Sink equipment and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a sink apparatus capable of efficiently executing setting of EDID information, and an information processing method.SOLUTION: A sink apparatus includes a communication part for acquiring apparatus information of a source apparatus undergoing a communication connection to the sink apparatus, and a control part for setting a plurality of pieces EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information or prescribed EDID information in the sink apparatus on the basis of a result of retrieval processing for retrieving EDID information associated with apparatus information acquired from the EDID information each associated with the apparatus information of a plurality of source apparatuses by the communication part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sink device and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a sink device such as a television device is communicably connected to a source device that supplies a content signal, and is configured to display an image or output sound based on the signal transmitted from the source device. Various standards are used for cables and interfaces connecting the sink device and the source device, such as the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) (registered trademark) standard, the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) standard, or standards with different versions of these.

[0003] In order to indicate which standard connection the sink device can support, the sink device stores EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information describing the characteristics of the sink device and transmits the EDID information to the source device. The source device outputs a content signal such as an image or sound according to the received EDID information.

[0004] However, when the source device does not have a function corresponding to the EDID information received from the sink device, the source device cannot correctly interpret the EDID information received from the sink device. As a result, for example, the source device may perform processing such as outputting a signal with EDID information not set on the sink device side.

[0005] Citation Document 1 discloses a display device that eliminates the occurrence of such problems. For example, Citation Document 1 discloses a display device (sink device) that rewrites the version of EDID information to the information of one lower version when the source device cannot support the EDID information set in the display device (sink device).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-163238 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 may not be able to efficiently resolve problems arising from differences in compatible versions. For example, if the number of versions in the EDID information increases due to a version update, the process of resolving problems between multiple versions may become complicated in Patent Document 1. For example, when rewriting versions between HDMI2.1 and HDMI1.4, compared to rewriting versions between HDMI2.0 and HDMI1.4, it is necessary to first rewrite HDMI2.1 to HDMI2.0, and then rewrite HDMI2.0 to HDMI1.4. Furthermore, if a higher version is used, further version rewriting processes may be required.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned issues. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a sink device and an information processing method that can efficiently set EDID information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the sink device of this disclosure includes a communication unit that acquires device information of a source device that is communicated with the sink device, and a control unit that sets the EDID information or a predetermined EDID information for the sink device based on the result of a search process that searches for EDID information associated with the device information acquired by the communication unit from a plurality of EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) pieces of information associated with the device information of a plurality of source devices.

[0010] One form of information processing method of the present disclosure is an information processing method performed by a sink device, comprising the steps of: acquiring device information of a source device that is communicated with the sink device; and setting the EDID information or a predetermined EDID information for the sink device based on the result of a search process that searches for EDID information associated with the acquired device information from a plurality of EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information associated with the device information of a plurality of source devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the content output system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content output system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the content output system. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by the sink control unit. [Figure 5] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the content output system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the content output system. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of a process performed by the sink control unit in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of identical or equivalent components will be omitted where necessary.

[0013] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the content output system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the content output system 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a sink device 10, a source device 20, and an information processing device 30.

[0014] The sink device 10 is a device capable of outputting content including video and / or sound. The sink device 10 is, for example, a display device equipped with a display unit 16, which will be described later. The sink device 10 may also be a display device equipped with a sound output unit 17, which will be described later, or it may be a monitor device without a sound output unit 17. In this embodiment, the sink device 10 will be described as comprising a display unit 16 and a sound output unit 17. The sink device 10 is capable of outputting video and / or sound based on content signals received from, for example, a source device 20. The sink device 10 may be, for example, a television device, an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) or tablet terminal device with a display unit 16, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, or a projector device. However, the sink device 10 is not limited to the examples shown herein and may be composed of other devices capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0015] The sink device 10 may have one or more HDMI terminals. In the example shown in Figure 1, the sink device 10 has two HDMI terminals. One source device 20 can be connected to each HDMI terminal in a communicative manner. In the example shown in Figure 1, a source device 20 is connected to the HDMI terminal labeled HDMI1. In the example shown in Figure 1, a source device 20 is not connected to the HDMI terminal labeled HDMI2, but a source device 20 may also be connected to HDMI2. In other words, multiple source devices 20 may be connected to the sink device 10.

[0016] The source device 20 is a device that outputs a content signal to the communication-connected sink device 10. The source device 20 may be, for example, a content playback device or a content recording device such as a Blu-ray (registered trademark) player, a Blu-ray recorder, or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) recorder, an information processing device such as a stationary PC, a mobile PC, or a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or a video camera. However, the source device 20 is not limited to the examples shown here and may be configured by other devices capable of executing the functions described in this specification.

[0017] The information processing device 30 is a device connected to be information communicable with the sink device 10. The information processing device 30 may be configured by, for example, a server device or a computer. In the present embodiment, the information processing device 30 executes a predetermined search process based on the information received from the sink device 10. Details of the search process executed by the information processing device 30 will be described later.

[0018] EDID information is set in the sink device 10. The EDID information is information indicating the standard used in the communication between the sink device 10 and the source device 20. The sink device 10 transmits the EDID information set for the sink device 10 to the source device 20. The source device 20 transmits a content signal corresponding to the received EDID information to the sink device 10. However, when the source device 20 does not have a function corresponding to the EDID information received from the sink device 10, it will transmit a content signal with EDID information different from the EDID information set in the sink device 10.

[0019] For example, in the sink device 10, assume that as EDID information, it can support three modes: the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. Here, assume that the first mode has the lowest version of EDID information and the third mode has the highest version of EDID information. Generally, the first mode with the lowest version is more versatile because more devices can support it. On the other hand, generally, the third mode with the highest version can output higher-function content. Taking the image quality standard as an example, for instance, the first mode is EDID information that can support a 2K signal, the second mode is EDID information that can support a 4K signal, and the third mode is EDID information that can support an 8K signal.

[0020] When the sink device 10 can support three modes (versions) in this way, even if the EDID information set in the sink device 10 is the third mode, if the source device 20 can only support the EDID information of the first mode or the second mode, the source device 20 cannot correctly interpret the EDID information set on the sink device 10 side. In this case, the source device 20 may perform operations such as outputting a signal with EDID information not set on the sink device 10 side. However, even if the sink device 10 receives a signal with non-set EDID information, it may not be able to display the video normally.

[0021] On the other hand, for example, when the EDID information of the first mode is set in the sink device 10, since the source device 20 can also support the first mode, the content signal in the first mode is transmitted from the source device 20 to the sink device 10, and thus the video is displayed normally. However, if both the sink device 10 and the source device 20 can support the more functional second mode but are set to the first mode, the user cannot fully enjoy the functions of the sink device 10 and the source device 20.

[0022] In light of these circumstances, the content output system 1 disclosed herein aims to efficiently perform the setting of EDID information. In this specification, in the following descriptions, we will explain, as a specific example, the case in which there are three modes in the EDID information: a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode.

[0023] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the content output system 1 in Figure 1.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the sink device 10 includes a sink control unit 11, a sink storage unit 12, a sink operation unit 13, a first sink communication unit 14, a second sink communication unit 15, a display unit 16, and a sound output unit 17.

[0025] The sink control unit 11 controls and manages the entire sink device 10, including each functional part of the sink device 10. The sink control unit 11 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the sink storage unit 12. For example, the sink control unit 11 can be composed of control devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The sink control unit 11 sets EDID information for the sink device 10. Details of the method for setting EDID information performed by the sink control unit 11 will be described later.

[0026] The sink storage unit 12 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The sink storage unit 12 can be configured as, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the sink storage unit 12 can be configured as, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The sink storage unit 12 may store, for example, a program for operating the sink control unit 11. The sink storage unit 12 may also store, for example, EDID information that can be set for the sink device 10.

[0027] The sink operation unit 13 is a mechanism that allows a user to perform operation inputs to the sink equipment 10. The sink operation unit 13 may consist of, for example, a group of operation buttons provided on the main body of the sink equipment 10. The sink operation unit 13 may also consist of, for example, a remote control device (hereinafter simply referred to as "remote control") and an operation signal receiving unit that receives operation signals transmitted from the remote control. If a touch sensor is provided on the display unit 16, the touch sensor provided on the display unit 16 may function as the sink operation unit 13.

[0028] The first sink communication unit 14 performs communication with the source device 20. The first sink communication unit 14 may be configured, for example, with an HDMI terminal as shown in Figure 1. The first sink communication unit 14 communicates with the source device 20 via a communication path, such as a cable. The first sink communication unit 14 obtains, for example, device information of the source device 20, which is connected to the sink device 10, from the source device 20. The device information is information that can identify the source device 20, and may be, for example, a CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) device name. The first sink communication unit 14 also transmits the EDID information set for the sink device 10 to the source device 20.

[0029] Furthermore, the first sink communication unit 14 receives content signals transmitted from, for example, the source device 20. For example, the first sink communication unit 14 receives TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) signals. The TMDS signals may include, for example, video signals, audio signals, and control signals for controlling the output. Based on the signals received by the first sink communication unit 14 from the source device 20, the sink control unit 11 can display video on the display unit 16 or output sound from the audio output unit 17.

[0030] The second sink communication unit 15 performs communication with the information processing device 30. The second sink communication unit 15 can perform information communication with the information processing device 30 by wire or wireless connection. For example, under the control of the sink control unit 11, the second sink communication unit 15 can transmit device information acquired by the first sink communication unit 14 from the source device 20 to the information processing device 30. The second sink communication unit 15 can also receive, for example, the results of a search process performed by the information processing device 30 based on the device information from the information processing device 30. The sink control unit 11 can set the EDID information received by the second sink communication unit 15 from the information processing device 30 for the sink device 10.

[0031] The display unit 16 is a device that displays images. The display unit 16 may be made up of a well-known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD). The display unit 16 displays images based on signals received from, for example, the source device 20, under the control of the sink control unit 11. The display unit 16 can also be configured as a projection unit that projects images onto a screen, in which case the sink device 10 functions as a projector.

[0032] The sound output unit 17 is a device capable of outputting sound. The sound output unit 17 may be composed of, for example, a speaker. The sound output unit 17 outputs sound based on a signal received from, for example, the source device 20, under the control of the sink control unit 11.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the source device 20 comprises a source control unit 21, a source storage unit 22, a source communication unit 23, and a source operation unit 24.

[0034] The source control unit 21 controls and manages the entire source device 20, including each functional unit of the source device 20. The source control unit 21 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the source storage unit 22. For example, the source control unit 21 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU or MPU. The source control unit 21 transmits device information of the source device 20 to the sink device 10.

[0035] Furthermore, the source control unit 21 performs various signal processing on the content signals (e.g., video signals and audio signals) to be output to the sink device 10. The content, such as video and audio, to be output to the sink device 10 may include content received by a broadcast receiving unit (not shown), content stored in the source storage unit 22, and content recorded on a portable recording medium mounted on a portable recording medium reader (not shown). The content is read under the control of the source control unit 21, and signal processing is performed. By performing signal processing, the source control unit 21 generates a signal (e.g., a TMDS signal) to be transmitted to the sink device 10.

[0036] The source storage unit 22 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The source storage unit 22 can be configured as, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the source storage unit 22 can be configured as, for example, an EEPROM. The source storage unit 22 may store, for example, a program for operating the source control unit 21. The source storage unit 22 may also store, for example, device information of the source device 20 equipped with the source storage unit 22. The source storage unit 22 may store, for example, content such as video and sound to be output to the sink device 10.

[0037] The source communication unit 23 performs communication with the sink device 10. The source communication unit 23 communicates with the sink device 10 via a communication path such as a cable. The source communication unit 23 transmits, for example, device information of the source device 20 to the sink device 10. The source communication unit 23 also receives, for example, EDID information set for the sink device 10 from the sink device 10. The source communication unit 23 also transmits, for example, content signals to the sink device 10. For example, the source communication unit 23 transmits a TMDS signal.

[0038] The source control unit 24 is a mechanism that allows the user to perform operation inputs to the source device 20. The source control unit 24 may consist of, for example, a group of operation buttons provided on the main body of the source device 20. The source control unit 24 may also consist of, for example, an operation signal receiving unit that receives operation signals transmitted from the remote control.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 30 comprises a device control unit 31, a device storage unit 32, and a device communication unit 33.

[0040] The device control unit 31 controls and manages the entire information processing device 30, including each functional unit of the information processing device 30. The device control unit 31 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the device storage unit 32. For example, the device control unit 31 can be configured with a control device such as a CPU or MPU. In this embodiment, the device control unit 31 executes a search process based on the device information received by the information processing device 30 from the sink device 10, and transmits the processing result to the sink device 10. The search process is a process of searching for EDID information associated with the device information by referring to the device storage unit 32. If EDID information associated with the device information is identified in the search process, the device control unit 31 transmits the EDID information to the sink device 10. If EDID information associated with the device information is not identified in the search process, the device control unit 31 transmits a signal to the sink device 10 indicating that the corresponding EDID information was not detected.

[0041] The device storage unit 32 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The device storage unit 32 can be configured as, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the device storage unit 32 can be configured as, for example, an EEPROM. The device storage unit 32 may store, for example, a program for operating the device control unit 31.

[0042] Furthermore, the device storage unit 32 may store, for example, the device information of the source device 20 and the EDID information in association. The device storage unit 32 may have the device information of the source device 20 and the EDID information pre-stored in association by, for example, a user of the information processing device 30 (e.g., an administrator). Specifically, for example, the device storage unit 32 stores the device information of multiple source devices 20 and the optimal EDID information for each source device 20 in association. Here, the optimal EDID information can be determined by a user or the like based on specific criteria. For example, the optimal EDID information may be the EDID information with the highest version among the EDID information that the source device 20 can handle. Alternatively, the optimal EDID information may be EDID information of an appropriate version determined considering the characteristics of the source device 20. Preferably, the optimal EDID information is the EDID information that, when applied, results in the highest quality content (video and sound) output from the sink device 10.

[0043] The device communication unit 33 performs communication with the sink device 10. The device communication unit 33 can perform information communication with the sink device 10 by wire or wireless connection. For example, the device communication unit 33 can receive device information transmitted by the sink device 10. In addition, the device communication unit 33 can transmit the results of a search process performed by the device control unit 31 to the sink device 10, for example, under the control of the device control unit 31.

[0044] Next, an example of processing performed by the content output system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing performed by the content output system 1 in Figure 1.

[0045] First, a communication connection is established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 (step S11). For example, the communication connection is established by connecting the sink device 10 and the source device 20 with a cable. Alternatively, for example, if the sink device 10 and the source device 20 are already connected with a cable, the user's input will turn the power of the sink device 10 from the off state to the on state, supplying power from the sink device 10 to the source device 20, and the communication connection is established when both the sink device 10 and the source device 20 are turned on.

[0046] When a communication connection is established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20, the source device 20 transmits its device information to the sink device 10 (step S12). Specifically, the source device 20 can transmit its device information stored in the source storage unit 22 to the sink device 10. The source device 20 may transmit the device information to the sink device 10, for example, when it detects that a communication connection with the sink device 10 has been established. Alternatively, for example, when the sink device 10 detects that a communication connection with the source device 20 has been established, it may send a request signal to the source device 20 requesting the transmission of device information, and the source device 20 may, upon receiving the request signal, transmit the device information to the sink device 10 as a response to the request signal.

[0047] When the sink device 10 receives device information from the source device 20, it transmits the received device information to the information processing device 30 (step S13).

[0048] The information processing device 30 performs a search process based on the received device information (step S14). The information processing device 30 performs the search process by, for example, referring to the information in the device storage unit 32, which stores the device information and EDID information of the source device 20 in association.

[0049] Here, we will explain an example of the details of the search process. As mentioned above, the device storage unit 32 stores, for example, the device information of the source device 20 and the EDID information in association. As an example, suppose the device storage unit 32 stores the device information of source device 20 called Player A and the EDID information called Third Mode in association. Also, suppose the device storage unit 32 stores the device information of source device 20 called Player B and the EDID information called First Mode in association.

[0050] In this state, suppose the information processing device 30 receives device information for player A in step S13. In this case, in step S14, the information processing device 30 determines whether or not the device information for player A is stored in the device storage unit 32. Here, since the device information for player A and the EDID information for third mode are stored in association with each other in the device storage unit 32, the information processing device 30 determines that the device information for player A is stored in the device storage unit 32. The information processing device 30 then identifies the EDID information associated with the device information for player A as third mode. If the information processing device 30 receives device information for player B in step S13, it will perform a similar process to identify the EDID information associated with the device information for player B as first mode.

[0051] Suppose the information processing device 30 receives device information for player C in step S13. In this case, in step S14, the information processing device 30 determines whether or not device information for player C is stored in the device storage unit 32. Here, since information about player C is not stored in the device storage unit 32, the information processing device 30 cannot identify the EDID information corresponding to player C. In this case, the information processing device 30 may determine that the EDID information corresponding to player C is not stored.

[0052] When the search process in step S14 is completed, the information processing device 30 transmits the processing result to the sink device 10 (step S15). If EDID information associated with the device information is identified during the search process, the information processing device 30 transmits the identified EDID information to the sink device 10 as a processing result. For example, in the above example, if the sink device 10 transmitted device information called "Player A" in step S13, the information processing device 30 transmits EDID information called "Third Mode" in step S15. Similarly, in the above example, if the sink device 10 transmitted device information called "Player B" in step S13, the information processing device 30 transmits EDID information called "First Mode" in step S15.

[0053] On the other hand, if, during the search process, the EDID information associated with the device information cannot be identified because the device information is not stored in the device storage unit 32, the information processing device 30 sends a signal to the sink device 10 indicating that the EDID information could not be identified as a result of the processing. For example, in the above example, if the sink device 10 transmitted the device information "player C" in step S13, the information processing device 30 sends a signal in step S15 indicating that the EDID information could not be identified. In this case, the processing result does not include the EDID information.

[0054] The sink device 10 sets EDID information for itself based on the results of the search process. In this embodiment, for example, the sink device 10 sets EDID information for itself based on the processing results received from the information processing device 30 in step S15 (step S16). Details of the method for setting EDID information performed by the sink device 10 in step S16 will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0055] The sink device 10 transmits the EDID information set in step S16 to the source device 20 (step S17). This allows the sink device 10 and the source device 20 to send and receive content signals using the set EDID information.

[0056] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the sink control unit 11 in Figure 2. At the start of the flow in Figure 4, the sink device 10 and the source device 20 are not yet connected by a communication link.

[0057] First, the sink control unit 11 determines whether or not a communication connection has been established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 (step S21).

[0058] If the sink control unit 11 determines that a communication connection has not been established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 (No. in step S21), it terminates this flow. In this case, the sink control unit 11 may execute the flow in Figure 4 again from the beginning.

[0059] On the other hand, if the sink control unit 11 determines that a communication connection has been established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 (Yes in step S21), it determines whether or not it has acquired device information from the source device 20 (step S22). For example, the sink device 10 may not be able to acquire device information due to settings on the source device 20 or some kind of error. Therefore, the sink control unit 11 determines whether or not it has acquired device information from the source device 20. Note that the sink control unit 11 may send a signal to the source device 20 in advance to request the transmission of device information before executing step S22.

[0060] If the sink control unit 11 determines that it has not obtained device information from the source device 20 (No. in step S22), it terminates this flow. In this case, the sink control unit 11 may execute the flow in Figure 4 again from the beginning.

[0061] Meanwhile, if the sink control unit 11 determines that it has acquired device information from the source device 20 (Yes in step S22), it transmits the acquired device information to the information processing device 30 (step S23). The information processing device 30 performs a search process based on the device information received from the sink device 10, and transmits the processing result to the sink device 10.

[0062] The sink control unit 11 sets EDID information for the sink device 10 based on the results of the search process performed by the information processing device 30. In this embodiment, when the sink control unit 11 receives the processing results from the information processing device 30, it determines whether or not EDID information was identified in the search process (step S24). For example, the sink control unit 11 may determine whether or not EDID information was identified in the search process based on whether or not EDID information is included in the processing results received from the information processing device 30. If EDID information is included in the processing results received from the information processing device 30, the sink control unit 11 may determine that EDID information was identified in the search process. If EDID information is not included in the processing results received from the information processing device 30, the sink control unit 11 may determine that EDID information was not identified in the search process.

[0063] If the sink control unit 11 determines that EDID information has been identified during the search process (Yes in step S24), it sets the identified EDID information on the sink device 10 (step S25). At this time, the sink control unit 11 may transmit the EDID information set in step S25 to the source device 20, similar to the process described in step S17 of Figure 3. This enables the source device 20 to transmit content signals using the received EDID information.

[0064] On the other hand, if the sink control unit 11 determines that EDID information has not been identified in the search process (No. in step S24), it sets predetermined EDID information for the sink device 10. Specifically, it performs a determination process to determine the EDID information to be set for the sink device 10. If EDID information has not been identified in the search process, it means that the device information transmitted in step S23 is not stored in the device storage unit 32 of the information processing device 30. In other words, it means that the information regarding the device information transmitted in step S23 is not stored in the device storage unit 32. In this case, the sink control unit 11 performs a determination process to determine the EDID information to be set for the sink device 10.

[0065] The decision process is the process of determining the EDID information to be set for the sink device 10. The sink control unit 11 determines the version of EDID information that can be set for the sink device 10 and is compatible with both the sink device 10 and the source device 20 as the EDID information to be set for the sink device 10. The version of EDID information that can be set for both the sink device 10 and the source device 20 is the EDID information for which a content signal is transmitted from the source device 20 and the content is output normally from the sink device 10 based on that content signal.

[0066] The sink control unit 11 can perform the decision process in various ways. In this embodiment, the sink control unit 11 attempts to set the sink device 10 with the sink device 10 in order from the highest version of the EDID information that can be set for the sink device 10, and determines that the first version of the EDID information in which the content is successfully output from the sink device based on the content signal from the source device 20 is the EDID information to be set for the sink device 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the sink control unit 11 performs the decision process in steps S26 to S29.

[0067] In other words, the sink control unit 11 sets one of the EDID information sets available for the sink device 10 (step S26). In this embodiment, the sink control unit 11 may set the EDID information with the highest version among the EDID information sets available for the sink device 10. For example, if the third mode has the highest version among the three EDID information sets, the sink control unit 11 sets the EDID information of the third mode for the sink device 10 in step S26. The sink control unit 11 transmits the EDID information set in step S26 to the source device 20.

[0068] Then, the sink control unit 11 determines whether the content is being output correctly (step S27). Specifically, the sink control unit 11 performs processing such as displaying video on the display unit 16 or outputting sound from the sound output unit 17 based on the content signal received from the source device 20. At this time, the sink control unit 11 determines whether the content is being output correctly by checking, for example, whether the video is being displayed correctly or whether the sound is being output correctly.

[0069] As a specific method for determining whether the content has been output correctly, the sink control unit 11 can, for example, determine whether any error occurred during the content output processing. The sink control unit 11 may determine that the content has not been output correctly if any error occurs during the content output processing. The sink control unit 11 may determine that the content has been output correctly if no error occurred during the content output processing.

[0070] Another method for determining whether content is being output correctly is for the sink control unit 11 to determine whether content is being output correctly, for example, based on user input to the sink device 10. Specifically, the sink control unit 11 displays an inquiry message on the display unit 16 or outputs it as audio from the sound output unit 17 to ask the user whether video and / or sound are being output correctly. The user responds to the inquiry message by inputting whether content is being output correctly, for example, using the sink operation unit 13 or the remote control of the sink device 10. If the user's input indicates that content is being output correctly, the sink control unit 11 can determine that content is being output correctly. If the user's input indicates that content is not being output correctly, the sink control unit 11 can determine that content is not being output correctly.

[0071] In step S27, the specific method for determining whether the content has been output correctly is not limited to the example shown here, and other methods may be used.

[0072] If the sink control unit 11 determines that the content is being output correctly (Yes in step S27), it decides that the EDID information set on the sink device 10 at this time will be used as the EDID information to be used for communication with the source device 20 which is connected to the sink device 10 (step S29). Then, the sink control unit 11 sets the EDID information set on the sink device 10 when it determines that the content is being output correctly as the EDID information to be used for communication with the source device 20.

[0073] Then, the sink control unit 11 associates the device information transmitted in step S23 with the EDID information determined in step S29 and stores it in the device storage unit 32 of the information processing device 30. Specifically, the sink control unit 11 transmits information of the combination of the device information transmitted in step S23 and the EDID information determined in step S29 to the information processing device 30 (step S30). When the information processing device 30 receives the information of this combination, it associates the device information and EDID information contained in the information of this combination and stores it in the device storage unit 32. As a result, information of the association between device information and EDID information that was not previously stored in the device storage unit 32 is stored. Therefore, after this storage, when the stored device information is received from the sink device 10, the EDID information associated with that device information can be identified by a search process.

[0074] On the other hand, if the sink control unit 11 determines in step S27 that the content is not being output correctly (No. in step S27), it sets one other EDID information for the sink device 10 (step S28). Here, the sink control unit 11 attempts to set the sink device 10 with the highest version EDID information from among the EDID information that can be set on the sink device 10. Therefore, it sets the third mode in step S26, and if it determines in step S27 that the content is not being output correctly, it sets the second mode, which has the next highest version after the third mode, for the sink device 10 in step S28. The sink control unit 11 transmits the EDID information set in step S28 to the source device 20.

[0075] Then, the sink control unit 11 moves to step S27 and determines again whether the content is being output correctly. If the sink control unit 11 determines that the content is being output correctly (Yes in step S27), it decides to use the EDID information set on the sink device 10 as the EDID information to be used for communication with the source device 20 which is connected to the sink device 10 (step S29). For example, if the sink control unit 11 sets the second mode for the sink device 10 in step S28 and moves to step S27 and determines that the content is being output correctly, it decides to use the second mode as the EDID information to be used for communication with the source device 20.

[0076] If the sink control unit 11 determines that the content is not being output correctly (No. in step S27), it proceeds to step S28 again and sets yet another piece of EDID information for the sink device 10. For example, if the sink control unit 11 determines that the content is not being output correctly using either the third mode or the second mode, it sets the lowest version, the first mode, for the sink device 10. The first mode is assumed to be compatible with any source device 20 because it has the lowest version and is highly versatile. After setting the first mode for the sink device 10, the sink control unit 11 proceeds to step S27 again and determines that the content is being output correctly, and decides to use the first mode as the EDID information to be used for communication between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 to which it is communicating (step S29).

[0077] In this way, the sink device 10 sets EDID information based on the results of the search process performed by the information processing device 30. The search process searches for EDID information associated with the source device 20, and when the corresponding EDID information is identified, that EDID information is set for the sink device 10. Even if the search process does not identify EDID information associated with the source device 20, the determination process determines the EDID information, and the determined EDID information is set for the sink device 10. In this way, EDID information that can be associated with the sink device 10 and the source device 20 is set, so that the content output system 1 can set EDID information efficiently. In particular, if the device storage unit 32 stores the device information of the source device 20 and the optimal EDID information for each source device 20 in association with each other, the optimal EDID information is set for the sink device 10 according to the source device 20 with which the sink device 10 has established a communication connection.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, if the EDID information associated with the source device 20 is not identified during the search process, the sink device 10 determines the EDID information to be set on the sink device 10 by attempting to set the EDID information to the sink device 10 in order from the highest version. Therefore, the EDID information with the highest version among the EDID information that the sink device 10 can handle is set on the sink device. As a result, the user can fully enjoy the functions of both the sink device 10 and the source device 20.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the sink control unit 11 determined the EDID information to be set for the sink device 10 by performing trials to set the EDID information for the sink device 10 in order from the highest version. However, the sink control unit 11 does not necessarily have to determine the EDID information in this manner.

[0080] For example, in step S26 of Figure 4, the sink control unit 11 may set any one of the EDID information that can be set on the sink device 10. The sink control unit 11 may set any one EDID information, or it may set one EDID information according to a specific rule. If the content is not output correctly with the EDID information set in step S26 (No. in step S27), the sink control unit 11 may set another EDID information that has not yet been set in the decision process for the sink device 10 in step S28. The sink control unit 11 may set any other EDID information, or it may set another EDID information according to a specific rule. In this way as well, a version of EDID information that is compatible with both the sink device 10 and the source device 20 can be set for the sink device 10.

[0081] Here, we will explain specific examples of the processes performed by the sink control unit 11, again referring to Figure 4. In the first to third examples described here, as in the examples discussed so far, the EDID information that can be set in the sink device 10 has three modes: first mode, second mode, and third mode, with the first mode being the lowest version EDID information and the third mode being the highest version EDID information. Furthermore, the device storage unit 32 stores device information for player A associated with EDID information for third mode, and device information for player B associated with EDID information for first mode.

[0082] (Example 1) In the first example, it is assumed that the sink device 10 is initially configured with the lowest version and most versatile EDID information of the first mode. Also, in the first example, it is assumed that a source device 20, which has the device information of player A, is connected to the sink device 10 via communication.

[0083] When the sink control unit 11 determines that a communication connection has been established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 (Yes in step S21), it acquires device information from the source device 20. In this case, the sink control unit 11 acquires device information called "Player A". When the sink control unit 11 acquires the device information (Yes in step S22), it transmits the acquired device information called "Player A" to the information processing device 30 (step S23).

[0084] The information processing device 30 determines whether the device information for player A, obtained from the sink device 10, is stored in the device storage unit 32. In this example, the information processing device 30 determines that the device information for player A is stored in the device storage unit 32, and identifies the EDID information associated with the device information for player A in the device storage unit 32 as the third mode. Then, as a processing result, the information processing device 30 transmits the identified EDID information for the third mode to the sink device 10.

[0085] When the sink control unit 11 receives the processing result from the information processing device 30, it determines that the EDID information for the third mode has been identified in the search process (Yes in step S24). Then, it sets the EDID information for the third mode for the sink device 10 (step S25). In other words, the sink control unit 11 switches the EDID information set for the sink device 10 from the first mode to the third mode. When the sink control unit 11 transmits the EDID information for the third mode, which was set in step S25, to the source device 20, the transmission and reception of content signals between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 are performed in the third mode.

[0086] Thus, in the first example, the initial setting of the EDID information in the sink device 10 is the first mode, but since the EDID information associated with the source device 20 is the third mode, the EDID information of the third mode is set for the sink device 10. As a result, signals are transmitted and received in the third mode between the sink device 10 and the source device 20. In this way, the content output system 1 can smoothly switch between EDID information of different versions and output content based on communication in the higher version, the third mode. In other words, it can efficiently set the EDID information.

[0087] (Example 2) In the second example, as in the first example, the sink device 10 is initially configured with the lowest version and most versatile EDID information of the first mode. Also, in the first example, it is assumed that a source device 20 with device information named Player C is connected to the sink device 10 via communication.

[0088] When the sink control unit 11 determines that a communication connection has been established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 (Yes in step S21), it obtains device information from the source device 20. In this case, the sink control unit 11 obtains device information called "Player C". When the sink control unit 11 obtains the device information (Yes in step S22), it transmits the obtained device information called "Player C" to the information processing device 30 (step S23).

[0089] The information processing device 30 determines whether the device information for player C, obtained from the sink device 10, is stored in the device storage unit 32. In this example, the information processing device 30 determines that the device information for player C is not stored in the device storage unit 32. Therefore, the information processing device 30 sends a signal to the sink device 10 indicating that the EDID information could not be identified as a result of processing. In this case, the processing result does not include EDID information.

[0090] When the sink control unit 11 receives the processing result from the information processing device 30, it determines in the search process that the EDID information has not been identified (No in step S24). Therefore, the sink control unit 11 executes the EDID information determination process. That is, the sink control unit 11 sets one piece of EDID information for the sink device 10 (step S26). Here, the sink control unit 11 attempts to set the EDID information for the sink device 10 in order from the highest version. That is, at this point, the sink control unit 11 sets the third mode EDID information, which has the highest version, for the sink device 10.

[0091] The sink control unit 11 then determines whether or not content is being output normally from the sink device 10. Here, it is assumed that content is being output normally from the sink device 10 (Yes in step S27). In this case, the sink control unit 11 decides to use the EDID information of the third mode for communication between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 of the device information called Player C (step S29). The sink control unit 11 also transmits information of the combination of the device information called Player C and the determined EDID information called Third Mode to the information processing device 30 (step S30). When the information processing device 30 receives the information of this combination, it associates the device information called Player C with the EDID information called Third Mode and stores it in the device storage unit 32. As a result, thereafter, when the information processing device 30 receives the device information called Player C, it can identify the EDID information called Third Mode associated with the device information called Player C through a search process.

[0092] Thus, in the second example, the sink control unit 11 can determine and set EDID information even for communication connections with source devices 20 that do not have device information stored in the device storage unit 32 of the information processing device 30. Furthermore, by storing the determined EDID information in the device storage unit 32, the EDID information can be quickly identified when the same source device 20 with the same device information is connected in the future. In this way, the setting of EDID information can be performed efficiently.

[0093] (Example 3) In the third example, it is assumed that the sink device 10 has the highest version of the third mode EDID information set. This is assumed to be the case, for example, when the user of the sink device 10 performs an operation input to the sink operation unit 13 of the sink device 10, thereby setting the third mode EDID information. Also in the third example, it is assumed that a source device 20 with device information called Player B is connected to the sink device 10 via communication.

[0094] When the sink control unit 11 determines that a communication connection has been established between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 (Yes in step S21), it acquires device information from the source device 20. In this case, the sink control unit 11 acquires device information called "Player B". When the sink control unit 11 acquires the device information (Yes in step S22), it transmits the acquired device information called "Player B" to the information processing device 30 (step S23).

[0095] The information processing device 30 determines whether the device information for player B, obtained from the sink device 10, is stored in the device storage unit 32. In this example, the information processing device 30 determines that the device information for player B is stored in the device storage unit 32, and identifies the EDID information associated with the device information for player B in the device storage unit 32 as the first mode. Then, as a processing result, the information processing device 30 transmits the identified EDID information for the first mode to the sink device 10.

[0096] When the sink control unit 11 receives the processing result from the information processing device 30, it determines that the EDID information for "first mode" has been identified in the search process (Yes in step S24). Then, it sets the EDID information for "first mode" for the sink device 10 (step S25). In other words, the sink control unit 11 switches the EDID information set for the sink device 10 from "third mode" to "first mode". When the sink control unit 11 transmits the EDID information for "first mode" that it set in step S25 to the source device 20, the transmission and reception of content signals between the sink device 10 and the source device 20 are performed in first mode.

[0097] Thus, even in the third example, the EDID information setting in the sink device 10 can be switched from the third mode to the first mode. For example, even if the source device 20 can only support the first mode, as explained in the third example, the sink control unit 11 can switch the EDID information setting in the sink device 10 from the third mode to the first mode. In this way, the content output system 1 can smoothly switch between EDID information of different versions and set the EDID information that the source device 20 can support for the sink device 10. This enables efficient setting of EDID information.

[0098] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 shows a schematic configuration of the content output system 2 according to the second embodiment. For the content output system 2 according to the second embodiment, components that are the same or equivalent as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations of the same or equivalent contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, with the focus being on the differences.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, the content output system 2 according to the second embodiment comprises a sink device 110 and a source device 20. The source device 20 in the second embodiment has the same functions and configuration as the source device 20 in the first embodiment.

[0100] The functional components of the sink device 110 in the second embodiment may be the same as those of the sink device 10 in the first embodiment. However, the sink device 110 in the second embodiment does not need to include the sink second communication unit 15. Therefore, the sink device 110 in the second embodiment may include, for example, a sink control unit 11, a sink storage unit 12, a sink operation unit 13, a sink first communication unit 14, a display unit 16, and a sound output unit 17.

[0101] The sink device 110 in the second embodiment has the functions of both the sink device 10 and the information processing device 30 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the sink device 110 may store the device information of the source device 20 and the EDID information in association in the sink storage unit 12. The sink control unit 11 of the sink device 110 may perform the search process that was described as being performed by the information processing device 30 in the first embodiment.

[0102] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing by the content output system 2 in Figure 5. In Figure 6, steps S11 and S12 are the same as steps S11 and S12 described in Figure 3.

[0103] In the second embodiment, when the sink device 110 receives device information from the source device 20, it performs a search process itself (step S31). The content of the search process may be the same as that described in the first embodiment, which is performed by the information processing device 30. That is, the sink device 110 performs the search process by referring to the sink storage unit 12. Specifically, the sink device 110 determines whether or not the device information received from the source device 20 is stored in the sink storage unit 12. If it is stored, the sink device 110 identifies the EDID information associated with the stored device information. Then, it sets the identified EDID information for the sink device 110 (step S16). If it is not stored, the sink device 110 performs a determination process to determine the EDID information to set for the sink device 110, and sets the determined EDID information for the sink device 110 (step S16).

[0104] When the sink device 110 sets EDID information for itself, it sends the EDID information set in step S16 to the source device 20 (step S17).

[0105] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the sink control unit 11 in the second embodiment. In Figure 7, steps S21 and S22 are the same as steps S21 and S22 described in Figure 4, respectively.

[0106] In the second embodiment, when the sink control unit 11 receives device information from the source device 20, it performs a search process itself (step S31). The details of step S31 are the same as those described in Figure 6.

[0107] The sink control unit 11 sets EDID information for the sink device 110 based on the results of the search process. Specifically, it determines whether or not EDID information was identified in the search process (step S24). In this embodiment, the sink control unit 11 determines whether or not EDID information was identified in the search process in step S31 which it performs itself.

[0108] If the sink control unit 11 determines that EDID information has been identified during the search process (Yes in step S24), it proceeds to step S25 to set the EDID information. On the other hand, if the sink control unit 11 determines that EDID information has not been identified during the search process (No in step S24), it proceeds to step S26 to execute the determination process. The details of steps S25 to S30 are the same as in the first embodiment, so they are omitted here.

[0109] Thus, in the second embodiment as well, EDID information can be set for the sink device 110, similar to the first embodiment, allowing for efficient setting of EDID information.

[0110] In the first and second embodiments described above, if the sink control unit 11 sets EDID information based on the device information of the source device 20 acquired by the sink first communication unit 14, it may set a flag for the device information acquired by the sink first communication unit 14. This flag indicates that EDID information has been set for that device information. The sink control unit 11 may, for example, associate the device information with the information of the set flag and store it in the sink storage unit 12.

[0111] When the sink control unit 11 obtains device information from the source device 20, it may determine whether a flag is set for that device information. For example, in the flowcharts of Figures 4 and 7, it may determine whether a flag is set after step S22. If a flag is set for the device information, the sink control unit 11 may set the previously set EDID information for the sink device 10 or 110 based on the device information for which the flag is set, without performing a search process. In other words, when a source device 20 with previously set EDID information is connected to the sink device 10 or 110, the sink control unit 11 may set the previously set EDID information for the sink device 10 or 110. This eliminates the need to perform a search process every time a source device 20 with the same device information is connected, thereby reducing the load on the sink control unit 11 or the information processing device 30 that performs the search process.

[0112] The flag may be periodically reset. Alternatively, the flag may be reset based on user input. Even if source devices 20 have the same device information, the optimal EDID information may change if the settings of source device 20 are changed, for example, by updating the software version for source device 20. In such cases, resetting the flag allows the EDID information to be determined according to the latest state of source device 20.

[0113] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional part or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple functional parts or steps can be combined into one or separated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1,2 Content Output System 10,110 sink appliances 11. Sink Control Unit 12 Sync memory unit 13. Sink operation unit 14. Sink 1st Communications Department 15. Think 2nd Communications Department 16 Display section 17. Sound output section 20 Source Equipment 21 Source Control Unit 22 Source Storage Unit 23 Source Communications Department 24 Source control section 30 Information Processing Devices 31 Device Control Unit 32 Device storage 33. Device Communication Unit

Claims

1. A communication unit that acquires device information of a source device connected to a sink device, A control unit sets the EDID information or a predetermined EDID information for the sink device based on the result of a search process that searches for the EDID information associated with the device information acquired by the communication unit from multiple EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information associated with the device information of multiple source devices, and A sink appliance equipped with these features.

2. The sink device according to claim 1, wherein each of the device information of the plurality of source devices is associated with the optimal EDID information for each source device.

3. The multiple EDID pieces of information, each associated with the device information of the multiple source devices, are stored in an information processing device that is connected to the sink device in a manner that enables information communication. The control unit transmits the device information acquired by the communication unit to the information processing unit, and sets the EDID information or the predetermined EDID information for the sink device based on the result of the search process performed by the information processing unit. The sink appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the plurality of EDID information associated with the device information of the plurality of source devices, respectively. The control unit executes the search process by referring to the storage unit, and sets the EDID information or the predetermined EDID information for the sink device based on the results of the search process. The sink appliance according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In the search process, if EDID information associated with the device information acquired by the communication unit is identified, the control unit sets the identified EDID information for the sink device, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In the search process, if the EDID information associated with the device information acquired by the communication unit is not identified because the device information acquired by the communication unit is not stored in the storage unit, the control unit sets to the sink device an EDID information that is compatible with the sink device and the source device from among the EDID information that can be set for the sink device, according to claim 4.

7. The sink device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit attempts to set the sink device with respect to the EDID information that can be set for the sink device, starting with the highest version, and sets the sink device with the first version of EDID information from which the content was successfully output from the sink device based on the signal from the source device.

8. The sink device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit stores in the storage unit the device information acquired by the communication unit and the EDID information of the first version of the content that was successfully output from the sink device based on the signal from the source device, in association with each other.

9. The control unit, When the communication unit sets EDID information for the sink device based on the device information acquired by the communication unit, a flag is set for the device information acquired by the communication unit. If the flag is set for the device information acquired by the communication unit, the EDID information previously set based on the device information with the flag set is set for the sink device without executing the search process. A sink appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method of information processing performed by a sink device, Steps include obtaining device information of a source device that is connected to a sink device, The steps include setting the EDID information or a predetermined EDID information for the sink device based on the result of a search process that searches for the EDID information associated with the acquired device information from multiple EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information associated with the device information of multiple source devices, and Information processing methods, including those mentioned above.

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