JP2002112356A - Remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control system which can avoid that the operation of an operation object device 1 becomes unstable, when controlling the object device 1. SOLUTION: When a remote controller 2 makes a request of provision of a remote control right to the operation object device 1, the operation object device 1 gives the remote control right to the remote controller 2 when the remote controller 2 has no remote control right, the operation object device 1 starts the measurement of the elapsed time from the point of the provision time and inactivates the remote control right given to the remote controller 2 when the elapsed time reaches a remote control right acquisition time. When the remote controller 2 receives the remote control right, the remote controller 2 starts an operation processing program of the operation object device 1 to start operation control to the operation object device 1 and transmits an operation command in response to the operation of a user to the remote controller 2. The operation object device 1 finishes the operation processing program when the remote control right acquisition time elapses and the remote control right is invalidated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control system in which a device to be operated can be operated by a plurality of remote control devices, and in particular, the device to be operated is unintentionally operated by another remote control device. Related to a remote control system to avoid being performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a remote control system in which an operation target device is operated by a remote control device, for example, a so-called multifunctional remote control in which a single remote control device can operate a plurality of operation target devices, In addition, a system has been proposed in which an operation target device can be operated by a plurality of remote control devices, and a plurality of persons can remotely control one operation target device.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, since one operation target device can be operated by a plurality of remote control devices, for example, one operation target device can be operated by one remote control device. If another remote control device operates the operation target device while it is operating, the operation target device will be operated in response to this, so operate the operation target device with one remote control device. Who are
Since the operation target device makes an unintended movement, the user may feel uncomfortable.

When an operation command is transmitted from a plurality of remote control devices to an operation target device at the same time, the operation of the operation target device is unstable, and the operation becomes unstable.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned unsolved problem, and is caused by performing an interrupt operation on an operation target device under operation control by another remote control device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control system that can prevent an operation target device from performing an unintended operation.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a remote control system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an operation target device and a plurality of remote control devices capable of operating the operation target device. In the provided remote control system, the operation target device is:
An operation right management unit that manages a remote control device that has been given an operation right to operate the operation target device, and when the operation right grant request is issued from the remote control device, the management information of the operation right management unit is Operating right granting means for granting the operating right to the remote control device when it is determined that the operating right can be given based on the remote control device, when the remote control device operates the operation target device The operation right is issued to the operation target device to obtain the operation right, and the operation target device performs processing only on an operation request from a remote control device to which the operation right is allocated. It is characterized by being.

According to the first aspect of the invention, in the remote control device, when an operation is performed on the operation target device, the operation right that is a right to operate the operation target device is given to the operation target device. Make a request. On the other hand, the operation target device manages the operation right and manages the remote control device that currently has the operation right, for example, when the operation right is not granted to any remote control device. When there is an operation right that can be given, the operation right is given to the remote control device that has made the request to give the operation right, and processing is performed only on the operation request from the remote control device that has given this operation right.

Therefore, even when a plurality of remote control devices can operate the operation target device, the operation target device processes only the operation request from the remote control device to which the operation right has been granted. For example, if the operation right is given to only one remote control device, unintended operations may be performed by another remote control device while one remote control device is operating the operation target device. Absent.

In the remote control system according to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation right granting means invalidates the granted operation right when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation right has been granted to the remote control device. It is characterized by being.

In the invention according to the second aspect, the operation target device assigns the operation right to the remote control device of the request source of the operation right, and then, when the predetermined time elapses, the remote control device transmits the operation right to the remote control device. The assigned operation right is invalidated, that is, the operation right is deprived. Therefore,
One remote control device does not occupy the operation right for a long time.

Further, in the remote control system according to a third aspect, the operation right granting means grants the operation right to the remote control device after the operation right has been granted, and the operation right granted when the communication with the remote control device becomes impossible. It is characterized in that the right is invalidated.

According to the third aspect of the invention, after the operation target device has been given the operation right to the remote control device 2 which has requested the operation right, the communication with the remote control device 2 is disabled. Time, that is,
When the remote control device moves out of the communicable range with the operation target device, the operation right given to the remote control device is invalidated, that is, the operation right is deprived. Therefore, the remote control device that moves out of the communicable range with the operation target device and cannot operate the operation target device does not have the operation right.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system according to the fourth aspect, the operation right granting means determines that the operation right cannot be granted based on the management information of the operation right management means. It is characterized in that the held remote control device is notified to the remote control device which has requested the operation right.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation target device can give the operation right based on the management information of the operation right management means when the operation right grant request is made from the remote control device. It is determined whether or not the remote control device having the operation right is identified, when it is determined that there is no operation right to be given to the remote control device requesting the operation right.
This is notified to the remote control device that requested the operation right.

Therefore, the remote control device that has issued the operation right can recognize the remote control device that has the operation right. For example, the remote control device can be transferred between users of these remote control devices. By negotiating and having the operation right abandoned, the remote control device that could not obtain the remote control right can obtain the operation right.

Further, a remote control system according to claim 5 is characterized in that the remote control device is configured to be able to communicate with another remote control device.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the remote control device can communicate with the operation target device and can also communicate with another remote control device. Therefore, for example, when a request for granting the operation right is made and the operation right cannot be acquired and the remote control device having the operation right is notified, communication with the remote control device is performed to execute the remote control right. By negotiating the transfer, the operation right can be easily relinquished.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system, the operation right granting means is notified from the remote control device holding the operation right of the remote control device to which the operation right held by the remote control device is transferred. In this case, the operation right given to the remote control device holding the operation right is given to the notified remote control device instead of the remote control device. .

In the invention according to claim 6, in the operation target device, when the remote control device having the operation right is notified of the remote control device to which the operation right held by the remote control device is transferred. Then, the operation right of the remote control device having the operation right is deprived and given to the remote control device notified as the transfer destination. Therefore, it is possible to transfer the operation right held by a certain remote control device to another remote control device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote control system, the remote control device performs a communication check with the operation target device and detects whether the operation target device is in an operable range. It is characterized by having.

In the invention according to claim 7, the remote control device performs a communication check with the operation target device, and detects whether or not the operation target device is within an operable range based on whether the communication check can be performed. . Therefore, for example, by providing a display unit for displaying whether or not the operation target device is in an operable range on the remote control device, and displaying a detection result here,
The user can easily recognize whether or not the operation target device can be operated.

Further, a remote control system according to claim 8 is characterized in that the remote control device receives device operation information necessary for operating the operation target device from the operation target device. Features.

[0023] In the invention according to claim 8, the remote control device can control the operation target device from the operation target device, such as an operation command or an operation processing program for operating the device. Receive device operation information. Therefore, by receiving the device operation information when operating the operation target device, it is possible to avoid having unnecessary device operation information for operating the operation target device that does not perform the operation.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a remote control system according to the present invention,
The remote control system 100 includes, for example, an operation target device 1 that is various devices such as an air conditioner, a television, and a video, and a plurality of remote control devices 2 (2A and 2B) that can operate the operation target device 1. It is configured.

The operation target device 1 includes a wireless communication interface unit 11 for exchanging information with the remote control device 2 by, for example, short-range wireless communication, and a remote control right which is an operation right for the operation target device 1 by remote control. A remote control right management unit 12 that manages a remote control right such as giving it to the device 2, for example, an operation control unit 1 that controls the controlled unit 13 according to an operation command for controlling a controlled unit 13 such as a compressor of an air conditioner.
4. A download information storage unit 15 for storing application information such as an operation processing program and operation commands required for the remote control device 2 to operate the operation target device 1.

The wireless communication interface unit 11 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication interface unit 21 of the remote control device 2, and exchanges communication information between the remote control right management unit 12 and the remote control device 2. At the same time, the operation command received from the remote control device 2 is output to the operation control unit 14. Further, a communication check is performed with the remote control device 2 to check whether wireless communication between them is possible. When a device search signal for communication check from the remote control device 2 is received from the remote control device 2, Transmits identification information identifying itself, such as a device code, in response to this. When communication is not performed for a predetermined time in a communication check with the remote control device 2 to which the remote control right has been given, it is determined that the remote control device 2 has moved out of the communicable range. Notify the management unit 12.

When a request for granting a remote control right is made from the remote control device 2 via the wireless communication interface unit 11, the remote control right management unit 12 manages the remote control right and the remote control device 2 to which the remote control right has been given. Based on the remote control right management information stored in association with the storage unit 12a, it is determined whether the remote control right can be granted. For example, when there is only one remote control right, the remote control right management information is searched to determine whether there is a remote control device 2 to which the remote control right has been given. It is determined that it is possible. Also, for example, if there are multiple remote control rights,
It is determined whether all of the plurality of remote control rights have been granted to any of the remote control devices 2. If not all remote control rights have been granted, it is determined that remote control rights can be granted.

When all the remote control rights have already been granted to the other remote control devices 2, the remote control device 2 that has issued the remote control right is notified that the remote control right cannot be granted. Also,
At this time, the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is specified based on the remote control right management information,
The identification information for identifying the specified remote control device 2 is notified to the requesting remote control device 2 together with the notification that the remote control right is not granted.

On the other hand, when the remote control right can be given, the remote control right acquisition time, which is the valid time of the remote control right, is notified to the requesting remote control device 2 together with the remote control right grant notification. In addition, this remote control device 2 is registered as the remote control device having the remote control right in the remote control right management information,
The measurement of the elapsed time from the time when the remote control right was granted is started, and the elapsed time is transmitted to the remote control device 2 at a preset timing, for example, and when the remote control right acquisition time has elapsed, the corresponding remote control device 2 To the remote control right acquisition time and the remote control right invalidation notification, update the remote control right management information, and
Delete from the remote control device that has the remote control right.

When a remote control right is given from the remote control device 2 within the remote control right acquisition time after the remote control right is given, the remote control right is given again and the elapsed time from this point is newly measured. That is,
Extend the remote control right acquisition time.

Further, the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is notified of the remote control device to which the remote control right is transferred, and thereafter the remote control device notified as the remote control device to which the remote control right is transferred within a predetermined time period. When the assignment request is made, the remote control right held by the remote control device 2 that has issued the transfer notification is invalidated, and the remote control right is given to the remote control device 2 notified as the transfer destination, and the remote control right management information is operated. To transfer the remote control right.

On the other hand, the remote control device 2
A wireless communication interface unit 21 for performing wireless communication with the operation target device 1, an application information for operating the operation target device 1 from the operation target device 1, and a download information storage unit 22 and a remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 that issues a remote control right grant request to the operation target device 1 and a download information storage unit 22 while the remote control right acquired by the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 is valid. Operates according to the stored application information, and displays an operation screen for operating the operation target device 1 on the touch panel 24,
An operation control unit 25 that transmits an operation command corresponding to the operation information of the touch panel 24 of the user on the operation screen via the wireless communication interface unit 21.

The wireless communication interface unit 21 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication interface unit 11 of the operation target device 1, and exchanges communication information between the remote control right acquisition unit 23 and the operation target device 1. At the same time, an operation command input from the operation control unit 25 and a command signal regarding remote control right acquisition from the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 are transmitted to the operation target device 1. Further, a device search signal for communication check for detecting whether communication between the operation target device 1 and the remote control device 2 is possible is added with identification information for identifying itself, for example, every predetermined time. When a response from the operation target device 1 is received, the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 is notified that the response is within the communicable range with the operation target device 1, and when no response is received, This is notified to the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 as being out of the communicable range.

In the remote control right acquisition processing section 23, while the wireless communication interface section 21 detects that it is within the communicable range with the operation target device 1, the operation control section 25 is provided.
To the touch panel 24 via the
In this case, the application icon of the operation target device 1 is displayed to indicate that the operation target device 1 is in a controllable state, and the application icon is displayed while detecting that the operation target device 1 is out of the communication range. By not displaying, the user is notified whether or not the operation target device 1 can be operated.

On the screen of the touch panel 24,
When an operation for instructing control of the operation target device 1 is performed,
When application information necessary for operating the operation target device 1 is not stored in the download information storage unit 22, a download request for application information is made to the operation target device 1 via the wireless communication interface unit 21. The application information received from the operation target device 1 is stored in the download information storage unit 22.
The application information has already been stored in the download information storage unit 2.
2 is not requested. Then, when the application information is stored in the download storage unit 22, a request for granting the remote control right is made to the operation target device 1. When a notification of granting the remote control right is received from the operation target device 1, the request is sent to the operation control unit. Notify 25. In addition, an elapsed time from the point at which the remote control right is granted from the operation target device 1 is input, and the valid remaining time of the remote control right is measured, for example, from this and the remote control right acquisition time. Through the touch panel 2
4 is displayed.

On the other hand, when the operation target device 1 sends a remote control right grant disable notification, the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 requests the remote control device 2 having the remote control right to transfer the remote control right. For negotiation of transfer of remote control right for the purpose. Further, when a remote controller right transfer request is issued from another remote control device 2, remote controller right transfer request processing for setting whether or not to transfer the remote controller right is executed. Then, the remote controller 2 is notified of the transfer of the remote control right to the operation target device 1 together with the remote control device 2 to which the remote control right is transferred, and the operation controller 25 is notified that the remote control right is invalid.

When the remote control right notified by the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 is valid and the remote control right is instructed by operating the touch panel 24, the operation control unit 25 stores the remote control right in the download information storage unit 22. The stored application information is read out, and a GUI screen or the like for controlling the operation of the operation target device 1 based on the application information is displayed on the touch panel 24 while the remote control right is valid.
An operation command corresponding to the user's operation at the terminal is transmitted to the operation target device 1 via the communication interface unit 21. In addition, if necessary, a request for transmission of device information specific to the operation target device 1 such as current setting information such as temperature and humidity is sent to the operation target device 1 and the device information is received from the operation target device 1.

The operation control unit 25 executes a process for negotiating the transfer of the remote control right according to the instruction from the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23, and
When an instruction to display the transfer negotiation request screen of the remote control right is issued from 3, the designated transfer negotiation request screen is displayed on the touch panel 24, and an operation command corresponding to the operation on the touch panel 24 is transmitted via the wireless communication interface unit 21. When the response is received, the response result is displayed on the touch panel 24 and the result is notified to the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23. When the display of the remote control right transfer request screen is instructed from the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23, the specified transfer request screen is displayed on the touch panel 24, and an operation command corresponding to the operation on the touch panel 24 is transmitted to the wireless communication interface. It is transmitted via the section 21 and is notified to the remote control right acquisition processing section 23.

When the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 notifies the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 of the invalidation of the remote control right due to the elapse of the remote control right acquisition time, the operation control unit 25 informs the touch panel of the remote control right invalidation due to the time-up of the remote control right acquisition time. After the display at 24, the operation processing program of the operation target device 1 ends. Further, when the remote control right acquisition processing unit 23 notifies that the remote control right is invalid due to out of the communicable range, the control unit displays the invalidity of the remote control right outside the communicable range on the touch panel 24 and the like. The operation processing program ends.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the remote control right management processing in the remote control right management section 12 of the operation target device 1. That is, the operation target device 1
Then, when a request to download application information is made from the remote control device 2, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2, where the remote control right management unit 1
2 reads the application information from the download information storage unit 15 and transmits it to the remote control device 2 via the wireless communication interface unit 11. Then, control goes to a step S3.

On the other hand, if the download request is not made, the process directly proceeds to step S3, and it is determined whether or not the remote control device 2 has made the request for granting the remote control right. If the request for granting the remote control right is not made, the process proceeds to step S8 described later, and if the request for granting the remote control right is made, the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not the remote control right has already been given to the remote control device 2 based on the remote control right management information.
If the remote control device 2 that has issued the remote control right grant request is not registered as the remote control device to which the remote control right has been granted in the remote control right management information, it is determined that the remote control right has not been granted, and the process proceeds to step S5. If it has already been registered, the process proceeds to step S6 described below.

In step S5, it is determined with reference to the remote control right management information whether it is possible to grant the remote control right to the remote control device 2 which has issued the remote control right grant request. Then, for example, when the configuration is such that the remote control right can be given to only one remote control device, and if the remote control right has not been given to any of the remote control devices 2, the process proceeds to step S6. , For the remote control device 2 that has issued the remote control right grant request,
A remote control right grant notification is transmitted together with the preset remote control right acquisition time. Further, the fact that the remote control right has been granted to the remote control device 2 that has made the grant request is registered in the remote control right management information, and measurement of the elapsed time after the remote control right has been granted is started. In the case of the remote control device 2 to which the remote control right has already been given,
The elapsed time up to that point is reset, and the measurement of the elapsed time from this point is newly started. Then, control goes to a step S8.

On the other hand, if the remote control right has already been granted to the other remote control device 2 in step S5, it is determined that the remote control right cannot be granted, and the flow shifts to step S7 to issue a request for granting the remote control right. The remote control device 2 is notified that the grant of the remote control right is not allowed, and the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is specified from the remote control right management information, and the specified remote control device 2 is identified. To provide identification information for Then, control goes to a step S8.

In step S8, it is determined whether or not the remote control device to which the remote control right has been transferred is notified from any one of the remote control devices 2 and a remote control right transfer request is made. If not, the process proceeds to step S10 described below.
On the other hand, when the request for the transfer of the remote control right is made, the process proceeds to step S9, and measurement of the elapsed time from the transfer request time is started. Then, control goes to a step S10.

In step S10, it is determined whether or not a request for granting the remote control right has been made from the transfer destination remote control device notified together with the request for transfer of the remote control right. If the grant request has been made, the process proceeds to step S11. , Transfer of the remote control right. That is, in the remote control right management information, the holding source of the remote control right given to the remote control device 2 that has made the transfer request is switched to the transfer destination remote control device 2. At this point, the remote control device 2 that has made the transfer request loses the remote control right, and the transfer destination remote control device 2 acquires the remote control right 2.

Then, returning to step S6, the transfer destination remote control device 2 is notified of the remote control right acquisition time and the like.

On the other hand, if the transfer request is not made from the transfer destination remote control device 2 in step S10, the flow shifts to step S12, and the elapsed time from the transfer request start time counted in step S9 is the predetermined time limit. It is determined whether or not it is within the time limit. If the time is not within the time limit, the process proceeds to step S13, in which the remote control right of the remote control device 2 that has issued the grant request is invalidated, and the remote control right is also assigned to the remote control device 2 of the transfer destination. Do not grant. Then, control goes to a step S16.

On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the transfer request time is within the time limit in step S12, the process directly proceeds to step S16.

The time limit is set, for example, to a time at which the remote control device notified as the transfer destination can be regarded as not having made a request for granting the remote control right for some reason.

In step S16, as a result of the communication check in the wireless communication interface unit 11, it is determined whether or not communication with the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is normally performed. When the communication with the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is being performed, the process proceeds to step S17. This time, the elapsed time after the remote control right grant started to measure in step S6 has reached the remote control right acquisition time. Determine whether If the remote control right acquisition time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1. Step S
At 17, when communication with the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is not performed for a predetermined time,
The process proceeds to step S18, where the fact that the time for obtaining the remote control right has expired is transmitted to the remote control device 2 having the remote control right, and then the process proceeds to step S19.

On the other hand, in step S16, when communication with the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is not performed for a predetermined time, the remote control device 2 having the remote control right communicates with the operation target device 1. It is determined that it has moved out of the possible range, and the process proceeds to step S19.

In this step S19, the remote control right to the remote control device 2 is invalidated, and the remote control right management information is updated. Then, the process returns to step S1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the remote control right acquisition processing of the remote control right acquisition processing section 23 of the remote control device 2.

That is, first, in step S21, it is determined whether or not the operation control unit 25 has notified that the operation of acquiring the remote control right has been performed by the user. S
35, and when the remote control right acquisition operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S22, where the download information storage unit 2
Then, it is determined whether application information is stored in No. 2. This determination is made, for example, by setting a flag when downloading the application information.

If the application information has not been downloaded, the flow shifts to step S23, where a request for downloading the application information is made to the operation target device 1, and if the download information is received from the operation target device 1, this is downloaded. Information storage unit 22
To be stored. Then, control goes to a step S24.

On the other hand, if the application information has already been stored in the download information storage section 22 in step S22, the process directly proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the operation target device 1
Of the remote control right, and receives a response from the operation target device 1 in response to the request. As a result, if the remote control right can be acquired, the process proceeds from step S25 to step S26, and after notifying the operation control unit 25 of the remote control right acquisition, the process proceeds to step S35.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the remote control right cannot be obtained, the process proceeds to step S31, and a transfer negotiation request process is performed to request the remote control device 2 having the remote control right to transfer the remote control right. . For example, by controlling the operation control unit 25, the touch panel 2
4 displays a transfer negotiation request screen, and inquires of the user whether to make a request for transfer of the remote control right. And
If transfer negotiation of the remote control right is instructed on the transfer negotiation request screen, the current remote control right, which has been notified together with the non-grant notification when the remote control right is given as a response to the remote control right grant request from the operation target device 1, is displayed. The remote controller 2 transmits a request to negotiate the transfer of the remote control right to the remote controller 2 owned by the user. Then, a response to the transfer negotiation request is received and displayed on the transfer negotiation request screen, and the process shifts to step S32. If the negotiation of the transfer of the remote control right is not instructed, the process directly proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, if the transfer of the remote control right is established as a result of the transfer negotiation, the process returns to step S21, and the user performs a remote control right acquisition request operation on the transfer negotiation request screen displaying the result of the transfer negotiation. When the process is performed again, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22, and the remote control right acquisition process is performed in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the transfer negotiation of the remote control right is not performed in step S32, or if the transfer negotiation is performed or the transfer is not established, the process proceeds to step S35, and the other remote control device 2 It is determined whether or not a request to transfer the held remote control right has been made. Then, when the request for the transfer of the remote control right is made, the process proceeds to step S36, and the process for requesting the transfer of the remote control right is executed. For example, when the control unit 25 controls the operation control unit 25 to display a transfer request screen on the touch panel 24, asks the user whether to transfer the remote control right, and issues an instruction to transfer or not transfer the remote control right on the transfer request screen. This is returned to the remote control device 2 that has requested the transfer.

Next, the flow shifts to step S37, in which it is determined whether or not the user has instructed the transfer of the remote control right. When the transfer instruction has been issued, the process proceeds to step S38.
And notifies the operation target device 1 that the remote control right is to be transferred with the identification information identifying the remote control device 2 that has issued the remote control right transfer request as the transfer destination. Notify the remote control right is invalid. Then, control goes to a step S41.

When the request for the transfer of the remote control right is not made in step S35, step S41 is left as it is.
Move to

In step S41, the operation target device 1
It is determined whether or not the remote control right acquisition time has passed from the server. If the remote control right acquisition time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S42. After notifying that the right is invalid, the process proceeds to step S43.

If it is determined in step S41 that the operation target device 1 has not notified that the remote control right acquisition time has elapsed, the process directly proceeds to step S43. In step S43, as a result of the communication check in the wireless communication interface unit 21, it is determined whether or not the communication with the operation target device 1 is normally performed, and the communication with the operation target device 1 is performed within a predetermined time. If so, it is determined that the result of the communication check is normal, and the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if the communication with the operation target device 1 has not been performed for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S44, and the operation control unit 25
, The operation target device 1 is out of the communicable range and the remote control right is invalid, and then the process returns to step S21.

Here, in FIG. 2, steps S6 and S1
In the processing of steps S1, S13 and S19, the processing of updating the remote control right management information in accordance with the state of grant of the remote control right corresponds to the remote control right managing means, and the other processing corresponds to the remote control right giving means.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to timing charts of data exchanged between the operation target device 1 and the remote control device 2 shown in FIGS.

Now, it is assumed that the operation target device 1 is operated by the remote control device 2A. By remote control device 2A or the like to receive the device code of the target device 1 as transmitted the response to the operation target device 1, for example a device search signal, and communicates checking the operation target device (Fig. 4t _1), When the remote control device 2A enters the communicable range with the operation target device 1 and a communication check is established, an application icon of the operation target device 1 is displayed on the touch panel 24 of the remote control device 2A.

When the user operates the touch panel 24 and operates the application icon of the operation target device 1 to make a request for granting the remote control right, the remote control right acquisition processing section 23 of the remote control device 2 executes the step shown in FIG. proceeds S21 to the step S22, this time, when the application information of the target device 1 has not been downloaded, the process proceeds to step S23, performs a download request to the target device 1 (Fig. 4t ₂₎ .

When the download request is input to the operation target device 1, the process shifts from step S 1 in FIG. 2 to step S 2, where the application information stored in the download information storage unit 15 is read and transmitted via the wireless communication interface unit 11. To send.

When the remote control device 2A receives the application information, it stores it in the download information storage unit 22. Then, step S2 in FIG.
4 goes to, to grant the request of the remote control right to the operation target apparatus 1 (Fig. 4t _3).

When the operation target device 1 receives the request for granting the remote control right, the process shifts from step S3 to step S4 in FIG. 2 to search the remote control right management information and grant the remote control right to the remote control device 2A. It is determined whether or not the remote control right can be granted by referring to the remote control right management information because the remote control right has not been granted. At this time,
If it is assumed that the operation target device 1 has not given the remote control right to any of the remote control devices 2, the process proceeds to step S6, in which the remote control device 2A is added with the preset remote control right acquisition time, and Notify that rights are granted. Then, measurement of the elapsed time from this point is started. Also, the fact that the remote control right has been granted to the remote control device 2A is registered as the remote control right management information.

In response, since the remote control device 2A has acquired the remote control right, the process shifts from step S25 to step S26 in FIG. 3 to notify the operation control unit 25 of the acquisition of the remote control right, and An instruction to start the operation processing program of the device 1 is issued.

As a result, the operation control unit 25 displays a GUI screen for operating the operation target device 1 on the touch panel 24 based on the application information of the operation target device 1 stored in the download information storage unit 22, When the user operates the touch panel 24, an operation command corresponding to the operation is transmitted via the wireless communication interface unit 21.

In the operation target device 1, this is received by the wireless communication interface unit 11 and output to the operation control unit 14. This allows the controlled unit 13 to respond to the operation command.
Is controlled, and control according to the user's operation on the remote control device 2A is performed (t4 in FIG. ₄ ).

[0076] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when performing the granted request for the remote control right of the remote control operation from the device 2A object device 1 at time t _11, for example a remote control device 2B is already the target device 1 of the remote controller If the remote control device 2B has acquired the right, the operation target device 1 transfers the remote control right to the remote control device 2B when referring to the remote control right management information in step S5 in FIG. Then, it transmits to the remote control device 2A that the remote control right cannot be granted.

Therefore, the remote control device 2A
Then, since the remote control right could not be acquired, the process shifts from step S25 to step S31 in FIG. 3 to perform a remote control right transfer negotiation request process, and displays a remote control right transfer negotiation request screen on the touch panel 24. If the user does not indicate a request for negotiation of transfer of the remote control right, the process proceeds from step S32 to step S35, where the negotiation of transfer of the remote control right is not performed, and the remote control right remains invalid. Therefore, in the operation control unit 25, the operation processing program for operating the operation target device 1 is not started, so that the operation target device 1 cannot be operated.

[0078] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, to acquire the remote control right remote control device 2B is performed imparting request of the remote control right (Figure 6t _21), the operation target apparatus 1 remote control device 2B operates after that state (Figure 6t _22), the remote control device 2A to grant the request of the remote control right to the operation target apparatus 1 (FIG. 6
t _23), the operation target apparatus 1, by granting failure notification of the remote control right to the remote control device 2A from the fact that already applied to the remote control device 2B remote control rights.

Since the remote control device 2A cannot acquire the remote control right, the process shifts from step S25 to step S31 in FIG. 3 to display the remote control right transfer negotiating request screen, and the remote control device 2B holding the remote control right. Notify the user.

When the user operates on the transfer negotiation request screen as a request for transfer of the remote control right, the remote control right acquisition processing section 23 transmits a request for transfer of the remote control right to the remote control device 2B having the remote control right. to (Figure 6t _24).

In response to this, in the remote control device 2B, since the transfer request has been made, the process shifts from step S35 to step S36 in FIG. 3 to display the transfer request screen on the touch panel 24, and the user sets the remote control right. If the transfer is permitted, an operation for instructing the transfer of the remote control right is performed, and this is transmitted to the remote control device 2A.

Since the remote control device 2B transfers the right of the remote controller, the remote controller
Shifts from 37 to step S38, the relative operation target apparatus 1 performs assignment notification of the remote control right to the remote control device 2A (Fig 6t _25), and notifies the invalid remote rights operation control unit 25.

In response to this, the operation control unit 25 displays, for example, on the touch panel 24 the end of the operation processing program for the operation target device 1 due to the transfer of the remote control right, and then ends the operation processing program.

Further, in the operation processing device 1, since the transfer of the remote control right is notified, the process shifts from step S8 to step S9 in FIG. 2 to start measuring the elapsed time after the transfer of the remote control right and then to step S10. Then, as long as the elapsed time after the transfer of the remote control right does not exceed the time limit, it waits for a remote control right grant request from the remote control device 2A notified as the transfer destination.

On the other hand, in the remote control device 2A, since the notification of the transfer is received from the remote control device 2B, the process shifts from step S32 to step S21 in FIG. 3, and the user performs a remote control right grant request operation. If, again, by granting the request of the remote control right to the operation target apparatus 1 (FIG 6t _26).

In response to this, in the operation target device 1,
From step S10 to step S11, the remote control right management information is operated, and the remote control device 2 is operated.
The remote control right of B is invalidated, and the remote control right is given to the remote control device 2A instead. And step S
Then, the process goes to 6 to transmit the remote control right acquisition time to the remote control device 2A to grant the remote control right.

As a result, the remote control right held by the remote control device 2B is transferred to the remote control device 2A, and the remote control device 2B cannot operate the device 1 to be operated. The operation of the operation target device 1 becomes possible.

At this time, even if the transfer negotiation is established due to, for example, inconvenience during the transfer negotiation between the remote control devices 2A and 2B, the user can control the remote control right at the remote control device 2A. When the grant request is not made, even if the time limit has elapsed since the remote control device 2B notified the operation target device 1 of the transfer of the remote control right, the remote control device 2A sends the operation target device 1 Is not transmitted, the operation target device 1
Then, when the time limit elapses from the time when the transfer of the remote control right is notified, the process shifts from step S12 to step S13 in FIG. 2, in which the remote control right of the remote control device 2B is invalidated and the remote control device 2A
Also does not grant remote control rights. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the remote control right from being secured for the remote control device 2A that does not issue the remote control right grant request for some reason, even though the remote control right is transferred.

[0089] Also, for example, in a state in which the remote control device 2A is operating the acquired operation target device 1 on the remote control right (Fig. 7t _31), the remote control right to the remote control device 2A, which is notified from the operation target apparatus 1 If the remaining time is short, the user again, by granting the request operation of the remote control right (Fig. 7t _32).

As a result, the request for granting the remote control right is transmitted from the remote control device 2A to the operation target device 1, and in the operation target device 1, the request for granting the remote control right is made, so that the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4 in FIG. Then, the remote control right management information is searched to determine whether the remote control right has been given to the remote control device 2A. In this case, since it has already been given, step S4
Then, the process shifts to step S6 to notify the remote control device 2A of the remote control right acquisition time and newly starts the measurement of the elapsed time after the remote control device 2A is given the remote control right.

As a result, the acquisition time of the remote control right for the remote control device 2A is extended.

[0092] Then, from this state, after the remote controller granting, Without extension operation of the remote control right, at the time t ₃₃ in FIG. 7, when the remote control right acquisition period has elapsed, the operation target apparatus 1, FIG. 2 This is detected in the process of step S17, and the process proceeds to step S18 to notify the remote control device 2A that the remote control right acquisition time has elapsed,
The process proceeds to step S19 and the remote control device 2
Revoke the remote control right for A.

On the other hand, since the remote control device 2A is notified that the remote control right acquisition time has elapsed, the process shifts from step S41 to step S42 in FIG. Notify that the remote control right has been invalidated. As a result, the fact that the remote control right acquisition time has elapsed is displayed on the touch panel 24, and the operation processing program for the operation target device 1 ends. As a result, the remote control device 2A cannot operate the operation target device 1. Further, the user can recognize that the remote control right has been invalidated due to the elapse of the remote control right acquisition time.

Further, for example, when the remote control device 2A moves out of the communicable range with the device 1 to be operated, the respective radio communication interface units 11 and 12 move.
Since the communication check in step 1 detects that communication has become impossible, the operation target device 1 shifts from step S16 to step S19 in FIG. 2 to invalidate the remote control right of the remote control device 2A. In the device 2A, step S4 in FIG.
The process moves from step 3 to step S44 to notify the operation control unit 25 that the communication with the operation target device 1 is out of the communicable range and the remote control right is invalidated. As a result, the fact that the communication is out of the communicable range is displayed on the touch panel 24, and the operation processing program for the operation target device 1 ends.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the remote control device 2A having been out of the communicable range from being given the remote control right.

As described above, since the operation target device 1 restricts the remote control device 2 to which the remote control right is given, if the remote control right is given to only one remote control device 2, for example, The other remote control device performs an interrupt operation on the operation target device under operation control, so that the operation target device 1
Can avoid unintended operations.
In addition, since the remote control device 2 that can operate the operation target device 1 is limited, it is possible to prevent the operation target device 1 from performing an unstable operation.

At this time, when the preset remote control right acquisition time has elapsed, the remote control right for the remote control device 2 having the remote control right is invalidated. It is possible to prevent the specific remote control device 2 from securing the information.

Further, when the remote control right is required, the remote control device 2 issues a remote control right grant request and obtains the remote control right, so that the remote control device 2 not requiring the remote control right receives the remote control right. Holding is avoided.

Even if the remote control right cannot be acquired as a result of the remote control right grant request, the remote control device currently holding the remote control right is notified. By negotiating the transfer of the remote control right with the control device 2, the remote control right can be obtained. Also, for example, even when the user operating the remote control device having the remote control right is away from the remote control device, the remote control right grant request source user can determine which remote control device Since it is possible to recognize whether the right has been granted, it is possible to easily abandon the remote control right by, for example, specifying a remote control device having the remote control right and operating it.

In the remote control device 2,
Since the application information for controlling the operation target device 1 is received from the operation target device 1, only the application information of the operation target device 1 that needs to be operated is retained, and unnecessary application information is stored. There is no need to hold

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the remote control right is given to only one remote control device 2. However, the remote control right is given to a plurality of remote control devices 2. In other words, the operation target device 1
The number of remote controllers may be set according to the frequency of operation of the operation target device 1 from the remote control device 2 or the like so that the operation of the remote controller 1 does not become unstable.

When the remote control right is given to a plurality of remote control devices 2 as described above, the operation commands may be transmitted from the plurality of remote control devices 2 to the operation target device 1 in some cases. In this case, for example, the operation target device 1 may process the received operation commands in the order in which the operation commands are received, or may newly perform processing from another remote control device 2 while processing the operation commands. When an operation command is received, an error notification may be made.

Further, in the above embodiment, priorities are set in advance for each remote control device 2, and the remote control right is given to any remote control device, for example, 2A. When a request for granting a remote control right is issued from a remote control device having a higher priority, for example, 2B, a notification that the remote control right is to be transferred from the operation target device 1 to the remote control device 2B having a higher priority to the remote control device 2A. May be performed to invalidate the remote control right, and instead, the remote control right may be given to the remote control device 2B having a higher priority.

In the above-described embodiment, the remote control system 100 including one operation target device 1 and two remote control devices 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a remote control system 100 including a device 1 and a plurality of remote control devices 2. In this case, if the application information for operating the plurality of operation target devices 1 is downloaded to the download information storage unit 22 of the remote control device 2, the remote control device 2 can be operated as a so-called multifunctional remote controller. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which only the remote control device 2 that has acquired the remote control right can transmit an operation command to the operation target device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, only the operation command from the remote control device 2 that has acquired the remote control right on the operation target device 1 may be selected and processed.

In the above embodiment, the case where the remote control device 2 is applied to a remote control device for operating the operation target device 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The form information terminal device or the like may be provided with a remote control function. In short, the present invention can be applied to any device having a remote control function.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described where the remote control right given to the remote control device 2 is invalidated when the remote control right acquisition time has elapsed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be invalidated when the control device 2 is out of the communicable range with the operation target device 1, or when the remote control device 2 performs an operation for giving an instruction to abandon the remote control right. Alternatively, the remote control device 2 may notify the operation target device 1 of this, thereby abandoning the remote control right, or a combination thereof.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the application information of the operation target device 1 is downloaded from the operation target device 1 to the remote control device 2 has been described. One application information can be applied to the case where the application information is stored in the remote control device 2, and a multi-function remote control in which application information of a plurality of operation target devices 1 is stored can be applied. The present invention can be applied to a single-function remote controller in which application information of one operation target device 1 is stored. In short, any remote control system that can operate one operation target device 1 by a plurality of remote control devices can be applied.

In the above embodiment, when a request for granting a remote control right is made in the operation target device 1 and the remote control right cannot be given, the remote control device, for example, 2A, which has requested the remote control right, is sent to the operation target device 1. The remote control device having the remote control right, for example, 2B is notified, and the user operates the remote control devices 2A and 2B to negotiate the transfer of the remote control right. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user of the remote control devices 2A and 2B verbally negotiates, inputs the transfer destination remote control device 2A from the remote control device 2B having the remote control right, and notifies the operation target device 1 of this. , You may transfer the remote control right . Also, for example, if the remote control device 2A that could not secure the remote control right makes a game request with the remote control right applied to the remote control device 2B that has the remote control right, and the remote control device 2B responds to this request, A game such as a battle game may be played between the two, and the winner may be given the remote control right by notifying the winner as a transfer destination of the remote control right.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, as the wireless communication interface processing units 11 and 21, interfaces capable of short-range wireless communication are used, and whether the remote control device 2 is within the communicable range with the operation target device 1 is determined. Although a case has been described in which it is determined whether or not it is detected, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, infrared communication or the like can be applied. In the case of infrared communication, since there is directivity, the timing at which a communication check is performed is limited. In this case, for example, a communication check is performed before operating the operation target device 1, and as a result, communication is possible. At some point, an application icon corresponding to the operation target device 1 may be displayed.

[0111]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
According to the remote control system according to the aspect of the invention, the operation target device assigns the remote control device to which the operation right grant request has been issued, and processes only the operation request from the remote control device to which the operation right has been assigned. Therefore, by being operated by a plurality of remote control devices, it is possible to prevent the operation target device from performing an operation unintended by the user and to prevent the operation from becoming unstable.

Further, according to the remote control system of the second aspect, it is possible to prevent the remote control device to which the operation right is given from occupying the operation right for a long time.

Further, according to the remote control system of the third aspect, it is impossible to communicate with the operation target device and to prevent the remote control device which cannot operate the operation target device from having the operation right. it can.

According to the remote control system of the fourth aspect, the remote control device which has not been able to acquire the operation right and has issued the operation right recognizes the remote control device having the operation right. Therefore, for example, the user who uses these remote control devices can negotiate the transfer of the remote control right and have the user abandon the operation right, thereby obtaining the abandoned operation right.

Further, according to the remote control system according to the fifth aspect, since communication can be performed between the remote control devices, for example, the operation right cannot be acquired by requesting the grant of the operation right, and the operation right is retained. When the notified remote control device is notified, the operation right can be easily returned by communicating with the remote control device.

Further, according to the remote control system of the sixth aspect, the operation right possessed by a certain remote control device can be easily transferred to the transfer destination remote control device notified by the remote control device.

According to the remote control system of the seventh aspect, since it is detected whether or not the operation target device is within the operable range, the user is notified of the detection result, so that the user can operate the operation target device. Can be easily recognized.

Further, according to the remote control system of the eighth aspect, the remote control device comprises:
Since device operation information for operating the operation target device is received from the operation target device, only the device operation information required by the remote control device can be stored.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a remote control system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a remote control right management process in the operation target device 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a remote control right acquisition process in the remote control device 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 operation target device 11 wireless communication interface unit 12 remote control right management unit 13 controlled unit 14 operation control unit 15 download information storage unit 2, 2A, 2B remote control device 21 wireless communication interface unit 22 download information storage unit 23 remote control right acquisition processing Unit 24 touch panel 25 operation control unit 100 remote control system

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Mutoh 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano F-term in Seiko Epson Corporation (Reference) 3L061 BB01 5C056 AA01 BA01 BA08 BA10 CA08 CA10 CA11 CA19 EA05 EA09 5K048 AA04 BA01 CA08 DA03 DC01 EA11 EB02 EB03 FB15 FC01 HA01 HA02 HA05 HA07 HA23

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A remote control system comprising an operation target device and a plurality of remote control devices capable of operating the operation target device, wherein the operation target device has an operation right for operating the operation target device. Operation right management means for managing a remote control device; and when the request for granting the operation right is issued from the remote control device, it is determined that the operation right can be given based on management information of the operation right management means. Operation right grant means for granting the operation right to the remote control device when the remote control device is operated, wherein the remote control device grants the operation right to the operation target device when operating the operation target device The device to be operated obtains the operation right by making a request. Remote control system, characterized in that is adapted to perform only the processing to the operation request from the trawl system. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation right granting means invalidates the operation right given when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation right is given to the remote control device. Item 7. The remote control system according to Item 1. 3. The operation right granting means, after granting the operation right to the remote control device, invalidates the granted operation right when communication with the remote control device becomes impossible. 3. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The operation right granting means, when it is determined that the operation right cannot be given based on the management information of the operation right management means, the remote control device having the operation right gives the operation right grant. 4. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein a notification is sent to a remote control device that has issued the request. 5. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is configured to be able to communicate with another remote control device. 6. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation right granting unit is configured to: when the remote control device having the operation right notifies the remote control device to which the operation right held by the remote control device is transferred, 6. The operation right given to the control device is given to the notified remote control device instead of the remote control device. Remote control system. 7. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device performs a communication check with the operation target device and detects whether or not the operation target device is within an operable range. 7. The remote control system according to any one of claims 6 to 6. 8. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device receives device operation information required for operating the operation target device from the operation target device. The remote control system described in Crab.