JP2005142905A - Remote controller and remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to extremely easily customize interfaces different by every pieces of equipment without performing a complicated operation. <P>SOLUTION: This remote controller 106 is constituted of a code/icon allocation means 103 for outputting new interface information obtained by converting interface information of equipment to be operated into a preset form of interface information, a display means 104 for displaying the new interface information and outputting the operation contents of the equipment selected by the user and a transmitting means 101 for transmitting a control signal corresponding to the selected operation contents, and converts the interface information of the equipment into interface information corresponding to the use condition of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control system used for remote control of devices such as home appliances and public terminals.

  Remote controllers (hereinafter referred to as remote controllers) for remotely controlling home appliances are generally widely used. However, since separate remote controllers are required for each device, there are many remote controllers in the home, and the location of the remote controller is unknown. Sometimes it disappears. In addition to the remote control, the user interface prepared directly on the device is difficult to understand and often does not use all the functions. In order to solve these problems, a learning remote controller or the like that can add not only a plurality of operation functions to a single remote controller but also an operation function of a new device is used.

However, regarding the setting and customization of the learning remote control, if the operation remote control screen is held in the learning remote control, it is only necessary to learn the remote control code, but the operation screen cannot be customized. In addition, if you do not have the operation screen of the device in the learning remote control, or if you want to customize and use it, you must create the operation screen using a personal computer in advance. And considerable knowledge of remote control. In addition, the learning remote control can be used for the operation of the devices that have already been set, but if it is updated to a new device, it must be set again and cannot be used for devices other than the set model. Yes (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-169370 A (page 6-9, FIG. 2)

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and allows a user to customize an interface that is different for each device without complicated operations by a user. Even when the device is updated, it is possible to operate the new device by using the interface set up until now.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a user interface of a device that does not originally have a remote control such as a washing machine can be customized by adding a function of receiving a control command to the operated device, and various home appliances can be customized. The product can be used in an easy-to-use state for individuals.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, a remote control device of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives interface information of a device to be operated, a storage unit that stores preset interface information, and the device to be operated. Code / icon assigning means for outputting new interface information obtained by converting interface information into the preset interface information format, and displaying the new interface information and outputting the operation content of the device selected by the user Display means for transmitting, transmitting means for transmitting a control signal corresponding to the selected operation content, remote control control means for controlling operations of the receiving means, the storage means, the code / icon assignment means, and the display means The interface information of the device is used. Perform the conversion to the interface information in accordance with the usage of The.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when a model is changed or updated, or when a device that is not normally used is used, the operation code conversion table of the device that has been used or the device that is familiar to the user is used. By creating the device, the device can be controlled with the familiar operation panel.

  Further, by customizing the character size and color scheme according to the user's characteristics, an easy-to-use operation panel can be set.

  The invention described in the first aspect of the present invention is a receiving means for receiving interface information of a device to be operated, a storage means for storing preset interface information, and the device interface information to be operated in advance. A code icon assigning means for outputting new interface information converted into a set interface information format; a display means for displaying the new interface information and outputting the operation content of the device selected by the user; Remote control including transmission means for transmitting a control signal corresponding to the selected operation content, and remote control control means for controlling operations of the reception means, the storage means, the code / icon assignment means, and the display means Interface information of the equipment to be operated. It has the effect of being able to convert the interface information corresponding to the usage of the user.

  In the invention described in the second aspect of the present invention, the code / icon assigning means compares the format of the device interface information to be operated with the format of the preset interface information, The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the display means further highlights the inconsistent items, and is deleted when converting the interface information. By distinguishing items to be added and items to be added, there is an effect that the burden on the user can be reduced.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the code / icon assignment means further changes the format of the preset interface information in accordance with a change instruction from the user. The control device is configured so that the user can reconfigure the interface information in accordance with the usage status of the user.

  The invention described in the fourth aspect of the present invention further includes voice input means for converting an input user's voice into an electronic signal, and voice recognition means for recognizing the user's voice from the voice electronic signal. The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device can be operated by voice even if the device does not have a voice input function.

  The invention according to the fifth aspect of the present invention further includes speech synthesis means for synthesizing a guide sentence explaining the function of the device, and voice output means for outputting the synthesized speech. Even if the device does not have a sound output function, it is possible to output a guide sentence describing the device by voice.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided device information storage means for storing interface information, a request signal for the interface information transmitted from the remote control device, and a control signal for controlling the device. 6. A device comprising: a device-side transmission / reception unit that transmits the interface information; and a device control unit that controls an original function of the device, the device information storage unit, and the device-side transmission / reception unit; The remote control system has a remote control device that can convert the interface information of the device to be operated into interface information according to the usage status of the user.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the device further includes device operation information storage means for storing device operation information relating to the operation state of the device, the device transmits an operation status of the device, and the remote The display means of the control device is the remote control system according to claim 6 for displaying the operation status of the device. Even when the distance between the device and the remote control device is long, the user can It has the effect that the operation status of the device can be confirmed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the remote control device uses an operation history storage means for storing an operation history, analyzes the operation history, extracts a use frequency and a series of operations, and uses the use frequency. 8. The remote control system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: an operation history analysis proposing unit that changes a set value of an operation item, and the operation sequence having a high usage frequency creates a new operation item. It has the effect that the user's usage history can be reflected in the interface information.

  The ninth aspect of the present invention further includes storage means for storing interface information of a plurality of devices, and a network for connecting the devices, the remote control device, and the storage means. The remote control system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the set interface information is acquired from the storage means and stored, and the user selects optimum interface information from a plurality of interface information. Has the effect of being able to

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote control device 106 includes a display unit 104, a remote control side transmission / reception unit 101, a storage unit 102, a code / icon assignment unit 103, and a remote control control unit 105.

  Here, the display unit 104 displays information for controlling the device, the remote control side transmission / reception unit 101 transmits / receives information to / from the device 204, and the storage unit 102 records the device information. The code / icon assigning means 103 assigns a code for controlling the device 204 and an operation icon layout for determining the operation of the device 204 in accordance with the user's desire. The control unit 105 controls the display unit 104, the remote control side transmission / reception unit 101, and the storage unit 102. The device 204 includes a device information storage unit 201, a device-side transmission / reception unit 202, and a device control unit 203.

Here, the device 204 is a washing machine, a home appliance such as a VTR, a public device such as an ATM, a public terminal, or the like that is controlled by the remote control device 106. The device-side transmission / reception means 202 transmits / receives information to / from the remote control device 106, and transmits / receives information to / from the home local network. If the device 204 is a washing machine, the device control means 203 controls the original functions of the device 204 such as setting of various conditions regarding washing and execution of washing, and further, the device information storage means 201.
The device side transmitting / receiving means 202 is controlled. The device 204 includes a device information storage unit 201, a device-side transmission / reception unit 202, and a device control unit 203.

  Next, the operation will be described. First, the remote control control means 105 outputs an interface request signal to the remote control side transmission / reception means 101 in order to acquire information related to the interface of the device to be controlled. Next, the remote control side transmission / reception means 101 transmits an interface request signal to the device 204 to be controlled.

  Next, the device-side transmitting / receiving unit 202 receives the interface request signal transmitted from the remote control device 106 and outputs it to the device control unit 203. Next, the device control unit 203 outputs information related to the interface from the device information storage unit 201 to the device-side transmission / reception unit 202. Next, the device-side transmitting / receiving unit 202 transmits information on the interface to the remote control device 106.

  Next, the remote control side transmission / reception unit 101 accumulates the received information on the interface in the storage unit 102.

  Here, FIG. 2 shows information related to the interface when the device 204 is a washing machine. The information related to the interface includes device information that is information related to the device main body, local network information related to the place where the device is installed, for example, a home network, and operation information that is information related to the operation of the device.

  First, the device information includes a device type, a manufacturer, a product number, an address (URL) for acquiring information about the device, and the like. The local network information includes a device number in the home network, a local URL of the device, and the like. The operation information includes a basic operation related to a basic operation of the washing machine, which is the device 204 to be controlled, and a laundry condition in which a laundry condition is described.

  FIG. 3A shows the arrangement of operation icons of the washing machine, and FIGS. 3B and 3C show the arrangement of operation icons of the remote control device 106.

  Next, the code / icon assignment unit 103 assigns the operation code and the button setting value included in the operation information to the operation code and the icon setting value set in the remote control device 106. For example, in the basic operation, the icons “start / pause” 301-1 and 301-2 are included in both the washing machine and the remote control device 106, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Therefore, regarding the operation code, “code-1” of the washing machine is assigned to “code-A” of the remote control device 106. On the other hand, the icon related to the power supply is set as an icon “power: on” 302 and an icon “power: off” 303 in the washing machine, and set as an icon “power: on / off” 304 in the remote control device 106. Therefore, regarding the operation code, “code-2” of the washing machine is assigned to “code-B-1” of the remote control device 106, and “code-3” of the washing machine is assigned to the remote control device 106. The remote control device 106 controls two operations with one operation code “code-2”. The icon setting value includes icon graphic information and position information on the display unit 104.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the operation icons are arranged in a hierarchical structure because it becomes difficult for the user to see because the number of icons increases. is there. FIG. 3C is an icon displayed when the “other setting” 305 icon in FIG. 3B is selected, and “washing”, “rinsing”, and “dehydration” can be set. .

  Next, the remote control control means 105 displays information related to the interface created by the code / icon assignment means 103 on the display means 104, and the operation related to the icon selected by the user is stored in the storage means 102. Is reconverted using the information on the information and transmitted to the device 204 via the remote control side transmitting / receiving means 101 as a signal for controlling the device 204.

  In this embodiment, the display means 104 of the remote control device 106 is configured to use a touch panel, so that the user can easily select an icon. Further, the code / icon assigning means can customize the icon displayed on the remote control device 106 using the touch panel as an input means, and can change the information related to the interface. By customizing the character size, color scheme, icon size, and display position of the icon according to the above customization, the user can change the character, color scheme, and icon size that are difficult to read by the actual device 204.

  Note that a plurality of operation codes and icon setting values set in the remote control device 106 are stored in the storage means 102, and the user can select them according to his / her preference.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, by connecting the remote control device 106 to the network 402, new operation codes and icon setting values can be obtained from an information center in which various operation codes and icon setting values are stored. Is also possible. Note that the network 402 can also be connected wirelessly.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the device 204 includes a device operation information storage unit 501 that stores device operation information related to the operation state of the device, so that the operation of the device 503 input from the device control unit 502 is performed. The top cover can be transmitted to the remote control device 106 via the device side transmission / reception means 202, and the remote control device 106 sends the received device operation information 601 to the display means 104 via the remote control control means 105. Can be output. In FIG. 6, the device operation information 601 is displayed on the display unit 104 and the operation state of the device 503 is displayed.

  As described above, by providing the function of displaying the operation state of the device on the remote control device 106, the operation state of the device can be confirmed even if the device 503 and the remote control device 106 are separated from each other.

  Thus, by acquiring information about the operation panel from the network, it is possible to use an operation panel that is easier to use than provided by the device.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a device to be controlled that is already set in the remote control device and a device of a different model are controlled. Here, devices of different models include, for example, the use of home appliances in acquaintances other than homes, the replacement of models by purchasing new products, the use of ATMs and public equipment in unusual places, etc. Conceivable.

  FIG. 7 shows information related to the already set interface of the washing machine A, information related to the interface of the washing machine B to be newly set, and information related to the interface set in the remote control device 106. Has been.

  Describes how to set information about interfaces. Note that the method for obtaining information related to the interface is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here. Hereinafter, the code / icon assigning means will be described.

  First, the code / icon assignment unit 103 adds the operation information of the washing machine B to be newly set in accordance with the operation information of the washing machine A that has already been set. Here, the washing machine B lacks the operation content of “finishing drying”, and the operation content of “blanket washing” is newly added.

  Next, the setting in the remote control device 106 adds a tail number to the icon setting value when the corresponding operation content is insufficient or when a new operation content is added. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, “finishing drying” 801 with insufficient operation content adds an oblique line on the icon by indicating the icon setting value as “installation value E-4-1”, “Blanket wash” 802 to which the operation content is newly added displays the icon installation value as “installation value F-4-2”, thereby enlarging characters and trimming the icon. As a result, for icons that have differences in information regarding the interface between the new device and devices that have already been set, the display on the operation panel is hatched, the characters are enlarged, and colors that differ from other icons are used. Can indicate additions and deletions of operations.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when a device different from a device that is normally used is used, by creating a conversion table, the device can be operated using the operation panel that is normally used. It can be used easily even with other devices.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the icon setting value is updated using the user's operation history, icons that are frequently used are set in the upper hierarchy of the operation menu, and new icons corresponding to a series of operation procedures are created. . The low-use icon is a remote control system that sets a low-use icon to a lower hierarchy of the operation menu and changes the icon to gray out.

  The remote control device 904 includes an operation history storage unit 901 that stores a user operation history and an operation history analysis selection unit 902 that analyzes the stored operation history.

  The operation history storage unit 901 holds device operation records, and the operation history analysis suggestion unit 902 analyzes the accumulated operation history and displays a series of frequently used operation procedures as one button, The operation panel can be reconstructed by graying out buttons that are rarely used.

  The third embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the configuration of the second embodiment, and the same effect can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to set an easy-to-use operation panel in which frequently used functions are arranged in an easy-to-use place by taking a history of normal operations.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The remote control system according to the first embodiment receives a user's voice and converts it into an electronic signal, voice input means 1001, voice recognition means 1002 for recognizing the input voice, voice synthesis means 1004 for synthesizing voice, and synthesis It is the structure which added the audio | voice output means 1003 which outputs the produced | generated audio | voice.

  With the above configuration, even when the device does not have a voice input / output function, it is possible to control the device 204 by performing voice input via the remote control device 1006 and use information and messages of the device 204 for voice output. it can.

  Further, it is burdensome to customize the voice input / output function for each device 204, but by attaching the voice input / output function to the remote control device 1006, the number of customizations can be reduced. It is possible to use a voice input / output function that is optimally adjusted.

  The fourth embodiment can obtain the same effect by adapting not only to the first embodiment but also to the second and third embodiments.

  The voice output function can also output an explanation guide sentence for the function to the user when a device is changed and a new function is added or when the user requests an explanation of the function. The function explanation guide text is attached to the information on the interface, and can be stored in the storage means.

  The remote control device and remote control system according to the present invention can be used even when there is a model change / update or when a device that is not normally used is used. By creating a conversion table, you can control the device with the familiar operation panel, and you can customize the character size, color scheme, etc. according to the user's characteristics, and set up an easy-to-use operation panel It is effective as a remote control system used for remote control of home appliances and devices such as public terminals.

The figure which shows the structure of the remote control system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the information regarding the interface of the remote control system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the icon of the remote control system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the structure of the remote control system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the structure of the remote control system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the screen of the remote control system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the structure of the information regarding the interface of the remote control system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the icon of the remote control system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the structure of the remote control system by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the structure of the remote control system by the 4th Embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Remote control side transmission / reception means 102 Storage means 103 Code / icon allocation means 104 Display means 105, 903, 1005 Remote control control means 106, 904, 1006 Remote control device 201 Equipment information storage means 202 Equipment side transmission / reception means 203 Equipment control means 204 , 503 equipment 401 information center 402 network 501 equipment operation information storage means 502 equipment control means 901 operation history storage means 902 operation history analysis suggestion means 1001 speech input means 1002 speech recognition means 1003 speech output means 1004 speech synthesis means

Claims (9)

Receiving means for receiving interface information of a device to be operated, storage means for storing preset interface information, and a new interface obtained by converting the device interface information to be operated into the preset interface information format Code / icon assigning means for outputting information; display means for displaying the new interface information; outputting operation content of the device selected by the user; and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the selected operation content A remote control device comprising: a transmitting means for performing control; and a remote control control means for controlling operations of the receiving means, the storage means, the code / icon assignment means, and the display means. The code / icon assigning unit compares the format of the device interface information to be operated with the preset format of the interface information, and outputs and displays new interface information classified into matching items and non-matching items. The remote control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means further highlights the mismatched items. 3. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the code / icon assigning unit further changes the format of the preset interface information in accordance with a change instruction from the user. 4. The remote control device according to claim 1, further comprising: voice input means for converting an input user's voice into an electronic signal; and voice recognition means for recognizing the user's voice from the voice electronic signal. . The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a voice synthesizing unit that synthesizes a guide sentence that describes the function of the device; and a voice output unit that outputs the synthesized voice. Device information storage means in which interface information is stored; device-side transmission / reception means for receiving the interface information request signal and control signal for controlling the device transmitted from the remote control device, and transmitting the interface information; A remote control system comprising: a device including a device original function, a device control unit for controlling the device information storage unit and the device side transmission / reception unit, and the remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The device further includes device operation information storage means for storing device operation information related to the operation state of the device, the device transmits the operation status of the device, and the display means of the remote control device displays the operation status of the device. The remote control system according to claim 6 for displaying. The remote control device is an operation history storage means for storing an operation history, and analyzes the operation history to extract a use frequency and a series of operations, changes the setting value of the operation item using the use frequency, The remote control system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the frequently used operation series further includes operation history analysis proposing means for creating a new operation item. It further includes a storage unit storing interface information of a plurality of devices, and a network connecting the devices, the remote control device and the storage unit, the remote control device acquires preset interface information from the storage unit, 9. The remote control system according to claim 6, wherein the remote control system is stored.

Images