Importance

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Abstract

A device includes a self-information memory to store therein function data for other devices to operate the pertinent device and device name data thereof. Receiving a request from another device for the device name or function data, the device sends the data stored in the self-information memory. When function data is thereafter received, the device executes an instruction indicated by the data. In case where a plurality of devices each including the self-information memory are connected to each other via a bus or the like in a form of a network, at least one of the devices, i.e., a master device includes in addition to the self-information memory a connected device memory to store therein device name data of all of the connected devices and a communication pair memory to store therein function data of the communication partner. The master device requests the other devices for device name data thereof. When the requested data is received, the master device stores the data in the connected device memory. Consequently, by referring to the device name data stored in the memory, the control device recognize the device name of the connected device. Moreover, the master device requests the other devices for function data thereof. When the requested data is received, the master device stores the data in the communication pair memory. Therefore, by referring to the data stored in the pair memory, the master device recognize the function of the communication partner. In consequence, when a function is selected and function data related thereto is sent to a communication partner, the function can be accordingly executed.

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First Claim