JP2006128776A - Remote control unit, control apparatus, and remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control unit capable of simply setting remote control code data without the need for actually applying remote control operations to an apparatus to be controlled. <P>SOLUTION: A control apparatus 1 for outputting a control command is connected to the remote control unit 2 for transmitting a remote control code to the apparatus to be controlled in response to the control command via a network in a communicatable way. The control apparatus 1 outputs remote control information required for setting the remote control code data corresponding to a particular apparatus to be controlled. The remote control unit 2 stores a plurality of remote control code data corresponding to various apparatuses to be controlled, selects one of the plurality of remote control data among the plurality of remote control data on the basis of the remote control information from the control apparatus 1 and sets the selected data as the remote control data used for the particular apparatus to be controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device capable of controlling various controlled devices of different manufacturers and models, and a control device for remotely operating the remote control device.

In general, controlled devices with a remote control function sold by home appliance manufacturers use a dedicated remote control device. On the other hand, in order to be able to handle a plurality of controlled devices with a single remote control device, a large number of remote control code data is stored in the remote control device itself so that arbitrary remote control code data can be selected. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting remote controller. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a TV remote control.
JP 2002-231464 A JP-A-7-87571

  When setting remote control code data in a remote control device that can handle the various types of controlled devices described above, the remote control device is directed toward the controlled device to be operated, a key is pressed, and remote control codes are sequentially transmitted. While confirming the operating state of the controlled device, remote control code data corresponding to the reacted remote control code is set. Therefore, the operation is complicated and places a burden on the user. Further, when the controlled device cannot normally receive the remote control code, the next remote control code may be transmitted without being set even though it is a valid remote control code. If the remote control code data cannot be set in this way, the user may misunderstand that there is no corresponding remote control code data and may be confused.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device that can easily set remote control code data without actually performing a remote control operation.

  The present invention is a remote control device that is communicable with a control device that outputs a control command and transmits a remote control code to a controlled device in response to the control command, the remote control for the controlled device transmitted from the control device A setting unit for setting remote control code data based on the information is provided, and a remote control code is generated from the remote control code data in accordance with the control command received from the control device and transmitted to the controlled device.

  The remote control device sets remote control code data for a specific controlled device based on the remote control information received from the control device. Thus, remote control code data can be set in the remote control device without actually performing the remote control operation. Then, by transmitting a remote control code corresponding to the controlled device based on a command from the control device, the control device can control the controlled device.

  That is, the remote control device includes a communication unit for communicating with a control device that outputs a control command, a storage unit that stores a plurality of remote control code data corresponding to various controlled devices, and a specific information transmitted from the control device. A setting unit that selects remote control code data from among a plurality of remote control code data based on remote control information for the controlled device and sets the remote control code data for the specific controlled device; and the remote control according to the control command A transmission unit that transmits a remote control code generated from the code data to a specific controlled device.

  For example, when the controlled device is a lighting device, the remote control information includes information on a cycle method in which the lighting state of the lighting device is switched to a forward feed or a direct method in which the lighting state is switched with one touch. Therefore, the remote control device can be compatible with both the cycle type and the direct type remote control methods, and the versatility is enhanced.

  On the other hand, the control device can communicate with a remote control device capable of transmitting a remote control code to various controlled devices, and outputs remote control information necessary for setting remote control code data corresponding to a specific controlled device in the remote control device. And outputting the remote control information to the remote control device. The output unit also outputs a control command for transmitting a remote control code to the remote control device.

  The control device has a plurality of pieces of remote control information corresponding to various controlled devices. Remote control information for a specific controlled device is selected from these remote control information, and this remote control information is output to the remote control device by the output unit. Therefore, if the control device performs input related to remote control information for a specific controlled device, the remote control information is selected, and remote control code data can be automatically set in the remote control device.

  In addition, a terminal device for inputting remote control information necessary for setting remote control code data corresponding to a specific controlled device in the remote control device is connected to the control device. In this case, the control device outputs the remote control information input from the terminal device to the remote control device.

  A remote control system is configured by communicably connecting a control device that outputs a control command as described above and a remote control device that transmits a remote control code to a controlled device in response to the control command. The control device includes an output unit that outputs remote control information necessary for setting remote control code data corresponding to a specific controlled device, and the remote control device has a plurality of remote control code data corresponding to various controlled devices. A setting unit configured to select remote control code data from a plurality of remote control code data based on the remote control information from the control device, and set the remote control code data as a remote control code data for a specific controlled device;

  Accordingly, by performing an input operation or the like in the control device, setting of the remote control device or transmission of the remote control code to the controlled device is performed, and remote control of the controlled device becomes possible.

  According to the present invention, since the remote control code data used for the actual controlled device can be set based on the remote control information sent from the control device, the remote control device is directed to the controlled device at the time of setting, and the controlled device is controlled. It is not necessary to make settings while confirming the operating state of the device, and the setting is facilitated. In addition, since remote control information is input in the control device or terminal device, by using many easy-to-see displays and voice guides, anyone can easily perform operations for setting, which improves usability.

  FIG. 1 shows a remote control system for remotely operating a controlled device according to this embodiment. The remote control system includes a control device (controller) 1 that outputs a control command and a remote control device 2 that transmits a remote control code to a controlled device in accordance with the control command. The controller 1 and the remote control device 2 are communicably connected via a network.

  The remote control device 2 transmits a remote control code by emitting infrared rays, and is arranged in the same space with respect to the controlled device. The remote control device 2 includes a network input / output unit 3 as an interface to the network, a remote control light emitting unit 4 that emits infrared rays, a remote control code storage unit 5 that stores a plurality of remote control code data, and a remote control code for a specific controlled device A remote control code setting storage unit 6 for storing data and a control unit 7 composed of a microcomputer are provided. In the present embodiment, the controlled device is a lighting device.

  The network input / output unit 3 is a communication unit such as a modem connected to a communication medium such as a communication cable or a power line when the connection form to the network is wired. In the case of wireless, it is a wireless communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves. The network is a LAN or WAN, or an Internet network through a communication line such as a telephone line or an optical fiber. The network input / output unit 3 has a function of connecting to a network, and transmits and receives data to and from the controller 1 through the network.

  The remote control light emitting unit 4 is composed of an infrared light emitting diode that radiates infrared rays, from which a remote control code generated according to a predetermined format is transmitted to the remote control light receiving unit of the lighting device.

  The remote control code storage unit 5 is a read-only memory such as a ROM and stores a plurality of remote control code data in advance. As shown in FIG. 2, the remote control code data is composed of information such as a remote control No, a channel No, a remote control code, its data format, modulation frequency, and remote control method, and is held in the form of a data table. The memory used for the remote control code storage unit 5 may be a writable flash memory, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM, or a removable memory such as a memory card. If such a memory is used, the remote control code data can be updated, the latest data can be held, and it can be applied to a new controlled device.

  The remote control code setting storage unit 6 is a non-volatile readable / writable memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM, and is selected from a plurality of remote control code data stored in the remote control code storage unit 5. Remote control code data used for remote control operation of the lighting device is stored and stored.

  When the control unit 7 receives the control command output from the controller 1, the control unit 7 reads the remote control code data stored in the remote control code setting storage unit 6, generates a remote control code according to the control command, and the remote control light emitting unit 4. The above-described units are controlled so that the remote control code is transmitted from the terminal. In this way, ON / OFF control of the lighting device by the remote control device 2 is performed.

  3 and 4 show the remote control code data stored in the remote control code setting storage unit 6. FIG. 3 shows an example when the remote control system is a cycle type, and FIG. 4 shows an example when the direct type is a direct type. When the remote control method is a direct type in which the lighting state is switched by one touch, two remote control data codes for lighting and extinguishing are stored. When the remote control code for lighting is transmitted, the illumination is turned on, and when the remote control code for turning off is transmitted, the illumination is turned off. When the remote control method is a cycle type in which the lighting state is switched to the forward feed, one remote control data code for the forward feed is stored. Each time the remote control code is transmitted, the lighting state changes in the order of “full light” → “reduce light” → “bean light” → “light off” → “all light”. This is a case where the number of cycles is 4, and when the number of cycles is 2, the lighting state changes in order of “all lights” → “lights off” → “all lights”.

  The control unit 7 also functions as a setting unit for setting remote control code data for a specific lighting device. That is, nothing is initially set in the remote control code setting storage unit 6, and remote control code data is written by receiving remote control information from the controller.

  The controller 1 is installed on the same indoor wall as the remote control device 2. Or you may arrange | position in the same indoor. Further, the controller 1 may be communicably connected to a plurality of remote control devices 2 arranged in different rooms, and controls a plurality of lighting devices.

  The controller 1 includes a network input / output unit for connecting to a network, and transmits and receives data to and from the remote control device through the network. The control unit includes an input unit having operation keys and the like, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, and a control unit including a microcomputer. The control unit transmits a control command based on the input content from the input unit through the network input / output unit. Output to 2. Note that a touch panel in which the input unit and the display unit are integrated may be used, or a voice guide may be employed.

  Further, the controller 1 has a plurality of remote control information related to remote control code data corresponding to various lighting devices in a memory. The remote control information corresponds to remote control code data held by the remote control device 2. When remote control information corresponding to a specific lighting device is selected from a plurality of remote control information by the input unit, the control unit outputs the remote control information to the remote control device 2 through the network input / output unit.

  Based on the remote control information sent from the controller 1, the control unit 7 of the remote control device 2 selects remote control code data to be used for an actual lighting device from among the remote control codes stored in the remote control code storage unit 5, The remote control code data is set in the remote control code setting storage unit 6.

  Here, a method for setting remote control code data in the remote control device 2 will be described in detail. A screen for setting is displayed on the display unit of the controller 1. When the lighting device is a direct type, two screens are displayed: a remote control selection screen for selecting a remote control attached to the lighting device and a channel number setting screen for setting a channel number. On the remote control selection screen, the model name of each company's remote control is displayed. The user selects the remote control model name used from the displayed model names of the plurality of remote controls using the input unit. The control unit converts the selected remote control model name into remote control No data. Further, on the channel number setting screen, the channel number corresponding to the previously selected remote control number is displayed, and the channel number is selected by the user. These remote control No. data and channel No. data become remote control information for a specific lighting device.

  Also, if the lighting equipment is of the cycle type, the lighting status will change from “All lights” → “Low light” → “Mand light” → “Off” → “All lights” every time the same remote control code is sent. There are a 4-cycle type that switches to 4 types of states, a 2-cycle type that switches to 2 types of states, such as “all lights” → “lights off” → “all lights”, and the number of cycles varies depending on the lighting equipment. Therefore, a cycle number setting screen is displayed in addition to the above remote control selection screen and channel number setting screen, and the cycle number of the lighting device is input. For example, the number of cycles is set to 3 when the lighting state is switched to “all lamp” → “bean lamp” → “light off” → “all lamp” every time a remote control code is transmitted. These remote control No. data, channel No. data and the number of cycles become remote control information.

  In the controller 1, the remote control information can be selected directly, but the remote control information may be selected via the terminal device 8 connected to the controller 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a personal computer 8 is connected to the controller as a terminal device. The controller 1 and the personal computer 8 are connected by a serial cable such as RS232C. In this case, remote control information is set and inputted in the personal computer 8 in the same manner as described above. Remote control information is transmitted from the personal computer 8 to the controller 1 as serial data.

  Here, the controller 1 and the personal computer 8 may be connected by a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark). In this case, the controller 1 is provided with a web server function. The personal computer 8 accesses the remote control information setting home page of the controller 1, and transmits web data related to the remote control information from the personal computer 8. The controller 8 sets remote control information based on the web data. The terminal device is not limited to a personal computer, but may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, or the like.

  As described above, when remote control information is input to the controller 1, the controller 1 outputs the remote control information to the remote control device 2 through the network. In the remote control device 2, when receiving the remote control information from the controller 1, the control unit 7 controls the remote control code stored in the remote control code storage unit 5 shown in FIG. 2 based on the remote control No data and the channel No data of the remote control information. The corresponding remote control code data is extracted from the data. If the remote control method is the direct method, the remote control code data is stored in the remote control code setting storage unit 6 in the data format as shown in FIG. If the remote control method is a cycle method, remote control code data is stored in the remote control code setting storage unit 6 in a data format as shown in FIG. In this way, remote control code data for a specific lighting device is set.

  Next, a procedure for transmitting a remote control code from the remote control device 2 based on a control command from the controller 1 will be described. When the lighting device to be controlled is a direct type, the remote control code setting storage unit 6 of the remote control device 2 stores two remote control code data for turning on and off in the data format shown in FIG. When the illumination ON control command is transmitted from the controller 1, the remote control device 2 reads the remote control code data for ON from the remote control code setting storage unit 6 and generates a remote control code according to a predetermined format. Then, the remote control code is transmitted from the remote control light emitting unit 4 to the remote control light receiving unit of the lighting device to be controlled. The lighting device that receives the remote control code lights up. Similarly, when a control command for turning off the illumination is transmitted from the controller 1, the remote control device 2 reads the remote control code data for OFF from the remote control code setting storage unit 6 and the remote control of the lighting device to be controlled from the remote control light emitting unit 4. The generated remote control code is transmitted to the light receiving unit, and the lighting device is turned off.

  Further, when the lighting device to be controlled is a cycle type, the remote control code setting storage unit 6 of the remote control device 2 stores one remote control code data for forward feeding in the data format shown in FIG. When the illumination ON control command is transmitted from the controller 1, the remote control device 2 reads the remote control code data for forward feed from the remote control code setting storage unit 6, and the remote control light emitting unit 4 to the remote control light receiving unit of the lighting device to be controlled. In response, the generated remote control code is transmitted once to turn on the lighting device. For example, when a lighting OFF control command is transmitted from the controller 1 when the lighting device is in the “all lamps” state, the remote control device 2 reads the remote control code data for forward feeding from the remote control code setting storage unit 6, A remote control code is transmitted from the remote control light emitting unit 4 to the remote control light receiving unit of the lighting device to be controlled as many times as the number of cycles minus 1 to turn off the lighting device.

  As described above, the remote control device does not require an input operation for setting or control commands, so that it is not necessary to provide an input unit such as an operation key, and the remote control device can be downsized. As a result, the degree of freedom of the installation location of the remote control device is increased, the remote control device can be installed at a position free of obstacles with the controlled device such as a lighting device, and the remote control code can be transmitted reliably. This is very useful for remote control transmission using infrared rays. In addition, remote control code data can be set after the remote control device is installed, so even if the controlled device is changed to a new product or the control target is changed to a different type of controlled device, the existing remote control device is set as it is. It can be used only by changing, and the versatility of the remote control device and the remote control system is enhanced.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, many corrections and changes can be added to the said embodiment within the scope of the present invention. Although the controlled device is a lighting device, other remotely operable electric devices such as air conditioners, televisions and videos may be controlled, and not only one type of electric device is controlled, A kind of electric equipment may be controlled.

  Therefore, when a control command is output for controlling the controlled device, remote control information corresponding to the controlled device is also output at the same time. In this way, it is possible to cope with various controlled devices in the room with one remote control device. Or it is good also as a remote control system which connected the controller with the some remote control apparatus so that communication was possible. Therefore, the operation of different types of electrical devices such as lighting devices and televisions can be centrally controlled by the controller. Moreover, although the controller is arrange | positioned indoors same as a remote control apparatus, you may install outside. As a controller, a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone or the like having a communication function can be used.

  Instead of the remote control light emitting unit of the remote control device, it may be a remote control transmission unit that performs wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN or the like, or the remote control device and the controlled device are connected by wire to perform communication by wire. A remote control transmission unit may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the remote control information output from the controller is information necessary for selecting remote control code data. Instead, the controller selects remote control code data for a specific controlled device. And output this. That is, the remote control code data itself becomes remote control information. In the remote control device, it is only necessary to set the received remote control information as remote control code data, and it is not necessary to store a plurality of remote control code data. Moreover, if the remote control code data is updated in the controller, it is possible to cope with the use of a new model of controlled equipment.

Configuration diagram of remote control system of the present invention The figure which shows the structural example of the remote control code data in a remote control code memory | storage part The figure which shows the structural example of the remote control code data in the remote control code setting memory | storage part in case a lighting device is a cycle type The figure which shows the structural example of the remote control code data in the remote control code setting memory | storage part in case lighting equipment is a direct type Configuration diagram of remote control system of other embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus 2 Remote control apparatus 3 Network input / output part 4 Remote control light emission part 5 Remote control code storage part 6 Remote control code setting storage part 7 Control part 8 Personal computer

Claims (7)

A remote control device that is communicable with a control device that outputs a control command and transmits a remote control code to a controlled device in response to the control command, based on remote control information for the controlled device transmitted from the control device A remote control device comprising a setting unit for setting remote control code data, wherein a remote control code is generated from the remote control code data in accordance with the control command received from the control device and transmitted to a controlled device. A communication unit for communicating with a control device that outputs a control command, a storage unit for storing a plurality of remote control code data corresponding to various types of controlled devices, and a remote control for a specific controlled device transmitted from the control device A remote control code data is selected from a plurality of remote control code data based on the information and set as remote control code data for a specific controlled device, and generated from the remote control code data according to the control command A remote control device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits a remote control code to a specific controlled device. 3. The remote controller according to claim 1, wherein the controlled device is a lighting device, and the remote control information includes information of a cycle method that switches the lighting state of the lighting device to forward feeding or a direct method that switches the lighting state with one touch. apparatus. A control device capable of communicating with a remote control device capable of transmitting a remote control code to various controlled devices, and outputting a control command for transmitting the remote control code to the remote control device, wherein the remote control device has a specific control target A control device comprising: an output unit that outputs remote control information necessary for setting remote control code data corresponding to a device, and outputting the remote control information to the remote control device. 5. The control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of remote control information corresponding to various types of controlled devices are held, and remote control information for a specific controlled device is selected from these remote control information. A control device capable of communicating with a remote control device capable of transmitting a remote control code to various controlled devices, and outputting a control command for transmitting the remote control code to the remote control device, wherein the remote control device has a specific control target A control device connected to a terminal device for inputting remote control information necessary for setting remote control code data corresponding to the device, and outputting the remote control information input from the terminal device to the remote control device. A control device that outputs a control command and a remote control device that transmits a remote control code to a controlled device in response to the control command are communicably connected, and the control device is remote control code data corresponding to a specific controlled device. The remote control device has a plurality of remote control code data corresponding to various controlled devices, and a plurality of remote control code data corresponding to various controlled devices is provided based on the remote control information from the control device. A remote control system comprising: a setting unit that selects remote control code data from remote control code data and sets the remote control code data as remote control code data for a specific controlled device.

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