JP2004048777A - Radio mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio mobile terminal which reduces registration operations for remote control data and further adds a remote control function to improve operativity. <P>SOLUTION: Remote control data corresponding to remote operations for every operation target apparatus is downloaded from a server on the Internet, which pre-stores the remote control data, through an RF 50 and then stores the downloade data in a memory 54 as associated with model names. In a remote control function mode, with regard to a selected operation target apparatus, the downloaded remote control data for the model name is read out, and then remote operations of the operation target apparatus are associated with each operation of a switch 32 and a remote control signal pattern is generated. The pattern is outputted from a light-emitting element 35 as a luminous signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a wireless portable terminal, and more particularly, to a wireless portable terminal having a plurality of keys.

This type of wireless portable terminal has been reduced in size and weight and expanded its service area, for example, like a mobile phone, and as a result, it has become possible to use communication services everywhere. Even at home, wireless portable terminals are always carried.

With the reduction in size and weight of wireless portable terminals, advanced communication services have been provided as communication systems, and the terminals themselves are controlled by a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) having a high processing capability. It has become. For example, in a mobile phone, a telephone directory function can be used to make a direct call without any trouble to a pre-registered destination by key operation, and a data communication function can be used for various servers on the Internet with a computer network interconnected. You can now access and browse content. As described above, the added value of the wireless portable terminal is enhanced by advanced added functions.

One of the additional functions that enhances the added value of the wireless portable terminal is a remote operation (remote control: hereinafter abbreviated to remote control) function that focuses on portability of the terminal and sharing of keys. The remote control function is a function of remotely controlling electronic devices and the like in a home by transmitting remote control data corresponding to control contents as infrared rays, for example.

At home, high-performance electronic devices are overflowing, and each electronic device is equipped with a remote control device that can be remotely controlled. However, these remote control devices have various shapes, and the operation contents of the electronic devices are individually complicated due to the high functionality of the electronic devices. Therefore, the operation of each electronic device is very complicated. Therefore, there has been proposed a wireless mobile terminal such as a mobile phone having a key arrangement with which the user is accustomed to always carry the remote control function described above. This eliminates the need for a complicated operation for each of the plurality of remote control devices, and improves the operability of the remote control function.

FIG. 27 schematically shows the configuration of a conventional wireless portable terminal to which such a remote control function is added. This wireless mobile terminal includes a basic mobile phone module 10, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter abbreviated as LCD) 11, a memory 12, and a switch 13, like a normal mobile phone. The basic mobile phone module 10 has an antenna 14, and controls a normal call function and a telephone directory function via a mobile communication network (not shown). The basic mobile phone module 10 performs a call by mobile communication via the antenna 14 in accordance with the operation content instructed via the switch 13 based on various setting information stored in the memory 12. At this time, the LCD 11 displays, for example, a telephone directory before a call is started, a call state, and the like.

The wireless mobile terminal further includes a remote control function control unit 15, a driver 16, a light emitting element 17, a waveform shaping unit 18, and a phototransistor 19. The remote control function control unit 15 controls a remote control function. In this wireless portable terminal, control can be switched to either the basic cellular phone module 10 or the remote control function control unit 15 by mode switching via the switch 13. When the remote control function is selected by mode switching, the remote control function control unit 15 performs an operation instructed via the switch 13 via the basic mobile phone module 10 based on various setting information stored in the memory 12. Perform remote control operation corresponding to the content. That is, a pattern of the remote control data registered in advance in the memory 12 corresponding to the key pressed by the switch 13 is read, and the light emitting element 17 is caused to emit light by the driver 16.

In order to perform such a remote control operation, the wireless portable terminal can register remote control data corresponding to a remote control device used independently by the user. For this reason, the wireless portable terminal includes a phototransistor 19. The user performs a desired remote control operation by pointing the light-emitting portion of the remote control at hand to the phototransistor 19. In the wireless portable terminal, remote control data operated by a user is photoelectrically converted by a phototransistor, and then digitally converted by a waveform shaping unit 18 to obtain pattern signal data. The remote control function control section 15 registers the function name for specifying the type of the pattern signal data registered via the switch 13 and the pattern signal data digitized by the waveform shaping section 18 in the memory 12 in association with each other. In this way, the user registers in the wireless portable terminal every time the remote control device held by the wireless portable terminal is operated.

(4) For the registered remote control data, a selection screen of the registered function name is displayed on the LCD 11, a selection instruction is performed via the switch 13, and the pattern signal data corresponding to the selected function name is read from the memory 12. Then, a pattern corresponding to the pattern signal data is emitted from the light emitting element 17 via the driver 16.

技術 A technique related to a wireless portable terminal to which such a remote control function is added is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-233549, “Mobile Phone”.

JP-A-9-233549

However, in the conventional wireless portable terminal to which the remote control function is added, it is necessary to register the remote control data of the remote control device in hand in advance in order to operate the remote control function, and since this registration work is very complicated, it takes considerable time. There was a problem of cost. In this method, for each remote control operation to be registered, a pattern signal emitted from a remote control device held by the user is received by a phototransistor, stored in a memory, and the function name of each pattern signal is input by pressing a key for each. Because it was necessary.

In addition, in the above-described wireless portable terminal, not only the operability must be reduced but also the visibility is poor. This is because the instruction content is selected from the selection screen displayed on the LCD, and thus a selection screen in a text format is displayed on the LCD. As a solution to such a problem, it is possible to assign each registered remote control operation to a key of the wireless portable terminal. However, when a plurality of remote control devices are shared, it is conceivable that the key assignment is changed for each remote control device because the types of keys are insufficient. In that case, it is easy to cause confusion as to which remote control device the user is operating, and the operability is significantly reduced.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless portable terminal having a remote control function for registering remote control data without any trouble.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless portable terminal having a remote control function with improved operability.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, (a) an input means for inputting operation information, and (b) a remote control in which the operation information is associated with remote operation information for remotely operating an operation target device via a network. Receiving means for receiving the operation data; (c) storage means for storing the remote operation data received by the receiving means; and (d) remote control data stored in the storage means corresponding to the operation information. The wireless portable terminal is provided with remote control signal transmitting means for transmitting a remote control signal for remotely controlling the device to be operated based on the remote control information.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, remote operation data of a device to be operated is received via a network, and the device to be operated is transmitted by a remote operation signal transmitting means based on the remote operation data corresponding to the operation information by the input means. A remote control signal for remotely controlling the remote control is transmitted.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, (a) an input means for inputting operation information, and (b) a destination in accordance with the operation information when the first mode is set by the operation information input by the input means. Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication; (c) storage means for storing remote operation data in which operation information received by the wireless communication means and remote operation information for remotely operating an operation target device are stored; (D) When the second mode is set by the operation information input by the input means, the device to be operated is set based on the remote operation information of the remote operation data stored in the storage means in correspondence with the operation information. The wireless portable terminal is provided with remote control signal transmitting means for transmitting a remote control signal for remote control.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the first mode is set by the operation information input by the input means, wireless communication is performed with the other party in accordance with the operation information, and the second mode is set by the operation information. At this time, based on the remote operation data of the operation target device received in the first mode, a remote operation signal for remotely operating the operation target device is transmitted by the remote operation signal transmission means.

According to the third aspect of the invention, (a) display means for displaying information such as characters, (b) input means for inputting operation information, and (c) first information based on the operation information input by the input means. And (d) an operation received by the wireless communication means when the second mode is set based on the operation information input by the input means. The content data linked with the remote operation data in which the information is associated with the remote operation information for remotely operating the operation target device is displayed on the display means, and a predetermined item of the content data is designated by the input means. A content display control means for outputting remote operation information of the remote operation data linked to the item, and (e) the content display control means. To and a remote control signal sending means for sending a remote control signal for remotely operating the wireless mobile terminal device to be operated based on the output remote operation information Te.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the first mode is set by the operation information input by the input means, wireless communication is performed with the other party in accordance with the operation information, and the second mode is set by the operation information. At this time, the content data linked to the remote operation data of the operation target device received in the first mode is displayed on the display means by the content display control means. Further, when a predetermined item of the content data displayed on the display means is designated, remote operation data linked in advance to this item is output, and a remote operation signal for remotely operating the operation target device is transmitted based on the data. Like that.

According to the invention of claim 4, (a) a display means for displaying information such as characters, and (b) a touch panel for detecting a position pressed as the operation information corresponding to the information displayed by the display means, (C) wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the other party in accordance with the operation information when the first mode is set based on the pressed position detected by the touch panel; When the second mode is set on the basis of the second mode, the content data linked with the remote operation data that associates the operation information received by the wireless communication unit with the remote operation information for remotely operating the operation target device is displayed on the display unit. The item to be displayed when the touch panel detects that the content data is pressed at the position of the predetermined item in the content data. Content display control means for outputting remote operation information of the linked remote operation data; and (e) transmitting a remote operation signal for remotely operating an operation target device based on the remote operation information output by the content display control means. And a remote control signal transmitting means for performing the operation.

(4) That is, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, a touch panel is provided in the third aspect of the invention, and a position to be pressed corresponding to the display information of the display means is detected as operation information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the wireless portable terminal according to the second to fourth aspects, incoming call detecting means for detecting an incoming call, and mode switching for switching to the first mode when an incoming call is detected by the incoming call detecting means. Means.

That is, in the invention according to claim 5, when the incoming call is detected by the incoming call detecting means, the first mode can be forcibly switched to respond to the incoming call. A response can be made, and a high-value-added wireless portable terminal can be provided without impairing the original telephone function.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the wireless portable terminal according to the first to fifth aspects, the remote operation signal transmitting means outputs a light emission signal as a remote operation signal for remotely operating an operation target device based on the remote operation data. It is a light emitting diode that outputs light.

That is, in the invention according to claim 6, since the light emitting signal corresponding to the received remote control data is output from the light emitting diode, the remote control function of the remote control device for performing the remote control of the electronic device which has been widely used conventionally is provided. An added wireless portable terminal can be provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the wireless portable terminal according to the first to fifth aspects, the remote operation data is a control command, and the remote operation signal transmitting means remotely controls the device to be operated based on the control command. It is characterized by transmitting an omnidirectional remote control signal.

That is, in the invention according to claim 7, a predetermined control command is received and an omnidirectional remote control signal corresponding to the control command is transmitted. The present invention can also be applied to a Bluetooth system, a HomeRF system, or the like that enables wireless connection between electronic devices such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a home appliance in a home or office.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light receiving element as in the related art is not required, and the load of the work of incorporating the remote control function into the wireless portable terminal is greatly reduced. Even if there is a problem with the remote control program, the remote control data in the wireless portable terminal is updated by re-downloading without changing the remote control device body as in the conventional case, so that the device is always updated with the latest version of the remote control program. Remote operation can be performed.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the remote operation data received in the first mode is transmitted to the operation target device in the second mode. Since transmission is performed, remote operation data is received by a portable terminal capable of wireless communication, and a remote control function can be easily added thereto.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect of the present invention, in the case where the number and positions of the switches are different from those of the existing remote control device incorporated in the wireless portable terminal, the display means Since the user only needs to operate on the screen displayed on the screen, the operability can be improved, and application to an existing Internet system becomes easy.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the invention, a wireless portable terminal having a remote control function having the same function, visibility, and operability as an existing remote control device main body is added. Can be provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when an incoming call is detected, the first mode can be forcibly switched to respond to the incoming call. Thus, a high-value-added wireless portable terminal can be provided without impairing the original telephone function.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 6, since the light emitting signal corresponding to the received remote control data is output from the light emitting diode, a remote control device for remotely controlling an electronic device which has been widely used conventionally is provided. A wireless portable terminal having a remote control function can be provided.

Further, in the invention according to claim 7, since a predetermined control command is received and an omnidirectional remote control signal corresponding to the command is transmitted, for example, attention is paid to a next-generation wireless connection technology. The present invention can also be applied to a Bluetooth system, a HomeRF system, or the like that enables wireless connection between electronic devices such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a home appliance in a home or office. Furthermore, since non-directional radio waves can be used, it is not necessary for the user to point the light emitting unit at the electronic device or the like to be operated, and the usability can be significantly improved.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a configuration of a communication system to which a wireless portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the wireless portable terminal is a mobile phone. In this communication system, the wireless portable terminal 20 in the first embodiment is connected to a server 22 for storing remote control data via a data communication network, for example, the Internet 21 to which a computer network is mutually connected.

The wireless portable terminal 20 according to the first embodiment has a remote control function of remotely controlling an electronic device or the like by infrared rays, and performs mobile communication via a mobile communication network (not shown). The server 22 stores remote control data of various electronic devices, and the wireless portable terminal 20 can download the remote control data stored in the server 22 via the Internet 21.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the wireless portable terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. The wireless portable terminal 20 has a speaker 30, an LCD 31, various switches 32, and a microphone 33 arranged on the front thereof. Further, the wireless portable terminal 20 includes an antenna 34 and a light emitting element 35 on an end surface of the speaker 30 located on the upper side in FIG.

The power of the wireless portable terminal 20 having such a configuration is turned on by pressing the “PWR” key 36 of the switch 32, and switching between the telephone function mode and the remote control function mode is performed by pressing the “Mode” key 37. . When an incoming call is generated in the telephone function mode, the call is connected by pressing the "MSG" key 39.

In each function mode, various functions can be set by operating the cursor keys 40 while referring to the menu screen displayed on the LCD 31 by pressing the “Menu” key 38. I can do it. For example, in the telephone function mode, a telephone directory, ringtone setting, Internet access setting, and the like can be set. During a normal call in the telephone function mode, the switch 32 is connected to a base station of a mobile communication network (not shown) via the antenna 34 by operating the switch 32, and a communication line is provided between the base station and the other party's telephone. Through this communication line, the voice information input from the microphone 33 is transmitted, and the received voice information of the other party is output from the speaker 30.

On the other hand, in the remote control function mode, the user selects the remote control target device selected from the remote control data downloaded by operating the cursor key 40 while referring to the menu screen displayed on the LCD 31 by pressing the “Menu” key 38. I do. Based on the selected remote control data, the wireless portable terminal 20 transmits a light emission signal of a light emission pattern generated in response to the operation content of the switch 32 or the cursor key 40 by the user from the light emitting element 35 to the electronic device to be remotely operated. Sent to the device.

FIG. 3 shows an outline of a user's work flow for realizing such a remote control function using the wireless portable terminal 20 in the first embodiment. First, the user connects to the server 22 from the wireless portable terminal 20 via the Internet 21 in the telephone function mode (step S40). Then, desired remote control data is downloaded from remote control data of various electronic devices stored in the server 22 (step S41). Then, in the remote control function mode, the contents of the remote control operation of the LCD 31 are displayed based on the remote control data downloaded from the wireless portable terminal 20, and the switch 32 or the cursor key 40 is operated. The wireless portable terminal 20 generates a light emission pattern of remote control data corresponding to the operation content instructed by the user, and outputs a light emission signal from the light emitting element 35. Thereby, the user can remotely control the electronic device corresponding to the downloaded remote control data (step S42).

Hereinafter, the wireless portable terminal 20 will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of the configuration of the wireless portable terminal 20. However, the same parts as those of the wireless portable terminal 20 shown in FIG. The wireless portable terminal 20 includes a wireless unit (Radio Frequency: hereinafter, abbreviated to RF) 50 for performing wireless communication via an antenna 34, an LCD 31 for displaying information such as characters, and a display instructed by driving the LCD 31. An LCD driver 51 for displaying information according to the information; a light emitting element 35 composed of, for example, a light emitting diode; a driver 52 for driving the light emitting element 35 to emit a signal corresponding to remote control data; and a control unit 53 for controlling the respective parts of the terminal. And a memory 54 for storing processing results of the control unit 53, remote control data, and the like, and a switch 32 for inputting various operation contents.

(4) In the wireless portable terminal 20 having such a configuration, the menu data preset in the memory 54 is displayed on the LCD 31 via the LCD driver 51. Then, according to the operation contents of the switch 32, mobile communication or Internet access via the RF 50 is performed, or a light emitting pattern for remotely controlling the electronic device is output from the light emitting element 35 via the driver 52.

The control unit 53 has a CPU (not shown), and can perform the above-described control according to a control program stored in the memory 54.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the processing contents related to the above-described Internet access processing in the setting processing for setting various functions by the control unit 53. The control unit 53 monitors, for example, the pressing of each key on the switch 32, and performs the following processing when the “Menu” key 38 is pressed. That is, the control unit 53 causes the LCD 31 to display the menu data stored in the memory 54 via the LCD driver 51 (step S60).

FIG. 6 shows an image of a menu display state on the LCD 31 in step S60. As described above, when the “Menu” key 38 is pressed, “telephone book” for registering the telephone number and name of the frequently used destination in advance, for example, “ring tone setting” for setting the ring tone according to the caller , “Other settings”, and “Internet access” are displayed on the LCD 31 as selection items. A cursor indicating a selection item can be moved by a cursor key 40 and can be selected by a predetermined determination button.

After the menu is displayed in step S60, when "telephone directory" is selected by operating the cursor key 40 (step S61: Y), the telephone directory registration information stored in the memory 54 is read and a predetermined telephone directory function is executed. Then (step S62), a series of processing ends (end). In step S61, when "ringtone setting" is selected without selecting "telephone directory" by operating the cursor keys 40 (step S61: N, step S63: Y), the ringtone stored in the memory 54 The setting information is read out and a predetermined ring tone setting function is executed (step S64), and a series of processing ends (end). In step S63, when "internet access" is selected without selecting "ring tone setting" by operating the cursor keys 40 (step S63: N, step S65: Y), the Internet stored in the memory 54 is displayed. And reads out URL (Uniform Resource Locators) setting processing information for specifying the location of various resources, and sets a URL for executing a predetermined Internet access function.

FIG. 7 shows an image of the display state of the LCD 31 in the URL setting process after reading the URL setting information described above. Subsequent to "URL>", the user specifies the URL on the Internet to be accessed by operating the switch 32 (step S66).

After setting the URL, the control unit 53 accesses the server 22 on the Internet via the RF 50. Then, the control unit 53 receives the download display data from the server 22 and causes the LCD 31 to display the data.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show images of various screen display states of the accessed URL displayed on the LCD 31 and downloaded. Here, a case where a download service of remote control data is provided for one of the selection items displayed on the homepage is shown. Therefore, by operating the cursor key 40, the user selects the remote control data download service screen of the accessed homepage and selects a desired electronic device from various electronic devices displayed as shown in FIG. , Remote control data can be obtained.

When the user requests acquisition of desired remote control data in this way, the control unit 53 receives the remote control data downloaded via the antenna 34 by the RF 50 (step S67), and stores it in the memory 54. (Step S68), a series of processing ends (END). At the time of this storage, the received remote control data is associated with a model name that can be operated by the remote control data.

In step S65, when "Internet access" is not selected by operating the cursor key 40 and "other setting" is selected (step S65: N), based on other setting information stored in the memory 54. The setting function is executed (step S69), and a series of processing ends (end).

After accessing the server and downloading the desired remote control data (steps S40 and S41 in FIG. 3), the user operates the "Mode" key 37 to execute the remote control function in addition to the normal telephone function. (Step S42 in FIG. 3).

FIG. 10 shows an example of the processing contents of the function mode setting by the control unit 53. The control unit 53 monitors, for example, the pressing of each key on the switch 32, and performs the following processing when the “Mode” key 37 is pressed. That is, the control unit 53 displays the menu data stored in the memory 54 on the LCD 31 via the LCD driver 51 (step S70), and urges mode switching to either the telephone function mode or the remote control function mode. Then, when the mode is switched to the telephone function mode by the operation of the switch 32 by the user (step S71: Y), a predetermined telephone function by mobile communication is executed via the RF 50 (step S72). The telephone function means wireless communication by a normal mobile phone, for example, by operating the switch 32 to make a call with the other party. Thereafter, for example, when the mode switching is requested again by pressing the "Mode" key 37, unless the termination of the predetermined telephone function mode is requested (step S73: N), the above-described telephone function is executed. However, when the end of the telephone function mode is requested (step S73: Y), a series of processing ends (end).

When the mode is not switched to the telephone function mode in step S71 (step S71: N) and the mode is switched to the remote control function mode (step S74: Y), a desired model is selected from a plurality of types of remote control data stored in the memory 54. A model selection menu is displayed (step S75).

FIG. 11 shows an image of the model selection menu displayed on the LCD 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, remote control data downloaded in advance for remote control of a plurality of electronic devices is displayed for each model, and a model whose remote control function has been executed is selected by operating the cursor key 40.

By downloading the remote control data of a plurality of models in advance in this way, the model can be selected in step S75, so that the same wireless portable terminal can be used for a plurality of remote operations.

When the model is selected in step S75, the control unit 53 reads out the remote control operation display data stored in the memory 54 and registered for each model displayed in FIG. 11 (step S76), and based on this, Is displayed on the LCD 31 (step S77). The remote control operation display data is stored in the memory 54 in advance in, for example, a television (Television: hereinafter, abbreviated to a television), a video tape recorder (Video Tape Recorder: abbreviated to a video), or an air conditioner (Air Conditioning: This is registered as display data required for remote operation of an air conditioner.), And operations that cannot be used depending on the model can be disabled.

FIG. 12 shows an image of a remote control operation screen displayed on the LCD 31 when the model name “NEC-T-001” is selected in the model selection menu shown in FIG. Therefore, the user can remotely control the model name “NEC-T-001” by making full use of the operation keys shown on the left side of each operation content. For example, by pressing the cursor key "@" in FIG. 12, "CH" (channel number) can be remotely controlled from "4" to "5". A desired remote control function is realized by operating a switch indicated on the remote control operation display screen displayed on the LCD 31 (step S78). Thereafter, unless the end of the predetermined remote control function mode is requested (step S79: N), for example, when the mode switching is requested again by pressing the “Mode” key 37 (step S79: N), the above-described remote control function is executed. However, when the end of the remote control function mode is requested (step S79: Y), a series of processing ends (end).

(4) When switching to the remote control function mode has not been designated in step S74 (step S74: N), the mode setting menu is displayed again to prompt switching to the telephone function mode or the remote control function mode.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the processing content of the remote control function step in step S78 of FIG. First, the control unit 53 monitors the occurrence of an incoming call by the RF 50 via the antenna 34 (step S80). When the occurrence of an incoming call is detected (step S80: Y), the mode is forcibly switched to the telephone function mode of step S72 shown in FIG. And When the occurrence of an incoming call is not detected in step S80 (step S80: N), pressing of each key of the switch 32 is monitored (step S81: N). When the depression of each key of the switch 32 is detected (step S81: Y), the depression is performed from the remote control data downloaded in step S67 of FIG. 5 corresponding to the model already selected in step S75 of FIG. A remote control signal pattern corresponding to the detected key is searched (step S82).

Subsequently, a light emission pattern is generated from the remote control signal pattern searched in step S82 (step S83), and a unique modulation of about 40 kHz is used for each manufacturer's model in order to prevent interference with other remote control signals for remote control. After performing (Step S84), the light-emitting element 35 outputs the light-emitting signal as a light-emitting signal (Step S85), and a series of processing ends (End).

Next, the operation of the wireless portable terminal having the above configuration will be specifically described.

Here, it is assumed that the server 22 previously stores remote control data setting information in which remote control data is registered for each model for a plurality of manufacturers as follows.

FIG. 14 shows an outline of the configuration of the remote control data setting information registered in the server 22. The remote control data setting information 90 is allocation information in which the function of each key of the switch 32 of the wireless portable terminal 20 is allocated for each manufacturer 92, for each model name 92 that specifies each model such as a television, a video, an air conditioner, and an electric light. 93. For example, as for the model name “NEC-T-001” of the manufacturer name “NEC”, the “PWR” key of the switch 32 is used as a power key for switching power on or off, and the “*” of the switch 32 is used as a voice switching key. The "#" key indicates that the "#" key of the switch 32 is assigned as a "TV / VTR" key for switching between television and video.

In each key, a signal code for generating a light emission signal according to the model is predetermined, and the server 22 stores the following signal code information together with remote control data setting information shown in FIG. ing.

FIG. 15 shows an outline of the structure of the signal code information stored in the server 22. The signal code information 100 stores a signal code for each operation content. For example, the signal code of “volume UP” for generating a light emission signal for instructing a remote operation for increasing the volume indicates that the signal code is “L000110011010”. Here, each code is a predetermined pattern.

FIG. 16 shows the pattern of each code. FIG. 7A shows a signal pattern of the code “L”. FIG. 3B shows a signal pattern of code “1”. FIG. 6D shows a signal pattern of code “0”. As described above, the signal code shown in FIG. 15 is obtained by combining the signal patterns of such codes, and is coded as described above to save the storage area.

FIG. 17 shows a light emission pattern of each operation content. FIG. 17A shows a light emission pattern corresponding to the signal code of the operation “power on / off” shown in FIG. FIG. 17B shows a light emission pattern corresponding to the signal code of the operation “volume up” shown in FIG. FIG. 17C shows a light emission pattern corresponding to the signal code of the operation “volume down” shown in FIG. FIG. 17D shows a light emission pattern corresponding to the signal code of the operation “channel up” shown in FIG. FIG. 17E shows a light emission pattern corresponding to the signal code of the operation “channel down” shown in FIG. FIG. 17F shows a light emission pattern corresponding to the signal code of the operation “TV / VTR” shown in FIG.

In order for the user to add a remote control function, the wireless portable terminal 20 in the first embodiment causes the user to press the “Menu” key as shown in FIG. Is selected, a URL setting screen shown in FIG. Here, when the URL of the server storing the predetermined remote control data is set, the server can be connected to the Internet from the RF 50 and can access the set server. Then, the user operates the switch 32 to download the remote control data. At this time, the remote control data of the model selected by the user includes the key assignment information shown in FIG. 14 and the signal code shown in FIG. 15, and the received remote control data is stored in the memory 54 in association with the model name.

Here, when the mode is switched to the remote control function mode by the user pressing the “Mode” key as shown in FIG. 10, for example, a model selection screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. When the TV model name “NEC-T-001” is selected by a key operation of the user, an image of a remote control operation screen registered in advance on the LCD 31 is displayed as shown in FIG. When the user presses the cursor key “カ ー ソ ル”, for example, when the user wants to change the channel to “5”, the control unit 53 reads “channel up” from the remote control setting information shown in FIG. And reads the signal code “L1011110011010” as shown in FIG. 15 to generate the light emission pattern shown in FIG. 17D. Based on the light emission pattern thus generated, a light emission signal is output from the light emitting element 35 as described below.

FIG. 18 shows an outline of a light emission signal output from the light emitting element 35. In other words, after being amplified by the driver 52, the light-emitting element 35 outputs a light-emitting signal that has been modulated at about 40 kHz, which is unique to each model of each manufacturer, in order to prevent malfunction due to interference.

イ メ ー ジ In accordance with such a switch operation, the image displayed on the LCD shown in FIG. 12 is updated. Therefore, when the volume is changed, the indicator changes accordingly.

When the user presses the “Mode” key as shown in FIG. 10 and switches to the remote control function mode to display the model selection screen, as shown in FIG. 19, the model name of the air conditioner “NEC-A” When "-305" is selected by the key operation of the user, an image of the remote control operation screen registered in advance is displayed on the LCD 31 as shown in FIG. When the user wants to change to the dehumidifying operation, for example, when the user presses the “*” key three times, the control unit 53 determines that the operation mode is “operation mode” from the remote control setting information shown in FIG. At the same time, a signal code corresponding to the “operation mode” is read from the downloaded signal code information to generate a light emission pattern. The light emitting pattern is amplified by the driver 52 and independently modulated at about 40 kHz for each model of each manufacturer in order to prevent malfunction due to interference, and a light emitting element 35 outputs a light emitting signal.

イ メ ー ジ In accordance with such a switch operation, the image displayed on the LCD shown in FIG. 20 is updated. Therefore, for example, when the wind direction is changed, the wind direction indicator also changes accordingly.

As described above, the wireless portable terminal according to the first embodiment downloads the remote control data corresponding to the remote operation for each device to be operated from the server on the Internet via the RF 50 in the telephone function mode in advance by using the model name. Is stored in the memory 54 in association with the. Then, after switching to the remote control function mode, the remote control data of the downloaded model name is read out corresponding to the selected device to be operated, and the remote operation of the device to be operated is performed for each switch operation of the wireless portable terminal 20. Added the contents. Therefore, a remote control signal pattern capable of remotely controlling the operation target device is generated in response to the switch operation of the wireless portable terminal 20, and this is output as an infrared signal from the light emitting element provided in the wireless portable terminal. This eliminates the need for a light receiving element as in the related art, and significantly reduces the load of the work of incorporating the remote control function into the wireless portable terminal. Even if there is a problem with the remote control program, the remote control data in the wireless portable terminal is updated by re-downloading without changing the remote control device body as in the conventional case, so that the device is always updated with the latest version of the remote control program. Remote operation can be performed. Furthermore, when the wireless portable terminal is a mobile phone, even if the mobile phone is operating with the remote control function, the mode is forcibly switched to the phone function mode in response to the occurrence of an incoming call, so that the telephone can be promptly answered. Thus, a high-value-added wireless portable terminal can be provided without impairing the original telephone function.

The wireless mobile terminal according to the first embodiment adds a remote control function by downloading remote control data stored in a server on the Internet. However, the wireless mobile terminal according to the second embodiment has a browser function. Remote control data stored in a server on the Internet displays content described in a predetermined information description language, and data linked thereto is output to add a remote control function.

The communication system to which the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment is applied is the same as that in FIG. The appearance of the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment is the same as that of FIG.

FIG. 21 shows an outline of a user's work flow for realizing the remote control function by the wireless portable terminal in the second embodiment. First, the user connects to the server from the wireless portable terminal via the Internet in the telephone function mode (step S110). Then, content data in which remote control data of various electronic devices stored in the server is described in a predetermined information description language is obtained and displayed on the LCD which is a display unit of the terminal (step S111). Then, by selecting the displayed content by operating a switch or a cursor key, a light emitting pattern of remote control data linked to the selected content is generated, and light is emitted from the light emitting element. Thereby, the user can remotely control the electronic device corresponding to the acquired content (step S112).

FIG. 22 shows an outline of the configuration of the wireless portable terminal in the second embodiment. However, the same parts as those of the wireless portable terminal 20 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The wireless portable terminal 120 according to the second embodiment includes an RF 50 for performing wireless communication via an antenna 34, an LCD 31 for displaying information such as characters, and an LCD driver for driving the LCD 31 to display the information according to the indicated display information. 51, a light-emitting element 35 composed of, for example, a light-emitting diode, a driver 52 for driving the light-emitting element 35 to emit a signal corresponding to remote control data, a control unit 121 for controlling these terminal units, and processing of the control unit 121 A memory 122 for storing results, remote control data, and the like, a switch 32 for inputting various operation contents, a content described in a predetermined information description language are displayed on the LCD 31, and various data linked to the content are displayed. A browser function unit 123 for outputting to the control unit 121;

In the wireless portable terminal 120 according to the second embodiment having such a configuration, menu data set in advance in the memory 122 is displayed on the LCD 31 via the LCD driver 51, and according to the operation contents of the switch 32, via the RF 50. The mobile communication or the Internet access is performed, and a light emitting pattern for remotely controlling the electronic device is output from the light emitting element 35 via the driver 52.

The control unit 121 has a CPU (not shown), and can perform the above-described control according to a control program stored in the memory 122.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example of the processing contents related to the above-described Internet access processing in the setting processing of setting various functions by the control unit 121. The control unit 121 monitors, for example, the pressing of each key on the switch, and performs the following processing when the “Menu” key is pressed. That is, the control unit 121 causes the LCD 31 to display the menu data stored in the memory 122 via the LCD driver 51 (step S130).

After the menu is displayed in step S130, when "phonebook" is selected by operating the cursor keys (step S131: Y), the phonebook registration information stored in the memory 122 is read and a predetermined phonebook function is executed. (Step S132), a series of processing ends (end). In step S131, when "ringtone setting" is selected without selecting "phone book" by operating the cursor keys (step S131: N, step S133: Y), the ringtone setting stored in the memory 122 is set. The information is read out and a predetermined ring tone setting function is executed (step S134), and a series of processing ends (end). In step S133, when "internet access" is selected without selecting "ringtone setting" by operating the cursor keys (step S133: N, step S135: Y), the data on the Internet stored in the memory 122 is stored. By reading URL (Uniform Resource Locators) setting processing information for specifying the location of various resources, a URL for specifying a server on the Internet to be accessed necessary for executing a predetermined Internet access function is determined by operating a switch. An input is made (step S136).

後 After setting the URL in this way, the control unit 121 accesses a server on the Internet via the RF 50. Further, the control unit 121 receives the content data in which the remote control data stored in the server accessed by the RF 50 via the antenna 34 is described in a predetermined information description language (step S137), and stores it in the memory 122. (Step S138), and at the same time, the content is displayed on the LCD 31 by the browser function unit 123, and a series of processing is terminated (END).

In step S135, when "Internet access" is not selected by operating the cursor key and "other setting" is selected (step S135: N), the setting is performed based on the other setting information stored in the memory 122. The function is executed (step S139), and a series of processing ends (end).

After accessing the server in this way and obtaining the content data in which the desired remote control data is described in a predetermined information description language (steps S110 and S111 in FIG. 21), the normal mode is operated by operating the “Mode” key. A remote control function can be executed in addition to the telephone function (step S112 in FIG. 21).

The content data is described in, for example, HyperText Markup Language (hereinafter abbreviated as HTML) as an information description language. HTML is a text file, and is capable of modifying characters and designating a layout according to a code sandwiched between symbols “<” and “>” called tags. The browser function unit 123 interprets this code to display HTML text data. Another feature of HTML is that specific display data can be linked to other HTML text. As a result, if the device itself has only the display HTML text, it is possible to take in the mass data of the link destination only when necessary. In the content data stored in the server, remote control data for directly controlling an electronic device is linked to each function name of the remote control data.

Therefore, the wireless portable terminal 120 according to the second embodiment displays the content data received by the browser function unit 123 on the LCD 31 and allows the user to select a desired remote control operation by operating a switch, thereby controlling the remote control operation selected by HTML. A light emission pattern corresponding to the remote control data linked to is generated. The driver 52 performs amplification of about 40 kHz for each model of each manufacturer for amplification and prevention of malfunction due to interference, and a light emitting element 35 outputs a light emitting signal.

The process of setting the function mode by the control unit 121 of the wireless portable terminal 120 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the wireless portable terminal according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. different.

FIG. 24 shows an example of the processing content of the remote control function step of the wireless portable terminal in the second embodiment. First, the control unit 121 monitors the occurrence of an incoming call by the RF 50 via the antenna 34 (step S140). When the occurrence of an incoming call is detected (step S140: Y), the mode is forcibly switched to the telephone function mode of step S72 shown in FIG. I do. When occurrence of an incoming call is not detected in step S140 (step S140: N), pressing of each key of a switch in which the content of each remote control operation is linked to the content displayed on the LCD 31 is monitored (step S141: N). . When the depression of each key of the switch is detected (step S141: Y), data linked to the key pressed by the browser function unit 123 is output to the control unit 121. The link data is, for example, a signal code shown in FIG. 15, and the control unit 121 generates a light emission pattern from the signal code and the signal pattern of each code shown in FIG. 16 in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step S142). .

Subsequently, the light emitting pattern generated in step S142 is subjected to modulation of about 40 kHz unique to each model of each manufacturer in order to prevent interference with other remote control signals for remote control (step S143). The light-emitting signal is output from the element 35 (step S144), and a series of processing ends (end).

As described above, the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment uses a telephone from a server on the Internet in which remote control data corresponding to remote operation is stored in advance in a predetermined information description language for each device to be operated. In the active mode, the program is downloaded via the RF 50 and stored in the memory 54. Then, after switching to the remote control function mode, the received content data is displayed on the browser function unit 123 corresponding to the selected operation target device, so that the remote control operation on the content selected by the user's switch operation can be performed. From the linked data, a remote control signal pattern that allows remote operation of the device to be operated is generated, and this is output as an infrared signal from a light emitting element provided in the wireless portable terminal. As a result, even if the number and position of the switches are different from those of the existing remote control device incorporated in the wireless portable terminal, it is only necessary to operate the switch on the screen displayed on the LCD. And can be easily applied to existing Internet systems.

In the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment, the content data acquired from the server is displayed by the browser function unit, and the remote control operation is performed by the switch operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the wireless portable terminal according to the third embodiment has a touch panel, and generates a light emission pattern from data linked to a remote control operation specified on the touch panel.

The communication system to which the wireless portable terminal according to the third embodiment is applied is the same as that in FIG.

FIG. 25 shows an outline of the configuration of a wireless portable terminal according to the third embodiment. However, the same parts as those of the wireless portable terminal 20 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. The wireless portable terminal 150 according to the third embodiment includes an RF 50 that performs wireless communication via the antenna 34, an LCD 31 that displays information such as characters, and an LCD driver that drives the LCD 31 and displays the information according to the indicated display information. 51, a light-emitting element 35 composed of, for example, a light-emitting diode, a driver 52 for driving the light-emitting element 35 to emit a signal corresponding to remote control data, a control unit 151 for controlling the components of these terminals, and processing of the control unit 151 A memory 152 for storing results, remote control data, and the like, a touch panel 153 for inputting various operation contents, a content described in a predetermined information description language are displayed on the LCD 31, and various data linked to the content are displayed. A browser function unit 123 for outputting to the control unit 121;

In the wireless portable terminal 150 according to the third embodiment having such a configuration, similar to the wireless portable terminal 120 according to the second embodiment, a menu is displayed, and therefore, remote control data is described in a predetermined information description language by accessing the Internet. Although the received content data is received, the only difference is that various operation contents are designated by the touch panel 153. Therefore, the operation of the wireless portable terminal according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

However, the wireless portable terminal according to the third embodiment has the same touch panel as the original remote control device main body by providing the touch panel on the upper part of the LCD 31 to graphically display the received content data corresponding to the selected model on the LCD 31. By displaying a remote control operation screen in which keys are arranged at positions, it is possible to provide the user with an optimum operation environment for each model.

FIG. 26 illustrates an appearance of a wireless portable terminal 150 according to the third embodiment. The wireless portable terminal 150 includes a speaker 30 on the front thereof, a touch panel 153 above the LCD 31, and a microphone 33. Further, the wireless portable terminal 150 includes an antenna 34 and a light emitting element 35 on an end surface of the speaker 30 located on the upper side in FIG.

Therefore, by arranging each remote control operation key on the remote control operation screen graphically displayed on the LCD 31 at the same position as the original remote control device main body, the user can operate the remote control operation key from the touch panel 153 provided on the upper part of the LCD 31. Remote operation can be performed while maintaining the same operability. For example, by linking the remote control data for increasing the air volume to the position of the air volume “△”, when the user presses the “△” position, a light emission pattern is generated by the remote control data linked to the pressed position. A light emission signal is output from the light emitting element 35 as in the second embodiment.

According to such a switch operation, the air volume indicator and the wind direction indicator graphically displayed on the LCD 31 are updated.

As described above, in the wireless portable terminal according to the third embodiment, the server displays the remote control operation screen corresponding to the model of the remote control, receives the content in which the remote control data is linked to each key position, and browses the content by the browser function unit. By directly pressing a displayed key position on the touch panel and generating a remote control signal pattern capable of remotely controlling the device to be operated from the remote control data linked to this position, the wireless remote terminal provided this. The light emitting element is output as an infrared signal. This makes it possible to provide a wireless portable terminal to which a remote control function having the same functions, visibility, and operability as the existing remote control device main body is added.
(Modification)
In the first to third embodiments, the light emitting element has been described as a control device for remote control operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a next-generation wireless connection technology, it can be applied to a Bluetooth system, a HomeRF system, or the like that enables wireless connection between electronic devices such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a home appliance in a home or office. it can.

In these next-generation systems, it is possible to grasp the state of other electronic devices and perform remote control by communicating control commands wirelessly with each other. Therefore, in the first to third embodiments, the light emission pattern is downloaded in various forms as the remote control data. However, the present invention can be easily applied to the above-described system by downloading a predetermined control command. In this case, since wireless communication is possible, non-directional radio waves can be used unlike the case of using infrared rays by the light emitting elements. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to point the light emitting unit at the electronic device or the like to be operated, and the usability is significantly improved.

In the first to third embodiments, the case where the wireless portable terminal is a mobile phone has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the wireless portable terminal may be an information portable terminal (Personal Digital Assistants: PDA), as long as remote control data obtained by accessing a server can be output to a device to be operated.

In the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment, it has been described that the browsed content is stored in the memory and read from the memory when necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The content may be downloaded each time it is designated.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a communication system to which a wireless portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an appearance of the wireless portable terminal according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a user operation for realizing a remote control function of the wireless portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a wireless portable terminal according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of an Internet access processing of the wireless portable terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a menu display state in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a URL setting screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a downloaded homepage in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of a download menu display state in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of a function mode setting process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a model selection menu display state in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image of a remote control operation screen according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of a remote control function step in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of remote control data setting information in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of signal code information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing each pattern of a signal code in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a light emission pattern of each remote controller operation content in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a light emission signal output from a light emitting element in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image displaying selection of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a remote control operation display state of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a user's work for realizing a remote control function of the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a wireless portable terminal according to a second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of an Internet access processing of the wireless portable terminal according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents of a remote control function step in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a wireless portable terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating an appearance of a wireless portable terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration of a conventionally proposed wireless portable terminal to which a remote control function is added.

Explanation of reference numerals

Reference Signs List 20 wireless portable terminal 21 Internet 22 server 31 LCD
32 switch 34 antenna 35 light emitting element 50 RF
51 LCD driver 52 driver 53 control unit 54 memory

Claims (7)

Input means for inputting operation information;
Receiving means for receiving remote operation data in which the operation information and remote operation information for remotely operating the operation target device are associated with each other via a network;
Storage means for storing the remote operation data received by the receiving means;
Remote control signal transmitting means for transmitting a remote control signal for remotely controlling the device to be operated based on the remote control information of the remote control data stored in the storage means corresponding to the control information. A wireless portable terminal characterized by the following. Input means for inputting operation information;
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the other party according to the operation information when the first mode is set by the operation information input by the input means;
A storage unit that stores remote operation data that associates the operation information received by the wireless communication unit with remote operation information for remotely operating an operation target device,
When the second mode is set by the operation information input by the input means, the device to be operated is set based on the remote operation information of the remote operation data stored in the storage means in correspondence with the operation information. And a remote control signal transmitting means for transmitting a remote control signal for remote control. Display means for displaying information such as characters, input means for inputting operation information,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the other party according to the operation information when the first mode is set by the operation information input by the input means;
Remote operation data that associates the operation information received by the wireless communication unit with remote operation information for remotely operating an operation target device when the second mode is set by the operation information input by the input unit Content display control for displaying linked content data on the display means and outputting remote operation information of the remote operation data linked to the item when a predetermined item of the content data is designated by the input means Means,
A wireless portable terminal comprising: a remote control signal transmitting unit that transmits a remote control signal for remotely controlling the device to be operated based on the remote control information output by the content display control unit. A display unit that displays information such as characters, a touch panel that detects a position pressed corresponding to the information displayed by the display unit as operation information,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the other party in accordance with the operation information when the first mode is set based on the pressed position detected by the touch panel;
A remote operation that associates the operation information received by the wireless communication unit with remote operation information for remotely operating an operation target device when a second mode is set based on a pressed position detected by the touch panel; Displaying the content data linked to the data on the display means, and remote operation of the remote operation data linked to the item when the touch panel detects that the content data is pressed at a predetermined item position Content display control means for outputting information,
A wireless portable terminal comprising: a remote control signal transmitting unit that transmits a remote control signal for remotely controlling the device to be operated based on the remote control information output by the content display control unit. 5. The wireless portable device according to claim 2, further comprising: an incoming call detecting means for detecting an incoming call; and a mode switching means for switching to the first mode when the incoming call is detected by the incoming call detecting means. Terminal. 6. The light-emitting diode for outputting a light-emitting signal as a remote-control signal for remotely controlling the device to be operated based on the remote-control information, wherein the remote-control signal transmitting unit is a light-emitting diode. Wireless mobile terminal. 2. The remote control data is a control command, and the remote control signal transmitting means transmits an omnidirectional remote control signal for remotely controlling the device to be operated based on the control command. The wireless portable terminal according to claim 5.

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