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