WO2003083748A1

WO2003083748A1 - Electronic apparatus constituting method, electronic apparatus system, and electronic apparatus constituting device

Info

Publication number: WO2003083748A1
Application number: PCT/JP2003/004079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yuji Morimiya; Osamu Fukushima; Kazuo Haraoka
Original assignee: Sony Corporation
Priority date: 2002-04-03
Filing date: 2003-03-31
Publication date: 2003-10-09
Also published as: JP2003296561A

Abstract

Each device consists of an operation unit for realizing a function and an ability of the device, a negotiation unit, and an interface unit. The negotiation unit consists of an information unit containing description of information on the function and the ability and an information processing unit for extending the function and the ability of the device to the function and ability of the entire system. When the devices are connected via the interface unit of each device, the information on the function and ability of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device is passed between the devices and the function and ability of each device is extended to the function and ability of the entire system.

Description

Specification

Electronic device configuration method, electronic device system, device constituting electronic device

The present invention relates to a method of configuring an electronic device such as a movie camera and a digital still camera, an electronic device system, and a device that configures the electronic device. In particular, the present invention evolves the functions and capabilities of the electronic device to meet the preferences of each user. It also relates to devices that can prevent obsolescence of equipment. Background art

In recent years, the era of mass production and consumption, in which the same product is mass-produced and sold using huge production equipment, has come to an end, and the age of providing products tailored to individual tastes to individual consumers who desire it Is coming. Also, with the rapid technological progress, the trend cycle of products has become very short, and the life cycle of one product has become very short.

This kind of background has some disadvantages both for the manufacturers developing the products and for the consumers who purchase them, that is, many manufacturers have many users. It is necessary to prepare models of other varieties to meet the tastes of new customers, and it is necessary to develop and launch new products one after another. Must appear. In addition, a consumer's use of the product for only a few months would render the model obsolete and force a replacement.

Therefore, to prevent the product from becoming obsolete, it is necessary to add new functions and performances later, or to change the product according to personal preferences. It is desired to be able to do so.

The idea of adding options to add new functions or improve performance is already known.

For example, a system consisting of a headphone stereo and a speaker amplifier attached to it is sold as a commercial product. For such products, if you purchase only the headphone stereo, you can get the function of a headphone stereo and enjoy music playback while traveling. If a speaker amplifier is attached to this, a function to enjoy music with speakers can be added. This means that a new option called a speaker amplifier has been added to the headphone stereo product, and a function to enjoy music with speakers has been added.

However, this is because the headphone stereo and the speaker amplifier only realize their respective functions as they are, and the functions of the headphone stereo itself and the speaker amplifier itself have evolved and evolved at all. is not.

In addition, the fact that a speaker amplifier is attached to a headphone stereo simply integrates multiple functions into one, and is extremely limited from the perspective of development and evolution from there. It is.

Therefore, the applicant has focused on the concept of "evolution", and evolved the device itself as if the creature evolved, and added new functions and capabilities later so that the product did not become obsolete. It proposes changing the product to suit individual preferences and improving its functions and capabilities. That is, the organism combines the genes of its parents and leaves offspring. At this time, evolution has been achieved by leaving those that have strong viability and adapt to the environment. This concept is introduced into devices so that when each device is combined, the ability is high and the ability to match the user's preference remains. Also. By combining each function, a completely new function that matches the user's preference is created. By evolving the device in this way, products that meet the tastes of users can be provided, and the products can be prevented from becoming obsolete.

As described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of configuring an electronic device that introduces the concept of evolution, adjusts the functions and capabilities of the electronic device to the preferences of each user, and prevents the device from becoming obsolete. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a device constituting an electronic device. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention provides a negotiation unit including an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which information of the function is described, and an information processing unit for performing a process of extending a function of each device to a function as a whole. And an interface for exchanging the function information of each device described in the negotiation section of each device between the devices. Each of the devices is composed of a plurality of devices via the interface. When each device is connected to other devices that make up the system via the interface section of each device, each device is described in the negotiation section of each device. When information on functions is exchanged between devices, and the devices are gathered from the functions of each device to form a system Functions that can be realized are evolved, and the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten by the evolved functions, and as each device is added, the function of the system composed of each device evolves This is a method for configuring the electronic device.

Functions include, for example, various electronic devices such as still image shooting, moving image shooting, voice recording, evening image, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, auto focus, etc. And a type of function that can be realized by a device provided in the electronic apparatus.

Extending or evolving functions means increasing the number of achievable functions or replacing them with newer, more convenient, or user-friendly functions. Electronic devices evolve into a variety of other electronic devices by increasing or changing the functions of the devices that make up the electronic device (by replacing certain functions with other functions).

In the present invention, various functions are negotiated between devices having the functions, whereby the devices are made to function organically and can be used as electronic equipment. Then, one device can be effectively used in various electronic devices.

The present invention provides a negotiator comprising: an operation unit for realizing a capability; an information unit in which capability information is described; and an information processing unit for performing a process of expanding the capability of each device to the overall capability. Each device is composed of an interface unit for exchanging capability information of each device described in a negotiation unit of each device between the devices, and a plurality of devices are connected via an interface unit. When each device is connected to other devices that make up the system through the interface section of each device, each device described in the negotiation section of each device is connected. When information on the capabilities of each device is exchanged between the devices, and the devices are gathered from the capabilities of each device to form a system Evolved capabilities are evolved, and the description of the negotiation part of each device is rewritten according to the evolved capabilities, and as devices are added, the capabilities of the system composed of each device evolve This is a method for configuring the electronic device.

Capabilities are, for example, various electronic devices such as recordable capacity and calculation speed. And the functions that can be realized by the devices provided therein, from the viewpoint of predetermined parameters. This ability can be said to be the extent to which the above functions can be performed.In addition, expanding or evolving the ability means raising or lowering the capability of a feasible function, It means to change to the extent that it matches the tastes and the capabilities of other devices.

According to the present invention, negotiations are performed between devices with regard to the capabilities of various functions, and when the devices have different capabilities for the same function, the device with the highest capability is selected or the device with the capability that matches the user's preference is selected. Devices are selected, and the device with the highest efficiency is selected based on the capabilities and capabilities of other devices. The selected device implements an electronic device. Therefore, it is possible to realize an electronic device with higher performance (specifications) while using a given device as it is, or to realize an electronic device with a more efficient capability according to the capabilities of the devices constituting the electronic device. In addition, it is possible to realize an electronic device according to the user's preference (including operation ability in addition to the preference).

The present invention provides a negotiator comprising: an operation unit for realizing a function; an information unit in which information of the function is described; and an information processing unit for performing a process of extending a function of each device to a function as a whole. Each device is composed of an application section and an interface section for exchanging information on the function of each device described in the negotiation section of each device between the devices. The electronic device system is configured by connecting each device to another device constituting the system via the interface unit of each device. Information on the functions of each device described in the negotiation section is exchanged between the devices, and each device is collected from the functions of each device. It is evolved into functions that can be realized when configuring a device, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved function. Each time a device is added, each device is gathered and configured This is an electronic device system that has evolved its functions.

'' The present invention negotiates an operation unit for realizing the capability, an information unit in which information of the capability is described, and an information processing unit for performing a process of expanding the capability of each device to the overall capability. Each device is composed of a device and an interface for exchanging capability information of each device described in a negotiation portion of each device between the devices. Each device is composed of a plurality of devices. The electronic device system is configured by connecting via a communication unit, and when each device is connected to another device constituting the system via an interface unit of each device, the information is described in a negotiation unit of each device. Information about the capabilities of each device is exchanged between the devices, and each device gathers from the capabilities of each device to configure the system. The negotiation section of each device is rewritten according to the advanced capabilities, and each time a device is added, the capabilities of the system composed of each device increase. It is an electronic equipment system that is evolving.

The present invention provides a negotiation unit including an operation unit for realizing a function, an information unit in which information of the function is described, and an information processing unit for performing a process of extending a function of each device to a function as a whole. And an interface unit for exchanging function information of each device described in a negotiation unit of each device between the devices, and other devices constituting the system via the interface unit. When connected to the device, information on the function of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is exchanged between the devices. It is a device that constitutes an electronic device that evolves into a function that can be realized when the system is assembled to form a system, and that the evolved function allows the description of the negotiation section of each device to be rewritten.

The present invention relates to a negotiation unit including an operation unit for realizing a capability, an information unit in which capability information is described, and an information processing unit for performing a process of expanding the capability of each device to the overall capability. And an interface section for exchanging information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation section of each device between the devices, and configuring the system via an interface section. When connected to different devices, information on the capabilities of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is exchanged between the devices, and this is realized when the devices are assembled from the capabilities of each device to form a system. The negotiation part of each device can be rewritten by the evolved ability. Is a device constituting the vessel.

Each device is, for example, a device constituting an electronic device such as a video device and an audio device. Here, the device may be a product of one video device or audio device, or may be a part called a component that constitutes these devices. Together, these devices make up one electronic equipment system.

Each device is composed of an operation unit for realizing the functions and capabilities of each device, a negotiation unit, and an interface unit.The negotiation unit includes an information unit in which information of functions and capabilities is described, and an It consists of an information processing unit that performs processing to expand from the functions and capabilities of each device to the functions and capabilities as a whole. When each device is connected via the interface section of each device, the information on the function and capability of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is transmitted between the devices. And evolve and expand from functions and capabilities of each device to functions and capabilities as a whole.

In this way, by evolving and expanding functions and capabilities, it is possible to provide products that match the tastes of each user and to prevent products from becoming obsolete. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram used for explaining a basic configuration of a device to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a negotiation unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram used for explaining an electronic apparatus system configured based on a device to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is a flowchart used for explaining the negotiation processing. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are block diagrams used to explain the negotiation processing. FIGS. 6A to 6C are block diagrams used to explain the negotiation processing. FIG. 7 is a block diagram used for describing an electronic device system to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a block diagram used for describing an electronic device system to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 9 is a block diagram used for describing an electronic device system to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an electronic device to which the present invention is applied. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. No. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of each device constituting an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, each device 1 constituting an electronic device has an operation unit 10 for performing a basic operation as the device, and an interface unit 11 and a negotiation unit 12. have.

The interface unit 11 exchanges data and signals between the devices. In the device 1 to which the present invention is applied, the negotiation is performed via the interface unit 11 at the time of negotiation. Information such as the function, capability, and status of each device 1 is exchanged.

The negotiation section 12 is provided in a form attached to the interface section 11, and is provided so as to always pass through the section when inputting and outputting information. As shown in Fig. 2, the negotiation section 12 includes an information section 13 in which function information INF1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3 of the device are described, and function information of the device of the device. The information processing unit 14 that evolves and expands into new functions, capabilities, and states as a whole by referring to the capability information, status information, and function information, capability information, and status information of other devices. Have.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic equipment system to which the present invention is applied is configured by connecting a plurality of devices 1, 1, 1,... Having the basic configuration shown in FIG. When multiple devices 1, 1, 1,… are connected, function information, capability information, and status information are exchanged between each device 1, 1, 1,…, and new functions, capabilities, and status as a whole , Evolve and expand.

Each of the devices 1, 1, 1,... Is, for example, a device 1, 1, 1,. Here, the devices 1, 1, 1,... May be products of one video device or audio device, or may be parts called components that make up these devices. These devices Collectively, one electronic device system is configured.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a negotiation process performed when devices 1, 1, 1,... Having such a basic configuration are connected. In FIG. 4, it is determined whether a new device is connected via the interface unit 11 (step S 1).

When the new device 1 is connected, the function information INF1, the capability information INF2, and the status information INF3 are read from the negotiation section 12 of the device 1 (step S2). The read function information INF1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3 of the read device are transmitted to each newly connected device 1 (step S3).

In addition, function information INF1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3 are sent to the newly connected devices from the other devices 1, 1, 1,.... With the newly connected device, the function information INF1, the capability information INF2, and the state information INF3 of each of the other devices 1, 1, 1,... Are received (step S4).

Then, the function information INF 1, the capability information INF 2, and the state information INF 3 of the newly connected device 1 and the function information INF 1, the capability information INF 2, and the state information of each of the other devices 1, 1, 1,... With reference to INF3, newly evolved and expanded functions, capabilities, and states are generated (step S5).

The negotiation part 12, 12, 12, 12,… of each device 1, 1, 1,… is a new evolution that can be realized when each device 1, 1, 1,…… Extended function information, capability information, and status information are written (step S6).

FIGS. 5A to 5C show processing when the device 1A to which the present invention is applied and the device 1B are connected. In FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C, the device 1A has the function A1, the capability A2, and the state A3, and realizes the original functions A1, the capability A2, and the state A3. Operation unit 1 OA for performing the operation. In the negotiation section 12 A, function Al, capability A2, and state A3 are written as function information INF1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3. B has a function B1, a capability B2, and a state B3, and is provided with an operation unit 10B for realizing such original functions B1, capability B2, and state B3. . In the negotiation section 12B, function B1, capability B2, and state B3 are written as function information INF1, capability information INF2, and state information INF3.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the device 1A and the device 1B are connected via interface units 11A and 11B. When the device 1A and the device 1B are connected via the interface portions 11A and 11B, a negotiation process is performed as shown in FIG. 5B. By this negotiation processing, the information of function A1, capability A2, and state A3 written in the negotiation section 12A of the device 1A are transferred to the interface section 11A and interface section 1A. It is sent to device 1 B via 1 B. In addition, information on the function Bl, capability B2, and state B3 written in the negotiation section 12B of the device 1B is transmitted to the device 1B via the interface section 11B and the interface section 11A. Sent to the 1A side and newly evolved and expanded from function A1, capability A2, state A3 of device 1A and function B1, capability B2, state B3 of device 1B Function (A 1 + B 1), ability (A 2 + B 2), and state (A 3 + B 3) are generated.

In this way, as the functions, capabilities, and states have evolved and expanded, as shown in Fig. 5C, the function information of the negotiation section 12A of the device 1A INF1, capability information INF2, state information INF3 information is rewritten to function Aa1, capability Aa2, and state Aa3. The function Aa1, the capability Aa2, and the state Aa3 are the original function A1, the capability A2, and the state A3, and the newly expanded function (A1 + B1) and the capability (A 2 + B 2) and state (A 3 + B 3).

Also, as device 1 B, functions, capabilities, and states have evolved and expanded. As shown in Fig. 5C, the function information INF 1, capability information of the negotiation section 12 B of device 1 B INF 2, status information INF 3 information is rewritten into function B a 1, capability B a 2, and status B a3. Function B a1, capability B a2 and status B a3 are the same as original function B l, capability B2 and status B3, and newly expanded function (A 1 + B 1) and capability (A 2 + B 2) and state (A 3 + B 3).

Here, the addition of functions, abilities, and states is a combination of the functions, abilities, and states of each device, but it is not a simple combination of the functions, abilities, and states of each device, but the preference of each user. The best combination of features, capabilities, and states of each device is changed to match or to make the equipment obsolete.

This is similar to inheriting so that bad elements are hidden and high-quality elements appear when the functions, capabilities, and states of each device are considered as genes of living things. As the organism evolves in the process of inheritance, in the present invention, by changing the function, ability, and state to the best combination of the function, ability, and state of each device, The equipment will evolve. This can prevent the product from becoming obsolete.

For example, FIGS. 6A to 6C show examples in which the device 1C is a video camera and the device 1D is a still image camera. The device 1C is provided with an operation unit 10C for realizing the functions, capabilities, and states of the video camera. And In the negotiation section 12C, function information of "video camera", capability information of "low-resolution, large-capacity storage", and status information of "video camera operation" are written.

The device 1D is provided with an operation unit 10D for realizing the functions, capabilities, and states of the still image camera. In the negotiation section 12D, function information of "still image camera", capability information of "high-resolution, small-capacity storage", and state information of "still image camera operation" are written. When the device 1C and the device 1D are connected via the interface units 11C and 11D, a negotiation process is performed as shown in FIG. 6B. Through this negotiation process, the function, capability, and state information written in the negotiation section 12C of the device 1C is transferred to the device 1C via the interface section 11C and the interface section 11D. 1 Sent to C side. In addition, information on the function, capability, and status written in the negotiation section 12D of the device 1D is sent to the device 1C via the interface section 11D and the interface section 11C. . Then, new functions, capabilities, and states are generated from the functions, capabilities, and states of the device 1C and the functions, capabilities, and states of the device 1D.

For example, considering new capabilities, the capability of device 1C is “low-resolution, large-capacity storage”. On the other hand, the capability of device 1D is “high-resolution, small-capacity storage”. Thus, combining the capabilities of device 1C with the capabilities of device 1D, "low-resolution, low-capacity storage", "low-resolution, high-capacity storage", "high-resolution, low-capacity storage", A combination of “high-resolution, large-capacity storage” is possible. Among the combinations of these capabilities, the best combination is “high-resolution, large-capacity storage”, so the new capability is “high-resolution, large-capacity storage”. in this way, By adopting the combination with the higher ability, the evolution of equipment can be realized.

In this way, the evolution and expansion of capabilities can be described as “adopting high-performance ones”. Larger storage capacity, faster transfer speed, higher accuracy for image and sound quality, full color or monochrome, stereo sound for mono or stereo sound Will be.

In addition, instead of always saying “high-performance one is hired,” the user may be allowed to select one. Since letting the user make a choice corresponds to the user's preference, this can also be regarded as an evolution, and of course, it is conceivable that the performance is limited to one of the devices. For example, suppose there is a system that consists of a monaural speaker unit device and a stereo amplifier device. In this case, the best combination is stereo because the 7-amp device is stereo and the speaker unit device is monaural. However, if the speaker unit is monaural, stereo playback is not possible. It is necessary to avoid such an impossible combination, even if “high-performance one is adopted”.

In general, the performance of the first input and the realization of the final function will dominate all performance. For example, in the case of audio, the performance of a microphone and a speaker determines all performance, and it is not possible to expect sound quality higher than the sound input by a microphone or the sound that can be reproduced by a speaker.

Therefore, when it is assumed that functions and capabilities that dominantly limit functions, such as input / output devices, are assumed to be changed to the best combinations within the limits. That is, for example, for each input / output device In addition, it is conceivable that the best combination is determined, and that the connection of the input / output device is triggered to switch to the best available performance of the input / output device.

The evolution of functions can be explained as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if a device 22 having a function of inputting voice is attached to a device 21 functioning as a recording unit, a function “recording” is provided.

It evolves from a function called “voice input” to a function as a “recorder”. New functions can be realized by the addition of such functions through the evolution of functions.

As shown in Fig. 8, when a device 21 that has a function to shoot a still image is attached to a device 21 that functions as a recording unit, a function called “record” and a function called “still image shooting” Evolves into a function as a “still camera”.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when a device 24 having a time controller function is mounted, a function as a “still camera” realized by mounting the device 21 and the device 23, and By combining the function of the device 24 that functions as a time controller with the function of “generating a signal every predetermined time”, it evolves into a “simple movie shooting function” for creating animations and the like. In other words, the device 24 having the function of a time controller generates a signal for one second every 30 minutes, for example, and the shutter is released at predetermined time intervals using this signal to continuously shoot still images, thereby enabling simple moving image shooting. Becomes possible.

Examples of expansion and evolution of functions include the combination of the “clock function” and “thermometer function” to evolve and expand into a “medical 24-hour thermometer”. "And" function of pressure sensor "

Examples of evolving and expanding the function of recording a pulse on the arm An example is considered in which the two “recording functions” are combined and evolved into “stereo recording functions”.

Also, as an example of combining three functions to evolve and expand to a new function, an example of expanding the function to a movie camera by combining the “clock function”, “voice input function” and “movie shooting function” , "Speech input function", "Amplifier function" and "Speaker function" combine to evolve into a loudspeaker. It is possible to consider an example of evolving and expanding a mobile phone by combining.

There are many other functions that can be realized by combining multiple functions. An advantage of the system to which the present invention is applied is that a product having a function realized by combining such a plurality of functions can be easily developed.

If multiple functions are realized when multiple devices are combined, it is conceivable to select the best function among them. As the best function, for example, it is conceivable to learn the tendency of the used function for each user and evolve it to the function with the higher usage tendency. For example, a user who frequently expands to video-related functions when combining the functions can determine that he / she expects video-related functions again this time, and changes to video-related functions.

Further, the user may be allowed to select a function required by the user. Since letting the user make a choice corresponds to the user's preference, it can be regarded as evolution.

When some inputs and outputs are considered to be superimposed, some synchronization may be required. For example, in the case of animation, audio and video are recorded separately. Sync these In order to do so, a function of synchronous playback is required. Therefore, it is conceivable to include time information as information in the negotiation part.

In addition, it may be possible to synchronize regions by including regional information. Regional synchronization means that each device matches the television system, camera system, frequency, modulation system used in the region, and even the user's preferences specific to the region. .

For example, it is conceivable that the evolution of the state is made to be selectable by a user and to be adapted to the user's preference. For example, in the case of a camera. There are various setting states such as manual Z-auto of focus and exposure, and resolution. Even if the setting state is set by the user and inherited, the setting state can be inherited. By inheriting the setting state, it is possible to always match the user's preference. It is thought that the evolution of the state can be achieved.

In the above example, the functions, capabilities, and states are exchanged between the devices, but the functions and capabilities may be replaced by the functions and capabilities. Of course, only the function, ability, or state may be used.

Also, if the interface is a connector with a common physical shape, it can easily cope with a change in model. For example, it is conceivable to use a general-purpose interface such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; 13 94.) Also, instead of using a general-purpose interface as it is, a negotiation section is provided. It is conceivable to use it extended as follows.

Of course, a new interface may be developed. Also, as long as the negotiation can be performed, the physical shape may be changed, and it is not limited to the unification of the physical interface. Further, the interface may be connected to a common serial or parallel bus. Also, if the interface is wired or mechanical, Instead, it may be a wireless interface using wireless or optical communication.

Next, a more specific example of a system realized by the device to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIGS. 10 and 11 show a specific example of a system realized by the device to which the present invention is applied. By using the system to which the present invention is applied, a product called a movie camera as shown in Fig. 10 evolves and expands to a product called a digital still camera as shown in Fig. 11 Go.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of a movie camera, the main body 52 and the movie camera 51 are connected. As will be described later, an interface section for connecting the movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 is provided. This interface section has functions and functions between devices. A negotiation section for exchanging capabilities and status is provided. The movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 are connected via this interface section.

The movie camera section 51 captures the image light of the subject that enters through the optical system 61 and outputs a video signal, and a function that outputs an audio signal based on the sound picked up by the microphone 64. have.

The main unit 52 has a function of displaying a shooting screen on the display unit 74, a function of recording and playing back a signal, an operation function, and a power supply function.

When the main unit 52 and the movie camera unit 51 are connected, a negotiation is performed, so that the main unit 52 and the movie camera unit 51 become the best when functioning as a movie camera. , Function, ability, and state are changed.

When the main unit 52 and the movie camera unit 51 are connected to each other and function as a movie camera, the movie The video signal and the audio signal captured by the camera unit 51 are recorded on the storage of the main unit 52. The display unit 74 displays a monitor screen during shooting and a playback screen.

As shown in FIG. 11, when a finder section 53 and a still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52 so as to sandwich the main body section 52, the digital still can be advanced as a high-performance digital still.

When the viewfinder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the body section 52, negotiation is performed between the body section 52, the viewfinder section 53, and the still camera section 54. Function information, capability information, and status information are exchanged between 52, the viewfinder 53, and the still camera 54. As a result, it evolves and expands to the best functions, capabilities, and conditions to realize the functions of a digital still camera.

When the viewfinder 53 and the still camera 54 are attached to the main unit 52, when the shirt button on the operation unit of the main unit 52 is pressed, the video signal captured by the still camera 54 Is recorded in the storage. Also, a monitor screen during shooting is displayed on the display unit 74. A finder section 53 is mounted on the display section 74, so that a photographing screen can be displayed through the finder, and the camera can be taken by holding the camera.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining an operation in a state when the movie camera unit 51 and the main body unit 52 are connected. In FIG. 12, a movie camera unit 51 includes an optical system 61, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging device 62, a video signal processing unit 63, a microphone 64, and an audio device. It has a signal processing unit 65 and the like. The movie camera section 51 is provided with an interface section 66 and a controller 67. The interface section 6 has the capabilities, functions, and status of the movie camera section 51. A negotiation section 68 in which the status is written is provided.

The input subject image light is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 62 via the optical system 61. The subject image light is photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 62. The output of the CCD image sensor 62 is supplied to the video signal processing unit 63. The video signal processor 63 forms a digital video signal based on the input subject image light. The output of the video signal processing unit 63 is supplied to the interface unit 66.

External sound is picked up by the microphone 64, and the sound vibration is converted into an electric signal by the microphone 64. The output of the microphone 64 is supplied to the audio signal processing unit 65. The audio signal processing section 65 forms a digital audio signal based on the sound input to the microphone 64. The digital audio signal is supplied to the interface section 66.

The main body 52 includes a video recording / reproducing section 71, an audio recording / reproducing section 72, a storage section 73, a display section 74, an operation section 75, and a power supply section 76. The main body 52 is provided with interface units 77 A and 77 B and a controller 80. The interface units 77 A and 77 B are provided with negotiation units 81 A and 81 B in which the capabilities, functions, and states of the main unit 52 are written. The interface units 77A and 77B can input and output similar signals, and the function is the same regardless of which interface unit is used.

At the bottom of the movie camera section 51, an interface section 66 is provided. An interface 77A is provided at the top of the main body 52, and an interface 77B is provided at the bottom thereof. The interface part 77 A of the upper part of the main body part 52 and the interface part 66 of the movie camera part 51 are fitted to each other, so that a movie is formed on the main body part 52. Camera section 5 1 is attached.

When the movie camera section 51 and the main body section 52 are attached, the capabilities, functions, status of the movie camera section 51 written in the negotiation section 68 of the movie camera section 51, and the main body The capabilities, functions, and states of the main unit 52 written in the negotiation units 81 A and 81 B of the unit 52 are exchanged to generate newly evolved capabilities, functions, and states. The advanced capabilities, functions, and states are written to the negotiation section 68 of the movie camera section 51 and the negotiation sections 81A and 81B of the main body section 52.

When the movie unit 51 and the main unit 52 are mounted, the main unit 52 provides a function for shooting a moving image.

That is, when the movie camera unit 51 and the main body unit 52 are mounted, the operation of the operation unit 75 in FIG. 12 sets the recording and playback operations of the moving image. At this time, power for the movie camera section 51 is sent from the power section 76 of the main body section 52 via the interface section 77A and the interface section 66.

At the time of recording, a digital video signal and a digital audio signal are output from the interface section 66 of the movie camera section 51. The digital video signal and the digital audio signal are sent to the main unit 52 through the interface section 66 and the interface section 77A.

The video signal from the interface section 77 A is supplied to the video recording / reproducing section 71 and sent to the display section 74. The video recording / reproducing unit 71 performs a video signal recording process. The display unit 74 displays a screen of the image of the subject being photographed. The output of the video recording / reproducing unit 71 is sent to the storage unit 73. A digital video signal based on a shooting screen is recorded in the storage unit 73. . The audio signal from the interface unit 77 A is supplied to the audio recording / reproducing unit 72. The output of the audio recording / reproducing unit 72 is supplied to the storage unit 73. A digital audio signal based on the recorded audio is recorded in the storage unit 73.

When the playback operation is set by the operation unit 75, the playback signal of the storage unit 73 is supplied to the video recording and playback unit 71 and is also supplied to the audio recording and playback unit 72. The video signal is reproduced by the video recording / reproducing section 71 based on the reproduced signal from the storage section 73. This video signal is output via the interface units 77 A and 77 B and supplied to the display unit 74. An image based on the video signal reproduced from the storage unit 73 is displayed on the display unit 74.

The audio recording / reproducing section 72 reproduces an audio signal based on the reproduced signal from the storage section 73. This audio signal is output through the interface 77A and 77B, and is also supplied to the speaker 82. From the speaker 82, a sound based on the audio signal reproduced from the storage unit 73 is output.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an operation when the finder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main body section 52.

When the finder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main section 52 by sandwiching the main section 52 between the finder section 53 and the still camera section 54, it operates as a digital still camera. I do.

The still camera unit 54 has an optical system 91, a CCD image sensor 92, a video signal processing unit 93, and the like. As the optical system 91, a high-performance lens assembly can be used, and a lens interchangeable type can be used. In addition, the still camera section 54 is provided with an interface section 94 and a controller 95. In the interface section 94, A negotiation section 96 in which the capabilities, functions, and states of the still camera section 54 are written is provided.

The viewfinder 53 is a light-shielded monitor, and as shown in FIG. 11, a transmissive panel 104 disposed on the display 74 of the main body 52, a light-shielding plate 106, the number of sheets, An LCD (Liquid Crysta 1 Display) display section 103 for displaying the date, various warnings, and the like. As shown in FIG. 13, the finder section 53 is provided with an interface section 101 and a controller 102. The interface unit 101 is provided with a negotiation unit 105 in which the capabilities, functions, and states of the finder unit 53 are written.

In FIG. 13, the input subject image light is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 92 via the optical system 91. The subject image light is photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 92. The output of the CCD image sensor 92 is supplied to the video signal processor 93. The video signal processor 93 forms a digital video signal based on the input subject image light. The output of the video signal processing section 93 is supplied to an interface section 94.

When the viewfinder 53 and the still camera 54 are attached to the main body 52, the capabilities, functions, and status of the main body 52 written in the negotiation sections 81A and 81B of the main body 52 And the capabilities, functions, and states of the finder section 53 written in the negotiation section 105 of the finder section 53, and the still camera section 54 written in the negotiation section 96 of the still camera section 54. Abilities, functions, and states are exchanged to create new advanced abilities, functions, and states. These advanced capabilities, functions, and states are written to the negotiation sections 81 A and 81 B of the main body section 52, the negotiation section 105 of the viewfinder section 53, and the negotiation section 96 of the still camera section 54. . When the main unit 52, the viewfinder 53, and the still camera unit 54 are connected, by operating the operation unit 75 in Fig. 13, recording and playback of still images Action is set. At this time, the power to the viewfinder 53 and still camera 54 is supplied from the power supply 76 of the main body 52, the interface 77A, the interface 101, and the interface 7 It is sent via 7B and interface 94.

During recording, a digital video signal of a shooting screen is output from the interface section 66 of the movie camera section 51. The digital video signal and digital audio signal are sent to the main unit 52 via the interface unit 94 and the interface unit 77B.

The video signal from the interface section 77 B is supplied to the video recording / reproducing section 71 and sent to the display section 74. The display unit 74 displays a screen of the image of the subject being photographed.

As shown in FIG. 11, the finder section 53 is disposed on the display section 74 of the main body section 52, and the screen projected on the display section 74 is a transparent panel 1 of the finder section 53. Projected via 04. The user can monitor the screen to be photographed while watching the screen projected through the transparent panel 104 of the finder section 53. The number of shots, date, various warnings, and the like are displayed on the LCD display section 103 of the finder section 53.

When a shutter button in the interface section 66 of the still camera section 54 is pressed, the output of the video recording / playback section 71 is sent to the storage section 73. The storage section 73 records a digital video signal based on the shooting screen.

When the playback operation is set by the operation unit 75, the playback signal of the storage unit 73 is supplied to the video recording / playback unit 71. Video recording and playback section 7 in 1 A video signal is reproduced based on the reproduction signal from the storage section 73. The video signal is output via the interface 77 A and 77 B and is supplied to the display 74. The display unit 74 displays an image based on the video signal reproduced from the storage unit 73.

Thus, in this example, when the movie camera section 51 is attached to the main body section 52, it functions as a MP camera, and the viewfinder section 53 and the still camera section 5 4 are attached to the main body section 52. With this, it will evolve to function as a digital still camera.

When the main body section 52 and the movie camera section 51 are attached, the capability of the movie camera section 51 written in the negotiation section 68 of the movie camera section 51, The functions, statuses, and the capabilities, functions, and statuses of the main unit 52 written in the negotiation unit 81 A and 81 B of the main unit 52 are exchanged, and the newly evolved capabilities, functions, and status Is generated. The advanced capabilities, functions, and states are written in the negotiation section 68 of the camera section 51 and the negotiation sections 81A and 8IB of the main body section 52.

When the viewfinder section 53 and the still camera section 54 are attached to the main section 52, the negotiation sections 81 A and 8IB of the main section 52 have the capabilities and functions of the main section 52 written in the IB. , Status, capability, function, and status of the finder section 53 written in the negotiation section 105 of the viewfinder section 53, and still written in the negotiation section 96 of the still camera section 54 The capabilities, functions, and states of the camera unit 54 are exchanged, and new advanced capabilities, functions, and states are generated. These advanced capabilities, functions, and states are written to the negotiation section 81A and 81B of the main body section 52, the negotiation section 105 of the viewfinder section 53, and the negotiation section 96 of the still camera section 54. It is. Therefore, the same main body 52 is used both when used as a movie camera and when used as a digital still camera, but its capabilities, functions, and states are different when it is used as a movie camera. And when it is used as a digital still camera.

Further, in this example, the operation unit 75 can be shared both when used as a movie camera and when used as a still camera. Thus, the ability to share a user interface is also a great advantage.

According to the present invention, each device is composed of an operation unit for realizing the function and capability of each device, a negotiation unit, and an interface unit, and the negotiation unit describes information of the function and capability. And an information processing unit that performs processing to expand from the functions and capabilities of each device to the functions and capabilities as a whole. When each device is connected via the interface section of each device, information on the function and capability of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is exchanged between the devices. Evolve and expand from functions and capabilities of each device to functions and capabilities as a whole.

In this way, by evolving and expanding functions and capabilities, it is possible to provide products that meet the tastes of each user, and also to prevent products from becoming obsolete, Can be kept long.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. An operation unit for realizing the function,

A negotiation section comprising an information section in which function information is described, and an information processing section for performing a process of extending a function of each device to a function as a whole;

Each device is composed of an interface unit for exchanging function information of each device described in the negotiation section of each device between the devices,

A plurality of the devices are connected via the interface unit to form a system,

When each of the above devices is connected to another device constituting the system via the above interface section of each of the above devices, the information of the function of each of the devices described in the above negotiation section of each of the above devices becomes the above of each of the above devices. Exchanged between

The functions of each device described above are evolved into functions that can be realized when the above devices are assembled to form a system, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved functions. Each time the above devices are added, the functions of the system composed of the above devices evolve

Configuration method of the electronic device.

2. The function that can be realized when the above devices are assembled from the function of each of the above devices to form a system is the electronic device according to claim 1, which is generated from a combination of functions of the above devices. How to configure the equipment.

3. The second aspect of the claims wherein the function selected by the user among the combinations of the functions of the above devices is determined as the advanced function. 13. A method for configuring an electronic device according to the section.

4. The method for configuring an electronic device according to claim 2, wherein a function having a high tendency to be used is determined as the advanced function among combinations of the capabilities of the devices.

5. An operation unit for realizing the ability,

A negotiation section consisting of an information section in which information of capabilities is described, and an information processing section for performing processing for expanding the capabilities of each device to the overall capabilities;

Each device is composed of an interface unit for exchanging capability information for each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices,

A system is configured by connecting a plurality of the above devices via the interface unit,

When each of the above devices is connected to another device constituting the system via the above interface section of each of the above devices, information on the capability of each of the devices described in the above negotiation section of each of the above devices becomes the information of each of the above devices. Exchanged between

The capability of each device is evolved into a capability that can be realized when the above devices are assembled to form a system, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved capability.

Each time the above devices are added, the capabilities of the system composed of the above devices evolve

Configuration method of the electronic device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the capability that can be realized when the respective devices are assembled to form a system from the capabilities of the respective devices is generated from a combination of the capabilities of the respective devices. How to configure the equipment.

7. The method for configuring an electronic device according to claim 6, wherein a capability selected by a user among the combinations of capabilities of the respective devices is determined as an advanced capability.

8. The electronic device configuration method according to claim 6, wherein the highest capability among the combinations of the capabilities of the above devices is determined as the advanced capability.

9. A negotiation unit including an operation unit for realizing the function, an information unit in which information of the function is described, and an information processing unit for performing a process of extending a function of each device to a function as a whole, Each device is configured from an interface section for exchanging information of the function of each device described in the negotiation section of each device with each other, and

An electronic apparatus system configured by connecting a plurality of the devices via the interface unit,

When each of the above devices is connected to another device constituting the system via the above interface section of each of the above devices, the information of the function of each device described in the above negotiation section of each of the above devices becomes the information of each of the above devices. Exchanged between

The function of each device is evolved into a function that can be realized when the above devices are assembled to form a system, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved function. Each time a device is added, the functions of the system composed of the above devices evolve

Electronic equipment system.

10. The functions that can be realized when the above devices are assembled from the functions of the above devices to form a system are the combinations of the functions of the above devices. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the electronic device is generated from a set.

11. The electronic device system according to claim 10, wherein a function selected by a user among combinations of the functions of the respective devices is determined as the advanced function.

12. The electronic apparatus system according to claim 10, wherein a function having a high tendency to use among the combinations of the capabilities of the devices is determined as the advanced function.

1 3. A negotiating unit consisting of an operation unit for realizing the capability, an information unit that describes the information of the capability, and an information processing unit that performs processing to expand from the capability of each device to the overall capability. Each device is composed of a communication unit and an interface unit for exchanging information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices.

An electronic device system configured by connecting a plurality of the devices via the interface unit,

When each of the devices is connected to another device constituting the system via the interface section of each device, information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is stored in each device. Exchanged between

The capabilities of each device are evolved into capabilities that can be realized when the devices are assembled to form a system, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved capabilities. Each time a device is added, the capabilities of the system composed of the above devices evolve

Electronic equipment system.

1 4. A system in which the above devices are gathered based on the capabilities of the above devices 14. The electronic apparatus system according to claim 13, wherein the capability that can be realized when the device is configured is generated from a combination of the capabilities of the respective devices.

15. The electronic device system according to claim 14, wherein the capability selected by the user among the combinations of capabilities of the devices is determined as an advanced capability.

16. The electronic device system according to claim 14, wherein the highest capability among the combinations of the capabilities of the above devices is determined as the advanced capability.

1 7. Operation part for realizing the function,

A negotiation section including an information section in which function information is described, and an information processing section for performing a process of extending a function of each device to a function as a whole;

An interface unit for exchanging function information for each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices,

When connected to other devices constituting the system via the interface, the information of the function of each device described in the negotiation section of each device is exchanged between the devices. The function of each device is evolved into a function that can be realized when the above devices are assembled to form a system, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved function

Device that constitutes the electronic device.

1 8. An operation part for realizing the capability,

A negotiation section including an information section in which capability information is described, and an information processing section for performing a process of expanding the capability of each device to the overall capability; An interface unit for exchanging information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device between the devices,

When connected to other devices configuring the system via the interface unit, information on the capability of each device described in the negotiation unit of each device is exchanged between the devices, and The capability of each device is evolved into a capability that can be realized when the above devices are assembled to form a system, and the description of the negotiation section of each device is rewritten by the evolved capability

Device that constitutes the electronic device.