VHF tuner 104, and FM tuner 105 are built-in. These are LDP12 as external connection equipment
1, the DAT 122, the VTRs 123 and 124, etc. are connected to the selection circuit 106. This selection circuit 1
A CRT 102 is also connected to 06 so that a signal from any one device can be output and displayed. The selection circuit 1066 is controlled by the CPU 107 so that any input can be supplied to any output.

The ROM 108 stores programs and predetermined data necessary for the CPU 107 to operate. R
The AM 109 stores data necessary for performing a predetermined operation as needed. The display unit 110 includes a lamp, an LED,
It is composed of an LCD and is used when displaying a predetermined message. The operation unit 111 includes switches, buttons, etc.,
It is operated when inputting a predetermined command.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Now, it is assumed that the operation section 111 is operated to make the following timer reservation, for example. 1 10: 00-11: 00 VHF8CH VTR2
3 2 12: 00-13: 00 BS5CH VTR24 3 12: 00-13: 00 BS3CH (voice) D
AT2244 17: 00-18: 00 FM2CH (voice) D
AT22

That is, from 10 o'clock to 11 o'clock, VHF
The program of 8 channels was recorded on VTR123, and the program of BS5 channel was recorded on VTR124 from 12:00 to 13:00.
Similarly, the audio signal of the program of the BS3 channel is recorded in the DAT 122 from 12:00 to 13:00, and the audio signal of the program of the FM2 channel is recorded in the DAT122 from 17:00 to 18:00.

When the timer reservation information is input from the operation unit 111, the CPU 107 stores this information in the RAM 1
It is made to memorize once in 09. In addition, in this RAM109,
LDP 121, DAT connected to the selection circuit 106
122, VTRs 123, 124 for externally connected electronic equipment, BS tuner 103, VHF tuner 104, F
Each function of the built-in electronic device including the M tuner 105 is stored in advance. This memory is set by the user operating the operation unit 111 to perform initial setting. This stored data is A
It is designed not to be erased even when the power source of the V center 101 is turned off.

First, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the function designated and input as the timer operation can be executed by the designated externally connected electronic device. For example, it is determined whether or not the VTR 123 has a built-in VHF tuner, and whether or not the VTR 123 has a recording function. When it is determined that the RAM 1 is executed, the process proceeds to step S22, and the RAM 1 is operated so that the externally connected electronic device operates from the specified start time to end time
Written to 09 (reserved).

If it is determined in step S21 that the function reserved for timer input cannot be executed by the specified externally connected electronic device (for example, if the VTR 123 does not have a built-in VHF tuner), the process proceeds to step S23. It is determined whether the function can be executed by the electronic device built in the AV center 101. When it is determined that the electronic device can be executed, the process proceeds to step S24, and the electronic device is reserved (for example, the VHF tuner 104 is reserved). Further, in step S25, the selection circuit 106 is reserved so that a predetermined connection is made at that time (for example, from 12:00 to 13:00, the output from the VHF tuner 104 is selected to be supplied to the VTR 123). Circuit 10
6 connections are reserved).

If it is determined in step S23 that the electronic device built in the AV center 101 cannot execute the reservation function (for example, if the AV center 101 does not have a built-in VHF tuner), the process proceeds to step S26 to specify. It is determined whether or not another externally connected device that does not have the function is built in (for example, another VTR 124 is VHF).
It is determined whether or not it has a built-in tuner). When other external devices do not have that function (for example, LDP
121, DAT122, VTR123, 124 does not have a built-in VHF tuner), step S
27, the display unit 110 displays that the set function (for example, recording the video signal of 8CH of the VHF tuner on the VTR 123) cannot be executed. In addition,
Even if it has a function, even if a reservation has already been made in the same time zone, the execution is not possible is displayed.

When it is determined in step S26 that the function is built in any of the other externally connected electronic devices (for example, when the VTR 124 has a built-in VHF tuner), the device (VTR124 is included) in step S28. The VHF tuner built in is reserved, and the electronic device (V which is recorded in step S29) is recorded.
TR123) is reserved. And step S
The connection of the selection circuit 106 is reserved at 30 (for example, the output of the VHF tuner of the VTR 124 is changed to VTR1).
A connection is reserved for serving 23).

FIG. 6 shows an example of an AV system in which the address confirmation method of the present invention is executed. In this example, the AV center, that is, the control unit 9 of the television receiver 1 is provided with D2.
Eight VTRs 13A via B bus (AV bus) 131
To 13H are connected. VTR 13A to 13H
The audio signal and the video signal of are supplied to the switching unit 8 via terminals AV1 to AV8.

FIG. 7 shows an address confirmation menu displayed on the CRT 10 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the address confirmation method of the present invention, that is, an operation example of the AV system of FIG. First, the user selects the first item of the address confirmation menu in FIG.
The confirmation item (R13A) is designated by the cursor by operating the remote controller 2 or the operation unit 4 (Y in step S31).
ES) and the CPU 5 of the AV center 1 continuously send a presence command via the control unit 9 and the D2B bus 131 to the smallest address 120H (hex) that is supposed to be assigned to the device NO1, that is, the VTR 13A. It is transmitted (step S32).

The presence command is a command instructing the master device (AV center 1 in the above example) to the slave device (VTR 13A in the above example) to "provide presence", and the presence command is received. The device uses a sound or an image to display to the user that the device is "presence command".

The device address of the device No. 1, that is, the VTR 13A, is 12 if the power is turned on according to the regulation.
Since it is 0H, when a presence command is received, a buzzer sound or the LED on the front panel is flashed to indicate that the address 120H is set to itself. If the CPU 5 controls the switching unit 8 to supply the input to the terminal AV1 to the CRT 10,
A video signal including a character indicating that the presence command output from TR 13A has been received is displayed on CRT 10 (step S33). Therefore, the user is
It can be confirmed that the address 120H is set in 3A.

When a device other than the assumed device (that is, the VTR 13A) receives the presence command, the address of the device is changed to another address by a DIP switch or a push button, and the assumed device (that is, the VT
The address of (R13A) is reset to the address of the device NO1 to which the presence command is received, that is, 120H by a dip switch or a push button.

Next, the user selects the second item of the address confirmation menu of FIG.
TR13B) confirmation item is remote control 2 or operation unit 4
Is operated to give an instruction with the cursor (YES in step S34), the CPU 5 of the AV center 1 controls the controller 9 for the second smallest address 121H which is assumed to be assigned to the device NO2, that is, the VTR 13B. And the presence command is continuously transmitted via the D2B bus 131 (step S35).

The device address of the device NO2, that is, the VTR 13B, is 12 if the power is turned on according to the regulation.
Since it is 1H, when a presence command is received, a buzzer sound or an LED on the front panel is flashed to indicate that the address 121H is set for itself. If the CPU 5 controls the switching unit 8 to supply the input to the terminal AV2 to the CRT 10, V
A video signal including a character indicating that the presence command output from the TR 13B has been received is displayed on the CRT 10 (step S36). Therefore, the user
It can be confirmed that the address 121H is set in R13B.

When a device other than the assumed device (that is, the VTR 13B) receives the presence command, the address of the device is changed to another address by the DIP switch or the push button, and the assumed device (that is, the VT
The address of (R13B) is reset to the address of the device NO2 that the presence command receives, that is, 121H by the DIP switch or the push button.

Similarly, address confirmation is performed for the third to eighth items of the address confirmation menu of FIG. 6, that is, the device Nos. 3 to 8 (that is, VTRs 13C to 13H) (... Steps S37, S38 and S39). ).

The address of each device before address confirmation may be set with a dip switch, or may be set by pressing the address setting button several times independently for each device.
The order in which the power switch (main power switch) of the same type of device is turned on (the order in which the device that enters the standby state when the outlet is connected is the outlet is connected) may be set sequentially from a small address (up to 8 for each type). You can set the address number up to the stand).

The address may be set as follows. That is, after the power is turned on, the addresses of all VTRs are initially initialized to 120H, and the presence command is sent to the device group of the addresses of the AV centers 1 to 120H via the D2B bus. Then all V
The LED on the front panel of TR flashes. After that, the CPU 5 of the AV center 1 issues a message to the effect that the VTR initialization button of the device for which the address of 120H is to be set is operated via the message display circuit 12 to the CRT 10
To display. In response to this, the VT whose initialization button was operated
The address is set in R, and the remaining 1 from the VTR
121H for those addresses for the 20H VTR
Send the command to change to.

Next, the CPU 5 of the AV center 1 121
A presence command is sent to the device group with the H address via the D2B bus. This causes the LEDs on the front panel of the remaining VTR to flash. After that, AV
The CPU 5 of the center 1 displays a message on the CRT 10 via the message display circuit 12 to the effect that the initialization button of the VTR of the device whose address 121H is to be set should be operated. In response to this, the address is set to the VTR whose initialization button has been operated, and the remaining 1210H from that VTR is set.
To the VTRs of the same, sending an instruction to change their addresses to 122H. Such processing is repeated until there are no VTRs connected to the D2B bus. At the last operation, even if an address change command is sent from the VTR to which the address is set, the VT with the same address as that VTR is sent.
Since R is not connected to the bus, that is, it disappears from the system, a transmission error occurs, and VT is no longer exceeded.
VT that can be determined that R is not connected to the bus
R notifies the AV center 1 via the D2B bus that there is no VTR having the same address on the system.

In the above example, the VTR is taken as an example of the same type of equipment, but it may be an LDP, for example.

The present invention is not limited to AV equipment, but can be applied to various cases where a plurality of equipment of the same type is connected to a bus.

【The invention's effect】

According to the image control device of the present invention, the control means controls the device for outputting the image signal, the selecting means selects the image signal, and the display means displays the image corresponding to the selected image signal. .. Further, the display means displays an image corresponding to the image signal output from the device controlled by the control means in a predetermined range of the screen. Therefore, the device controlled by the control means can be confirmed.

According to the electronic device control apparatus of the present invention, the electronic device is selected in accordance with the result of comparison between the input command and the stored function of the electronic device, so that the user wants to realize it. It is only necessary to specify and input the function, it is not necessary to store the function of each electronic device, and in some cases, it is not necessary to specify the device that operates. Therefore, the operability is improved.

According to the address confirmation method of the present invention, a presence command for proof of existence is sent to the address to be confirmed via the bus, and the address is assigned to the device which responded to the presence command. Since it is determined that the address is valid, the address can be easily confirmed. Further, since the address confirmation can be performed easily in this manner, it is not necessary to determine the address in the order of power-on, and therefore the address setting itself becomes easy and flexible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a video system to which an image control device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a screen of the CRT 10 according to the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of an AV system to which the electronic device control apparatus of the present invention is applied.

5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an AV system in which the address confirmation method of the present invention is executed.

7 is a diagram showing an address confirmation menu displayed on the CRT 10 of FIG.

8 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the address confirmation method of the present invention, that is, an operation example of the AV system of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a conventional video system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 television receiver 2 remote controller 3 light receiving unit 4 operating unit 5 CPU 6 volume 7 tuner 8 switching unit 9 control unit 10 CRT 11 picture-in-picture (PinP) circuit 12 message display circuit 13 video tape recorder (VTR) 14 laser disc player (LDP) 15, 16 External input terminal 17 Control signal output terminal 21 Screen 22 Picture-in-picture (PinP) screen 23 Message display section 31 Television receiver 32 Control signal output terminal 33, 34 External input terminal 101 AV center 102 CRT 103 BS tuner 104 VHF tuner 105 FM tuner 106 Selection circuit 107 CPU 109 RAM 111 Operation unit 120 Bus 121 LDP 122 DAT 123, 124 VTR 131 D2B bus

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A control means for controlling an apparatus for outputting an image signal, a selecting means for selecting an image signal output from the apparatus, and an image corresponding to the image signal selected by the selecting means is displayed on a screen. And a display unit for displaying an image corresponding to an image signal output from a device controlled by the control unit, in the predetermined range of the screen. 2. A selection means for selecting a predetermined one of a plurality of electronic devices, a storage means for storing the function of the electronic device, an input means for inputting a command to the electronic device, and an input by the input means. An electronic device control device comprising: a control unit that compares the command and the function of the electronic device stored in the storage unit and controls the selection unit according to the comparison result. 3. A method for confirming addresses of a plurality of devices of the same type connected to a bus, wherein a presence command for proof of existence is sent to the address to be confirmed through the bus, A method for confirming an address, characterized in that it is judged that the address is assigned to a device which responded to the.