JP2006014013A - Operating device, operating method thereof, operation program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-remote control device for easier operation by a user. <P>SOLUTION: A multi-remote control device 100 performs macro operation which a user selects among a plurality of kinds of macro operations for a plurality of devices 105.... The multi-remote control device 100 comprises a storage 300 which stores a plurality of kinds of macro operation data 302... representing contents of the plurality of kinds of macro operations, an operation part 104 that receives inputting of extraction condition for extracting a single macro operation among the macro operations, a macro operation extractor 205 for extracting the macro operation data 302... that meets the extraction condition among the macro operation data 302..., and a display unit 102 and operation part 104 which allow a user to select the operation to be executed from among the macro operations corresponding to the extracted macro operation data 302.... <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device for operating an apparatus such as a remote controller, an operating method for the operating device, an operating program for realizing the operating device, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the operating program. .

  Conventionally, a multi-remote controller that controls a plurality of devices or performs a series of a plurality of operations on a single device or a plurality of devices is known. With a multi-remote controller that controls a plurality of devices, for example, a single remote controller can be used for volume adjustment of a television, video playback operation, and the like. In a multi-remote control that performs a series of multiple operations, for example, a single remote control turns on the TV, sets the TV input to video input, turns on the video, and plays the video. Can be done automatically. Here, performing a series of a plurality of operations by one operation is called a macro operation. This macro operation makes the operation simple and convenient.

  When the above macro operation is performed on a plurality of devices by a multi-remote controller, the following problem occurs. The multi-remote control generally transmits operation information to the device using infrared rays. In this case, depending on the distance and orientation between the multi-remote control and the device, the operation information is correctly transmitted from the multi-remote control to the device. It may not be possible. Therefore, if multiple devices to be operated are located separately, even if macro operation can transmit normal operation information to a certain device and perform normal operation, It is possible that the operation information cannot be transmitted normally and the operation fails.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-step mode in which a plurality of operations registered by macro operation are disassembled into step operations, and key inputs are confirmed and sequentially transmitted for each individual operation. A remote control is disclosed. Further, it is disclosed that operation contents of a remote controller are sequentially displayed in addition to the step mode.

The multi-remote control is intended to reduce operation defects by allowing a user to operate while confirming individual operations performed by macro operation.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-97196 (Publication date: April 9, 1990)

  In a multi-remote control capable of registering macro operations, it becomes difficult to find and select a desired macro operation from among the types of macro operations to be registered. On the other hand, it is conceivable to provide a key corresponding to each macro operation on the multi-remote controller in order to facilitate the selection of the macro operation. However, in this case, the number of keys greatly increases, so that the device cost is increased. There arises a problem that it goes up or the operation becomes complicated. It is also possible to display macro operations in a list format on the display of the multi-remote controller and let the user select them. However, as the types of macro operations increase, the number of list display items increases, making selection from the list difficult. Become.

  On the other hand, the multi-remote controller disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. That is, in the multi-remote controller disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the user operates while confirming individual operations performed by the macro operation, the user needs to operate for confirmation each time. Thereby, even if the object of reducing operation failures is achieved, the convenience of macro operation that a plurality of operations can be automatically performed by one operation is lost, and the convenience of operation is lost. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that allows a user to operate more easily.

  An operation device according to the present invention is an operation device that performs a composite operation including a series of operations on a plurality of devices, and outputs first switching information for notifying switching of a target device to be operated. When the target device is switched at the time of switching each operation while executing the composite operation, the switching information is output to the first output unit, and when the target device is not switched, the switching information is And an operation execution unit that does not output the first output unit.

  The operation method according to the present invention is an operation method by an operation device that executes a composite operation including a series of operations on a plurality of devices, and is a target device that is an operation target when each operation of the composite operation is switched. A determination step for determining whether the target device is switched and an output step for outputting switching information for notifying the switching of the target device. When the target device is switched, the output step is executed, and the target device is switched. If not, the output step is not executed.

  In the above configuration and method, when the target device is switched, switching information for notifying the switching is output. Therefore, the switching of the target device can be notified to the user by display or voice based on the switching information, and the user can grasp the target device by the notification.

  Therefore, even when the operating device operates the target device via infrared rays, the user should be able to operate normally by pointing the operating device toward the target device in response to the notification. It is possible to make it difficult for operation failure to occur.

  In the above configuration and method, the switching information is not output when the target device is not switched. Thereby, the troublesomeness of the user due to unnecessary display and voice can be reduced.

  The operating device according to the present invention further includes first input means for receiving an operation continuation input in the above operating device, wherein the operation executing means executes the composite operation and performs switching when each operation is switched. When the device is switched, the next operation may be executed after waiting for the input to continue the operation, and when the target device is not switched, the next operation may be performed without waiting for the input to continue the operation. .

  The operation method according to the present invention further includes a step of determining whether or not an operation continuation input is present in the above operation method, and when the target device is switched, the next operation is executed after waiting for the operation continuation input. When the target device is not switched, the next operation may be executed without waiting for the input to continue the operation.

  In the above-described configuration and method, if the target device is switched when each operation is switched, the next operation is executed after waiting for an input to continue the operation. The operation continuation input may be performed, for example, by providing an operation unit operated by the user and performing a key operation on the operation unit. As a result, the user can confirm the instruction to continue the operation and continue the operation.

  Therefore, even when the operation device operates the target device via infrared rays, the user can operate the target device after switching after the operation preparation such as turning the operation device toward the target device is completed. It is possible to continue the operation, and it is possible to make the operation failure difficult.

  In the above configuration and method, if the target device does not switch, the next operation is executed without waiting for the input to continue the operation. Therefore, the user does not confirm the instruction to continue the operation for each operation. . Thereby, the troublesomeness of the user can be reduced, and the merit of automation of the operation by the composite operation can be maintained.

  The operation device according to the present invention further includes a second input unit that receives an operation re-execution input in the operation device, and the operation execution unit performs the operation re-execution when the target device to be operated is switched. When an input is made, it is desirable to execute a series of operations on the immediately preceding target device again.

  In the above configuration, even if an operation fails, it can be easily re-executed, and it is easy to return to a normal operation.

The operation device according to the present invention is the operation device described above, wherein the operation device executes a composite operation selected by the user from a plurality of types of the composite operations, and a plurality of types of operation information respectively indicating contents of the plurality of types of composite operations. , A third input means for receiving an input of an extraction condition for extracting a composite operation from the plurality of types of composite operations, and an operation satisfying the extraction condition from the plurality of types of operation information It is characterized by comprising extraction means for extracting information, and selection means for allowing the user to select a composite operation to be executed from among the composite operations corresponding to the operation information extracted by the extraction means.

In the above configuration, based on the extraction condition input, the extracting extracts satisfying operation information, to select a combined operation to be performed to the user from the combined operation corresponding to the extracted operation information.

Accordingly, the user inputs the extraction conditions, since from the extracted combined operation can select a specific combined operation, even if you increase the types of operation information stored in a storage unit, a composite The operation can be selected relatively easily and efficiently.

  Thereby, it is possible to realize an operating device that allows the user to perform operations more easily.

Said selection means, for example, a second output means for outputting the notification information for notifying the user combined operation corresponding to the extracted operation information by the extraction means, in a combined operation to be notified by the notification information And a fourth input means for receiving an input for selecting the composite operation.

The operating device according to the present invention, in the operating device, before Symbol third input means, as the extraction conditions, even those receiving inputs for specifying a plurality of devices to be operated in the combined operation Good.

  In the above configuration, when an input for specifying a device to be operated is performed, the extraction unit extracts a composite operation including these devices as the operation target.

As a result, the extraction conditions themselves can be easily understood by the user, and thus an operation device that allows the user to perform operations more easily can be realized .

The operation device according to the present invention receives input of unit operation information indicating the content of each operation constituting the composite operation in the operation device, and combines the input unit operation information to display the content of the composite operation. The apparatus further includes a registration unit that generates operation information to be stored and stores the generated operation information in the storage unit, and device information for identifying a device that is an operation target of the unit operation information is added to the unit operation information. Preferably, the registration means generates operation information by associating corresponding unit information with each unit operation information.

  In the above configuration, new operation information can be added and stored in the storage unit. When new operation information is generated, device information for specifying a device to be operated is associated with each unit operation information, so that extraction by the extraction unit can be performed using this device information.

  The association between each unit operation information and device information may be a one-to-one association or may be an association according to switching of an operation target device.

The operation device according to the present invention further includes a receiving unit that receives the unit operation information and device information from a device to be operated in the operation device, or the unit operation from an external database via an external network. You may further provide the communication part which downloads information and apparatus information .

The present invention can also be realized as an operation program for operating the above-described operation device, and for causing a computer to function as each of the means. Thereby, each means of the said operating device is realizable using a computer.

  Alternatively, the present invention can be realized as a computer-readable recording medium that records the operation program. Thereby, it is possible to read out the operation program from the recording medium using a computer and realize each means of the operation device.

The operating device according to the present invention includes a first output unit that outputs switching information for notifying switching of a target device that is an operation target, and the target device at the time of switching each operation while performing a composite operation. When switching is performed, switching information is output to the first output unit, and when the target device is not switched, an operation execution unit is provided that does not output the switching information to the first output unit.

  The operation method according to the present invention includes a determination step for determining whether or not a target device to be operated is switched at the time of switching each operation of the composite operation, and switching information for notifying the switching of the target device. The output step is executed when the target device is switched, and the output step is not executed when the target device is not switched.

In the above configuration and method, even when the operating device operates the target device via infrared rays, the user can normally operate the device by pointing the operating device toward the target device in response to the notification. It is possible to make it difficult to cause an operation failure. Further, when the target device is not switched, the switching information is not output. Thereby, the troublesomeness of the user due to unnecessary display and voice can be reduced .

Embodiment 1
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 show a block configuration and an external configuration of a multi-remote control device (remote control device, operation device) 100 according to the present embodiment, respectively. The remote control device 100 remotely controls (controls) the devices 105... And includes a remote control signal transmission unit 101, a display unit 102, an audio output unit 103, an operation unit 104, a control unit 200, and a storage unit 300. ing.

  The devices 105 are devices to be operated by the remote control device 100, and are, for example, a television, a video, an air conditioner, or the like.

  Remote control signal transmission unit 101 transmits a remote control signal to device 105. The remote control signal is transmitted wirelessly using, for example, infrared rays or radio waves as a transmission medium.

  The display unit 102 displays information necessary for the user in performing remote operation, and is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The voice output unit 103 outputs voice information necessary for the user when performing a remote operation, and includes, for example, a speaker. In addition, although the structure provided with both the display part 102 and the audio | voice output part 103 is shown here, it is good also as a structure provided only with either.

  The operation unit 104 includes a plurality of keys for a user to perform an input operation on the remote control device 100 when performing a remote operation. Note that the display unit 102 and the operation unit 104 can be integrally configured by a touch panel or the like.

  The storage unit 300 is configured by a nonvolatile memory, for example, and includes a macro operation data storage unit 301. The macro operation data storage unit 301 stores macro operation data (operation information) 302... Indicating the contents of the macro operation. Here, the macro operation means an operation configured by combining a plurality of operations of the minimum unit that the remote control device 100 performs on the devices 105.

  The control unit 200 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer, and when an operation program is executed on the microcomputer, a remote control signal control unit 201, a display control unit 202, an audio output control unit 203, an operation control unit 204, It functions as a macro operation extraction unit 205 and a macro operation execution unit 206.

  Remote control signal control unit 201, display control unit 202, audio output control unit 203, and operation control unit 204 control remote control signal transmission unit 101, display unit 102, audio output unit 103, and operation unit 104, respectively.

A macro operation extraction unit (extraction unit) 205 extracts macro operation data that satisfies the extraction condition from a plurality of types of macro operation data (operation information) stored in the macro operation data storage unit 301. This extraction condition is input from the operation unit 104 by the user, and the operation control unit ( third input unit) 204 receives the input.

When the macro operation data is extracted by the macro operation extraction unit 205, the display control unit ( second output means) 202 outputs notification information for notifying the user of the extracted macro operation to the display unit 102. Then, the extracted macro operation list is displayed on the display unit 102. Using the operation unit 104, the user selects a desired macro operation from the list of macro operations displayed on the display unit 102. The selection input is accepted by the operation control unit ( fourth input means) 204. At this time, the display control unit 202 and the operation control unit 204 function as a selection unit that allows the user to select one macro operation from the extracted macro operations.

A macro operation execution unit (operation execution means) 206 executes a macro operation selected by the user. Then, the macro operation execution unit 206 executes the macro operation, and when the target device to be operated is switched at the time of switching of each operation constituting the macro operation, the display control unit ( first output) Means) 202 is instructed to output switching information. The switching information is information for notifying the switching of the target device to be operated, and is sent from the display control unit 202 to the display unit 102. When the switching information is sent from the display control unit 202, the display unit 102 performs a display for notifying the user of the switching of the target device. Note that the macro operation execution unit 206 prohibits the display control unit 202 from outputting switching information when the target device is not switched.

  Although the notification by display has been described above, notification by voice may be performed together with the notification by display or instead of the notification by display. When performing the notification by voice, the macro operation execution unit 206 instructs the voice output control unit (first output unit, second output unit) 203 to output the notification information and the switching information, and the voice output control unit Notification information and switching information are sent from 203 to the audio output unit 103.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the macro operation. FIG. 3 shows three macro operations A, B, and C.

  In the macro operation A, the target device is only the device 1 and the operation is only a. Specifically, an example in which the target device is “TV” and the operation is “select 2 channels” can be considered. Since macro operation A is not a combination of a plurality of operations, it is not a macro operation. However, since such an operation can also be registered in the macro operation data storage unit 301 as a macro operation, here This is called macro operation.

  In the macro operation B, the target device is only the device 2, but a plurality of operations b, c, and d are performed. Specifically, as an example of setting the air conditioner to the sleep mode, an example is possible where the target device is “air conditioner”, the operation is “off timer 2 hours”, “temperature 25 degrees”, “low air flow”.

  The macro operations A and B are operations for a single target device. The remote control device 100 can also operate a plurality of target devices like the macro operation C.

  The macro operation C performs single or plural operations on a plurality of target devices. In the macro operation C, the operation e is performed on the device 3, the operations f and g are performed on the device 4, and then the operation h is performed on the device 5. Specifically, as a dubbing operation from video 1 to video 2 in the long-time recording mode, “video input is set to video 2” for “TV” and “recording mode 3” is set for “video 2”. For example, “set to double”, “recording start”, and “video 1” may be “reproduction start”.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which a desired macro operation can be efficiently selected from a plurality of registered macro operations is realized. In the following, it is assumed that a desired macro operation is a macro operation (composite operation) for a plurality of devices such as the macro operation C.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of macro operation data. Each macro operation data is composed of macro number data, which is a number added as identification information for identifying each, and a character string indicating an overview of the macro operation, and an overview of the macro operation used for display on the display unit 102, etc. It includes data and command data describing a plurality of operations registered as macro operations in association with devices to be operated (target devices).

  Based on the flowchart of FIG. 5, the flow of processing executed in the remote control device 100 when the user selects a macro operation will be described (see FIGS. 1 and 4). Here, it is assumed that the macro operation selected by the user is a macro operation (macro operation of macro number 4 in FIG. 4) performed while monitoring the operation of copying from video to DVD on the TV.

  First, when the user presses a macro operation selection start key (not shown) of the operation unit 104, the control unit 200 starts macro operation selection processing (step S101), and the user is prompted to select an extraction condition. Is displayed on the display unit 102 and the operation control unit 204 waits for the input by the user (step S102). The extraction condition here is a combination of target devices in a desired macro operation.

  When the user presses a target device input key (not shown) of the operation unit 104 to input a target device by a desired macro operation, that is, TV, video, and DVD, and inputs all the target devices, the operation unit 104 Press the completion key (not shown). The operation control unit 204 continues to wait for input of the target device until the completion key of the operation unit 104 is pressed (step S103). Note that the input order of the devices may be any order.

  When it is confirmed that the completion key is pressed, the macro operation extraction unit 205 initializes the counter i to 1 (step S104), and repeats the following process for each registered macro operation. First, the macro operation extraction unit 205 reads the macro operation data of macro number = i from the macro operation data storage unit 301, and the target device included in this macro operation data matches the target device received by the operation control unit 204. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S105). If they match, this macro operation is extracted as a selection candidate, the contents of the macro operation summary data of this macro operation are displayed on the display unit 102 via the display control unit 202 (step S106), and the counter i is set. Increment (step S107). If they do not match, step S107 is executed without executing step S106. Since the target devices included in the macro operation of macro number = 1 are TV and video, and the input target devices are TV, video, and DVD, it is determined that they do not match.

  Then, the macro operation extraction unit 205 determines whether or not the processing for all registered macro operations has been completed (step S108), and if not completed, returns to step S105 and returns to the macro of the next macro number. The above process is repeated for the operation.

  When processing for all the registered macro operations is completed, a list of macro operations including the target device that matches the target device received by the operation control unit 204 is displayed on the display unit 102, and is used in this state. The operation control unit 204 waits for a macro operation selection input by the user (step S109). The user presses a macro operation selection key (not shown) of the operation unit 104 to select a desired macro operation from the displayed macro operations. Specifically, the macro operations of macro numbers 3 and 4 are displayed on the display unit 102, and the user selects the macro operation of macro number 4 from these.

  When the macro operation is selected, the macro operation selection process ends (step S110). The selected macro operation is notified from the operation control unit 204 to the macro operation execution unit 206, and the macro operation execution unit 206 executes the macro operation.

  Based on the flowchart of FIG. 6, the flow of processing executed in the remote control device 100 when executing the macro operation will be described (see FIG. 1). Here, it is assumed that the macro operation selected by the user is a macro operation (macro operation of macro number 4 in FIG. 4) performed while monitoring the operation of copying from video to DVD on the TV.

  First, the macro operation execution unit 206 reads the macro operation data from the macro operation data storage unit 301, and reads the first operation (TV: power ON) according to the order described in the command data of the macro number 4 to be executed ( Step S201).

  Then, the macro operation execution unit 206 determines whether or not all operations have been completed (step S202). If all operations have been completed, an end process is performed (step S203). However, since the operation has not yet been completed when the first operation is read out, the macro operation execution unit 206 next executes the target device. It is determined whether or not has been switched (step S204). This determination can be made by comparing the target device of the operation read last time with the target device of the operation read this time based on the macro operation data. If they match, the target device is not switched. If it is determined that they do not match, it is determined that the target device has been switched. Note that, when the first operation is read, it may be determined that the target device has not been switched, or may be determined that the target device has been switched, but here, it is determined that the target device has not been switched.

  If it is determined that the target device has not been switched, the macro operation execution unit 206 instructs the remote control signal control unit 201 to transmit a remote control signal corresponding to the operation in order to execute the read operation. The signal control unit 201 transmits a remote control signal via the remote control signal transmission unit 101 (step S206).

  Then, the macro operation execution unit 206 reads the next operation (TV: switching input to DVD) (step S201), and thereafter repeats steps S202 to S206.

  In the next operation (video: power ON), since the target device has been switched from TV to video, it is determined in step S204 that the target device has been switched, and the macro operation execution unit 206 determines that the target device has been switched. The display control unit 202 and the audio output control unit 203 are instructed to perform display and audio output for notification (step S205).

  Thereby, the display control unit 202 notifies the user of the new device after switching by display. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, the display of the new device “video” after switching may be blinked. In addition, the audio output unit 103 notifies the user of the new device after switching by voice. Specifically, for example, sound such as “Please point the remote at the video” may be output.

  As described above, when the target device is switched when each operation is switched, the macro operation execution unit 206 notifies the user of the switching of the target device by the display unit 102 or the voice output unit 103. Will be performed sequentially.

  In addition, as a method of notifying the new device after switching by display, the display mode of the device displayed on the display unit 102 may be changed, and the display color is changed in addition to blinking as described above. The display mode may be different from the display mode of other devices, such as increasing the display size. In addition, here, notification by display and notification by voice are performed, but only one of them may be performed, or notification by another method may be performed.

  As described above, when executing the macro operation, a series of operations registered as the macro operation are sequentially executed. When the target device included in the macro operation is switched, information for identifying the target device is displayed on the display unit. The user is notified that the target device has been switched by displaying in 102, changing the display mode, or simultaneously outputting information for identifying the target device by voice.

  By performing such notification, it is possible to clearly tell the user which device is the target device when executing the macro operation.

  As described above, in the multi-remote control device 100, the macro operation data satisfying this extraction condition is extracted by the macro operation extraction unit 205 based on the input extraction condition, and the macro operation data corresponding to the extracted macro operation data is extracted. Let the user select the macro operation to be performed.

  Therefore, even when the number of types of macro operations stored in the macro operation data storage unit 301 is increased, the user can select operations relatively easily and efficiently. As a result, the remote control device 100 can be operated more easily by the user.

  Further, in the remote control device 100, when an input for specifying a device to be operated is input as an extraction condition, a macro operation including these devices as an operation target is extracted. As a result, the extraction conditions themselves can be easily understood by the user, and the user can operate more easily.

  Note that extraction conditions other than those described above may be employed. For example, information identifying the registrant who registered the macro operation data may be added to each macro operation data, and the registrant may be input as an extraction condition.

  Further, when the target device is switched, the remote control device 100 can notify the user of the switching, and the user can grasp the target device by the notification. Therefore, the user can perform the operation normally by pointing the remote control device 100 toward the target device in response to the notification, and the operation can be made less likely to fail. On the other hand, when the target device is not switched, the above notification is not performed. Thereby, the troublesomeness of the user due to unnecessary display and voice can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, when a user inputs a target device necessary for a desired macro operation, the corresponding macro operation is searched for and displayed, and the user selects a desired macro operation. Thereby, a desired macro operation can be efficiently selected from a plurality of macro operations. Further, after the desired macro operation is selected, when the target device is switched during execution of the macro operation, the display mode of the display unit 102 is changed, or the voice output unit 103 outputs the voice simultaneously with the switching. Thereby, the user can recognize the timing at which the target device is switched. In addition, when information for identifying a device is displayed or audio is output in response to the execution of each operation included in the macro operation, the display or audio may be an obstacle. On the other hand, information for identifying the target device can be effectively provided to the user by displaying or outputting sound only when the target device is switched.

[Embodiment 2]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  8 and 9 show a block configuration and an external appearance of a remote control device (operation device) 110 in the present embodiment, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the remote control device 110 is different from the remote control device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the continuation instruction unit 401, the continuation instruction control unit 402, the re-execution instruction unit 601, and the re-execution The difference is that an instruction control unit 602 is further provided.

  In the remote control device 110, in the execution of the macro operation by the macro operation execution unit 206, the operation is temporarily interrupted when the target device is switched, and the operation for the new target device after switching is waited for the instruction to continue the operation by the user. Is supposed to continue. In addition, during the interruption, it is also possible to input an instruction to re-execute the operation by the user, and when there is an instruction to re-execute, a series of operations on the immediately preceding target device are executed again. .

The continuation instructing unit 401 is composed of keys for the user to instruct the remote controller 110 to continue the operation. Further, the continuation instruction control unit ( first input means) 402 receives an operation continuation input from the continuation instruction unit 401, and when the key of the continuation instruction unit 401 is pressed, the continuation operation is performed by the macro operation execution unit. 206 is instructed.

The re-execution instructing unit 601 includes a key for the user to instruct the remote controller 110 to re-execute the operation. The re-execution instruction control unit ( second input unit) 602 receives a re-execution input from the re-execution instruction unit 601. When the key of the re-execution instruction unit 601 is pressed, the re-execution instruction unit 602 executes the re-execution macro. The operation execution unit 206 is instructed.

  Then, the macro operation execution unit 206 executes the macro operation selected by the user, and when the target device is switched at the time of switching each operation, waits for an input to continue the operation and executes the next operation, If the target device is not switched, the next operation is executed without waiting for the input to continue the operation. The macro operation execution unit 206 re-executes a series of operations on the immediately preceding target device when a re-execution input is made when the target device to be operated is switched.

  Based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11, a flow of processing executed in the remote control device 110 when executing a macro operation will be described (see FIG. 8). Note that the flowchart in FIG. 10 omits reception of an operation re-execution instruction, and the flowchart in FIG. 11 provides reception of an operation re-execution instruction. When the reception of the operation re-execution instruction is omitted, the configurations of the re-execution instruction unit 601 and the re-execution instruction control unit 602 can be omitted.

  The flowchart of FIG. 10 is different from the flowchart of FIG. 6 regarding the remote control device 100 in that step S301 waiting for a continuation instruction is added after step S205, and the others are the same.

  By adding step S301, the macro operation execution unit 206 notifies the display unit 102 and the audio output unit 103 of the switching of the target device when the target device is switched, and then the user performs the continuation instruction unit 401. After the key is pressed and a continuation instruction is received from the continuation instruction control unit 402, the remote control signal control unit 201 is instructed to transmit a remote control signal.

  As a result, the user can continue the operation on the target device after the preparation for the operation such as turning the remote control device 110 toward the target device is completed, and the operation failure can be made difficult to occur. If the target device is not switched, the next operation is executed without waiting for the input to continue the operation. Therefore, the user does not confirm the instruction to continue the operation for each operation. Thereby, the troublesomeness of the user can be reduced, and the merit of automation of the operation by the macro operation can be maintained.

  Compared with the flowchart of FIG. 6 relating to the remote control device 100, the flowchart of FIG. 11 includes step S401 that waits for a continuation instruction or a re-execution instruction after step S205, and the target device immediately before the operation when the re-execution instruction is issued. The difference is that step S402 for returning to the first operation is added, and the others are the same.

  By adding step S401, the macro operation execution unit 206 notifies the display unit 102 and the voice output unit 103 of the switching of the target device when the target device is switched, and then the user instructs the continuation instruction unit 401 or The key of the re-execution instructing unit 601 is pressed, and it waits for an instruction to continue operation or re-execution from the continue instruction control unit 402 or the re-execution instruction control unit 602. When the macro operation execution unit 206 receives an instruction to continue the operation, the macro operation execution unit 206 instructs the remote control signal control unit 201 to transmit a remote control signal. Return to the beginning of a series of operations on the target device and instruct the transmission of the remote control signal. For example, taking the macro operation C in FIG. 3 as an example, if an instruction for re-execution is received after executing the operation g, the operation returns to the beginning of a series of operations on the device 4 that is the immediately preceding target device, that is, the operation f. repeat.

  In remote control device 110 that operates a plurality of devices, the remote control signal may not be transmitted correctly due to the positional relationship between remote control device 110 and the target device. When transmission of a remote control signal fails, there is a high possibility that a series of operations on the target device will all fail. Therefore, the re-execution is to re-execute all operations for the immediately preceding target device. As a result, even if the operation fails, it can be easily re-executed, and it becomes easy to return to the normal operation.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the display unit 102 and the audio output unit 103 display the switching of the target device or output the audio, and wait for an execution instruction from the user before transmitting the remote control signal. The user gives an execution instruction after confirming the direction and distance between the remote control device 110 and the target device so that the target device correctly performs the remote control operation at this timing. Thereby, transmission of a remote control signal can be performed more reliably. If transmission of the remote control signal fails, a re-execution button can be installed to easily re-execute the operation for the immediately preceding target device.

[Embodiment 3]
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  12 and 13 show a block configuration and an external appearance of a remote control device (operation device) 120 in the present embodiment, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the remote control device 120 is different from the remote control device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in that it further includes a receiving unit 144 and a macro operation registration unit 207. .

  The receiving unit 144 is for receiving registration data transmitted from each device 105 using infrared rays or radio waves as a transmission medium. The registration data is data necessary for registering a macro operation, and includes device data and operation data described later. Each device 105 can transmit registration data from each device 105 to the remote control device 120 in order to register an operation in the remote control device 120. Note that the receiving unit 144 may receive registration data not from each device 105 but from a dedicated remote controller attached to each device 105.

  The macro operation registration unit (registration means) 207 is for generating macro operation data based on the registration data received by the receiving unit 144 and registering it in the macro operation data storage unit 301. The macro operation data shown in FIG. 4 is generated by adding the macro number and the macro operation outline, and registered in the macro operation data storage unit 301.

  Conventionally, there is a device called a learning remote controller. In this method, registration data transmitted by infrared rays or the like from a target device is received and registered by a learning remote controller. In a conventional learning remote controller, it is common to learn a single operation on a single device.

  The remote control device 120 learns a series of a plurality of operations as a macro operation, and registers it in the macro operation data storage unit 301 including information for identifying the target device at that time.

  Based on the flowchart of FIG. 14, the flow of processing executed in the remote control device 120 when registering a macro operation will be described (see FIG. 12).

  First, when a user presses a macro operation registration start key (not shown) of the operation unit 104, the control unit 200 starts macro operation registration processing (step S501), and the macro operation registration unit 207 starts a new operation. New macro operation data is generated, a macro number is set for the new macro operation data, and registered as macro number data (step S502).

  Then, when the reception unit 144 receives the registration data (step S503), the macro operation registration unit 207 determines whether or not the source device of the registration data has been switched based on the registration data received by the reception unit 144 (that is, It is determined whether or not the transmission source of the registration data received this time is different from the transmission source of the registration data received last time (step S504), and when switching, the transmission source device is specified from the registration data. Device data (device information) is read and registered as command data of macro operation data (step S505). When the first registration data is received, it is determined in step S504 that the device has been switched, and step S505 is executed. Further, the macro operation registration unit 207 reads operation data (unit operation information) indicating the operation content from the registration data received by the reception unit 144 and registers it as command data of the macro operation data (step S506).

  Then, the macro operation registration unit 207 determines whether or not the registration is completed based on whether or not the user has pressed a macro operation registration end key (not shown) of the operation unit 104 (step S507). If not, the process from step S503 is repeated. When the registration is completed, the macro operation summary data is generated and registered in the macro operation data, the completed macro operation data is stored in the macro operation data storage unit 301, and the process is terminated (step S508). Thereby, the macro operation data shown in FIG. 4 can be registered.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, step S504 may be omitted in the flowchart of FIG. 14, and device data may be registered every time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, in the command data, the device data and the operation data have a one-to-one correspondence. However, since the device data only needs to be registered so that the switching of the target device can be specified, the device data can be associated with the switching of the device to be operated like the macro operation data shown in FIG. This is sufficient, and this can reduce the trouble of registering device data every time.

  In remote control device 120, new macro operation data can be added and stored in macro operation data storage unit 301. When new macro operation data is generated, device data for specifying a device to be operated is associated with each operation data. Therefore, by using this device data, extraction by the macro operation extraction unit 205 is performed. It can be carried out. Further, by using the device data, it is possible to accurately display a new target device when the target device is switched.

[Embodiment 4]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  17 and 18 show a block configuration and an external appearance of a remote control device (operation device) 130 in the present embodiment, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the remote control device 130 is different from the remote control device 120 shown in FIGS. 12 and 3 in that a communication unit 141 is provided instead of the reception unit 144.

  The communication unit 141 is for accessing an external database 143 via an external network 142 such as the Internet and downloading registration data from the database 143. The database 143 stores registration data relating to various devices 105.

  In the remote control device 120, the macro operation registration unit 207 downloads the registration data desired by the user from the database 143 based on the operation of the operation unit 104 by the user, thereby almost the same as FIG. Perform the above process to register macro operation data.

  In each embodiment, it is assumed that the control unit 200 in the remote control device 100/110/120/130 is configured by a microcomputer, and each functional block is realized by executing an operation program on the microcomputer. Although described, the control unit 200 and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by hardware.

  The operation program may be supplied from a recording medium to the microcomputer. The operation program is configured so that a communication network (including the Internet, an intranet, etc.) and the microcomputer can be connected, and the operation program is transmitted via the communication network. It may be supplied to a microcomputer.

  The recording medium for recording the operation program may be configured to be separable from the microcomputer, or may be incorporated in the microcomputer. Even if the recording medium is attached to the microcomputer so that the recorded program code can be directly read by the microcomputer, the recording medium can be used as an external storage device via a program reading device connected to the microcomputer. It may be mounted so that it can be read.

  For example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, IC card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash ROM, or the like can be used as the recording medium.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, the remote control devices 120 and 130 according to the third and fourth embodiments have a configuration in which the reception unit 144 or the communication unit 141 and the macro operation extraction unit 205 are added to the remote control device 100 according to the first embodiment. These can be added to the two remote control devices 110.

  The present invention can be applied to a remote controller for operating a television, a video, an air conditioner, or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is drawing which shows the external appearance of the remote control apparatus of FIG. It is drawing which shows the example of macro operation. It is drawing which shows the example of macro operation data. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when selecting a macro operation in the remote control device of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when executing a macro operation in the remote control device of FIG. 1. It is drawing which shows the example of a display of the display part in the remote control apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is drawing which shows the external appearance of the remote control apparatus of FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when executing a macro operation in the remote control device of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another processing flow when executing a macro operation in the remote control device of FIG. 8. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is drawing which shows the external appearance of the remote control apparatus of FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when registering a macro operation in the remote control device of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another processing flow when registering a macro operation in the remote control device of FIG. 8. FIG. It is drawing which shows the example of macro operation data. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is drawing which shows the external appearance of the remote control apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 Remote control device (operation device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Remote control signal transmission part 102 Display part 103 Audio | voice output part 104 Operation part 105 Apparatus 110 Remote control apparatus (operation apparatus)
120 Remote control device (operation device)
130 Remote control device (operation device)
141 Communication Unit 142 Network 143 Database 144 Reception Unit 200 Control Unit 201 Remote Control Signal Control Unit 202 Display Control Unit (First Output Unit, Second Output Unit)
203 Audio output control unit (first output means, second output means)
204 Operation control unit ( third input means, fourth input means)
205 Macro operation extraction unit (extraction means)
206 Macro operation execution unit (operation execution means)
207 Macro operation registration unit (registration means)
300 storage unit 301 macro operation data storage unit 302 macro operation data 401 continuation instruction unit 402 continuation instruction control unit ( first input means)
601 Re-execution instruction unit 602 Re-execution instruction control unit ( second input means)

Claims (16)

In an operating device that executes an operation selected by a user from among a plurality of types of operations on one or a plurality of devices,
A storage unit for storing a plurality of types of operation information respectively indicating the contents of the plurality of types of operations;
First input means for receiving an input of an extraction condition for extracting an operation from the plurality of types of operations;
Extracting means for extracting operation information satisfying the extraction condition from the plurality of types of operation information;
An operation device comprising: a selection unit that allows a user to select an operation to be executed from among operations corresponding to the operation information extracted by the extraction unit.   The selection means includes a first output means for outputting notification information for notifying a user of an operation corresponding to the operation information extracted by the extraction means, and an operation out of the operations notified by the notification information. The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising a second input unit that receives an input for selection. The plurality of types of operations are complex operations each consisting of a series of operations on a plurality of devices,
3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first input unit receives an input for specifying a plurality of devices to be operated by the composite operation as the extraction condition. Second output means for outputting switching information for notifying switching of a target device to be operated;
While executing the composite operation selected by the user, when the target device is switched at the time of switching each operation, the switching information is output to the second output means, and when the target device is not switched, the switching is performed. The operation device according to claim 3, further comprising an operation execution unit that does not cause the second output unit to output information. A third input means for receiving an operation continuation input;
If the target device is switched at the time of switching between operations while executing the composite operation selected by the user, the next operation is executed after waiting for the input to continue the operation, and the target device is not switched. The operation device according to claim 3, further comprising an operation execution unit that executes a next operation without waiting for an input to continue the operation. A fourth input means for receiving an operation re-execution input;
6. The operation execution unit re-executes a series of operations on the immediately preceding target device when the operation re-execution input is made when the target device to be operated is switched. The operating device according to 1. The unit operation information indicating the content of each operation constituting the composite operation is received, and the operation information indicating the content of the composite operation is generated by combining the input unit operation information. It further comprises registration means for storing in the storage unit,
In the unit operation information, device information for specifying a device to be operated by the unit operation information is added,
The operation device according to claim 3, wherein the registration unit generates operation information by associating corresponding unit information with each unit operation information.   The operation device according to claim 7, further comprising a reception unit that receives the unit operation information and device information from a device to be operated.   The operation device according to claim 7, further comprising a communication unit that downloads the unit operation information and the device information from an external database via an external network. In an operating device that executes a composite operation consisting of a series of operations on multiple devices,
Output means for outputting switching information for notifying switching of the target device to be operated;
While executing the composite operation, when the target device is switched when each operation is switched, the switching information is output to the second output unit, and when the target device is not switched, the switching information is output to the second device. An operation device comprising: an operation execution unit that does not cause the output unit to output. In an operating device that executes a composite operation consisting of a series of operations on multiple devices,
Output means for outputting switching information for notifying switching of the target device to be operated;
An input means for accepting an input to continue the operation;
While executing the composite operation, if the target device is switched when each operation is switched, the next operation is executed after waiting for the input of the operation continuation, and if the target device is not switched, the operation continuation is performed. An operation device comprising: an operation execution unit that executes a next operation without waiting for an input.   An operation program for operating the operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the operating program causes a computer to function as each means.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the operation program of Claim 12. In an operation method by an operation device that executes an operation selected by a user from a plurality of types of operations on one or a plurality of devices,
Receiving an input of an extraction condition for extracting an operation from the plurality of types of operations;
Extracting operation information that satisfies the extraction condition from a plurality of types of operation information respectively indicating the contents of the plurality of types of operations stored in a storage unit;
A step of allowing a user to select an operation to be executed from among operations corresponding to the extracted operation information. In an operation method by an operation device that executes a composite operation consisting of a series of operations on a plurality of devices,
A determination step of determining whether or not a target device to be operated is switched when each operation of the composite operation is switched;
An output step for outputting switching information for notifying the switching of the target device,
The operation method, wherein the output step is executed when the target device is switched, and the output step is not executed when the target device is not switched. In an operation method by an operation device that executes a composite operation consisting of a series of operations on a plurality of devices,
Determining whether or not a target device to be operated is switched when each operation of the composite operation is switched; and
Determining whether there is an input to continue the operation,
When the target device is switched, the next operation is executed after waiting for the input to continue the operation, and when the target device is not switched, the next operation is performed without waiting for the input to continue the operation. Method of operation.

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