JP5906902B2 - Terminal device and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device that can remotely control a controlled device such as a set-top box connected to a television, and a computer program that is stored and used in the terminal device.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, terminal devices such as smartphones have become widespread, and applications (application software) have been provided from various fields. For example, remote control applications for smartphones (hereinafter referred to as remote control applications) have been provided by TV manufacturers. Is provided (see Non-Patent Document 1, for example).
When this remote control application is installed in a smartphone, the smartphone can have the same function as the remote control device attached to the television. For example, the user can use a smartphone to select a channel to view while viewing a program guide displayed on a television screen.

  Many applications can be installed on the smartphone. A general smartphone includes a touch panel, and an icon corresponding to the installed application is displayed on the touch panel. If the user taps this icon (if the user touches the fingertip), the corresponding application can be activated.

[Online], Internet <URL: http://www.toshiba.co.jp/regza/apps/item/itemDetail.php?idx=7&pknd=ios>

  As the number of applications installed on a terminal device such as a smartphone increases, the number of icons increases accordingly. In this case, all icons cannot be displayed on one screen (home screen) on the touch panel. . Therefore, on a smartphone, a plurality of pages can be set as a home screen, and when the user flicks on the touch panel (slides the fingertip), the plurality of pages can be displayed one by one. .

  However, when many applications are installed, there is a problem that the icon corresponding to the application is not displayed immediately on which page of the home screen (cannot be found). It takes time to start up. In this case, for example, a remote control application that enables remote control operation of a TV (controlled device) as described above cannot perform operations such as channel selection immediately, and such a remote control application is installed on a smartphone. The significance of making it fades.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device that can be activated without a user searching for a remote control application for a controlled device, and a computer program that is stored and used in the terminal device. To do.

  (1) The present invention enables wireless communication between a storage device that can store a plurality of applications including a remote control application, a processing unit that activates an application stored in the storage unit, and a controlled device. Upon entering the communication area, the communication unit that acquires the remote controller application identification information that enables the remote control operation of the controlled device from the controlled device, and the remote control application for the controlled device are stored in the storage unit. If it is, based on the identification information acquired by the communication unit, information for inquiring activation of the remote control application for the controlled device stored in the storage unit or information for confirming that the activation has been performed to the user And an output unit for outputting.

According to the present invention, when a terminal device enters a communication area in which wireless communication with a controlled device is possible, the terminal device acquires identification information of a remote control application that enables remote control operation of the controlled device. And although a plurality of applications can be stored in the storage unit of the terminal device, when the remote control application for the controlled device to be controlled is stored in this storage unit, based on the acquired identification information Information for inquiring activation of the remote control application for the controlled device stored in the storage unit or information for confirming activation (information regarding activation) is output to the user.
In this way, when the terminal device enters the communication area where wireless communication with the controlled device is possible, the terminal device can control the controlled device for the controlled device without searching for a remote control application for the controlled device. Information for inquiring activation of the remote control application or information for confirming activation is output. Then, for example, if the user performs an operation for approving activation of the terminal device, the remote control application is activated, and the terminal device can function as a remote controller for the controlled device.

(2) When the remote control application for the controlled device is not stored in the storage unit, the output unit is configured to store the remote control application that is not stored based on the identification information acquired by the communication unit. It is preferable to output to the user information for asking for acquisition or information for confirming acquisition.
A plurality of applications can be stored in the storage unit of the terminal device. However, if the remote control application for the controlled device to be controlled is not stored in the storage unit, based on the acquired identification information, Information that asks for acquisition of a remote control application that is not stored or information that confirms acquisition is output to the user. For example, in the case where information asking for acquisition is output, if the user performs an operation for approving the acquisition to the terminal device, acquisition of the remote control application is started.

(3) Further, the communication unit can acquire a remote control application for the controlled device from the controlled device having the remote control application by wireless communication. The remote control application is acquired from the control device.
(4) Alternatively, the communication unit can obtain a remote control application for the controlled device from a server device in which the remote control application is stored so as to be downloadable via a network. The remote control application is acquired from the server device via the server.

(5) When the terminal device described in (1) to (4) enters the communication area where wireless communication is possible with the controlled device, the communication unit wirelessly communicates with the controlled device. In order to start communication, a device search signal for searching for a controlled device is transmitted, and a remote control operation of the controlled device that has received the device search signal can be performed by a remote control application stored in the storage unit. In order for the controlled device to determine whether or not there is, it is preferable to include identification information of the remote control application stored in the storage unit in the device search signal.
In this case, when the controlled device receives the device search signal, the device search signal includes identification information of the remote control application stored in the storage unit of the terminal device. It is possible to cause the controlled device to determine whether or not the application is stored in the storage unit of the terminal device.
For example, when the controlled device transmits a response (response) to the device search signal including the identification information of the remote control application for the controlled device, the communication unit of the terminal device acquires the identification information. be able to. Further, the controlled device transmits a response (response) to the device search signal including the result of the determination, and when the terminal device receives the response, the output unit of the terminal device stores in the storage unit It is possible to output to the user information for inquiring activation of the remote control application for the controlled device that is being operated or information for confirming that it has been activated.

(6) Or the terminal device according to (1) to (4) enters the communication area where wireless communication is possible with a controlled device, and the communication unit is connected to the controlled device from the controlled device. When receiving the signal including the identification information of the remote control application for the controlled device, the processing unit identifies the identification information included in the received signal and the identification of the remote control application stored in the storage unit. It is preferable to determine whether or not the information matches.
In this case, the terminal device can execute the determination as to whether or not the remote control application for the controlled device that can wirelessly communicate with the terminal device is stored in the storage unit of the terminal device.

(7) Further, the present invention provides a computer program for executing a process of remotely controlling a controlled device by a terminal device having a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of applications including a remote control application and having a computer function. When the terminal device enters a communication area in which wireless communication can be performed between the processing unit that activates the application stored in the storage unit and the controlled device, the remote control operation of the controlled device is performed. A communication processing unit that performs processing for acquiring identification information of a remote control application to be enabled from the controlled device by communication, and if the remote control application for the controlled device is stored in the storage unit, is acquired by communication On the basis of the identification information, a list of controlled devices stored in the storage unit is stored. Characterized in that function as an output processing unit that performs processing for outputting the information to verify that the information or start asking the activation of Con application to the user.
According to this invention, there exists an effect similar to the terminal device of said (1).

  According to the present invention, when a terminal device enters a communication area where wireless communication with a controlled device can be performed, the controlled device can be controlled by the terminal device without searching for a remote control application for the controlled device. If the user performs an operation to approve the activation of the terminal device, for example, the remote control application is activated, and the terminal device is controlled by the controlled device. It becomes possible to function as a remote controller.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the terminal device and controlled apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating remote control operation of the controlled apparatus by a terminal device. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation (1st Embodiment) of a controlled device, a terminal device, and a terminal device by a user. It is a flowchart of the process which the terminal device in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart of the process which the controlled apparatus in 1st Embodiment performs. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation of a controlled device, a terminal device, and a terminal device by a user (2nd Embodiment). It is a flowchart of the process which the terminal device in 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart of the process which the controlled apparatus in 2nd Embodiment performs.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. (Overall configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device 1 and controlled devices according to the present invention. The terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a terminal device carried by a user, and particularly includes a smartphone having a call function, a wireless communication function, and various information processing functions.

The controlled device is a set-top box 20 (hereinafter referred to as STB 20) connected to a television (television receiver). As shown in FIG. 2, the STB 20 is installed indoors, and an air conditioner 30 (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner 30) is installed as another controlled device in the room. The STB 20 and the air conditioner 30 are each controlled by a remote control device attached thereto. In this embodiment, a remote control application (hereinafter referred to as a remote control application) is stored in the terminal device 1 and activated. Thus, the remote control operation is performed by the terminal device 1. That is, if the STB 20 remote control application is installed in the terminal device 1, the terminal device 1 can perform the remote control operation of the STB 20. For example, the user can view the program table displayed on the TV screen while viewing the program guide. By operating the terminal device 1 on which is executed, it is possible to perform an operation of selecting a channel to be viewed.
If the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 is installed in the terminal device 1, the terminal device 1 can operate the remote control of the air conditioner 30. In the following description, the STB 20 and the air conditioner 30 are collectively referred to as controlled devices.

  In the room of FIG. 2, a router 3 is installed, and a home wireless LAN is constructed. The STB 20 and the air conditioner 30 are in a state in which information can be communicated wirelessly (or wired) with other devices via the router 3. As will be described later, the terminal device 1 has a wireless communication function. When the terminal device 1 enters the communication area A of the router 3, information communication can be performed between the STB 20 and the air conditioner 30.

In FIG. 1, an STB 20 includes a communication unit (equipment side communication unit) 21 including a transceiver that communicates with the terminal device 1 via the router 3 and a remote control application (a remote control for the STB 20) that enables remote control operation of the STB 20 And a processing unit (equipment side processing unit) 23 that has a CPU and performs communication control using the communication unit 21 and management of a remote control application. I have. The storage unit 22 also stores identification information (application ID) for identifying a remote control application that enables the remote controller to operate itself. The identification information of the remote control application may be information such as numbers described in the program of the remote control application, but may be information indicating the name of the remote control application.
The controlled device may have a communication function other than TCP / IP communication using a wireless LAN. For example, the communication unit 21 has a function of directly performing wireless communication with the terminal device 1, such as an infrared ray. Or a wireless communication function using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, both the TCP / IP communication function and the wireless communication function may be provided.

  The air conditioner 30 also includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a processing unit 33. These have the same functions as the communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the processing unit 23 of the STB 20, and the storage unit 32 has identification information (application ID) for identifying a remote control application that enables the remote control operation of itself. ) Is also stored.

  The terminal device 1 includes a touch panel 11, a communication unit (terminal communication unit) 12 including a transmitter / receiver that communicates with a controlled device via the router 3, a storage unit 13 including a storage device, and a CPU. The terminal device 1 has a computer function.

The touch panel 11 has a conventionally known function. The touch panel 11 functions as a display (liquid crystal display) that displays various types of information as images (dialogs) to the user, and the user touches the user with a fingertip. It has a function as an input device (touch panel) for receiving operations. The touch panel 11 will be described in a specific example later, but information related to activation of an installed remote control application (information for inquiring activation or information for confirming activation) and information related to acquisition of a remote control application that has not been installed (acquisition) (Information for asking information or information for confirming acquisition) is output to the user.
The communication unit 12 has one or both of TCP / IP communication using a wireless LAN and wireless communication using infrared rays or Bluetooth (registered trademark), and can communicate with a controlled device.
The storage unit 13 can store a plurality of applications such as a remote control application.

As described above, since one touch panel 11 has a function as a display and a function as an input device, the central processing unit 14 displays a process (a dialog for displaying information) on the touch panel 11. Process) and a function as an input / output processing unit 15 that performs a process of accepting an operation input from the user by the touch panel 11.
Further, the central processing unit 14 has a function as the communication processing unit 16 that performs processing for communication control using the communication unit 12.
Further, the central processing unit 14 has a function as an application processing unit 17 that performs processing for managing an application such as installing or executing an application such as a remote control application (hereinafter referred to as an application) in the storage unit 13. ing.

In particular, in the present embodiment, a computer program that executes processing for remote-controlling a controlled device based on a remote control application is stored in the terminal device 1. This computer program is stored in the terminal device 1 as system software, and is a program for application management. On the other hand, an application such as a remote control application is stored in the terminal device 1 as application software.
The functions of the respective function units (input / output processing unit 15, communication processing unit 16, application processing unit 17) included in the central processing unit 14 of the terminal device 1 are executed by the central processing unit 14. It is demonstrated by that.

An outline of the functions of these functional units will be described.
When the terminal device 1 (communication unit 12) enters the communication area A where wireless communication is possible with the controlled device, the communication processing unit 16 that performs communication control of the communication unit 12 communicates with the controlled device. Start, receive a predetermined signal from the controlled device, and acquire identification information (application ID) of the remote control app that allows the controlled device to be operated by the remote control, included in this signal. In the first embodiment described later, a search OK response signal or a search NG response signal is received as the predetermined signal, and in the second embodiment, a connection signal is received as the predetermined signal.

  Further, the communication processing unit 16 has a function of performing processing for acquiring an application that has not been installed through the communication unit 12. For example, the communication unit 12 can acquire a remote control application for the controlled device from the controlled device having the remote control application by communication, and control for the acquisition is performed by the communication processing unit 16. Is called. Further, when the remote control application is not held in the controlled device in this way, but the remote control application is held in the server device 4 (market) existing on the network 2 such as the Internet, the communication unit 12 The remote control application for the controlled device can be acquired from the server device 4 in which the remote control application is stored so as to be downloadable via the network 2, and control for the acquisition is performed by the communication processing unit 16. Is called.

  In addition, a plurality of applications can be stored in the storage unit 13, but when it is determined that the remote control application for the controlled device is stored in the storage unit 13, the application is acquired by the communication unit 12. Based on the identification information (application ID) of the remote control application, the remote control application corresponding to this identification information is extracted from a plurality of installed applications, and the remote control application for the controlled device stored in the storage unit 13 is extracted. The touch panel 11 outputs information related to activation to the user, and the input / output processing unit 15 performs this output process.

As a result of the determination, if the remote control application for the controlled device is not stored in the storage unit 13, the input / output processing unit 15 is based on the application identification information (application ID) acquired by the communication unit 12. The remote control app corresponding to this identification information can be searched from the app that can be acquired, and information regarding acquisition of the remote control app that is not stored can be output to the user via the touch panel 11.
The determination may be performed by a controlled device (first embodiment described later) or the terminal device 1 (second embodiment described later).

Further, as described above, the touch panel 11 can accept a user input operation on the output information, and the input / output processing unit 15 performs this input process.
Then, based on the input operation on the touch panel 11, a process for starting an application such as a remote control application for a controlled device stored in the storage unit 13 or a process for installing a new remote control application in the storage unit 13 is performed. It can be performed by the processing unit 17.

  Here, many applications can be installed in the terminal device 1, and these applications are stored in the storage unit 13. When the application is installed, an icon C corresponding to the installed application is displayed on the touch panel 11 as shown in FIG. If the user taps this icon C (if the user touches the fingertip), the application corresponding to this icon C can be activated. Further, as the number of applications installed in the terminal device 1 increases, the number of icons C increases accordingly. Therefore, all the icons C can be displayed on one screen (home screen) on the touch panel 11. Although it becomes impossible, in the terminal device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of pages can be set as the home screen, and when the user flicks the touch panel 11 (slides the fingertip), the plurality of pages are displayed. It can be displayed one by one in order. The above processing is performed by the central processing unit 14.

According to the terminal device 1 having the above-described configuration, when the terminal device 1 enters the communication area A in which wireless communication with the STB 20 is possible, the terminal does not have to search for the remote control application for the STB 20 from the home screen. The apparatus 1 displays a dialog on the touch panel 11 for inquiring about activation of the remote control application for STB 20 or information for confirming activation. And when the information which asks starting is outputted, if a user performs operation (tap input) which approves starting of this remote control application via touch panel 11, the remote control application for STB20 will be started by terminal device 1, The terminal device 1 can function as a remote control for the STB 20.
Hereinafter, a specific example of processing for causing the terminal device 1 to function as a remote controller will be described.

[2. First Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the terminal device 1 by the controlled device, the terminal device 1 and the user, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing executed by the terminal device 1, and FIG. It is a flowchart of the process which a to-be-controlled apparatus performs.
When the terminal device 1 enters the communication area A that enables wireless communication with the controlled device, the communication unit 12 searches for the controlled device in order to start wireless communication with the controlled device. A search signal (hereinafter simply referred to as a search signal) is transmitted. For example, when the user returns home and the terminal device 1 that the user has enters the communication area A and the communication unit 12 can communicate with the controlled device in the home, the communication processing unit 16 is controlled. The terminal search process is started (step S1 in FIG. 4), and the communication processing unit 16 transmits a search signal through the communication unit 12. This transmission is by broadcast.
Thus, in the terminal device 1, the identification information of the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 is included in the search signal to be transmitted because the remote control operation of the controlled device that has received the search signal is the storage unit. This is because it is determined by the controlled device whether or not the remote control application stored in FIG.

  Here, in the present embodiment, a case will be described where the remote control application for STB 20 is installed in the storage unit 13 (although it is already stored), but the remote control application for air conditioner 30 is not installed. Therefore, the broadcast search signal includes the identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application for STB 20, but does not include the identification information of the remote control application for air conditioner 30.

  In the STB 20, the storage unit 22 stores identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application for the STB 20. In the air conditioner 30, the storage unit 32 stores identification information “AC0001” of the remote control application for the air conditioner 30.

In FIG. 5, the STB 20 is ready to receive a search signal (step S11 in FIG. 5). When the search signal is received, the STB 20 includes its own (STB 20) identification information in the remote control application identification information included in the search signal. It is determined whether or not the identification information of the remote control application that enables remote control operation is included (step S12). That is, it is determined whether or not the identification information of the remote control application included in the search signal matches the identification information of itself. This determination is performed by the processing unit 23.
If they match (in the case of “Yes” in step S12), the STB 20 transmits a search OK response signal by the communication unit 21 (step S13).
If they do not match (in the case of “No” in step S12), the STB 20 transmits a search NG response signal by the communication unit 21 (step S14). In FIG. 3, (A) shows a case of matching, and (B) shows a case of non-matching for the subsequent processing.

Further, the processing unit 23 of the STB 20 includes the identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application that enables the remote control operation of the remote control application in the search OK response signal (or search NG response signal) to be transmitted.
In the case of the present embodiment, since the identification information “STB0001” included in the search signal matches the identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application that allows the user's own remote control operation, the search from the STB 20 An OK response signal is transmitted. Then, the identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application for STB20 is included in this search OK response signal.

When the terminal device 1 receives the search OK response signal or the search NG response signal (in the case of “Yes” in step S2 in FIG. 4) and the received response signal is the search OK response signal, the input / output processing unit 15 Extracts a remote control application corresponding to the identification information “STB0001” included in the search OK response signal from a plurality of installed applications, and determines whether to activate the remote control application for the user. Is displayed on the touch panel 11 (step S3 in FIG. 4). For example, a dialog “Do you want to start the remote control application for STB? (Yes) (No)” is displayed. The remote control application to be activated is an application stored in the storage unit 22.
On the other hand, in the terminal device 1, when the received response signal is a search NG response signal, the input / output processing unit 15 selects the search NG response from external applications that can be acquired by communication by the communication unit 12. A remote control application corresponding to the identification information “STB0001” included in the signal is searched, and information about whether or not to acquire the remote control application is displayed on the touch panel 11 for the user (step S3 in FIG. 4). . For example, a dialog “Do you want to acquire a remote control application for STB? (Yes) (No)” is displayed.

In the case of the present embodiment, as described above, since the search OK response signal including the identification information “STB0001” is transmitted from the STB 20, the terminal device 1 that has received this response signal “activates the remote control application for STB. (Yes) (No) "dialog is displayed.
Then, when the user taps “Yes” in the dialog “Do you want to start the remote control application for STB? (Yes) (No)” (in the case of “Yes” in Step S4 and Step S5 in FIG. 4) The application processing unit 17 activates the remote control application for STB 20 stored in the storage unit 13 (step S6).

Since the air conditioner 30 in the home can also receive the search signal broadcast by the terminal device 1 (step S11 in FIG. 5), the processing unit 33 can identify the remote controller app that allows the remote control operation of itself (the air conditioner 30). It is possible to transmit a search OK response signal or a search NG response signal including “AC0001”, and the terminal device 1 that has received this signal “Does the remote controller app for air conditioner start up? (Yes) (No)” And “Do you want to acquire a remote control app for air conditioner? (Yes) (No)” or both dialogs can be displayed (step S3 in FIG. 4).
If the search OK response signal is also transmitted in the air conditioner 30, the terminal device 1 that has received this response signal has a dialog other than “Do you want to start the STB remote control app? (Yes) (No)”. , "Do you want to start the remote control app for air conditioner? (Yes) (No)" is also displayed in a list.

  However, in the case of the present embodiment, since the identification information “AC0001” is not included in the search signal transmitted from the terminal device 1, a search NG response signal is transmitted from the air conditioner 30, and the terminal device 1 that has received this Then, a dialog “Do you want to acquire a remote control app for air conditioner? (Yes) (No)” is displayed (step S3 in FIG. 4). In this case, as described above, the dialog of “Do you want to start the STB remote control application? (Yes) (No)” is also displayed in a list.

  Then, when the user taps “Yes” in the “Do you want to acquire the remote control app for air conditioner? (Yes) (No)” (in the case of “No” in Step S4 and Step S5 in FIG. 4) ) The application processing unit 17 starts the acquisition process of the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 (step S7). Based on identification information “AC0001” of the remote control app included in the search NG response signal, the application processing unit 17 includes the app that can be acquired from the outside through communication by the communication unit 12 in the search NG response signal. The remote control application corresponding to the identified identification information “AC0001” is searched, and the remote controller application acquisition process for the air conditioner 30 is executed.

A specific example of this acquisition process will be described.
Since the terminal device 1 has acquired the remote control application identification information “AC0001” included in the search NG response signal, the terminal device 1 transmits an application acquisition request signal including this identification information “AC0001” as an acquisition process.
In the present embodiment, since the remote controller application (and identification information) for the air conditioner 30 is stored in the storage unit 32 of the air conditioner 30, the air conditioner 30 that has received the application acquisition request signal is included in the signal. When the identification information “AC0001” is compared with the identification information of the self and the identification information matches, the remote controller application data for the air conditioner 30 corresponding to the identification information is transmitted to the terminal device 1.
And the terminal device 1 receives the data of the application from the air conditioner 30 through the communication part 12 (step S7). Upon receiving the application data, the application processing unit 17 of the terminal device 1 installs the application in the storage unit 13 (step S8).

  As another example, when the server device 4 storing the remote control app for the air conditioner 30 as downloadable is installed on an external network 2 such as the Internet as shown in FIG. The device 1 may download the data of the remote control application from the server device 4 (step S7). Similarly, in this case, since the terminal device 1 has acquired the remote control application identification information “AC0001” included in the search NG response signal, the acquisition of the application including this identification information “AC0001” is performed as the acquisition process. A request signal is transmitted to the server device 4. The server device 4 that has received the application acquisition request signal collates the identification information “AC0001” included in the signal with the identification information of the remote control application held by the server device 4, and the identification information matches. Then, the remote controller application data for the air conditioner 30 corresponding to the identification information is transmitted to the terminal device 1.

  Then, when the communication unit 12 receives the data of the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 in the terminal device 1, the application processing unit 17 installs the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 in the storage unit 13 based on this data (step S1). S8). And the application process part 17 starts the remote control application for this air conditioner 30 (step S6).

As described above, according to the terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment, the terminal device 1 transmits a search signal for searching for a controlled device (S1 in FIG. 4). This search signal includes identification information of the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13.
When the controlled device receives the search signal, the controlled device determines whether or not the search signal includes identification information of a remote control application that can control itself (S12 in FIG. 5). If not, a search OK response signal is transmitted to the terminal device 1 (S13 in FIG. 5), and if not included, a search NG response signal is transmitted to the terminal device 1 (S14 in FIG. 5). The response signals for the search OK and the search NG include the remote controller app identification information that enables the self (controlled device) to be operated by the remote control.

  And when the terminal device 1 receives the search OK response signal including the identification information of the remote control app for the controlled device from the controlled device, based on the identification information included in the response signal, Information asking the start of execution of the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 is output to the user (S3 in FIG. 4). When the user selects “Start Execution” (S4 and S5 in FIG. 4), the terminal device 1 automatically activates the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 (S6 in FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, when the search NG response signal including the identification information of the remote control app for the controlled device is received, based on the identification information included in the response signal, the self does not have. That is, the information which asks the acquisition start of the remote control application which is not stored in the memory | storage part 13 is output with respect to a user (S3 of FIG. 4). When the user selects “start acquisition” (S4 and S5 in FIG. 4), the terminal device 1 transmits an application acquisition request signal (S7 in FIG. 4), and the controlled device allows the controlled device to operate itself by remote control. The terminal device 1 receiving this data receives this data and installs it (S8 in FIG. 4). Then, the installed remote control application can be activated.

[3. Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the terminal device 1 by the controlled device, the terminal device 1 and the user, FIG. 7 is a flowchart of processing executed by the terminal device 1, and FIG. It is a flowchart of the process which a to-be-controlled apparatus performs.
The controlled device (STB 20) periodically transmits a terminal search signal (hereinafter simply referred to as a search signal) as a process of searching for the terminal device 1 (step S41 in FIG. 8). This transmission is by broadcast.

  On the other hand, the terminal device 1 is in a state in which a search signal can be received through the communication unit 12 (step S31 in FIG. 7), and the communication area in which the terminal device 1 can wirelessly communicate with the controlled device. Upon entering A, the communication unit 12 can receive the search signal. Upon reception, the communication unit 12 transmits a search response signal as search response processing (step S32) in order to start wireless communication with the controlled device.

The STB 20 that has received this search response signal (step S42 in FIG. 8) transmits a connection signal as a connection process (step S43). The connection signal transmitted by the STB 20 includes identification information of a remote control application that allows the user (STB 20) to operate the remote control. This is determined by the terminal device 1 that has received this connection signal as to whether or not the remote control operation of the STB 20 that has transmitted the connection signal is possible by the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 of the terminal device 1. This is to make it happen.
The STB 20 then waits for a connection response signal for the connection signal from the terminal device 1 (step S44 in FIG. 8). When the connection response signal is received, the terminal device 1 is registered (step S45), which will be described later. However, when an application request signal is received from the terminal device 1 (step S46), a remote control application that enables the remote control of itself (STB 20) is transmitted (step S47).

In the present embodiment, the remote control application for STB 20 is installed in the storage unit 13 of the terminal device 1 (already stored), but the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 is not installed (not stored). Explain the case. For this reason, the storage unit 13 stores the identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application for the STB 20, but does not store the identification information “AC0001” of the remote control application for the air conditioner 30.
The connection signal transmitted from the STB 20 includes identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application that enables the self (STB 20) to be operated by the remote control.

  In the terminal device 1, when the communication unit 12 receives from the controlled device (STB 20) a connection signal including identification information of the remote control application for the controlled device (STB 20) (step S33), the central processing unit 14 determines whether or not the identification information included in the received connection signal matches the identification information of the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13. That is, when the terminal device 1 receives the transmitted connection signal (step S33), the remote controller app identification information stored in the storage unit 13 is included in the remote controller app identification information included in the connection signal. Whether or not is included is determined. This determination is performed by the application processing unit 17.

  When the identification information matches, it means that the remote control operation of the STB 20 that has transmitted the connection signal can be performed by the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 of the terminal device 1. Displays information on whether or not to activate the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 on the touch panel 11 to the user (step S34). For example, a dialog “Do you want to start the remote control application for STB? (Yes) (No)” is displayed. That is, when the identification information matches, based on the identification information (application ID) of the remote control application acquired by the communication unit 12, a remote control application corresponding to this identification information is selected from a plurality of installed applications. The touch panel 11 outputs information for inquiring activation of the remote control app for the controlled device extracted and stored in the storage unit 13 to the user.

  On the other hand, if the identification information does not match, it means that the remote control operation of the STB 20 that transmitted the connection signal is not possible by the application (remote control application) stored in the storage unit 13 of the terminal device 1. The input / output processing unit 15 displays information about whether or not to acquire the remote control application for the STB 20 on the touch panel 11 to the user (step S34 in FIG. 7). For example, a dialog “Do you want to acquire a remote control application for STB? (Yes) (No)” is displayed. In FIG. 6, (A) shows the case of matching, and (B) shows the subsequent processing when they do not match. That is, when the identification information does not match, the remote controller application corresponding to this identification information is searched from the acquirable applications based on the identification information (application ID) of the application acquired by the communication unit 12. The touch panel 11 outputs information asking for acquisition of a remote control app that is not stored to the user.

In the case of the present embodiment, since the received connection signal includes the identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application for STB 20, the remote control application identification information included in the received connection signal and the storage are stored. If it matches the identification information “STB0001” of the remote control application stored in the unit 13, it is determined by the application processing unit 17, and the input / output processing unit 15 asks “Do you want to start the remote control application for STB?” A dialog “Yes” (No) ”is displayed on the touch panel 11.
When the user taps “Yes” in this dialog (in the case of “Yes” in Step S35 and Step S36 in FIG. 7), the application processing unit 17 uses the remote control application for STB 20 stored in the storage unit 13. Is activated (step S37).

The home air conditioner 30 also periodically transmits a search signal (step S41 in FIG. 8). When a search response signal is received from the terminal device 1 (step S42), the connection signal (step S43) is connected. Send. This connection signal to be transmitted includes identification information “AC0001” of the remote control application that enables the self (air conditioner 30) to be operated by the remote control.
However, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 is not installed in the storage unit 13 of the terminal device 1, the identification information of the remote control application included in the connection signal includes When it is determined whether or not the identification information of the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 is included, the determination result is “not included” and “Do you want to acquire the remote control application for the air conditioner?” The dialog “? (Yes) (No)” is displayed on the touch panel 11.

  If the remote control app for the air conditioner 30 is also installed in the storage unit 13 in advance, as described above, in addition to the dialog “Do you want to start the STB remote control app? (Yes) (No)” The dialog “Do you want to start the remote control application? (Yes) (No)” is also displayed on the touch panel 11 as a list.

  Then, when the user taps “Yes” in the “Do you want to acquire the remote control app for air conditioner? (Yes) (No)” (in the case of “No” in Step S35 and Step S36 in FIG. 7), The application process part 17 starts the acquisition process of the remote control application for the air conditioners 30 (step S38). Based on identification information “AC0001” of the remote control application included in the connection signal, the application processing unit 17 identifies the identification included in the connection signal from the applications that can be acquired from the outside through communication by the communication unit 12. A remote controller application corresponding to the information “AC0001” is searched, and a remote controller application acquisition process for the air conditioner 30 is executed.

A specific example of this acquisition process will be described.
Since the terminal device 1 has acquired the remote control application identification information “AC0001” included in the connection signal, the terminal device 1 transmits an application acquisition request signal including the identification information “AC0001” as the acquisition process.
In this embodiment, since the remote control application (and identification information) for this air conditioner 30 is stored in the storage unit 32 of the air conditioner 30, the air conditioner 30 that has received the application acquisition request signal (step S46 in FIG. 8) The identification information “AC0001” included in the signal is collated with its own identification information. When the identification information matches, the remote controller application data for the air conditioner 30 corresponding to the identification information is transmitted to the terminal device 1. (Step S47).
And the terminal device 1 receives the data of the application from the air conditioner 30 through the communication part 12 (step S38 of FIG. 7). Upon receiving the application data, the application processing unit 17 of the terminal device 1 installs the application in the storage unit 13 (step S39 in FIG. 7).

  As another example, when the server device 4 storing the remote control app for the air conditioner 30 as downloadable is installed on an external network 2 such as the Internet as shown in FIG. The device 1 may download the data of the remote control application from the server device 4 (step S38). Similarly in this case, since the terminal apparatus 1 has acquired the identification information “AC0001” of the remote control application included in the connection signal, the application acquisition request signal including this identification information “AC0001” is acquired as the acquisition process. Is transmitted to the server device 4. The server device 4 that has received the application acquisition request signal collates the identification information “AC0001” included in the signal with the identification information of the remote control application held by the server device 4, and the identification information matches. Then, the remote controller application data for the air conditioner 30 corresponding to the identification information is transmitted to the terminal device 1.

  Then, when the communication unit 12 receives the data of the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 in the terminal device 1, the application processing unit 17 installs the remote control application for the air conditioner 30 in the storage unit 13 based on this data (step S1). S39). And the application process part 17 starts the remote control application for this air conditioner 30 (step S37).

  As described above, according to the terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment, each controlled device transmits a search signal for searching for the terminal device 1 (S41 in FIG. 8). When the signal is received, a search response signal is returned (S32 in FIG. 7). When each controlled device receives this search response signal, it transmits a connection signal (S43 in FIG. 8). This connection signal includes identification information of a remote control application for the controlled device (which enables the remote control operation of itself).

  Then, when receiving the connection signal including the identification information of the remote control app for the controlled device from the controlled device (S33 in FIG. 8), the terminal device 1 receives the connection signal based on the connection signal. It is determined whether or not the included identification information matches the identification information of the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13. If they match, the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 is determined. Is output to the user (S34 in FIG. 7). When the user selects “execution start” (S35 and S36 in FIG. 7), the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 is activated (S37 in FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, if the identification information does not match as a result of the determination, information that the user does not have, that is, information that asks for the start of acquisition of the remote control app that is not stored in the storage unit 13 is output to the user. (S34 in FIG. 7). When the user selects “acquisition start” (S35, S36 in FIG. 7), the terminal device 1 transmits an application acquisition request signal (S38 in FIG. 7), and the controlled device allows the controlled device to operate the remote control itself. The terminal device 1 receiving this data receives and installs this data (S39 in FIG. 7).

[Regarding the first embodiment and the second embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the terminal device 1 receives a predetermined signal including identification information of a remote control application for the controlled device from the controlled device. The predetermined signal is “search OK response signal or search NG response signal” in the first embodiment, and “connection signal” in the second embodiment.
Further, when it is determined that the remote control application for the controlled device is stored in the storage unit 13 of the terminal device 1, the terminal device 1 sends information for inquiring “execution start” of the stored remote control application. And output to the user through the touch panel 11. Note that the determination is performed by the controlled device in the first embodiment, and is performed by the terminal device 1 in the second embodiment. When the user performs an operation input of “execution start” using the touch panel 11, the remote control application stored in the storage unit 13 is activated.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the information is not stored in the storage unit 13, the terminal device 1 outputs information asking the “acquisition start” of the remote control application not stored to the user via the touch panel 11. When the user performs an operation input of “start acquisition” on the touch panel 11, the terminal device 1 transmits an application acquisition request signal, and the controlled device that has received this signal enables the remote control operation of itself. The terminal device 1 receives this data and installs it.

As described above, when the terminal device 1 enters the communication area A in which wireless communication with the controlled device is possible, the terminal device 1 can control the controlled device without searching for a remote control application for the controlled device. Information that asks for activation of the remote control app for the device is automatically output. Therefore, if the user performs an operation for approving the activation to the terminal device 1, the remote control application is activated, and the terminal device 1 can function as a remote controller for the controlled device.
If the storage unit 13 of the terminal device 1 can store a plurality of applications, but the remote control application for the controlled device to be controlled is not stored in the storage unit 13, the controlled device Based on the identification information of the remote control app for the controlled device acquired from the above, information asking for acquisition of the remote control app that is not stored is output to the user. Therefore, when the user performs an operation of approving the acquisition to the terminal device 1, the acquisition of the remote control application is started, and thereafter, the remote control application can be activated. As a result, the terminal device 1 can function as a remote controller for the controlled device.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of controlled devices such as STB 20 and air conditioner 30 are installed in one room, and a plurality of remote control applications are connected to one terminal in order to operate each of these devices by remote control. When installed in the device 1, when each controlled device is operated by remote control, according to each of the above embodiments, it is not necessary to search for a corresponding icon each time, and the remote control application can be started quickly. It becomes.

The above-described embodiments are all illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiment but by the scope of claims for patent, and includes modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations of the scope of claims for patent.
The communication between the terminal device 1 and the controlled device may be TCP / IP communication using a wireless LAN or wireless communication using infrared rays or Bluetooth.
Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the terminal device 1 consists of a smart phone provided with the call function, a terminal device may be other than this, for example, a portable terminal which does not have a call function It may be a device.

In the above embodiment, when starting the remote control application, information asking the user to start is output. That is, as the “information asking to start” on the touch panel 11, the “~ remote control application is started. (Yes) (No) ”dialog is output, but if the remote control app that can operate the controlled device is stored in the storage unit, the remote control app is automatically started. May be. In this case, as “information for confirming that it has been activated”, for example, a dialog “to activate the remote control app” may be output.
Similarly, when acquiring the remote control application, information asking the user to acquire is output. That is, as the “information for inquiring acquisition” on the touch panel 11, the “~ remote control application is acquired. (Yes) (No) "dialog is output, but the remote control app may be acquired automatically. In this case, as “information for confirming acquisition”, for example, a dialog “to have acquired a remote control app for” may be output.
Note that it is preferable for the user to output “information for inquiring activation” and “information for inquiring acquisition”.

  Moreover, although the said computer program for managing the application which the terminal device 1 was memorize | stored demonstrated the case where it was memorize | stored in the terminal device 1 as system software, sales and transfer of this computer program are this It may be performed by downloading the computer program to the terminal device 1 from a server stored so as to be downloadable via a network. The computer program may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and sold or transferred.

  1: Terminal device 2: Network 4: Server device 11: Touch panel (output unit) 12: Communication unit 13: Storage unit 14: Central processing unit (processing unit) 15: Input / output processing unit (output processing unit) 16: Communication processing Unit 17: Application processing unit 20: Set top box (controlled device) 30: Air conditioner (controlled device) A: Communication area

Claims (5)

A storage unit capable of storing a plurality of applications including a remote control application;
A processing unit that activates an application stored in the storage unit;
When entering a communication area that enables wireless communication with a controlled device, a communication unit that acquires identification information of a remote control application that enables remote control operation of the controlled device from the controlled device;
When the remote control application for the controlled device is stored in the storage unit, the remote control application for the controlled device stored in the storage unit is activated based on the identification information acquired by the communication unit An output unit for outputting information asking the user or information for confirming that it has been started,
Equipped with a,
The communication unit transmits a device search signal for searching for a controlled device in order to start wireless communication with the controlled device;
In order to cause the controlled device to determine whether the remote control operation of the controlled device that has received the device search signal is possible by the remote control application stored in the storage unit, A terminal device including identification information of a remote control application stored in the storage unit .   If the remote control application for the controlled device is not stored in the storage unit, the output unit asks for acquisition of the remote control application not stored based on the identification information acquired by the communication unit Or the terminal device of Claim 1 which outputs the information which confirms having acquired to a user.   The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the communication unit acquires a remote control application for the controlled device from the controlled device having the remote control application by wireless communication.   The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the communication unit acquires a remote control application for the controlled device from a server device in which the remote control application is stored so as to be downloadable via a network. A computer program for causing a terminal device having a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of applications including a remote control application and having a computer function to execute a process of remotely controlling a controlled device,
The terminal device;
A processing unit for starting an application stored in the storage unit;
When entering a communication area where wireless communication can be performed with a controlled device, communication for performing processing for acquiring from the controlled device identification information of a remote control application that enables remote control operation of the controlled device. Processing section,
When the remote control application for the controlled device is stored in the storage unit, the control unit asks for activation of the remote control application for the controlled device stored in the storage unit based on the identification information acquired by communication. An output processing unit for performing processing for outputting information or information for confirming activation to the user;
To function as,
The processing in the communication processing unit includes transmitting a device search signal for searching for a controlled device in order to start wireless communication with the controlled device,
The process of transmitting the device search signal is determined by the controlled device whether or not a remote control operation of the controlled device that has received the device search signal is possible by a remote control application stored in the storage unit. In order to do so, a computer program comprising including, in the device search signal, identification information of a remote control application stored in the storage unit .

Images