JP2009017067A - Equipment control system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an equipment control system using a mobile information terminal which allows a user to set programs for reserve programming and programmed recording, beforehand, and to control viewing, recording, and the like. <P>SOLUTION: The equipment control system is equipped with a mobile terminal 100 and a cradle 200. The mobile terminal 100 includes a setting means for setting reserve programming information, and a transmitting means for transmitting the reserve programming information set up by the setting means to the cradle 200, when it is set in the cradle 200. Meanwhile, the cradle 200 includes a receiving means for receiving the reserve programming information from the mobile terminal 100; a storing means for storing the received reserve programming information and information on equipment to be controlled; a control signal generating means for generating a control signal to be transmitted to the equipment to be controlled, based on the reserve programming information and the information on equipment to be controlled which are stored in the storing means; and a timing means for timing the present time. The equipment control system transmits the control signal to the equipment to be controlled, at the reserved time set up in the reserve programming information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a device control system, and more particularly to a device control system for controlling a viewing device such as a television receiver and a recording device such as a recorder using a portable information terminal.

  As a method for controlling a device such as a television receiver using a portable information terminal, for example, there is a method using program guide information such as EPG information. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a device control system that makes a recording reservation for a recording device using a portable information terminal that has acquired program guide information.

The device control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows a portable information terminal to have a function that functions as a remote controller (remote controller) for a recording device. Using this portable information terminal, the user accesses a service station that provides a WEB service for the portable information terminal that has posted the program guide information, and records the program via the program selection screen displayed on the screen of the device. Select the program you want to reserve. Next, using a portable information terminal, program reservation information including recording start / end time information is acquired, and the program reservation information is transmitted to the recording device by a remote control function provided. The recording device completes the recording reservation based on the received program reservation information. In the device control system of Patent Document 1, recording reservation control for the recording device is thus performed.
JP 2001-309288 A

  However, the device control system of Patent Document 1 is not convenient because the user cannot set a program that the user wants to record in advance at a free time such as during travel time. The portable information terminal of the above system is provided with a storage medium, and the recording desired program is set (that is, the program reservation information is stored) in the storage medium during the free time when the user is out, and the recording reservation is made after returning home. If the program reservation information is read again from the storage medium and converted into a remote control signal and the recording reservation is made at this time, the time can be used effectively, and the convenience for the user is enhanced. However, even in the device control system using the storage medium in this way, the user may forget that the setting is made after setting the recording reservation desired program.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and allows a user to set a viewing reservation program or a recording reservation program in advance, and can control viewing and recording, etc. An object is to provide a device control system using an information terminal.

  To achieve the above object, a first technical means of the present invention includes a portable information terminal and a cradle in which the portable information terminal is accommodated, and controls a device including a viewing device and / or a recording device. In the device control system, the portable information terminal transmits the program reservation information set by the setting means to the cradle when the portable information terminal is accommodated in the cradle and setting means for setting the program reservation information. And the cradle stores the program reservation information received by the portable information terminal, the program reservation information received by the reception means, and the control target device information. Storage means, control signal generation means for generating a control signal to be transmitted to the controlled device based on the program reservation information stored in the storage means and the control target device information, and the current time A timing means for time, and the reservation time of the program reservation information is obtained by and transmits the control signal to the controlled device.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, an external connection output device that receives and outputs the control signal is connected to the cradle, and the control signal is controlled via the connection output device. It is characterized by being transmitted to a device.

  The third technical means is the first or second technical means, wherein the cradle has attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the portable information terminal to / from the cradle, and the program reservation is a viewing reservation. When the portable information terminal is disconnected from the cradle at the program start time of the program reservation information, a control signal for starting recording of the program is generated and transmitted to the controlled device. It is a thing.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the first or second technical means, the cradle has attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the portable information terminal to / from the cradle, and the program reservation is a viewing reservation. When it is detected that the portable information terminal has been removed from the cradle within the viewing time of the program, a control signal for starting recording of the program is generated and transmitted to the controlled device. It is what.

  According to a fifth technical means, in the third or fourth technical means, when the cradle detects that the portable information terminal is mounted on the cradle, the fifth technical means generates a control signal for starting reproduction or chasing reproduction. And transmitting to the controlled device.

  According to the present invention, a program that a user wants to watch on a portable information terminal and a program that the user wants to record are set in advance, and the portable information terminal is attached to the cradle so that the cradle automatically converts the set program information. Since the reserved viewing control and the reserved recording control are performed based on the acquired information, the program can be controlled without forgetting to watch and record the program and without being aware of the operation of the viewing device or the recording device. In addition, since it is not necessary to add new means to the viewing device and the recording device to be controlled, the cost for improving these controlled devices can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, a device control system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a device control system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the device control system of the present invention includes a portable information terminal 100, a cradle 200 including an infrared (IR) transmission unit 201, and an externally connected infrared (IR) transmission device 300. The viewing device 400 and the recording device 500 are controlled.

  The viewing device 400 and the recording device 500 are controlled devices that are devices controlled by the device control system. The viewing device 400 is for a user to view a program. For example, the viewing device 400 includes a TV receiver that receives a television (TV) broadcast and displays it on a screen, and includes a display panel 401. The recording device 500 records a program on a recording medium, and includes, for example, an HDD recorder that records the program on a built-in hard disk.

  The portable information terminal 100 of this device control system can perform data communication wirelessly via an antenna 101. For example, the portable information terminal 100 includes a mobile phone terminal, and inputs a display panel 103 for displaying information. The operation key 104 is provided. For example, the user receives program guide information by data communication using the portable information terminal (hereinafter referred to as a portable terminal) 100, and uses the received program guide information to make a program reservation (recording reservation or viewing reservation). Can be done. Information of the program reserved by the user (program reservation information) is stored in the storage unit of the mobile terminal 100.

The cradle 200 is connected to the portable terminal 100 to charge the portable terminal 100 and has a recess that can accommodate the portable terminal 100.
Each of the mobile terminal 100 and the cradle 200 is provided with terminals 102 and 202 such as a data communication terminal for performing data communication between them and a charging terminal for supplying power from the cradle 200 to the mobile terminal 100. It has been.

The cradle 200 receives information such as program reservation information from the data communication terminal of the accommodated portable terminal 100 via the data communication terminal of the cradle 200. The cradle 200 preferably has a select key 204 ₁ and enter key ₂₀₄₂ and the display panel 203. Using these, the user can set the device information (manufacturer name, model name, etc.) of the viewing device 400 and the recording device 500. The cradle 200 also has an IR transmission unit 201, and a device control signal that is a control signal for controlling these controlled devices with respect to the viewing device 400 and the recording device 500 via the IR transmission unit 201. (Hereinafter referred to as a control signal) is transmitted by infrared.

  The externally connected IR transmitter 300 is for indirectly transmitting the control signal generated by the cradle 200 to the controlled device by infrared, and has an IR transmitter 301, preferably connected to the cradle 200 by wire. Is done.

In the device control system constituted by the devices as described above, when the mobile terminal 100 is attached to the cradle 200, the program reservation information set by the user and stored in its own storage unit is stored via the terminals 102 and 202. , To the cradle 200.
The cradle 200 stores the received program reservation information and, based on the stored program reservation information and the set device information, etc., at the reservation time (for example, the reservation viewing start time), the viewing device 400 or the recording device that is the controlled device. A control signal (for example, a power ON signal) corresponding to the device 500 is transmitted to the controlled device via the IR transmission unit 201. The reserved time refers to a time when the user sets a viewing reservation or a recording reservation in the portable terminal 100 so that the cradle 200 performs a predetermined control at that time.
The cradle 200 can also transmit the control signal via the external connection IR transmitter 300 as appropriate.

  The viewing device 400 and the recording device 500 that have received the control signal by the infrared receivers 402 and 501 operate based on the control signal, display the viewing reservation program on the display panel 401, or display the recording reservation program on the recording medium (not recorded). Recorded in the figure).

Subsequently, the portable terminal 100 of the device control system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the mobile terminal 100 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a situation when the mobile terminal 100 receives program guide information.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 105 for performing data communication wirelessly, a key input unit 106 that receives an operation from a user, a display unit 107 that displays information, and received data And the like, a timer unit 109 for obtaining time information, a communication I / F unit (external I / F) 110 for data communication with the cradle 200, and each component unit are controlled. And a control unit 111.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the portable terminal 100 has a charging terminal etc. which receive electric power supply from a battery, the charge control part which charges a battery, the cradle 200 other than said each part. The charging control unit supplies the power supplied from the cradle 200 via the charging terminal to the charging circuit that charges the battery, or stops the supply, depending on the charging status of the battery.

In the device control system of the present invention, as described above, a user sets (selects) a program desired to be watched or a program desired to be recorded in advance using the mobile terminal 100. At that time, program guide information (for example, EPG information) can be used.
In order to use the program guide information, the mobile terminal 100 is connected to a server 700 having a program database 701 that is a database for program guide information.
More specifically, for example, a wireless base station 600 that performs wireless data communication is connected to a network 800 to which the server 700 is connected, and wireless communication between the wireless base station 600 and the mobile terminal 100 that performs data communication is performed. The unit 105 is connected via the antenna 101. That is, the mobile terminal 100 can perform data communication with the server 700 via the radio base station 600 and the network 800, and acquires program guide information (TV program guide information) from the server 700.

  In order to actually acquire the program guide information, for example, the user first uses the numeric keypad and various function keys from the menu displayed on the display unit 107 including the display panel 103 (see FIG. 1) on the portable terminal 100. The key input unit 106 including the operation keys 104 (see FIG. 1) including the contents selects and inputs the content for which the program to be reserved can be selected. In the portable terminal 100 in which the program reservation content is selected by the user, the control unit 111 connects to the server 700 via the wireless communication unit 105, the wireless base station 600, and the network 800, and acquires program guide information. .

Using the acquired program guide information, the user reserves a program that the user desires to watch or a program that wants to record (that is, program reservation information is set) in the mobile terminal 100. For this purpose, for example, the mobile terminal 100 first displays a program selection screen (program guide screen) for selecting a program on the display unit 107 based on the acquired program guide information. On the displayed program selection screen, the user selects and inputs a desired program using the key input unit 106 constituting the program reservation information setting means, and inputs a reservation type (viewing reservation or recording reservation). Thus, program reservation information is set. In the mobile terminal 100, the control unit 111 records the program reservation information set by the user in the memory unit 108.
This program reservation information includes information on the start time (reserved recording / viewing start time) and end time (reserved recording / viewing end time) of the reserved program, broadcast station (channel) information, and reservation type information.

  The portable terminal 100 that records such program reservation information is attached to the cradle 200 after the user returns home, for example. When the portable terminal 100 is attached to the cradle 200, the attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the portable terminal 100 with respect to the cradle 200 detects that the portable terminal 100 is attached. Then, in response to a request from the cradle 200 that detects the mounting of the mobile terminal 100, the mobile terminal 100 stores the program stored in the memory unit 108 via the external I / F 110 including the data communication terminal that configures the terminal 102. The reservation information is transmitted to the cradle 200.

Next, the cradle 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the cradle 200 in FIG.
The cradle 200 includes a mobile terminal connection I / F 205 that functions as a connection unit with the mobile terminal 100, a charge control unit 206 for controlling charging, and a communication control unit 207 for controlling communication with the mobile terminal 100. A power control unit 208 for converting AC power supplied from the power line into DC power and supplying power to the portable terminal 100, and a control code for controlling the device are described for each manufacturer (each model). A command management unit 209 having a control code table, a key input unit 210 that receives an operation from a user, a display unit 211 that displays information, a memory unit 212 that stores various types of information, and an infrared ray that wirelessly outputs a signal ( IR) transmitting unit 213, external I / F 214 for connecting to externally connected IR transmitting apparatus 300, and timer unit 215 for obtaining time information A control unit 216 that controls each component unit includes a control unit 216 includes a control signal generating means 216a for generating a control signal of the controlled device.

The charging control unit 206 and the communication control unit 207 can detect attachment / detachment (connection / disconnection) of the mobile terminal 100 with respect to the cradle 200.
When the charging control unit 206 detects that the mobile terminal 100 is attached (connected) to the cradle 200, the charging control unit 206 is supplied from the power control unit 208 to the connected mobile terminal 100 (the charging control unit thereof). Supply DC power.

  When the communication control unit 207 detects a connection, the control unit 216 requests the mobile terminal 100 to transmit program reservation information via the mobile terminal connection I / F 205. At this time, if the program reservation information is set in the mobile terminal 100, the program reservation information is received from the mobile terminal 100, and if not set, information indicating that is received. When the program reservation information is received, the control unit 216 records (stores) the program reservation information in the memory unit 212.

  The memory unit 212 can record device information in addition to program reservation information. This device information is information on devices to be controlled by the device control system (viewing device information and recording device information). For example, information on the manufacturer name of the device to be controlled, information on the model number (model), etc. included.

Device information, for example, may be a display unit 211 composed of a display panel 203 of FIG. 1, it is set in advance by using the key input unit 210 composed of a selection key 204 ₁ and enter key ₂₀₄₂ of FIG. 1 . Selection keys 204 ₁ is a key for selecting the device to be controlled subject device control system. Display panel 203 is a list from the control code table control signals generatable device command manager 209, and / or displays the model name and manufacturer name, etc. of the selected by the selection key 204 ₁ device. Decision key 204 _2, was selected by the selection key 204 ₁ devices is a key to register (record) as a control target device.
For example, device information is selected when the user selects a control target device using the key input unit 210 from a list of devices displayed on the display unit 211 by the control unit 216 referring to the command management unit 209 or the like. It is recorded in the memory unit 212.

  When the user selects a device to be controlled using the display panel 103 or the operation key 104 of the mobile terminal 100 and stores it in the storage unit of the mobile terminal 100, the cradle is attached when the mobile terminal 100 is attached to the cradle 200. 200 may acquire the device information of the selected device to be controlled from the portable terminal 100 and store it in the memory unit 212.

  The control unit 216 of the cradle 200 refers to the timer unit 215 to determine whether the current time has reached a reserved time (reserved viewing / recording start time or reserved viewing / recording end time). When the current time reaches the reservation time, the control signal generation means 216a of the control unit 216 uses the command management unit 209 based on the reservation type information, reservation content information (broadcast station information) and device information obtained from the program reservation information. A control signal suitable for the controlled device is generated with reference to the control code table stored in the table.

The control code table may be stored in advance in the command management unit 209 or may be acquired from the mobile terminal 100. Further, it is preferable that the mobile terminal 100 can be changed.
The control signal generated based on the control code table or the like by the control signal generation unit 216a of the control unit 216 is transmitted to the IR transmission unit 213 or the external I / F 214 provided in the cradle 200.

When transmitting a control signal to the IR transmission unit 213, the IR transmission unit 213 converts, for example, the received control signal into an infrared signal and transmits it to the viewing device 400 (or the recording device 500) that is a controlled device. Thus, the control signal is wirelessly output.
The case where the control signal is transmitted to the external I / F 214 is a case where the control signal is wirelessly output via the external connection IR transmission device 300. In this case, the external I / F 214 is connected to the I / F 214. A control signal is transmitted to the external I / F 303 of the externally connected IR transmitting apparatus 300 to be connected.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the external connection IR transmitter 300 in FIG. The external connection IR transmission device 300 that can be connected to the external I / F 214 provided in the cradle 200 includes an external I / F 303 as a connection unit with the external I / F 214, and an IR signal transmission unit 302. It is connected to the cradle 200 via a cable. The IR signal transmission unit 302 receives a control signal from the external I / F 214 of the cradle 200 via a cable or the like and the external I / F 303, converts the received control signal, and converts the viewing device 400, the recording device 500, and the like. Send to the controlled device.

  As described above, in the device control system according to the present invention, the control signal for controlling the controlled device can be wirelessly output from the externally connected IR transmitter 300 that is externally connected to the cradle 200. Even when the control signal from the cradle 200 does not reach the controlled device directly due to an obstacle or the like, the externally connected IR transmission device 300 is positioned so that the controlled device can reliably receive the control signal. , The cradle 200 and the externally connected IR transmitter 300 are connected, and the control signal is wirelessly output from the IR signal transmitter 302, so that the controlled device can reliably receive the control signal. That is, by providing the external connection IR transmitter 300, the degree of freedom of the installation location of the cradle 200 can be increased.

  In this device control system, the control signal from the control unit 216 is switched so that the direct transmission of the control signal from the cradle 200 to the controlled device and the indirect transmission (via the external connection IR transmission device 300) can be switched. It is desirable to switch between transmission to the IR transmission unit 213 and transmission to the external I / F 214 as necessary.

Next, the process at the time of the reserved recording / viewing start will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, it is assumed that the program reservation information set in the memory unit 108 of the mobile terminal 100 has already been transmitted to the cradle 200 by attaching the mobile terminal 100 to the cradle 200.

  The control unit 216 of the cradle 200 refers to the timer unit 215 on the basis of information on the reserved viewing / recording start time (reservation control start time) included in the program reservation information stored in the memory unit 212, and determines the current time. It is checked whether or not it coincides with the reserved viewing / recording start time (step S1). If the current time does not match the reserved viewing / recording start time (in the case of NO), the process returns to step S1 and the process is repeated. If they match (in the case of YES), the program reservation information including the matched reserved viewing / recording start time Based on the above, the reservation type (whether it is a recording reservation or a viewing reservation) is determined (step S2).

  When the recording reservation is determined, the cradle 200 performs recording control. Since the controlled device is a recording device, the control signal generation unit 216a of the control unit 216 includes information (manufacturer name, etc.) of the controlled device (recording device 500) obtained from the device information stored in the memory unit 212. Based on the broadcasting station (channel) information included in the program reservation information, the control code table of the command management unit 209 is referred to, and a power ON signal, a recording start signal, and a broadcasting station (channel) selection signal, A device corresponding to the control device (recording device 500) is generated as a control signal (step S6). In step S6, the cradle 200 wirelessly outputs the generated control signal to the controlled device (recording device 500) via the external I / F 214 or the external connection IR transmission device 300. Then, the control unit 216 sets a reservation recording control in-progress flag indicating that it is during the reservation recording time (step S7), and ends the recording start control process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the viewing reservation has been made, first, it is determined whether the mobile terminal 100 is attached to the cradle 200 (attached state) or removed from the cradle (removed state). Is determined with reference to attachment / detachment detection means for detecting that the mobile terminal 100 is attached / detached (step S3). This is because if the mobile terminal 100 is not attached to the cradle 200 at the start of viewing, the user may not be around the viewing device 400 and may not be able to view even if the reserved program is displayed on the viewing device 400. . Therefore, in the above case, instead of displaying the program set as the viewing reservation program on the viewing device 500, the recording device 400 may record the program from the start of viewing.

  If it is determined in step S3 that the mobile terminal 100 is in the mounted state, the cradle 200 performs the following viewing control. Since the controlled device is a viewing device, the control signal generation means 216a of the control unit 216 is included in the information on the controlled device (viewing device 400) obtained from the device information stored in the memory unit 212 and the program reservation information. Based on the broadcast station (channel) information, the control code table of the command management unit 209 is referred to, and the power ON signal and the broadcast station (channel) selection signal correspond to the controlled device (viewing device 400). The generated signal is generated as a control signal (step S4). In step S5, the cradle 200 wirelessly outputs the generated control signal to the controlled device (viewing device 400) via the external I / F 214 or the external connection IR transmitter 300. Then, the control unit 216 sets a reserved viewing control in-progress flag indicating that it is during the reserved viewing time (step S5), and ends the viewing start control process.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S3 that the mobile terminal 100 is in the removal state, the cradle 200 performs the following viewing reservation program alternative recording control. First, the control signal generation unit 216a of the control unit 216 of the cradle 200 is a power-on signal, a recording start signal, and a broadcast station (channel) selection signal as in the above-described recording control. 500) is generated as a control signal (step S8). In step S4, the cradle 200 wirelessly outputs the generated control signal to the controlled device (recording device 500) via the external I / F 214 or the external connection IR transmitter 300. Then, the control unit 216 sets a viewing reservation program alternative recording control flag indicating that it is a viewing reserved program alternative recording (step S9), and ends the viewing reserved program alternative recording start control process.
Note that this viewing reserved program alternative recording control can be played back in the middle of a reserved program, as in the case of the telephone response recording control described later.

Next, device control according to the usage status of the mobile terminal 100 will be described.
If the mobile terminal 100 is a mobile phone, when a user responds to an incoming call from the mobile terminal 100 during reserved viewing, an important scene of the reserved viewing program displayed on the viewing device may be missed. . In this case, if the viewing reservation program is recorded from when the incoming call is answered, the recorded important viewing scene can be prevented from being missed by reproducing the recorded viewing reservation program later. However, since incoming calls are sudden, and incoming calls will be interrupted if they are not responded quickly, it is easy for users to respond to incoming calls after recording the viewing reservation program that they were watching. is not.

  Based on the above, the device control system of the present invention uses an attachment / detachment detection means for detecting that the mobile terminal 100 is attached / detached from the cradle 200. When it is detected, the user may be assumed to have started a call, and the viewing reservation program that has been viewed may be automatically recorded from that point. Hereinafter, an automatic recording process in the device control system configured to perform the automatic recording will be described with reference to FIG.

When receiving the removal information indicating that the terminal 100 has been removed from the cradle 200 (step S11), the control unit 216 of the cradle 200, for example, based on whether the reservation viewing control in progress flag is set or not. It is determined whether reservation viewing control is currently being performed (step S12).
If the reserved viewing control is not being performed (NO), the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reserved viewing control is being performed (in the case of YES), the control signal generating unit 216a of the control unit 216 uses the command management unit 209 to record the reserved viewing program with the recording device 500 from the detection of withdrawal. A control signal such as a power-on signal corresponding to the recording device 500 is generated by referring to the control code table, and is wirelessly output to the recording device 500 (step S13). Then, the control unit 216 sets a telephone response recording flag for chasing playback described later (step S14), and ends the telephone response recording start control process.

As a result, the viewing reservation program can be automatically recorded from the time when the mobile terminal 100 is removed from the cradle 200.
At this time, the viewing device 400 may be turned off or mute so as not to hinder the user's call.

  The mobile terminal 100 is provided with an incoming call notification means for notifying the cradle that there is an incoming call when the mobile terminal 100 is attached to the cradle 200, and the cradle detects the incoming call from the incoming call notification means and detects attachment / detachment. Based on the detection result of the means, the viewing reservation program may be automatically recorded from the time when the user responds to the incoming call.

In the device control system, in the case of viewing reservation program alternative recording or telephone response recording, recording of the viewing reservation program recorded in the recording device 500 when the mobile terminal 100 is mounted on the cradle 200 again is started. It may be configured such that the chasing playback can be automatically performed from the selected position. Hereinafter, an automatic reproduction process in the device control system configured to perform the automatic reproduction will be described with reference to FIG.
Note that it is assumed that program setting information to be transmitted to the cradle 200 is not set in the mobile terminal 100.

  When receiving the mounting information indicating that the mobile terminal 100 is mounted on the cradle 200 (step S21), the control unit 216 of the cradle 200 requests the mobile terminal 100 to transmit program reservation information, but receives the program reservation information. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the telephone response recording flag or the viewing reservation program alternative recording control flag is set (step S22).

If it is determined that any of the flags is set (in the case of YES), since the viewing reservation program is recorded, the control code table of the command management unit 209 is referred to perform the follow-up playback of the viewing reservation program. For example, a control signal for chasing playback is generated and output to the recording device 500 wirelessly, and a control signal such as a power ON signal or a channel selection signal is generated so that the playback program can be recorded. (Step S23).
In this way, when the portable terminal 100 is mounted on the cradle 200 again, the viewing reservation program recorded on the recording device 500 can be automatically chased and reproduced from the position where the recording was started.

  In this device control system, when chasing playback is started in the cradle 200, it is preferable to set a chasing playback flag indicating that. Thereby, the control unit 216 can determine whether or not to generate a control signal for turning off the power of the viewing device or the like according to the status of the chasing playback flag at the end of the reserved program viewing time. It is possible not to turn off the power.

In addition, when the current time is the time of the scheduled recording / viewing end after performing the above-described processes, the cradle 200 does nothing when the chasing playback control is performed, but the viewing control is not performed. If so, it generates and outputs a viewing device power OFF control signal. When recording control, viewing reserved program alternative recording control or telephone response recording control is performed, a recording device power supply OFF control signal (and recording stop control signal) is generated and output. In any of these controls, the flag set when starting these controls is laid down at the end.
However, if telephone response recording control or viewing reserved program alternative recording control is performed when the current time reaches the reserved viewing end time, the setting is continued after the viewing reserved program recording ends, and is canceled after the chasing playback ends.

As described above, in the device control system of the present invention, without adding new means to the controlled device, the user wants to set in advance a program that the user wants to watch on the mobile terminal and a program that the user wants to record. By attaching the terminal to the cradle, it is possible to control the program without forgetting to watch and record the program and without being aware of the operation of the controlled device.
Also, for example, when responding to an incoming call on a mobile terminal while watching a program by reservation, the mobile terminal is disconnected from the cradle, so the recording processing of the program being viewed is made to the recording device based on the disconnection result. Automatically start and turn off the TV receiver. Then, by returning the mobile terminal to the cradle after the call is finished, chasing playback from the start of recording is possible, so that it is possible to view without overlooking the contents of the program without being aware of the control of the viewing device or recording device. .

It is the schematic which shows the structural example of the apparatus control system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the portable terminal 100 in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode when the portable terminal 100 receives TV program schedule information. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the cradle 200 in FIG. It is a block diagram of the external connection infrared rays transmission apparatus 300 in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of a reservation recording / viewing start. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of a telephone response recording start. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a chasing reproduction | regeneration process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Portable information terminal (mobile terminal), 101 ... Antenna, 102 ... Terminal, 103 ... Display panel, 104 ... Operation key, 105 ... Wireless communication part, 106 ... Key input part, 107 ... Display part, 108 ... Memory part, 109 ... timer unit, 110 ... external I / F, 111 ... controller, 200 ... cradle, 201 ... infrared transmission section, 202 ... terminal, 203 ... display panel, 204 1 _... selection key 204 2 _... decision key, 205 ... Mobile terminal connection I / F, 206 ... Charge control unit, 207 ... Communication control unit, 208 ... Power supply control unit, 209 ... Command management unit, 210 ... Key input unit, 211 ... Display unit, 212 ... Memory unit, 213 ... Infrared Transmission unit, 214 ... external I / F, 215 ... timer unit, 216 ... control unit, 216a ... control signal generating means, 300 ... external connection infrared transmission device, 302 ... infrared ray Signal transmission unit 303 ... external I / F, 400 ... viewing device, 401 ... display panel, 500 ... recording device, 600 ... wireless base station, 700 ... server, 701 ... program database, 800 ... network.

Claims (5)

A device control system comprising a portable information terminal and a cradle in which the portable information terminal is accommodated, and controls devices including a viewing device and / or a recording device,
The portable information terminal includes setting means for setting program reservation information, and transmission means for transmitting the program reservation information set by the setting means to the cradle when stored in the cradle. ,
The cradle includes receiving means for receiving the program reservation information transmitted by the portable information terminal, storage means for storing the program reservation information received by the receiving means, and control target device information, and the storage means. Based on the stored program reservation information and the control target device information, the control signal generating means for generating a control signal to be transmitted to the controlled device, and the time measuring means for measuring the current time,
A device control system, wherein the control signal is transmitted to the controlled device at a reservation time of the program reservation information.   2. The external connection output device that receives and outputs the control signal is connected to the cradle, and the control signal is transmitted to the controlled device via the connection output device. Equipment control system.   The cradle has attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the portable information terminal with respect to the cradle. When the program reservation is a viewing reservation, the portable information terminal 3. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein a control signal for starting recording of the program is generated and transmitted to the controlled device when the cradle is removed.   The cradle has attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the portable information terminal to / from the cradle. When the program reservation is a viewing reservation, the portable information terminal is detached from the cradle within the viewing time of the program. 3. The device control system according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected that the program has been removed, a control signal for starting recording of the program is generated and transmitted to the controlled device.   The cradle generates a control signal for starting reproduction or chasing reproduction when it is detected that the portable information terminal is attached to the cradle, and transmits the control signal to the controlled device. Or the apparatus control system of 4.

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