JPH04222149A - Telecontroller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To offer the telecontroller to execute control for executing any operation when it is within a range, where electronic equipments can be operated, regardless of the kinds of the electronic equipments. CONSTITUTION:In a control setting mode (a), a remote control signal transmitted from a remote controller 30 is received by an infrared ray receiving part 18 provided at a telecontroller 10 and stored in the memory of the telecontroller 10 together with a control number. In a telecontrol mode (b), the remote control signal corresponding to the control number transmitted through a telephone line to the telecontroller 10 is read out from the memory and transmitted from an infrared ray emitting part 17 provided at the telecontroller 10 to an electronic equipment 40, and the electronic equipment 40 is controlled.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a telecontroller, and more particularly to a telecontroller that controls the operation, stopping, etc. of electronic equipment in response to predetermined signals sent via a telephone line.

0002

[Prior Art] Telecontrol systems have been known in the past for controlling electronic equipment at home, such as starting and stopping it, and monitoring the status of the equipment by calling home from a telephone outside the home. Various items are on sale.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 146655/1983 discloses a telecontrol system that wirelessly controls devices such as video tape recorders (hereinafter referred to as VTRs) using infrared signals. A schematic configuration of this system is shown in FIG.

[0004] A user calls home from a telephone 1 while away from home. When the telecontroller 4 responds, the user operates a push button to input a predetermined PB signal as a password, and then inputs the predetermined PB signal so that the VTR 6 operates as desired by the user. At this time, as a response corresponding to each control signal, a confirmation message is sent from the telecontroller 4 to the telephone 1 in the form of a synthesized voice,
This allows you to check whether there are any errors in the control. The control signal reaching the telecontroller 4 is sent to the VTR 6 in advance.
The signal 5 is converted into the same signal 5 as the control signal emitted by the infrared remote controller installed in the VTR 6, and the VTR 6 is controlled.

On the other hand, a system in which a telecontroller and equipment such as a VTR are connected by wire is also known. In such a wired system, control signals arrive more reliably than in a wireless system, so reliable operation is guaranteed. Further, by using bidirectional transmission, it is possible to monitor not only the operation control operation but also the operating state of the electronic device.

On the other hand, infrared wireless systems have the advantage that there is no need to connect wires to electronic equipment, and that commercially available electronic equipment such as VTRs can be used as is without any modification. Electronic equipment is equipped with an infrared remote controller, and when a control signal from the remote controller is delivered to the electronic equipment, the electronic equipment is controlled, so the infrared signal sent from the telecontroller is Just take care to reach the equipment.

One advantage for the user is that the telecontroller system can be implemented without any modification to commercially available electronic equipment.

[0008]

However, even with an infrared type telecontroller that can be easily installed by a user, the electronic equipment to be controlled and the control contents are predetermined. For example, although it is possible to make timer reservations for a certain model of VTR, other functions of that VTR,
It was not possible to control other types of electronic equipment such as VTRs, air conditioners, and lighting equipment.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a telecontroller that can perform any operation regardless of the type of electronic equipment and as long as it is within the operable range of the electronic equipment. It is to provide.

0010

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is a telecontroller that controls the operation of an electronic device equipped with a remote controller based on command signals sent through a telephone line separately from the remote controller. mode selection means for selecting a control mode for controlling the device and a setting mode for setting control of the electronic device on the telecontroller; a receiving means for receiving a control signal sent from the remote controller; and a control signal. an input means for inputting a command signal corresponding to the control signal received by the receiving means and a command signal corresponding to the control signal input from the input means in response to the setting mode being selected by the mode selection means; a control signal corresponding to the command signal from the storage means based on the command signal sent via the telephone line in response to the control mode being selected by the mode selection means; A signal sending means reads the signal, converts it into a signal having the same signal form as the signal sent by the remote controller, and sends the signal to the electronic device.

[0011]

[Operation] In the present invention, when setting the operation of the electronic device to be controlled on the telecontroller, the setting mode is selected. The user selects the setting mode, points the remote controller installed in the electronic device at the telecontroller, and performs the same key operations as when making the electronic device perform a desired operation. As a result, a control signal for performing a desired operation is sent from the remote controller to the telecontroller. In addition, the user
A command signal identical to the command signal sent from the telephone to the telecontroller is input to the telecontroller when causing the desired operation to be performed. The control signal sent from the remote controller and the input command signal are stored in the telecontroller.

When the control mode is selected, the control signal stored in the telecontroller is read out based on the command signal sent via the telephone line, and the same signal as the control signal of the remote controller is read out. Change the form,
Sent from the telecontroller to the electronic equipment. The electronic device is thereby controlled.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telecontroller according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a telephone line 2 and an external telephone 7 are connected to a telecontroller 10. As shown in FIG. The telephone line switching section 12 is normally switched so that the telephone line 2 is connected to the external telephone 7, and the telecontroller 10 does not operate in this state. When it is necessary to operate the telecontroller 10 for going out etc., operate the input unit 15 to switch to the control mode (hereinafter referred to as
(referred to as telecontrol mode). At this time, the switching unit 12 switches the telephone line 2 to the PB signal receiving unit 1.
3. It is switched to be connected to the message sending section 14 and the incoming call detection section 21. When an incoming call is received in the telecontrol mode, the incoming call detection unit 21 notifies the CPU 11 that the incoming call has been detected. At that time, the CPU 11 receives the PIN number of the PB signal sent via the telephone line at the PB signal receiving section 13, and determines whether it matches the set PIN number. If they match, the message sending unit 14 sends a message to that effect to the telephone line. Thereafter, based on the sent PB signal, the infrared light emitting section 17 sends out an infrared signal (hereinafter referred to as an infrared remote control signal) for controlling the electronic device. Input section 15, display section 1
6, the infrared light receiving section 18, the microphone 19, and the speaker 20 are used when setting the electronic device to perform a predetermined operation. The operation mode for this setting is called a control setting mode.

FIG. 2 shows a method (a) of setting an electronic device to perform a predetermined operation in the control setting mode;
A schematic diagram of method (b) for performing an actual control operation in the telecontrol mode is shown. In FIG. 2, a remote controller 30 is a controller that is installed in advance in an electronic device 40 that is controlled by a telecontroller 10.

Referring to FIG. 2(a), when setting the electronic device to perform a predetermined operation, the user points the remote controller 30 toward the telecontroller 10 and operates the remote controller 30. The operation at this time is the same as the operation performed when causing the electronic device 40 to perform a desired operation. remote controller 3
The infrared control signal 32 sent from the telecontroller 10 is received by the infrared light receiving section 18 of the telecontroller 10 and stored in the telecontroller 10. Further, the user inputs a command signal corresponding to the control signal 32 from the input section 15 of the telecontroller 10. The input command signal is stored in the telecontroller 10 together with the control signal.

Referring to FIG. 2(b), when a command signal is sent from a telephone outside the home via telephone line 2,
The telecontroller 10 reads a stored control signal corresponding to the command signal, and sends an infrared remote control signal 42 modulated with the control signal from the infrared light emitting section 17. The electronic device 40 operates based on the infrared remote control signal received by the infrared receiver 41.

FIG. 3 is an external view showing an operation panel of a telecontroller according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3,
An infrared light emitting section 17 and an infrared light receiving section 18 are provided on the side surface of the telecontroller 10. Further, the panel of the telecontroller 10 includes a microphone 19 and a speaker 2.
0, various input keys 50-55, and display lamps 61-6
8 is provided.

The microphone 19 is used to call the telecontroller 10 from an external telephone and input in advance a message issued by the telecontroller when instructing control of electronic equipment. The speaker 20 is used when listening to an input message for checking. The numeric keypad 50 is used to input a password or control number.

The telephone key 51 is a key for selecting a telephone mode in which the external telephone 7 is used. When the telephone key 51 is pressed, the lamp 61 lights up and the telephone line 2 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the external telephone 7. In this case, even if there is an incoming call, the telecontroller 10 does not operate and the telephone 7
only can be used.

The telecontrol key 52 is the telecontroller 10
This key is used to select a telecontrol mode in which the electronic device 40 is controlled. When the teleconference key 52 is pressed, the lamp 62 lights up, and if there is an incoming call, the telecontroller 10 responds and the electronic device 40 becomes ready to be controlled. The operation in the telecontrol mode will be explained in detail later in FIG. 6.

The password key 53 is a key for selecting a password setting mode. When the password key 53 is pressed, the lamp 63 and the numeric keypad input key 67 light up, allowing the user to input the password using the numeric keypad 50.

The control setting key 54 is a key for selecting a control setting mode. When the control setting key 54 is pressed, the lamp 64 lights up and the electronic device 40 can be set to perform a new operation. The operation in this control setting mode will be explained in detail later in FIG. 4.

The check key 55 is a key for selecting a check mode. When the check key 55 is pressed, the lamp 65 lights up and the contents set in the control setting mode can be checked.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation in the control setting mode. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation in the check mode. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for explaining operations in telecontrol mode.

Next, the operation of one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

(a) Operation in control setting mode When it is desired to newly set operation control of the electronic device, the control setting key 54 is pressed. Then, the lamp 64 and the remote control input lamp 66 light up. The user brings the remote controller of the target device and operates the button of the remote controller 30 toward the infrared light receiving section 18 to input an infrared remote control signal to the telecontroller 10. The telecontroller 10 that has received the infrared remote control signal stores it in a memory (not shown), and then turns on the numeric keypad input lamp 67 to prompt the input of a control number. The user inputs a control number from an external telephone using the numeric keypad 50 when performing telecontrol. This control number is input as a PB signal. Next, the telecontroller 10 turns on the message input lamp 68, and the user speaks a corresponding message, for example, "The air conditioner is turned on" through the microphone 19.

The telecontroller 10 stores the infrared remote control signal, control number, and message as one set, and the setting is completed. Furthermore, if settings are necessary, it is possible to return to the first step and perform settings as many times as necessary.

(b) Operation in check mode When the check key 55 is pressed, the lamp 65 and the numeric keypad input lamp 67 light up, and the check mode is entered. When the user inputs the set control number using the numeric keypad 50, an infrared remote control signal corresponding to the number stored in the telecontroller 10 is sent out from the infrared light emitting section 17, and then a control number corresponding to the infrared remote control signal is transmitted. A message is output from speaker 20. If the user can confirm whether the actual electronic device, such as an air conditioner, operates as desired and whether the message is correct, the check on the control number is completed. If further checking is necessary, return to the first step again, change the control number, and perform the same operation as described above.

(c) Operation in telecontrol mode In the present case, the telecontrol key 52 is pressed and the lamp 6 is turned on.
2 is lit and the telecontroller 10 is set to telecontrol mode. When a call is made to one's home from a telephone outside the home, the telecontroller 10 responds and a message "Please enter your password" is sent from the telecontroller 10 to the telephone. Here, the user presses the push button on the phone and
Input the PIN number using the PB signal. If the entered password does not match the password stored in the telecontroller 10, the system waits for the password to be input again. If the password does not match three times, the telecontroller 10 disconnects the telephone line.

[0030] When the passwords match, the telecontroller 10 sends a message "Please enter your control number." The user presses the push button and inputs the control number using the PB signal. The telecontroller 10 reads out the infrared remote control signal corresponding to the control number from the memory, sends it out from the infrared light emitting section 17, and also sends out the message "Air conditioner turned on". Electronic equipment such as an air conditioner operates according to an infrared remote control signal from the telecontroller 10. If the control number is an end code, the telecontroller 10 considers that the telecontrol has ended and disconnects the telephone line.

[0031] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a remote control using infrared rays was explained, but the present invention may be applied to a remote control using ultrasonic waves, and the same effects as described above can be obtained.

[0032]

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, since the telecontroller is made to be able to learn remote control signals, any operation that can be controlled by the remote controller of the electronic device can be performed. However, it has the effect that the user can freely set any electronic device that can be controlled with a remote controller. Furthermore, the settings can be easily made without wiring to the telecontroller.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telecontroller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a setting method in a control setting mode and an operating method in a telecontrol mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view showing an operation panel of a telecontroller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in a control setting mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation in check mode of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation in telecontrol mode of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional telecontrol system.

[Explanation of symbols]

2　Telephone line 10 Telecontroller 11 CPU 15 Input section 17 Infrared light emitting part 18 Infrared receiver 30 Remote controller 40 Electronic equipment

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A telecontroller that controls the operation of an electronic device equipped with a remote controller based on command signals sent through a telephone line separately from the remote controller, the control mode for controlling the electronic device. and a mode selection means for selecting a setting mode for setting the control of the electronic device on the telecontroller; a reception means for receiving a control signal sent from the remote controller; an input means for inputting a command signal to be set, and a control signal corresponding to a control signal received by the receiving means and a control signal input from the input means in response to the setting mode being selected by the mode selecting means. a storage means for storing a command signal; and a storage means for storing the command signal from the storage means based on a command signal sent through the telephone line in response to the control mode being selected by the mode selection means. a signal sending means for reading a control signal corresponding to the electronic device, converting it into a signal having the same signal form as the signal sent by the remote controller, and sending the signal to the electronic device.