CN100574204C - Tele-control system and method, remote commander, by the device of Long-distance Control - Google Patents

Tele-control system and method, remote commander, by the device of Long-distance Control Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN100574204C
CN100574204C CNB2006101728454A CN200610172845A CN100574204C CN 100574204 C CN100574204 C CN 100574204C CN B2006101728454 A CNB2006101728454 A CN B2006101728454A CN 200610172845 A CN200610172845 A CN 200610172845A CN 100574204 C CN100574204 C CN 100574204C
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
user
order
network
specify
controlled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CNB2006101728454A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Other versions
CN1972201A (en
Inventor
大津秀一
中村顺一
佐藤英树
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sony Corp
Original Assignee
Sony Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sony Corp filed Critical Sony Corp
Publication of CN1972201A publication Critical patent/CN1972201A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN100574204C publication Critical patent/CN100574204C/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Abstract

The present invention relates to tele-control system and method, remote commander, by the device of Long-distance Control.In the time of in the multiple arrangement via network controlled is present in user's visual range and outside the scope, the user remotely controls in the described multiple arrangement at least one via the desired control point in the network utilisation tele-control system.Tele-control system comprises: make the device assigned operation of control point according to the user, send the mechanism of the order that is used to specify controlled device via network to appointed device; And transmission responds to the control point via network to make the device that receives the order that is used to specify controlled device respond this order, and utilize the mechanism that is attached to the equipment executable operations on the described device main body.

Description

Tele-control system and method, remote commander, by the device of Long-distance Control
The cross reference of related application
The theme that the present invention comprises relates to Japanese patent application JP 2005-135656 and the 2006-004130 that applies in Japan Patent office respectively on May 9th, 2005 and on January 11st, 2006, at this in conjunction with its full content for reference.
Technical field
The present invention relates to tele-control system; Remote commander and long-range control method; By the device of Long-distance Control; And utilize remote commander to be used for the computer system of Long-distance Control television receiver, DVD player, other various AV and CE device, massaging device or the like.Especially, the present invention relates to tele-control system; Remote commander and long-range control method; By the device of Long-distance Control; And computer system, but be used to obtain not retrained by directivity and the Long-distance Control of the constraint of the transmission range from the remote commander to the controlled device.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a kind of tele-control system, a kind of remote commander and long-range control method, a kind of by the device of Long-distance Control, and a kind of computer system, it makes it possible to utilize between described remote commander and controlled device the network based on TCP/IP or the like to carry out interactive communication.Especially, the present invention relates to a kind of tele-control system, a kind of remote commander and long-range control method, a kind of by the device of Long-distance Control, and a kind of computer system, be used on the device that is positioned at the user front, carrying out remote control operation, but described device is selected so that be operated from a plurality of devices that are not subjected to directivity constraint and transmission range constraint.
Background technology
At present, various family information household electrical appliances, for example television receiver, videograph and transcriber and audio-visual apparatus have been developed and make, and are used in the family widely or other life areas.Basically, these information household appliances by the user interface that it is provided by direct control.In addition, nearly all information household appliances are configured to by remote controllers at present by remote operation.
In field such as the electric device that satisfies the needs of consumers of household electrical appliance, developed the infrared remote controller that for example adopts the amplitude modulation scheme, as being used to make the user can be, and have been popularized to the device of the long-range input operation order of described device.Use that ultrared communication means has cheaply, little power consumption, be not subjected to the advantage of legal restrictions or the like in various countries.This communication means does not need wiring,, does not need the connector of stube cable that is, has therefore reduced cost.In addition, described device is not subjected to owing to adhering to/remove the mechanical wear that connector causes in order to connect/to disconnect to connect.
But, utilize ultrared communication means to have the problem of directivity.When the light receiving part of receiver was not aimed in the angular field of view of transmitter, communication can not be set up.This becomes a very big constraint (referring to for example Japanese Unexamined Patent Application publication number No.2002-165281).Because the infrared communication method is the one-way communication method basically, transmitter can not receive answer from receiver,, can not confirm the result of transmitting that is.
Being used for the interactive home network that connects family's information household appliances nowadays permeates on family market.For example, a kind of seamless and network system that can interactive mode be connected of DLNA (the live alliance of digital network) suggestion wherein, is utilized any household electrical appliances (referring to the website of for example DLNA), the user can any at home position enjoy content simply and easily.According to this system, can be stored in any device in the network such as the information of AV content.That is, the user not only can watch the AV content in the room at the device place of memory contents, and can be watching with irrelevant other rooms of content location of separating with above-mentioned room, thereby can strengthen user friendliness.
We expect that these devices that are suitable for the DLNA criterion will use more widely, have increasing device to be supported to be used for network.When the quantity of the device of network-ready increases, can come execute script to utilize the Long-distance Control of these devices of infrared communication execution by control point (hereinafter being also referred to as " IP remote controllers ").The IP remote controllers utilize IP network at the network upper controller, and described IP network does not almost have the constraint (referring to for example Japanese publication No.2005-17439, it has been transferred to applicant of the present invention) of directivity and communication range.
Under the situation of infrared remote controller, when controlled device was not aimed at the angular field of view of infrared remote controller, because the restriction of directivity, described device can not be operated.Otherwise described controlled device can easily be specified and visually be checked.On the contrary, under the situation of device, when the user wants to control the device that is positioned at his or she front, owing to be not only the device that is positioned at his or she front by the control of IP remote controllers, and also have other devices typically to be controlled, so user's said apparatus of having to specify pretty troublesomely.
Be present at a plurality of controllable devices under the situation of a network, controlled device can be specified according to the following processing that utilizes the network service interactivity: the IP remote controllers send a predetermined command on network; Determine whether that response sends from any device on the network; Determine that the result is presented at the GUI of IP remote controllers (graphic user interface) and goes up (referring to for example Japanese Unexamined Patent Application publication number No.2003-330827, Fig. 8).But, can not determine that whether the device that is presented on the GUI really is that the user wants the device controlled at this moment.Whether desired controlled device is only correctly specified just can be determined after the IP remote controllers have been launched an order, and this order is made the request of an executable operations to being presented at device on the GUI, then, carries out requested operation by described device.
When showing that each device has wherein all sent device tabulation to the response of this order, the user can understand current available device, and is selecting to select a device on the screen at an easy rate.But when devices all on the network all was listed on the selection screen, the user was difficult to specify the device of his or she in front.
Summary of the invention
Be desirable to provide a kind of outstanding tele-control system, remote commander and long-range control method, long-range controlled device, and make it possible to utilize IP network at remote commander with want to carry out between the operated device computer system of interactive communication.
It would also be desirable to provide a kind of outstanding tele-control system, remote commander and long-range control method, long-range controlled device and make the user can on the device in face of him or she, carry out the computer system of remote control operation, described device is selected being operated from multiple arrangement, and not retrained by directivity constraint and communication range.
It would also be desirable to provide a kind of outstanding tele-control system, remote commander and long-range control method, long-range controlled device and computer system, when a plurality of controllable devices are present on the network, it makes the user can specify the controlled device of hope easily, and carries out remote control operation on the device of this appointment.
According to one embodiment of present invention, a kind of tele-control system is provided, wherein, in the time of in the multiple arrangement by network controlled system is present in user's visual range and outside the scope, the user can utilize expectant control point to control wherein at least one device by network remote ground, described tele-control system comprises: make the control point according to the user's set assigned operation, send an order of specifying controlled device via network to appointed device; With make the device that has received the order that is used to specify controlled device respond described order to send a response to the control point by network, and utilize the equipment that is attached on the described apparatus main body to carry out an operation.
At this, the implication of above-mentioned " system " is the logical groups of the multiple arrangement functional module of predetermined function (or be used to obtain).Each device and functional module can be in or not be in the independent housing (Hereinafter the same).
When the AV device interconnecting of network-ready, the user can seamlessly use these AV devices on home network.Because increasing AV device is supported to become network-ready device, therefore can carry out the remote control operation that utilization does not almost have the IP network of directivity constraint and communication range constraint.The IP remote controllers that use in this remote control operation are configured to alternatively communicate by letter with operated AV device.Therefore, according to described IP remote controllers, can obtain following effect: realize reliable communication by carrying out acknowledge; Can handle the complex command system by adopting the GUI operation; Utilize wide relatively bandwidth, can transmit the data of very a large amount of stream distribution that for example is used for mobile image.
Utilize the tele-control system of IP remote controllers to realize by following exemplary configuration: the IP remote controllers send an order as the WLAN signal; Access point receives described order, and the order that will receive via wired lan is sent to the AV device then, and this AV device sends content and information; Access point receives content and information and sends it to the IP remote controllers.
The IP remote controllers can not be subjected to the constraint of the directivity that the infrared remote controller had.But on the other hand, owing to be not only also Be Controlled typically of device in face of the user and other device, therefore when the user used the IP remote controllers, he or she can not easily specify the controlled device that is positioned at his or she in front by the mode of visual observation.For example, it is contemplated that following situation: in the time of in multiple arrangement is present in user's visual range and outside the scope, the user wants to specify and control the device that is present in user's visual range; When a plurality of similar devices were in user's the visual range, the user only wanted to specify and control one of them device.
In tele-control system according to an embodiment of the invention, IP network is used to from the IP remote controllers transmission command as the control point, and from the controlled device transmission response.When controlled device responds,, also carry out and depend on the operation that is attached to the equipment on the apparatus main body except response transmission via IP network.For example, on the device main body of actual appointment, carry out image output on display device, from the flash of light of LED or from the voice output of loud speaker.Therefore, because the user can check visually that he or she can determine whether the device of wishing is correctly specified by the performed aforesaid operations of equipment that is attached on the described device that is positioned at his or she in front.
It is as follows with the program of the controlled device of confirming described appointment to be used to specify controlled device: (1) IP remote controllers send an order via network to appointed device and are used to specify controlled device; (2) device that receives described order sends a response via network to the IP remote controllers, and carry out an operation response, it depends on the equipment that is attached on the described apparatus main body, described operation response for example can be: show the icon of representing to be appointed as controlled device, be attached to the LED flicker on its main body panel, produce buzzer, perhaps body vibration; (3) user before the described device surface detects operation response.Otherwise, if before the user was not positioned at device surface, he or she just can not detect operation response.Like this, the user can actually determine whether the device of wishing is correctly specified.
When the user had successfully carried out the device assigned operation via the IP remote controllers, the device of his or she front was carried out an operation, for example display icon or message, or generation buzzer or voice message.Thus, the user can confirm directly that he or she has successfully specified the device of wishing.
On the other hand, send under the situation of the order that is used to specify controlled device to different device mistakenly at the IP remote controllers, the device that receives order is reacted and is operated.If device is positioned at the same room at user place, the user can confirm directly that from the performed operation of undesirable device he or she does not have correct specified device.If be positioned at different rooms by the device of wrong appointment, the user cannot see response and the operation from any device in his or she room, place.Therefore, the user can confirm that still he or she fails to specify the device of hope.
Utilization be can carry out and the understandable user's setting of each long-range controlled device or the device affirmation operation of user-friendly default name on network, given.
In this case, IP remote controllers (or the access point between IP remote controllers and the network) have for example Network Recognition information table of IP address, and user's setting or user-friendly default name, and all these are all relevant with long-range controlled device.Be stored in user-friendly default name in each long-range controlled device by manufacturer's initial setting up, and can change according to user preferences.The IP remote controllers can obtain described user-friendly default name via network.The user is provided with title and refers to the title remembered, and the user can freely give it one and install and be stored in the IP remote controllers.
The IP remote controllers provide GUI to select screen, have shown the tabulation of giving each title that can be provided with via the user-friendly default or user of the device of network control above.By screen response user's device assigned operation, the IP remote controllers send the order that is used to specify controlled device to the device of being selected by the user.Order comprises that the default or user who is used for the explicit user close friend is provided with the request of title.
When receiving order, long-range controlled device is as a title that operates in the user-friendly default or user setting that shows it on its screen.According to above-mentioned processing, based on the content on two screens, the user can compare his or she device name on the screen of device name of selecting and the long-range controlled device that is presented at actual appointment on the GUI selection screen.Especially, when having used the user of being convenient to user's understanding that title is set, explicit user is provided with title and is easier to user's acceptance and understanding than LED indication feedback or generation buzzer.
According to one embodiment of present invention, a kind of computer program that is written as computer-reader form is provided, make and on computer system, to carry out via at least one the processing in one or more devices of network control and interconnection each other via the network remote operation, in these one or more devices at least one specified as controlled device by the user, and this computer program makes the computer system operation: be used to notify the user can be via the program of one or more devices of network control; Be used for by specify the program of a device from the order of the specified device transmission specified device of the one or more devices that are notified to the user to the user via network; Be used for when receiving confirmation of receipt when response from one to its device that has sent the order of specified device via network, the program that notice user's set assigned operation has been finished, wherein the described device of confirmation of receipt response expression has been accepted this order.
Computer program is defined as being written as the computer program of computer-reader form according to an embodiment of the invention, and predetermined processing can be obtained on computer system.That is, when computer program is installed in the computer system according to an embodiment of the invention, carry out the operation of cooperation, thereby computer system can be operating as the control point in the tele-control system according to an embodiment of the invention.
Other purposes of the present invention, feature and advantage are from based on the more detailed description of following embodiments of the invention and accompanying drawing and become obvious.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of using the exemplary home network of one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 shows the figure that controlled device is positioned at user's visual range and extraneous situation;
Fig. 3 is the block diagram that the exemplary hardware configuration of a terminal installation of operating as the IP remote controllers is shown;
Fig. 4 A illustrates a block diagram as the configuration of the device of controlled device operation;
Fig. 4 B illustrates a block diagram as the configuration of the device of controlled device operation;
Fig. 5 shows the figure of the program of the controlled device that is used to specify controlled device and confirms appointment in tele-control system according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 shows the figure of the operating sequence of the controlled device of specifying controlled device and confirming appointment;
Fig. 7 shows and utilizes the user that the figure that title is specified the controlled device and the program of the controlled device of confirming appointment is set in tele-control system according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 8 shows and utilizes user-friendly default or user that the figure of operating sequence that title is specified controlled device and confirmed the controlled device of appointment is set.
Embodiment
To be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings one embodiment of the present of invention.
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of using the exemplary home network of one embodiment of the invention.
In the home network shown in the figure, provide a tele-control system, wherein, used a kind of replacement (or except) infrared transmission line and utilize the remote commander of IP network, that is, and the IP remote controllers.
Device by the control of IP remote controllers is for example as follows: content reproduction apparatus for example is used to the reset display or the audio reproducing apparatus (AV amplifier) of AV content; Content providing device for example is used for receiving broadcast content and the tuner of the broadcasted content that is received is provided on home network, or is used for providing the CD/DVD player of the content that is stored in medium; And content recording apparatus, be used to write down the outside content that obtains, as broadcasted content.Described content reproduction apparatus, content providing device and content recording apparatus are provided with function and the network interface that receives infrared command individually.These devices alternatively connect each other via the IP network (LAN) according to IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) standard construction.An example of the controlled device that the IP remote controllers can be operated via the network utilisation order is the household electrical appliances (hereinafter being also referred to as the DLNA device) that meet the DLNA criterion.
The IP remote controllers are provided with transmission corresponding to the infrared command of user's operation and the function of radio network interface, therefore, make it possible to utilize access point (AP) to communicate via the wireless network according to IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard construction.Because AP is connected to IP network, the IP remote controllers can alternatively be communicated by letter with each controlled DLNA device via AP.Therefore, the IP remote controllers can send remote control command to the DLNA device via IP network, and can receive data from the controlled device of hope.
According to described IP remote controllers, remote control operation can utilize does not almost have the communication media of directivity constraint and communication range constraint to carry out.Because IP remote controllers and operated device can alternatively communicate with one another via IP network, therefore can obtain following technique effect: (1) sends by execution and confirms (receiving response) realization reliable communication; (2) by adopting the GUI operation can handle the complex command system; And (3) can utilize wide relatively bandwidth to send very lot of data, and these data for example are used for the stream distribution of mobile image.
For example, be configured to distribute the moving image data that is received to the IP remote controllers via IP network by the television receiver of IP remote controllers operation.The user can watch the mobile image of being distributed on the display screen of IP remote controllers, described display screen is as the sub-screen (referring to for example above-mentioned Japanese patent application No.2005-17439) of television receiver screen.
With reference to system shown in Figure 1, Long-distance Control server is present between IP remote controllers and the controlled DLNA device.The Long-distance Control server is provided with the function of the access point on the wireless network.Long-distance Control server and for example disposing in integrated mode by the DLNA device of the television receiver of IP remote controllers control.In addition, the Long-distance Control server also is provided with wired lan communication function, for example Ethernet.The Long-distance Control server is via IP network, and promptly LAN receives operational order from the IP remote controllers, then to the device transfer operation order of being controlled by the IP remote controllers, and, otherwise, wirelessly transmit the content that receives from the DLNA device, for example moving image data to the IP remote controllers.Also be provided at controlled device under the situation of LAN communication function, the Long-distance Control server transmits operational order from IP remote controllers wireless receiving via LAN to described device.But,, will omit its extra explanation because the Long-distance Control server is direct and the spot correlation of wanting of the present invention.
When multiple arrangement is controlled by the IP remote controllers with the configuration of above-mentioned home network, described a plurality of controlled devices can be present in user's visual range simultaneously and scope outside.Fig. 2 shows controlled device and is present in user's visual range simultaneously and the figure of extraneous situation.
Home network 10 is connected to internet 20 via router one 3.Router one 3 is connected to the access point 12 of WLAN, and controlled device A 14 and B 15.IP remote controllers 11 are connected to home network 10 via access point 12.
Two independent rooms 1 and 2 are arranged in the dwelling house shown in this figure.Access point 12, controlled device A14 and IP remote controllers 11 are configured in the room 1.Controlled device B 15 is configured in the room 2.That is, controlled device A 14 and B 15 are present in user's the visual range respectively and outside the scope.In the following description, suppose that the user wants to specify the interior device A 14 of its visual range and appointed device A 14 is carried out remote control operations.
Fig. 3 shows in the tele-control system according to present embodiment, as the block diagram of the exemplary hardware configuration of the terminal installation of IP remote controllers operation.Terminal installation shown in this Fig can be produced as the terminal that is exclusively used in the IP remote controllers, or can be designed as and combine IP remote controllers and other multi-function devices such as the function of the portable terminal device of PDA (personal digital assistant), game machine or mobile phone.
Shown IP remote controllers 11 so configuration make that CPU (CPU) 31 can be via each unit of bus 32 centralized control.
CPU 31 is provided with memory cell 33, and it comprises ROM and RAM.The program code that CPU 31 will be stored on the ROM decompresses to RAM, carries out predetermined process then.Predetermined process comprises as follows: via network to/from controlled device transmission/reception command as control signal; To/from controlled device transmission/received content; Transmit file; And the controlled device of Long-distance Control, for example DLNA device or IR device.CPU 31 carries out these treatment steps according to the instruction of user's input.
Input switch matrix unit 34 comprises the key operation part, and it is easy to the operation of numeric keypad, sound operating key, picture quality operating key and channel selecting key.Input switch matrix unit 34 so configuration makes the user can import the operational order to long-range controlled device.The operational order of the controlled device of input is sent to controlled device via IP network from network communication unit 35 on input switch matrix unit 34.
Network communication unit 35 is provided with network interface, is used for communicating by letter with access point (AP) via the wireless network according to for example IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard construction.Unique identifying information on the network, for example MAC and IP address are endowed network communication unit.In this embodiment, network communication unit 35 is configured to transmit a Long-distance Control request via network to controlled device, and this request is corresponding to the instruction of having imported by input switch matrix unit 34.
Infrared communication unit 36 is configured to send a device discovery request as infrared signal, is used to specify user's device in front of holding the IP remote controllers.Infrared communication unit 36 can be provided with the function that sends general infrared command, and it has adopted the infrared communication standard SIRCS (serial infrared remote control system) that is widely used in remote controllers such as AV device.But described infrared communication unit 36 is not an essence theme of the present invention.
Encoding and decoding processing unit 37 is carried out the Code And Decode of AV content and is handled.In this embodiment, the AV content such as the MPEG-4 data that sends from controlled DLNA device is received by network communication unit 35, and then by 37 decodings of encoding and decoding processing unit, thereby sound and video can be reset.Television receiver by the operation of IP remote controllers for example can be distributed the moving image data that is received via IP network to the IP remote controllers.The user watches the mobile image of being distributed on the display screen of IP remote controllers, described display screen is as the sub-screen of television receiver screen.Do not send at the IP remote controllers under the situation of AV content, do not need the encoding function of encoding and decoding processing unit 37.
38 pairs of graphical display processors (GDP) output to the draw data of liquid crystal display (LCD) 39 and carry out processing, drive controlling liquid crystal display 39, and process user has been passed through the data of the display screen input of liquid crystal display 39, described display screen double as touch pad.For example, the vision signal of having been decoded by encoding and decoding processing unit 37 is exported to liquid crystal display 39 by graphical display processor 38.In addition, based on the device information that is obtained from the controlled device that is connected to network, graphical display processor 38 shows the user interface that is used for operating means on liquid crystal display 39.
Fig. 4 A shows the configuration block diagram according to the device of operating as controlled device in the tele-control system of this embodiment.In the example shown in this figure, controlled device is as network (or DLNA)-ready hdd recorder, its selection and write down the content of the broadcasting of for example television broadcasting.
Selectively, with reference to figure 4B, controlled device is as television receiver, and its outside port by hard-disk interface 65 is connected to external fixed disk drive 66, and is provided with display and loud speaker.
The broadcast wave that receives by the antenna (not shown) is provided for tuner 51.Tuner 51 is selected a broadcast wave according to the instruction of CPU 61 on predetermined channel, export received data in the stage subsequently to demodulator 52 then.The digital modulated data that demodulator 52 demodulation are received.
By the numerical data of demodulation for example is transport stream (TS), wherein is re-used according to compressed AV data of MPEG-2 system and programme information.TS decoder 53 is explained described transport stream, then transport stream is separated into AV data and programme information according to the MPEG-2 system compresses.Subsequently, TS decoder 53 sends described AV data to AV decoder 54, and sends programme information via bus 58 to CPU 61.
When the real-time AV data that receives from TS decoder 53 according to the MPEG-2 system compresses, AV decoder 54 becomes the video data of compression and the voice data of compression with the AV data separating.The video data of compression de-compresses into raw video signal by AV decoder 54 according to the MPEG-2 system.Voice data is synthesized the audio signal that will be reset with the sound that adds then by PCM (pulse code modulation) decoding.The vision signal that will be reset is output on the display via multiplexer 55B.The audio signal that will be reset is output on the audio reproducing apparatus via multiplexer 55A.Under the broadcasted content situation of the program that is programmed to be recorded, the video of compression and voice data are not decompressed.These data are transferred into hard disk drive 66 via bus 58, and blotter is on hard disk drive 66 then.When watching broadcasted content, these data are read from hard disk drive 66, decompress by AV decoder 54 then, thus the playback broadcasted content.
User interface control unit 56 is as carrying out the module that user's input operation is handled.User interface control unit 56 for example is provided with the key matrix (not shown), and it comprises action button/switch, is used for user's manual operation, and is provided with the function that receives the infrared remote control command.The user can utilize remote controllers to carry out the operation relevant with content via user interface control unit 56, for example selects the program of broadcast program, record, record programming, reproduction and deletion record.
CPU 61 is as master controller, all operations of its control content generator 50.CPU 61 is in response to the remote control command that receives from IP remote controllers 11 via network or in response to the order that receives from the infrared remote controller, to broadcast program executive logging, record programming, processing such as reproduction.
RAM 62 is volatibility writable memories, the activity data that is used to CPU 61 to download the executive program code and write executive program.ROM 63 is read-only memorys, is used for the program and/or the initialize routine of the self diagnosis that memory contents generator 50 for good and all carries out when powering on, and the microcode of hardware operation.ROM 63 can be the EEPROM that for example can electric wipe and rewrite the data of being stored.
Network interface 64 is as content providing device 50 being connected to for example device of the IP network of home network.Network interface 64 is carried out the LAN traffic operation according to the communication protocol of for example Ethernet.
Hard disk drive (HDD) 66 is used for predetermined file format stored program, data etc., and has big relatively capacity as external memory storage, for example tens arrives hundreds of GB.Hard disk drive 66 is connected to bus 58 via hard-disk interface 65.
Display controller 57 is carried out the controller that shows control operation as the broadcast program information that is exclusively used in the data broadcasted content.
Operating unit 67 has been configured to be attached to display device on the apparatus main body, LED, loud speaker etc.When via network when IP remote controllers 11 receive specified command (in the back describe), operating unit 67 is reacted and executable operations, for example show image such as icon or message, flash of light or the response by buzzer or voice message, make the user confirm that he or she has specified content providing device 50 thus.
Selectively, in response to the request from the IP remote controllers, controlled device can be carried out an operation, for example, replaces the display unit name information on its display that operates in of operating unit 67, such as user friendly default or user title is set.But, this have only when described controlled device be that television receiver or other are just feasible when having the device of display unit (describing in the back).Especially, when understandable user was provided with title and is used as name information, and such as the LED indication or produce the reacting phase ratio of buzzer, described operation was easier to the user and accepts.In addition, this has caused being easier to the system that the user understands.
In the network-based remote control system, a plurality of controlled devices can be controlled by the IP remote controllers.At this, as described with reference to figure 2, can suppose described a plurality of controlled device be present in user's visual range and scope outside.In this case, the user may want to specify and control the device that is positioned at its visual range.Under the situation in a plurality of similar devices are placed in user's visual range, the user may think only to specify and control one of these devices.But because the IP remote controllers are controlled at described device on the network as the control point, controller not only can typically be controlled the device in face of the user, but also can control other device.Therefore, when using the IP remote controllers, the controlled device in face of the user can not easily be specified in the visual observation mode.
In the tele-control system according to present embodiment, IP network is used to transmit from the order of IP remote controllers and the transmission response from controlled device.When controlled device is carried out an operation response,, also carry out an operation of depending on the equipment (that is, operating unit 67) that is attached on its main body except response transmission via IP network.For example, export, glisten or voice output by display device, LED or the loud speaker difference carries out image of appointed device.Thereby because the user can visually check this performed operation of equipment on the device main body that is attached to his or she in front, so he or she can determine whether the device of wishing is correctly specified.
A kind ofly be used to specify controlled device and confirm that the program of appointed controlled device is as follows: (1) IP remote controllers send an order that is used to specify controlled device via network to appointed device; (2) device that has received order sends a response via network to the IP remote controllers, and carry out an operation response, it depends on the equipment that is attached on the described device main body, for example show and represent that it is as the appointed icon of controlled device, flicker is attached to the LED on the panel of main body, produce buzzer, or the vibration main body; (3) user before the device surface detects this operation response.Otherwise, if the user not before device surface, he or she can not detect this operation response.The user can actually determine whether the device of wishing is correctly specified like this.
To be described a kind of being used in the program of specifying controlled device and the appointed controlled device of affirmation according to the tele-control system of present embodiment with reference to figure 5.
The controlled device A and the B that lay respectively at room 1 and 2 are connected to each other via network.In this case, the IP remote controllers can be specified controlled device A and B simultaneously via home network.
When the user who holds the IP remote controllers was positioned at room 1 and wants to specify controlled device A as controlled device, the order that is used to specify controlled device was sent to controlled device via network from the IP remote controllers.
Controlled device A sends a response to respond described order via network.In addition, controlled device A makes a response when utilizing operating unit 67 operations, thereby makes the user confirm that it is designated.More clearly, represent that designated icon or the message as controlled device of described device is displayed on the display or display unit on the panel that is attached to described device main body.Selectively, output buzzer or speech information.
When the order that is used to specify controlled device by mistakenly when the IP remote controllers are sent to controlled device B, controlled device B makes a response and operates (with top identical) simultaneously to respond described order.In this case, the user in the room 1 can not for example directly confirm the reaction of controlled device B in the visual observation mode.In addition, be positioned at identical room with the user and the user believes that he or she the controlled device A of appointment does not make a response.Therefore make the user notice that he or she specifies controlled device A failure, the user can specify controlled device A once more, makes the order that is used to specify controlled device can be sent to described device.
Fig. 6 shows the figure of the operating sequence of the controlled device of specifying controlled device and definite appointment.At this, suppose that controlled device A and B lay respectively in user's the visual range and outside the scope.In addition, suppose that also controlled device A and B meet UPnP (UPnP), the IP remote controllers are corresponding to the UPnP control point.UPnP is a kind of agreement, and it allows such as the interconnection each other of devices such as PC, ancillary equipment, AV device, phone and household electrical appliances, and the function of device separately is provided towards each other.
IP remote controllers 11 corresponding to the UPnP control point are connected to home network 10, and monitor that periodically multicast address/port is to monitor the connection status (S101) of each the UPnP device on the home network 10.
When the controlled device A that meets UPnP and B are connected to home network 10, DHCP of router one 3 (DHCP) and DNS (domain name system) server capability are operated, and make IP address and domain name be endowed each (S102 and the S202) among controlled device A and the B.
When receiving IP address and domain name, each multicast apparatus among controlled device A and the B is found message, and this message finds that according to the UPnP device agreement comprises device ID and domain name (S103 and S203).
Utilization is included in device ID and the domain name in the device discovery message that has received, and IP remote controllers 11 can be specified each among controlled device A and the B.In order to obtain the how detailed information of these devices, the detailed description of each request unit of IP remote controllers 11 in controlled device A and B (S104 and S204).
Among controlled device A and the B each is in response to the unit describe request that is received from IP remote controllers 11, dispensing device describing message (S105 and S205).IP remote controllers 11 can obtain each manufacturer's title, device name and the model among controlled device A and the B from this message.
According to above-mentioned processing, IP remote controllers 11 can be specified controlled device A and B individually and control these devices via network.
At this, be used to select the GUI screen of a controlled device to be displayed on liquid crystal display 39, the touch panel (S106) of the IP remote controllers 11 of its double as user operation.When the user has selected controlled device A, when pressing the GUI key (S107) corresponding to selected device then, the order that is used to specify controlled device is sent to controlled device A (S108) via home network 10.
Controlled device A periodically oneself monitors whether be designated as controlled device (S109) so that know it.When IP remote controllers 11 receive the order that is used to specify controlled device, described controlled device A checks the mode of operation that it is current, determines then whether it can be in the control (S110) of IP remote controllers 11.
Can be in the following time of control of IP remote controllers 11 when controlled device A determines it, it sends the receivable state of display command via home network 10 to the IP remote controllers.Simultaneously, controlled device A makes a response by utilizing operating unit 67 executable operations, makes the user confirm that it is designated thus.When controlled device A is television receiver (perhaps being provided with the device of display), for example represent that appointed icon of described device or message are presented on its display.
On the other hand, return with reference to determining block diagram S110, when controlled device A determine it can not receive by IP remote controllers 11 send be used to specify the order of controlled device the time, it sends an error condition, display command cannot be accepted.Simultaneously, controlled device A shows reason that can not receive described order etc. on display.
In response in the executed selection operation of IP remote controllers and by by the performed operation of the device of Long-distance Control, can carry out the significant information representation that the user has offered each device, for example user friendly default or user is provided with title, replaces for example LED flash of light and from the reaction of the buzzer of loud speaker.
In this case, in IP remote controllers one side, the user selects screen to specify one will be selected to show about each tabulation via the name information of the device of network controlled system on the screen at this by the device of Long-distance Control via GUI.In response to user's assigned operation,, show that its name information is as an operation by device one side of Long-distance Control.Therefore, based on the content of two displays, the user can select him or she on GUI selects screen device name be presented at specified device name and compare by on the screen of the device of Long-distance Control.The user is provided with title and is meant that the user can freely give the memory title of a device.User friendly default name is meant that system considers that device is in the position of dwelling house and distribute to the memory title of device automatically.User friendly default name can be handled uniquely to be different from IP and the MAC Address in the home network.In particular, when understandable user was provided with name and is referred to as name information and uses, with for example LED indication or produce the reacting phase ratio of buzzer, the demonstration that the user is provided with title was easier to the user and accepts.In addition, this causes one to be easier to the system that the user understands.
Fig. 7 shows and utilizes the user that the figure that title is used to specify controlled device and confirms the program of specified controlled device is set in the tele-control system according to this embodiment.
Lay respectively at room 1 (living room), room 2 (bedroom), the controlled device A in room 3 (study), B and C interconnect each other via network.The IP remote controllers can be specified controlled device A, B and C from access point (AP) by home network.
At this, suppose each controlled device A, B and C are television receiver or the device that is provided with display.In addition, suppose that also the user therefrom can understand each user who installs the present position title " living room TV " is set, " bedroom TV " and " study TV " is registered as controlled device A, B, and C respectively.From each controlled device A, the user-friendly default name that B and C obtain can replace the user title use is set.
IP between IP remote controllers and controlled device program controller far away or access point have that the user is provided with or user friendly default name and for example distribute to IP of each device or the table of the Network Recognition information of MAC Address.Have at the IP remote controllers under the situation of described table, it is the IP address that the IP remote controllers are provided with name translation with appointed user on the display screen, makes that controlled device can be designated by the IP address, sends via access point then to have the message of this IP address.Have at access point under the situation of described table, the IP remote controllers send has the message that the user is provided with title.Then, access point will be included in user in the message that has received, and name translation is set is user friendly default name (or Network Recognition information, for example IP address), sends the message with user friendly default name to IP network then.In the following description, suppose that for simplicity the IP remote controllers have the table that the user is provided with title.
(table 1)
Network identifier User friendly default name The user is provided with title
Identifier A Display unit A The living room TV
Identifier B Display unit B The bedroom TV
The user who holds the IP remote controllers is arranged in room 1 (living room).The IP remote controllers can be controlled controlled device A, B, and C.User with these devices is provided with the selection GUI screen display of tabulation of title (or user friendly default name) on the display of IP remote controllers.
The user knows that he or she is arranged in the living room, and wants to select the television receiver of his or she front, that is, three controlled device A that controlled device is central activate selecteed television receiver then.Therefore, the user selects the user that title " living room TV " is set, and this can remind the TV on his or she the described selection GUI screen to be positioned at the living room.In response to user's selection, the order that is used to specify controlled device is sent to controlled device A via network from the IP remote controllers.This order comprises and is used for the request that explicit user is provided with title.
Controlled device A is provided with title by the user who shows it on its screen and makes a response in response to the order that receives.Based on the content of two screens, the user that the user can be easily selects him or she to select on the screen at GUI is provided with title and with user on the screen that is presented at controlled device A title is set and compares.
On the other hand, when the user was selecting to select " bedroom TV " mistakenly on the GUI screen, the order that is used to specify controlled device was sent to controlled device B.Described order comprises the request that is used for explicit user setting title.In room 2 (bedroom), controlled device B shows that in response to described order its user is provided with title.In this case, the user in the room 1 can not be for example directly confirms the operation carried out by controlled device B in the visual observation mode.In addition, be arranged in same room with the user and user believes that he or she the controlled device A of appointment does not make a response.Because this makes the user notice that he or she specifies controlled device A failure, so the user can specify controlled device A once more, makes the order that is used to specify controlled device can be sent to described device.
Fig. 8 illustrates to utilize user friendly default or user that being used to specify controlled device and confirming the figure of the sequence of operation of appointed controlled device of title is set.At this, suppose that controlled device A and B lay respectively in user's the visual range and outside the scope, wherein the user holds the IP remote controllers.In addition, suppose that also controlled device A and B meet UPnP, and the IP remote controllers are corresponding to UPnP control point (the same).
IP remote controllers corresponding to the UPnP control point are connected to home network 10 and periodically monitor multicast address/port, to monitor the connection status (S301) of each the UPnP device on the home network 10.
When the controlled device A that meets UPnP and B are connected to home network 10, DHCP of router (DHCP) and the operation of DNS (domain name system) server capability make IP address and domain name be endowed each (S302 and the S402) among controlled device A and the B.
When receiving IP address and domain name, each multicast apparatus among controlled device A and the B is found message, and this message finds that according to the UPnP device agreement comprises device ID and domain name (S303 and S403).
The utilization of IP remote controllers is included in the device that received and finds that device ID in the message and domain name can specify each among controlled device A and the B.In order to obtain the how detailed information of these devices, IP remote controllers each in controlled device A and B is asked the detailed description (S304 and S404) of described device.
Among controlled device A and the B each is in response to the unit describe request that is received from the IP remote controllers, dispensing device describing message (S305 and S405).The IP remote controllers can obtain each manufacturer's title, device name and the user friendly default name among controlled device A and the B from this message.
According to above-mentioned processing, the IP remote controllers can be specified controlled device A and B individually and control these devices via network.Suppose that for simplicity controlled device A and B typically are under the control of IP remote controllers.Therefore in response to the order from the IP remote controllers, these devices can not carried out the checked operation (the step S110 among Fig. 6) of their current operation status.
At this, the GUI screen display that is used to select controlled device is at liquid crystal display 39, the touch panel of the IP remote controllers 11 of its double as user operation.At this moment, the user is provided with title by user friendly default name or user and can selects to specify the method for controlled device (S306).
When the user had specified the method for using user friendly default name, GUI selected screen to be shown, listed on it current can be via the user friendly default name (S307) of the device of network control.For example when the user selected the user friendly default name of controlled device A, in response to user's selection operation, the order that is used to specify controlled device was sent to controlled device A (S309).This order comprises the request that is used for the friendly default name of explicit user.In response to the order that receives, controlled device A shows its user friendly default name on its screen.
On the other hand, when the user has specified when using the user that the method for title is set, GUI selects screen to be shown, and has listed on it currently can title (S308) be set via the user of the device of network control.For example when the user selected the user of controlled device B that title is set, in response to user's selection operation, the order that is used to specify controlled device was sent to controlled device B (S310).This order comprises and is used for the request that explicit user is provided with title.In response to the order that receives, controlled device B shows that on its screen its user is provided with title.
As mentioned above, via the GUI selection screen of IP remote controllers, the user can specify controlled device, and this display screen has been listed user friendly default name or the user is provided with title.Will be what receive the order that is used to specify controlled device by remote-operated device one side, the display operation that the user friendly default name of device or user are provided with title is performed as operation.After this, based on the content on two screens, the user can compare at the device name that GUI selects to select on the screen him or she with the device name by on the screen of the device of Long-distance Control that is presented at actual appointment.In particular, with the reacting phase ratio of LED indication and generation buzzer, when using understandable user that title is set, the demonstration that the user is provided with title is easier to user's acceptance and understanding.
Abovely describe the present invention in detail with reference to specific embodiment.But clearly those of ordinary skills can make modification and the replacement to described embodiment in not departing from the scope of the present invention.That is, disclosed the present invention is open by way of example, and the content of specification should not explained on being limited property ground.Scope of the present invention should consider that the scope of appended claim makes an explanation.

Claims (10)

1. tele-control system, wherein, when in the visual range that can be present in the user via the multiple arrangement of network control and outside the scope, the user is via in the described device of network utilisation desired control point Long-distance Control at least one, and described tele-control system comprises:
According to user's device assigned operation, make the control point send a unit that is used to specify the order of controlled device to appointed device via network; With
Be used to make the device that has received the described order that is used to specify controlled device to send response to the control point, and utilize the equipment executable operations that is attached on the described device main body responding the unit of described order via network,
Wherein, the control point shows the name information tabulation via all devices of network controlled, then, utilize shown tabulation according to the device assigned operation of carrying out by the user, send the order that is used to specify controlled device to appointed device via network, described order comprises the request of the name information that is used to show appointed device, and
Wherein, the described device that has received the order that is used to specify controlled device is carried out the display operation of its name information, the operation of described order in response.
2. according to the tele-control system of claim 1, wherein, the user is notified in the control point when the response that receives the order that is used to specify controlled device: the device assigned operation is finished.
3. according to the tele-control system of claim 1, wherein, the described device that has received the order that is used to specify controlled device responds described command execution and makes image from the display device output that is attached to described device main body, LED flash of light or from the operation of loud speaker output sound.
4. according to the tele-control system of claim 1, wherein, the described device that has received the order that is used to specify controlled device determines whether to accept described order, then by showing that on described device main body determined result notifies the user determined result.
5. according to the tele-control system of claim 1, wherein, the control point has the function of remote commander.
6. remote commander as control point operation, be used for via network control via network controlled and via at least one of network one or more devices connected to one another, in described one or more device at least one has been specified by the user as controlled device, and described remote commander comprises:
Be used to notify the unit of user via one or more devices of network controlled;
Be used for by sending the unit that the order that is used to specify device comes specified device to the user from the device of its notified one or more devices appointment via network; With
Be used for when the device that receives the order that is used to specify device receives the confirmation of receipt response, notifying the user via network: the unit that the device assigned operation has been finished, the described device of described confirmation of receipt response expression has been accepted described order,
Wherein, be used to notify the tabulation of the unit demonstration of the one or more devices of user via the name information of all devices of network controlled, and
Wherein, the unit that is used to specify device via network to the user utilize shown tabulation the device of appointment send the order that is used to specify controlled device, described order comprises the request of the name information that is used to show appointed device.
7. remote control operation method, via network remote control via network controlled and via in network one or more devices connected to one another at least one, in described one or more device at least one has been specified by the user as controlled device, and this remote control operation method comprises the steps:
Notify the user one or more devices via network controlled;
By via network to user's one or more devices notified from it the device of appointment send the order be used to specify device and come specified device; With
Notifying the user via network when the device that receives the order that is used to specify device receives the confirmation of receipt response: the device assigned operation is finished, and the described device of described confirmation of receipt response expression has been accepted described order,
Wherein, in the step of notifying the one or more devices of user, show tabulation via the name information of all devices of network controlled, and
Wherein, in the step of specified device, the order that is used to specify controlled device is sent to the device that the user utilizes shown tabulation appointment via network, and described order comprises the request of the name information that is used to show appointed device.
8. one kind by the device of Long-distance Control, and the user can utilize the control point via the operation of network remote ground, and described device by Long-distance Control comprises:
Be used for unit via network executive communication operation;
Be used for sending the unit that confirmation of receipt responds via network when being accepted to be used to specify the order of controlled device by the device of Long-distance Control, wherein said order is received from the control point by network; With
The unit that is used for executable operations when being used to specify the order of controlled device by the acceptance of the device of Long-distance Control, described order is received from the control point by network, described operation is represented to have been accepted described order by the device of Long-distance Control, and described unit is attached on the described device main body
Wherein, when the order that is used to specify controlled device was received by device, described order comprised the request that is used for display Name information, and the unit that is used for executable operations shows that the name information of described device is used as this operation.
According to Claim 8 by the device of Long-distance Control, wherein, response is used to specify the order of controlled device, and the unit that is used for executable operations is carried out and made image from being attached to display device output on the described device main body, LED flash of light or from the operation of loud speaker output sound.
According to Claim 8 by the device of Long-distance Control, further comprise:
Be used for determining whether being accepted to be used to specify by the device of Long-distance Control the unit of the order of controlled device, described order is received from the control point by network, and described unit also is used for notifying the user determined result on described device main body.
CNB2006101728454A 2005-05-09 2006-05-09 Tele-control system and method, remote commander, by the device of Long-distance Control Expired - Fee Related CN100574204C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2005135656 2005-05-09
JP2005135656 2005-05-09
JP2006004130 2006-01-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN1972201A CN1972201A (en) 2007-05-30
CN100574204C true CN100574204C (en) 2009-12-23

Family

ID=38112812

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CNB2006101728454A Expired - Fee Related CN100574204C (en) 2005-05-09 2006-05-09 Tele-control system and method, remote commander, by the device of Long-distance Control

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CN (1) CN100574204C (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4993785B2 (en) 2007-08-01 2012-08-08 シャープ株式会社 Network AV equipment and AV network system
CN104093078B (en) * 2013-11-29 2019-04-16 腾讯科技(北京)有限公司 A kind of method and device of playing video file

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1207227A (en) * 1996-01-04 1999-02-03 英国电讯有限公司 Remote control system
WO2004032515A1 (en) * 2002-10-02 2004-04-15 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Control device in a home network environment
CN1507217A (en) * 2002-12-06 2004-06-23 Lg������ʽ���� Family network system and operating method thereof

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1207227A (en) * 1996-01-04 1999-02-03 英国电讯有限公司 Remote control system
WO2004032515A1 (en) * 2002-10-02 2004-04-15 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Control device in a home network environment
CN1507217A (en) * 2002-12-06 2004-06-23 Lg������ʽ���� Family network system and operating method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1972201A (en) 2007-05-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7924168B2 (en) Remote control system, remote commander and remote control method, apparatus to be remotely controlled, and computer system
US20190261043A1 (en) Remote control system, remote commander, and remote control server
JP4985592B2 (en) Remote commander and remote operation method
KR101121778B1 (en) Method and AV device for controlling peripheral device through wireless medium
JP2006227843A (en) Content information management system, content information management device, content information management method and computer program
US20130069769A1 (en) Remote control user interface for handheld device
JP4687728B2 (en) Remote control method and remote control device
CN102713814A (en) Apparatus for controlling multimedia device and method for providing graphic user interface
JP2003009025A (en) Control of multiple audio/video devices by single master controller using infrared transmission command and bus transmission command
JP2007184746A (en) Remote control system, apparatus to remotely be controlled, and computer system
US7132956B2 (en) Electronic apparatus and remote controller
JP2007184745A (en) Remote control system, equipment to be remotely controlled, and computer system
CN101866541A (en) Information communication system, messaging device, information communication program and information communicating method
EP2095637B1 (en) System for displaying image and method for controlling the same
CN100574204C (en) Tele-control system and method, remote commander, by the device of Long-distance Control
JP2006054642A (en) Recording system, recording method and recording device
CN101689877B (en) Use the method and system of mobile communication terminal receiving digital broadcast
JP5002637B2 (en) Electronics
CN100527801C (en) Image display device, method of controlling the same and home network system
KR100736089B1 (en) Method for providing connection information of network device and device for the same
JP5584186B2 (en) Storage system and storage device
KR100585660B1 (en) Wireless visual system based universal plug and play protocol and control method thereof
WO2016006087A1 (en) Control device, method, and program
JPH0759166A (en) Remote control system
JP2004320296A (en) Remote control system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
C06 Publication
PB01 Publication
C10 Entry into substantive examination
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination
C14 Grant of patent or utility model
GR01 Patent grant
CF01 Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee

Granted publication date: 20091223

Termination date: 20150509

EXPY Termination of patent right or utility model