Device control with topology map in a digital network

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Accordingly, in one embodiment, a topology map for a digital system is generated and displayed on a display device to indicate the various components which make up the system.
The various components are indicated using icons, each of which represent a respective one of the components.
A user specifies a source device and a receive device by manipulating the corresponding icons so as to cause a data transfer between the source device and the receive device.
The data transfer may include the transfer of video data, audio data, or both.
In a preferred embodiment, the digital network corresponds to the IEEE 1394 Serial Bus Standard.
There are many advantages provided by the present invention.
For example, a user may view a connection map or an exact topology map for the digital system on the display device.
Additionally, a user may control data transfer in the digital network by clicking icons or selecting commands from pop-up menus associated with the various components which make up the network.
By using the graphical user interface in this way, remote control of the various components of the digital network is provided.
Further, a user may understand signal flows within the network and can also view information associated with each of the devices in the network by viewing the topology map displayed on the display device.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description and accompanying drawings which follow.