JP2000076197A - Portable information terminal device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To utilize portable information terminal device as a remote controller. SOLUTION: The portable information terminal device 1 receives intrinsic setting information in external equipment 2 to be a remote control object from the equipment, for instance setting program information for data setting in the equipment 2 and setting data set at present in the equipment, by a communication interface 15, performs desired data setting, based on the setting information, and transmits the setting data to the corresponding external equipment 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable information terminal functioning as a remote controller for performing a remote control operation of an external device, and a command for causing a computer constituting the portable information terminal to execute an operation of the remote controller. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium that stores a program including a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A television receiver (hereinafter abbreviated as a television), a video tape recorder (hereinafter abbreviated as a video), an air conditioner (hereinafter abbreviated as an air conditioner), a refrigerator, etc. Home appliances and
Household appliances such as baths and lighting fixtures are each provided with a remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as a remote controller) and individually controlled. In addition, various remote controls (for example, television, video,
(For car audio and car navigation devices).

[0003]

As described above, various types of remote controllers are flooding indoors and in vehicles, and there are many cases where remote controllers are searched for and used one by one, and which remote controller corresponds to which device. Sometimes I don't know.

[0004] In addition, no remote control operation is required, and it is necessary to find a corresponding remote control only when viewing the current status (information set and information indicating the status of the device itself) in each device.

[0005] Therefore, a remote control device called a multi-function remote control has been developed in which remote control operations of a plurality of external devices are stored and set so as to function as remote controls of the plurality of devices. In this case, operation data corresponding to some devices is stored in advance, and a function is provided for a user to learn and store operation data corresponding to a desired device. However, the operation for learning and storing is complicated, and simplification is demanded. Also,
Such a multi-function remote controller is not provided as an accessory of each device, but needs to be newly purchased by a user, forcing the user to uselessly spend.

On the other hand, in recent years, PDA (personal digital ass)
A portable information terminal device called istant) has become widespread. This is a computer that is about the size of a notebook to a notebook, and that can recognize handwritten characters by pen input, and has a function of exchanging data with a data processing device such as a personal computer (PC). Things are also known.

[0007] Such a portable information terminal device includes, for example,
Captures data stored in the data processing device that is normally used, and uses the information to go to the data processing device for use at a destination or to transfer the information obtained at a destination to the data processing device later for use. The main use is to enter in. Therefore, when using the data processing device, this portable information terminal device is left in one corner of the desk, or stowed in a drawer or bag,
It is rarely used.

Therefore, if such a portable information terminal device can be used as a multi-function remote control device, the conventional device individual remote control and multi-function remote control will not be required at all.
Obviously, the current status of each device can be immediately known on the portable information terminal device. An object of the present invention is to make a portable information terminal device usable as a remote control device.

[0009]

Means of the present invention are as follows. The receiving means receives, from an external device to be remote-controlled, setting information unique to the device. The setting means performs desired data setting based on the setting information received by the receiving means. The transmitting means transmits the setting data set by the setting means to the corresponding external device.

[0010] The means of the invention of claim 7 is as follows. The computer-readable recording medium stores a program including an instruction for causing the computer to execute the following processing when the portable information terminal device is used as a remote controller device. The first process is a process of receiving, from an external device to be remotely controlled, setting information unique to the device. The second process is a process for performing a desired data setting based on the received setting information. The third process is a process of transmitting the setting data to the corresponding external device.

The operation of the means according to the first and seventh aspects of the invention is as follows. Receives the unique setting information of the device from the external device to be remote controlled,
Desired data setting is performed based on the setting information, and the setting data is transmitted to the corresponding external device. Therefore, the portable information terminal device can be used as a remote control device, and the conventional device individual remote control and multifunctional remote control are not required at all.

On the other hand, the means of the invention of claim 4 is as follows. The detecting means detects an external device (for example, a home appliance) that can be wirelessly connected according to the location of the portable information terminal device. The receiving means receives the current device state information from the wirelessly connectable external device detected by the detecting means. The storage unit stores the device status information received by the receiving unit.

The means of the invention according to claim 8 is as follows. The computer-readable recording medium stores a program including an instruction for causing the computer to execute the following processing when the portable information terminal device is used as a remote controller device. The first process is a process of detecting an external device that can be wirelessly connected according to the location of the portable information terminal device. The second process is a process of receiving the current device status information from the detected wirelessly connectable external device. The third process is a process of storing the received device status information.

The operation of the means according to the fourth and eighth aspects of the invention is as follows. An external device that can be wirelessly connected is detected according to the location where the user is, and current device state information is received from the wirelessly connectable external device and stored. Therefore, the portable information terminal device can be used as a remote control device, and the current status of each device can be immediately known by the portable information terminal device.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1A shows a portable information terminal device 1 (1-1,1--1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2, 1-3,...), Each portable information terminal device 1 includes a plurality of controlled external devices 2 (video, air conditioner, TV, room controller, refrigerator, etc.). Home appliances). That is, each portable information terminal device 1 has a PIM (Personal Information Manager) function as a basic function, and changes into a remote controller for each of the external devices 2 to be controlled by mode switching. Therefore, if such a portable information terminal device 1 is carried by each person, for example, one air conditioner can be controlled by the portable information terminal device 1 of each family member.

In this case, it is assumed that a dedicated computer is built in each external device 2 to be controlled, and that the standards are unified to some extent. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the configuration of each portable information terminal device 1, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of each control target external device 2.

That is, the portable information terminal device 1 comprises a computer main unit 11 and a display unit 1 composed of a liquid crystal display.
2. Touch panel 1 arranged on the display surface of display unit 12
3. An infrared transmission unit 14 for transmitting data to the external device 2 to be controlled by infrared rays, and a communication interface 15 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the external device 2 to be controlled.

Here, the computer main body 11 has an internal memory 11A, and the portable information terminal 1 according to application software developed in the internal memory 11A.
Take control of the whole. The application software stored in the internal memory 11A may be pre-installed in the ROM, or the application software provided via the communication interface 15 or read from a recording medium (not shown) may be a RAM, an EEPROM, or the like. May be stored.

The internal memory 11A has an external device identification code table 1 as shown in FIGS.
1A1, a terminal code storage unit 11A2, and a setting table 11A3 are provided. Here, the external device identification code table 11A1 stores an external device code indicating the type of each controlled external device 2 in each of the controlled external devices 2.
The terminal code storage unit 11A2
Stores an identification code unique to each portable information terminal device 1 for specifying the portable information terminal device 1.
The setting table 11A3 includes an external device code, a registration number of the controlled external device 2 (to identify a plurality of the same controlled external devices 2 having the same external device code), presence / absence of program data, and setting data. Is stored correspondingly.

On the other hand, the controlled external device 2 includes a computer main body 21, an operation section 22 such as various switches, and a controlled section 23 controlled by the computer main body 21.
(For example, air conditioner compressor), various sensors 24
(For example, a room temperature meter of an air conditioner), an infrared receiver 2 for receiving data transmitted from the portable information terminal device 1 by infrared rays.
5 and a communication interface 26 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the portable information terminal device 1.

Here, the computer main body 21 has an internal memory 21A, and controls the entire external device 2 to be controlled in accordance with application software developed in the internal memory 21A. The application software stored in the internal memory 21 </ b> A may be pre-installed in the ROM, or the application software provided via the communication interface 26 or read from a recording medium (not shown) may be stored in the RAM or the EEPROM.
The information may be stored in the OM or the like.

The internal memory 21A has a terminal identification table 21A as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E.
1 and a data memory 21A2. Here, the terminal identification table 21A1 associates the terminal code of the portable information terminal device 1 in which the control target external device 2 is registered with the registration number of the control target external device 2 registered in the portable information terminal device 1. To remember. In the present embodiment, four portable information terminal devices 1 can be registered. Further, the data memory 21A2 includes an external device code for specifying the type of the external device 2 to be controlled, the portable information terminal device 1
Is stored in the portable information terminal device 1 in order to operate as a remote controller of the external device 2 to be controlled, and setting data that is current status data of the external device 2 to be controlled.

Next, the operation in such a configuration will be described. FIGS. 3, 4A, 5, and 6 are a series of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A program for realizing each function described in this flowchart is stored in the internal memory 11A in the form of a program code readable by the computer main body 11. Also,
FIGS. 4B and 7 show the external device 2 to be controlled.
3 is a series of flowcharts for explaining the operation of FIG. A program that realizes each function described in this flowchart is stored in the internal memory 21A in the form of a program code that can be read by the computer main body 21, and the state of the main power switch (not shown) of the external device 2 to be controlled is Regardless of the computer body 21
Executed in

That is, when the portable information terminal device 1 is powered on, the portable information terminal device 1 is set to a PIM mode for executing a PIM function (calendar schedule, memo, address book, etc.) which is a normal function. A PIM screen as shown in (A) is displayed (step S101). On this PIM screen, a “PIM” button is identified and displayed to indicate that the current mode is PIM.

When any operation is performed on the PIM screen, it is determined whether or not a mode change operation has been performed, that is, "setting" for switching to another mode.
It is determined whether a touch switch corresponding to any of the button, the “display” button, and the “register” button has been operated (step S102). Here, if the operation is not the mode change operation, the PIM processing corresponding to the operation is performed (step S103), and the process returns to step S102.
The PIM processing is the same as the conventional PIM processing, and a description thereof will be omitted.

When a mode change operation is performed, whether the operation is a "set" button operation for switching to a setting mode (step S104) or a "display" button operation for switching to a display mode (step S104) S1
05), it is determined whether the operation is a “register” button operation for switching to the registration mode (step S106).

That is, first, it is necessary to perform device registration with respect to the corresponding control target external device 2 in the registration mode. For this purpose, the “register” button is operated. In this case, it is necessary to operate the “registration” button with the infrared transmission unit 14 of the portable information terminal device 1 facing the control-target external device 2 to be registered. If it is determined in step S106 that the "registration" button has been operated, the infrared transmission unit 14 transmits a registration request to the control-target external device 2 to be registered by infrared transmission (step S107).

Here, in the external device 2 to be controlled, usually, a direct request by infrared rays by the infrared receiving unit 25 (step S201) or a wireless request from the portable information terminal device 1 by the communication interface 26 (step S201).
When the request is received directly by the infrared receiving unit 25 in the waiting state of step 202), it is determined whether the received request is a registration request (step S203). If the received request is not a registration request, a process corresponding to the received request is performed (step S204), and then the above-described step S20 is performed.
Return to 1. On the other hand, when the portable information terminal device 1 receives the registration request transmitted by infrared rays in step S107 in the step S107, the external device code stored in the data memory 21A2 is wirelessly transmitted through the communication interface 26 (step S205). .

In the portable information terminal device 1, the external device code is received by the communication interface 15 (step S108), and the control target external device 2 is identified by the received external device code in the external device identification code table 11A1. To determine whether or not it has already been registered in the setting table 11A3 (step S10).
9). If the control target external device 2 is not registered yet, the control target external device 2 is not registered.
The corresponding unregistered number (initially "1") is specified and registered in the setting table 11A3 (step S110). Thereafter, the specified number is used as a registration number together with the terminal code, which is information for specifying the portable information terminal device 1 stored in the terminal code storage unit 11A2, and the infrared transmission unit 14 sends the infrared signal to the external device 2 to be controlled. It transmits (step S111). Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, an icon corresponding to each controlled external device 2 registered in the setting table 11A3 is generated and displayed (step S112), and the process returns to step S101. If it is determined in step S109 that the icon has been registered, a registered message is displayed (step S113), and the corresponding icon is temporarily blinked on the screen shown in FIG. 8B. (Step S
114). Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

On the other hand, in the external device 2 to be controlled,
After transmitting the external device code in step S205, it is determined whether or not the registration number has been received by the infrared receiver 25 (step S206). If it has not been received, the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, when the registration number is received, it is stored in the terminal identification table 21A1 in association with the terminal code sent together with the registration number (step S207).
Return to 1.

In the setting mode, it is possible to download a program from the corresponding control target external device 2 and transmit setting data based on the execution of the program. That is, in the PIM screen as shown in FIG.
When the "SET" button for switching to the setting mode is operated, it is determined in the above step S104. In this case, based on the setting table 11A3, as shown in FIG. Is displayed (step S11).
5). At this time, the control target external device 2 for which the program data has already been downloaded is identified and displayed as a downloaded icon indicating that (step S116). For example, in FIG. 8B, the downloaded icon is an icon having an identification display portion indicated by hatching at the bottom, such as “video A1”.

When the user selects an icon (step S117), it is determined whether the icon is a downloaded icon (step S11).
8). For example, in the case of a downloaded icon such as “video A1”, the process proceeds to step S123 described below,
For example, if the icon is not a downloaded icon such as “air conditioner B1”, the communication interface 15
A program download request is wirelessly transmitted to the control target external device 2 corresponding to the icon (step S119). Then, it waits for reception (step S120).

On the other hand, in each of the controlled external devices 2, as described above, the waiting state for the direct request by the infrared receiving unit 25 or the wireless request from the portable information terminal device 1 by the communication interface 26 is normally set. If it is determined in step S202 that a wireless request from the portable information terminal device 1 has been received by the communication interface 26, whether the portable information terminal device 1 that has transmitted the request has been registered in the terminal identification table 21A1 It is determined whether or not it has been registered (step S208). If it has not been registered, the process returns to step S201. On the contrary,
If the request has been registered, it is determined whether the received request is a check request (step S209) or a program download request (step S210). If neither, the process returns to step S201. .

If it is determined in step S210 that the request is a program download request, the program data stored in the data memory 21A2 is wirelessly transmitted by the communication interface 26, and the setting data is stored in the data memory 21A2. If so, it is also transmitted wirelessly (step S211).

In the portable information terminal device 1, when a signal is received by the communication interface 15, the external device 2 to be controlled is
Is downloaded (step S121), and stored in the work area (not shown) of the internal memory 11A.
(Step S122).

Then, the stored program is started (step S123), and a setting screen described in the program is displayed as shown in FIG. 8C (step S124). At this time, if there is setting data, it is displayed at the same time. Then, if a setting (change) operation desired by the user is performed (step S12)
5) The setting data indicating the setting contents is wirelessly transmitted to the corresponding control target external device 2 by the communication interface 15 (step S126).

After transmitting the data in step S211, the control-target external device 2 determines whether or not the setting data has been received from the portable information terminal device 1 (step S212). Immediately returns to step S201. On the other hand, when the setting data is received, the received setting data is updated and stored in the data memory 21A2, and the controlled unit 23 is controlled to set the state indicated by the setting data (step S213). Then, step S
Return to 201.

On the other hand, after transmitting the setting data, the portable information terminal device 1 determines whether or not a mode change operation has been performed (step S127). And if there is no mode change operation,
Returning to step S115, the registered icon and the downloaded icon are displayed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8D, the “air conditioner B1” for which the program data has been newly downloaded becomes the downloaded icon. Also, the above step S127
If it is determined that the mode change operation has been performed,
The process returns to step S104.

The operation mode of the portable information terminal device 1 further includes a display mode. In this display mode,
The control-target external device 2 that can communicate is checked (for example, communication is possible within a range of 30 meters, that is, all communication is possible in a normal house), and is identified by an icon as shown in FIG. (For example, displayed as a large icon). At this time, the power-on / off state of the communicable control target external device 2 is also displayed. When the icon is selected, the current status data (setting data) of the external device 2 to be controlled is downloaded, and as shown in FIG. In the setting state, if it is a refrigerator, the information in the refrigerator (what kind of food is contained) is displayed. In this case, even if communication is not possible (for example, when going out), it is possible to display if the previous data is stored. Further, when the power supply selection operation is performed, FIG.
As shown in (1), the power on / off state of the corresponding control target external device 2 can be changed.

In order to execute such a display mode,
When the "display" button is operated on the PIM screen as shown in FIG. 8A, it is determined in step S105. In this case, the registered control is first referred to by referring to the setting table 11A3. An icon indicating the target external device 2 is displayed (Step S128). Then, in order to determine whether communication is possible, a check request is wirelessly transmitted to the controlled external device 2 registered in the setting table 11A3 by the communication interface 15 sequentially (step S129).

When the external device 2 to be controlled receives this check request (step S209), the external device code stored in the data memory 21A2 and the portable information terminal device 1 stored in the terminal identification table 21A1 are transmitted. The corresponding registration number and the main power state of the external device 2 to be controlled are wirelessly transmitted to the portable information terminal device 1 through the communication interface 26 (step S214). Thereafter, a data download request (step S215) or a power supply request (step S21)
If 6) is not received, the process returns to step S201.

After transmitting the check request, the portable information terminal device 1 controls the external device 2 to be controlled at the transmission destination.
It is determined whether or not there is the above response from (step S13)
0). If there is no response, the above step S129 is performed.
And returns a check request to the next external device 2 to be controlled. When the above response is received, an icon corresponding to the external device 2 to be controlled is identified and displayed, and its power state is indicated by the received data. Is displayed beside the icon in accordance with (Step S13)
1). Then, it is determined whether or not an icon selection operation has been performed by the user (step S132), and if not, the process returns to step S129. In this way, the communication availability check for all the registered external devices 2 to be controlled is performed.

When the user performs an icon selection operation, whether the selection operation is an icon display selection by a touch switch operation corresponding to the position of the external device 2 to be controlled, or a power status display next to the icon. It is determined whether the icon power ON / OFF selection has been made by operating the touch switch corresponding to the position (step S133).

If the icon display is selected, it is determined whether the icon is an icon indicating a controllable external device 2 that can be downloaded, that is, communicable (step S134). Then, a data download request is wirelessly transmitted to the corresponding controlled external device 2 to download setting data from the controlled external device 2 and stored in the setting table 11A3 in association with the controlled external device 2 (step S13
5).

That is, in the external device 2 to be controlled,
When there is a data download request from the portable information terminal device 1 (step S215), the setting data is read from the data memory 21A2, and is wirelessly transmitted to the portable information terminal device 1 by the communication interface 26 (step S21).
7). Then, the process returns to step S201.

In this manner, the portable information terminal device 1 that has updated the data displays the contents of the updated setting data (step S136), and thereafter determines whether or not a mode change operation has been performed (step S137). If there is no mode change operation, the process returns to step S128, and if there is a mode change operation, the process returns to step S104.

If it is determined in step S134 that the icon is not a downloadable icon, it is determined whether setting data corresponding to the setting table 11A3 is stored (step S138). Proceeding to step S136, display based on the stored data is performed. On the other hand, when the setting data is not stored, a message indicating that display is not possible is displayed (step S139), and then the above-described step S13 is performed.
Go to 7.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S133 that the icon power ON / OFF selection has been made, it is determined whether or not the corresponding icon is an icon indicating a controllable external device 2 that can be downloaded, that is, communicable. (Step S140) If not, a message indicating that the power is not turned on or off is displayed (Step S141), and the process returns to Step S128. On the other hand, if the icon is a downloadable icon, the current power state of the corresponding external device to be controlled 2 is determined (step S142), and if the icon is on, it is turned off (step S143). If it is off, it is turned on (step S144),
A power request is wirelessly transmitted by the communication interface 15, and the process returns to step S128.

Upon receiving the power request (step S216), if the main power supply of the controlled external device 2 is on (step S218), it is turned off (step S219). If the power is off, it is turned on (step S220), and the process returns to step S201.

That is, in the present embodiment, for example, when the external device 2 to be controlled is an air conditioner, the portable information terminal device 1 downloads a setting function program for making settings for the air conditioner from the target air conditioner. The current setting information is downloaded and stored, and the setting information is arbitrarily changed and set in accordance with the guidance based on the setting function program. The received setting information is transmitted to the air conditioner, and the air conditioner makes settings for itself based on the transmitted setting contents. The same applies to the settings for video and TV.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the program data is not downloaded, and only the external device code and the setting data stored in the data memory 21A2 of the controlled external device 2 are read. The data is received, displayed in the basic form for setting, and the setting data is changed. In addition, the check of the communicable control target external device 2 is made to be communicable if it is close (within 10 meters). Therefore, in a normal house, all the rooms are communicable, and the icon is displayed. I do.

For this reason, in the second embodiment, the internal memory 11A of the portable information terminal device 1 is provided with a setting content memory 11A4 as shown in FIG. This stores a label (character data) corresponding to an external device code such as "video" or "air conditioner", setting data (current situation data), and a condition value changed by a user in association with each other. .

Then, the portable information terminal device 1 operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG. A program for realizing each function described in this flowchart is stored in the internal memory 11A in the form of a program code readable by the computer main body 11.

That is, when the portable information terminal device 1 is powered on, the portable information terminal device 1 is set to a PIM mode for executing a PIM function (calendar schedule, memo, address book, etc.) which is a normal function. A PIM screen as shown in (b) is displayed (step S301). If any operation is performed, it is determined whether the operation is an operation of a touch switch corresponding to a “mode” button for designating a remote control setting mode (step S302). , After executing the PIM process corresponding to the operation (step S30).
3) Return to step S301.

On the other hand, when the remote controller setting mode designation operation is performed, first, the controllable external device 2 which can be set is wirelessly searched. This is performed by wirelessly transmitting a check request through the communication interface 15. That is, when the control target external device 2 receives this check request, the data memory 21A
Since the external device code stored in the external device 2 is wirelessly transmitted to the portable information terminal device 1 through the communication interface 26, the portable information terminal device 1 determines the presence or absence of the external device 2 to be controlled based on the response to the check request. Can be determined. Thus, in the portable information terminal device 1,
It is determined whether there is a controllable external device 2 that can be set (step S305).
Returning to 304, if there is, the external device code received by the communication interface 15 is stored in the external device identification code table 11A.
1 and is stored in the setting content memory 11A4. As shown in FIG. 10C, all the controllable external devices 2 to be set are displayed as icons (step S306). Then, it is determined whether or not an icon selection operation has been performed by the user (step S307).
If not, the process returns to step S304.

If the user performs an icon selection operation, the communication interface 15 wirelessly transmits a download request to the control-target external device 2 corresponding to the icon (step S308), and waits for reception (step S309). ). When the setting data is transmitted from the external device 2 to be controlled,
It is downloaded and stored in the setting content memory 11A4 (step S310), and the label stored in the setting content memory 11A4, as shown in FIG.
Display data in basic form (step S31)
1).

Here, when the user operates the touch switch at the position corresponding to the up / down button, the condition value is changed accordingly (step S312), and thereafter, the touch switch at the position corresponding to the "register" button is operated. It is determined whether or not it has been (Step S313). If it has not been operated, the process returns to step S312. If it has been operated, the condition value is wirelessly transmitted to the corresponding controlled external device 2 (step S31).
4). As a result, the state of the controlled external device 2 is changed. At this time, the setting content memory 11A4
Is changed as new data. Thereafter, the process returns to step S304, and a display screen as shown in FIG.

That is, in the second embodiment, for example, when the external device 2 to be controlled is an air conditioner, the portable information terminal device 1 operates from the air conditioner such as a set temperature, a humidity, a mode (continuous, good night), a reservation timer, and the like. Download and store various setting operation information (settable range, current setting value), make the setting operation information arbitrarily changeable and settable, and register the changed setting by registering the changed setting. Is transmitted to the air conditioner, and the air conditioner makes settings for itself based on the transmitted setting contents. The same applies to the settings for video and TV.

When the external device 2 to be controlled is a refrigerator, the refrigerator stores information on the food (type, number, and quantity of foods) contained in the refrigerator. It is assumed that the user accesses the refrigerator to instruct reading of the refrigerator information, downloads and stores the refrigerator information read from the refrigerator, and displays the refrigerator information.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, by checking the controllable external device 2 that can communicate,
At that time, the current status data (setting data) is automatically received from each control target external device 2 and downloaded and stored, so that the stored content can be displayed at any time by icon display and icon selection. .

Therefore, in the present embodiment, although not specifically shown, a “check” button is displayed on the PDA screen, and when the touch switch at the position corresponding to the “check” button is operated, Information terminal device 1
Are configured to operate as in the flowchart shown in FIG. A program that realizes each function described in this flowchart is stored in the internal memory 11A in the form of a program code that can be read by the computer main body 11.
Is stored in

That is, when the touch switch at the position corresponding to the “check” button is operated, first, the icon of the controlled external device 2 registered in the setting table 11A3 is displayed (step S401). Here,
It is assumed that registration in the setting table 11A3 has been performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Next, a check request is wirelessly transmitted to the registered controlled external device 2 sequentially (step S402), and it is determined whether or not there is a response (step S4).
03). If there is no response, the process proceeds to step S406 described later. If there is a response, the current data is downloaded from the corresponding external device 2 to be controlled and stored in the setting table 11A3 (step S404), and the corresponding icon is identified and displayed. (Steps and 405). Then, it is determined whether the check has been completed for all the registered control target external devices 2 (step S40).
6) If not, return to step S402, and
A check request is wirelessly transmitted to the next controlled external device 2.

When all the registered external devices 2 to be controlled have been checked, an icon selection operation by the user is accepted (step S).
407), the current data of the controlled external device 2 corresponding to the selected icon is read from the setting table 11A3 and displayed (step S408). afterwards,
If the touch switch at the position corresponding to the "return" button is operated (step S409), the above-mentioned step S407 is performed.
When the operation is not performed, the process ends.

It is needless to say that all data may be displayed in a list immediately without displaying icons. Further, in the first to third embodiments, voice notification may be performed in place of various displays and message displays, or a voice command may be used instead of pen input designation of the touch switch. good.

The external device 2 to be controlled with respect to the portable information terminal device 1 may be not only a home appliance but also a lock setting of a house and a setting for a private car (destination setting, speed setting, etc.).

[0067]

According to the present invention, unique setting information for a device is received from an external device to be remotely controlled, desired data is set based on the setting information, and the setting data corresponding to the setting data is set. Since transmission is performed to an external device, the portable information terminal device can be used as a remote control device, and a conventional device individual remote control and multifunctional remote control are not required at all.

In addition, since a wirelessly connectable external device is detected in accordance with the place where the user is, the current device state information is received and stored from the wirelessly connectable external device. Can be used as a remote control device, and the current status of each device can be immediately known by the portable information terminal device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system to which a portable information terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of each portable information terminal device; FIG. 2C is a diagram showing the configuration of each control target external device.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams showing configurations of an external device identification code table, a terminal code storage unit, and a setting table provided in an internal memory of the portable information terminal device, respectively.
(D) and (E) are diagrams showing the configurations of a terminal identification table and a data memory provided in an internal memory of the external device to be controlled.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first part of a series of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a second part of a series of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the controlled external device. It is a figure which shows the 1st part of a series of flowcharts to be explained.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third part of a series of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth part of a series of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second part of a series of flowcharts for explaining the operation of the controlled external device.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are diagrams illustrating display examples for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams showing display examples for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a configuration of a setting content memory provided in an internal memory of the portable information terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. It is a figure showing the example of a display for explaining operation of a personal digital assistant concerning a 2nd embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the portable information terminal device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the portable information terminal device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 Portable information terminal device 2 External device to be controlled 11, 21 Computer main body 11A, 21A Internal memory 11A1 External device identification code table 11A2 Terminal code storage section 11A3 Setting table 11A4 Setting content memory DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Display part 13 Touch panel 14 Infrared transmitting part 15, 26 Communication interface 21A1 Terminal identification table 21A2 Data memory 22 Operation part 23 Controlled part 24 Various sensors 25 Infrared receiving part

Claims (8)

[Claims] A receiving means for receiving setting information unique to the device from an external device to be remotely controlled; a setting means for performing desired data setting based on the setting information received by the receiving means; Transmitting means for transmitting the setting data set by the setting means to the corresponding external device; and a portable information terminal device. 2. The setting information is setting program information for setting data in the device. The setting means executes a program based on the setting program information to perform data setting according to specifications unique to the device. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting information is setting data currently set in the device, and wherein the setting means sets the data by changing and setting the setting data. The portable information terminal device described in the above. 4. Detecting means for detecting a wirelessly connectable external device according to the location of the portable information terminal device, and current device state information from the wirelessly connectable external device detected by the detecting means. A portable information terminal device, comprising: a receiving unit that receives device status information; and a storage unit that stores device state information received by the receiving unit. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising display means for displaying each information stored in said storage means.
A portable information terminal device according to claim 1. 6. The portable information terminal device according to claim 4, further comprising means for controlling power on / off of an external device which can be wirelessly connected and detected by said detection means. 7. When a portable information terminal device is used as a remote controller device, a process of receiving setting information specific to the device from an external device to be remotely controlled, and a process for receiving a desired setting information based on the received setting information. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program including an instruction for causing a computer to execute a process of setting data, a process of transmitting the setting data to the corresponding external device, and a process of executing the process. 8. When using a portable information terminal device as a remote controller device, a process of detecting an external device that can be wirelessly connected in accordance with the location of the portable information terminal device; A computer-readable recording medium storing a program including an instruction to cause a computer to execute a process of receiving current device status information from an external device and a process of storing the received device status information.