JP2004013458A - Online manual display system and online manual display method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an online manual display system capable of displaying a manual of a product from an external database via the Internet. <P>SOLUTION: A customer who has bought a camera connects the digital camera 1 to an Internet connection terminal 3 via a cable 2. When the digital camera 1 is actuated in a connected condition, it is connected to a manual server 6 in a manual data center 10 via a broadband line 4, the Internet 5, and a high-speed line 8. When the connection is completed in this condition, moving picture (animation and the like) data and manual data stored in an information database 7 of the manual data center 10 are sent from the manual server 6 via the high-speed line 8, the Internet 5, and the broadband line 4 to be displayed on a display of the digital camera 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an on-line manual display system and an on-line manual display method, and particularly relates to an operation manual information, service information, and the like of a home appliance, which is directly connected to a home appliance via the Internet by directly connecting the actual home appliance to an Internet connection terminal. It relates to an online manual system displayed on electrical appliances.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent home appliances, the instructions for using the attached software are displayed on the screen, and if the purchaser cannot understand how to use the software or has any trouble, he / she can use the screen display to go to You can know how to deal with. As a result, an instruction manual as a paper medium is not required, and resource efficiency can be improved.
[0003]
Examples of such techniques include, for example, an "image forming system" described in JP-A-10-250047, a "camera" described in JP-A-2001-66684, and a "camera" described in JP-A-11-64947. Are known.
[0004]
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-250047, a help menu is displayed on a display unit of a digital camera by connecting a digital camera to a dedicated printer and pressing a help key of the printer. Is displayed by selecting a key by a key operation of a digital camera and printing the displayed content by pressing a print switch.
[0005]
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-66684, a plurality of button keys and information corresponding to the button keys are stored as help data in the camera body. A technique for displaying help data on a screen is described.
[0006]
Furthermore, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-64947 discloses a memory for storing confirmation item processing procedures for various operations as to whether or not each part of the camera operates normally, and confirming processing by pressing a designated confirmation switch. A technique for displaying a procedure and displaying an explanation of a camera operation stored in a memory is described.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional online manual system described above, the operation procedure and the confirmation operation processing procedure stored in the memory built into the camera body are all displayed on the screen of the body by pressing the key switch of the body, and the screen is displayed on the camera as necessary. Since printing is performed on a connected printer, the manual is limited to a manual specific to the camera body, and thus has the disadvantage that there is no versatility that can be used for all other products.
[0008]
In addition, the manual description has a drawback that it is difficult to understand because the manual is intended for a person of a certain standard level regardless of a user level, for example, a beginner, an advanced person, and an elderly person.
[0009]
Furthermore, since the manual is stored in the memory of the camera body, it has a drawback that the manual is not updated and maintenance work such as misprinting is lacking.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, manuals of all general products without being limited to cameras, can be displayed from an external database via the Internet, can be selected according to the level of people reading the manual, An object of the present invention is to provide an online manual display system and an online manual display method that can perform the latest version of a manual and maintenance at any time.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first means for solving the above-mentioned problem is that an operation manual of an electric appliance is transmitted from a manual data center connected to the Internet via the Internet connected to the electric appliance, An online manual display system (Claim 1) characterized by being displayed on a display unit.
[0012]
A second means for solving the above problem is an electric appliance having an operation unit and a display unit;
The Internet connected to this appliance by a broadband line;
A manual server connected to the Internet via a high-speed line and performing server processing;
An information database connected to this manual server by a cable and recording and storing various information data including a manual of the electric appliance,
The moving image data and the operation description recorded and stored in the information database are sent from the manual server via the high-speed line, the Internet and the broadband line, and correspond to the degree of difficulty of the moving image data and the explanation course. An online manual display system (Claim 2), wherein an operation explanation is displayed on a display section of the appliance, and the operation explanation can be selected from the display section.
[0013]
A third means for solving the above-mentioned problem is the second means, wherein operation explanations corresponding to the difficulty level of the explanation course are for beginners, intermediates, professionals and seniors. It is a feature (claim 3).
[0014]
A fourth means for solving the above problem is any one of the first means to the third means, wherein the appliance is connected to the Internet via a mobile phone having an Internet function. (Claim 4).
[0015]
A fifth means for solving the above problem is an electric appliance having an operation unit and a display unit;
The Internet connected to this appliance by a broadband line;
A manual server connected to the Internet via a high-speed line and performing server processing;
An online manual display method in a system including an information database connected to the manual server and a cable and storing various information data including a manual of the electric appliance,
A mode switching step of switching the appliance to a status output mode;
Determining, when the appliance is connected to the Internet, whether the appliance is equipped with a wireless LAN interface;
A first connection step of connecting the appliance to a server and a database via the Internet as it is when the wireless LAN interface is provided;
A second connection step of connecting to the appliance if the wireless LAN interface is not provided in the determination step;
A power step of turning on the appliance;
A detecting step of detecting that the electric appliance is automatically connected to the Internet;
A server connection step for automatically connecting to the manual server and the information database constituting a manual data center through the Internet;
A display step of displaying an initial screen on the display unit when connected;
A menu input step of displaying the contents of the main menu as a still image or a moving image on the menu screen in accordance with the user menu according to the proficiency level on the initial screen, and performing menu input;
A data transmission step of transmitting data of the product code, serial number, manufacturing date, firmware version, and self-diagnosis result of the electric appliance from the electric appliance to the manual server after the display;
Echoing back the data from the manual server to the appliance side and sending answer back data;
A description display step of automatically displaying a description of the selected function on the screen by selectively inputting the menu screen;
An operation determining step of determining whether any operation has been performed on the appliance;
An operation explanation display step of displaying an explanation of a corresponding operation screen when an operation is performed;
An end processing step of executing end processing when all explanation operations are completed and the end button is turned on;
An online manual display method (claim 5), comprising:
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the online manual display system of the present invention.
[0017]
In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera 1 as a general home appliance for performing operations and screen display, a broadband line 4 such as an ISDN, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line: an asymmetric digital subscriber line), and an optical fiber. And a manual server 6 connected to the Internet 5 by a high-speed line 8 and an information database 7 connected to the manual server 6 by a cable 9 and recording and storing various information data. I have. The manual server 6 and the information database 7 constitute a manual data center 10.
[0018]
The customer who has purchased the camera connects the digital camera 1 to the Internet connection terminal 3 via the cable 2. The interface includes an ether cable, a radio, and the like. When the digital camera 1 is started up in this connected state, it is connected to the manual server 6 of the manual data center 10 via the broadband line 4, the Internet 5, and the high-speed line 8.
[0019]
When the connection is completed in this state, moving image (animation etc.) data and manual data recorded and stored in the information database 7 of the manual data center 10 are transmitted from the manual server 6 via the high-speed line 8, the Internet 5 and the broadband line 4. Then, moving image (animation etc.) data and manual data are displayed on the display of the digital camera 1 on the screen.
[0020]
On this display screen, a menu screen is displayed in addition to the above-described moving image data, and a corresponding explanation course (for beginner, intermediate, professional, silver, etc., etc.) can be selected from the screen.
[0021]
The method of checking the state of the shutter and the like of the digital camera 1 includes a method of capturing a state change and sending status information from an Ethernet connection terminal of the digital camera 1 and a method of polling every few seconds from a manual data center. And either is selected.
[0022]
That is, the state is read when the digital camera 1 is started up, and it is detected that the shutter changes from OFF to ON due to the state change. When ON / OFF of the shutter is detected, the status code is added to the user ID and the current processing mode (manual mode) and sent back to the manual server 6.
[0023]
The manual server 6 sends to the digital camera 1 a menu for classifying the explanation about the shutter from the received state data “shutter on” and a brief explanation screen thereof.
[0024]
As described above, information can be exchanged via the Internet 5 between the actual device, which is a home appliance such as the digital camera 1, and the manual data center. As the contents of the information, operation information, service information, failure diagnosis information, maintenance and maintenance information, and the like can be obtained.
[0025]
If the digital camera 1 or the like has a display screen, it is displayed on the actual device. When the digital camera 1 has a display portion, images (moving images, still images, etc.) and sound are mixed and displayed through the Internet 5. The connection method is an Ethernet line, a wireless line, or the like.
[0026]
Furthermore, when carrying the actual machine, the information such as the manual can be used without any need to carry the manual by connecting the actual machine to a mobile phone and using a telephone line / wireless line.
[0027]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the online manual system of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an initial screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen when the user presses the shutter. FIG. 5 is a view showing a screen in which a place that the user wants to see is enlarged. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing uploading using a thumbnail screen.
[0028]
The product (for example, digital camera 1) is switched to the status output mode (FIG. 2, step 1: S1).
The product is connected to the digital camera 1 via the Ethernet cable 2 or wireless LAN. Next, since the digital camera 1 is in the status output mode, the digital camera 1 is automatically connected to the manual server 6 and the information database 7 constituting the manual data center 10 through the Internet 5 (FIG. 2, step 2: S2). At the moment of connection, the initial screen of FIG. 3 is displayed on the back of the digital camera 1.
[0029]
Here, the user menu on the initial screen indicates the user's proficiency level, and the content of the main menu corresponding to the proficiency level is, for example, for beginners, intermediate, advanced, silver (for the elderly), and professional. Since the still image or the moving image is displayed on the screen 1, the user performs a menu input (step S3 in FIG. 2).
[0030]
After the display, data such as the product code, serial number, date of manufacture, firmware version, and self-diagnosis result of the digital camera 1 are sent from the digital camera 1 to the manual server 6 (FIG. 2, step 4: S4).
[0031]
At this time, these data are echoed back from the manual server 6 to the digital camera 1, and necessary answerback data is also sent (step 5 in FIG. 2: S5).
[0032]
The operation is performed through the operation buttons of the digital camera 1 if there is no problem. For example, if the digital camera 1 is in the manual mode and the shutter button is pressed, the description of the shutter automatically starts. Further, by selecting and inputting on the menu screen, the description of the function is automatically started (Step 6 in FIG. 2: S6).
[0033]
Next, it is determined whether or not any operation has been performed on the digital camera 1 (Step 7 in FIG. 2: S7). For example, when an operation such as shutter-on, aperture, and lever is performed, a corresponding operation screen is displayed. The explanation is displayed (Step 8 in FIG. 2: S8).
[0034]
The screen in FIG. 4 shows an explanation screen when the user presses the shutter. As described above, the user menu indicates the user's proficiency. In addition, the user can select any content from the chapter menu.
[0035]
In the screen of FIG. 5, when the user drags and zooms in on a desired part, the part is automatically enlarged and displayed on the screen 3. This is effective when looking at details.
[0036]
Further, the user can receive the data storage service on the Internet using the screen (thumbnail screen or the like) of FIG.
[0037]
When all the explanation operations are completed, the user turns on the end button (Step 9 in FIG. 2: S9), and thereby the end processing is executed (Step 10 in FIG. 2: S10).
[0038]
Although the above description has been directed to a digital camera as a general home appliance, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, but includes a video camera, an ITV, a stereo, a personal computer, an electric washing machine, an air conditioner, a home security system, and the like. Applies to appliances. Since the manuals of these electric appliances and the latest updated manuals are always transferred from the manufacturer to the information database 7 via the manual server 6, the user can always view the latest manuals.
[0039]
When carrying a digital camera or a video camera as a general household appliance when going out, there is no need to carry a manual. Instead of connecting the digital camera or the video camera to the Internet connection terminal 3, a digital camera or a video camera is used. Is connected to the manual server 6 in the same manner as described above by connecting to the inside using a wireless communication function having an Internet function, or by connecting to a mobile phone having an Internet function. You will see the manual directly.
[0040]
Further, information on only the manual can be displayed on the mobile phone and viewed by connecting the mobile phone to the manual server 6 via a telephone line.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the on-line manual system of the present invention has the effect that it is very easy to understand and there is no waste because it is possible to listen to the instruction manual according to the level of the person who listens to the explanation while touching the actual machine. I have.
[0042]
Since the manuals are digitized and centrally managed by the manual server, there is an effect that the latest and better manuals can be used.
[0043]
Since the state of the actual machine of the user can be always grasped, there is an effect that the maintenance is effectively performed.
[0044]
Since the handling explanation is interactive, it is possible to collect the user's manual and user's feeling data in a timely manner, which is difficult to understand.
[0045]
Also, even if you do not have a manual when you go out, you can connect to the inside of a digital camera, video camera, etc. using a wireless communication function with an Internet function, or connect to a mobile phone with an Internet function, It has the effect of being excellent in convenience because it can be seen on a real machine.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an online manual display system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the online manual display method of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an initial screen.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen when a user presses a shutter.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen in which a place that a user wants to see is enlarged.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating uploading using a thumbnail screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera 2 ... Cable 3 ... Internet connection terminal 4 ... Broadband line 5 ... Internet 6 ... Manual server 7 ... Information database 8 ... High-speed line 9 ... Cable 10 ... Manual data center

Claims (5)

An online manual, wherein an operation manual of an appliance is transmitted from a manual data center connected to the Internet via the Internet connected to the appliance and displayed on a display unit of the appliance. Display system. An appliance having an operation unit and a display unit;
The Internet connected to this appliance by a broadband line;
A manual server connected to the Internet via a high-speed line and performing server processing;
An information database connected to this manual server by a cable and recording and storing various information data including a manual of the electric appliance,
The moving image data and the operation description recorded and stored in the information database are sent from the manual server via the high-speed line, the Internet and the broadband line, and correspond to the degree of difficulty of the moving image data and the explanation course. An online manual display system, wherein operation instructions are displayed on a display unit of the appliance, and the operation instructions can be selected from the display unit. 3. The online manual system according to claim 2, wherein the operation explanation corresponding to the difficulty level of the explanation course is for beginners, intermediates, professionals and seniors. The online manual display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electric appliance is connected to the Internet via a mobile phone having an Internet function. An appliance having an operation unit and a display unit;
The Internet connected to this appliance by a broadband line;
A manual server connected to the Internet via a high-speed line and performing server processing;
An online manual display method in a system including an information database connected to the manual server and a cable and storing various information data including a manual of the electric appliance,
A mode switching step of switching the appliance to a status output mode;
Determining, when the appliance is connected to the Internet, whether the appliance is equipped with a wireless LAN interface;
A first connection step of connecting the appliance to a server and a database via the Internet as it is when the wireless LAN interface is provided;
A second connection step of connecting to the appliance if the wireless LAN interface is not provided in the determination step;
A power step of turning on the appliance;
A detecting step of detecting that the electric appliance is automatically connected to the Internet;
A server connection step for automatically connecting to the manual server and the information database constituting a manual data center through the Internet;
A display step of displaying an initial screen on the display unit when connected;
A menu input step of displaying the contents of the main menu as a still image or a moving image on the menu screen in accordance with the user menu according to the proficiency level on the initial screen, and performing menu input;
A data transmission step of transmitting data of the product code, serial number, manufacturing date, firmware version, and self-diagnosis result of the electric appliance from the electric appliance to the manual server after the display;
Echoing back the data from the manual server to the appliance side and sending answer back data;
A description display step of automatically displaying a description of the selected function on the screen by selectively inputting the menu screen;
An operation determining step of determining whether any operation has been performed on the appliance;
An operation explanation display step of displaying an explanation of a corresponding operation screen when an operation is performed;
An end processing step of executing end processing when all explanation operations are completed and the end button is turned on;
An online manual display method, comprising:

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