WO2014207931A1 - Communication system and method - Google Patents

Communication system and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014207931A1
WO2014207931A1 PCT/JP2013/067923 JP2013067923W WO2014207931A1 WO 2014207931 A1 WO2014207931 A1 WO 2014207931A1 JP 2013067923 W JP2013067923 W JP 2013067923W WO 2014207931 A1 WO2014207931 A1 WO 2014207931A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
information
receiving
port
unit
identification information
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PCT/JP2013/067923
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
孝 土井
秀樹 宮里
Original Assignee
株式会社東芝
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Application filed by 株式会社東芝 filed Critical 株式会社東芝
Priority to PCT/JP2013/067923 priority Critical patent/WO2014207931A1/en
Priority to JP2013541108A priority patent/JPWO2014207931A1/en
Publication of WO2014207931A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014207931A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/43615—Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4108—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices characterised by an identification number or address, e.g. local network address

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a communication system and method.
  • MHL Mobile High-Definition Link
  • a repeater device such as an amplifier can be connected between a portable device that is a source device and a television that is a sink device.
  • a plurality of source devices can be connected to such a repeater device.
  • RCP Remote Control Protocol
  • the sink device transmits an RCP control command to the source device, and the source device executes the RCP command, thereby enabling remote operation between the devices.
  • the MHL standard only defines that the sink device and the source device are connected at a ratio of 1: 1, and when the sink device and the source device are connected in a many-to-many manner with a repeater device interposed therebetween. Has a problem that a control command cannot be transmitted from the sink device to all of the plurality of source devices.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above, and enables transmission of a control command from a source device to a plurality of source devices even when the sink device and the source device are connected in a one-to-many manner. It is a main object of the present invention to provide a communication system and method capable of smoothly controlling the above.
  • the communication system includes a transmission device that transmits a command, and a relay device that is connected between the transmission device and a plurality of reception devices that receive and execute the command.
  • the relay device includes a first reception unit, a device list management unit, and a first transmission unit.
  • the first receiving unit receives model information of each device from each of the plurality of receiving devices.
  • the device list management unit includes, for each port identification information for identifying a port connecting each of the plurality of reception devices, device identification information for identifying the reception device and position information regarding the position of the relay device Device list information is generated.
  • the first transmission unit transmits the device list information to the transmission device.
  • the transmission device includes a second reception unit and a second transmission unit.
  • the second transmission unit receives the device list information.
  • the second transmission unit receives the command in which the port identification information corresponding to the device identification information of the receiving device to be accessed and the location information of the relay device are specified in the device list information. Send to.
  • FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the repeater device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital television according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the repeater device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the MHL topology according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the repeater device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the sink device and the repeater device according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a source device selection screen according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a source device connected to a repeater device is disconnected.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the repeater device according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure between the repeater device and the sink device according to the second embodiment.
  • the communication system of this embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n, a digital television 100, and a repeater device 400 are connected by an MHL cable 300.
  • Video transmission via the repeater device 400 between the plurality of mobile devices 200a to 200n and the digital television 100 is realized in conformity with the MHL standard. More specifically, in the present embodiment, a plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n serve as source devices, and the digital television 100 serves as a sink device, and video data is transferred from the plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n via the repeater device 400. At 300, the data is transmitted to the digital television 100 using the protocol of the MHL standard.
  • each of the plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n functions as a receiving device, and the digital television 100 functions as a transmitting device.
  • the repeater device 400 functions as a relay device.
  • the digital television 100 transmits an RCP command, which is a remote command, to the plurality of portable devices 200 via the repeater device 400, and the portable device 200 receives and executes the RCP command.
  • the plurality of mobile devices 200a to 200n are collectively referred to as a plurality of mobile devices 200.
  • a digital television 100 equipped with a digital broadcast receiving tuner will be described as an example of a communication device (transmission device).
  • the present invention is not limited to the digital television 100, and may be a device such as a hard disk recorder or a set top box that includes a tuner that receives broadcast waves, processes video, and outputs it to an externally connected display device.
  • a monitor that does not include a tuner and that receives video and audio from an external tuner may be used.
  • the portable device 200 is exemplified as a receiving device, the present invention is not limited to this, and a device other than the portable device 200 may be used as the receiving device.
  • the portable device 200 is the source device and the digital television 100 is the sink device, but this is also an example, and the present invention is not limited to this combination.
  • the repeater device 400 of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, an amplifier, but is not limited to this.
  • the repeater device 400 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 401, a determination unit 402, an address determination unit 403, a device list management unit 404, an input switching unit 407, and device list data 405. Management information 406 is mainly provided.
  • each of a plurality of source devices (such as the portable terminal 200 in this embodiment) is connected to the port 408.
  • a plurality of source devices (portable devices 200) side is referred to as an upstream side (upstream side), and a sink device (digital television 100) side is referred to as a downstream side (downstream side).
  • 1 and 2 show a configuration in which the mobile device 200, that is, the source device is connected to the upstream side, but other repeater devices may be connected to the upstream side.
  • 1 and 2 show a configuration in which the digital television 100, that is, a sink device is connected to the downstream side, but other repeater devices may be connected to the downstream side. Therefore, hereinafter, devices connected to the upstream side of the repeater device 400 are referred to as upstream-side connected devices including the mobile device 200, other source devices, and other repeater devices.
  • Devices connected to the downstream side may be referred to as downstream-side connected devices including the digital TV 100 and other repeater devices.
  • the management information 406 includes an address indicating the position of the repeater device 400 on the MHL topology and model information. As the model information, “repeater device” is set. Management information is stored in the capability register. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management information may be stored in a storage medium such as a memory.
  • the model information is stored in each capability register of a source device such as the portable terminal 200 and a sink device such as the digital TV 100 with settings corresponding to each device.
  • the model information of the source device such as the portable terminal 200 is set to “source device”, and the model information of the sink device such as the digital TV 100 is set to “sink device”.
  • the communication unit 401 requests model information from a plurality of connected devices on the upstream side and a plurality of connected devices on the downstream side, and receives model information stored in the capability register of each connected device as a response.
  • the communication unit 401 receives device list data described later from the connected device, that is, another repeater device. Receive.
  • the communication unit 401 receives various RCP commands from the digital television 100 which is a sink device.
  • the communication unit 401 transmits its device list data to the digital television 100.
  • the communication unit 401 sends the RCP command from the port 408 of the port number to the source device (mobile phone) connected to the port. Terminal 200).
  • the communication unit 401 functions as a first transmission unit and a first reception unit.
  • the determination unit 402 determines whether the device information received from the downstream-side connected device by the communication unit 401 is “sink device” or “repeater device”. Further, the determination unit 402 determines whether the device information received from the upstream-side connected device by the communication unit 401 is a “source device” or a “repeater device”.
  • the address determination unit 403 determines an address that is a position in its own MHL topology based on the device information received from the downstream-side connected device by the communication unit 401 and the device information received from the upstream-side connected device. .
  • the address of each device is first determined by the sink device in the network of the sink device, repeater device, and source device, and then that address is used.
  • the address is not first determined on the sink device side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the repeater device acquires the model information of the connected device and determines its own address based on the model information. The address is determined.
  • the device list management unit 404 generates, updates, and manages the device list data 405.
  • the device list data 405 is data indicating a list of connected devices on the upstream side of the repeater device 400. As shown in FIG. 3, the device list data 405 is registered in association with the address of the repeater device 400, the port number of the port to which the connected device is connected, and the connected device ID for identifying the connected device. The Here, the device list data 405 can search for a record registered using a port number as a key.
  • the device list data 405 is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory.
  • HDD hard disk drive
  • the function list management unit 404 transmits the model information to the device list data 405. That is, the port number of the port connected to the mobile terminal 200, the connected device ID of the mobile terminal 200, and the address of the repeater device 400 are added in association with each other. If already registered, it is updated when there is a change.
  • the function list management unit 404 determines that the model information acquired from the upstream-side connected device by the determining unit 402 is “repeater device”, and the communication unit 401 determines another repeater that is the connected device.
  • the device list data in the other repeater device is received from the device, the port number of the port to which the other repeater device is connected and its own address are added in association with the received device list information.
  • the input switching unit 407 activates the port number specified by the input switching command.
  • the digital television 100 of this embodiment includes an antenna 2, a tuner 3 for receiving digital broadcasting, a signal processing unit 4, a video processing unit 5, a display processing unit 6, and a display unit. 7, audio processing unit 8, speaker 9, control unit 10, communication line 11, RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), ROM 13 (Read Only Memory), operation unit 14, light receiving unit 15, input An output control unit 16 and a communication unit 17 are mainly provided.
  • the antenna 2 receives digital broadcasts such as BS, CS, and terrestrial waves.
  • the tuner 3 selects a viewing channel designated by the user.
  • the signal processing unit 4 extracts and processes the signal demodulated by the tuner 3 and the signal input from the input / output control unit 16 as various digital signals.
  • the signal processing unit 4 separates the input signal into a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs the video signal to the video processing unit 5 and the audio signal to the audio processing unit 8.
  • the video processing unit 5 performs processing for adjusting the video signal input from the signal processing unit 4 to the correct screen size, processing for removing noise included in the video signal, and the like as image quality processing for improving the image quality of the video.
  • the display processing unit 6 performs processing for displaying the video signal output from the video processing unit 5 on the display unit 7. Further, the display processing unit 6 further superimposes OSD (On-Screen Display) display such as character information on the video signal output from the video processing unit 5.
  • OSD On-Screen Display
  • the display unit 7 displays the video signal on the screen. Then, the user views the television image by viewing the screen of the display unit 7.
  • the audio processing unit 8 performs acoustic processing and amplifies the audio signal.
  • the speaker 9 outputs an audio signal as audio. The user listens to the television sound by listening to the sound from the speaker 9.
  • the control unit 10 controls each unit of the digital television 100.
  • the control unit 10 is a processing unit capable of sequence processing.
  • the control unit 10 outputs a control signal to each unit of the digital television 100 by developing the program stored in the ROM 13 in the RAM 12 and sequentially executing the program. Central control of movement.
  • the communication line 11 connects the tuner 3, the signal processing unit 4, the video processing unit 5, the display processing unit 6, the audio processing unit 8, and the control unit 10 to each other, and the control unit 10, the tuner 3, and the signal processing unit 4. Data is exchanged among the video processing unit 5, the display processing unit 6, and the audio processing unit 8.
  • the communication line 11 may be IIC-BUS or the like.
  • the RAM 12 and ROM 13 store various data, and these data are exchanged with the control unit 10.
  • the operation unit 14 is a switch that receives a user operation instruction.
  • the light receiving unit 15 receives a signal transmitted from the remote controller 40 that has received a user operation instruction.
  • the user can operate the digital television 100 and each device connected to the digital television 100 by operating various buttons and keys of the remote controller 40.
  • the communication unit 17 has a function of communicating with a server connected via a network such as the Internet, requests information from the server, and receives information transmitted from the server.
  • the input / output control unit 16 is connected to the repeater device 400 and transmits / receives data to / from the repeater device 400.
  • the input / output control unit 16 functions as a second transmission unit and a second reception unit.
  • the input / output control unit 16 transmits an RCP command to the repeater device 400.
  • the input / output control unit 16 receives device list data managed by the repeater device 400 from the repeater device 400 as a response.
  • the input / output control unit 16 includes the port number corresponding to the device ID of the portable device 200 or other sink device desired to be accessed by the user and the address of the repeater device 400 in the device list data. Then, various RCP commands are transmitted to the repeater device 400.
  • the communication unit 401 acquires model information from the connected device on the downstream side (downstream side) (step S11). Then, the determination unit 402 determines the content of the model information of the downstream side connected device acquired in step S11 (step S12).
  • step S12 sink device
  • the address determination unit 403 recognizes that the sink device is the downstream end of the MHL topology, and the repeater device 400 It is determined that the position in the MHL topology is the position immediately before the downstream end, and an address indicating the position upstream of the downstream end is determined (step S13).
  • the address determination unit 403 sets “1.0.0 as an address indicating a position upstream from the downstream end. .1 ".
  • the address determination method is not limited to this.
  • step S12 when it is determined in step S12 that the model information is “repeater device” (step S12: repeater device), the communication unit 401 reads from the capability register of the other repeater device that is the connected device. The address of another repeater device is acquired (step S14). Then, the address determination unit 403 determines the address of its own repeater device 400 from the addresses of other repeater devices (step S15).
  • the address determination unit 403 determines an address indicating one upstream position from the acquired position of another repeater device. For example, in the example in which the address of another repeater device is “1.0.0.1”, the address determination unit 403 uses “1.0.0.1” as an address indicating a position one upstream side from the downstream end. 0.2 ". However, the address determination method is not limited to this.
  • steps S16 to S20 is repeatedly executed for all the connected devices connected to the upstream side (upstream side) of the repeater device 400.
  • step S16 the communication unit 401 acquires model information from the connected device on the upstream side (upstream side) (step S16). Then, the determination unit 402 determines the content of the model information of the upstream side connected device acquired in step S16 (step S17).
  • the device list management unit 404 recognizes that the source device is the upstream terminal of the MHL topology, and repeater device 400.
  • the position in the MHL topology is determined to be a position immediately before the downstream end, and the port number of the port 408 to which the connection device (portable device 200) as the source device is connected to the device list data 405,
  • the device ID of the source device and the address of the repeater device 400 are associated with each other, and a new record is added or an existing record with the same port number is updated (step S18). If the device list data 405 itself does not exist, the device list management unit 404 generates the device list data and then performs the registration.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the MHL topology according to the first embodiment.
  • a repeater device RPTA
  • the source device SRC 1 is connected to the port of port number 10 of the repeater device (RPTA)
  • the source device SRC2
  • a repeater device RPTB
  • the source device SRC10 is connected to the port of port number 50 of the repeater device (RPTB)
  • the source device SRC20 is connected to the port of port number 60, respectively.
  • the address of the repeater device (RPTA) is determined to be “1.0.0.1” and the address of the repeater device (RPTB) is determined to be “1.0.0.2”.
  • the device list management unit 404 As a result of executing steps S17 and S18 in the repeater device (RPTA), the device list management unit 404 generates device list data shown in FIG. In the device list data 405 shown in FIG. 7, the source device (SRC1) is associated with the port number 10 and the source device (SRC2) is associated with the port number 20, together with the address of the repeater device (RPTA).
  • step S ⁇ b> 17 repeater device
  • the communication unit 401 receives the connection device, that is, another repeater device from the relevant device.
  • Device list data stored in another repeater device is acquired (step S19).
  • the device list management unit 404 adds the port number of the port connected to the other repeater device and the address of its own repeater device 400 in association with the device list data acquired in step S19 (step S20). .
  • the device list management unit 404 will manage this device list data as its own device list data 405.
  • the device list management unit 404 acquires the device list data of the other repeater devices acquired in step S19 and added or updated in step S20, and After own device list data 405 is merged, it is managed as own device list data 405.
  • the repeater device (RPTB) is connected to the port of port number 30 of the repeater device (RPTA). It is assumed that the repeater device (RPTB) holds the device list data shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the device list data of the repeater device (RPTB), the source device (SRC10) is associated with the port number 50 and the source device (SRC20) is associated with the port number 50 together with the address of the repeater device (RPTB). It has been.
  • the communication unit 401 of the repeater device (RPTA) acquires the device list data illustrated in FIG. 8 from the repeater device (RPTB), and the device The list management unit 404 associates the device list data with the port number 30 of the port to which the repeater device (RPTB) is connected and the address “1.0.0.1” of its own repeater device (RPTA). to add. Then, the device list management unit 404 merges the device list data with the device list data shown in FIG. 7 already held in the repeater device (RPTA), and as a result, generates the device list data shown in FIG. To do.
  • the input / output control unit 16 transmits a device list request command to the repeater device 400 (step S30).
  • the communication unit 401 receives the device list request command, it transmits device list data 405 to the sink device as a response (step S31).
  • the input / output control unit 16 receives the device list data 405, and the display processing unit 6 causes the user to select a desired source device to be accessed from the list of source devices registered in the device list data 405.
  • a source device selection screen is displayed on the display unit 7. As shown in FIG. 11, a list of device IDs of source devices registered in the device list data 405 is displayed on the source device selection screen.
  • the input / output control unit 16 of the digital television 100 receives the selection via the light receiving unit 15 (step S33). Then, the input / output control unit 16 transmits, to the repeater device 400, an input switching command specifying the port number corresponding to the device ID of the selected source device and the address of the repeater device in the device list data 405 (step S34). .
  • the input switching unit 407 activates the port of the port number specified by the input switching command (step S35).
  • the input / output control unit 16 of the digital television 100 transmits a desired RCP command to the repeater device 400 (step S36).
  • the communication unit 401 when the communication unit 401 receives this RCP command, the received RCP command is transferred from the port activated in step S35 to the source device (mobile device 200) connected to the port ( Step S37). As described above, the digital television 100 can transmit the RCP command to a desired source device.
  • the repeater device 400 acquires model information from each of the downstream-side connected device and all the upstream-side connected devices, determines its own address based on the model information, Device list data 405 that is a list of one or more connected devices on the downstream side is generated, and the device list data is transmitted to the digital television 100 that is a sink device. Then, the repeater device 400 activates the port having the port number designated by the sink device and transfers the RCP command received from the sink device from the activated port to the source device. For this reason, in the present embodiment, since the sink device can grasp and access all the source devices connected to the repeater device 400, the sink device can transmit one-to-many RCP commands from the source device. It becomes possible, and a plurality of source devices can be controlled smoothly.
  • the repeater device determines its own address based on the model information of the connected device and includes this address.
  • Device list data 405 is generated and transmitted to the sink device. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, on the sink device side, it is possible to easily grasp the repeater device and a plurality of source devices connected to the repeater device.
  • the configurations of the repeater device 400 and the digital television 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
  • the device list data 405 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • the repeat device 400 detects and notifies the disconnection in the process of communication processing in which its own address is determined and the device list data 405 is registered.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the repeater device according to the second embodiment. Since the processing up to step S50 is performed in the same manner as the processing from step S11 to S15 in the communication processing of the first embodiment, it is omitted in FIG.
  • step S50 the communication unit 401 accesses the connected device on the upstream side (upstream side) and determines whether or not access is possible (step S50). If the access can be made (step S50: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16, and thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.
  • step S50 when the communication unit 401 cannot access the connected device in step S50 (step S50: No), the device list management unit 404 displays the port number and repeater of the port to which the connected device that could not be connected is connected. A record including the address of the device 400 and the device ID of the connected device is deleted from the device list data 405 and updated (step S51).
  • the communication unit 401 transmits the updated device list data 405 to the digital television 100 that is a sink device (step S52). If the device list data 405 has not yet been generated, the communication unit 401 displays the port number of the port connected to the connection device that could not be connected, the address of the repeater device 400, and the device ID of the connection device. It transmits to the digital television 100.
  • the repeater device 400 may be configured to detect disconnection of the source device.
  • FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure between the repeater device and the sink device according to the second embodiment.
  • the processing from step S30 to S36 is the same as in the first embodiment.
  • the communication unit 401 of the repeater device 400 receives the RPC command transmitted in step S36 and transmits the RCP command to the source device from the port having the port number specified by the RCP command (step S37), but the source device can be accessed. If not, the repeater device 400 determines that the source device is disconnected.
  • the device list management unit 404 deletes the record including the port number of the port to which the source device that could not be connected, the address of the repeater device 400, and the device ID of the connected device is deleted from the device list data 405 and updated. (Step S61). Then, the communication unit 401 transmits the updated device list data 405 to the digital television 100 that is a sink device (step S62).
  • the detection and the notification that the source device is disconnected are performed.
  • the device can grasp the source device that is disconnected and cannot be accessed, the port number to which the source device is connected, and the address of the repeater device 400.
  • the repeater device 400 deletes, from the device list data 405, a record including the port number of the port to which the source device that could not be connected, the address of the repeater device 400, and the device ID of the connected device.
  • the updated device list data 405 is transmitted to the sink device. Regardless of the presence of the device list data 405, the port number of the port to which the connected device that could not be connected is connected, the address of the repeater device 400,
  • the communication unit 401 may be configured to transmit the device ID of the connected device to the digital television 100.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.
  • various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Abstract

A communication system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a transmission apparatus and a relay apparatus connected between the transmission apparatus and each of a plurality of reception apparatuses. The relay apparatus comprises a first reception unit, a device list management unit and a first transmission unit. The first reception unit receives, from the plurality of reception apparatuses, the respective pieces of model information thereof. The device list management unit generates, for each of a plurality of pieces of port identification information for identifying the respective ones of ports to which the respective ones of the plurality of reception apparatuses are connected, a respective piece of device list information obtained by associating a respective piece of device identification information for identifying the respective one of the reception apparatuses with a piece of position information related to the position of the relay apparatus. The first transmission unit transmits the pieces of device list information to the transmission apparatus. The transmission apparatus transmits, to the relay apparatus, a command that designates the piece of port identification information corresponding, in the pieces of device list information, to the piece of device identification information of one of the reception apparatuses to be accessed and that also designates the piece of the position information of the relay apparatus.

Description

通信システムおよび方法Communication system and method
　本発明の実施形態は、通信システムおよび方法に関する。 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a communication system and method.
　近年、高精細な映像を表示可能なスマートフォン、タブレット等の携帯機器が普及してきており、このような携帯機器の高機能化に応えるべく、携帯機器とテレビジョン等の間の映像伝送技術として、例えば、ＭＨＬ（Ｍｏｂｉｌｅ　Ｈｉｇｈ－Ｄｅｆｉｎｉｔｉｏｎ　Ｌｉｎｋ）等の規格が考案されている。このＭＨＬ規格においては、ソース機器である携帯機器と、シンク機器であるテレビジョンの間に、アンプ等のリピータ機器を接続することが可能である。このようなリピータ機器には、複数のソース機器の接続も可能となっている。 In recent years, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets capable of displaying high-definition video have become widespread, and as a video transmission technology between mobile devices and televisions, etc. in order to respond to the higher functionality of such mobile devices, For example, standards such as MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) have been devised. In the MHL standard, a repeater device such as an amplifier can be connected between a portable device that is a source device and a television that is a sink device. A plurality of source devices can be connected to such a repeater device.
　また、ＭＨＬ規格では、互いに接続された機器間での遠隔操作をリモートコマンドの送受信で実現可能にするためのＲＣＰ（Ｒｅｍｏｔｅ　Ｃｏｎｔｒｏｌ　Ｐｒｏｔｏｃｏｌ）が定義されている。シンク機器がＲＣＰの制御コマンドをソース機器に送信し、ソース機器がＲＣＰコマンドを実行することで、機器間での遠隔操作が可能となる。 In the MHL standard, RCP (Remote Control Protocol) is defined to enable remote operation between devices connected to each other by transmitting and receiving remote commands. The sink device transmits an RCP control command to the source device, and the source device executes the RCP command, thereby enabling remote operation between the devices.
特表２０１１－５２４０９６号公報Special table 2011-524096 gazette 特開平１０－２２４７５３号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-224753 特開２０１１－２４８８９１号公報JP 2011-248891 A
　しかしながら、ＭＨＬ規格では、シンク機器とソース機器とが１：１で接続されることが定義されているだけであり、シンク機器とソース機器とをリピータ機器を介在させて多一対多で接続した場合には、シンク機器から、複数のソース機器の全てに制御コマンドを送信できないという問題がある。 However, the MHL standard only defines that the sink device and the source device are connected at a ratio of 1: 1, and when the sink device and the source device are connected in a many-to-many manner with a repeater device interposed therebetween. Has a problem that a control command cannot be transmitted from the sink device to all of the plurality of source devices.
　本発明は、上記に鑑みてなされたものであって、シンク機器とソース機器とを一対多で接続した場合でも、ソース機器から複数のソース機器への制御コマンドの送信を可能とし、複数のソース機器を円滑に制御することが可能な通信システムおよび方法を提供することを主な目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above, and enables transmission of a control command from a source device to a plurality of source devices even when the sink device and the source device are connected in a one-to-many manner. It is a main object of the present invention to provide a communication system and method capable of smoothly controlling the above.
　実施の形態の通信システムは、コマンドを送信する送信装置と、前記送信装置と前記コマンドを受信して実行する複数の受信装置との間に接続された中継装置と、を備えた。前記中継装置は、第１受信部と、機器リスト管理部と、第１送信部とを備えている。前記第１受信部は、前記複数の受信装置のそれぞれから各装置の機種情報を受信する。前記機器リスト管理部は、前記複数の受信装置のそれぞれを接続するポートを識別するためのポート識別情報ごとに、前記受信装置を識別するための機器識別情報と、前記中継装置の位置に関する位置情報とを対応付けた機器リスト情報を生成する。前記第１送信部は、前記機器リスト情報を前記送信装置に送信する。前記送信装置は第２受信部と、第２送信部とを備えている。前記第２送信部は、前記機器リスト情報を受信する。前記第２送信部は、前記機器リスト情報において、アクセス対象の前記受信装置の前記機器識別情報に対応する前記ポート識別情報と、前記中継装置の位置情報とが指定された前記コマンドを前記中継装置に送信する。 The communication system according to the embodiment includes a transmission device that transmits a command, and a relay device that is connected between the transmission device and a plurality of reception devices that receive and execute the command. The relay device includes a first reception unit, a device list management unit, and a first transmission unit. The first receiving unit receives model information of each device from each of the plurality of receiving devices. The device list management unit includes, for each port identification information for identifying a port connecting each of the plurality of reception devices, device identification information for identifying the reception device and position information regarding the position of the relay device Device list information is generated. The first transmission unit transmits the device list information to the transmission device. The transmission device includes a second reception unit and a second transmission unit. The second transmission unit receives the device list information. The second transmission unit receives the command in which the port identification information corresponding to the device identification information of the receiving device to be accessed and the location information of the relay device are specified in the device list information. Send to.
図１は、実施形態１の通信システムの構成図である。FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system according to the first embodiment. 図２は、実施形態１のリピータ機器の機能的構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the repeater device according to the first embodiment. 図３は、実施形態１の機器リストデータの一例を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment. 図４は、実施形態１にかかるデジタルテレビの構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital television according to the first embodiment. 図５は、実施形態１のリピータ機器による通信処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the repeater device according to the first embodiment. 図６は、実施形態１のＭＨＬトポロジの一例を示す図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the MHL topology according to the first embodiment. 図７は、実施形態１の機器リストデータの一例を示す図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment. 図８は、実施形態１の機器リストデータの一例を示す図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment. 図９は、実施形態１の機器リストデータの一例を示す図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of device list data according to the first embodiment. 図１０は、実施形態１のシンク機器とリピータ機器による通信処理の手順を示すシーケンス図である。FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the sink device and the repeater device according to the first embodiment. 図１１は、実施形態１のソース機器選択画面の一例を示す図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a source device selection screen according to the first embodiment. 図１２は、リピータ機器に接続されたソース機器が非接続になった例を示す図である。FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a source device connected to a repeater device is disconnected. 図１３は、実施形態２のリピータ機器による通信処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the repeater device according to the second embodiment. 図１４は、実施形態２のリピータ機器とシンク機器の通信処理の手順を示すシーケンス図である。FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure between the repeater device and the sink device according to the second embodiment.
　以下、添付図面を参照して実施形態の通信システムおよび方法を詳細に説明する。本実施形態の通信システムは、図１に示すように、複数の携帯機器２００ａ～２００ｎとデジタルテレビ１００と、リピータ機器４００とがＭＨＬケーブル３００で接続された構成となっている。 Hereinafter, a communication system and method according to embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system of this embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n, a digital television 100, and a repeater device 400 are connected by an MHL cable 300.
（実施形態１）
　本実施形態では、複数の携帯機器２００ａ～２００ｎとデジタルテレビ１００との間のリピータ機器４００を介した映像伝送は、ＭＨＬ規格に準拠して実現している。より具体的には、本実施形態では、複数の携帯機器２００ａ～２００ｎがソース機器、デジタルテレビ１００がシンク機器となり、複数の携帯機器２００ａ～２００ｎから、リピータ機器４００を介して映像データをＭＨＬケーブル３００でデジタルテレビ１００にＭＨＬ規格のプロトコルで送信する。 (Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, video transmission via the repeater device 400 between the plurality of mobile devices 200a to 200n and the digital television 100 is realized in conformity with the MHL standard. More specifically, in the present embodiment, a plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n serve as source devices, and the digital television 100 serves as a sink device, and video data is transferred from the plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n via the repeater device 400. At 300, the data is transmitted to the digital television 100 using the protocol of the MHL standard.
　そして、本実施の形態では、リモートコントローラ４０のデジタルテレビ１００に対する操作により、デジタルテレビ１００から複数の携帯機器２００ａ～２００ｎを遠隔操作することが可能となっており、この遠隔操作をＲＣＰコマンドで実現している。本実施の形態では、複数の携帯機器２００ａ～２００ｎのそれぞれが受信装置として機能し、デジタルテレビ１００が送信装置として機能する。また、リピータ機器４００が中継機器として機能する。デジタルテレビ１００がリモートコマンドであるＲＣＰコマンドをリピータ機器４００を介して複数の携帯機器２００に送信し、携帯機器２００がＲＣＰコマンドを受信して実行する。なお、これ以降、複数の携帯機器２００ａ～２００ｎを総称して、複数の携帯機器２００と呼ぶ。 In this embodiment, it is possible to remotely control a plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n from the digital television 100 by operating the remote controller 40 on the digital television 100. This remote operation is realized by an RCP command. is doing. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of portable devices 200a to 200n functions as a receiving device, and the digital television 100 functions as a transmitting device. Further, the repeater device 400 functions as a relay device. The digital television 100 transmits an RCP command, which is a remote command, to the plurality of portable devices 200 via the repeater device 400, and the portable device 200 receives and executes the RCP command. Hereinafter, the plurality of mobile devices 200a to 200n are collectively referred to as a plurality of mobile devices 200.
　本実施形態では通信装置（送信装置）として、デジタル放送の受信用チューナを搭載するデジタルテレビ１００を例にあげて説明する。ただし、デジタルテレビ１００に限定されるものではなく、放送波を受信するチューナを備え、映像を処理して外部接続された表示装置に出力するハードディスクレコーダやセットトップボックス等の機器であってもよいし、あるいはチューナを備えず、外部チューナから映像や音声が入力されるモニター等であっても良い。また、送信装置として、デジタルテレビ１００やハードディスクレコーダやセットトップボックス等の機器以外の機器を用いてもよい。 In the present embodiment, a digital television 100 equipped with a digital broadcast receiving tuner will be described as an example of a communication device (transmission device). However, the present invention is not limited to the digital television 100, and may be a device such as a hard disk recorder or a set top box that includes a tuner that receives broadcast waves, processes video, and outputs it to an externally connected display device. Alternatively, a monitor that does not include a tuner and that receives video and audio from an external tuner may be used. Moreover, you may use apparatuses other than apparatuses, such as the digital television 100, a hard-disk recorder, and a set top box, as a transmission apparatus.
　また、受信装置として携帯機器２００を例に挙げているが、これに限定されるものではなく、携帯機器２００以外の装置を受信装置として用いてもよい。 In addition, although the portable device 200 is exemplified as a receiving device, the present invention is not limited to this, and a device other than the portable device 200 may be used as the receiving device.
　さらに、本実施の形態では、携帯機器２００をソース機器、デジタルテレビ１００をシンク機器としているが、これも一例であり、この組み合わせに限定されるものではない。 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the portable device 200 is the source device and the digital television 100 is the sink device, but this is also an example, and the present invention is not limited to this combination.
　本実施形態のリピータ機器４００は、例えば、アンプ等が該当するがこれに限定されるものではない。本実施形態のリピータ機器４００は、図２に示すように、通信部４０１と、判断部４０２と、アドレス決定部４０３と、機器リスト管理部４０４と、入力切替え部４０７と、機器リストデータ４０５と、管理情報４０６とを主に備えている。リピータ機器４００は、複数のソース機器（本実施形態では、携帯端末２００等）のそれぞれがポート４０８に接続されている。ここで、リピータ機器４００を中心にして、複数のソース機器（携帯機器２００）側をアップストリーム側（上流側）といい、シンク装置（デジタルテレビ１００）側をダウンストリーム側（下流側）という。 The repeater device 400 of this embodiment corresponds to, for example, an amplifier, but is not limited to this. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the repeater device 400 according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit 401, a determination unit 402, an address determination unit 403, a device list management unit 404, an input switching unit 407, and device list data 405. Management information 406 is mainly provided. In the repeater device 400, each of a plurality of source devices (such as the portable terminal 200 in this embodiment) is connected to the port 408. Here, with the repeater device 400 as a center, a plurality of source devices (portable devices 200) side is referred to as an upstream side (upstream side), and a sink device (digital television 100) side is referred to as a downstream side (downstream side).
　図１、２では、アップストリーム側には携帯機器２００、すなわちソース機器が接続されている構成を示しているが、アップストリーム側に他のリピータ機器が接続されている場合もある。また、図１、２では、ダウンストリーム側にはデジタルテレビ１００、すなわち、シンク機器が接続されている構成を示しているが、ダウンストリーム側に他のリピータ機器が接続されている場合もある。このため、これ以降、リピータ機器４００のアップストーム側に接続されている機器を、携帯機器２００や他のソース機器、他のリピータ機器も含めてアップストリーム側の接続機器と呼び、リピータ機器４００のダウンストーム側に接続されている機器をデジタルテレビ１００や他のリピータ機器も含めてダウンストリーム側の接続機器と呼ぶ場合がある。 1 and 2 show a configuration in which the mobile device 200, that is, the source device is connected to the upstream side, but other repeater devices may be connected to the upstream side. 1 and 2 show a configuration in which the digital television 100, that is, a sink device is connected to the downstream side, but other repeater devices may be connected to the downstream side. Therefore, hereinafter, devices connected to the upstream side of the repeater device 400 are referred to as upstream-side connected devices including the mobile device 200, other source devices, and other repeater devices. Devices connected to the downstream side may be referred to as downstream-side connected devices including the digital TV 100 and other repeater devices.
　管理情報４０６は、リピータ機器４００のＭＨＬトポロジ上の位置を示すアドレスと、機種情報とから構成される。機種情報としては、「リピータ機器」が設定されている。管理情報は、ケーパビリティレジスタに保存されている。ただし、これに限定されるものではなく、メモリ等の記憶媒体に管理情報を保存するように構成してもよい。 The management information 406 includes an address indicating the position of the repeater device 400 on the MHL topology and model information. As the model information, “repeater device” is set. Management information is stored in the capability register. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the management information may be stored in a storage medium such as a memory.
　ここで、機種情報は、リピータ機器４００の他、携帯端末２００等のソース機器、デジタルテレビ１００等のシンク機器の各ケーパビリティレジスタにもそれぞれの機器に応じた設定で保存されている。携帯端末２００等のソース機器の機種情報は「ソース機器」に設定され、デジタルテレビ１００等のシンク機器の機種情報は「シンク機器」に設定されている。 Here, in addition to the repeater device 400, the model information is stored in each capability register of a source device such as the portable terminal 200 and a sink device such as the digital TV 100 with settings corresponding to each device. The model information of the source device such as the portable terminal 200 is set to “source device”, and the model information of the sink device such as the digital TV 100 is set to “sink device”.
　通信部４０１は、アップストリーム側の接続機器とダウンストリーム側の複数の接続機器に機種情報を要求して、その応答として各接続機器のケーパビリティレジスタに保存されている機種情報を受信する。また、通信部４０１は、後述する判断部４０２により、アップストリーム側の接続機器から取得した機種情報が「リピータ機器」である場合に、当該接続機器、すなわち他のリピータ機器から後述する機器リストデータを受信する。 The communication unit 401 requests model information from a plurality of connected devices on the upstream side and a plurality of connected devices on the downstream side, and receives model information stored in the capability register of each connected device as a response. In addition, when the model information acquired from the upstream-side connected device is “repeater device” by the determination unit 402 described later, the communication unit 401 receives device list data described later from the connected device, that is, another repeater device. Receive.
　また、通信部４０１は、シンク機器であるデジタルテレビ１００から、各種ＲＣＰコマンドを受信する。通信部４０１は、受信したＲＣＰコマンドが機器リスト要求コマンドである場合には、自己の機器リストデータを、デジタルテレビ１００に送信する。また、通信部４０１は、受信したＲＣＰコマンドに、ポート４０８を識別するためのポート番号の指定がある場合には、ポート番号のポート４０８からＲＣＰコマンドを、当該ポートに接続されたソース機器（携帯端末２００）に送信する。通信部４０１は、第１送信部、第１受信部として機能する。 Further, the communication unit 401 receives various RCP commands from the digital television 100 which is a sink device. When the received RCP command is a device list request command, the communication unit 401 transmits its device list data to the digital television 100. When the received RCP command includes a port number for identifying the port 408, the communication unit 401 sends the RCP command from the port 408 of the port number to the source device (mobile phone) connected to the port. Terminal 200). The communication unit 401 functions as a first transmission unit and a first reception unit.
　判断部４０２は、通信部４０１によってダウンストリーム側の接続機器から受信した機器情報が「シンク機器」であるか、「リピータ機器」であるかを判断する。また、判断部４０２は、通信部４０１によってアップストリーム側の接続機器から受信した機器情報が「ソース機器」であるか、「リピータ機器」であるかを判断する。 The determination unit 402 determines whether the device information received from the downstream-side connected device by the communication unit 401 is “sink device” or “repeater device”. Further, the determination unit 402 determines whether the device information received from the upstream-side connected device by the communication unit 401 is a “source device” or a “repeater device”.
　アドレス決定部４０３は、通信部４０１によってダウンストリーム側の接続機器から受信した機器情報、およびアップストリーム側の接続機器から受信した機器情報に基づいて、自身のＭＨＬトポロジにおける位置であるアドレスを決定する。すなわち、ＨＤＭＩ（Ｈｉｇｈ－Ｄｅｆｉｎｉｔｉｏｎ　Ｍｕｌｔｉｍｅｄｉａ　Ｉｎｔｅｒｆａｃｅ）（登録商標）規格においては、シンク機器、リピータ機器、ソース機器のネットワークにおいて、シンク機器により最初に各機器のアドレスが決定され、その後はそのアドレスが使用される。これに対し、ＭＨＬ規格では、ＨＤＭＩ規格とは異なり最初にシンク機器側でアドレスが決定されないため、本実施形態では、リピータ機器が接続機器の機種情報を取得して、機種情報に基づいて自己のアドレスを決定している。 The address determination unit 403 determines an address that is a position in its own MHL topology based on the device information received from the downstream-side connected device by the communication unit 401 and the device information received from the upstream-side connected device. . In other words, in the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard, the address of each device is first determined by the sink device in the network of the sink device, repeater device, and source device, and then that address is used. The On the other hand, in the MHL standard, unlike the HDMI standard, the address is not first determined on the sink device side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the repeater device acquires the model information of the connected device and determines its own address based on the model information. The address is determined.
　機器リスト管理部４０４は、機器リストデータ４０５を生成、更新、管理する。ここで、機器リストデータ４０５は、リピータ機器４００のアップストリーム側の接続機器の一覧を示すデータである。図３に示すように、機器リストデータ４０５は、リピータ機器４００のアドレスと、接続機器が接続されるポートのポート番号と、接続機器を識別するための接続機器ＩＤとが対応付けられて登録される。ここで、機器リストデータ４０５は、ポート番号をキーとして登録されているレコードを検索可能となっている。機器リストデータ４０５は、ハードディスクドライブ装置（ＨＤＤ）やメモリ等の記憶媒体に保存される。 The device list management unit 404 generates, updates, and manages the device list data 405. Here, the device list data 405 is data indicating a list of connected devices on the upstream side of the repeater device 400. As shown in FIG. 3, the device list data 405 is registered in association with the address of the repeater device 400, the port number of the port to which the connected device is connected, and the connected device ID for identifying the connected device. The Here, the device list data 405 can search for a record registered using a port number as a key. The device list data 405 is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory.
　機能リスト管理部４０４は、判断部４０２によって、アップストリーム側の接続機器から取得した機種情報が「ソース機器」であると判断された場合に、機器リストデータ４０５に、機種情報を送信した接続機器、すなわち携帯端末２００に接続されたポートのポート番号と、当該携帯端末２００の接続機器ＩＤと、リピータ機器４００のアドレスとを対応付けて追加する。なお、既に登録されている場合には、変更がある場合に更新される。 When the determination unit 402 determines that the model information acquired from the connected device on the upstream side is the “source device”, the function list management unit 404 transmits the model information to the device list data 405. That is, the port number of the port connected to the mobile terminal 200, the connected device ID of the mobile terminal 200, and the address of the repeater device 400 are added in association with each other. If already registered, it is updated when there is a change.
　また、機能リスト管理部４０４は、判断部４０２によってアップストリーム側の接続機器から取得した機種情報が「リピータ機器」であると判断された場合で、通信部４０１によって当該接続機器である他のリピータ機器から当該他のリピータ機器における機器リストデータを受信した場合に、受信した機器リスト情報に、他のリピータ機器を接続するポートのポート番号と、自己のアドレスとを対応付けて追加する。 The function list management unit 404 determines that the model information acquired from the upstream-side connected device by the determining unit 402 is “repeater device”, and the communication unit 401 determines another repeater that is the connected device. When the device list data in the other repeater device is received from the device, the port number of the port to which the other repeater device is connected and its own address are added in association with the received device list information.
　入力切替え部４０７は、通信部４０１によってデジタルテレビ１００から受信したＲＣＰコマンドが入力切替えコマンドである場合には、入力切替えコマンドで指定されたポート番号をアクティブにする。 When the RCP command received from the digital television 100 by the communication unit 401 is an input switching command, the input switching unit 407 activates the port number specified by the input switching command.
　次に、本実施形態のデジタルテレビ１００の詳細について説明する。図４に示すように、本実施形態のデジタルテレビ１００は、アンテナ２と、デジタル放送の受信用のチューナ３と、信号処理部４と、映像処理部５と、表示処理部６と、表示部７と、音声処理部８と、スピーカー９と、制御部１０と、通信ライン１１と、ＲＡＭ１２（Ｒａｎｄｏｍ　Ａｃｃｅｓｓ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）と、ＲＯＭ１３（Ｒｅａｄ　Ｏｎｌｙ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ）と、操作部１４と、受光部１５と、入出力制御部１６と、通信部１７とを主に備えている。 Next, details of the digital television 100 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the digital television 100 of this embodiment includes an antenna 2, a tuner 3 for receiving digital broadcasting, a signal processing unit 4, a video processing unit 5, a display processing unit 6, and a display unit. 7, audio processing unit 8, speaker 9, control unit 10, communication line 11, RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), ROM 13 (Read Only Memory), operation unit 14, light receiving unit 15, input An output control unit 16 and a communication unit 17 are mainly provided.
　アンテナ２は、ＢＳ、ＣＳ、地上波等のデジタル放送を受信する。チューナ３は、ユーザが指示した視聴用のチャンネルを選局する。信号処理部４は、制御部１０の制御のもと、チューナ３で復調された信号や入出力制御部１６より入力された信号を様々なデジタル信号として取り出し処理する。また、信号処理部４では、入力された信号を映像信号と音声信号とに分離し、映像信号を映像処理部５へ、音声信号を音声処理部８へ出力する。 The antenna 2 receives digital broadcasts such as BS, CS, and terrestrial waves. The tuner 3 selects a viewing channel designated by the user. Under the control of the control unit 10, the signal processing unit 4 extracts and processes the signal demodulated by the tuner 3 and the signal input from the input / output control unit 16 as various digital signals. The signal processing unit 4 separates the input signal into a video signal and an audio signal, and outputs the video signal to the video processing unit 5 and the audio signal to the audio processing unit 8.
　映像処理部５は、信号処理部４から入力した映像信号を正しい画面サイズに調整する処理や、映像についての画質を改善する画質処理として、映像信号に含まれるノイズを除去する処理等を行う。 The video processing unit 5 performs processing for adjusting the video signal input from the signal processing unit 4 to the correct screen size, processing for removing noise included in the video signal, and the like as image quality processing for improving the image quality of the video.
　表示処理部６は、映像処理部５から出力される映像信号を表示部７に表示する処理を行う。また、表示処理部６は、映像処理部５から出力される映像信号に対して、さらに文字情報等のＯＳＤ（Ｏｎ－Ｓｃｒｅｅｎ　Ｄｉｓｐｌａｙ）表示を重ねる。表示部７は、映像信号を画面に表示する。そして、ユーザは表示部７の画面を見ることにより、テレビ映像を見る。 The display processing unit 6 performs processing for displaying the video signal output from the video processing unit 5 on the display unit 7. Further, the display processing unit 6 further superimposes OSD (On-Screen Display) display such as character information on the video signal output from the video processing unit 5. The display unit 7 displays the video signal on the screen. Then, the user views the television image by viewing the screen of the display unit 7.
　音声処理部８は、音声信号を音響処理するとともに増幅する。スピーカー９は、音声信号を音声として出力する。そして、ユーザはスピーカー９からの音声を聴くことにより、テレビ音声を聴く。 The audio processing unit 8 performs acoustic processing and amplifies the audio signal. The speaker 9 outputs an audio signal as audio. The user listens to the television sound by listening to the sound from the speaker 9.
　制御部１０は、デジタルテレビ１００の各部を制御する。制御部１０は、シーケンス処理が可能なプロセッシングユニットであり、ＲＯＭ１３に記憶されたプログラムをＲＡＭ１２に展開して順次実行することで、デジタルテレビ１００の各部に制御信号を出力して、デジタルテレビ１００の動作を中央制御する。 The control unit 10 controls each unit of the digital television 100. The control unit 10 is a processing unit capable of sequence processing. The control unit 10 outputs a control signal to each unit of the digital television 100 by developing the program stored in the ROM 13 in the RAM 12 and sequentially executing the program. Central control of movement.
　通信ライン１１は、チューナ３、信号処理部４、映像処理部５、表示処理部６、音声処理部８、および、制御部１０を互いに接続し、制御部１０と、チューナ３、信号処理部４、映像処理部５、表示処理部６及び音声処理部８の間で、データの受け渡しを行う。通信ライン１１は、具体的にはＩＩＣ－ＢＵＳなどであってよい。ＲＡＭ１２およびＲＯＭ１３は、様々なデータを記憶しており、制御部１０との間で、これらのデータの受け渡しが行われる。 The communication line 11 connects the tuner 3, the signal processing unit 4, the video processing unit 5, the display processing unit 6, the audio processing unit 8, and the control unit 10 to each other, and the control unit 10, the tuner 3, and the signal processing unit 4. Data is exchanged among the video processing unit 5, the display processing unit 6, and the audio processing unit 8. Specifically, the communication line 11 may be IIC-BUS or the like. The RAM 12 and ROM 13 store various data, and these data are exchanged with the control unit 10.
　操作部１４は、ユーザの操作指示を受け付けるスイッチである。受光部１５は、ユーザの操作指示を受け付けたリモートコントローラ４０が発信する信号を受信する。ユーザは、リモートコントローラ４０の各種ボタンやキーを操作することで、デジタルテレビ１００及びデジタルテレビ１００と接続する各機器を操作することができる。 The operation unit 14 is a switch that receives a user operation instruction. The light receiving unit 15 receives a signal transmitted from the remote controller 40 that has received a user operation instruction. The user can operate the digital television 100 and each device connected to the digital television 100 by operating various buttons and keys of the remote controller 40.
　通信部１７は、インターネット等のネットワークを介して接続されたサーバと通信する機能を有し、該サーバに対して情報を要求するとともに、サーバから送信された情報を受信する。 The communication unit 17 has a function of communicating with a server connected via a network such as the Internet, requests information from the server, and receives information transmitted from the server.
　入出力制御部１６は、リピータ機器４００と接続され、リピータ機器４００とのデータの送受信を行う。入出力制御部１６は、第２送信部、第２受信部として機能する。入出力制御部１６は、リピータ機器４００に対してＲＣＰコマンドを送信する。また、入出力制御部１６は、ＲＣＰコマンドとして機器リスト要求コマンドをリピータ機器４００に送信した場合に、その応答としてリピータ機器４００から、リピータ機器４００で管理している機器リストデータを受信する。 The input / output control unit 16 is connected to the repeater device 400 and transmits / receives data to / from the repeater device 400. The input / output control unit 16 functions as a second transmission unit and a second reception unit. The input / output control unit 16 transmits an RCP command to the repeater device 400. When the device list request command is transmitted to the repeater device 400 as an RCP command, the input / output control unit 16 receives device list data managed by the repeater device 400 from the repeater device 400 as a response.
　また、入出力制御部１６は、機器リストデータおいて、ユーザから選択されたアクセスを希望する携帯機器２００や他のシンク機器の機器ＩＤに対応するポート番号と、リピータ機器４００のアドレスとを含めて、各種ＲＣＰコマンドをリピータ機器４００に送信する。 In addition, the input / output control unit 16 includes the port number corresponding to the device ID of the portable device 200 or other sink device desired to be accessed by the user and the address of the repeater device 400 in the device list data. Then, various RCP commands are transmitted to the repeater device 400.
　次に、以上のように構成された本実施形態の通信システムによる通信処理について説明する。まず、本実施形態のリピータ機器４００による通信処理について図５を用いて説明する。この図５の処理は、一定時間ごとに実行される。 Next, communication processing by the communication system of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, communication processing by the repeater device 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The processing of FIG. 5 is executed at regular time intervals.
　まず、通信部４０１は、ダウンストリーム側（下流側）の接続機器から機種情報を取得する（ステップＳ１１）。そして、判断部４０２は、ステップＳ１１で取得したダウンストリーム側の接続機器の機種情報の内容を判断する（ステップＳ１２）。 First, the communication unit 401 acquires model information from the connected device on the downstream side (downstream side) (step S11). Then, the determination unit 402 determines the content of the model information of the downstream side connected device acquired in step S11 (step S12).
　機種情報が「シンク機器」であると判断された場合には（ステップＳ１２：シンク機器）、アドレス決定部４０３は、シンク機器がＭＨＬトポロジの下流側終端であると認識して、リピータ機器４００のＭＨＬトポロジにおける位置を、下流側終端の一つ手前の位置であると判断し、当該下流側終端の一つ上流側の位置を示すアドレスを決定する（ステップＳ１３）。 When it is determined that the model information is “sink device” (step S12: sink device), the address determination unit 403 recognizes that the sink device is the downstream end of the MHL topology, and the repeater device 400 It is determined that the position in the MHL topology is the position immediately before the downstream end, and an address indicating the position upstream of the downstream end is determined (step S13).
　例えば、下流側終端のアドレスを「１．０．０．０」とした例の場合、アドレス決定部４０３は、下流側終端から一つ上流側の位置を示すアドレスとして、「１．０．０．１」として決定することができる。ただし、アドレス決定の手法はこれに限定されるものではない。 For example, in the example in which the address at the downstream end is “1.0.0.0”, the address determination unit 403 sets “1.0.0 as an address indicating a position upstream from the downstream end. .1 ". However, the address determination method is not limited to this.
　一方、ステップＳ１２で、機種情報が「リピータ機器」であると判断された場合には（ステップＳ１２：リピータ機器）、通信部４０１は、当該接続機器である他のリピータ機器のケーパビリティレジスタから、他のリピータ機器のアドレスを取得する（ステップＳ１４）。そして、アドレス決定部４０３は、他のリピータ機器のアドレスから、自身のリピータ機器４００のアドレスを決定する（ステップＳ１５）。 On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the model information is “repeater device” (step S12: repeater device), the communication unit 401 reads from the capability register of the other repeater device that is the connected device. The address of another repeater device is acquired (step S14). Then, the address determination unit 403 determines the address of its own repeater device 400 from the addresses of other repeater devices (step S15).
　具体的には、アドレス決定部４０３は、取得した他のリピータ機器の位置から一つ上流側の位置を示すアドレスを決定する。例えば、他のリピータ機器のアドレスを「１．０．０．１」とした例の場合、アドレス決定部４０３は、下流側終端から一つ上流側の位置を示すアドレスとして、「１．０．０．２」として決定することができる。ただし、アドレス決定の手法はこれに限定されるものではない。 Specifically, the address determination unit 403 determines an address indicating one upstream position from the acquired position of another repeater device. For example, in the example in which the address of another repeater device is “1.0.0.1”, the address determination unit 403 uses “1.0.0.1” as an address indicating a position one upstream side from the downstream end. 0.2 ". However, the address determination method is not limited to this.
　次に、ステップＳ１６からＳ２０までの処理を、リピータ機器４００のアップストリーム側（上流側）に接続されている接続機器の全てについて繰り返し実行する。 Next, the processing from steps S16 to S20 is repeatedly executed for all the connected devices connected to the upstream side (upstream side) of the repeater device 400.
　ステップＳ１６では、通信部４０１は、アップストリーム側（上流側）の接続機器から機種情報を取得する（ステップＳ１６）。そして、判断部４０２は、ステップＳ１６で取得したアップストリーム側の接続機器の機種情報の内容を判断する（ステップＳ１７）。 In step S16, the communication unit 401 acquires model information from the connected device on the upstream side (upstream side) (step S16). Then, the determination unit 402 determines the content of the model information of the upstream side connected device acquired in step S16 (step S17).
　機種情報が「ソース機器」であると判断された場合には（ステップＳ１７：ソース機器）、機器リスト管理部４０４は、ソース機器がＭＨＬトポロジの上流側終端であると認識して、リピータ機器４００のＭＨＬトポロジにおける位置を、下流側終端の一つ手前の位置であると判断し、機器リストデータ４０５に、当該ソース機器である接続機器（携帯機器２００）を接続するポート４０８のポート番号、当該ソース機器の機器ＩＤ、リピータ機器４００のアドレスを対応付けて、新たなレコードとして追加または同一ポート番号の既存のレコードを更新する（ステップＳ１８）。機器リストデータ４０５自体が存在しない場合には、機器リスト管理部４０４は、機器リストデータを生成した後、上記登録を行う。 When it is determined that the model information is “source device” (step S17: source device), the device list management unit 404 recognizes that the source device is the upstream terminal of the MHL topology, and repeater device 400. The position in the MHL topology is determined to be a position immediately before the downstream end, and the port number of the port 408 to which the connection device (portable device 200) as the source device is connected to the device list data 405, The device ID of the source device and the address of the repeater device 400 are associated with each other, and a new record is added or an existing record with the same port number is updated (step S18). If the device list data 405 itself does not exist, the device list management unit 404 generates the device list data and then performs the registration.
　図６は、実施形態１のＭＨＬトポロジの一例を示す図である。図６の例では、デジタルテレビ１００等のシンク機器にリピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）が接続され、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）のポート番号１０のポートにソース機器（ＳＲＣ１）、ポート番号２０のポートにソース機器（ＳＲＣ２）、ポート番号３０のポートにリピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）がそれぞれ接続されている。また、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）のポート番号５０のポートにはソース機器（ＳＲＣ１０）、ポート番号６０のポートにはソース機器（ＳＲＣ２０）がそれぞれ接続されている。また、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）のアドレスは「１．０．０．１」に、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）のアドレスは「１．０．０．２」にそれぞれ決定されたものとする。 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the MHL topology according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, a repeater device (RPTA) is connected to a sink device such as the digital TV 100, the source device (SRC 1) is connected to the port of port number 10 of the repeater device (RPTA), and the source device ( SRC2), a repeater device (RPTB) is connected to the port of port number 30. Further, the source device (SRC10) is connected to the port of port number 50 of the repeater device (RPTB), and the source device (SRC20) is connected to the port of port number 60, respectively. It is assumed that the address of the repeater device (RPTA) is determined to be “1.0.0.1” and the address of the repeater device (RPTB) is determined to be “1.0.0.2”.
　この例において、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）において、上記ステップＳ１７、Ｓ１８が実行された結果、機器リスト管理部４０４は、図７に示す機器リストデータを生成する。図７に示す機器リストデータ４０５には、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）のアドレスとともに、ポート番号１０にソース機器（ＳＲＣ１）、ポート番号２０にソース機器（ＳＲＣ２）が対応付けられている。 In this example, as a result of executing steps S17 and S18 in the repeater device (RPTA), the device list management unit 404 generates device list data shown in FIG. In the device list data 405 shown in FIG. 7, the source device (SRC1) is associated with the port number 10 and the source device (SRC2) is associated with the port number 20, together with the address of the repeater device (RPTA).
　図５に戻り、ステップＳ１７において、機種情報が「リピータ機器」であると判断された場合には（ステップＳ１７：リピータ機器）、通信部４０１は、当該接続機器、すなわち他のリピータ機器から、当該他のリピータ機器に保存されている機器リストデータを取得する（ステップＳ１９）。そして、機器リスト管理部４０４は、ステップＳ１９で取得した機器リストデータに、他のリピータ機器を接続するポートのポート番号と、自己のリピータ機器４００のアドレスとを対応付けて追加する（ステップＳ２０）。今後、機器リスト管理部４０４は、この機器リストデータを、自己の機器リストデータ４０５として管理する。 Returning to FIG. 5, when it is determined that the model information is “repeater device” in step S <b> 17 (step S <b> 17: repeater device), the communication unit 401 receives the connection device, that is, another repeater device from the relevant device. Device list data stored in another repeater device is acquired (step S19). Then, the device list management unit 404 adds the port number of the port connected to the other repeater device and the address of its own repeater device 400 in association with the device list data acquired in step S19 (step S20). . In the future, the device list management unit 404 will manage this device list data as its own device list data 405.
　なお、リピータ機器４００が既に機器リストデータ４０５を保持している場合には、機器リスト管理部４０４は、ステップＳ１９で取得し、ステップＳ２０で追加または更新した他のリピータ機器の機器リストデータと、自己の機器リストデータ４０５をマージした上で、自己の機器リストデータ４０５として管理する。 If the repeater device 400 already holds the device list data 405, the device list management unit 404 acquires the device list data of the other repeater devices acquired in step S19 and added or updated in step S20, and After own device list data 405 is merged, it is managed as own device list data 405.
　ここで、図６の例では、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）のポート番号３０のポートにはリピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）が接続されている。リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）が図８に示す機器リストデータを保持するものとする。リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）の機器リストデータには、図８に示すように、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）のアドレスとともに、ポート番号５０にソース機器（ＳＲＣ１０）、ポート番号６０にソース機器（ＳＲＣ２０）が対応付けられている。 Here, in the example of FIG. 6, the repeater device (RPTB) is connected to the port of port number 30 of the repeater device (RPTA). It is assumed that the repeater device (RPTB) holds the device list data shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the device list data of the repeater device (RPTB), the source device (SRC10) is associated with the port number 50 and the source device (SRC20) is associated with the port number 50 together with the address of the repeater device (RPTB). It has been.
　そして、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）で上記ステップＳ１７、Ｓ１９、Ｓ２０が実行されると、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）の通信部４０１は、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）から図８に示す機器リストデータを取得し、機器リスト管理部４０４は、当該機器リストデータに、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＢ）を接続するポートのポート番号３０と、自己のリピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）のアドレス「１．０．０．１」とを対応付けて追加する。そして、機器リスト管理部４０４は、この機器リストデータと、リピータ機器（ＲＰＴＡ）で既に保持している図７に示す機器リストデータとをマージし、その結果、図９に示す機器リストデータを生成する。 When the above steps S17, S19, and S20 are executed by the repeater device (RPTA), the communication unit 401 of the repeater device (RPTA) acquires the device list data illustrated in FIG. 8 from the repeater device (RPTB), and the device The list management unit 404 associates the device list data with the port number 30 of the port to which the repeater device (RPTB) is connected and the address “1.0.0.1” of its own repeater device (RPTA). to add. Then, the device list management unit 404 merges the device list data with the device list data shown in FIG. 7 already held in the repeater device (RPTA), and as a result, generates the device list data shown in FIG. To do.
　上記ステップＳ１６からＳ２０までの処理がアップストリーム側のすべての接続機器について完了したら、処理を終了する。 When the processing from steps S16 to S20 is completed for all the connected devices on the upstream side, the processing ends.
　次に、デジタルテレビ１００等のシンク機器とリピータ機器４００による携帯機器２００等のソース機器に対するアクセスを実現する通信処理について図１０を用いて説明する。 Next, communication processing for realizing access to the source device such as the portable device 200 by the sink device such as the digital television 100 and the repeater device 400 will be described with reference to FIG.
　まず、デジタルテレビ１００等のシンク機器では、入出力制御部１６が機器リスト要求コマンドをリピータ機器４００に送信する（ステップＳ３０）。リピータ機器４００では、通信部４０１が、機器リスト要求コマンドを受信すると、その応答として機器リストデータ４０５をシンク機器に送信する（ステップＳ３１）。 First, in a sink device such as the digital TV 100, the input / output control unit 16 transmits a device list request command to the repeater device 400 (step S30). In the repeater device 400, when the communication unit 401 receives the device list request command, it transmits device list data 405 to the sink device as a response (step S31).
　デジタルテレビ１００では、入出力制御部１６が機器リストデータ４０５を受信し、表示処理部６が、機器リストデータ４０５に登録されているソース機器の一覧からアクセスする所望のソース機器をユーザに選択させるためのソース機器選択画面を表示部７に表示する。図１１に示すように、ソース機器選択画面には、機器リストデータ４０５に登録されたソース機器の機器ＩＤの一覧が表示される。 In the digital television 100, the input / output control unit 16 receives the device list data 405, and the display processing unit 6 causes the user to select a desired source device to be accessed from the list of source devices registered in the device list data 405. A source device selection screen is displayed on the display unit 7. As shown in FIG. 11, a list of device IDs of source devices registered in the device list data 405 is displayed on the source device selection screen.
　図１０に戻り、ユーザはリモートコントローラ４０でソース機器選択画面から所望のソース機器を選択すると、デジタルテレビ１００の入出力制御部１６は受光部１５を介してかかる選択を受付ける（ステップＳ３３）。そして、入出力制御部１６は、機器リストデータ４０５において、選択されたソース機器の機器ＩＤに対応するポート番号、リピータ機器のアドレスを指定した入力切替えコマンドをリピータ機器４００に送信する（ステップＳ３４）。 Referring back to FIG. 10, when the user selects a desired source device from the source device selection screen using the remote controller 40, the input / output control unit 16 of the digital television 100 receives the selection via the light receiving unit 15 (step S33). Then, the input / output control unit 16 transmits, to the repeater device 400, an input switching command specifying the port number corresponding to the device ID of the selected source device and the address of the repeater device in the device list data 405 (step S34). .
　リピータ機器４００では、通信部４０１がこの入力切替えコマンドを受信すると、入力切替え部４０７は、入力切替えコマンドで指定されたポート番号のポートをアクティブにする（ステップＳ３５）。 In the repeater device 400, when the communication unit 401 receives this input switching command, the input switching unit 407 activates the port of the port number specified by the input switching command (step S35).
　次に、デジタルテレビ１００の入出力制御部１６は、入力切替えコマンドで指定した、ポート番号およびリピータ機器４００のアドレスを指定したら所望のＲＣＰコマンドを、リピータ機器４００に送信する（ステップＳ３６）。 Next, when the port number and the address of the repeater device 400 designated by the input switching command are designated, the input / output control unit 16 of the digital television 100 transmits a desired RCP command to the repeater device 400 (step S36).
　リピータ機器４００では、通信部４０１がこのＲＣＰコマンドを受信すると、ステップＳ３５でアクティブにしたポートから、当該ポートに接続されたソース機器（携帯機器２００）に対して、受信したＲＣＰコマンドを転送する（ステップＳ３７）。以上により、デジタルテレビ１００は、所望のソース機器に対してＲＣＰコマンドを送信することができる。 In the repeater device 400, when the communication unit 401 receives this RCP command, the received RCP command is transferred from the port activated in step S35 to the source device (mobile device 200) connected to the port ( Step S37). As described above, the digital television 100 can transmit the RCP command to a desired source device.
　このように本実施形態では、リピータ機器４００がダウンストリーム側の接続機器、アップストリーム側のすべての接続機器のそれぞれから機種情報を取得して、当該機種情報に基づいて自身のアドレスを決定し、ダウンストリーム側の一または複数の接続機器の一覧である機器リストデータ４０５を生成し、シンク機器であるデジタルテレビ１００に機器リストデータを送信する。そして、リピータ機器４００は、シンク機器で指定されたポート番号のポートをアクティブにしてシンク機器から受信したＲＣＰコマンドをアクティブにしたポートからソース機器に転送する。このため、本実施形態では、シンク機器がリピータ機器４００に接続されているすべてのソース機器を把握することができ、かつアクセス可能となるので、シンク機器からソース機器の一対多のＲＣＰコマンドの送信が可能となり、複数のソース機器を円滑に制御することができる。 As described above, in this embodiment, the repeater device 400 acquires model information from each of the downstream-side connected device and all the upstream-side connected devices, determines its own address based on the model information, Device list data 405 that is a list of one or more connected devices on the downstream side is generated, and the device list data is transmitted to the digital television 100 that is a sink device. Then, the repeater device 400 activates the port having the port number designated by the sink device and transfers the RCP command received from the sink device from the activated port to the source device. For this reason, in the present embodiment, since the sink device can grasp and access all the source devices connected to the repeater device 400, the sink device can transmit one-to-many RCP commands from the source device. It becomes possible, and a plurality of source devices can be controlled smoothly.
　特に、ＭＨＬ規格では、ＨＤＭＩ規格とは異なり最初にシンク機器側でアドレスが決定されないため、本実施形態では、リピータ機器が接続機器の機種情報に基づいて自身のアドレスを決定し、このアドレスを含めて機器リストデータ４０５を生成してシンク機器に送信している。このため、本実施形態によれば、シンク機器側において、リピータ機器とリピータ機器に接続されている複数のソース機器を容易に把握することが可能となる。 In particular, in the MHL standard, unlike the HDMI standard, since the address is not first determined on the sink device side, in this embodiment, the repeater device determines its own address based on the model information of the connected device and includes this address. Device list data 405 is generated and transmitted to the sink device. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, on the sink device side, it is possible to easily grasp the repeater device and a plurality of source devices connected to the repeater device.
（実施形態２）
　この実施形態２では、ソース機器がリピータ機器４００と非接続になった場合に、その検知とソース機器が非接続になった旨の通知を行っている。例えば、図１２に示すように、リピータ機器４００のポート番号２０のポートに接続されたソース機器（ＳＲＣ２）が非接続になった場合、本実施形態のリピータ機器４００は、これを検知して、ポート番号２０、ソース機器の機器ＩＤであるＳＲＣ２をシンク機器に通知する。 (Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, when the source device is disconnected from the repeater device 400, the detection and the notification that the source device is disconnected are performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the source device (SRC2) connected to the port of port number 20 of the repeater device 400 is disconnected, the repeater device 400 of the present embodiment detects this, The sink device is notified of the port number 20 and SRC2, which is the device ID of the source device.
　本実施形態のリピータ機器４００、デジタルテレビ１００の構成は実施形態１と同様である。また、本実施形態の機器リストデータ４０５も実施形態１と同様である。 The configurations of the repeater device 400 and the digital television 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The device list data 405 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
　本実施形態では、リピート機器４００が自身のアドレスの決定および機器リストデータ４０５の登録を行う通信処理の過程で、非接続の検知と通知を行っている。図１３は、実施形態２のリピータ機器による通信処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。ステップＳ５０の前までの処理は実施形態１の通信処理におけるステップＳ１１からＳ１５までの処理と同様に行われるため、図１３では省略している。 In the present embodiment, the repeat device 400 detects and notifies the disconnection in the process of communication processing in which its own address is determined and the device list data 405 is registered. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a communication processing procedure performed by the repeater device according to the second embodiment. Since the processing up to step S50 is performed in the same manner as the processing from step S11 to S15 in the communication processing of the first embodiment, it is omitted in FIG.
　ステップＳ５０では、通信部４０１は、アップストリーム側（上流側）の接続機器にアクセスを行って、アクセス可能か否かを判断する（ステップＳ５０）。そして、アクセスできた場合には（ステップＳ５０：Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ１６へ移行し、その後は実施形態１と同様の処理が行われる。 In step S50, the communication unit 401 accesses the connected device on the upstream side (upstream side) and determines whether or not access is possible (step S50). If the access can be made (step S50: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16, and thereafter, the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.
　一方、ステップＳ５０で通信部４０１が接続機器にアクセスできなかった場合には（ステップＳ５０：Ｎｏ）、機器リスト管理部４０４は、接続できなかった接続機器を接続していたポートのポート番号、リピータ機器４００のアドレス、当該接続機器の機器ＩＤからなるレコードを機器リストデータ４０５から削除して更新する（ステップＳ５１）。 On the other hand, when the communication unit 401 cannot access the connected device in step S50 (step S50: No), the device list management unit 404 displays the port number and repeater of the port to which the connected device that could not be connected is connected. A record including the address of the device 400 and the device ID of the connected device is deleted from the device list data 405 and updated (step S51).
　そして、通信部４０１は、更新後の機器リストデータ４０５をシンク機器であるデジタルテレビ１００に送信する（ステップＳ５２）。まだ機器リストデータ４０５が生成される前である場合には、通信部４０１は、接続できなかった接続機器を接続していたポートのポート番号、リピータ機器４００のアドレス、当該接続機器の機器ＩＤをデジタルテレビ１００に送信する。 Then, the communication unit 401 transmits the updated device list data 405 to the digital television 100 that is a sink device (step S52). If the device list data 405 has not yet been generated, the communication unit 401 displays the port number of the port connected to the connection device that could not be connected, the address of the repeater device 400, and the device ID of the connection device. It transmits to the digital television 100.
　この他、シンク機器がソース機器にリピータ機器４００を介してＲＣＰコマンドを発行しようとした場合に、リピータ機器４００がソース機器の非接続を検知するように構成してもよい。 In addition, when the sink device tries to issue an RCP command to the source device via the repeater device 400, the repeater device 400 may be configured to detect disconnection of the source device.
　図１４は、実施形態２のリピータ機器とシンク機器の通信処理の手順を示すシーケンス図である。ステップＳ３０からＳ３６までの処理は実施形態１と同様である。リピータ機器４００の通信部４０１がステップＳ３６で送信されたＲＰＣコマンドを受信し、ＲＣＰコマンドで指定されたポート番号のポートからＲＣＰコマンドをソース機器に送信したが（ステップＳ３７）、ソース機器にアクセスできなかった場合、リピータ機器４００はソース機器が非接続になったと判断する。 FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication processing procedure between the repeater device and the sink device according to the second embodiment. The processing from step S30 to S36 is the same as in the first embodiment. The communication unit 401 of the repeater device 400 receives the RPC command transmitted in step S36 and transmits the RCP command to the source device from the port having the port number specified by the RCP command (step S37), but the source device can be accessed. If not, the repeater device 400 determines that the source device is disconnected.
　そして、機器リスト管理部４０４は、接続できなかったソース機器を接続していたポートのポート番号、リピータ機器４００のアドレス、当該接続機器の機器ＩＤからなるレコードを機器リストデータ４０５から削除して更新する（ステップＳ６１）。そして、通信部４０１は、更新後の機器リストデータ４０５をシンク機器であるデジタルテレビ１００に送信する（ステップＳ６２）。 Then, the device list management unit 404 deletes the record including the port number of the port to which the source device that could not be connected, the address of the repeater device 400, and the device ID of the connected device is deleted from the device list data 405 and updated. (Step S61). Then, the communication unit 401 transmits the updated device list data 405 to the digital television 100 that is a sink device (step S62).
　このように本実施形態では、ソース機器がリピータ機器４００と非接続になった場合に、その検知とソース機器が非接続になった旨の通知を行っているので、、デジタルテレビ１００等のシンク機器は、非接続になってアクセスできなくなったソース機器と当該ソース機器が接続されたポート番号およびリピータ機器４００のアドレスを把握することが可能となる。 As described above, in this embodiment, when the source device is disconnected from the repeater device 400, the detection and the notification that the source device is disconnected are performed. The device can grasp the source device that is disconnected and cannot be accessed, the port number to which the source device is connected, and the address of the repeater device 400.
　なお、本実施形態のリピータ機器４００は、接続できなかったソース機器を接続していたポートのポート番号、リピータ機器４００のアドレス、当該接続機器の機器ＩＤからなるレコードを機器リストデータ４０５から削除して更新後の機器リストデータ４０５をシンク機器に送信しているが、機器リストデータ４０５の有無にかかわらず、接続できなかった接続機器を接続していたポートのポート番号、リピータ機器４００のアドレス、当該接続機器の機器ＩＤをデジタルテレビ１００に送信するように通信部４０１を構成してもよい。 Note that the repeater device 400 according to the present embodiment deletes, from the device list data 405, a record including the port number of the port to which the source device that could not be connected, the address of the repeater device 400, and the device ID of the connected device. The updated device list data 405 is transmitted to the sink device. Regardless of the presence of the device list data 405, the port number of the port to which the connected device that could not be connected is connected, the address of the repeater device 400, The communication unit 401 may be configured to transmit the device ID of the connected device to the digital television 100.
　さらに、本実施形態では、映像伝送技術として、ＭＨＬ規格およびＲＣＰを用いた例をあげて説明しているが、これらのプロトコルに限定されるものではない。 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example using the MHL standard and RCP is described as a video transmission technique, but the present invention is not limited to these protocols.
　なお、本発明は、上記実施形態そのままに限定されるものではなく、実施段階ではその要旨を逸脱しない範囲で構成要素を変形して具体化することができる。また、上記実施形態に開示されている複数の構成要素の適宜な組み合わせにより、種々の発明を形成することができる。例えば、実施形態に示される全構成要素からいくつかの構成要素を削除してもよい。さらに、異なる実施形態にわたる構成要素を適宜組み合わせても良い。 Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

Claims (10)

  1. 　コマンドを送信する送信装置と、前記送信装置と前記コマンドを受信して実行する複数の受信装置との間に接続された中継装置と、を備えた通信システムであって、
    　前記中継装置は、
    　前記複数の受信装置のそれぞれから各装置の機種情報を受信する第１受信部と、
    　前記複数の受信装置のそれぞれを接続するポートを識別するためのポート識別情報ごとに、前記受信装置を識別するための機器識別情報と、前記中継装置の位置に関する位置情報とを対応付けた機器リスト情報を生成する機器リスト管理部と、
    　前記機器リスト情報を前記送信装置に送信する第１送信部と、を備え、
    　前記送信装置は、
    　前記機器リスト情報を受信する第２受信部と、
    　前記機器リスト情報において、アクセス対象の前記受信装置の前記機器識別情報に対応する前記ポート識別情報と、前記中継装置の位置情報とが指定された前記コマンドを前記中継装置に送信する第２送信部と、
    を備えた通信システム。     A communication system comprising: a transmission device that transmits a command; and a relay device that is connected between the transmission device and a plurality of reception devices that receive and execute the command,
    The relay device is
    A first receiving unit that receives model information of each device from each of the plurality of receiving devices;
    A device list in which device identification information for identifying the receiving device is associated with position information regarding the position of the relay device for each port identification information for identifying a port connecting each of the plurality of receiving devices. A device list management unit for generating information;
    A first transmission unit for transmitting the device list information to the transmission device,
    The transmitter is
    A second receiving unit for receiving the device list information;
    A second transmission unit configured to transmit, to the relay device, the command in which the port identification information corresponding to the device identification information of the receiving device to be accessed and the location information of the relay device are specified in the device list information; When,
    A communication system comprising:
  2. 　前記第１受信部は、前記コマンドを受信し、
    　前記中継装置は、
    　前記コマンドで指定された前記ポート識別情報の前記ポートをアクティブにする切替え部を、備え、
    　前記第１送信部は、アクティブにされた前記ポートから前記ポートに接続された前記受信装置に前記コマンドを送信する、
    請求項１に記載の通信システム。     The first receiving unit receives the command,
    The relay device is
    A switching unit that activates the port of the port identification information specified by the command,
    The first transmission unit transmits the command from the activated port to the receiving device connected to the port;
    The communication system according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記第１受信部は、さらに、前記送信装置から前記機種情報を受信し、
    　前記中継装置は、
    　前記送信装置と前記複数の受信装置とからそれぞれ受信した機種情報に基づいて、前記中継装置のネットワーク上の位置を決定する決定部、
    をさらに備えた請求項１に記載の通信システム。     The first receiving unit further receives the model information from the transmitting device,
    The relay device is
    A determination unit that determines a position of the relay device on the network based on model information received from the transmission device and the plurality of reception devices, respectively;
    The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:
  4. 　前記第１受信部は、前記複数の受信装置が含まれる上流側から前記機種情報を受信し、
    　前記中継装置は、
    　前記機種情報が、ソース機器を示すか、リピータ機器を示すかを判断する判断部をさらに備え、
    　前記機能リスト管理部は、前記機種情報が前記ソース機器を示す場合に、前記機器リストに、前記機種情報を送信した前記受信装置に接続されたポートのポート識別情報と、前記受信装置の前記機器識別情報と、前記中継装置の前記位置情報とを対応付けて追加する、
    請求項１に記載の通信システム。     The first receiving unit receives the model information from an upstream side including the plurality of receiving devices,
    The relay device is
    A determination unit for determining whether the model information indicates a source device or a repeater device;
    When the model information indicates the source device, the function list management unit includes, in the device list, port identification information of a port connected to the receiving device that has transmitted the model information, and the device of the receiving device. Adding identification information and the position information of the relay device in association with each other;
    The communication system according to claim 1.
  5. 　前記第１受信部は、前記機種情報が前記リピータ機器を示す場合に、前記機種情報を送信した前記受信装置から機器リスト情報を取得し、
    　前記機能リスト管理部は、前記受信装置から取得した機器リスト情報に、前記機種情報を送信した前記受信装置に接続されたポートのポート識別情報と、前記中継装置の前記位置情報とを対応付けて追加する、
    請求項４に記載の通信システム。     The first receiving unit obtains device list information from the receiving device that has transmitted the model information when the model information indicates the repeater device;
    The function list management unit associates the device list information acquired from the receiving device with port identification information of a port connected to the receiving device that has transmitted the model information, and the position information of the relay device. to add,
    The communication system according to claim 4.
  6. 　前記第１送信部は、さらに、前記受信装置が前記ポートと非接続になった場合に、非接続になった前記受信装置の前記機器識別情報と、前記非接続になった前記受信装置を接続していたポートの前記ポート識別情報とを、前記送信装置に送信する、
    請求項２に記載の通信システム。     The first transmitting unit further connects the device identification information of the disconnected receiving device and the disconnected receiving device when the receiving device is disconnected from the port. Transmitting the port identification information of the port that has been to the transmitting device;
    The communication system according to claim 2.
  7. 　前記機能リスト管理部は、さらに、前記受信装置が前記ポートと非接続になった場合に、非接続になった前記受信装置の前記機器識別情報と、前記非接続になった前記受信装置を接続していたポートの前記ポート識別情報とを前記機能リスト情報から削除することにより、前記機能リスト情報を更新し、
    　前記第１送信部は、更新された前記機能リスト情報を前記送信装置に送信する、
    請求項６に記載の通信システム。     The function list management unit further connects the device identification information of the disconnected receiving device and the disconnected receiving device when the receiving device is disconnected from the port. The function list information is updated by deleting the port identification information of the port that has been used from the function list information,
    The first transmission unit transmits the updated function list information to the transmission device;
    The communication system according to claim 6.
  8. 　前記第１受信部は、前記機種情報を受信できなかった前記受信装置が、前記ポートと非接続になったと判断する、
    請求項６に記載の通信システム。     The first receiving unit determines that the receiving device that has not received the model information is disconnected from the port;
    The communication system according to claim 6.
  9. 　前記第１受信部は、前記コマンドを送信した前記受信装置が存在しない旨を受信した場合に、当該受信装置が前記ポートと非接続になったと判断する、
    請求項６に記載の通信システム。     When the first receiving unit receives that the receiving device that has transmitted the command does not exist, the first receiving unit determines that the receiving device is disconnected from the port;
    The communication system according to claim 6.
  10. 　送信装置によりコマンドを受信して実行する複数の受信装置のそれぞれから各装置の機種情報を受信し、
    　前記複数の受信装置のそれぞれを接続するポートを識別するためのポート識別情報ごとに、前記受信装置を識別するための機器識別情報と、前記中継装置の位置に関する位置情報とを対応付けた機器リスト情報を生成し、
    　前記機器リスト情報を前記送信装置に送信する、
    通信方法。     Receive model information of each device from each of a plurality of receiving devices that receive and execute commands by the transmitting device,
    A device list in which device identification information for identifying the receiving device is associated with position information regarding the position of the relay device for each port identification information for identifying a port connecting each of the plurality of receiving devices. Generate information,
    Transmitting the device list information to the transmission device;
    Communication method.
PCT/JP2013/067923 2013-06-28 2013-06-28 Communication system and method WO2014207931A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012138933A (en) * 2012-02-21 2012-07-19 Toshiba Corp Communication system
JP2012204999A (en) * 2011-03-24 2012-10-22 Panasonic Corp Relay system, relay device, and relay method
JP2013106117A (en) * 2011-11-11 2013-05-30 Onkyo Corp Repeating device and program of the same

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2012204999A (en) * 2011-03-24 2012-10-22 Panasonic Corp Relay system, relay device, and relay method
JP2013106117A (en) * 2011-11-11 2013-05-30 Onkyo Corp Repeating device and program of the same
JP2012138933A (en) * 2012-02-21 2012-07-19 Toshiba Corp Communication system

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