JP2004235723A

JP2004235723A - Portable information terminal with infrared remote controller, program therefor and unit to be remotely controlled

Info

Publication number: JP2004235723A
Application number: JP2003018841A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Tomio Nagakura; 富夫長倉
Original assignee: NEC AccessTechnica Ltd
Current assignee: NEC Platforms Ltd
Priority date: 2003-01-28
Filing date: 2003-01-28
Publication date: 2004-08-19

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate faults and inconvenience when remote controllers in exclusive use for units are missing by preparing another multi-remote controller and the like and to solve inconvenience that a function switch key of the multi-remote controller is to be operated again in accordance with the objective units. <P>SOLUTION: An infrared transmission part 9 and an infrared reception part 10 are installed in a portable information terminal such as a portable telephone set. A storage part 4 holds remote control code information. A control part 3 is provided with a means which instructs the unit on ink wiring at the time of remote control corresponding mode, waits for a response for first prescribed time and sequentially performs ink-wiring at a code of a next model until a system succeeds in response reception of one model, a means setting the model receiving the response as a model being an object of remote control, displaying an operation content in accordance with a key of an input key part 5 and transmitting an operation code corresponding to the inputted key and a means continuing ink wiring from the code of the next model when first key input is not performed within second prescribed time or when the key is not inputted within third prescribed time from termination of the operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は携帯情報端末とそのプログラム、及び被リモコン制御機器に関し、特に家庭電気機器や車載機器を操作するリモコン機能も持った赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末とその制御プログラム、及びリモコンから適合した形式で応答要求指示を受けると自機器の機種コード等で応答を返す機能を持つ被リモコン制御機器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、家庭内の電気機器や車載電気機器にはこれらを手元で操作するための専用のリモコンが付属されているが、リモコンの数が多くなるのでリモコンが行方不明になったり、紛失することもある。又、数が多くなる分使いたいリモコンが電池切れや故障で使えないといったことも起こり易い。
【０００３】
この様な不便を低減する方法の一つに、機能切換キーを操作すれば一台で複数の種類の機器を操作できるリモコン送信機がある（例えば特許文献１参照。）。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−３０４４８０号公報（段落［００１７］）
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記リモコン送信機では１台でテレビやＶＴＲ等複数の機器の操作ができるが使用者は機能切換キーを操作しＬＣＤディスプレイに表示される制御対象機器名が目的の機器か確認し、異なれば機能切換キーを再操作する必要がある。従って、使用者が操作する上で非常に煩わしいという問題がある。又新規購入した機器等のコードを追加することは言及されてない。
【０００６】
更に、上記リモコン送信機等のマルチリモコンを、別に購入し準備する必要があるのでユーザのコスト負担が生じる。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の第１の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、入力キー部と表示部とこれらを制御する制御部とこれがアクセスする記憶部を含む携帯情報端末において、送信データを赤外線搬送波に変調し送出する赤外線送出部と、機器からの赤外線搬送波を受け復調する赤外線受信部を設け、前記記憶部に一つ以上の機種のリモコンコード情報と、操作内容情報を保持し、前記制御部がリモコン自動対応モードが指示されると、機器に対し一つの機種のリモコンコードを用い応答要求を送出し機器からの応答信号を第１の所定時間まで待ち、即ちインクワイヤリ処理をし、応答受信に成功するまで順次次の機種のリモコンコードによるインクワイヤリ処理をする手段と、応答信号を受信できた機種をリモコン制御対象機種としその操作内容情報を前記キー入力部のキーに対応させて表示する手段と、入力されたキー対応の操作コードを送出する手段と、最初のキー入力が第２の所定時間内に無い、或いは対象機種の操作終了より第３の所定時間内に次のキー入力が無ければタイムアウトとし、前記インクワイヤリ処理に戻すタイムアウト処理手段を有することを特徴とする。
【０００８】
本発明の第２の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、無線通信部と入力キー部と表示部とこれらを制御する制御部とこれがアクセスする記憶部を含む携帯情報端末において、送信データを赤外線搬送波に変調し送出する赤外線送出部と、機器からの赤外線搬送波を受け復調する赤外線受信部を設け、前記記憶部に一つ以上の機種のリモコンコード情報と、操作内容情報と、リモコン操作コードの入手先の通信アドレスを保持し、前記制御部がリモコン自動対応モードが指示されると、機器に対し一つの機種のリモコンコードを用い応答要求を送出し機器からの応答信号を第１の所定時間まで待ち、即ちインクワイヤリ処理をし、応答受信に成功するまで順次次の機種のリモコンコードを用いインクワイヤリ処理をする手段と、応答信号を受信できた機種をリモコン制御対象機種とし、その操作コード情報が記憶部に登録されてなければ、自動的に前記入手先アドレスへＷＥＢ接続しリモコン操作コードをダウンロードし記憶部に登録する処理手段と、前記リモコン制御対象機種の操作内容情報を前記キー入力部のキーに対応させて表示する手段と、入力されたキー対応の操作コードを送出する手段と、最初のキー入力が第２の所定時間内に無い、或いは対象機種の操作終了より第３の所定時間内に次のキー入力が無ければタイムアウトとし、前記インクワイヤリ処理に戻すタイムアウト処理手段を有することを特徴とする。
【０００９】
本発明の第３の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、前記第１、又は第２の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末に於いて、制御部の前記インクワイヤリ処理手段が制御を戻されると次の機種からインクワイヤリ処理することを特徴とする。
【００１０】
本発明の第４の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、前記第１、又は第２の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末に於いて、前記制御部が機器に対し送出する応答要求を機種コード要求とすることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
本発明の第５の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、前記第１、又は第２の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末に於いて、前記記憶部に各機種のリモコンコード情報に付随し機種使用時期を指定できる情報も保持し、前記制御部がリモコン自動対応モードが指示されると、前記使用時期情報を、携帯情報端末のカレンダクロックと較べ使用時期でなければ、その機種を前記インクワイヤリ処理の対象にしない様にする手段も有することを特徴とする。
【００１２】
本発明の第６の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、前記第１、又は第２の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末に於いて、前記記憶部に前回使用された機種識別を含む使用履歴記録も保持する様にし、前記制御部の入力されたキー対応の操作コードを送信する手段が、コード送出の際、リモコン制御対象とされている機種の識別を操作履歴一時記憶に設定し、前記タイムアウト処理手段がキー入力待ち中にリモコン自動対応モードのオフを検出すると操作履歴一時記憶の内容で記憶部の前回使用機種識別を更新する様にし、前記インクワイヤリ処理手段がリモコン自動対応モードがオンにされると使用履歴記録を読み出し、前回使用機種を最初にインクワイヤリすることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
本発明の第７の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、前記第６の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末に於いて、前記記憶部に前回使用された機種識別と機種ごとの使用度数を含む使用履歴記録も保持する様にし、前記制御部の入力されたキー対応の操作コードを送信する手段が、コード送信の際、リモコン制御対象にされている機種の識別を操作履歴一時記憶に設定し、前記タイムアウト処理手段がキー入力待ち中にリモコン自動対応モードのオフを検出すると操作履歴一時記憶の内容で記憶部の前回使用機種識別を更新し、対応機種の使用度数をインクリメントする様にし、前記インクワイヤリ処理手段がリモコン自動対応モードがオンにされると記憶部より使用履歴記録を読み出し、インクワイヤリの順番を前回使用機種を最初とし残りの機種は使用度数の多い順とすることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
本発明の第８の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は、前記第１乃至第７の何れかの赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末に於いて、前記赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末は赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機であることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
本発明の第１の被リモコン制御機器は、赤外線搬送波を受信し検波復調しベースバンド信号に戻す赤外線受信部と、送出信号を赤外線搬送波に変調する赤外線送信部と、赤外線受信部からの受信信号に自機器の機種コードが含まれれば、受信した操作コードを判別し応答要求であれば、応答信号を前記赤外線送信部を通じ送出する制御部とを有することを特徴とする。
【００１６】
本発明の第２の被リモコン制御機器は、赤外線搬送波を受信し検波復調しベースバンド信号に戻す赤外線受信部と、送出信号を赤外線搬送波に変調する赤外線送信部と、赤外線受信部からの受信信号に自機器の機種コードが含まれれば、受信した操作コードを判別し機種コード要求であれば、自機器の機種コードを前記赤外線送信部を通じ送出する制御部とを有することを特徴とする。
【００１７】
本発明の第１のプログラムは、入力キー部と、表示部と、記憶部と、送信データを赤外線搬送波に変調し送出する赤外線送出部と、機器からの赤外線搬送波を受け復調する赤外線受信部を含む携帯情報端末のプログラムであって、リモコン自動対応モードが指示されると、記憶部に保持する一つ以上の機種のリモコンコードを用い機器に対し応答要求を送信し、機器からの応答信号を第１の所定時間待ち、即ちインクワイヤリ処理をし、応答受信に成功するまで順次次の機種のリモコンコードによりインクワイヤリ処理をする手順と、応答信号を受信できた機種をリモコン制御対象機種としその操作内容情報を記憶部より読出し、これを前記キー入力部のキーに対応させて表示する手順と、入力されたキー対応の操作コードを送出する手順と、最初のキー入力が第２の所定時間内に無い、或いは対象機種操作終了より第３の監視時間内に次のキー入力が無ければタイムアウトとし、前記インクワイヤリ処理に戻すタイムアウト処理手順を有することを特徴とする。
【００１８】
本発明の第２のプログラムは、無線通信部と、入力キー部と、表示部と、記憶部と、送信データを赤外線搬送波に変調し送出する赤外線送出部と、機器からの赤外線搬送波を受け復調する赤外線受信部を含む携帯情報端末のプログラムであって、リモコン自動対応モードが指示されると、記憶部に保持する一つ以上の機種のリモコンコードの一つを用い機器に対し応答要求を送信し、機器からの応答信号を第１の所定時間待ち、即ちインクワイヤリ処理をし、応答受信に成功するまで順次次の機種のリモコンコードによりインクワイヤリ処理をする手順と、応答信号を受信できた機種をリモコン制御対象機種とし、その操作コード情報が記憶部に登録されてなければ、記憶部に登録された入手先の通信アドレスを読出し、それへＷＥＢ接続しリモコン操作コードをダウンロードし記憶部に登録する処理手順と、前記リモコン制御対象機種の操作内容情報を前記キー入力部のキーに対応させて表示する手順と、入力されたキー対応の操作コードを送出する手順と、最初のキー入力が第２の所定時間内に無い、或いは対象機器操作終了より第３の所定時間内に次のキー入力が無ければタイムアウトとし、前記インクワイヤリ処理に戻すタイムアウト処理手順を有することを特徴とする。
【００１９】
本発明の第３のプログラムは、前記第１、又は第２のプログラムに於いて、前記インクワイヤリ処理手順が制御を戻されると次の機種からインクワイヤリ処理することを特徴とする。
【００２０】
本発明の第４のプログラムは、前記第１、又は第２のプログラムに於いて、前記機器に対し送出する応答要求を機種コード要求とすることを特徴とする。
【００２１】
本発明の第５のプログラムは、前記第１、又は第２のプログラムに於いて、リモコン自動対応モードが指示されると、各機種の使用時期を指定した使用時期情報を記憶部より読出し、これを携帯情報端末のカレンダクロックと較べ使用時期でなければ、その機器を前記インクワイヤリ処理の対象にしない様にする手順も有することを特徴とする。
【００２２】
本発明の第６のプログラムは、前記第１、又は第２のプログラムに於いて、前記入力されたキー対応のコードを送信する手順が、コード送信の際、リモコン制御対象にされている機種の識別を操作履歴一時記憶に設定し、前記タイムアウト処理手順がキー入力待ち中にリモコン自動対応モードのオフを検出すると、前記操作履歴一時記憶の内容で記憶部の前回使用機種識別を更新する様にし、前記インクワイヤリ処理手順がリモコン自動対応モードがオンにされると記憶部より使用履歴記録を読み出し、前回使用機種を最初にインクワイヤリすることを特徴とする。
【００２３】
本発明の第７のプログラムは、前記第６のプログラムに於いて、前記入力されたキー対応のコードを送信する手順が、コード送信の際、リモコン制御対象とされている機種の識別を操作履歴一時記憶に設定し、前記タイムアウト処理手順がキー入力待ち中にリモコン自動対応モードのオフを検出すると操作履歴一時記憶の内容で記憶部の前回使用機種識別を更新し、対応機種の使用度数をインクリメントする様にし、前記インクワイヤリ処理手順がリモコン自動対応モードがオンにされると記憶部より使用履歴記録を読み出し、インクワイヤリの順番を前回使用機種を最初とし残りの機種は使用度数の多い順とすることを特徴とする。
【００２４】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して詳細に説明する。図１は本発明の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末の好適例としての赤外線リモコン付携帯電話の構成を示すブロック図である。
【００２５】
図１を参照し、赤外線リモコン付携帯電話は送受信アンテナ１、無線部２、制御部３、記憶部４、入力キー部５、レシーバ６、マイク７、表示部８、赤外線送出部９、赤外線受信部１０で構成される。
【００２６】
送受信アンテナ１、無線部２は携帯電話機としてのアンテナ、無線部である。記憶部４は不揮発性のメモリであり、各機器のリモコンコード情報、機器の動作種別フラグ（連続操作タイプ／否）と各機器の各コードの動作内容、連続操作タイプの機器のキーに付随して動作電源オフ指定、動作電源オンオフ指定の付随フラグを含む。又各機種に対応して使用時期情報、使用履歴情報を含む。
【００２７】
各機種のリモコンコード情報には機種コード（カスタムコード）と応答要求（インクワイヤリ）コード、操作コードを含む。入力キー部５、表示部８は携帯電話機としてのキー群、表示部であり、リモコンモードでも同じキー群、表示部を使用する。
【００２８】
赤外線送出部９は制御部３からの送信データを受け、シリアルビット列に変換し各ビットをＰＰＭ（パルス位置変調）等を行い、これで赤外線搬送波を変調する。赤外線発光ダイオードや駆動回路、変調や変換手段を持つ。
【００２９】
赤外線受信部１０は、機器からの赤外線搬送波を受け電気信号に変換し、増幅し検波し、パルス位置変調等された信号を復調し機器からのベースバンド信号を取り出し、シリアル−パラレル変換する。フォトダイオード、増幅、検波回路、復調、変換手段を持つ。
【００３０】
制御部３にはプロセッサ或いはマイコン、ＲＡＭ部を含みこれのプログラムによりリモコンモードへの遷移、リモコン動作等の制御を実現できる。
【００３１】
図２は本発明の被リモコン制御機器（リモコン制御される機器）の構成を示したブロック図である。図２を参照し、本発明の被リモコン制御機器とは例えば赤外線リモコンによって操作されるテレビ、ビデオ、音響機器、冷暖房機、ドアロック等の機器、車載用機器（カーステレオ、カーナビゲーション装置、ドアロック装置等）である。
【００３２】
本発明の被リモコン制御機器は、制御部１１、記憶部１２、赤外線送出部１３、赤外線受信部１４、機器メイン部１５で構成され、赤外線受信部１４は赤外線搬送波を受けると、電気信号に変換し、検波し、ＰＰＭ等の変調された信号を得てベースバンドの信号に復調する。
【００３３】
制御部１１は赤外線受信部１４を通じ、赤外線リモコンからの信号を解読し、リーダコードに続く自機種コードを検出すると自機器宛信号と見なし後続のコードを解釈する。これが応答要求であれば、応答コードを赤外線送出部１３を通じ送出する。操作指示コードであれば対応した制御を機器メイン部１５に出力する。
【００３４】
赤外線送出部１３は、送出コードをＰＰＭ等の変調をし、更に赤外線の搬送波に変換する。記憶部１２には応答コード、操作コードを保持している。
【００３５】
尚、本実施形態では応答要求を機種コード要求としている。従って被リモコン制御機器は自機器の機種コードを返す。
【００３６】
図３は赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機の記憶部４の内、リモコンコード情報とそれに付随する情報を示した図である。
【００３７】
リモコンコード情報としては機種コード（カスタムコード）、機器に対し機種コード送信を要求するインクワイヤリ（ＩＮＱ）コード、形式（送信、受信フォーマット）を保持している。
【００３８】
機種コード（カスタムコード）、インクワイヤリコードは例えば８ビットであり、１６進数表現している。機種コードは機器のメーカ及び機器の種別により異なっている。
【００３９】
形式は送信や受信をカスタムコード、反転カスタムコード、操作コード、反転操作コードの形式で送り、一般的形式であれば０とし、その他のメーカ独自の形式である場合は１や２等としており、機器への機種コード送信要求や操作指示送信信号作成、受信データの解読に使用される。
【００４０】
操作コードＰＴ、ＣＴは操作コード情報のポインタ（記憶部４上のアドレス）とエントリ数である。
【００４１】
付随情報としては連続操作フラグ、使用時期情報、使用回数情報を有している。連続操作フラグは１ビットの情報であり、その機種が連続操作タイプ／否を示している。
【００４２】
使用時期情報は、例えば全て０でなければ使用する月を表している。機種ＩＤ１や２は無指定であり、特に限定しないことを示し、機種ＩＤ４は１月から３月及び１２月に限り使用する可能性があることを示している。
【００４３】
使用度数情報はそれまでの使用度数を表している。使用回数を更新した際に使用回数ワードの２進数表現における最上位ビットが立つと、使用回数が０或いは１である機種ＩＤのエントリを除いたエントリの値を、右１ビットシフトしオバーフローしないように調整される。
【００４４】
図４は記憶部４に保持される各機種の操作コード、付随情報について機種ＩＤが１の例で示した図である。
【００４５】
項番は例えば、操作コードに割り当てられた携帯電話機のキーコードも兼ねている。機種ＩＤ＝１（機種Ａ）のリモコン操作モードになると、図３の機種ＩＤ１の情報に続き、図４の項番欄、動作内容欄の情報がリモコン操作メニューとして表示される。
【００４６】
キー「０」の押下を検出すると、項番０の操作コード８１（１６進）が読み出され、Ａ１（機種コード）、５Ｅ（反転機種コード）、８１（操作コード）、７Ｅ（反転操作コード）がこの順に結合され送信される。
【００４７】
オフ指定は機器の動作電源オフを指示する操作コードであること、オンオフ指定は機器の動作電源オンオフ（トグル）を指示する操作コードであることをそれぞれ示す１ビットのフラグである。
【００４８】
尚、機種コード、インクワイヤリコード、各操作コードを送信形式で記憶部４に保持する様にしてもよい。
【００４９】
次に、本発明の実施の形態の動作について図面を参照して説明する。先ず、第１の実施例について赤外線リモコン付携帯電話の制御部３の動作ないし処理手順を図５〜図７のフローチャートに示す。
【００５０】
制御部３は使用者によりリモコン自動対応モードに設定されたかをチェックし、設定されれば（ステップＡ１）、記憶部４より各機種ＩＤの使用時期情報を読み出し、携帯電話機のカレンダクロックの月と比較し、時期が適合しない機種ＩＤ（＝４、機器Ｄ）は除外する（ステップＡ２）。
【００５１】
次に時期の適合する機種について使用履歴を読み出す。この機種使用履歴には前回使用機種と、機種ごとの使用回数を含み、前回使用機種が機種Ａであり、使用回数は機種Ｂ、機種Ａ、機種Ｃの順に多かったとする。制御部３は機種確認の順番を前回使用の機種を最優先し、残りの機種は使用回数順とし、機種Ａ、機種Ｂ、機種Ｃの順に決める（ステップＡ３）。
【００５２】
制御部３は”機器Ａ”の機種コード要求信号を赤外線送出部９より信号を赤外線に変換して送出する（ステップＡ４）。機器の種類を表すためにここでは機器Ａ、機器Ｂ、機器Ｃと”機器Ａ”、”機器Ｂ”、”機器Ｃ”を変えて機種を表す。
【００５３】
リモコンの信号コードはメーカー及び、機種により違うため、機器Ａが携帯電話機からの機器Ａの機種コード要求信号を受信すれば、機器Ａは機種コード要求信号を認識し、機器Ａの機種コードを送出する。
【００５４】
機器Ａ以外の機器がステップＡ４にて送出した機種コード要求信号を受信した場合は、信号が何であるか判断できない。
【００５５】
赤外線受信部１０で”機器Ａ”の機種コードを機種コード要求送出後Ｘ秒以内に”機器Ａ”の機種コードを受信すれば（ステップＡ５）、携帯電話機は機器Ａ対応のリモコンモードとなる（ステップＡ６）。
【００５６】
ステップＡ５にて”機器Ａ”の機種コード要求送出後Ｘ秒以内に機種コードを受信できなければ、”機器Ｂ”の機種コード要求信号を赤外線送出部９より送出する（ステップＡ７）。
【００５７】
赤外線受信部１０で”機器Ｂ”の機種コードを機種コード要求信号送出後Ｘ秒以内に受信すれば（ステップＡ８）、携帯電話機は”機器Ｂ”対応のリモコンモードとなる（ステップＡ９）。
【００５８】
ステップＡ８にて”機器Ｂ”の機種コード要求信号送出後Ｘ秒以内に機種コードを受信できなければ、”機器Ｃ”の機種コード要求信号を赤外線送出部９より送出する（ステップＡ１０）。
【００５９】
同様に”機器Ｃ”機種コードを受信すれば（ステップＡ１１）、機器Ｃリモコンモードとなり（ステップＡ１２）、受信できなければステップＡ４に戻る。
【００６０】
尚、図示してないがリモコン自動対応モードがオフするとインクワイヤ動作は中止する。又、機器の数は４に限らず５台以上を対象としてインクワイヤリしてもよい。
【００６１】
ステップＡ６、ステップＡ９、ステップＡ１２での制御部３がリモコンモードに入った時の動作を図６を用いて説明する。ここでは特に機器Ａリモコンモードに入った場合を説明する。機器Ｂリモコンモード、機器Ｃリモコンモードの場合も同様な動作をする。
【００６２】
制御部３は、赤外線受信部１０で受信した機種コードにより、例えば”機器Ａ”の機種コードを受信していれば、赤外線で操作される機器が”機器Ａ”（機種Ａ）であると判断する（ステップＡ２０）。
【００６３】
”機器Ａ”に対応したリモコン操作コードや付随情報を記憶部４より読み出す（ステップＡ２１）。表示メニューをリモコン操作メニューに切り替える。即ち、表示部８に操作種類と割り当てられているキーを表示する（ステップＡ２２）。
【００６４】
機器Ａの操作可能状態になり、キー操作の監視タイマーをＹ秒に設定する（ステップＡ２３）。
【００６５】
機器Ａのリモコン操作が無く（ステップＡ２４）、自動対応モードのオフ操作も受けなければ（ステップＡ２９）、監視時間タイムアウト（機器Ａ操作可能状態になった後Ｙ秒経過）すれば（ステップＡ３０）、インクワイヤリ順を次の機器（機器Ｂ）からとし図５のステップＡ７に戻り、再び機種コード要求信号を送出する動作に入る。
【００６６】
ステップＡ２３にて機器Ａ操作可能状態になった後Ｙ秒経過していなく自動対応モードオフ（自動対応モード指定のオフ操作、通話の着信や発信）でなければ機器Ａ操作可能状態が維持され、機器Ａのリモコン操作が有った場合（ステップＡ２４）、操作されたキーに対応した機器Ａのリモコンコードを送出する（ステップＡ２５）。
【００６７】
監視タイマをリセットしておき（ステップＡ２６）、操作履歴一時記憶を機器Ａ（機種ＩＤ＝１）に設定しておく（ステップＡ２７）。操作終了条件でなければ（ステップＡ２８）、自動対応モードがオフにならなければタイムアウトは発生しないので機器Ａのリモコン操作（キー入力）待ちになりステップＡ２５以降を繰り返す。
【００６８】
ステップＡ２８で操作終了を判定すれば、監視タイマーをＺ秒に設定する（ステップＡ２６）。
【００６９】
自動対応モードオフを受けず、監視時間タイムアウト（キー操作終了してからＺ秒経過）までは、機器Ａのリモコン操作待ちを維持し再操作あればステップＡ２５〜Ａ３０が繰り返される。
【００７０】
この間に自動対応モードオフ信号を受けると（ステップＡ２９）、操作履歴一時記憶内容を使用履歴記憶の前回使用機器エリアに記憶し、一時記憶が示す機器の使用回数がインクリメントされ記憶される（ステップＡ３２）。
【００７１】
監視時間タイムアウト（機器Ａリモコン操作終了後Ｚ秒経過）すると（ステップＡ３０）、図５のＡ７にリターンし、再び機種コード要求信号を送出する動作に入る。
【００７２】
ここで機器に対する操作終了の判定を行う方式例は、機器の種別に応じリモコンによる動作指示に関し連続操作タイプ／１回操作タイプの区分フラグを機器対応に持つ。
【００７３】
又、連続操作タイプの機器のキーに付随して動作電源オフ指定、動作電源オンオフ指定（各１ビット）を持たせる。
【００７４】
そして、機器Ａ操作可能状態に入った際（ステップＡ２３）でファーストインジケータをセットし、監視タイマリセット時（ステップＡ２６）及び監視時間タイムアウト時このインジケータはリセットする。
【００７５】
連続操作タイプ機器（ＴＶ、ビデオ、音響機器、及び動作電源オン指示してから操作内容指示する機器）では、電源オフ指定のキーのコードを送出した、或いは、ファーストインジケータオフ時に動作電源オンオフ指定キーのコードを送出したときに動作の操作を終了したと判定する。１回操作タイプの機器では最初の操作で動作の操作を終了したと判定する。
【００７６】
この他、動作の操作が終了したかの判定はキーコード送出後そのリモコン制御機器乃至機種にステータス要求を送出し、機器乃至機種より動作電源のステータスを受信して判定する方式もある。又、キー動作内容を示す表示に「操作終了」と対応キー（例えば「９」）を併せて表示し、「９」キー押下を検出すると操作終了とする方式であってもよい。
【００７７】
何れにしてもこれらの方式では前記連続操作タイプ／１回操作タイプの区分フラグや、オフ指定、オンオフ指定等のフラグ情報は不要である。
制御部３は常時機種コード要求信号を送出し、機種コードが確認できたら確認した機器の操作が可能なモードにし、操作終了後ある時間、使用者が何も操作しなかった場合には再び機種コード要求確認をする動作をする。
【００７８】
使用者が携帯している携帯電話機が、赤外線リモコンにより操作される機器に近づくだけで、携帯電話機は上記機器をリモコン操作可能な状態にして、使用者が何もせず上記機器から立ち去った場合は再び赤外線リモコン操作可能な機器を探す動作が可能となる。
【００７９】
図８に上記ステップＡ２２のリモコン操作メニュー表示の例を示す。機器ＡがＴＶであり、携帯電話機の入力キー部５の”０”キーで機器ＡのＯＮ／ＯＦＦ操作されることを示している。他のキーについても同様である。
【００８０】
図７は前記図６のステップＡ２４とＡ２５の動作を詳細に示したフロチャートである。図７を参照し、表示が図８のリモコンメニューに切り替わり機器Ａ操作可能モードになった状態で、例えば電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦ操作に割り当てられている”０”キーを使用者が押下した場合（ステップＡ２４）、制御部３は記憶部４より機器Ａの”０”キーに対応するリモコンコードを読み出す（ステップＡ２５−１）。
【００８１】
読み出したリモコンコードを赤外線送出部９で赤外線に変換し送出する（ステップＡ２５−２）。
【００８２】
送出された赤外線リモコンコードを機器Ａが受信し、機器Ａは電源ＯＮ／ＯＦＦ動作する。
【００８３】
次に赤外線によって操作される機器の制御部１１の動作を図９のフローチャートに示す。赤外線によって操作される機器の制御部１１は、赤外線信号待ち状態にあるとし、赤外線受信部１４で赤外線リモコンコードを受信し（ステップＣ１）、受信信号コードが機種コード要求信号であれば（ステップＣ２）、自機の機種コード（カスタムコード）を記憶部１２より読み出し（ステップＣ４）、自機の機種コードを赤外線送出部１３より送出する（ステップＣ５）。
【００８４】
ステップＣ２にて受信した受信信号コードが機種コード要求信号でなければ、受信信号コードに応じた動作をする（ステップＣ３）。例えば携帯電話機が機器備え付けのリモコンが出力する信号と同様の赤外線信号を出すのでこれに応じた通常動作をする。
【００８５】
以上の第１の実施例の説明では赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末を赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機として説明したが、ＰＤＡ、電子手帳、パームトップコンピュータ等の携帯情報端末であってもよい。
【００８６】
次に本発明の第２の実施例について説明する。前記第１の実施例に較べて制御部３は、赤外線リモコンによって操作される機器のリモコンコードが、予め記憶部４に記憶されていない場合、自動的にＷＥＢ接続を行いリモコンコードをサイトからダウンロードしリモコン制御できる様にする機能が追加されている。
【００８７】
又、記憶部４には各機器の動作内容と対応コード情報を提供するＵＲＬ等の通信アドレスが登録されている。
【００８８】
本実施例の動作は、前記第１の実施例の動作説明の内、リモコンモード状態になった制御部３が操作される機器が”機器Ａ”であると判断し、”機器Ａ”に対応したリモコンコードを記憶部４より読み出す動作（ステップＡ２１）が相違する。
【００８９】
従ってこの動作について図１０及び図１１のフロチャートを参照し説明する。制御部３Ａは、操作される機器が例えば機器Ａと判断すると、”機器Ａ”に対応したリモコンコードの記憶部４からの読出要求を発生する（ステップＢ１）。
【００９０】
機器Ａに対応したリモコンコードが記憶部４に記憶されているか確認し、記憶されていれば（ステップＢ２）、機器Ａのリモコンコードを記憶部４から読み出す（ステップＢ３）。これにて表示メニューがリモコンモードに切り替わり、機器Ａリモコン操作可能な機器Ａ使用可能状態になる。
【００９１】
記憶されていなければ自動でＷＥＢ接続可能か確認する。ＷＥＢ接続許可モードになっていれば（ステップＢ４）、ＷＥＢ接続モードとなる。ＷＥＢ接続許可になっていなければ表示部８に”リモコンデータ入手のためＷＥＢ接続しますか？”の表示をする（ステップＢ５）。
【００９２】
キー入力が”はい”に相当するキーが押下されていれば（ステップＢ６）、ＷＥＢ接続モードに入る。キー入力が”いいえ”に相当するキーが押下されていれば、ＷＥＢ接続によるデータ入手が許可されていないため、ＷＥＢ接続できない旨を表示部８に表示する（ステップＢ７）。
【００９３】
図１１に移り、ＷＥＢ接続モードに入った場合、記憶部４より機器Ａに対応するＷＥＢ接続のためのアドレスを読み出す（ステップＢ８）。
【００９４】
読み出したアドレスにＷＥＢ接続し、機器Ａのリモコンコードをダウンロードする（ステップＢ９）。ダウンロードしたデータを機器Ａのリモコンコードとして記憶部４に記憶する（ステップＢ１０）。次にステップＢ３以降の処理がされ、機器Ａ使用可能状態になる。
【００９５】
以上の第２の実施例の説明では赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末を赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機として説明したが、無線通信機能とインターネットアクセス機能を持つＰＤＡ、パームトップコンピュータ等であってもよい。
【００９６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した様に本発明によれば、赤外線リモコンによって操作される機器に赤外線受信部だけでなく赤外線送信部も設け、携帯端末と機器との間で赤外線通信をする構成とすることにより、携帯端末上から赤外線によって操作する機器が何であるかを判別できるため、使用者が使用する前に予め機器メーカー入力等の初期設定をしたり、メニュー画面を変更したりすることなく操作を開始できる。即ち、使用者の携帯端末上での操作を簡略化し、操作の煩わしさを解消できる。
【００９７】
また、赤外線リモコンによって操作される機器のリモコンコードが携帯端末の記憶部に予め記憶されていない場合には、自動的にＷＥＢ接続し、リモコンコードを取得できる様にし、操作の煩わしさを解消するだけでなく、予め記憶するデータ量を減らし、記憶部の容量の節約もできる。
【００９８】
又、携帯電話機等の携帯情報端末にはリモコン機能を実現する為のＨＷの過半が備わっておりこれを利用することで、コスト負担の小さい、専用リモコン代替手段を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の赤外線リモコン付携帯情報端末の例としての赤外線リモコン付携帯電話の構成を示すブロック図。
【図２】本発明の被リモコン制御機器の構成を示したブロック図。
【図３】図１の携帯電話機の記憶部４の内容の内、リモコンコード情報とそれに付随する情報を示した図。
【図４】図１の記憶部４に保持される各機種の操作コード、付随情報内容を機種ＩＤが１の例で示した図。
【図５】図１の赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機の制御部３の動作ないし処理手順を示したフローチャート。
【図６】図１の赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機の制御部３がリモコンモードに入った時の動作ないし処理手順を示したフローチャート。
【図７】図６のステップＡ２４、Ａ２５の詳細動作ないし手順を示したフローチャート。
【図８】図１の赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機の表示部８に表示するリモコン操作メニューの例を示した図。
【図９】本発明の被リモコン制御機器の制御部１１の動作を示したフロチャート。
【図１０】図１の赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機の第２実施例の制御部３の動作ないし処理手順を示したフローチャート。
【図１１】図１の赤外線リモコン付携帯電話機の第２実施例の制御部３の動作ないし処理手順を示したフローチャート。
【符号の説明】
１送受信アンテナ
２無線部
３、３Ａ制御部
４記憶部
５入力キー部
６レシーバ
７マイク
８表示部
９赤外線送出部
１０赤外線受信部
１１制御部
１２記憶部
１５機器メイン部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information terminal, a program therefor, and a remote-controlled device, and more particularly to a portable information terminal with an infrared remote control that also has a remote control function for operating home electric devices and in-vehicle devices, a control program therefor, and a format suitable for the remote control. The present invention relates to a remote-controlled device having a function of returning a response with a model code or the like of its own device when receiving a response request instruction.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, home electric appliances and in-vehicle electric appliances are equipped with a dedicated remote control to operate them at hand, but since the number of remote controls is large, the remote control may be missing or lost is there. In addition, the remote controller that the user wants to use cannot easily be used due to a battery exhaustion or a failure because the number of remote controllers increases.
[0003]
One of the methods for reducing such inconvenience is a remote control transmitter that can operate a plurality of types of devices by operating a function switching key (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-304480 (paragraph [0017])
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The remote control transmitter can operate a plurality of devices such as a TV and a VTR with one unit. However, the user operates the function switching key to check whether the name of the device to be controlled displayed on the LCD display is the target device. It is necessary to operate the switching key again. Therefore, there is a problem that the operation is very troublesome for the user. It does not mention adding a code for a newly purchased device or the like.
[0006]
Further, since it is necessary to separately purchase and prepare a multi remote controller such as the above remote controller transmitter, a user bears a cost.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller of the present invention is a portable information terminal including an input key section, a display section, a control section for controlling them, and a storage section to be accessed by modulating transmission data into an infrared carrier and transmitting the modulated data. An infrared transmitting unit and an infrared receiving unit that receives and demodulates an infrared carrier wave from the device are provided, and the storage unit stores remote control code information of one or more models and operation content information. Is instructed, a response request is sent to the device using one type of remote control code, and a response signal from the device is waited for a first predetermined time, that is, an inquiry process is performed, and the next until the response is successfully received. Means for performing an inquiry process using the remote control code of the model of the model, and a model that can receive the response signal as a model to be controlled by the remote control, and the operation content information is described above. A means for displaying the key corresponding to the key of the input unit, a means for transmitting an operation code corresponding to the input key, and a method in which the first key input is not performed within the second predetermined time or the operation of the target model is terminated. If there is no next key input within a predetermined time period of 3, the time-out processing means is provided, and the time-out processing means is returned to the inquiry processing.
[0008]
According to a second portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller of the present invention, in a portable information terminal including a wireless communication unit, an input key unit, a display unit, a control unit for controlling these units, and a storage unit accessed by the same, transmission data is converted to an infrared carrier wave. An infrared transmitting section for modulating and transmitting, and an infrared receiving section for receiving and demodulating an infrared carrier wave from a device are provided, and remote control code information of at least one model, operation content information, and a source of remote control operation code are stored in the storage section. When the controller instructs the remote controller automatic response mode, the controller sends a response request to the device using a remote control code of one model and waits for a response signal from the device until a first predetermined time. That is, means for performing inquiry processing and sequentially performing inquiry processing using the remote control code of the next model until the response is successfully received, and receiving the response signal. Processing means for automatically setting the obtained model as a remote control target model, and if the operation code information is not registered in the storage unit, making a WEB connection to the acquisition address, downloading the remote control operation code, and registering it in the storage unit; Means for displaying the operation content information of the model to be controlled by the remote controller in association with the keys of the key input unit, means for transmitting an operation code corresponding to the input key, and wherein the first key input is performed within a second predetermined time. If there is no key input or if there is no next key input within a third predetermined time from the end of the operation of the target model, a time-out processing means is provided to return to the inquiry processing.
[0009]
The third portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller of the present invention is the portable information terminal with the first or second infrared remote controller, wherein the inquiry processing means of the control unit returns control from the next model. It is characterized by processing.
[0010]
A fourth portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to the present invention is the portable information terminal with the first or second infrared remote controller, wherein the response request sent by the control unit to the device is a model code request. It is characterized by.
[0011]
A fifth portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to the present invention is the portable information terminal with the first or second infrared remote controller, wherein the storage unit is attached to remote control code information of each model to designate a model use time. If the control unit instructs the remote control automatic response mode, the use time information is not compared with the calendar clock of the portable information terminal, and if the use time information is not used, the model is not subjected to the inquiry processing. It is characterized in that it also has means for making
[0012]
A sixth portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to the present invention, in the first or second portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller, also stores a use history record including a model identification used last time in the storage unit. Means for transmitting the operation code corresponding to the key input by the control unit, when transmitting the code, sets the identification of the model to be controlled by the remote control in the operation history temporary storage, and the time-out processing means When the remote control automatic response mode is detected to be OFF while waiting for a key input, the last used model identification in the storage unit is updated with the contents of the operation history temporary storage, and the inquiry processing means is used when the remote control automatic response mode is turned on. It is characterized in that the history record is read out and the model used last time is first inquired.
[0013]
A portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to the sixth aspect, wherein the storage unit also includes a usage history record including a model identification used last time and a use frequency for each model. The means for transmitting the operation code corresponding to the key input by the control unit sets the identification of the model to be controlled by the remote controller in the operation history temporary storage at the time of code transmission, and performs the time-out processing. When the means detects that the remote control automatic response mode is turned off while waiting for a key input, the last used model identification in the storage unit is updated with the contents of the operation history temporary storage, the usage frequency of the corresponding model is incremented, and the inquiry processing means is When the remote control automatic support mode is turned on, the usage history record is read from the storage unit, and the inquiry order is set to the last used model first and the remaining models It is characterized in that a lot of use frequency order.
[0014]
The portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller is a portable telephone with an infrared remote controller. It is characterized by.
[0015]
A first remote-controlled device according to the present invention includes an infrared receiving section that receives an infrared carrier, detects and demodulates the signal, and returns a baseband signal, an infrared transmitting section that modulates a transmission signal to an infrared carrier, and a signal that is received from the infrared receiving section. And a control unit for determining the received operation code if the device code includes the model code of the own device and sending a response signal through the infrared transmission unit if the response is a response request.
[0016]
A second remote-controlled device according to the present invention includes an infrared receiving section that receives an infrared carrier, detects and demodulates the signal, and returns a baseband signal, an infrared transmitting section that modulates a transmission signal to an infrared carrier, and a reception signal from the infrared receiving section. If the device code includes the model code of the own device, the control unit transmits the model code of the own device through the infrared transmitting unit if the received operation code is determined and the model code is requested.
[0017]
A first program according to the present invention includes an input key unit, a display unit, a storage unit, an infrared transmitting unit that modulates transmission data into an infrared carrier and transmits the same, and an infrared receiving unit that receives and demodulates an infrared carrier from a device. When a remote control automatic correspondence mode is instructed, a response request is transmitted to the device using one or more types of remote control codes held in the storage unit, and a response signal from the device is transmitted. Waiting for a first predetermined time, that is, performing inquiry processing, and sequentially performing inquiry processing using the remote control code of the next model until the response is successfully received. A procedure of reading information from the storage unit and displaying the information in correspondence with the key of the key input unit, and a procedure of transmitting an operation code corresponding to the input key. If the first key input is not within the second predetermined time, or if there is no next key input within the third monitoring time after the end of the operation of the target model, a timeout processing procedure is set to timeout and return to the inquiry processing. And
[0018]
According to a second program of the present invention, a wireless communication unit, an input key unit, a display unit, a storage unit, an infrared transmitting unit that modulates transmission data into an infrared carrier and transmits the same, and receives and demodulates an infrared carrier from a device. A program for a portable information terminal including an infrared receiver that transmits a response request to a device using one of one or more types of remote control codes stored in a storage when an automatic remote control mode is instructed. Then, a procedure of waiting for a response signal from the device for a first predetermined time, that is, performing inquiry processing, and sequentially performing inquiry processing using a remote control code of the next model until the response is successfully received, and a model that can receive the response signal. If the operation code information is not registered in the storage unit, the communication address of the acquisition source registered in the storage unit is read out, and a web connection is made to the remote control. A procedure for downloading the remote control operation code and registering it in the storage unit, a procedure for displaying the operation content information of the remote control target model in association with the key of the key input unit, and transmitting an operation code corresponding to the input key. And a time-out processing procedure in which the first key input is not within the second predetermined time or the next key input is not performed within the third predetermined time after the end of the operation of the target device, and the time-out processing is returned to the inquiry processing. It is characterized by having.
[0019]
A third program of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second program, when the control of the inquiry processing procedure is returned, the inquiry processing is performed from the next model.
[0020]
A fourth program of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second program, a response request transmitted to the device is a model code request.
[0021]
According to a fifth program of the present invention, in the first or second program, when the remote control automatic correspondence mode is instructed, the use time information specifying the use time of each model is read from the storage unit, If the device is not used in comparison with the calendar clock of the portable information terminal, a procedure for preventing the device from being subjected to the inquiry process is also provided.
[0022]
According to a sixth program of the present invention, in the first or second program, the procedure of transmitting the code corresponding to the input key is the same as that of the model which is set as a remote control target when transmitting the code. The identification is set to the operation history temporary storage, and when the timeout processing procedure detects that the remote control automatic response mode is turned off while waiting for a key input, the last used model identification of the storage unit is updated with the contents of the operation history temporary storage. When the remote control automatic response mode is turned on, the inquiry processing procedure reads the use history record from the storage unit, and firstly inquires about the model used last time.
[0023]
According to a seventh program of the present invention, in the sixth program, the step of transmitting the code corresponding to the input key includes, when transmitting the code, identifying the type of the remote control-controlled object in the operation history. Set to temporary storage, and when the timeout processing procedure detects that the remote control automatic response mode is turned off while waiting for a key input, updates the previously used model identification in the storage unit with the contents of the operation history temporary storage, and increments the frequency of use of the corresponding model When the remote control automatic response mode is turned on, the use history record is read from the storage unit, and the order of inquiry is set to the last used model first and the remaining models to be used in descending order of the frequency of use. It is characterized by.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile phone with an infrared remote controller as a preferred example of the mobile information terminal with an infrared remote controller of the present invention.
[0025]
Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile phone equipped with an infrared remote controller has a transmitting / receiving antenna 1, a radio unit 2, a control unit 3, a storage unit 4, an input key unit 5, a receiver 6, a microphone 7, a display unit 8, an infrared transmitting unit 9, and an infrared receiving unit. It is composed of a unit 10.
[0026]
The transmitting / receiving antenna 1 and the radio unit 2 are an antenna and a radio unit as a mobile phone. The storage unit 4 is a non-volatile memory, and is associated with remote control code information of each device, an operation type flag (continuous operation type / non-operation) of the device, an operation content of each code of each device, and a key of the continuous operation type device. Associated with the operation power off designation and the operation power on / off designation. It also includes usage time information and usage history information corresponding to each model.
[0027]
The remote control code information of each model includes a model code (custom code), a response request (inquiry) code, and an operation code. The input key unit 5 and the display unit 8 are a key group and a display unit as a mobile phone, and use the same key group and display unit even in the remote control mode.
[0028]
The infrared transmitting unit 9 receives the transmission data from the control unit 3, converts the data into a serial bit string, performs PPM (pulse position modulation) on each bit, and modulates the infrared carrier. It has an infrared light emitting diode, a driving circuit, a modulation and conversion means.
[0029]
The infrared receiving unit 10 receives an infrared carrier wave from the device, converts it into an electric signal, amplifies and detects the signal, demodulates a signal subjected to pulse position modulation and the like, extracts a baseband signal from the device, and performs serial-parallel conversion. It has a photodiode, amplification, detection circuit, demodulation, and conversion means.
[0030]
The control unit 3 includes a processor, a microcomputer, and a RAM unit, and can control the transition to the remote control mode, the remote control operation, and the like by using the programs.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote-controlled device (device controlled by a remote controller) of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the remote-controlled device of the present invention is, for example, a device operated by an infrared remote controller, such as a TV, a video, an audio device, an air conditioner, a door lock, and a vehicle-mounted device (car stereo, car navigation device, door Locking device, etc.).
[0032]
The remote-controlled device according to the present invention includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an infrared transmitting unit 13, an infrared receiving unit 14, and a device main unit 15. The infrared receiving unit 14 receives an infrared carrier and converts it into an electric signal. Then, detection is performed, and a modulated signal such as PPM is obtained and demodulated to a baseband signal.
[0033]
The control unit 11 decodes a signal from the infrared remote controller through the infrared receiving unit 14 and, when detecting the own model code following the reader code, regards the signal as a signal addressed to the own device and interprets a subsequent code. If this is a response request, a response code is transmitted through the infrared transmission unit 13. If it is an operation instruction code, the corresponding control is output to the device main unit 15.
[0034]
The infrared transmission unit 13 modulates the transmission code such as PPM, and further converts the transmission code into an infrared carrier. The storage unit 12 holds a response code and an operation code.
[0035]
In this embodiment, the response request is a model code request. Therefore, the remote-controlled device returns the model code of its own device.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the remote control code information and the information accompanying the remote control code in the storage unit 4 of the mobile phone with the infrared remote control.
[0037]
As the remote control code information, a model code (custom code), an inquiry (INQ) code for requesting the device to transmit the model code, and a format (transmission / reception format) are held.
[0038]
The model code (custom code) and the inquiry code are, for example, 8 bits and are expressed in hexadecimal. The model code differs depending on the manufacturer of the device and the type of the device.
[0039]
As for the format, send or receive is sent in the form of custom code, inverted custom code, operation code, inverted operation code, set to 0 if it is a general format, 1 or 2 if it is another manufacturer's original format, It is used to make a model code transmission request to the device, create an operation instruction transmission signal, and decode received data.
[0040]
The operation codes PT and CT are a pointer (address on the storage unit 4) of the operation code information and the number of entries.
[0041]
The accompanying information includes a continuous operation flag, use time information, and use count information. The continuous operation flag is 1-bit information, and the model indicates the continuous operation type / no.
[0042]
The use time information indicates a month to be used, for example, if not all 0s. The model IDs 1 and 2 are unspecified and indicate that there is no particular limitation, and the model ID 4 indicates that the device may be used only from January to March and December.
[0043]
The usage frequency information indicates the usage frequency up to that time. If the most significant bit in the binary expression of the usage frequency word is set when the usage frequency is updated, the value of the entry excluding the entry of the model ID whose usage frequency is 0 or 1 is shifted by one bit to the right to prevent overflow. It is adjusted to.
[0044]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the model ID is 1 for the operation code and associated information of each model held in the storage unit 4.
[0045]
The item number also serves, for example, as a key code of the mobile phone assigned to the operation code. In the remote control operation mode of the model ID = 1 (model A), information of the item number column and the operation content column of FIG. 4 is displayed as a remote control operation menu following the information of the model ID 1 of FIG.
[0046]
When the key “0” is detected to be pressed, the operation code 81 (hexadecimal) of item number 0 is read out, and A1 (model code), 5E (reverse model code), 81 (operation code), 7E (reverse operation code) ) Are combined and transmitted in this order.
[0047]
The OFF designation is a 1-bit flag indicating that the operation code is for instructing operation power off of the device, and the ON / OFF designation is an operation code for instructing operation power on / off (toggle) of the device.
[0048]
Note that the model code, the inquiry code, and each operation code may be stored in the storage unit 4 in a transmission format.
[0049]
Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an operation or a processing procedure of the control unit 3 of the mobile phone with an infrared remote controller according to the first embodiment is shown in flowcharts of FIGS.
[0050]
The control unit 3 checks whether or not the user has set the remote control automatic correspondence mode. If the mode is set (step A1), the control unit 3 reads out the use time information of each model ID from the storage unit 4, and sets the month and the month of the calendar clock of the mobile phone. By comparison, model IDs (= 4, device D) whose timings do not match are excluded (step A2).
[0051]
Next, the use history is read for the model whose time is suitable. This model use history includes the last used model and the number of times of use for each model. It is assumed that the last used model is model A, and the number of times of use is larger in the order of model B, model A, and model C. The control unit 3 gives the highest priority to the model used last time for the model checking order, sets the remaining models to the order of the number of uses, and determines the model A, the model B, and the model C in order (step A3).
[0052]
The control unit 3 converts the model code request signal of the "device A" into an infrared ray from the infrared ray transmitting unit 9 and transmits the signal (step A4). Here, in order to represent the type of the device, the device A, the device B, and the device C are replaced with “device A”, “device B”, and “device C” to represent the model.
[0053]
Since the signal code of the remote control differs depending on the manufacturer and model, if device A receives the model code request signal of device A from the mobile phone, device A recognizes the model code request signal and sends the model code of device A. I do.
[0054]
If a device other than the device A receives the model code request signal transmitted in step A4, it cannot determine what the signal is.
[0055]
If the infrared receiving unit 10 receives the model code of "device A" within X seconds after the request for the model code of "device A" is sent (step A5), the mobile phone enters the remote control mode corresponding to device A (step A5). Step A6).
[0056]
If the model code cannot be received within X seconds after sending the model code request of "device A" in step A5, the model code request signal of "device B" is transmitted from infrared transmitting section 9 (step A7).
[0057]
If the infrared receiving unit 10 receives the model code of "device B" within X seconds after the transmission of the model code request signal (step A8), the mobile phone enters the remote control mode corresponding to "device B" (step A9).
[0058]
If the model code cannot be received within X seconds after the transmission of the device code request signal of "device B" in step A8, the device code request signal of "device C" is transmitted from infrared transmitting section 9 (step A10).
[0059]
Similarly, when the "device C" model code is received (step A11), the device C is set to the remote control mode (step A12), and if not, the process returns to step A4.
[0060]
Although not shown, when the remote control automatic response mode is turned off, the inking operation is stopped. Also, the number of devices is not limited to four, and the inquiry may be made to five or more devices.
[0061]
The operation when the control unit 3 enters the remote control mode in steps A6, A9, and A12 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where the device A remote control mode has been entered will be particularly described. The same operation is performed in the device B remote control mode and the device C remote control mode.
[0062]
If, for example, the model code of “device A” is received from the model code received by the infrared receiving unit 10, the control unit 3 determines that the device operated by infrared is “device A” (model A). (Step A20).
[0063]
The remote controller operation code and the associated information corresponding to "device A" are read from the storage unit 4 (step A21). Switch the display menu to the remote control operation menu. That is, the operation type and the assigned key are displayed on the display unit 8 (step A22).
[0064]
The device A becomes operable, and the key operation monitoring timer is set to Y seconds (step A23).
[0065]
If there is no remote control operation of the device A (step A24) and no automatic operation mode off operation is received (step A29), a monitoring time-out (Y seconds elapse after the device A becomes operable) (step A30). Then, the inquiry order is set from the next device (device B), and the process returns to step A7 in FIG.
[0066]
Unless Y seconds have elapsed after the device A operable state has been entered in step A23 and the automatic response mode is not turned off (off operation for designating the automatic response mode, incoming or outgoing call), the device A operable state is maintained, When the remote control operation of the device A is performed (step A24), the remote control code of the device A corresponding to the operated key is transmitted (step A25).
[0067]
The monitoring timer is reset (step A26), and the operation history temporary storage is set to the device A (model ID = 1) (step A27). If the operation end condition is not satisfied (step A28), a timeout does not occur unless the automatic response mode is turned off, so that the remote control operation (key input) of the device A is awaited, and the steps from step A25 are repeated.
[0068]
If the operation end is determined in step A28, the monitoring timer is set to Z seconds (step A26).
[0069]
Until the automatic response mode is turned off, the remote control operation of the device A is kept waiting until the monitoring time timeout (elapse of Z seconds from the end of the key operation), and if the operation is performed again, the steps A25 to A30 are repeated.
[0070]
When the automatic response mode off signal is received during this time (step A29), the operation history temporary storage content is stored in the last used device area of the usage history storage, and the number of times of use of the device indicated by the temporary storage is incremented and stored (step A32). ).
[0071]
When the monitoring time has expired (elapsed Z seconds after the end of the remote control operation of the device A) (step A30), the process returns to A7 in FIG. 5, and the operation for transmitting the model code request signal is started again.
[0072]
Here, the example of the method of determining the end of the operation on the device has a continuous operation type / one-time operation type classification flag for the operation instruction by the remote controller according to the type of the device.
[0073]
Also, an operation power off designation and an operation power on / off designation (each 1 bit) are provided in association with the keys of the continuous operation type device.
[0074]
The first indicator is set when the device A becomes operable (step A23), and the indicator is reset when the monitoring timer is reset (step A26) and when the monitoring time expires.
[0075]
In a continuous operation type device (TV, video, audio device, and device that instructs operation contents after instructing operation power on), a code of a key for designating power off is transmitted, or an operation power on / off designation key when fast indicator is off. It is determined that the operation of the operation has been completed when the code is transmitted. The single-operation type device determines that the operation of the operation has been completed by the first operation.
[0076]
In addition, there is also a method of determining whether or not the operation has been completed, by sending a key code, sending a status request to the remote control device or model, and receiving the status of the operating power supply from the device or model. Further, a method may be adopted in which “operation end” and a corresponding key (for example, “9”) are displayed together with the display indicating the key operation content, and the operation is ended when the “9” key press is detected.
[0077]
In any case, these methods do not require the flag for the continuous operation type / one-time operation type, and flag information such as OFF designation and ON / OFF designation.
The control unit 3 always sends a model code request signal. When the model code is confirmed, the control unit 3 is set to a mode in which the confirmed device can be operated. Perform code request confirmation.
[0078]
When the mobile phone carried by the user only approaches the device operated by the infrared remote controller, the mobile phone sets the device to be in a state where the remote control can be operated, and the user does nothing and leaves the device. The operation of searching for a device that can be operated by the infrared remote controller can be performed again.
[0079]
FIG. 8 shows an example of the remote control operation menu display in step A22. The device A is a TV, and the ON / OFF operation of the device A is performed by the “0” key of the input key unit 5 of the mobile phone. The same applies to other keys.
[0080]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operations of steps A24 and A25 in FIG. 6 in detail. Referring to FIG. 7, for example, when the user presses the “0” key assigned to the power ON / OFF operation in a state where the display is switched to the remote control menu of FIG. A24), the control unit 3 reads out the remote control code corresponding to the “0” key of the device A from the storage unit 4 (Step A25-1).
[0081]
The read remote control code is converted into infrared rays by the infrared ray transmitting section 9 and transmitted (step A25-2).
[0082]
The device A receives the transmitted infrared remote control code, and the device A performs a power ON / OFF operation.
[0083]
Next, the operation of the control unit 11 of the device operated by infrared rays is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The control unit 11 of the device operated by infrared light determines that the apparatus is in an infrared signal waiting state, receives an infrared remote control code by the infrared receiving unit 14 (step C1), and if the received signal code is a model code request signal (step C2). ), Reads out the model code of the own device (custom code) from the storage unit 12 (step C4), and sends out the model code of the own device from the infrared transmitting unit 13 (step C5).
[0084]
If the received signal code received in step C2 is not the model code request signal, the operation according to the received signal code is performed (step C3). For example, the mobile phone emits an infrared signal similar to the signal output by the remote controller provided in the device, and performs a normal operation according to the infrared signal.
[0085]
In the above description of the first embodiment, the portable information terminal with an infrared remote control is described as a mobile phone with an infrared remote control. However, a portable information terminal such as a PDA, an electronic organizer, and a palmtop computer may be used.
[0086]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Compared to the first embodiment, when the remote control code of the device operated by the infrared remote control is not stored in the storage unit 4 in advance, the control unit 3 automatically performs the WEB connection and downloads the remote control code from the site. A function to enable remote control has been added.
[0087]
Further, the storage unit 4 registers the operation content of each device and a communication address such as a URL for providing corresponding code information.
[0088]
The operation of the present embodiment corresponds to “equipment A” by judging that the equipment operated by the control unit 3 in the remote control mode state is “equipment A” in the operation description of the first embodiment. The operation of reading the remote control code from the storage unit 4 (step A21) is different.
[0089]
Therefore, this operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. When determining that the operated device is, for example, the device A, the control unit 3A issues a request to read out the remote control code corresponding to the “device A” from the storage unit 4 (step B1).
[0090]
It is checked whether the remote control code corresponding to the device A is stored in the storage unit 4, and if it is stored (step B2), the remote control code of the device A is read from the storage unit 4 (step B3). As a result, the display menu is switched to the remote control mode, and the device A can be operated by the remote controller.
[0091]
If it is not stored, it is automatically checked whether the Web connection is possible. If the mode is the web connection permission mode (step B4), the mode is the web connection mode. If the web connection is not permitted, the display section 8 displays "Do you want to make a web connection to obtain remote control data?" (Step B5).
[0092]
If the key input corresponding to "yes" is pressed (step B6), the operation enters the WEB connection mode. If the key corresponding to the key input of "No" is depressed, it is displayed on the display unit 8 that the Web connection cannot be made because the data acquisition by the Web connection is not permitted (step B7).
[0093]
Referring to FIG. 11, when entering the WEB connection mode, an address for WEB connection corresponding to the device A is read from the storage unit 4 (step B8).
[0094]
A WEB connection is made to the read address, and the remote control code of the device A is downloaded (step B9). The downloaded data is stored in the storage unit 4 as the remote control code of the device A (step B10). Next, the processing after step B3 is performed, and the device A becomes usable.
[0095]
In the above description of the second embodiment, the portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller is described as a mobile phone with an infrared remote controller. However, a PDA, a palmtop computer, or the like having a wireless communication function and an Internet access function may be used.
[0096]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a device operated by an infrared remote controller is provided with not only an infrared receiving unit but also an infrared transmitting unit, and the mobile terminal and the device are configured to perform infrared communication. Since it is possible to determine what device is operated by infrared rays from the terminal, it is possible for the user to start the operation without making initial settings such as device manufacturer input or changing the menu screen before use. That is, the user's operation on the portable terminal can be simplified, and the troublesome operation can be eliminated.
[0097]
Further, when the remote control code of the device operated by the infrared remote control is not stored in the storage unit of the portable terminal in advance, the remote control code is automatically connected to the WEB so that the remote control code can be acquired, thereby eliminating the troublesome operation. In addition, the amount of data to be stored in advance can be reduced, and the capacity of the storage unit can be saved.
[0098]
In addition, a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone has a majority of HWs for realizing a remote control function, and by using this, it is possible to provide a dedicated remote control alternative with a low cost burden.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable telephone with an infrared remote controller as an example of a portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote-controlled device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing remote control code information and information accompanying the remote control code, among contents of a storage unit 4 of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation code and associated information content of each model held in a storage unit 4 of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation or a processing procedure of a control unit 3 of the mobile phone with an infrared remote controller in FIG. 1;
6 is a flowchart showing an operation or a processing procedure when the control unit 3 of the mobile phone with an infrared remote controller in FIG. 1 enters a remote control mode.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing detailed operations or procedures of steps A24 and A25 in FIG. 6;
8 is a diagram showing an example of a remote control operation menu displayed on the display unit 8 of the mobile phone with an infrared remote controller in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 of the remote-controlled device of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation or a processing procedure of a control unit 3 of the second embodiment of the mobile phone with an infrared remote controller of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation or a processing procedure of a control unit 3 of the second embodiment of the mobile phone with an infrared remote controller of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 transmitting and receiving antennas
2 Radio section
3, 3A control unit
4 Storage unit
5 Input key section
6 receiver
7 Microphone
8 Display
9 Infrared transmitter
10 Infrared receiver
11 Control part
12 Storage unit
15 Equipment main part

Claims

In a portable information terminal including an input key unit, a display unit, a control unit that controls them, and a storage unit accessed by the control unit,
An infrared transmitting section that modulates transmission data into an infrared carrier and transmits the same, and an infrared receiving section that receives and demodulates an infrared carrier from a device,
The storage unit holds one or more types of remote control code information and operation content information, and when the control unit is instructed to perform a remote control automatic response mode, a response request is issued to the device using the remote control code of one type. Means for waiting for a response signal from the sending device until a first predetermined time, that is, performing an inquiry process, and sequentially performing an inquiry process using a remote control code of the next model until the response is successfully received;
Means for displaying a model that can receive the response signal as a model to be controlled by the remote controller, and displaying the operation content information corresponding to the key of the key input unit;
Means for transmitting an operation code corresponding to the input key;
If there is no first key input within the second predetermined time, or if there is no next key input within the third predetermined time after the operation of the target model, there is a time-out processing means for setting a timeout and returning to the inquiry processing. Characteristic portable information terminal with infrared remote control.

In a portable information terminal including a wireless communication unit, an input key unit, a display unit, a control unit that controls them, and a storage unit accessed by the control unit,
An infrared transmitting section that modulates transmission data into an infrared carrier and transmits the same, and an infrared receiving section that receives and demodulates an infrared carrier from a device,
The storage unit holds remote control code information of one or more models, operation content information, and a communication address from which a remote control operation code is obtained,
When the controller is instructed in the remote controller automatic response mode, a response request is sent to the device using a remote control code of one type and a response signal from the device is waited for a first predetermined time, that is, an inquiry process is performed, Means for performing inquiry processing sequentially using a remote control code of the next model until a response is successfully received;
The model that can receive the response signal is set as the model to be controlled by the remote controller. If the operation code information is not registered in the storage unit, the remote controller operation code is automatically downloaded to the above-mentioned acquisition address via the web connection and registered in the storage unit. Processing means;
Means for displaying the operation content information of the model to be controlled by the remote controller in association with the key of the key input unit,
Means for transmitting an operation code corresponding to the input key;
If there is no first key input within the second predetermined time, or if there is no next key input within the third predetermined time after the operation of the target model, there is a time-out processing means for setting a timeout and returning to the inquiry processing. Characteristic portable information terminal with infrared remote control.

3. The portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to claim 1, wherein when the control of the inquiry processing unit of the control unit is returned, the inquiry processing is performed from the next model.

3. The portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to claim 1, wherein the response request sent to the device by the control unit is a model code request.

The storage unit also holds information that can specify a model use time attached to the remote control code information of each model. When the control unit instructs the remote control automatic correspondence mode, the use time information is stored in the calendar clock of the portable information terminal. 3. The portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to claim 1, further comprising means for preventing the model from being subjected to the inquiry process unless it is time to use the portable information terminal.

The storage unit also stores a usage history record including the model identification used last time, and the means for transmitting the operation code corresponding to the key input by the control unit is set as a remote control target when the code is transmitted. The identification of the model that is currently set is set to the operation history temporary storage, and when the timeout processing unit detects that the remote control automatic response mode is turned off while waiting for a key input, the identification of the last used model in the storage unit is updated with the contents of the operation history temporary storage. 3. The portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to claim 1, wherein said inquiry processing means reads a usage history record when the remote control automatic response mode is turned on, and firstly inquires a model used last time. .

The storage unit also stores a use history record including a model identification and a use frequency for each model used last time, and a unit for transmitting an operation code corresponding to a key input by the control unit includes: When the identification of the model that is the target of the remote control is set to the operation history temporary storage, and when the timeout processing unit detects that the remote control automatic response mode is turned off while waiting for a key input, the last use of the storage unit is performed according to the operation history temporary storage content. The model identification is updated, the use frequency of the corresponding model is incremented, and the inquiry processing means reads the use history record from the storage unit when the remote control automatic correspondence mode is turned on, and changes the order of inquiry to the last used model first. 7. The portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to claim 6, wherein the remaining models are arranged in descending order of the number of uses.

The portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the portable information terminal with an infrared remote controller is a mobile phone with an infrared remote controller.

An infrared receiving unit that receives an infrared carrier wave, detects and demodulates it and returns it to a baseband signal, an infrared transmitting unit that modulates an outgoing signal to an infrared carrier wave, A control unit that determines the operation code and sends a response signal through the infrared transmission unit if the response code is a response request.

An infrared receiving unit that receives an infrared carrier wave, detects and demodulates it and returns it to a baseband signal, an infrared transmitting unit that modulates an outgoing signal to an infrared carrier wave, And a controller for transmitting the model code of the own device through the infrared transmitting unit if the operation code is determined and the model code is requested.

A portable information terminal program including an input key unit, a display unit, a storage unit, an infrared transmitting unit that modulates transmission data into an infrared carrier and transmits the same, and an infrared receiving unit that receives and demodulates an infrared carrier from a device. ,
When the remote controller automatic response mode is instructed, a response request is transmitted to the device using one or more types of remote control codes held in the storage unit, and a response signal from the device is waited for a first predetermined time, that is, an inquiry process is performed. A procedure of sequentially performing inquiry processing with the remote control code of the next model until a response is successfully received;
A step of reading the operation content information from the storage unit with the model that can receive the response signal as the model to be controlled by the remote controller, and displaying this in association with the key of the key input unit;
Sending an operation code corresponding to the input key;
If the first key input is not within the second predetermined time, or if there is no next key input within the third monitoring time after the end of the operation of the target model, a timeout processing procedure is set to timeout and return to the inquiry processing. And the program.

A portable information terminal including a wireless communication unit, an input key unit, a display unit, a storage unit, an infrared transmitting unit that modulates transmission data into an infrared carrier and transmits the same, and an infrared receiving unit that receives and demodulates an infrared carrier from a device. Program
When the remote control automatic response mode is instructed, a response request is transmitted to the device using one of the one or more types of remote control codes held in the storage unit, and a response signal from the device is waited for a first predetermined time, That is, a procedure of performing an inquiry process and sequentially performing an inquiry process using a remote control code of the next model until a response is successfully received;
The model that can receive the response signal is set as the model to be controlled by the remote controller. If the operation code information is not registered in the storage unit, the communication address of the acquisition source registered in the storage unit is read. Processing procedure for downloading and registering in the storage unit,
A step of displaying operation content information of the remote control-controlled model in association with a key of the key input unit;
Sending an operation code corresponding to the input key;
If the first key input is not within the second predetermined time, or if there is no next key input within the third predetermined time after the operation of the target device, there is a time-out processing procedure for returning to the inquiry processing as a time-out. And the program.

13. The program according to claim 11, wherein when the control of the inquiry processing procedure is returned, the inquiry processing is performed from the next model.

13. The program according to claim 11, wherein the response request sent to the device is a model code request.

When the remote control automatic correspondence mode is instructed, the use time information specifying the use time of each model is read from the storage unit, and this is compared with the calendar clock of the portable information terminal. 13. The program according to claim 11, further comprising a procedure for preventing the program from being targeted.

The step of transmitting the code corresponding to the input key sets the identification of the model to be controlled by the remote controller in the operation history temporary storage at the time of code transmission, and the remote controller automatically executes the timeout processing procedure while waiting for key input. When the corresponding mode is detected to be off, the last used model identification in the storage unit is updated with the contents of the operation history temporary storage. When the automatic remote control corresponding mode is turned on, the use history recording is performed by the storage unit. 13. The program according to claim 11, wherein the program is read out, and a model used last time is searched first.

The step of transmitting the code corresponding to the inputted key sets the identification of the model to be controlled by the remote controller in the operation history temporary storage at the time of code transmission, and the remote controller automatically executes the timeout processing procedure while waiting for key input. When the corresponding mode is detected to be OFF, the last used model identification in the storage unit is updated with the contents of the operation history temporary storage, the usage frequency of the corresponding model is incremented, and the remote control automatic corresponding mode is turned on in the inquiry processing procedure. 17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the use history record is read out from the storage unit and the inquiry order is set to the last used model first and the remaining models are used in descending order of the frequency of use.