Method and system for controlling the communication of electronic equipment

摘要

To satisfactorily control electronic equipment on the controlled side by electronic equipment on the controlling side without useless processing. The VTR 11 and the camcorder 12 are provided with memory means for storing icon information and functional information. A computer 13 sends a command requesting icon information and functional information to the VTR 11 and the camcorder 12 and obtains their information as a response. The computer 13 displays icons showing the VTR 11 and the camcorder 12 on a display 13a based upon the icon information. The computer 13 displays a control panel displaying functions with which the VTR 11 and the camcorder 12 are provided in the format of a button and others on the display 13a based upon the functional information. The computer 13 is not required to inquire of the VTR 11 and the camcorder 12 whether the functions displayed on the panel correspond to the functions of them or not and a user can operate any function of the VTR 11 and the camcorder 12 on the panel.