JP2021009190A - Remote operation device and video acoustic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a remote operation device that operates with voice commands and is suppressed from misrecognizing the commands.SOLUTION: A remote operation device comprises: a voice input part which acquires a voice; an apparatus control command sending-out part which sends out commands to a controlled apparatus by radio; and a control part which controls the voice input part and the apparatus control command sending-out part. The control part enters a control word recognition mode in which a control word for operating the controlled apparatus is recognized when predetermined conditions are met, sends out a command to lower sound volume of the controlled apparatus from the apparatus control command sending-out part, and sends out a command to return the sound volume of the controlled apparatus to the original one from the apparatus control command sending-out part after recognizing the control word.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

One aspect of the present invention relates to a remote control device or the like capable of remotely controlling an operation target of a home electric appliance or the like.

Conventionally, there is a remote control device capable of operating an operation target of a home electric appliance or the like based on a voice command. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a voice recognition system for recognizing remote control command words of home appliances.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-161496

When using a remote control device that operates by a conventional voice command, if a device that emits sound is operating in the vicinity, the remote control device erroneously recognizes the command by voice due to the sound emitted by the device in the vicinity. There was a case that I did. Further, the control word for operating such a remote control device is set in advance, and it is difficult to pronounce the control word depending on the habit of the user or the like, and the voice recognition rate by the remote control device deteriorates. was there. In addition, the devices to be operated are limited, and there are cases where the device to be operated cannot be arbitrarily set.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve at least one of the above problems. In the following description, reference numerals and the like in the drawings may be added in parentheses in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, but each component of the present invention is not limited to those added. It should be broadly interpreted to the extent that those skilled in the art can technically understand it.

One means of the present invention is
A voice input unit (70) for acquiring voice and
The device control command sending unit (30) that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A control unit (10) for controlling the voice input unit and the device control command transmission unit is provided.
The control unit (10)
The control word recognition mode for recognizing the control word for operating the controlled device when a predetermined condition is satisfied is entered, and a command for lowering the volume of the controlled device is sent from the device control command sending unit ( S102),
After recognizing the control word, a command for returning the volume of the controlled device to the original level is sent from the device control command sending unit (S152).
It is a remote control device (1).

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the voice recognition rate of the control word due to the voice emitted by the controlled device itself being input to the voice input unit together with the control word.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
The controlled device is an audio device or a video device.
When the control word corresponds to a command for changing the volume of the controlled device (S200), the control unit restores the volume of the controlled device (S202) and the controlled device. A command corresponding to the control word for changing the volume of the device is sent from the device control command sending unit (S203).

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the user can quickly confirm the volume changed in response to the command to change the volume.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
When the control word is not recognized for the first predetermined time after shifting to the control word recognition mode, the control unit (10) sends a command to restore the volume of the controlled device (the control word) (10). S111, S152).

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the inconvenience caused by lowering the volume of the controlled device can be automatically eliminated after the first predetermined time.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
The control unit (10)
A second predetermined time after recognizing the control word, a command for returning the volume of the controlled device to the original level is sent from the device control command sending unit.
The control word recognition mode is maintained for a third predetermined time after recognizing the control word (S111).

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, even when it is desired to continuously recognize a plurality of control words and perform a specified operation, it is possible to prevent the voice recognition rate from being lowered by the voice of the controlled device itself. Can be done.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
The second predetermined time and the third predetermined time have substantially the same length.

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the volume of the controlled device can be restored at substantially the same timing as the control word recognition mode ends.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
It further includes a first notification means (50) indicating that it is operating in the control word recognition mode.

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the user can be made to recognize that the operation is in the control word recognition mode.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
When the control word is recognized, a second notification means (60) indicating that the control word is recognized is further provided.

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the user can confirm that the control word has been recognized by the device.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
The control unit (10)
When shifting to the control word recognition mode, a command for lowering the volume is sent to the plurality of controlled devices (S102).

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, when a plurality of controlled devices that emit sound are operating in the surroundings, the voice recognition rate of the control word can be increased by lowering the volume of these operating controlled devices. It is possible to suppress the decrease.

In addition, another means of the present invention is
A voice input unit (70) for acquiring voice and
The device control command sending unit (30) that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A control unit (10) for controlling the voice input unit and the device control command transmission unit is provided.
The control unit registers the information related to the voice acquired during operation in the voice registration mode as a wake-up word for shifting to the control word recognition mode (S413).
The control unit shifts to the control word recognition mode when the voice acquired by the voice input unit is the registered wakeup word (S110).
It is a remote control device.

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the user can register an arbitrary wake-up word in consideration of his / her habit and ease of pronunciation, and improve the voice recognition rate of the wake-up word. Can be done.

In addition, another means of the present invention is
A voice input unit (70) for acquiring voice and
The device control command sending unit (30) that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A control unit (10) for controlling the voice input unit and the device control command transmission unit is provided.
The control unit registers the information related to the voice acquired during operation in the voice registration mode as a control word for operating the controlled device (S451).
The control unit (10)
Recognizing the control word When the voice acquired by the voice input unit is the registered control word during operation in the control word recognition mode, a command corresponding to the control word is transmitted from the device control command sending unit. (S302),
It is a remote control device.

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the user can register an arbitrary control word in consideration of his / her own habit and ease of pronunciation, and the voice recognition rate of the control word can be improved. ..

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
Further equipped with an audio output unit (80) for outputting audio,
While operating in the voice registration mode, the control unit outputs a guide voice for guiding the voice registration of the user from the voice output unit (S420 to S450).

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, the user can easily perform voice registration.

In addition, another means of the present invention is
A voice input unit (70) for acquiring voice and
The device control command sending unit (30) that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A device control command receiving unit (40) that receives a command sent from a wireless operating device that operates the controlled device, and a device control command receiving unit (40).
Memory unit (20) and
A control unit (10) for associating information about voice acquired by the voice input unit with a command received by the device control command receiving unit and storing the information in the storage unit is provided.
The control unit (10) transmits the command (S451) associated with the information related to the voice registered in the storage unit from the device control command transmission unit based on the voice acquired by the voice input unit (10). S302).

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, not only the device preset in the device but also any device that the user wants to operate can be operated as the controlled device.

The remote control device having the above configuration is preferably
The storage unit stores the command received by the device control command receiving unit in the storage unit in association with the information regarding the user's voice acquired by the voice input unit.

According to the remote control device having the above configuration, it is possible to perform processing based on the user's own voice according to the user's habits and the like, and it is possible to improve the voice recognition rate.

In addition, another means of the present invention is
Audio-visual equipment (2) that is wirelessly operated by a remote control device.
A command receiving unit (140) that receives a command from the remote control device, and
Audio output unit (180) and
It includes a control unit (100) that controls to start operation with the volume output from the voice output unit lowered when a power-on command is received from the remote control device.
It is an audio-visual equipment.

According to the audio-visual equipment having the above configuration, the voice emitted by the audio-visual equipment adversely affects the voice to be recognized at the timing immediately after the power is turned on when the user wants to operate the audio-visual equipment, and the voice recognition rate. Can be suppressed from decreasing.

In addition, another means of the present invention is
Audio-visual equipment (2) that is wirelessly operated by a remote control device.
A command receiving unit (140) that receives a command from the remote control device, and
Audio output unit (180) and
With a control unit (100)
The control unit
When a half mute command during the transition to the control word recognition mode is received from the remote control device, the volume output from the voice output unit is lowered by a predetermined ratio.
When the half mute command is further received from the remote control device, the volume output from the audio output unit is further lowered by a predetermined ratio.
It is an audio-visual equipment.

According to the audio-visual equipment having the above configuration, the volume of the output voice can be gradually lowered by a predetermined ratio, so that it is possible to effectively suppress the decrease in the voice recognition rate of the remote control device operated by the voice. it can.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the remote control device 1. FIG. 2 is an external view of the remote control device 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the television 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a remote control process performed by the remote control device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a voice change process in the remote control device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a device control process in the remote control device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the setting mode processing in the remote control device. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing each operation performed by the remote control device of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing each operation performed by the remote control device of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing each operation performed by the remote control device of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing each operation performed by the remote control device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing each operation performed by the remote control device of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing each operation performed by the remote control device of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the remote control device of the modified example. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a remote control device of a modified example.

The remote control device of the present invention is, for example, a high-performance remote controller that recognizes a user's voice and wirelessly transmits a command to a controlled device such as a television. In particular, the remote control device of the present invention is configured to reduce the volume by half-muting the volume of the television after recognizing the wake-up word in order to improve the voice recognition rate of the control word. It is one of the features. Other features of the present invention will be described in detail below.

In the present specification, the term "voice" may include not only the voice itself but also information (data) generated based on the voice, such as code information (data) obtained by extracting feature points in the voice.

The remote control device of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings according to the following configuration. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.
1. 1. Embodiment 2. Example (1) Example 1
(2) Example 2
(3) Example 3
(4) Example 4
(5) Example 5
(6) Example 6
3. 3. Modification example (1) Modification example 1
(2) Modification example 2
4. Features of the present invention 5. Supplementary information

<1. Embodiment>
<Remote control device 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a device control command sending unit 30, a device control command receiving unit 40, a first notification means 50, and a second notification means. 60, a voice input unit 70, a voice output unit 80, and an output voice creation unit 81 are included.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the remote control device 1. The remote control device 1 includes a cylindrical lower part of the main body and an upper part of the main body whose diameter is reduced upward. On the upper surface of the main body of the remote control device 1, a device control command receiving unit 40 covered with a resin that transmits infrared rays is arranged. The device control command receiving unit 40 includes an infrared light receiving element. The first notification means 50, the second notification means 60, and the voice input unit 70 are arranged on the inclined surface of the upper part of the main body. The first notification means 50 is, for example, an LED element that emits red light. The second notification means 60 is, for example, an LED element that emits green light. A device control command sending unit 30 covered with a resin that transmits infrared rays is arranged on the side surface of the lower portion of the main body. The device control command sending unit 30 includes an infrared light emitting element. An audio output unit 80 is arranged on the bottom surface of the main body. The audio output unit 80 is a so-called speaker. The remote control device 1 includes, for example, a USB terminal A for supplying power for charging. The USB terminal A may supply electric power for movement, not for charging. The remote control device 1 does not necessarily have to be operated by the charged electric power.

Hereinafter, each element constituting the remote control device 1 will be briefly described. The specific operation of each element will be described later using a flowchart. It should be noted that the explanation of each element in the present embodiment and the explanation of the operation using the flowchart are only the explanations of the characteristic parts in the present embodiment, and the same configuration and operation as in the prior art will be described. Is omitted.

<Control unit 10>
The control unit 10 controls the operation of each configuration of the remote control device 1. Specific control by the control unit 10 will be described later.

<Memory unit 20>
The storage unit 20 is a ROM or RAM, and stores various information under the control of the control unit 10. The storage unit 20 stores, for example, voice information related to voice or computerized voice, control information related to control processing executed in response to the voice information, and the like.

Specifically, the storage unit 20 stores the wake-up word described later, the control word, and the command associated with the control word. The wakeup word and the control word may be registered in advance or may be registered by the user himself / herself. The wake-up word and the control word may be stored as the voice itself, or may be information (data) generated based on the voice. The data generated based on the voice is, for example, information (data) obtained by extracting and encoding the characteristic points of the voice of the user.

<Device control command sending unit 30>
The device control command sending unit 30 sends a command to a controlled device such as a television 2, an air conditioner, and a ceiling light by wireless communication using infrared rays, for example. The device control command sending unit 30 may use wireless communication using Bluetooth, wireless LAN, or the like in place of infrared communication or in addition to infrared communication.

<Device control command receiver 40>
The device control command receiving unit 40 receives commands wirelessly transmitted from other devices, for example, by wireless communication using infrared rays. The device control command receiving unit 40 may use wireless communication using Bluetooth, wireless LAN, or the like in place of infrared communication or in addition to infrared communication.

<First notification means 50>
The first notification means 50 is configured to include, for example, a red LED, and emits light under the control of the control unit 10. The first notification means 50 notifies the user of a predetermined state or the like as visual information by emitting light. The first notification means 50 notifies by, for example, lighting or blinking.

<Second notification means 60>
The second notification means 60 is configured to include, for example, a green LED, and emits light under the control of the control unit 10. The second notification means 60 notifies the user of a predetermined state or the like as visual information by emitting light. The second notification means 60 notifies by, for example, lighting or blinking.

<Voice input unit 70>
The voice input unit 70 is a so-called microphone or the like, and converts surrounding voice into an electric signal and outputs it to the control unit 10. When the voice input unit 70 specializes in acquiring and recognizing the user's voice, it may be configured to have a bandpass filter that acquires only the voice in the frequency band of the human voice.

Further, the voice input unit 70 may be arranged at a position symmetrical to the position of the inclined surface of the upper part of the main body of the remote control device 1 shown in FIG.

<Audio output unit 80>
The audio output unit 80 is a so-called speaker or the like, and outputs audio in response to a given electric signal. The voice output unit 80 is given an electric signal created by the output voice creation unit 81, and outputs a voice corresponding to the electric signal.

<Output audio creation unit 81>
The output voice creation unit 81 creates a signal corresponding to the voice to be output under the control of the control unit 10 and outputs the signal to the voice output unit 80. The output voice creation unit 81 may create a voice to be output by synthesizing voices, or may create voices by selecting and concatenating pre-recorded voices.

<TV 2>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a television 2 to be remotely controlled by the remote control device 1. The television 2 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, a command receiving unit 140, and an audio output unit 180. In addition to these, the television 2 includes a well-known configuration such as an image display unit for displaying an image and a power supply device, but the description of such a well-known configuration and operation will be omitted. The television 2 is a specific example of the "audio-visual equipment" of the present invention.

<Control unit 100>
The control unit 100 controls the operation of each configuration of the television 2. For example, the control unit 100 changes the volume of the voice output from the voice output unit 180 in response to the command received by the command reception unit 140.

<Memory unit 120>
The storage unit 120 is a ROM or RAM, and stores various information under the control of the control unit 100. The storage unit 120 stores, for example, information on processing corresponding to the received command, information on the channel displayed on the television 2, and the like.

<Command receiver 140>
The command receiving unit 140 receives a command sent from the remote control device 1 or another remote control device (remote controller) by, for example, wireless communication using infrared rays, and outputs the command to the control unit 100.

When the command receiving unit 140 receives a power-on command from the remote control device 1, the control unit 100 changes the state of the television 2 from the sleep state (or standby state) to the activated state. At this time, immediately after the power is turned on by the remote control device 1, it is assumed that a subsequent command is sent from the remote control device 1. Therefore, when the power is turned on by the command sent from the remote control device 1, the control unit 100 temporarily lowers the volume output from the voice output unit 180.

Further, when the control unit 100 receives the half mute command described later from the remote control device 1, the control unit 100 lowers the volume output from the voice output unit 180. The ratio of lowering the volume is 1 / n (n is a real number of 1 or more). When the control unit 100 repeatedly receives this half mute command, the control unit 100 further lowers the volume at a rate of 1 / n. That is, when the half mute command is repeated m times, the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 becomes the m power of (1 / n). The volume may be lowered at a predetermined rate when the half mute command is repeatedly received, and the values are, for example, (1 / n) for the first time and (1 / p) for the second time. The number of times may be (1 / q) and the ratio may differ depending on the number of times (p and q are real numbers of 1 or more, respectively).

<Audio output unit 180>
The audio output unit 180 is a speaker or the like built in the television 2, and outputs audio in response to a given electric signal. The volume of the voice output from the voice output unit 180 is adjusted by the control unit 100.

<Remote control processing in remote control device 1>
Next, the remote control process performed by the remote control device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, a feature portion of the present embodiment in the process in which the remote control device 1 operates (controls) the television 2 as a controlled device will be described.

<S100>
The remote control device 1 waits for the start of the remote control process by the wakeup word in the standby state before the operation. The remote control device 1 outputs the voice acquired by the voice input unit 70 to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms whether or not this voice is a wake-up word registered in the storage unit 20 (S100). If this voice is not a wakeup word (N in S100), the control unit 10 and the voice input unit 70 continue to wait for the voice of the wakeup word.

<S101, S102>
When the control unit 10 recognizes that this voice is a wake-up word (Y in S100), the control unit 10 shifts to the control word recognition mode, operates the first notification means 50, and blinks the red LED. (S101). The red LED of the first notification means 50 blinks during operation in the control word recognition mode. Next, the control unit 10 transmits a half mute command, which is a command to lower the volume, to the television 2, which is a controlled device, via the device control command sending unit 30 (S102). Further, the control unit 10 transmits a silent control signal for reducing the operating noise to peripheral devices other than the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30 (S102).

The silent control signal is a command for, for example, a fan, a circulator, an air conditioner, an air purifier, an AV device, or the like around the television 2 to reduce the operating noise of each. For example, a command for reducing the sound of fan rotation by stopping the operation of an electric fan, a circulator, an air conditioner, an air purifier, or the like or reducing the air volume becomes a silent control signal. Further, for a device that emits sound such as an AV device, a command for temporarily reducing the volume is a silent control signal. Since these peripheral devices are also devices operated by the remote control device 1, they may be called controlled devices.

As used herein, the term "half mute" refers to an operation of lowering the volume before an operation in a certain device. The volume after the operation is an arbitrary volume between the volume before the operation and the lowest volume. The volume after the operation is, for example, 1 / n (n is a real number of 1 or more) of the volume value before the operation when the volume in the device is indicated as a quantitative volume value by a digital value. Here, it is preferable that n is set to 2 and the volume value is half the volume value before the operation.

<S103>
Next, the control unit 10 starts time measurement by a timer in order to measure the time elapsed since the wakeup word is recognized (S103). As the timer, the built-in timer of the control unit 10 or the like may be used, an external timer may be used, or a simple counter may be used.

When the volume change process (S200) or the device control process (S300) is completed, the above processes S103 and subsequent steps are repeated.

<S110, S111>
Next, the voice input unit 70 outputs the voice acquired following the wake-up word to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms whether or not the voice acquired by the voice input unit 70 is a control word registered in the storage unit 20 (S110). If this voice is not a control word, or if the control word is not input (N in S110), the control unit 10 and the voice input unit 70 use the control word until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses (S111). wait.

<S120>
When the control unit 10 confirms the control word (S110), the control unit 10 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 20, and whether or not the input control word is a control word for changing the volume of the television 2. Is confirmed (S120). When the control word is a control word for changing the volume of the television 2 (Y in S120), the remote control device 1 performs the volume change process described later (S200).

<S130>
Next, the control unit 10 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 20, and confirms whether or not the input control word is a control word that controls (operates) the controlled device including the television 2. S130). When the control word is a control word that controls the controlled device (Y in S130), the remote control device 1 performs the device control process described later (S300).

<S140>
Next, the control unit 10 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 20, and confirms whether or not the input control word is a control word that executes the setting mode (S140). When the control word is a control word that executes the control mode (Y in S140), the remote control device 1 executes the setting mode described later (S400). The setting mode is a specific example of the "voice registration mode" of the present invention.

<S151, S152>
Next, the control unit 10 stops blinking of the red LED of the first notification means 50 and turns it off (S151). The control unit 10 transmits a half mute release signal for releasing the half mute state to the television 2 and raising the volume to the original state via the device control command transmission unit 30 (S152). The control unit 10 transmits a silent release signal to peripheral devices other than the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30 to restore the state changed by the silent control signal (S152). ..

When the setting mode (S400) is completed, the above-mentioned processes after S151 are performed.

By the above processing, the remote control processing in the remote control device 1 is completed. After that, the remote control device 1 returns to the state of waiting for the wakeup word.

<Volume change process (S200)>
Next, the specific contents of the volume change process (S200) will be described with reference to FIG.

<S201>
In the volume change process, first, the control unit 10 operates the second notification means 60 to blink the green LED for a predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds) (S201). The blinking of the second notification means 60 notifies the user that the control word related to the volume change from the user has been recognized.

<S202>
Next, the control unit 10 transmits a half mute release signal for releasing the half mute state and raising the volume to the original state to the television 2 via the device control command transmission unit 30 (S202).

<S203>
Next, the control unit 10 transmits a volume change signal for changing the volume to the television 2 via the device control command transmission unit 30 (S203).

In the volume change process, as described above, the half-mute state is released before sending the command to change the volume of the TV 2, so that the user can appropriately recognize the changed volume of the TV 2. There is. When the above processing is completed, the process returns to the processing of S103 of the remote control processing of FIG. 4 (A).

<Device control process (S300)>
Next, the specific contents of the device control process (S300) will be described with reference to FIG.

<S301>
In the device control process, first, the control unit 10 operates the second notification means 60 to blink the green LED for a predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds) (S301). The blinking of the second notification means 60 notifies the user that the control word for controlling (operating) the controlled device from the user has been recognized.

<S302>
Next, the control unit 10 refers to the storage unit 20 and transmits a control signal (command) corresponding to the control word to the target controlled device via the device control command sending unit 30 (S302). .. The controlled device includes not only the television 2 but also a device such as a fan, a circulator, an air conditioner, an air purifier, an AV device, or a ceiling light. When the controlled device is the television 2, a command or the like for changing the channel of the television 2 is sent. When the controlled device is an electric fan, a command to change the air volume or turn the power on / off is sent. When the controlled device is a ceiling light, a command to change the brightness or turn the power on / off is sent.

When the above processing is completed, the process returns to the processing of S103 of the remote control processing of FIG. 4 (A).

<Setting mode processing (S400)>
Next, the specific contents of the setting mode processing (S400) will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the setting mode processing, the wakeup word is registered or changed, and the control word and the operation content corresponding to the control word are registered. The registration of the control word and the operation content corresponding to the control word may be referred to as "remote control learning".

<S410>
In the setting mode processing, first, the control unit 10 confirms with the user whether what the user intends to set is the registration of the wakeup word or the remote control learning (S410). Specifically, the control unit 10 outputs a voice confirming the function to be set from the voice output unit 80, and determines whether to register a wake-up word or remote control learning based on the voice of the user who responds to the voice. To do.

<S411, S412, S413, S414>
When the voice input for registering the wakeup word is confirmed (Y in S410), the control unit 10 confirms the wakeup word to be registered in the user via the voice output unit 80 (S411). When the control unit 10 confirms the voice emitted by the user via the voice input unit 70 (Y in S411), the control unit 10 registers the wakeup word that the user wants to register via the voice output unit 80. Ask the user for approval (S412). When the approval of the user is confirmed via the voice input unit 70 (Y in S412), the control unit 10 stores the voice input by the user in the storage unit 20 as a wake-up word (Y in S412). S413). On the other hand, if the wakeup word cannot be properly confirmed for a predetermined time or longer (N in S411), or if the user does not approve the registration of the wakeup word (N in S412), the control unit 10 is in each state. The error message corresponding to is output via the voice output unit 80 (S414). When these processes are completed, the process returns to the process of S151 of the remote control process of FIG. 4 (B).

<S420>
On the other hand, when the voice input for registering the control word is confirmed (N in S410), the control unit 10 confirms the function to be set by the user via the voice output unit 80 (S420).

Specifically, when registering a control word, the remote control device 1 stores the name and operation content of the device that the user wants to operate by voice in association with the content of the command to be transmitted. For example, the control unit 10 stores (registers) in the storage unit 20 the content that the audio is the operation target device, the power supply is the operation content, and the content of the command to be transmitted is the power toggle command by infrared rays.

<S430, S440, S450>
Next, the control unit 10 confirms the operation target device with the user via the voice output unit 80 (S430). The control unit 10 acquires the voice emitted by the user in response to this confirmation and stores it in the storage unit 20. Subsequently, the control unit 10 urges the user to press the operation button on the remote controller of the operation target device corresponding to the operation to be registered via the voice output unit 80. After that, the control unit 10 receives a radio command such as an infrared signal issued from the remote controller of the operation target device via the device control command receiving unit 40 (S440). The control unit 10 stores the received radio command in the storage unit 20. Subsequently, the control unit 10 confirms the operation content to be registered in the user via the voice output unit 80 (S450). The control unit 10 acquires the voice emitted by the user in response to this confirmation and stores it in the storage unit 20.

<S451>
Next, in order to register the control word, the control unit 10 associates the operation target device, the radio command, and the operation content stored in the storage unit 20 with each other. As a result, the storage unit 20 stores the radio command associated with the operation target device and the operation content. When the user issues a control word that specifies the device to be operated and the operation content, the control unit 10 can perform a process of transmitting a wireless command from the device control command sending unit 30 in response to this voice. Will be.
When the above processing is completed, the process returns to the processing of S151 of the remote control processing of FIG. 4 (B).

At this time, since the voice is registered as information (data) according to the characteristics of the user himself / herself, the voice is registered as the content according to the user's speaking habits and the like. However, it is also possible to intentionally exclude the characteristics of the user and register it as a word. In this case, even a person other than the user can operate the controlled device based on the registered word.

In the above remote control process, it is preferable that the control unit 10 outputs a guide voice for assisting the operation by the user via the voice output unit 80.

By the above remote control processing, remote control and the like in the remote control device 1 are performed.

<2. Example>
Next, the operation of the remote control device 1 described in the above embodiment will be described with reference to more specific examples.

<(1) Example 1>
In the first embodiment, the flow of processing when the operator uses the remote control device 1 to raise the volume of the television 2 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, the operator emits the voice "Hey, Luka" as a wake-up word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word stored in the storage unit 20 (S100), and blinks the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S101). Further, the control unit 10 sends a half mute command to the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30, and sends a silent control signal to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S102). After that, the remote control device 1 is in a state of waiting for the control word (S110).

The television 2 receives the half mute command by the command receiving unit 140. The control unit 100 of the television 2 lowers the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 in response to the half mute command. The air conditioner or the like that has received the silent control signal operates so as to suppress the generation of noise due to the rotation of the fan. As a specific example, the air volume is changed from automatic to weak in the air conditioner, and the power is changed from on to off in the circulator.

Next, the operator emits a voice "volume up" as a control word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 recognizes that this voice is a volume change control word stored in the storage unit 20 for increasing the volume of the television 2 (Y in S120, S200). Then, the control unit 10 blinks the green LED of the second notification means 60 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) (S201), and transmits a half mute release signal to the television 2 via the device control command transmission unit 30. (S202), and further sends a signal for changing the volume (S203).

The television 2 receives the half mute release signal and the volume change signal by the command receiving unit 140, releases the half mute to return to the volume before the half mute, and performs a process of raising the volume based on this volume.

After that, if the operator does not perform a voice operation for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (Y in S111), the remote control device 1 turns off the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S151), and surrounds the air conditioner or the like. A silent release signal is sent to the device of (S152), and the process is terminated. Since the half mute release signal for the television 2 has already been transmitted (S202), it does not have to be transmitted here (S152). At this time, the control unit 10 of the remote control device 1 may notify the voice input failure such as "The next control word cannot be recognized" via the voice output unit 80.

Peripheral devices such as an air conditioner that have received the silence release signal operate to return the change in the operating state based on the silence control signal to the original state.

<(2) Example 2>
In the second embodiment, the flow of processing when the operator performs an operation of changing the channel of the television 2 by using the remote control device 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, the operator emits the voice "Hey, Luka" as a wake-up word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word stored in the storage unit 20 (S100), and blinks the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S101). Further, the control unit 10 sends a half mute command to the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30, and sends a silent control signal to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S102). After that, the remote control device 1 is in a state of waiting for the control word (S110).

The television 2 receives the half mute command by the command receiving unit 140. The control unit 100 of the television 2 lowers the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 in response to the half mute command. The air conditioner or the like that has received the silent control signal operates so as to suppress the generation of noise due to the rotation of the fan. As a specific example, the air volume is changed from automatic to weak in the air conditioner, and the power is changed from on to off in the circulator.

Next, the operator emits a voice "channel up" as a control word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 recognizes that this voice is a control word for device control that raises (changes) the channel of the television 2 stored in the storage unit 20 (Y in S130, S300). Then, the control unit 10 blinks the green LED of the second notification means 60 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) (S301), and raises a channel to the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30 (command). ) Is sent (S302).

The television 2 receives a control signal for raising the channel by the command receiving unit 140, and performs a process of raising the channel.

After that, if the operator does not perform a voice operation for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (Y in S111), the remote control device 1 turns off the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S151), and the television 2 is turned on. A half mute release signal is sent (S152), a silent release signal is sent to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S152), and the process ends. At this time, the control unit 10 of the remote control device 1 may notify the voice input failure such as "The next control word cannot be recognized" via the voice output unit 80.

Upon receiving the half mute release signal, the control unit 100 returns the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 to the volume before the half mute. In addition, peripheral devices such as an air conditioner that have received the silent release signal operate to return the change in the operating state based on the silent control signal to the original state.

<(3) Example 3>
In the third embodiment, the flow of processing when the operator performs an operation of turning on the ceiling light by using the remote control device 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, the operator emits the voice "Hey, Luka" as a wake-up word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word stored in the storage unit 20 (S100), and blinks the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S101). Further, the control unit 10 sends a half mute command to the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30, and sends a silent control signal to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S102). After that, the remote control device 1 is in a state of waiting for the control word (S110).

The television 2 receives the half mute command by the command receiving unit 140. The control unit 100 of the television 2 lowers the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 in response to the half mute command. The air conditioner or the like that has received the silent control signal operates so as to suppress the generation of noise due to the rotation of the fan. As a specific example, the air volume is changed from automatic to weak in the air conditioner, and the power is changed from on to off in the circulator.

Next, the operator emits a voice "Turn on the light" as a control word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 recognizes that this voice is a control word for device control, which is stored in the storage unit 20 and turns on the ceiling light (Y, S300 in S130). Then, the control unit 10 blinks the green LED of the second notification means 60 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) (S301), and turns on the ceiling light with respect to the ceiling light via the device control command sending unit 30. (Command) is sent (S302).

The ceiling light receives the power-on control signal sent from the remote control device 1 and turns on the power.

Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

<(4) Example 4>
In the fourth embodiment, the flow when the control word is not issued after the wake-up word and the remote control device 1 does not transmit the command to the controlled device will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, the operator emits the voice "Hey, Luka" as a wake-up word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word stored in the storage unit 20 (S100), and blinks the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S101). Further, the control unit 10 sends a half mute command to the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30, and sends a silent control signal to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S102). After that, the remote control device 1 is in a state of waiting for the control word (S110).

The television 2 receives the half mute command by the command receiving unit 140. The control unit 100 of the television 2 lowers the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 in response to the half mute command. The air conditioner or the like that has received the silent control signal operates so as to suppress the generation of noise due to the rotation of the fan. As a specific example, the air volume is changed from automatic to weak in the air conditioner, and the power is changed from on to off in the circulator.

Here, when the remote control device 1 does not recognize the control word for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (Y in S111), the control unit 10 turns off the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S151) to the television 2. A half mute release signal is sent (S152), a silent release signal is sent to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S152), and the process ends. At this time, even if the control unit 10 of the remote control device 1 notifies the voice input failure such as "the control word cannot be recognized" or "the control word was not detected" via the voice output unit 80. Good.

Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

<(5) Example 5>
In the fifth embodiment, the flow of processing when the operator performs the operation of registering the wakeup word in the remote control device 1 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, the operator emits the voice "Hey, Luka" as a wake-up word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word stored in the storage unit 20 (S100), and blinks the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S101). Further, the control unit 10 sends a half mute command to the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30, and sends a silent control signal to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S102). After that, the remote control device 1 is in a state of waiting for the control word (S110).

The television 2 receives the half mute command by the command receiving unit 140. The control unit 100 of the television 2 lowers the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 in response to the half mute command. The air conditioner or the like that has received the silent control signal operates so as to suppress the generation of noise due to the rotation of the fan. As a specific example, the air volume is changed from automatic to weak in the air conditioner, and the power is changed from on to off in the circulator.

Next, the operator emits a voice "setting mode" as a control word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 recognizes that this voice is a control word that starts processing of the setting mode stored in the storage unit 20 (Y in S140, S400).

When the processing of the setting mode is started, the control unit 10 learns by remote control whether the user registers the wake-up word, "It is the setting mode. Please set the function you want to set.", Via the voice output unit 80. Outputs a voice for confirming whether or not (S410). Here, when the user says "wake-up word", the control unit 10 recognizes this voice via the voice input unit 70 and proceeds with the process of registering the wake-up word (Y in S410).

The control unit 10 outputs a voice saying "Wake-up word. Please speak the word you want to register." Through the voice output unit 80, and confirms the wake-up word that the user wants to register (S411). Here, when the user says "remote controller", the control unit 10 recognizes this voice via the voice input unit 70. Then, the control unit 10 outputs a voice saying "Remote control-san. If you like, please say setting" via the voice output unit 80, and requests approval for wake-up word registration (S412). On the other hand, when the user says "setting", the control unit 10 recognizes this voice via the voice input unit 70. Then, the control unit 10 registers the voice "remote controller" as a wake-up word (S413), assuming that the user's approval has been obtained (Y in S412). That is, the control unit 10 stores the voice "remote controller" in the storage unit 20 as a wake-up word. After registering the wake-up word, the control unit 10 outputs a voice notifying the completion of registration, "Wake-up word. Remote control. Registered.", Via the voice input unit 70.

The registered wakeup word is information (data) generated by extracting the feature points of the user's voice, but it may be the user's voice itself.

When the above processing is completed, the control unit 10 turns off the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S151), and transmits a half mute release signal to the television 2 via the device control command transmission unit 30 (S151). S152), a silent release signal is sent to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S152), and the process ends.

<(6) Example 6>
In the sixth embodiment, the flow of processing when the operator performs remote control learning will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, the operator emits the voice "Hey, Luka" as a wake-up word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word stored in the storage unit 20 (S100), and blinks the red LED of the first notification means 50 (S101). Further, the control unit 10 sends a half mute command to the television 2 via the device control command sending unit 30, and sends a silent control signal to surrounding devices such as an air conditioner (S102). After that, the remote control device 1 is in a state of waiting for the control word (S110).

The television 2 receives the half mute command by the command receiving unit 140. The control unit 100 of the television 2 lowers the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit 180 in response to the half mute command. The air conditioner or the like that has received the silent control signal operates so as to suppress the generation of noise due to the rotation of the fan. As a specific example, the air volume is changed from automatic to weak in the air conditioner, and the power is changed from on to off in the circulator.

Next, the operator emits a voice "setting mode" as a control word. The voice input unit 70 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 recognizes that this voice is a control word that starts processing of the setting mode stored in the storage unit 20 (Y in S140, S400).

When the processing of the setting mode is started, the control unit 10 learns by remote control whether the user registers the wake-up word, "It is the setting mode. Please set the function you want to set.", Via the voice output unit 80. Outputs a voice for confirming whether or not (S410). Here, when the user says "remote control learning", the control unit 10 recognizes this voice via the voice input unit 70 and proceeds with the process of registering the control word (S420).

The control unit 10 outputs a voice "Learning remote control. Please give the name of the device to be operated." Through the voice output unit 80, and confirms the operation target device to the user (S430). When the user says "audio" here, the control unit 10 recognizes this voice via the voice input unit 70 and stores it in the storage unit 20. Then, the control unit 10 outputs a voice "Audio. Please press the first button" via the voice output unit 80, and prompts the user to press the operation button of the remote controller corresponding to the registered operation (S440). ). When the user presses a button on the remote controller of the device to be operated, a wireless command is transmitted from this remote controller. The device control command receiving unit 40 of the remote control device 1 receives this radio command and outputs it to the control unit 10. At this time, the control unit 10 blinks the green LED of the second notification means 60 to notify that the radio command has been received. Then, the control unit 10 stores the contents of the received radio command in the storage unit 20. Next, the control unit 10 outputs a voice saying "Please give me the name of the pressed button" via the voice output unit 80, and confirms the operation content to be registered in the user (S450). Here, when the user says "power supply", the control unit 10 recognizes this voice via the voice input unit 70 and stores it in the storage unit 20. Then, the control unit 10 outputs a voice "Power supply, isn't it?" For confirmation via the voice output unit 80. Then, the control unit 10 stores the voice "audio" as the operation target device, the voice "power supply" as the operation content, and the content of the radio command to be transmitted in the storage unit 20 in association with each other (S451).

Since the subsequent processing is the same as the content of the fifth embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

By the above remote control learning, the operation target device "audio" and the operation content "power supply" are stored in the storage unit 20 as control words, and the content of the wireless command as an operation corresponding to these control words is stored in the storage unit 20. Will be done. When the user says "audio, power supply" as a control word in the subsequent operation, the control unit 10 transmits a registered radio command from the device control command transmission unit 30 in response to this voice. Since this wireless command is the same as the signal output when the user presses the remote controller during remote control learning, the same operation as when the user presses the remote controller during remote control learning is executed. Will be done.

<3. Modification example>
<(1) Modification example 1>
Next, a modification 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a room in which the remote control device 1 according to the present embodiment is arranged. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the appearance of the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, for example, a television 2, a sofa 210, and a table 220 are arranged in the room. Here, since it is considered that the user is mainly near the sofa, it is preferable to arrange the remote control device 1 on the table 220 where the voice of the user can easily reach. However, since the remote control device 1 needs to be supplied with power from the outlet, it is arranged on a chest near the wall arranged on the wall or the like. In this case, the distance from the operator is longer than when the table 220 is arranged, and the influence of the sound of the television 2 becomes relatively large.

Therefore, the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment includes a shielding member 90 that covers the voice input unit 70, as shown in FIG. The shielding member 90 includes a disk-shaped base portion 91 arranged at the bottom of the remote control device 1 and a shielding wall 92 extending upward from the edge portion of the substrate portion. The shielding wall 92 is formed so as to cover the voice input unit 70 and about 1/3 to 1/4 of the outer circumference of the remote control device 1. The shielding wall 92 and the remote control device 1 are not in close contact with each other and have a gap of about 1 to 10 mm. The shielding member 90 is made of a resin or glass that transmits infrared rays. Only the shielding wall 92 of the shielding member 90 may be formed of resin, glass, or the like, and the base portion 91 may be formed of another member that does not transmit infrared rays. The relative positions of the remote control device 1 and the shielding member 90 can be changed, and the user can adjust the arrangement of the shielding walls 92 so as to be in an appropriate position.

The shielding member 90 can also be used as a wall-mounted holder for holding the remote control device 1 on the wall. In this case, the base portion 91 is fixed to the wall with screws or the like, and the shielding wall 92 holds the direction of gravity of the remote control device 1.

Further, the wall-mounting mounting portion may be projected from the base portion 91. In this case, the shielding wall 92 may be detachably configured with respect to the base portion 91 so that the mounting portion and the shielding wall 92 do not interfere with each other. Further, the base portion 91 may be divided into two, the mounting portion may be arranged on one base, and the shielding wall 92 may be arranged on the other base.

<(2) Modification example 2>
Next, a modification 2 of the present embodiment will be described. In this modification, the control word recognition mode is shifted to the control word recognition mode based on conditions other than the confirmation of the wakeup word, instead of shifting to the control word recognition mode when the wakeup word is confirmed as in the embodiment.

The remote control device 1 of this modification has an operation detection unit (not shown) that detects an operation by the user. When the operation detection unit detects an operation by the user, the control unit 10 shifts to the control word recognition mode. More specifically, at this time, the control unit 10 performs a process after the wakeup word is confirmed in the remote control process described with reference to FIG. 4 in the embodiment (process after the wakeup word becomes Y in S100). I do.

Further, the remote control device 1 has a motion sensor (not shown) and operates so as to shift to the control word recognition mode in the same manner as described above when the user holds his / her hand in front of the motion sensor. May be adopted.

Further, instead of the motion sensor, the remote control device 1 is provided with a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or the like, and when the user lifts or shakes the remote control device 1, the mode shifts to the control word recognition mode. It may be configured to operate in such a manner.

<4. Features of the present invention>
The present invention described above by exemplifying the embodiments, examples, and modifications has the following features.

In the remote control device 1, the control unit 10 shifts to the control word recognition mode for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) when the wakeup word is input via the device control command sending unit 30. , Sends a half mute command to lower the volume of the controlled device TV 2 (S102). Further, the control unit 10 transmits a half mute release signal that restores the volume of the television 2 to the original volume after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after recognizing the control word via the device control command transmission unit 30 (S152). .. The remote control device 1 that performs such processing suppresses the decrease in the voice recognition rate of the control word due to the voice emitted by the controlled device itself such as the television 2 being input to the voice input unit together with the control word. Can be done.

The condition for shifting to the control word recognition mode is not limited to the case where the wakeup word is input, and may be based on another condition as described in the modified example.

Further, in the above-described embodiment and the like, the controlled device is the television 2, but the controlled device may be other audio equipment or video equipment.

Further, in the remote control device 1 described above, the control unit 10 returns the volume of the television 2 to the original half mute when a control word for changing the volume is input via the device control command sending unit 30. Along with sending a release signal (S202), a command to change the volume is sent (S203). With the remote control device 1 that performs such processing, the user can quickly confirm the volume changed in response to the command to change the volume.

Further, in the above-mentioned remote control device 1, the control unit 10 is a controlled device when a control word is not input for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after shifting to the control word recognition mode. A half mute release signal that restores the volume of 2 is transmitted (S111, S152). The remote control device 1 that performs such processing can automatically eliminate the inconvenience caused by lowering the volume of the controlled device after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds).

Further, in the remote control device 1, the control unit 10 restores the volume of the television 2 to the original volume after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after recognizing the control word via the device control command transmission unit 30. The mute release signal is transmitted (S152), and the control word recognition mode is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after the control word is recognized once (A, S111). The remote control device 1 that performs such processing suppresses the voice recognition rate from being lowered by the voice of the controlled device itself even when it is desired to continuously recognize a plurality of control words and perform a specified operation. can do.

Further, in the remote control device 1, the period from the recognition of the control word to the continuation of the control word recognition mode (for example, 5 seconds) and the time from the recognition of the control word to the transmission of the half mute release signal. (For example, after 5 seconds) is the same time. The remote control device 1 that performs such processing makes it possible to restore the volume of the controlled device to the original level at substantially the same timing as the control word recognition mode ends.

Further, in the remote control device 1, the control unit 10 blinks the red LED of the first notification means 50 while operating in the control word recognition mode. The remote control device 1 that performs such processing can make the user recognize that the operation is in the control word recognition mode.

Further, in the remote control device 1, when the control word is recognized, the control unit 10 blinks the green LED of the second notification means 60 indicating that the control word is recognized. The remote control device 1 that performs such processing allows the user to confirm that the control word has been recognized by the remote control device 1.

Further, in the remote control device 1 described above, when the control unit 10 recognizes the wakeup word, it sends a silent control signal for lowering the volume to the air conditioner or the like which is a controlled device other than the television 2. (S102). When a plurality of controlled devices such as air conditioners that emit sound are operating in the surroundings by the remote control device 1 that performs such processing, the control word is obtained by lowering the volume of these operating controlled devices. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the voice recognition rate of.

Similarly to the above, the transition condition to the control word recognition mode is not limited to the case where the wakeup word is input, and may be based on another condition as described in the modified example.

Further, the remote control device 1 is configured to be able to execute the setting mode for registering the wakeup word. As a result, the user can register an arbitrary wake-up word in the remote control device 1 in consideration of his / her own habits and ease of pronunciation, and the voice recognition rate of the wake-up word can be improved. ..

Further, the remote control device 1 has a configuration in which a setting mode for registering a control word can be executed. As a result, the user can register an arbitrary control word in the remote control device 1 in consideration of his / her own habit and ease of pronunciation, and the voice recognition rate of the control word can be improved.

Further, in the above-mentioned remote control device 1, the voice that guides the registration of the voice is output from the voice output unit 80 during the operation in the setting mode (voice registration mode). As a result, the user can easily perform voice registration.

It should be noted that the configuration may be such that voice guidance is performed on the premise of remote control processing as well as when operating in the setting mode.

Further, in the remote control device 1 described above, the control unit 10 can transmit a command for operating the controlled device via the device control command sending unit 30 based on the control word registered by the user. (S400 to S451, S300 to S302). As a result, not only the device preset in the remote control device 1 but also any device that the user wants to operate can be operated as the controlled device.

Further, in the remote control device 1, the control unit 10 can store the content of the command in the storage unit 20 in association with the information related to the user's voice. As a result, it is possible to perform processing based on the user's own voice according to the user's habits and the like, and it is possible to improve the voice recognition rate.

Further, in the above-mentioned television 2, when the control unit 100 receives the power-on command from the remote control device 1, the control unit 100 starts the operation in a state where the volume output from the audio output unit 180 is lower than the set volume. It can be controlled to do so. As a result, it is possible to prevent the voice emitted by the TV 2 from adversely affecting the voice to be recognized and the voice recognition rate from being lowered at the timing immediately after the power is turned on when the user wants to operate the TV 2. Can be done.

The above process is not applied only to the television 2, but can be similarly applied to audio-visual equipment other than the television 2.

Further, in the above-mentioned television 2, when the remote control device 1 repeatedly receives the half mute command, the control unit 100 repeatedly lowers the volume output from the audio output unit 180 by a predetermined ratio (for example, 1 / n). It can be performed. As a result, the volume of the output voice can be gradually lowered at a predetermined ratio, so that it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the voice recognition rate of the remote control device operated by voice.

<4. Supplementary information>
The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These embodiments are merely specific examples as one configuration example and one operation example of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be grasped by those skilled in the art based on the same technical idea. It is widely interpreted to the extent that it is.

For example, the first notification means 50 and the second notification means 60 of the remote control device 1 may both have a voice output function in place of the LED light emitting element or in addition to the LED light emitting element. In this case, the notification to the user can be given not only by light emission but also by voice.

Further, the remote control device 1 may be configured to have a display unit for displaying an image in addition to the audio output unit 80 or instead of the audio output unit 80. In this case, the remote control device 1 may be configured to display the character information corresponding to the voice output from the voice output unit 80 on the display unit.

1 ... Remote control device 10 ... Control unit 20 ... Storage unit 30 ... Device control command sending unit 40 ... Device control command receiving unit 50 ... First notification means 60 ... Second notification means 70 ... Voice input unit 80 ... Voice output unit 81 ... Output audio creation unit 90 ... Shielding member 91 ... Base unit 92 ... Shielding wall 2 ... TV 100 ... Control unit 120 ... Storage unit 140 ... Command receiving unit 180 ... Audio output unit 210 ... Sofa 220 ... Table

Claims (15)

A voice input unit that acquires voice, and
A device control command sending unit that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A control unit that controls the voice input unit and the device control command transmission unit is provided.
The control unit
The control word recognition mode for recognizing the control word for operating the controlled device when a predetermined condition is satisfied is entered, and a command for lowering the volume of the controlled device is sent from the device control command sending unit.
After recognizing the control word, a command to restore the volume of the controlled device is sent from the device control command sending unit.
Remote control device. The controlled device is an audio device or a video device.
When the control word corresponds to a command for changing the volume of the controlled device, the control unit restores the volume of the controlled device and changes the volume of the controlled device. A command corresponding to the control word is sent from the device control command sending unit.
The remote control device according to claim 1. When the control word is not recognized for the first predetermined time after shifting to the control word recognition mode, the control unit sends a command to restore the volume of the controlled device.
The remote control device according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit
A second predetermined time after recognizing the control word, a command for returning the volume of the controlled device to the original level is sent from the device control command sending unit.
The control word recognition mode is maintained for a third predetermined time after recognizing the control word.
The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second predetermined time and the third predetermined time have substantially the same length.
The remote control device according to claim 4. It further comprises a first notification means indicating that it is operating in the control word recognition mode.
The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the control word is recognized, a second notification means indicating that the control word is recognized is further provided.
The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control unit
When shifting to the control word recognition mode, a command to lower the volume is sent to the plurality of controlled devices.
The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A voice input unit that acquires voice, and
A device control command sending unit that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A control unit that controls the voice input unit and the device control command transmission unit is provided.
The control unit registers the information related to the voice acquired during operation in the voice registration mode as a wake-up word for shifting to the control word recognition mode.
The control unit shifts to the control word recognition mode when the voice acquired by the voice input unit is the registered wakeup word.
Remote control device. A voice input unit that acquires voice, and
A device control command sending unit that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A control unit that controls the voice input unit and the device control command transmission unit is provided.
The control unit registers the information related to the voice acquired during operation in the voice registration mode as a control word for operating the controlled device.
The control unit
Recognizing the control word When the voice acquired by the voice input unit is the registered control word during operation in the control word recognition mode, a command corresponding to the control word is transmitted from the device control command sending unit. ,
Remote control device. It also has an audio output unit that outputs audio.
The control unit outputs a guide voice for guiding the user's voice registration from the voice output unit while operating in the voice registration mode.
The remote control device according to claim 9 or 10. A voice input unit that acquires voice, and
A device control command sending unit that wirelessly sends commands to the controlled device,
A device control command receiving unit that receives commands sent from a wireless operating device that operates the controlled device, and
Memory and
A control unit that associates information about voice acquired by the voice input unit with a command received by the device control command receiving unit and stores the information in the storage unit is provided.
Based on the voice acquired by the voice input unit, the control unit transmits the command associated with the information related to the voice registered in the storage unit from the device control command transmission unit.
Remote control device. The storage unit stores a command received by the device control command receiving unit in the storage unit in association with information related to the user's voice acquired by the voice input unit.
The remote control device according to claim 12. Audio-visual equipment that is wirelessly operated by a remote control device.
A command receiving unit that receives commands from the remote control device, and
Audio output section and
A control unit that controls to start operation with the volume output from the voice output unit lowered when a power-on command is received from the remote control device is provided.
Audio-visual equipment. Audio-visual equipment that is wirelessly operated by a remote control device.
A command receiving unit that receives commands from the remote control device, and
Audio output section and
With a control unit
The control unit
When a half mute command during the transition to the control word recognition mode is received from the remote control device, the volume output from the voice output unit is lowered by a predetermined ratio.
When the half mute command is further received from the remote control device, the volume output from the audio output unit is further lowered by a predetermined ratio.
Audio-visual equipment.

Images