JP2002354561A - Remote control system, remote control unit comprising it and controlled apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lessen an operational burden being imposed onto a user when different operations are enabled in the same apparatus. SOLUTION: A single apparatus 3 can be operated using a plurality of remote controllers 2. Each remote controller 2 is provided with an ID storage section 26 for storing an inherent ID code, and the ID code is attached to an operational signal when it is transmitted to the apparatus 3. The apparatus 3 is provided with an operational environment storage section 36 for storing the information concerning to the operational environment of the apparatus itself defined in each remote controller 2 in correspondence with the ID code thereof. When an operational signal designating turn on power or start of a function is transmitted from the remote controller 2, the apparatus 3 determines the source remote controller 2 from the ID code and sets the operational environment defined in the source remote controller 2 automatically before starting the operation. The user can operate the apparatus 3 immediately in one's own operational environment by simply using one's own remote controller 2 without requiring an operation for setting or altering the operational environment of the apparatus 3 by oneself.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a remote control system in which the same device is operated by a plurality of remote control units, a remote control unit constituting the remote control system, and a controlled device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electric appliances used in homes and the like include environment-variable appliances which can be used in different operating environments. For example, personal computers can be used on different OSs (operating systems), and when using e-mail software or the like, a plurality of users can register their address books and connection destinations, and users can use You can select and use your own environment. In addition, there is a multifunction device (multifunction device) in which a plurality of functions having different applications are contained in one device. Also,
In a personal computer, various peripheral devices are connected or built-in, so that it is an environment-variable and multifunctional device at the same time. In addition,
In this regard, it is not limited to personal computers,
It is expected that the same thing will increase in other home appliances.

[0003]

However, in the case of a personal computer, when it is viewed as a variable environment device, the use environment can be switched by the user when starting the device or software, or after the startup. It is necessary to use the function to switch the environment. Further, when it is necessary to limit the use of a specific environment to only a predetermined user, this is dealt with by inputting a user name (ID) and a password.

For this reason, in use, it is necessary to perform an environment switching operation and an input operation of a user name and a password which are not the original purpose of use (for example, transmission and reception of e-mail). There is a problem that a burden such as a complicated operation is imposed. further,
If you need to enter a username and password,
If you forget them, you will not be able to select the environment, so you will have to bear the burden of remembering them. Also, if you leave a memo for memorandum purposes, there is a risk that your ID or password may leak.

On the other hand, in the above-described multi-function device, since a single device realizes the use of a plurality of different devices, the operation portion is shared, and thus the same operation device, for example, the same key is used. Has a plurality of operational meanings. Therefore, for the user,
There is a problem in that operation learning, in which the user learns the operation and masters the operation, and the risk of erroneous operation is imposed.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and has a remote control system capable of reducing the operational burden on a user by enabling different operations in the same device. And a remote control unit and a controlled device constituting the same.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control unit which receives an operation signal transmitted by the remote control unit, and receives the operation signal. A remote control system comprising a controlled device that performs an operation in accordance with the control signal, the remote control unit includes an adding unit that adds an ID code unique to itself to the operation signal, and the controlled device includes a plurality of IDs Storage means for storing codes and a plurality of basic information respectively corresponding to the plurality of ID codes, and an ID added to the operation signal
An identification means for identifying the code, and a control means for controlling the controlled device based on the basic information stored in the storage means corresponding to the ID code identified by the identification means.

[0008] In such a configuration, the controlled device receives the operation signal from the remote control unit,
Identify the ID code added to it and
The operation is performed based on the basic information stored in the storage means corresponding to the D code, that is, the basic information unique to the remote control unit that transmitted the operation signal. Therefore, by remotely controlling the controlled device by different remote control units, it is possible to cause the controlled device to perform different operations according to the difference between the individual remote control units used.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a remote control unit and a controlled device that receives an operation signal transmitted by the remote control unit and performs an operation in accordance with the content of the received operation signal. In the remote control system, the remote control unit includes storage means for storing basic information used for controlling the controlled device, and additional means for adding the basic information stored in the storage means to the operation signal. The controlled device includes an obtaining unit that obtains basic information from the operation signal, and a control unit that controls the controlled device based on the basic information obtained by the obtaining unit.

[0010] In such a configuration, the controlled device receives the operation signal from the remote control unit,
The operation is performed based on the basic information added thereto, that is, the basic information unique to the remote control unit that has transmitted the operation signal. Therefore, by remotely controlling the controlled device by different remote control units, it is possible to cause the controlled device to perform different operations according to the difference between the individual remote control units used.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a remote control unit and a controlled device that receives an operation signal transmitted by the remote control unit and performs an operation in accordance with the content of the received operation signal. In the remote control system, the remote control unit includes an adding unit that adds an ID code unique to the remote control unit to the operation signal, and the controlled device identifies the ID code added to the operation signal. Means for acquiring basic information corresponding to the ID code identified by the identifying means and used for controlling the controlled device from outside via a communication network; and basic information acquired by the acquiring means. And control means for controlling the controlled device based on the control information.

[0012] In such a configuration, the controlled device receives the operation signal from the remote control unit,
Identify the ID code added to it and
Basic information corresponding to the D code is acquired from outside via a communication network, and an operation is performed based on the acquired basic information, that is, basic information unique to the remote control unit that transmitted the operation signal. Therefore, by remotely controlling the controlled device by different remote control units, it is possible to cause the controlled device to perform different operations according to the difference between the individual remote control units used.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the basic information is environment information indicating an operating environment of the controlled device that can be changed within the same purpose of use.

In such a configuration, different operations within the same purpose of use are controlled according to the difference between the individual remote control units used by remotely controlling the controlled device by different remote control units. Can be performed.

Further, in the invention of claim 5, the basic information is function information indicating a type of operation having a different purpose of use in the controlled device.

In this configuration, the controlled device is remotely operated by different remote control units, so that different types of operations are performed on the controlled device in accordance with the differences between the individual remote control units used. Can be made.

Further, in the invention of claim 6, the basic information is a password.

In this configuration, the operation of the controlled device can be restricted in accordance with the difference between the individual remote control units used by remotely controlling the controlled device by different remote control units.

Further, in the invention of claim 7, the basic information includes a password.

In such a configuration, the controlled device is remotely operated by different remote control units, so that the operation contents within the same usage purpose and the usage purpose are determined according to the difference between the individual remote control units used. Can restrict the contents of different types of operation.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, there is provided a remote control unit constituting the remote control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation control device constituting the remote control system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a remote control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a remote control unit (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) 2 and The remote controller 2 includes a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) 3 which is a controlled device capable of performing various operations.

The remote controller 2 comprises a CPU 21, a ROM 22 storing an operation program for the CPU 21, and a work RAM 2.
3, an operation unit 24, a signal transmitting / receiving unit 25 for performing infrared communication with the personal computer 3, and an ID storage unit 26. The operation unit 24 includes a plurality of operation buttons such as a power button, and the ID storage unit 26 stores a unique ID code assigned to the remote controller 2. When any one of the operation buttons of the operation unit 24 is pressed, the remote controller 2 sends an operation signal corresponding to the operation button to the CPU 21, and the CPU 21 operates as an additional unit of the present invention based on the operation program. The ID signal is added to the transmitted operation signal and transmitted to the signal transmission / reception section 25. The signal transmission / reception section 25 transmits the operation signal with the ID code to the personal computer 3 as an infrared pulse.

On the other hand, the personal computer 3 is a device which is set so as to be usable by multi-users, that is, an environment variable device which can be used in different operating environments. The personal computer 3 is a CPU 3 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus.
1, a ROM 32 in which the operation program is stored, a working RAM 33, and the remote controller 2 (the signal transmitting / receiving section 2).
5) a signal transmitting and receiving unit 3 for receiving infrared rays transmitted from
4, an ID determination unit 35 and an operation environment storage unit 36. The CPU 31 functions as the identification means and the control means of the present invention by operating based on the operation program. The operation environment storage unit 36 is a storage unit of the present invention including a memory capable of holding stored data and adding and changing the stored data. As shown in FIG. Multiple remote controls 2 to use
Are stored, and a plurality of environment codes 36b corresponding to the ID codes 36a are stored.

The environment data 36b is basic information of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a user name and a password required for starting the personal computer 3, various setting data necessary for setting the operating environment of the OS, For example, it is environment information including a plurality of data regarding various setting items such as a screen setting and a Japanese input system that can be changed for each user. Also,
Each environment data 36b includes, for example, a corresponding ID code 36
When the user performs a predetermined registration operation using the remote controller 2 to which “a” is assigned, it is stored (registered) in advance.
Data.

FIG. 3 shows the personal computer 3 when the user operates the remote controller 2 to start the personal computer 3.
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment. That is, the personal computer 3 receives the operation signal transmitted by the user operating the remote controller 2 (step SA1), and identifies the ID code added to the received operation signal (step SA2). Next, the environment data 36b corresponding to the identified ID code is read from the operation environment storage unit 36 (step SA3), and O is read in accordance with the read environment data 36b.
After setting the operation environment of S (step SA4), the boot process is executed (step SA5). In other words, the remote controller 2 is started in a unique operation environment set in advance corresponding to the remote controller 2 used as the source of the operation signal and used for the operation.

Therefore, the user of each remote controller 2
By simply activating the personal computer 3 using the remote controller 2 for oneself, the user can immediately use the personal computer 3 in his / her own use environment without performing the operation of setting or changing the operating environment. As a result, the operational burden of inputting a user name and a password and setting the operating environment of the OS is reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the password is included in the environment data 36b, so that only a specific person having the remote controller 2 can use the personal computer 3. In addition, since there is no burden to memorize the password in a separate memo or the like and the password is protected by a physical remote controller, it is easy to prevent the damage due to the leakage of the password.

The environment data 36b has been described in which a user name and a password required to start up the personal computer 3 and environment information used for setting the operating environment of the OS have been set. Alternatively, environment information indicating an operating environment of a specific application program, for example, an address book or connection destination registration information usable by mail software may be set separately or additionally. In this case, the same operation as in FIG. 3 is performed, and when the mail software is started up in the start-up process in step SA5 described above, the address book to be used and the connection destination can be automatically switched. Therefore, the operational burden on the user when using the mail software can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, since the personal computer 203 stores the environment information set for all the remote controllers 2 in the operation environment storage unit 36, whether or not each remote controller 2 can be used is determined. Environment information when such remote controller 2 is used can be centrally managed on the personal computer 203 side. Therefore, system management of the personal computer 203 is easy.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a remote control system 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The system according to the present embodiment includes an audio device 103 as a controlled device of the present invention and a plurality of remote controllers 10.
2a, 102b, and 102c. The audio device 103 is a multifunctional device (multifunction device) in which a plurality of functions are contained in one unit. In the present embodiment, the audio device 103 has three types of functions such as a CD player, a cassette tape player, and an FM tuner. ing. Note that, besides this, the audio device 103 may have another function such as a TV tuner or an Internet browser.

Also, a plurality of remote controllers 102a, 102
b, 102c are functions of any one of the above,
It is for operating the audio device 103 and has the same configuration as that shown in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the audio device 103 has the same configuration as that of the personal computer 3 described in the first embodiment in the main part thereof. , A remote control specification storage unit 110 is provided. The other components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The remote control specification storage section 110 is a storage means of the present invention comprising a memory capable of holding stored data and capable of adding and changing the stored data. As shown in FIG. , 102b, 102
c, a plurality of ID codes 110a assigned to
A plurality of remote control specification data 110b corresponding thereto are stored. The remote control specification data 110b is basic information of the present invention, and is function information indicating each of the above-described functions of the audio device 103, that is, the type of operation having a different purpose of use. Each remote control specification data 110b is set in advance at the time of shipment from the factory, or stored (registered) in advance by the user performing a predetermined registration operation using the remote control 102 to which the corresponding ID code 110a is assigned. Data.

In this embodiment, any one of the remote controllers (102a, 102b, 10
When 2c) is operated, the audio device 103 operates as follows. That is, the audio device 103 receives the operation signal as shown in FIG.
1), identify the ID code added to the received operation signal (step SB2). Next, the remote control specification data 110b corresponding to the identified ID code is read from the remote control specification storage unit 110 (step SB3), and a start-up process is performed with the function indicated in the read remote control specification data 110b to start the operation. (Step SB
4). In other words, it operates as a CD player, a cassette tape player, or an FM tuner according to the difference in the remote control used as the source of the operation signal and used for the operation.

Therefore, the user can easily learn the operation method of each button of the remote controller as compared with the case where the audio device 103 is operated using one remote controller, and the rate of erroneous button operation is reduced. descend. Also, the need to manually switch between a plurality of functions after the power is turned on can be saved, and the MFP can be used with the same simple usability as the dedicated machine immediately after the power is turned on, even though it is a multifunction machine. Therefore, the operational burden on the user during use is reduced.

When it is desired to restrict the use of a plurality of functions for each user, for example, when it is not desired for a child to use a specific function, it is possible to use a remote controller separately. Thus, it is possible to provide an operation environment in which limited specific functions can be easily used.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a remote control system 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a remote controller 202 and a personal computer 203 which is a controlled device that can perform various operations using the remote controller 202.

The system according to the present embodiment is different from the system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the operation environment storage section 36 provided in the personal computer 3 is abolished, and the remote controller 202 is replaced with the same. Different operating environment storage unit 2
36 is provided.

Although not shown, the operation environment storage unit 236 stores the same environment data as the environment data 36b shown in FIG. 2, that is, the user name and password required for starting the personal computer 203 and the operating environment of the OS. Necessary various setting data, for example, a plurality of data relating to various setting items such as a screen setting and a Japanese input system which can be changed for each user, but only data unique to the remote controller 202 are stored. The other configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the description is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.

In the remote controller 202 of the present embodiment, when any one of the operation buttons of the operation unit 24 is pressed, an operation signal corresponding to the operation button is stored in the operation environment storage unit 2.
36 with the environmental data stored in the PC 2
03. In addition, the personal computer 203 receives the operation signal transmitted from the remote controller 202 as shown in FIG.
1) After acquiring the environment data added thereto from the received operation signal (step SC2), the operating environment of the OS is set accordingly (step SC3), and the boot process is executed (step SC4).

Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the operational burden of inputting a user name and a password and setting the operating environment of the OS is reduced. Further, since a password is included in the environmental data, only a specific person having the remote controller 202 can use the personal computer 203. In the present embodiment, the first
Unlike the embodiment, the environment information on the operation environment of the personal computer 203 is stored in the operation environment storage unit 236 of the remote controller 202.
Are stored in the same remote controller 20.
2 can be easily constructed for a plurality of personal computers 203.

In this embodiment, the remote controller 202 has the operation environment storage unit 236, and the system for setting the environment of the personal computer 203 by the operation is shown.
The same configuration as that of the present embodiment can be adopted in a system in which the operation target of remote controller 202 is the audio device shown in the second embodiment. In that case, the personal computer 203 in FIG. 8 is replaced with an audio device as described in the second embodiment (however, the remote control specification storage unit 110 is omitted), and the operation environment storage unit 236 of the remote control 202 is replaced. And the remote control specification storage unit 110. Then, the remote control 202
, An operation of adding the remote control specification data of the remote control specification storage unit 110 to the operation signal transmitted to the audio device is performed. Alternatively, the audio device may acquire remote control specification data from the received operation signal, and perform an operation of executing a start-up process according to the difference between the remote controllers 202 that have transmitted the operation signal based on the data.
In such a case, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

In the system in which the personal computer 203 and the audio device are controlled devices as described above, a memory for storing user information corresponding to each ID code of the remote controller 202 is provided in those controlled devices. Thereby, the user of the remote controller 202 can be confirmed. That is, when the remote controller 202 transmits the operation signal, the remote controller 202 performs a process of adding an ID code to the operation signal,
Prior to the above-described environment setting and function setting, the personal computer 203 has a remote controller 20 that is the source of the operation signal and used for the operation based on the ID code added to the operation signal.
2 can be identified and the user can be identified accordingly.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a remote control system 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. And a control environment server 320 connected to the personal computer 303 via the Internet 400.

The remote controller 2 is the same as that described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). PC 3
Regarding 03, a data transmission / reception unit 31 for performing data communication with the operation environment server 320 instead of the operation environment storage unit 36 described in the first embodiment.
0 is provided. The other configuration is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. The operation environment server 320 has the same operation environment storage unit 36 as that provided in the personal computer 3 in the first embodiment.
Is provided.

The configuration of the operation environment storage unit 36 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, but in this embodiment, the environment data 36b stored in the operation environment storage unit 36 is used in the personal computer 303. Data of the operating environment of a specific application program.

In this embodiment, when the user operates the remote controller 2 to start the above-described application program, the personal computer 303
As shown at 0, an operation signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 is received (step SD1), and an ID code added to the received operation signal is identified (step SD2).
Next, by accessing the operation environment server 320, the environment data 36b corresponding to the identified ID code is downloaded from the operation environment storage unit 36 (step SD3).
After setting the operating environment of the application program according to the downloaded environment data 36b (step SD
5), execute the activation process (step SD5). In other words, the remote controller 2 is started in a unique operation environment set in advance corresponding to the remote controller 2 used as the source of the operation signal and used for the operation.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, the user of each remote controller 2 can operate his / her own remote controller 2 immediately without operating or setting the operating environment by himself / herself by operating the remote controller 2 for himself / herself. You can use application programs in your environment. Therefore, the operational burden at the time of use is reduced.

Although not shown, for example, a remote control system using the audio device 103 described in the second embodiment as an operated device can also adopt the same configuration as that of the present embodiment. In that case, if the operation environment server 320 is provided with the remote control specification storage unit 110 described in the second embodiment, and the audio device 103 performs the same operation as the personal computer 203 of the present embodiment, It is possible to perform an operation according to the difference of the remote controller used as the source of the operation signal and used for the operation, that is, an operation as a CD player, a cassette tape player, or an FM tuner.

In the present embodiment, since the operation environment server 320 stores in the operation environment storage section 36 the environment information on the operation environment of the personal computers 303 set in all the remote controllers 2, 2 allows the operation environment server 320 to centrally manage whether or not the remote controller 2 can be used and environment information when any of the remote controllers 2 is used.
Therefore, system management of the personal computer 303 is easy.

Although the present embodiment has been described on the assumption that the operation environment server 320 is provided on the Internet, the operation environment server 320
Is L if data communication is possible with the personal computer 203 or the like.
It may exist on any communication network such as an AN.

[0054]

As described above, in the remote control system according to the present invention, it is possible to cause the controlled equipment to perform different operations according to the differences between the individual remote control units used. Therefore, when the controlled device is used, a plurality of remote control units are selectively used, so that different operations can be performed on the same device, thereby reducing the operational burden on the user.

Further, according to the difference between the individual remote control units used, different operations within the same purpose of use can be performed by the controlled device. Therefore, it is possible to abolish extra operation learning and extra operations that are not directly related to the intended purpose of use by the user when using the controlled device.

Further, it is possible to cause the controlled device to perform a type of operation having a different purpose of use according to the difference between the individual remote control units used.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce a risk burden of operation learning and erroneous operation indispensable for operating the controlled device for a specific use purpose, which the user has suffered when using the controlled device.

Further, according to the difference between the individual remote control units used, various operation contents such as operation contents within the same use purpose and operation contents of a different use purpose can be restricted. . Therefore, it is possible to cause the controlled device to perform an appropriate operation according to the user without putting a burden on the user in operation.

Further, by using the remote control unit and the operation control device of the present invention, the above-mentioned remote control system can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating data stored in an operation environment storage unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the personal computer at the time of receiving an operation signal in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing data stored in a remote control specification storage unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the audio device according to the embodiment when receiving an operation signal.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of the personal computer when receiving an operation signal according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the personal computer at the time of receiving an operation signal in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote control system 2 Remote control 3 Personal computer 21 CPU 26 ID storage part 31 CPU 35 ID discrimination part 36 Operation environment storage part 101 Remote control system 102a-102c Remote control 103 Audio device 110 Remote control specification storage part 201 Remote control system 202 Remote control 203 Personal computer 236 Operation environment storage unit 301 Remote control system 303 Personal computer 320 Operation environment server

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A remote control system comprising: a remote control unit; and a controlled device that receives an operation signal transmitted by the remote control unit and performs an operation in accordance with the content of the received operation signal. Is the self-specific I
The controlled device further includes an adding unit that adds a D code to the operation signal, wherein the controlled device stores a plurality of ID codes and a plurality of basic information respectively corresponding to the plurality of ID codes. Identification means for identifying the added ID code; and control means for controlling the controlled device based on the basic information stored in the storage means corresponding to the ID code identified by the identification means. A remote control system, characterized in that: 2. A remote control system comprising: a remote control unit; and a controlled device that receives an operation signal transmitted from the remote control unit and performs an operation in accordance with the content of the received operation signal. Comprises storage means for storing basic information used for control of the controlled device, and addition means for adding the basic information stored in the storage means to the operation signal, wherein the controlled device comprises the operation signal A remote control system comprising: an obtaining unit that obtains basic information from a control unit; and a control unit that controls a controlled device based on the basic information obtained by the obtaining unit. 3. A remote control system comprising: a remote control unit; and a controlled device that receives an operation signal transmitted by the remote control unit and performs an operation in accordance with the content of the received operation signal. Is the self-specific I
An adding unit that adds a D code to the operation signal, the controlled device includes an identification unit that identifies an ID code added to the operation signal, and an ID code that corresponds to the ID code identified by the identification unit. Remote control, characterized by acquiring means for acquiring basic information used for control of a controlled device from outside via a communication network, and control means for controlling the controlled device based on the basic information acquired by the acquiring means system. 4. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the basic information is environment information indicating an operating environment of the controlled device that can be changed within the same purpose of use. 5. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the basic information is function information indicating a type of operation having a different use purpose in the controlled device. 6. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein said basic information is a password. 7. The remote control system according to claim 4, wherein the basic information includes a password. 8. A remote control unit constituting the remote control system according to claim 1. 9. A controlled device constituting the remote control system according to claim 1.