Method and apparatus for utilizing extended AV/C command frames including status inquiry, notify inquiry and control inquiry command types

A control device for communicating with a target device over a network, the control device comprising:

• a. means for generating an inquiry command including an opcode and any number of operands;
• and
• b. means for communicating coupled to the means for generating and configured for coupling to the network for sending the inquiry command over the network to the target device and receiving a response command from the target device, wherein the response command includes notification informing the control device if the target device supports the opcode and operands.

A control device configured to communicate with a target device over a network, the control device comprising:

• a. a data packet generating circuit to generate an inquiry command including an opcode and any number of operands;
• and
• b. an interface circuit coupled to the data packet generating circuit and configured to couple to the network to send the inquiry command over the network to the target device and receive a response command from the target device, wherein the response command includes notification informing the control device if the target device supports the opcode and operands.

A control inquiry AV/C command data packet used to inquire about capabilities relative to a control command of a target device over a network comprising:

• a. an opcode;
• and
• b. one or more operands.

A status inquiry AV/C command data packet used to inquire about capabilities relative to a status command of a target device over a network, the status inquiry AV/C command data packet comprising an opcode.

A notify inquiry AV/C command data packet used to inquire about capabilities relative to a notify command of a target device over a network, the notify inquiry AV/C command data packet comprising an opcode.

A network of devices coupled together by a standard IEEE 1394 serial bus comprising:

• a. a control device in communication with the standard IEEE 1394 serial bus and configured for sending an inquiry command including an opcode and any number of operands over the standard IEEE 1394 serial bus;
• and
• b. a target device in communication with the standard IEEE 1394 serial bus and configured for receiving the inquiry command, determining if the target device supports the opcode and operands and sending a response command to the control device over the standard IEEE 1394 serial bus informing the control device if the target device supports the opcode and operands.