Electronic equipment control apparatus, electronic equipment control method and electronic equipment

• US 6,314,326 B1
• Filed: 02/09/1998
• Issued: 11/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Fuchu, Katsuki
• Primary Examiner(s): Gordon, Paul P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CABRERA, ZOILA E
• Application Number:
  US09/020,730
• Time in Patent Office: 1,366 Days
• Field of Search: 700/19, 700/17, 700/83, 340/825.06, 340/825.07, 340/825.15
• US Class Current: 700/17
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/177 Initialisation or configuration control processor initialisation G06F9/4405
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4411 Configuring for operating with peripheral devices; Loading of device drivers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/213 Read-only discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2529 Mini-discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2562 DVDs [digital versatile discs]; Digital video discs; MMCDs; HDCDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/90 Tape-like record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/002 Programmed access in sequence to a plurality of record carriers or indexed parts, e.g. tracks, thereof, e.g. for editing; transfer of record carriers from magazine G11B15/68, G11B17/10; G11B17/22
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/028 with computer assistance
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/031 Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/00 Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus with cameras or projectors G03B31/00 ; recording/reproducing of music for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/0033; automatic arrangements for answering calls or for recording messages for absent subscribers H04M1/64; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with dictation recording and playback systems H04M11/10; connection of TV recorder with other related apparatus, e.g. TV camera or receiver, in which the TV signal is significantly involved H04N, e.g. H04N23/00, H04N5/765; combination of radio or TV with other apparatus, e.g. with vehicles H05K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/205 with control bus for exchanging commands between units
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40117 Interconnection of audio or video/imaging devices home automation networks H04L12/2803; bitstream network arrangements specially adapted for distribution of digital video signals H04N7/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/775 between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/24 Systems for the transmission of television signals using pulse code modulation H04N21/00 takes precedence

Abstract

An electronic equipment control apparatus is connected to one or more pieces of external electronic equipment by communication lines and used for controlling the electronic equipment through the communication lines. The electronic equipment control apparatus comprises a communication portions for communication with the pieces of external electronic equipment through the communication lines; control portion for controlling operations to request the pieces of external electronic equipment to transmit user interface information, for controlling the pieces of external electronic equipment, to the electronic equipment control apparatus; and storage portion for storing the user interface information transmitted by the pieces of external electronic equipment through the communication lines. In the electronic equipment control apparatus, it is not necessary for the user to perform operations to install software, that is, the user interface information required for controlling the external electronic equipment from the PC module, on the PC module in order to control the external electronic equipment from the PC module.

Claims

1. An electronic equipment control apparatus for controlling one or more external electronic equipment connected to said electronic equipment control apparatus by communication lines, said apparatus comprising:

communication means for communication with said one or more external electronic equipment through said communication lines;

control means for controlling operations to request said one or more external electronic equipment to transmit and receive user interface information including a graphical representation of an equipment user interface for controlling said one or more external electronic equipment to said electronic equipment control apparatus; and

storage means for storing said graphical representation transmitted by said one or more external electronic equipment through said communication lines;

wherein said control means of said electronic equipment control apparatus is configured to integrate and control the operation of each of said one or more external electronic equipment based on said received graphical representation such that said electronic equipment control apparatus constitutes means for processing said graphical representation to instruct said corresponding one or more external electronic equipment to perform an operation of said one or more external electronic equipment that is specified on said graphical representation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising display control means for carrying out control to display said user interface information stored in said storage means.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said user interface information includes at least one of image data, layout information, a text and a program.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said external electronic equipment is AV equipment and said communication lines are an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means makes a request for said user interface information at initialization.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means makes a request for said user interface information at a reset of said communication lines.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means makes a request for said user interface information at predetermined time intervals.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means makes a request for said user interface information from one of said one or more external electronic equipment when said external electronic equipment is selected.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means includes supplying means for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

10. An electronic equipment control method for controlling one or more external electronic equipment connected to an electronic equipment control apparatus by communication lines, said method comprising:

requesting said one or more external electronic equipment to transmit user interface information including a graphical representation of an equipment user interface for controlling said one or more external electronic equipment to said electronic equipment control apparatus;

receiving said graphical representation transmitted by said one or more external electronic equipment through said communication lines; and

storing said graphical representation received from said external electronic equipment;

wherein said control of said one or more external electronic equipment is integrated and operated by said electronic equipment control apparatus based on said received graphical representation such that said electronic equipment control apparatus constitutes means for processing said graphical representation to instruct said corresponding one or more external electronic equipment to perform an operation of said one or more external electronic equipment that is specified on said graphical representation.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of carrying out control to display said user interface information stored in said storing step.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein said user interface information includes at least one of image data, layout information, a text and a program.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein said external electronic equipment is AV equipment and said communication lines are an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein, at said requesting step, a request for said user interface information is made at initialization.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein, at said requesting step, a request for said user interface information is made at a reset of said communication lines.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein, at said requesting step, a request for said user interface information is made at predetermined time intervals.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein, at said requesting step, a request for said user interface information from one of said one or more external electronic equipment is made when said external electronic equipment is selected.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein said requesting step has a supplying sub step of supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received at said requesting step to said external electronic equipment.

19. An electronic equipment connected to an electronic equipment control apparatus by a communication line, said equipment comprising:

communication means for carrying out communication with said electronic equipment control apparatus through said communication line;

storage means for storing user interface information including a graphical representation of an equipment user interface for controlling said electronic equipment; and

control means for transmitting said graphical representation to said electronic equipment control apparatus when a request for transmission of said graphical representation is received from said electronic equipment control apparatus;

wherein when said control means transmits said graphical representation to said electronic equipment control apparatus, said electronic equipment control apparatus is configured to operate said electronic equipment based on said graphical representation received from said control means of said electronic equipment via said communication line such that said electronic equipment control apparatus constitutes means for processing said graphical representation to instruct said electronic equipment to perform an operation of said electronic equipment that is specified on said graphical representation.

20. The equipment of claim 19 wherein said control means determines processing for selection information of said user interface information when said selection information is received from said electronic equipment control apparatus.

21. The equipment of claim 20 wherein said control means executes said processing for said selection information after determining said processing.

22. An electronic equipment control method for controlling electronic equipment connected to an electronic equipment control apparatus by a communication line, said method comprising:

receiving a request for transmission of user interface information including a graphical representation of an equipment user interface required for controlling said electronic equipment from said electronic equipment control apparatus; and

reading out said graphical representation from a storage means and transmitting said graphical representation to said electronic equipment control apparatus;

wherein when said graphical representation is transmitted to said electronic equipment control apparatus, said electronic equipment control apparatus is configured to operate said electronic equipment based on said graphical representation received such that said electronic equipment control apparatus constitutes means for processing said graphical representation to instruct said electronic equipment to perform an operation of said electronic equipment that is specified on said graphical representation.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the step of determining processing for selection information of said user interface information when receiving said selection information from said electronic equipment control apparatus.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of executing said processing for said selection information determined at said processing determining step.

25. An electronic equipment control apparatus comprising:

a first electronic equipment and a second electronic equipment connected to said first electronic equipment by a communication line and used for controlling said first electronic equipment, wherein;

a) said first electronic equipment comprises;

first communication means for carrying out communication with said second electronic equipment through said communication line;

first storage means for storing user interface information including a graphical representation of an equipment user interface required for controlling said first electronic equipment; and

first transmission means for reading out said graphical representation from said first storage means and transmitting said graphical representation to said second electronic equipment when a request for transmission of said graphical representation is received from said second electronic equipment;

b) said second electronic equipment comprises;

second communication means for carrying out communication with said first electronic equipment through said communication line;

control means for requesting said first electronic equipment to transmit to said second electronic equipment said graphical representation required for controlling said first electronic equipment; and

second storage means for storing said graphical representation transmitted by said first electronic equipment through said communication line; and

c) when said first transmission means of said first electronic equipment transmits said graphical representation to said control means, said control means of said second electronic equipment is configured to control the operation of said first electronic equipment based on said graphical representation received from said first transmission means such that said second electronic equipment constitutes means for processing said graphical representation to instruct said first electronic equipment to perform an operation of said first electronic equipment that is specified on said graphical representation.

26. An electronic equipment control method for controlling an electronic equipment control apparatus comprising a first electronic equipment and a second electronic equipment connected to said first electronic equipment by a communication line and used for controlling said first electronic equipment, wherein:

a) in said first electronic equipment, said electronic equipment control method comprises;

a first communication step of carrying out communication with said second electronic equipment through said communication line;

a first storage step of storing user interface information including a graphical representation of an equipment user interface required for controlling said first electronic equipment; and

a first transmission step of reading out said graphical representation from said first storage means and transmitting said graphical representation to said second electronic equipment when a request for transmission of said graphical representation is received from said second electronic equipment;

b) in said second electronic equipment, said electronic equipment control method comprises;

a second communication step of carrying out communication with said first electronic equipment through said communication line;

a request step of requesting said first electronic equipment to transmit said graphical representation required for controlling said first electronic equipment to said second electronic equipment; and

a second storage step of storing said graphical representation transmitted by said first electronic equipment through said communication line; and

c) when said graphical representation is transmitted to said second electronic equipment at said first transmission step, said electronic equipment control method in said second electronic equipment further includes controlling the operation of said first electronic equipment based on said graphical representation transmitted by said first electronic equipment such that said second electronic equipment constitutes means for processing said graphical representation to instruct said first electronic equipment to perform an operation of said first electronic equipment that is specified on said graphical representation.

27. An electronic equipment control apparatus for controlling one or more external electronic equipment connected to said electronic equipment control apparatus by communication lines, said apparatus comprising:

a communication unit for communication with said one or more external electronic equipment through said communication lines;

a controller for controlling operations to request said one or more external electronic equipment to transmit and receive user interface information including a graphical representation of an equipment user interface for controlling said one or more external electronic equipment to said electronic equipment control apparatus; and

a storage unit for storing said graphical representation transmitted by said one or more external electronic equipment through said communication lines;

wherein said controller of said electronic equipment control apparatus is configured to integrate and control the operation of each of said one or more external electronic equipment based on said received graphical representation such that said electronic equipment control apparatus constitutes means for processing said graphical representation to instruct said corresponding one or more external electronic equipment to perform an operation of said one or more external electronic equipment that is specified on said graphical representation.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a display controller for carrying out control to display said user interface information stored in said storage unit.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said user interface information includes at least one of image data, layout information, a text and a program.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said external electronic equipment is AV equipment and said communication lines are an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at initialization.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at a reset of said communication lines.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

34. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at predetermined time intervals.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

36. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information from one of said one or more external electronic equipment when said external electronic equipment is selected.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

38. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said user interface information includes at least one of image data, layout information, a text and a program.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said external electronic equipment is AV equipment and said communication lines are an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at initialization.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at a reset of said communication lines.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

43. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at predetermined time intervals.

44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

45. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information from one of said one or more external electronic equipment when said external electronic equipment is selected.

46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

47. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said external electronic equipment is AV equipment and said communication lines are an IEEE 1394 serial bus.

48. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at initialization.

49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at a reset of said communication lines.

50. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

51. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at predetermined time intervals.

52. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

53. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information from one of said one or more external electronic equipment when said external electronic equipment is selected.

54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

55. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at initialization.

56. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at a reset of said communication lines.

57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

58. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at predetermined time intervals.

59. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

60. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information from one of said one or more external electronic equipment when said external electronic equipment is selected.

61. The apparatus of claim 60 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

62. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at a reset of said control lines.

63. The apparatus of claim 62 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

64. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information at predetermined time intervals.

65. The apparatus of claim 64 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

66. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said controller makes a request for said user interface information from one of said one or more external electronic equipment when said external electronic equipment is selected.

67. The apparatus of claim 66 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.

68. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said controller further includes a supply unit for supplying selection information selected from said user interface information received thereby to said external electronic equipment.