Information transmission system, information output apparatus, information input apparatus, and connection relationship identification method

• US 7,178,157 B1
• Filed: 11/07/2000
• Issued: 02/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Suzuki, Kazuhiro, Kobayashi, Satoshi, Sato, Masahiko, Kimura, Yuji, Sato, Makoto, Utsunomiya, Hiroshi, Kaibuki, Futoshi, Matsuoka, Kenji, Sadanaka, Kazue
• Primary Examiner(s): Miller; John
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lonsberry; Hunter B.
• Application Number:
  US09/708,256
• Time in Patent Office: 2,289 Days
• Field of Search: 725/38, 725/48, 725/59, 348/460, 348/461, 348/473
• US Class Current: 725/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/80 characterised by transmission among terminal devices
• 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: H04L 12/6418 Hybrid transport
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4312 involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4314 for fitting data in a restricted space on the screen, e.g. EPG data in a rectangular grid
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/44227 Monitoring of local network, e.g. connection or bandwidth variations; Detecting new devices in the local network configuring of peripheral devices in general G06F9/4411; monitoring connectivity in data switched networks H04L43/0811
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/485 End-user interface for client configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/60 for the sound signals
• 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 7/088 the inserted signal being digital

Abstract

A control section of an IRD sends an identification start request to a digital bus via a digital input/output terminal. The control section generates an identification display message by controlling an identification display message generation section, makes a superimposition section superimpose the identification display message on an analog video signal, and outputs a resulting signal via an analog output terminal. An information input apparatus allows a user to identify an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the IRD among a plurality of input terminals of the self apparatus by reproducing the identification display message and presenting it to the user.

Claims

1. An information transmission system comprising:

at least one information output apparatus configured to output an information signal, including

an output terminal configured to output an analog signal,

a related information sending unit configured to send a digital signal including at least specific information regarding the at least one information output apparatus, and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto the analog signal to be output from the output terminal; and

an information input apparatus configured to accept the analog signal from the at least one information output apparatus, including

plural input terminals configured to accept analog signals,

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept the digital signal including the specific information,

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals,

an information-for-identification detecting unit configured to detect the information for identification superimposed on one of the analog signals that are accepted by a respective one of the plural input terminals, and to cause the switching unit to switch among the plural input terminals, and

an identifying unit configured to transmit a digital signal to the at least one output apparatus that identifies the respective one of the plural input terminals that received the analog signal with the information for identification superimposed thereon.

5. The information transmission system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the information input apparatus further includes a connection management information recording unit configured to record input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified by the identifying unit and the specific information of the at least one information output apparatus in a connection management memory in such a manner that they are correlated with each other.

7. The information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one information output apparatus sends to the information input apparatus via the related information sending unit a switching control signal including the specific information of the at least one information output apparatus to be used for making switching to the input terminal of the information input apparatus that is connected to the output terminal of the at least one information output apparatus before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal.

8. The information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein:

the information input apparatus further includes

a connection management information recording unit provided with a connection management memory and configured to record connection management information in the connection management memory, the connection management information including input terminal identification information and the specific information of the at least one information output apparatus such that the input terminal identification information and the specific information are correlated to each other, and the input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified by the identifying unit; and

the at least one information output apparatus further includes

a connection management information supply request generating unit configured to generate a request to supply the connection management information stored in the connection management memory of the information input apparatus, and

a switching control signal generating unit configured to generate a switching control signal to be used for making switching to the input terminal of the information input apparatus that is connected to the output terminal of the at least one information output apparatus based on the connection management information that is supplied from the information input apparatus in response to the connection management information supply request,

wherein before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal, the at least one information output apparatus sends via the related information sending unit the connection management information supply request and the switching control signal generated by the switching control signal generating unit.

9. The information transmission system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the at least one information output apparatus further includes:

an input terminal identification information receiving unit configured to receive input terminal identification information of the input terminal identified by the identifying unit of the information input apparatus; and

a connection management information recording unit configured to record the input terminal identification information received by the input terminal identification information receiving unit in a connection management memory,

wherein before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal, the at least one information output apparatus causes the related information sending unit to send the information input apparatus the input terminal identification information stored in the connection management memory.

13. The information transmission system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein:

the information-for-identification superimposing unit of the information output apparatus superimposes pattern information that is predetermined as the information for identification on the analog signal as information for detection; and

the information-for-identification detecting unit of the information input apparatus detects the pattern information superimposed on the analog signal.

14. The information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one information output apparatus further includes

a start request receiving unit configured to receive a start request for starting processing of identifying an input terminal that is sent from the information input apparatus,

the related information sending unit is configured to send the specific information when the start request receiving unit receives the start request, and

the information-for-identification superimposing unit superimposes the information for identification on the analog signal when the start request receiving unit receives the start request; and

the information input apparatus further includes

a connection management information recording unit provided with a connection management memory and configured to record connection management information in the connection management memory, the connection management information including input terminal identification information and the specific information of the at least one information output apparatus such that the input terminal identification information and the specific information are correlated to each other, and the input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified by the identifying unit,

a detecting unit configured to detect whether the connection management information is stored in the connection management memory of the information input apparatus, and

a start request sending unit configured to send the start request when the detecting unit detects that connection management information is not stored.

15. The information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one information output apparatus further includes:

an input terminal identification information receiving unit configured to receive input terminal identification information of the input terminal identified by the identifying unit of the information input apparatus;

a connection management information recording unit configured to record the input terminal identification information received by the input terminal identification information receiving unit in a connection management memory;

a detecting unit configured to detect whether the input terminal identification information is stored in the connection management memory of the at least one information output apparatus;

the related information sending unit is configured to send the specific information when the detecting unit detects that the input terminal identification information is not stored; and

the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose the information for identification on the analog signal when the detecting unit detects that the input terminal identification information is not stored.

16. The information transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

the at least one information output apparatus further includes a manipulation unit configured to accept a start instruction input that commands start of processing of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus that is connected to the output terminal of the at least one information output apparatus;

the related information sending unit is configured to send the specific information when the manipulation unit accepts the start instruction input; and

the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose the information for identification on the analog signal when the manipulation unit accepts the start instruction input.

17. The information transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

the at least one information output apparatus further includes a start request receiving unit configured to receive a start request for start of processing of identifying an input terminal that is sent from the information input apparatus;

the specific information sending unit is configured to send the specific information when the start request receiving unit receives the start request;

the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose the information for identification on the analog signal when the start request receiving unit receives the start request; and

the information input apparatus further includes

a connection change detecting unit configured to detect a connection change in any of the input terminals of the information input apparatus, and

a start request sending unit configured to send the start request when the connection change detecting unit detects a connection change in any of the input terminals.

2. An information transmission system comprising:

at least one information output apparatus configured to output an analog signal, including

an output terminal configured to output the analog signal,

a related information sending unit configured to send a digital signal including at least specific information regarding the at least one information output apparatus, and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto the analog signal to be output from the output terminal; and

an information input apparatus configured to accept the analog signal from the at least one information output apparatus, including

plural input terminals configured to accept analog signals,

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept the digital signal including specific information,

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals,

a notifying unit configured to notify a user about the information for identification that is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from an input terminal;

the switching unit is configured to switch among the plural input terminals in order to reproduce the information for identification, and

a decision manipulation unit configured to accept a command that controls the switching unit.

6. The information transmission system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the information input apparatus further includes a connection management information recording unit configured to record, when the decision manipulation unit accepts the command, input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal to which switching is made by the switching unit and the specific information of the at least one information output apparatus in a connection management memory in such a manner that they are correlated with each other.

10. The information transmission system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the at least one information output apparatus further includes:

an input terminal identification information receiving unit configured to receive input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal to which switching is made by the switching unit when the decision manipulation unit accepts the deciding manipulation; and

a connection management information recording unit configured to record the input terminal identification information received by the input terminal identification information receiving unit in a connection management memory,

wherein before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal, the information output apparatus causes the related information sending unit to send the information input apparatus the input terminal identification information stored in the connection management memory.

11. The information transmission system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the information-for-identification superimposing unit of the at least one information output apparatus is configured to superimpose a display message on the analog signal in a case where the analog signal is a video signal.

12. The information transmission system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the information-for-identification superimposing unit of the at least one information output apparatus is configured to superimpose a voice message on the analog signal in a case where the analog signal is an audio signal.

3. An information transmission system comprising:

at least one information output apparatus connected to an information input apparatus via a first and second communication interface,

the at least one information output apparatus includes

an output terminal for the first communication interface,

a related information sending unit configured to send a digital signal including specific information of the at least one information output apparatus as additional information via the second communication interface, and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto an analog signal to be output from the output terminal; and

the information input apparatus is configured to accept the analog signal from the at least one information output apparatus via the first communication interface for transmission of the analog signal and a second communication interface for transmission of the digital signal and additional information, the information input apparatus including

plural input terminals for the first communication interface,

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept the digital signal including the specific information that is transmitted via the second communication interface,

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals,

an information-for-identification detecting unit configured to detect the information for identification superimposed on one of the analog signals that are accepted by a respective one of the plural input terminals for the first communication interface, and to cause the switching unit to switch among the plural input terminals, and

an identifying unit configured to transmit a digital signal to the at least one output apparatus that identifies the respective one of the plural input that received the analog signal.

4. An information transmission system comprising:

at least one information output apparatus connected to an information input apparatus via a first and second communication interface,

the output apparatus includes

an output terminal for the first communication interface,

a related information sending unit configured to send a digital signal including specific information of the at least one information output apparatus as additional information via the second communication interface, and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto analog signal to be output from the output terminal; and

the information input apparatus is configured to accept the analog signal from the at least one information output apparatus via a first communication interface for transmission of the analog signal and a second communication interface for transmission of the digital signal and additional information, the information input apparatus including

plural input terminals for the first communication interface,

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept the digital signal including the specific information that is transmitted via the second communication interface,

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals,

a notifying unit configured to notify a user about the information for identification that is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from an input terminal for the first communication interface;

the switching unit is configured to switch among the plural inputs in order to reproduce the information for identification, and

a decision manipulation unit configured to accept a command that controls the switching unit.

18. An information output apparatus to be connected to an information input apparatus having a plurality of input terminals for accepting input of an analog signal and capable of accepting input of specific information of the information output apparatus, the information output apparatus comprising:

an output terminal for outputting only the analog signal;

a related information sending unit configured to send a digital signal including at least specific information of the information output apparatus; and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto the analog signal to be output from the output terminal, so as to be used for identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus to accept the analog signal.

22. The information output apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the information output apparatus sends to the information input apparatus via the related information sending unit a switching control signal including specific information of the information output apparatus and to be used to switch to an input terminal of the information input terminal that is connected to the output terminal of the information output apparatus before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal.

23. The information output apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising:

a connection management information supply request generating unit configured to generate a request for supplying connection management information held by the information input apparatus in which specific information of the information output apparatus and input terminal identification information indicating an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the information output apparatus are correlated with each other; and

a switching control signal generating unit configured to generate a switching control signal to be used for making switching to the input terminal of the information input apparatus that is connected to the output terminal of the information output apparatus based on the connection management information that is supplied from the information input apparatus in response to the connection management information supply request,

wherein before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal, the information output apparatus is configured to send, via the related information sending unit, the connection management information supply request and the switching control signal generated by the switching control signal generating unit.

24. The information output apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising:

an input terminal identification information receiving unit configured to receive input terminal identification information indicating an input terminal identified in the information input apparatus as an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the information output apparatus; and

a connection management information recording unit configured to record the input terminal identification information received by the input terminal identification information receiving unit in a connection management memory,

wherein before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal, the information output apparatus causes the related information sending unit to send the information input apparatus the input terminal identification information stored in the connection management memory.

25. The information output apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a start request receiving unit configured to receive a request for starting a process of identifying an input terminal that is sent from the information input apparatus, wherein:

the related information sending unit is configured to send the specific information when the start request receiving unit receives the start request; and

the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose the information for identification on the analog signal when the start request receiving unit receives the start request.

28. The information output apparatus according to claim 18 or 20, wherein the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose pattern information that is predetermined as the information for identification on the analog signal as information for detection.

29. The information output apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising:

a detecting unit configured to detect whether the input terminal identification information is stored in the connection management memory of the information output apparatus, wherein;

the related information sending unit is configured to send the specific information when the detecting unit detects that the input terminal identification information is not stored; and

the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose the information for identification on the analog signal when the detecting unit detects that the input terminal identification information is not stored.

30. The information output apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a manipulation unit configured to accept a start instruction command that starts a process of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus that is connected to the output terminal of the information output apparatus, wherein:

the related information sending unit configured to send the specific information when the manipulation unit accepts the start instruction input; and

the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose the information for identification on the analog signal when the manipulation unit accepts the start instruction command.

19. An information output apparatus to be connected to an information input apparatus having a plurality of input terminals for accepting input of an analog signal and capable of accepting input of specific information of the information output apparatus, the information output apparatus comprising:

an output terminal for outputting the analog signal;

a related information sending unit configured to send a digital signal including at least specific information of the information output apparatus; and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto the analog signal to be output from the output terminal, so as to be used in the information input apparatus to notify a user about the information output apparatus that outputs the analog signal.

26. The information output apparatus according to claim 19 or 21, wherein the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose a display message on the analog signal in a case where the analog signal is a video signal.

27. The information output apparatus according to claim 19 or 21, wherein the information-for-identification superimposing unit is configured to superimpose a voice message on the analog signal in a case where the analog signal is an audio signal.

20. An information output apparatus to be connected, via a first communication interface for transmission of an analog signal and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information, to an information input apparatus having a plurality of input terminals for the first communication interface and capable of accepting the digital signal and the additional information via the second communication interface, the information output apparatus comprising:

an output terminal for the first communication interface;

a related information sending unit configured to send the digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus to the second communication interface; and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto the analog signal to be output from the output terminal, so as to be used for identifying an input terminal for the first communication interface of the information input apparatus, the input terminal accepting input of the analog signal.

21. An information output apparatus to be connected, via a first communication interface for transmission of an analog signal and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information, to an information input apparatus having a plurality of input terminals for the first communication interface and capable of accepting supply of the digital signal and the additional information via the second communication interface, the information output apparatus comprising:

an output terminal for the first communication interface;

a related information sending unit configured to send the digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus to the second communication interface; and

an information-for-identification superimposing unit configured to superimpose information for identification onto the analog signal to be output from the output terminal, so as to be used in the information input apparatus to notify a user about the information output apparatus that outputs the analog signal.

31. An information input apparatus to be connected to an information output apparatus having an output terminal for outputting an analog signal and capable of sending a digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus, the information input apparatus comprising:

plural input terminals for accepting input of the analog signal;

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept input of the digital signal including specific information;

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals;

an information-for-identification detecting unit configured to detect information for identification from each of the analog signals that is accepted via a respective one of the plural input terminals, and to cause the switching unit to switch among the plural input terminals; and

an identifying unit configured to transmit a digital signal to the at least one output apparatus that identifies an input terminal of the analog signal from which the information for identification is detected by the information-for-identification detecting unit as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the at least one information output apparatus that sent the specific information accepted by the specific information accepting unit.

35. The information input apparatus according to claim 31 or 33, further comprising a connection management information recording unit configured to record input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified by the identifying unit and the specific information of the information output apparatus in a connection management memory in such a manner that they are correlated with each other.

37. The information input apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising a switching control unit configured to control the switching unit in accordance with a switching control signal that is sent from the information output apparatus and accepted by the related information accepting unit.

38. The information input apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising:

a connection management information recording unit provided with a connection management memory and configured to record connection management information in the connection management memory, the connection management information including input terminal identification information and the specific information of the information output apparatus such that the input terminal identification information and the specific information are correlated to each other, and the input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified by the identifying unit;

a connection management information sending unit configured to send the information output apparatus the connection management information stored in the connection management memory in response to a connection management information supply request that is sent from the information output apparatus and accepted by the related information accepting unit; and

a switching control unit configured to control the switching unit in accordance with a switching control signal that is sent from the information output apparatus and accepted by the related information accepting unit.

41. The information input apparatus according to claim 31 or 33, wherein:

the information for identification is predetermined pattern information; and

the information-for-identification detecting unit detects the pattern information that is superimposed on the analog signal.

42. The information input apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising:

a connection management information recording unit provided with a connection management memory and configured to record connection management information in the connection management memory, the connection management information including input terminal identification information and the specific information of the information output apparatus such that the input terminal identification information and the specific information are correlated to each other, and the input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified by the identifying unit;

a detecting unit configured to detect whether the connection management information is stored in the connection management memory of the information input apparatus; and

a start request sending unit configured to send a start request for starting a process of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus to which the output terminal of the information output apparatus is connected when the detecting unit detects that the connection management information is not stored.

43. The information input apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising:

a connection change detecting unit configured to detect a connection change in any of the plural input terminals of the information input apparatus; and

a start request sending unit configured to send a request for starting a process of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus to which the output terminal of the information output apparatus is connected when the connection change detecting unit detects a connection change in any of the plural input terminals.

32. An information input apparatus to be connected to an information output apparatus having an output terminal for outputting an analog signal and capable of sending a digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus, the information input apparatus comprising:

plural input terminals for accepting input of the analog signal;

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept input of the digital signal including specific information;

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals;

a notifying unit configured to notify a user about information for identification that is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from an input terminal;

the switching unit is configured to switch among the plural input terminals in order to reproduce the information for identification; and

a decision manipulation unit configured to accept a command that controls the switching unit.

36. The information input apparatus according to claim 32 or 34, further comprising a connection management information recording unit configured to record, when the decision manipulation unit accepts the deciding manipulation, input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal to which switching is made by the switching unit and the specific information of the information output apparatus in an connection management memory in such a manner that they are correlated with each other.

39. The information input apparatus according to claim 32 or 34, wherein the information for identification that is superimposed on the analog signal is a display message.

40. The information input apparatus according to claim 32 or 34, wherein the information for identification that is superimposed on the analog signal is a voice message.

33. An information input apparatus to be connected, via a first communication interface for transmission of analog signal and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information, to an information output apparatus having an output terminal for the first communication interface and capable of sending information to the second communication interface, the information input apparatus comprising:

plural input terminals for the first communication interface;

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept a digital signal including specific information that is transmitted via the second communication interface;

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals;

an information-for-identification detecting unit configured to detect information for identification from each of analog signals that is accepted by a respective one of the plural input terminals for the first communication interface, and to cause the switching unit to switch among the plural input terminals; and

an identifying unit configured to identify an input terminal of the analog signal from which information for identification is detected by the information-for-identification detecting unit as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from an information output apparatus that sent the specific information accepted by the specific information accepting unit.

34. An information input apparatus to be connected, via a first communication interface for transmission of an analog signal and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information, to an information output apparatus having an output terminal for the first communication interface and capable of sending information to the second communication interface, the information input apparatus comprising:

plural input terminals for the first communication interface;

a specific information accepting unit configured to accept the digital signal including specific information that is transmitted via the second communication interface;

a switching unit configured to switch among the plural input terminals;

a notifying unit configured to notify a user about information for identification that is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from an input terminal for the first communication interface;

the switching unit is configured to switch among the plural input terminals in order to reproduce the information for identification; and

a decision manipulation unit configured to accept a command that controls the switching unit.

44. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus via one of plural input terminals of the information input apparatus, the one of the plural input terminals accepting an analog signal;

providing the information input apparatus capable of accepting a digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus;

sending the digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus from the information output apparatus to the information input apparatus;

sending information for identification from the information output apparatus to be used to identify an input terminal of the information input apparatus, the information for identification being superimposed on the analog signal to be output via an output terminal connected to the input terminal of the information input apparatus;

detecting by the information input apparatus the information for identification superimposed on the analog signal supplied via the input terminal by switching among the plural input terminals; and

transmitting a digital signal identifying an input terminal of the analog signal to the output apparatus, from which the information for identification is detected, as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the information output apparatus that sent the specific information.

52. The connection relationship identification method according to any one of claims 44 to 51, further comprising

recording terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified in the identifying the input terminal and the specific information of the information output apparatus in a connection management memory in such a manner that they are correlated with each other.

53. The connection relationship identification method according to claim 52, further comprising:

sending, from the information output apparatus, a switching control signal including the specific information of the information output apparatus to be used for making switching to the input terminal of the information input terminal that is connected to the output terminal of the self apparatus before outputting the analog signal via the output terminal.

54. The connection relationship identification method according to claim 52, further comprising:

sending a request for supplying connection management information stored in the connection management memory in which the input terminal identification information and the specific information of the information output apparatus are correlated with each other;

sending a switching control signal to be used for switching to the input terminal of the information input apparatus that is connected to the output terminal of the information output apparatus based on the connection management information that is supplied from the information input apparatus in response to the connection management information supply request; and

sending the generated switching control signal to the information input apparatus.

55. The connection relationship identification method according to claim 44 or 45, further comprising:

receiving an input terminal identification information, at the information output apparatus, indicating the input terminal that received the analog signal;

recording, in a connection management memory, the input terminal identification information received in the receiving the input terminal identification information step; and

sending to the information input apparatus the input terminal identification information stored in the connection management memory before outputting analog signal via the output terminal.

58. The connection relationship identification method according to any one of claims 44, 46, 48, and 50, wherein:

the sending information for identification step includes sending pattern information that is predetermined as the information for identification is superimposed on the analog signal as information for detection; and

the detecting step includes detecting the pattern information superimposed on the analog signal.

59. The connection relationship identification method according to claim 44, further comprising:

recording a connection management information wherein the information input apparatus records the connection management information in a connection management memory, the connection management information including input terminal identification information and the specific information of the information output apparatus such that the input terminal identification information and the specific information are correlated with each other, and the input terminal identification information indicating the input terminal identified in the identifying the input terminal;

detecting, with the information input apparatus, whether the connection management information is stored in the connection management memory of the information input apparatus; and

sending a start request from the information input apparatus when the connection management information is not stored.

60. The connection relationship identification method according to claim 55, further comprising

detecting whether the input terminal identification information is stored in the connection management memory of the information output apparatus,

wherein the step of sending the start request includes sending the start request when the detecting step detects that the input terminal identification information is not stored.

61. The connection relationship identification method according to any one of claims 44 to 51, further comprising:

accepting an identification instruction input that commands identification of an input terminal of the information input apparatus that is connected to the output terminal of the information output apparatus,

wherein the step of sending the start request includes sending the start request when the identification instruction input is made.

62. The connection relationship identification method according to any one of claims 44 to 51, further comprising:

detecting a connection change in any of the input terminals of the information input apparatus; and

sending a start request when, in the detecting step, a connection change detecting unit detects a connection change in any of the input terminals.

45. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus via one of plural input terminals of the information input apparatus, the one of the plural input terminals accepting an analog signal;

providing the information input apparatus capable of accepting a digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus;

sending the digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus from the information output apparatus to the information input apparatus;

sending information for identification from the information output apparatus to be used in the information input apparatus to notify a user about the information output apparatus that outputs the analog signal in such a manner that it is superimposed on the analog signal to be output via an output terminal connected to an input terminal of the information input apparatus;

notifying, with the information input apparatus, a user about the information for identification superimposed on the analog signal that is supplied via the input terminal by reproducing it while switching among the plural input terminals; and

accepting, with the information input apparatus, a decision manipulation if the information for identification is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from the input terminal switched to, and identifying the input terminal that is selected at the time of the decision manipulation as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the information output apparatus that sent the specific information.

56. The connection relationship identification method according to any one of claims 45, 47, 49, and 51, wherein in the sending the information for identification a display message is superimposed on the analog signal in a case where the analog signal is a video signal.

57. The connection relationship identification method according to any one of claims 45, 47, 49, and 51, wherein in the sending the information for identification a voice message is superimposed on the analog signal in a case where the analog signal is an audio signal.

46. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus having plural input terminals for a first communication interface for transmission of an analog signal via the first communication interface and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information;

sending the digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus from the information output apparatus to the information input apparatus via the second communication interface;

sending information for identification from the information output apparatus to be used to identify an input terminal of the information input apparatus in such a manner that it is superimposed on the analog signal to be supplied to the information input apparatus via the first communication interface;

detecting, with the information input apparatus, the information for identification from the analog signal supplied via the input terminal by switching among the plural input terminals; and

transmitting a digital signal identifying an input terminal of the analog signal to the output apparatus, from which the information for identification is detected as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the information output apparatus that sent the specific information.

47. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus having plural input terminals for a first communication interface for transmission of an analog signal via the first communication interface and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information;

sending the digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus from the information output apparatus to the information input apparatus via the second communication interface;

sending information for identification from the information output apparatus to be used in the information input apparatus to notify a user about the information output apparatus that outputs the analog signal in such a manner that it is superimposed on the analog signal to be supplied to the information input apparatus via the first communication interface;

notifying, with the information input apparatus, a user about the information for identification superimposed on the analog signal that is supplied via the input terminal by reproducing it while switching among the plural input terminals;

accepting, with the information input apparatus, a decision manipulation if the information for identification is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from the input terminal that is switched to; and

transmitting a digital signal identifying the input terminal, to the output apparatus, that is selected at the time of the decision manipulation as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the information output apparatus that sent the specific information.

48. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus via one of plural input terminals of the information input apparatus, the one of the plural input terminals accepting an analog signal;

providing the information input apparatus capable of accepting a digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus;

transmitting a start request wherein the information output apparatus sends the information input apparatus a start request that includes specific information of the information output apparatus and requests a start of a process of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus to which the information output apparatus is connected;

sending, from the information output apparatus, information for identification to be used for identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus in such a manner that it is superimposed on the analog signal to be output via an output terminal connected to the input terminal of the information input apparatus;

detecting the information for identification, wherein the information input apparatus detects the information for identification from the analog signal supplied via the input terminal by switching among the plural input terminals; and

transmitting a digital signal identifying an input terminal of the analog signal, to the output apparatus from which the information for identification is detected.

49. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus via one of plural input terminals of the information input apparatus, the one of the plural input terminals accepting an analog signal;

providing the information input apparatus capable of accepting a digital signal including specific information of the information output apparatus;

transmitting a start request wherein the information output apparatus sends the information input apparatus a start request that includes specific information of the information output apparatus and requests a start of a process of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus to which the information output apparatus is connected;

sending from the information output apparatus information for identification to be used in the information input apparatus to notify a user about the information output apparatus that outputs the analog signal in such a manner that it is superimposed on the analog signal to be output via an output terminal connected to the input terminal of the information input apparatus;

notifying a user about the information for identification superimposed on the analog signal that is supplied via the input terminal by reproducing it while switching among the input terminals;

identifying an input terminal, wherein the information input apparatus accepts a decision manipulation if the information for identification is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from the input terminal that is switched to when the user is notified about the information for identification in the information-for-identification notification step; and

transmitting a digital signal to the output apparatus that identifies the input terminal that is selected at the time of the decision manipulation as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the information output apparatus that sent the specific information.

50. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus having plural input terminals for a first communication interface for transmission of an analog signal via the first communication interface and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information;

sending a start request from the information output apparatus to the information input apparatus via the second communication interface that includes specific information of the information output apparatus and requests a start of a process of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus to which the information output apparatus is connected;

sending information for identification to be used for identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus in such a manner that it is superimposed on the analog signal to be supplied to the information input apparatus via the first communication interface;

detecting, with the information input apparatus, the information for identification from the analog signal supplied via the input terminal by switching among the input terminals; and

transmitting a digital signal identifying an input terminal of the analog signal, to the output apparatus, from which the information for identification is detected as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the information output apparatus that sent the specific information if the information for identification is detected in the detecting the information for identification.

51. A connection relationship identification method for identifying an input terminal of an information input apparatus to which an information output apparatus is connected, the connection relationship identification method comprising:

providing the information output apparatus connected to the information input apparatus having plural input terminals for a first communication interface for transmission of an analog signal via the first communication interface and a second communication interface enabling transmission of a digital signal and additional information;

sending a start request from the information output apparatus to the information input apparatus via the second communication interface that includes specific information of the information output apparatus and requests a start of a process of identifying an input terminal of the information input apparatus to which the information output apparatus is connected;

sending information for identification from the information output apparatus to be used in the information input apparatus to notify a user about the information output apparatus that outputs the analog signal in such a manner that the information for identification is superimposed on the analog signal to be supplied to the information input apparatus via the first communication interface;

notifying a user about the information for identification superimposed on the analog signal that is supplied via the input terminal by reproducing the information for identification superimposed on the analog signal while switching among the input terminals;

identifying an input terminals wherein the information input apparatus accepts a decision manipulation if the information for identification is superimposed on the analog signal supplied from the input terminal to which switching is made when the user is notified about the information for identification in the information-for-identification notification step; and

transmitting a digital signal to the output apparatus that identifies the input terminal that is selected at the time of the decision manipulation as an input terminal of the analog signal sent from the information output apparatus that sent the specific information.