JP2002044753A - Infrared apparatus and remote control system using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide remote control system easy-to-use appliances such as a TV receiver and a VCR. SOLUTION: At an information processor 300, a user inputs contents of an operation instruction, for example, contents of reproduction. The processor 300 sends a signal showing the contents to an infrared unit 200. The unit 200 converts the signal (the contents of the instruction) into a light-emitting pattern that is readable by an electric appliance 400, so that infrared signal of the pattern is emitted from a light receiving/emitting part 203. The part 203 rotates 360 degrees in the direction 'the light emitting direction' with a rotating part 202. Then transmission of the signal continues for a minimum of one turn of the part 202. Therefore, the signal reaches precisely to the appliance 400, and the appliance 400 receives it to operate according to it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used to remotely control an electronic device that operates in response to an infrared signal.
The present invention relates to an infrared device and a remote control system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, operations of televisions, videos, and the like are performed by remote controllers (hereinafter, referred to as "remote controllers") prepared for respective devices.

In a remote controller, when a user operates an operation unit, an infrared signal corresponding to the operation content is emitted from a light emitting unit. The contents that can be instructed from the operation unit include, for example, channel change, volume adjustment, power ON / OFF, and the like in a television remote control.

[0004]

The remote controller mainly transmits and receives signals using infrared rays. However, it is often the case that the infrared signals do not reach the operation target equipment due to obstacles such as furniture in the room. Was. In such a case, the user needs to redo the operation by changing the direction of the remote controller or the like. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of usability.

[0005] Recently, the number of homes having a plurality of kitchens equipped with televisions and videos has been increasing. For this reason, the number of remote controllers has been increased too much, causing a problem in terms of usability. In order to improve such a situation, a multi-functional remote controller capable of operating a plurality of devices by one unit has been proposed. However, such a multifunctional remote control is hardly satisfactory in terms of usability, for example, the operation method is difficult to understand.

In the near future, it has been decided that a digital television capable of bidirectional data transmission will be put into practical use, but it is necessary to make full use of such new devices and services with a conventional remote control. Can not. In addition, as the utilization of networks has become full-scale, new needs have arisen for remote control of various home electric appliances from whereabouts. Therefore, a remote control system suitable for use of such a new device has been demanded.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system for an electronic device, which is excellent in operability and convenience, and an infrared device used for the same. And

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an infrared device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a light source that emits infrared light, and receives a signal (hereinafter, referred to as an "input signal") from the outside. A light emitting means for generating infrared light from the light source in a pattern corresponding to the signal and irradiating the light in a predetermined direction, and changing an irradiation direction of the infrared light by the light emitting means while following a cyclic route, thereby obtaining an infrared And a transmission range expanding means for expanding the transmission range.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an input signal is input from the outside. Then, the light emitting means generates infrared rays from the light source in a pattern corresponding to the input signal and irradiates the infrared rays in a predetermined direction. At this time, the transmission range expanding means expands the transmission range of the infrared signal by changing the irradiation direction while following a cyclic route.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the infrared ray device according to the first aspect, the transmission range expanding means continuously changes the irradiation direction at least while the light emitting means emits infrared light. There is a feature.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the transmission range expanding means keeps changing the irradiation direction at least while the light emitting means emits infrared rays.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the infrared device according to the first or second aspect, the light emitting unit is configured to transmit the irradiation direction by the transmission range enlarging unit by one time or more. , Which continuously emits infrared rays.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the light emitting means is configured such that the irradiation direction is set to one by the transmission range expanding means.
Continue to irradiate infrared light for more than the time it takes to go around.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an infrared device.
3. In the invention according to any one of 3, the light-emitting means includes one or two or more optical members that transmit and / or reflect infrared light, and the transmission range enlarging means includes: The irradiation direction of infrared rays is changed by changing the position and / or orientation of the light source and / or at least one of the optical members.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the transmission range enlarging means changes the irradiation direction of the infrared ray by changing the position and / or orientation of the light source and / or at least one optical member. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an infrared device.
5. The storage device according to claim 4, wherein the input signal is a signal indicating a control command, and storage means storing conversion information in which the control command is associated with an infrared light emission pattern; Conversion means for converting the input signal into a predetermined light emission pattern based on the light emission pattern, wherein the light emission means causes the light source to emit light in accordance with the light emission pattern obtained by the conversion means. Is what you do.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the conversion means converts the input signal into a predetermined light emission pattern based on the conversion information stored in the storage means. The light emitting means causes the light source to emit light according to the light emitting pattern obtained by the conversion means.

The infrared device according to claim 6 is the infrared device according to claim 1
5. The invention according to any one of the items 4, wherein the input signal is a signal indicating the infrared light emission pattern.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting means causes the light source to emit light in the infrared light emission pattern indicated by the input signal.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control system for remotely controlling an electronic device which operates in response to an infrared signal. A control device that outputs a signal indicating a command, and the infrared device according to claim 5, which transmits an infrared signal to the electronic device by operating based on a signal input from the control device. It is characterized by the following.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the control device accepts a separately input remote control command and outputs a signal indicating a predetermined control command according to the command. The infrared device transmits an infrared signal to the electronic device by operating based on a signal input from the control device.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control system for remotely controlling an electronic device that operates in response to an infrared signal, wherein the remote control system receives a separately input remote control command and generates a light emission pattern corresponding to the command. A control device that outputs a signal indicating the signal, and an infrared device according to claim 6, which transmits an infrared signal to the electronic device by operating based on a signal input from the control device. It is a feature.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the control device accepts a separately input remote control command and outputs a signal indicating a light emission pattern corresponding to the command. The infrared device transmits an infrared signal to the electronic device by operating based on a signal input from the control device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the remote operation system according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the control device comprises:
It has at least one of an input device for receiving a user's operation and a connection circuit for connecting the control device to a network, and receives a remote operation command input through the input device. .

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the control device receives a remote control command input from the input device. In addition, a remote control command input through a network connected by the connection circuit is received. The infrared device transmits an infrared signal according to the remote control command input in this manner.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

The main feature of the remote control system of this embodiment is that the infrared unit 200 transmits infrared signals in all directions (wide range) to ensure remote control of various electronic devices 400. It is. Also,
One of the features is that by using the information processing device 300 to input an operation instruction to the infrared unit 200, remote operation through the network 500 is also enabled. The details will be described below.

The remote control system 100 according to this embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus includes an infrared unit 200 and an information processing device 300, and operates in cooperation with each other, so that the video device 400 (1), the television 400 (2), and the air conditioning The machine 400 (3) can be remotely operated collectively. Thereafter, the video device 400 (1), the television 400 (2), the air conditioner 4
00 (3) may be collectively referred to as “electronic device 400”. Hereinafter, the configuration of each device will be described.

First, the infrared unit 200 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Infrared unit 200
Is for transmitting an infrared signal to the electronic device 400. Main body housing 201 of infrared unit 200
As shown in FIG. 1, an inverted L-shaped rotating part 20
2 are provided. This rotating part 202 is provided in the main body housing 2.
It is configured to be able to rotate 360 degrees around the shaft portion set up at 01. At the tip of this rotating part 202,
A light receiving / emitting unit 203 including an infrared light emitting element, a light receiving element, a lens, and the like is provided. The light emitting / receiving unit 203 emits infrared rays toward the outer circumferential direction of the rotation of the rotating unit 202. The infrared rays have a sufficient spread in the vertical direction. With such a configuration, the infrared light emitted from the light emitting / receiving unit 203 is rotationally scanned in accordance with the rotation of the rotating unit 202, and is applied to almost the entire area around the infrared unit 200, except immediately above the infrared unit 200. ing.

Further, the infrared unit 200 can be easily fixed on the information processing apparatus 300 or the like by an installation portion 204 provided on the bottom surface of the main body housing 201 and configured by a suction cup or the like. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the infrared unit 200 includes a rotary drive mechanism 211 and an infrared communication circuit 21 for control.
2, an interface unit 213 and a control circuit 214.

The rotation drive mechanism 211 is for rotating the rotation unit 202 and includes a motor that operates according to an instruction from the control circuit 214. The rotation speed and time of the rotation unit 202 by the rotation drive mechanism 211 are set in accordance with the transmission period of the infrared signal and the like.

The infrared communication circuit 212 is connected to the electronic device 400
And an infrared signal, and includes the above-described light emitting / receiving section 203 (FIG. 1).

The interface unit 213 is for connecting the infrared unit 200 to the information processing device 300. In this embodiment, a USB (Universal Sir
alBus). The interface unit 213 outputs a signal input from the information processing device 300 to the control circuit 214. Note that the infrared unit 200 is operated by power supplied from the information processing device 300 through the interface unit 213.

The control circuit 214 controls the infrared unit 2
00 controls and controls the entire 00. This control circuit 21
4 includes a memory 215 and a CPU 216. Various functions are realized by the CPU 216 executing the control program stored in the memory 215. For example, the control circuit 214 has a function of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the information processing device 300 through the interface unit 213.

Further, the control circuit 214 of this embodiment
Has a function of transmitting a control command (or an operation instruction) by an infrared signal based on a signal input from the information processing device 300. That is, the control circuit 21
Reference numeral 4 indicates that the electronic device 400 is remotely operated (or remotely controlled) by causing the light emitting / receiving unit 203 to emit light in response to a control command or the like transmitted from the information processing device 300. Here, the control commands are, for example, recording start and reproduction for the video device 400 (1), and cooling start and stop for the air conditioner 400 (3). The signal format of the control command to the electronic device 400 (specifically, the infrared light emission pattern) often differs depending on the model of the electronic device 400. For this reason, the control circuit 214 converts a signal (a signal indicating a control command or the like) input from the information processing device 300 into a signal format that can be read by the electronic device to be remotely operated at that time. The light emitting / receiving unit 203 emits light in accordance with the converted signal. This conversion involves:
The control command definition information 2150 stored in the memory 215 is used.

Further, the control circuit 214 of this embodiment
When the light emitting / receiving unit 203 emits light, the rotating unit 202 is rotated in order to enlarge the irradiation range of the infrared signal. In this case, the light emission and the rotation are set in consideration of each other. Specifically, the rotation unit 202
(Ie, the light emitting / receiving unit 203) emits infrared light for at least one rotation time.
In addition, the rotating unit 202 is kept rotating while emitting infrared light.

The memory 215 is for storing control programs and various data. This memory 21
5 includes control command definition information 2150 and model designation information 2160, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control command definition information 2150 contains, for each type and type of electronic device, the content of the control command (indicated by reference numeral 2153 in the figure) and the signal format of the control command. (Indicated by reference numeral 21 in the figure)
54 is assigned). In the figure, reference numeral 2151 is used in the type column, and reference numeral 2 is used in the model column.
152 was attached. Here, the “type” is a classification at a level based on main functions and applications such as a television, a video device, and an air conditioner. "Model" means, for example,
The classification is based on the manufacturer, model number, and the like. The “contents of the control command” include, for example, power ON, power OFF, recording start, and channel change for a video device. Power on and power off for TV
F, recording start, channel change, and the like. For the air conditioner, the cooling is started and stopped.
The “signal format” is an infrared light emission pattern. The contents of the control command definition information 2150 are stored in advance at the time of shipment from the factory. In this embodiment, a flash memory is employed as the memory 215, and the contents of the control instruction definition information 2150 and the model designation information 2160 can be updated as necessary.

The model designation information 2160 is information in which the actual model of the electronic device 400 to be remotely controlled is registered. As shown in FIG. 4, the model designation information 2160 is configured as a table for registering the type of the electronic device 400 in association with the model. In the figure, reference numeral 2161 is assigned to the type column, and reference numeral 2162 is assigned to the model column. When referring to the control command definition information 2150, a column in which the light emission pattern and the like of the model described in the model column 2162 are described. For example, in the example of FIG.
(3) is the model “A”. Therefore, the air conditioner 400
In order to remotely control (3), the control command definition information 2 shown in FIG.
When referring to 150, the model “A” of the type “air conditioner”
Will be referred to. The contents of the model designation information 2160 are set by the user himself using the information processing device 300.

Next, the information processing apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. The information processing device 300 receives an input of an operation instruction to the electronic device 400 and outputs the received operation instruction to the infrared unit 200. As shown in FIG. 1, a display screen 3 on which a predetermined input screen is displayed when a user inputs an operation instruction is provided at an upper front portion of the information processing apparatus 300.
01 is provided. In addition, an input device 302 such as a mouse and a keyboard is provided for receiving an operation by a user.

As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing apparatus 300 internally includes a display circuit 311, an input circuit 312,
External device connection circuit 313, network connection circuit 31
4, a storage circuit 315 and a control circuit 316.

The display circuit 311 is for displaying various kinds of information necessary when a user inputs an operation instruction, and is a C which constitutes the display screen 301 (FIG. 1) described above.
It is configured to include an RT (Cathode Ray Tube), a circuit for processing a display signal, and the like. The display circuit 311 operates according to an instruction from the control circuit 316.

The input circuit 312 is for receiving an input of an operation instruction from a user, and includes the above-described input device 302 (FIG. 1). The input circuit 312 transmits the operation contents of the input device 302 to the control circuit 316.
It is configured to output to

The external device connection circuit 313 is for connecting to another device (here, the infrared unit 200). In this embodiment, the external device connection circuit 31
3, a signal indicating an operation instruction (control instruction) and electric power are output to the infrared unit 200. In this embodiment, the external device connection circuit 313
A USB compliant device is used. The external device connection circuit 313 is configured to operate according to an instruction from the control circuit 316.

The network connection circuit 314 is for connecting the information processing apparatus 300 to the network 500. In this embodiment, the network 500
Assumed mainly for the Internet. For this reason, the network connection circuit 314 corresponds to a protocol adopted in the Internet such as TCP / IP.

The storage circuit 315 stores various control programs,
It is for storing data. This control program is loaded into the memory 317 as needed, and
318. The storage circuit 315 includes a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, a magnetic recording medium (for example, a magnetic disk or a magnetic tape), a flash memory, or a CD.
A read-only storage medium such as a ROM,
It is composed of a volatile memory such as an AM (Random Access Memory) or a combination thereof. Note that these storage media (or recording media) constituting the storage circuit 315 need not always be fixedly provided in the information processing device 300. The information processing apparatus 300 may be configured to be detachable (or detachable). The same applies to a mechanism (for example, a drive device) for reading and writing data from and to a storage medium (or a recording medium). Furthermore, these do not need to be provided in the information processing apparatus 300 itself,
It is sufficient if the information processing apparatus 300 is configured to be accessible.

The control circuit 316 controls the information processing device 30
0 is used to control and control the entire memory.
U318. As mentioned above,
The program stored in the storage circuit 315 is stored in the memory 317
And the CPU 318 executes this to control the above-described units to realize various functions. For example,
It has a function of displaying an input screen on the display screen 301 and accepting an input of an operation instruction to a desired electronic device 400 on the input screen. In addition, it has a function of outputting input operation instructions and the like to the infrared unit 200. In this embodiment, the input such as the operation instruction is
Not only the input unit 302 but also an electronic mail can be input through the network 500. In addition, it also has a function of obtaining various information necessary for remote control through the network 500.

The information processing apparatus 300 can be actually realized by executing a program for realizing the operation of the present embodiment on a so-called personal computer. The control circuit 316 may be realized by dedicated hardware other than the above-described configuration.

Next, the video device 4 to be remotely controlled is
00 (1), TV 400 (2) and air conditioner 400
(3) will be described.

The video device 400 (1) includes a tuner, a video recording / reproducing mechanism, and the like, and operates according to an infrared signal received by the light receiving unit 401 (1). . Similarly, the television 400 (2) and the air conditioner 400 (3) also include the light receiving unit 401 (2) and the light receiving unit 4
It operates according to the infrared signal received at 01 (3). Light receiving unit 401 (1), light receiving unit 401
(2) In the case where there is no need to distinguish between the light receiving units 401 (3), they will be simply referred to as light receiving units 401.

"Light emitting means" in the claims
Is realized by the infrared communication circuit 212 (including the light emitting / receiving unit 203), the control circuit 214, and the like in this embodiment. The “light source” corresponds to a light emitting element included in the light receiving / emitting unit 203. The “transmission range expanding unit” includes the rotation driving mechanism 211 (including the rotation unit 202), the control circuit 2
14 or the like. “Changing the irradiation direction while following a cyclic route” corresponds to changing the irradiation direction of infrared rays by changing the position and orientation (posture) of the light emitting / receiving unit 203 by rotation of the rotating unit 202. I do. The “optical member” corresponds to a lens included in the light emitting / receiving unit 203. “Conversion information” corresponds to control command definition information 2150. “Storage means” corresponds to the memory 215. "Conversion means" refers to the control circuit 21
Equivalent to 4. “Control device” refers to the information processing device 300
Is equivalent to The “input device” corresponds to the input device 302. The “connection circuit” corresponds to the network connection circuit 314. “Electronic device” corresponds to the electronic device 400. However, the above-described units operate in close cooperation with each other, and the correspondence described here is not strict.

Next, the operation of the remote control system will be described. First, an outline of a remote control procedure will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing device 300 receives an input of an operation instruction (step S101). The input of the operation instruction is performed by using an electronic mail through the network 500 and the input of the operation instruction by the input device 302.
There is a street. These details will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

The information processing apparatus 300 having received the input of the operation instruction outputs the content of the operation instruction input at this time to the infrared unit 200 through the external device connection circuit 313 (step S102). Then, the infrared unit 200 transmits an infrared signal indicating the operation instruction to the electronic device 400 by causing the light emitting / receiving unit 203 to emit light in a pattern corresponding to the electronic device 400 (step S10).
3). Step S103 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The electronic device 400 receives the infrared signal sent from the infrared unit 200 in this manner,
01 and processes it (step S10).
4). More specifically, a process for recognizing the meaning of the received infrared signal is performed. As a result, if it can be recognized, it operates according to the contents. If it cannot be recognized, ignore it.

Next, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. As described above, step S101 in FIG.
The input of the operation instruction performed in [1] may be performed by using [1] the input device 302 or [2] may be performed through the network 500. Less than,
Each will be described.

[1] Input of Operation Instruction by Input Device 302 (FIG. 7) The user operates the input device 302 to remotely operate any of the electronic devices 400. Then, the control circuit 316
Causes the display circuit 311 to display a predetermined input screen on the display screen 301. The user uses the input device 302 on this input screen to select the electronic device 400 to be remotely controlled and to input a desired operation instruction.

One example of the input screen displayed on the display screen 301 is shown in FIG. At the top of the input screen, a tab for selecting an electronic device 400 to be remotely controlled is provided. This tab is a button for selecting the electronic device 400. The user can select the electronic device 400 by pressing (clicking) the tab on which the name of the desired electronic device is described using the input device 302 (here, a mouse). In the example in this figure,
This shows a state where the air conditioner (air conditioner) is selected. In the area below this tab, the content of the operation instruction for the electronic device 400 selected at that time is presented as a button. In the example of this figure, a cooling start button, a heating start button, a stop button, a temperature setting button, and a timer setting button are provided.

The information processing apparatus 300 obtains various information (for example, a broadcast schedule of a television program) necessary for remote operation through the network 500. At the time of recording reservation of the video device 400 (1), channel setting of the television 400 (2), and the like, an input screen configured using this information is displayed to facilitate input of recording reservation and the like. The information obtained from the network 500 includes, for example, information on a program (program name, channel on which the program is broadcasted, date and time when the broadcast of the program is started, date and time when the broadcast of the program is ended, length of time of the program, cast time). )
Is raised. However, for this purpose, it is assumed that such information is provided on a homepage or the like published on a server device (not shown) connected to the network 500 in a television station or the like.

[2] Input of Operation Instruction via Network 500 (FIG. 8) Prior to a specific description of the operation, a predetermined rule (rule) for electronic mail for remote operation will be described. In this embodiment, the title of the e-mail for remote operation is set to "remote operation". In the content portion, the type of the electronic device to be remotely controlled and the content of control (operation instruction) are entered. Whether or not it is an e-mail for remote operation and its contents are decoded based on this rule. Hereinafter, a specific operation will be described with reference to FIG.

The control circuit 316 of the information processing apparatus 300 periodically checks whether an electronic mail has been newly received (step S151). The specific processing operation for this check differs depending on the connection form of the information processing apparatus 300 to the network 500. The information processing device 300 is always connected to the network 500,
When the information processing apparatus 300 itself can directly receive an e-mail, the processing is performed by checking the reception history of the information processing apparatus 300 itself. Information processing device 30
0 is another device (for example, a server device) or an institution (for example, a provider in an Internet connection)
Is connected to the network 500 only when necessary, by accessing the device storing the e-mail addressed to the information processing device 300 and downloading the received e-mail. Do it.

If the result of the check in step S151 is that an e-mail has been newly received, the control circuit 316 determines whether or not the e-mail is intended for remote operation of the electronic device 400 (step S151). Step S1
52). As described above, in this embodiment, the title of the electronic mail for remote control is “remote control”. Therefore, this determination is made based on whether or not the title of the e-mail is “remote operation”. This determination is made for all newly received e-mails.

If the result of determination in step S152 is that there is no e-mail for remote control, the flow directly returns to step S151.

If the result of determination in step S152 is that there is at least one e-mail for remote control,
By analyzing the content of the e-mail for the remote operation, the type of the electronic device 400 targeted for the remote operation and the control content thereof are obtained (step S15).
3). This decryption is also performed based on the above-described rules for electronic mail for remote control.

Thereafter, the control circuit 316 determines a control command or the like based on the result of the decoding (step S15).
4). The control circuit 316 thereafter outputs the control command and the like determined in this way to the infrared unit 200 (see step S102 in FIG. 6). During operation, the information processing apparatus 300 continues to execute the processing shown in FIG.

Next, the processing operation of the infrared unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the model designation information 2160 (FIG. 4) has already been set by the user. This setting is performed using the information processing device 300.

Control circuit 214 of infrared unit 200
Are in a standby state waiting for a signal such as an operation instruction to be input from the information processing device 300 (step S20).
1).

When an operation instruction is input in step S201, the control circuit 214 obtains a light emission pattern corresponding to the content of the operation instruction (step S202). This light emission pattern differs depending on the electronic device 400. For this reason, the control circuit 214 transmits the signal (type, control command) input from the information processing device 300 to the infrared unit 20.
By referring to the control command definition information 2150 based on the model designation information 2160 preset to 0, a light emission pattern corresponding to the type and model of the electronic device to be remotely controlled at this time is obtained.

Subsequently, the control circuit 214 controls the rotation driving mechanism 211 and the infrared communication circuit 212 to rotate the rotating section 202 and cause the light emitting / receiving section 203 to emit light in the emission pattern obtained at this time, thereby causing the infrared signal to be transmitted. Is transmitted (step S203). This light emission (transmission)
The operation is continuously performed for at least the time required for the rotation unit 202 to make at least one rotation. Thus, the infrared signal is transmitted to any area around the infrared unit 200. Therefore, the infrared signal surely reaches the desired electronic device 400. Thereafter, the control circuit 214 returns to step S201 again. The electronic device 400 receives the infrared rays from the light emitting / receiving unit 203 and operates accordingly.

As described above, in the remote control system 100 of this embodiment, various electronic devices 400 can be collectively remotely controlled by the information processing device 300 and the infrared unit 200. It is convenient because it is not necessary to use many remote controllers.

Since the infrared signal has a high directivity, it is generally necessary that the receiving side and the transmitting side face each other.
In other words, operating a plurality of devices with one infrared transmitter has been practically severely limited. However, in this embodiment, since the infrared unit 200 transmits infrared signals in almost every direction, the installation position of the electronic device 400 is not limited. Also,
A plurality of electronic devices having different installation positions can be operated. There is no possibility that the infrared signal is not received by the electronic device 400 due to a deviation of the installation angle of the infrared unit 200 or the like.

Further, since the electronic device 400 can be operated by the information processing device 300 instead of the conventional remote controller, the operability is excellent. That is, the remote control does not include the display unit (or, if provided, the display unit), and the number of operation keys is small. For this reason, it is necessary to divide the setting mode in detail, and the operation tends to be difficult. On the other hand, since the display screen 301 provided in the information processing device 300 is large, a large amount of information can be displayed at a time. The input device 302 also includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. For this reason, when a certain operation instruction is input, related items can be input and set collectively on one screen. In addition, various displays (for example, explanation of input contents) for assisting the operation can be sufficiently performed on the input screen or the like. Therefore, the operability is excellent. For example, it is possible to receive a reservation for recording a program by selecting a program table displayed on the input screen. Also, input of characters is easy.

In this embodiment, the existing electronic device 40
0 can be remotely controlled through the network 500. The electronic device 400 to be remotely controlled only needs to be compatible with an infrared remote controller, and does not require any change. Therefore, existing equipment and devices can be effectively used, and the cost burden for implementing the present invention is small.

In this embodiment, since the instruction for the remote operation is transmitted using a general electronic mail, it is not necessary to use a dedicated device. Therefore, it is easy to implement,
In addition, versatility is high.

In this embodiment, the direction of the light emitting / receiving section 203 is changed by 360 degrees, but the change range does not necessarily have to be 360 degrees. Reciprocation may be performed within a predetermined angle range. Also, the state of the rotation does not need to be rotated at a constant speed. The rotation may be performed while changing the speed. Furthermore, rotation (intermittent rotation) performed while repeating a temporary stop and operation may be used.

In this embodiment, the range of irradiation (transmission range) of infrared rays is expanded by changing the position and orientation (posture) of the light receiving / emitting unit 203 by the rotating unit 202.
The configuration for expanding the irradiation range is not limited to this. Only one of the position and the orientation (posture) may be changed. For example, the light emitting / receiving unit 203 may be reciprocated within a predetermined range (linearly or along a predetermined curve). The “circular path” in the claims is a concept including such reciprocating motion.

Further, it is not necessary to continuously transmit the infrared signal without interruption. The transmission may be performed intermittently according to the rotation speed of the rotation unit 202, the degree of spread of infrared rays, or the like, within a range in which a large loss does not occur in the transmission range. In this way, power consumption can be reduced.
“Changing the irradiation direction while following a cyclic route” in the claims is a concept that includes such a case.

In addition, as a configuration for expanding the irradiation range, a plurality of light emitting units whose irradiation directions of infrared rays are shifted from each other may be provided to irradiate infrared rays in a plurality of directions.

In this embodiment, the position and the direction (posture) of the light emitting / receiving section 203 in which the light emitting elements are housed are changed. However, when the infrared light emitted by the light emitting element is guided to a predetermined light emitting portion by an optical member (for example, an optical fiber, a lens, a mirror) and then emitted, the position and the posture of the optical member May be changed to change the transmission direction.

In this embodiment, the video device 400
(1), TV 400 (2) and air conditioner 400 (3)
Was remotely controlled, but the device to be remotely controlled is not limited to this, and any other device may be used. For example, a radio, a CD player, a pet automatic feeder, and the like can be considered. Any existing electronic device can be remotely controlled as long as it supports a normal infrared remote controller.

In this embodiment, a process for converting a signal indicating the content of an operation instruction (control instruction) such as "playback" into a signal format (infrared light emission pattern) readable by an electronic device to be remotely operated. Is performed in the infrared unit 200. However, this conversion may be performed in the information processing device 300. In this case, the information processing device 300 includes the above-described control command definition information 2150 and model designation information 2160. Then, a signal indicating the light emission pattern of the light emitting / receiving unit 203 is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 300 to the infrared unit 200, not a signal indicating the content of the control command or the like. With such a configuration, the configuration of the infrared unit 200 can be simplified and the price can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the infrared unit 2
Only the infrared signal corresponding to the control command was transmitted from 00, but in rare cases, the infrared light emission patterns may overlap between electronic devices of different types or the like, and in such a case, a malfunction occurs. . In order to prevent this, data indicating the type of the electronic device may be transmitted by an infrared signal in addition to the control command. Further, in order to selectively use a plurality of electronic devices of different models but of the same type, as in the case of using two different TVs, the data indicating the model of the electronic device may be transmitted by an infrared signal. However, in order to adopt such a configuration, the electronic device 400 needs to have a function of recognizing and identifying signals of such types and models.

The identification I unique to each electronic device 400
D and set this ID
May be used. In this way, it is possible to selectively use a plurality of electronic devices of the same model.

When the electronic device 400 has a function of transmitting data indicating its own operating state or the like as an infrared signal, the infrared signal transmitted by the electronic device 400 is received by the infrared unit 200, and a remote operation instruction is transmitted. You may make it display on a screen at the time of input. For example,
In the example of FIG. 7, the actual room temperature at that time may also be displayed. In this way, the convenience is higher, for example, helping the user to determine the content of the remote operation.

In this embodiment, as the interface unit 213, one conforming to the USB is employed, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be based on another standard (for example, IEEE1394, RS232C). In addition, the infrared unit 200 may have a function as a hub.

In this embodiment, the network 500
Since various kinds of information necessary for controlling the electronic device 400 can be obtained through the operation, the operation is easy. For example,
By obtaining information such as the scheduled broadcast of a TV program, it is easy to set a channel, make a reservation for recording, and the like. It can also flexibly respond to sudden changes in the program broadcast schedule.

The rules of the e-mail for remote control are not limited to the above-described embodiment. Further, the method of determining whether or not the electronic mail is for remote operation is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Further, the remote control instruction may be transmitted in a form other than electronic mail.

Although not particularly described in the above description,
If a design is applied to the rotating part 202 or the like, the infrared unit 200
Is also useful as an interior. Also, the form of the rotation may be reciprocal rotation within a predetermined angle range.

[0089]

As described above, according to the infrared device and the remote control system of the present invention, an existing electronic device can be remotely controlled. Further, in this case, it is not necessary to adjust the positional relationship between the infrared device and the electronic device to be remotely controlled. Further, since a plurality of electronic devices can be remotely controlled collectively, the convenience is high.
The details are as follows.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an infrared signal can be transmitted over a wide range. Therefore, the infrared signal can reliably reach the receiving device without accurately adjusting the direction of transmission of the infrared signal. Further, when this infrared device is used in a remote control system, a single infrared device can transmit a signal for remote control (infrared signal) to a plurality of electronic devices. In addition, since the electronic device to be remotely controlled only needs to be compatible with remote control using an infrared signal by the remote controller, it is possible to remotely control various existing electronic devices without making any changes. Since existing electronic devices can be used effectively, it is also advantageous in terms of cost.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, while the infrared light is being emitted (that is, while the infrared signal is being transmitted), the irradiation direction is always changed, so that the infrared signal can be spread over a wider range. Can be sent across. Therefore, the infrared signal can be used more effectively (received more reliably).

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably transmit an infrared signal to the entire area that can be assumed as a range in which the infrared signal can be transmitted when the infrared device is installed. In other words, the transmission of the infrared signal does not end before the irradiation direction reaches the position, even though the position is within the transmittable range.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the infrared signal can be transmitted over a wider range by changing the position of the optical member and the like. It is also possible to use the movement of an optical member or the like as a design.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an infrared signal can be transmitted over a wide range. Therefore, there is no need to adjust the direction of transmission of the infrared signal. Also,
It is possible to reliably reach the device that receives the infrared signal. Further, when this infrared device is used in a remote control system, a signal for remote control (infrared signal) can be transmitted to a plurality of electronic devices by one infrared device.

According to the invention described in claim 6, an infrared signal can be transmitted over a wide range. Therefore, there is no need to adjust the direction of transmission of the infrared signal. Also,
It is possible to reliably reach the device that receives the infrared signal. Further, when this infrared device is used in a remote control system, a signal for remote control (infrared signal) can be transmitted to a plurality of electronic devices by one infrared device. Further, the configuration of the infrared device can be simplified. Therefore, the infrared device can be manufactured at lower cost. Further, versatility can be further improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably remotely control the electronic device. In particular, since the adjustment of the relative positional relationship between the electronic device and the infrared device can be simplified, the operability is excellent. Further, one infrared device can transmit an infrared signal to a plurality of electronic devices.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably remotely control the electronic device. In particular, since the adjustment of the relative positional relationship between the electronic device and the infrared device can be simplified, the operability is excellent. Further, one infrared device can transmit an infrared signal to a plurality of electronic devices.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the electronic device can be controlled from outside or the like through a network, the convenience is high. In particular, it is convenient because various existing electrification devices can be collectively operated remotely. In a configuration in which a command for remote operation can be transmitted using an input device (for example, a keyboard), character input and the like are easy, so that the configuration is excellent for interactive services in digital television broadcasting and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an infrared unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of control command definition information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of model designation information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of a remote control procedure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an operation instruction is input through a network.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the infrared unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 remote control system 200 infrared unit 201 main body housing 202 rotating unit 203 light emitting / receiving unit 204 mounting unit 211 rotation driving mechanism 212 infrared communication circuit 213 interface unit 214 control circuit 215 memory 2150 control command definition information 2160 model designation information 216 CPU 300 information Processing device 400 Electronic device 401 Light receiving unit 500 Network

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04B 10/10 H04B 9/00 R 10/22 H04N 5/00 (72) Inventor Fumio Aoi Nakamura-ku, Nagoya No. 1 Iwazuka-cho Takamichi Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Nagoya Research Laboratory F-term (reference) 5C056 AA05 BA02 BA03 BA05 BA08 CA13 EA02 5K002 AA05 BA14 BA16 FA04 GA07 5K048 AA04 AA05 BA12 DA02 DB04 EA11 EB02 HA05 HA07

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A light source for emitting infrared rays, a signal (hereinafter referred to as an "input signal") input from the outside, and the light source generates infrared rays in a pattern corresponding to the input signal and irradiates the infrared rays in a predetermined direction. An infrared device, comprising: a light emitting unit that transmits light; and a transmission range expanding unit that expands a transmission range of an infrared signal by changing a direction of irradiation of infrared light by the light emitting unit while following a cyclic path. . 2. The transmission range expanding means includes:
The infrared device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation direction is continuously changed while the light emitting unit emits infrared light. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit continuously emits the infrared ray for a time required for the transmission direction to make one round of the route by the transmission range expanding unit. Or the infrared device according to 2. 4. The light-emitting means transmits infrared light and / or
Or one or more optical members that reflect light, and the transmission range expanding unit changes the position and / or orientation of the light source and / or at least one of the optical members. The infrared device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an irradiation direction of infrared light is changed. 5. The input signal is a signal indicating a control command, a storage unit storing conversion information in which the control command is associated with an infrared light emission pattern, and the input signal based on the conversion information. Conversion means for converting the light source into a predetermined light emission pattern, wherein the light emission means causes the light source to emit light in accordance with the light emission pattern obtained by the conversion means. The infrared device according to any one of the above. 6. The input signal according to claim 1, wherein the input signal is a signal indicating the infrared light emission pattern.
An infrared device according to any one of the above. 7. A remote control system for remotely controlling an electronic device that operates in response to an infrared signal, wherein a control for receiving a separately input remote control command and outputting a signal indicating a predetermined control command in response to the command. A remote control system comprising: a device; and an infrared device according to claim 5, wherein the device operates based on a signal input from the control device to transmit an infrared signal to the electronic device. . 8. A remote control system for remotely controlling an electronic device that operates in response to an infrared signal, comprising: a control device that receives a separately input remote control command and outputs a signal indicating a light emission pattern corresponding to the command. The remote control system according to claim 6, further comprising: an infrared device that transmits an infrared signal to the electronic device by operating based on a signal input from the control device. 9. The control device includes at least one of an input device that receives a user's operation and a connection circuit that connects the control device to a network, and receives a remote operation command input through the input device. The remote control system according to claim 7, wherein: