KR20100081186A - Control data transmission method, controlled apparatus, remote control mediation apparatus, universal remote control apparatus, server, and remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A control data transmission method, a controlled device, a remote control mediation device, an universal remote control device, a server, and a remote control system thereof are provided to easily and conveniently set control code about the controlled device, thereby controlling a plurality of controlled devices. CONSTITUTION: A storage(110) stores control data for controlling a controlled device. A control unit(130) searches control data corresponding to a control signal from the storage based on the control signal received from a remote control device. If the control data is not searched, the control unit searches the control data from an external server and extracts the searched control data. A transceiver(120) receives the control signal from the remote control device and transmits the control data to an unified remote control unit.

Description

Control data transmission method, controlled device, remote control intermediary device, integrated remote control device, server, and remote control system {Control data transmission method, controlled apparatus, remote control mediation apparatus, universal remote control apparatus, server, and remote control system}

The present invention relates to a control data transmission method, a controlled device, a remote control intermediary device, an integrated remote control device, a server, and a remote control system, and more particularly, a control data transmission method for automatically transmitting control data; The present invention relates to a controlled device, a remote control broker, an integrated remote control device, a server, and a remote control system.

In recent years, in consideration of user convenience, the number of electronic devices that are remotely controlled through a remote controller has increased, and thus the number of remote controllers corresponding to the electronic devices has increased. Therefore, in order to control the electronic device, a problem arises in that a remote controller for the electronic device to be controlled must first be found among a plurality of remote controllers, and an integrated remote controller has been proposed to solve this problem.

 However, the integrated remote controller is not able to control all the electronic devices, and in order to control the desired electronic device, the control code for the electronic device must be set in the integrated remote controller, which brings the user trouble. Occurs.

In addition, when a new product capable of remote control is released, there is a problem in that a control code for a new product cannot be set in the integrated remote controller in order to control the new product using the integrated remote controller.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention, a control data transmission method, a controlled device, a remote control intermediary device for controlling a plurality of controlled devices with one integrated remote control device To provide an integrated remote control, server, and remote control system.

According to the present invention for achieving the above object, a control data transmission method comprises the steps of: receiving a control signal from a remote control device; A first search step of searching for control data corresponding to the control signal in an internal database based on the control signal; A second retrieving step of retrieving the control data from an external database if the control data is not retrieved from the internal database; And extracting the retrieved control data and transmitting the extracted control data to an integrated remote control apparatus.

Here, the control data may include a control code list for controlling the controlled device corresponding to the remote control device.

The control data may include at least one of product name information, manufacturer information, and type information of a controlled device controlled using the control code.

The control data transmission method according to the present embodiment may further include matching the transmitted control data with a controlled device corresponding to the remote control device and storing the transmitted control data in the integrated remote control device. .

In the second search step, if the control data is not searched in the internal database, the control signal may be transmitted to an external server to search for the control data in the database of the external server.

In the second search step, the control data may be searched in a database of the external server through the Internet.

The control data transmission method may further include adding the control data retrieved from the external database to the internal database when the control data is not retrieved from the internal database.

The control data may be stored in the internal database or the external database for each controlled device, for each manufacturer of the controlled device, or for each type of the controlled device.

The control signal may be a signal processed based on a voice of a user input to the remote controller.

The control signal may be a signal processed based on a user's voice with respect to a product name of the controlled device.

The remote control apparatus may be the integrated remote control apparatus.

The transmitting may transmit the extracted control data to the integrated remote controller through at least one of IR and ZigBee.

The transmitting may include extracting control data corresponding to a controlled device selected by a user among the at least two controlled devices when the searched control data corresponds to at least two controlled devices. Can be transmitted to the integrated remote control.

The first retrieving step may retrieve the control data when it is determined that control data corresponding to the received control signal is not stored in the integrated remote control apparatus.

The first search step may search the control data when it is determined that the control signal is the first received signal.

On the other hand, remote control intermediary device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the storage unit for storing the control data for controlling the controlled device; On the basis of a control signal received from a remote control device, the storage unit retrieves control data corresponding to the control signal, and if the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit, the control data is retrieved from an external server. A controller configured to extract the retrieved control data; And a transceiver for receiving a control signal from the remote controller and transmitting the extracted control data to an integrated remote controller.

If the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit, the control unit transmits the control signal to an external server, and the external server uses the received control signal to transmit the control data from a database of an external server. The searched control data can be transmitted to the remote control intermediary device.

The controller may add the control data retrieved from the external server to the storage unit when the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit.

The controller may further include a manipulation unit configured to receive a user's command, wherein the controller may be configured to control the at least two controlled devices through the manipulation unit among the at least two controlled devices. The control data corresponding to the controlled device selected by the user may be extracted and transmitted to the integrated remote controller.

If it is determined that control data corresponding to the received control signal is not stored in the integrated remote controller, the controller may search for the control data.

The controller may search for the control data when it is determined that the control signal is the first received signal.

On the other hand, the controlled device controlled by the integrated remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the storage unit for storing the control data for controlling at least one external controlled device; On the basis of the control signal received from the remote control device corresponding to the at least one external controlled device, the storage unit retrieves control data corresponding to the control signal, and the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit. A control unit for retrieving the control data from an external server; And a transceiver for receiving a control signal from the remote controller and transmitting the retrieved control data to the integrated remote controller.

On the other hand, the integrated remote control device for controlling a plurality of controlled devices according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, the input unit consisting of at least one input means; A transmission / reception unit configured to transmit a control signal to a remote control intermediary device that mediates the plurality of controlled devices and the integrated remote control device, and to receive a control code list corresponding to the control signal from the intermediary device; And a controller which matches each control code included in the control code list to the input means, and transmits a control command corresponding to the selected input means to the controlled device when the input means is selected.

Meanwhile, a server connected to an external device including at least one of a controlled device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object and a remote control intermediary device for mediating the controlled device and the control device includes: A storage unit storing control data for controlling the controlled devices; And a control unit which extracts control data corresponding to the control signal from the storage unit using the control signal received from the external device and transmits the extracted control data to the external device.

On the other hand, a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, a remote control device for transmitting a control signal; A remote control intermediary device that searches for control data corresponding to the control signal based on a control signal received from the remote control device, and transmits the control signal or the control data to the outside according to a search result; A server for retrieving the control data and transmitting the control data to the remote control intermediary based on the control signal received from the remote control intermediary; And an integrated remote control device for receiving control data retrieved from at least one of the remote control relay device and the server from the remote control relay device.

Here, when the control data is retrieved, the remote control intermediary device may transmit the retrieved control data to the integrated remote control device, and if the control data is not retrieved, transmit the control signal to the server.

The control data may include a control code list for controlling a controlled device corresponding to the remote control device, and the integrated remote controller may control the control codes included in the received control code list. It can be set with control codes for controlling the functions of the device.

Accordingly, it becomes easier and simpler to set a control code for the controlled device and to control the plurality of controlled devices.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described the present invention in more detail.

1 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote control system transmits control data for controlling the controlled device to the integrated remote controller, thereby enabling control of the controlled device using the integrated remote controller.

As illustrated, the remote control system includes an integrated remote controller 100, an intermediary device 200, a server 300, controlled devices 400, and general remote controllers 450.

The controlled devices 400 are composed of a first controlled device, a second controlled device, and a third controlled device, and operate to perform unique functions and additional functions for the device. For example, when the first controlled device is DTV (Digital TeleVision), the first controlled device receives a broadcast program from a broadcasting station, and has a unique function of providing a user with a broadcast program received through a screen. . In addition, the first controlled device performs additional functions such as receiving EPG information from a broadcasting station and providing the same to a user.

On the other hand, the user can use these unique functions and additional functions by using the control means (not shown) provided in the controlled devices 400, and also, general remote controllers for controlling the controlled devices 400 The unique feature and the additional function can be used by using 450.

The general remote controllers 450 may include a first remote controller, a second remote controller, and a third remote controller, and generate a control signal for controlling the controlled devices 400 to control the generated control signals. Transmit each). In detail, the first remote controller, the second remote controller, and the third remote controller generate control signals for controlling the first controlled device, the second controlled device, and the third controlled device, respectively, according to a user's operation command. The generated control signal is transmitted to the first controlled device, the second controlled device, and the third controlled device, respectively.

That is, in order for the user to control the first controlled device, the control signal according to the operation must be transmitted to the first controlled device through the operation of the first remote control, and the second remote control or the third remote 1 The controlled device cannot be controlled.

The general remote controllers 450 transmit a control signal to the controlled devices 400 through IR communication or Zigbee communication.

The integrated remote controller 100 generates a control signal for controlling the controlled devices 400 and transmits the generated control signal to the controlled devices 400. Specifically, the integrated remote controller 100 operates in a mode for operating any one of the first controlled device, the second controlled device, and the third controlled device according to a user's operation command, and selected by the user. A control signal for controlling the device according to the mode is generated, and the generated control signal is transmitted to the device according to the selected mode.

For example, when the integrated remote controller 100 operates in a mode for controlling the first controlled device, the integrated remote controller 100 generates a control signal for controlling the first controlled device to control the first controlled device. Even if transmitted to the device, the first controlled device is operated in accordance with the received control signal. In this case, since the integrated remote controller 100 is operated in a mode for controlling the first controlled device, the second controlled device or the third controlled device does not perform any operation even when the control signal is received.

As such, the integrated remote controller 100 can control the plurality of controlled devices 400 for each device because the transmitted control signal is generated and transmitted based on the control code used for each controlled device. to be. That is, since the integrated remote controller 100 transmits a control code used only in the first controlled device in the control signal to control the first controlled device, the second controlled device or the third controlled device includes: When the control signal is received, no operation is performed.

On the other hand, such a control code, may be already stored before the integrated remote control 100 is released, it may be extracted from the control data received from the intermediate apparatus 200 to be described later. In addition, in the case of receiving control data from the intermediate apparatus 200, the control data already stored in the intermediate apparatus 200 may be received, and the control data received from the server 300 may be received from the intermediate apparatus 200. Can be received.

Here, the control data is a concept including a control code list for controlling the controlled devices 400, product name information, manufacturer information, and type information of the controlled device controlled by the control code. Such control data may be stored in the integrated remote controller 100, the intermediate apparatus 200, or the server 300, for each controlled device, for each manufacturer of the controlled device, or for each type of controlled device.

For a more detailed description of the integrated remote controller 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. 2A and 2B are diagrams provided for the description of the integrated remote controller 100. As described above, the integrated remote controller 100 transmits a control signal for controlling the plurality of controlled devices 400 to the plurality of controlled devices 400 and controls the mediation device 200 to be described later. Receive the code.

In order to perform the above operation, as shown in FIG. 2A, the integrated remote controller 100 may include a remote controller storage unit 110, an IR (infra-red) transceiver unit 120, a remote controller controller 130, and an operation unit 140. ).

The remote controller storage unit 110 stores various programs for operating the integrated remote controller 100. In addition, the remote controller storage unit 110 stores control data for controlling the controlled devices 400. These control codes, as described above, may be a control code already stored before the integrated remote controller 100 is released, or may be a control code included in the control data transmitted from the intermediate apparatus 200 to be described later.

Meanwhile, as described above, the remote controller storage unit 110 stores the control data for each controlled device, for each manufacturer of the controlled device, or for each type of controlled device.

The IR transceiver 120 is connected to the intermediary device 200 and the controlled devices 400 to be described later so as to communicate with each other according to an infrared communication method.

The remote controller 130 transmits a user command input through the operation unit 140 to be described later to the intermediary device 200 and the controlled devices 400 through the IR transceiver 120. In detail, the remote controller 130 extracts a control code according to a user command input through the operation unit 140, generates a control signal using the control code, and transmits the control signal to the intermediate apparatus 200, and transmits the control signal. Transfer to one of the controlled devices (400).

For example, if a user command for controlling the first controlled device is input through the operation unit 140, the remote control unit 130 generates a control signal by extracting a control code corresponding to the user command and generates the control signal. The control signal is transmitted to the intermediate apparatus 200 and the first controlled device.

The reason why such a control signal is also transmitted to the intermediary device 200 is that a control code for controlling the first controlled device may not be stored in the integrated remote controller 100. That is, when the control code for controlling the first controlled device is not stored in the integrated remote controller 100, the remote controller 130 may substitute information related to the first controlled device instead of the control code corresponding to the user command. The control signal is included in the control signal and transmitted to the intermediary device 200. The intermediary device 200 analyzes the control signal to provide a list of control codes for controlling the first controlled device and various information about the first controlled device. It will be delivered to the remote control unit 130. Of course, in this case, information related to the first controlled device may be transmitted to the first controlled device, but the first controlled device does not react to the information.

The integrated remote controller 100 may store control data including a control code list and various kinds of information in the remote controller storage unit 110, and then control the first controlled device using the stored control data.

The manipulation unit 140 may be implemented as a button or the like as a means for receiving a user command. A specific embodiment of such an operation unit 140 is shown in Figure 2b.

As shown, the operation unit 140, the power button 141, the display 142, the device selection button 143, the number button 144, the recording-related button 145, sound / channel button 146 And a menu / selection button 147.

The power button 141 is used to turn on and off the power of the integrated remote controller 100.

The display 142 shows information about a controlled device which can be controlled by the integrated remote controller 100 among the plurality of controlled devices 400. As shown, the display 142 is marked as 'CAM', it can be seen that the integrated remote controller 100 is currently in a state for controlling the camcorder.

The device selection button 143 is used for selecting a controlled device for controlling by the integrated remote controller 100 among the plurality of controlled devices 400. The device selection button 143 may include a 'TV button', a 'DVD button', a 'STB button' and a 'CAM button', the integrated remote controller 100 controls the device according to the selected button.

On the other hand, since the 'TV button', 'DVD button', 'STB button' and 'CAM button' are provided in the device selection button 143, the remote control storage unit 110, 'TV', 'DVD', ' The control data for controlling the STB 'and the' camcorder 'may be released with the stored data. That is, the integrated remote controller 100 may be implemented by controlling 'TV', 'DVD', 'STB' and 'camcorder' without performing communication with the intermediate apparatus 200 to be described later.

On the contrary, since the 'TV button', 'DVD button', 'STB button' and 'CAM button' are provided in the device selection button 143, the remote control storage unit 110 has' TV ',' DVD ',' Control data for controlling devices other than STB 'and' camcorder 'may be released without being stored. That is, the integrated remote controller 100 may be implemented to control other devices only by performing communication with the intermediate apparatus 200 to be described later.

Of course, the buttons for the four devices are provided in the operation unit 140 is merely an example for convenience of description. Therefore, when buttons for five devices are provided, the technical idea of the present invention may be applied as it is even when buttons for any device are not only provided for three or less buttons. If no button is provided for any device, the user may select the device using the 'change button' to be described later.

The change button is used for controlling other devices except the four devices described above. That is, the user can control another device by pressing the 'change button'. For example, if there are currently 6 controlled devices that can be controlled by the integrated remote controller 100, press the 'change button' once, so that the integrated remote controller 100 can control the fifth controlled device. It can be changed, and by pressing the 'change button' twice, the integrated remote controller 100 can be changed to a state capable of controlling the sixth controlled device.

The numeric button 144 may be used for a channel input or the like. In addition, the recording related button 145 may be used for inputting a command such as playing, stopping, recording, moving, etc. of an image, and the sound / channel button 146 may be used for up-down of a sound and up-down of a channel. The menu / selection button 147 may be used for setting options for the device.

The number button 144, the recording related button 145, the sound / channel button 146, and the menu / selection button 147 may be used for various purposes according to the selected device. For example, when the 'TV' button is selected among the device selection buttons 143, when the recording button ⊙ is pressed, a control signal for controlling the TV to record a broadcast program is generated, and the 'CAM' button In this selected state, when the recording button ⊙ is pressed, a control signal for controlling the camcorder can be generated to start shooting of the camcorder.

In addition, the numeric button 144 may also be used as a shortcut. For example, when the third button (③) is pressed while the 'TV' button is selected, a control signal for controlling the TV is generated to tune to the third channel, and the 'CAM' button is selected. When the button (3) is pressed, a control signal for controlling the lighting on-off of the camcorder may be generated.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the integrated remote controller 100 may transmit a control signal to the plurality of controlled devices 400 in order to control the plurality of controlled devices 400.

Meanwhile, the integrated remote controller 100 receives a control code from the intermediary device 200 to control the plurality of controlled devices 400. In particular, when a control code corresponding to a control signal for controlling a specific controlled device is not stored in the integrated remote controller 100, the integrated remote controller 100 controls the specific controlled device from the intermediate apparatus 200. A control code corresponding to the control signal for receiving is received.

There are two cases in which the integrated remote controller 100 receives the control code.

First, when controlling the controlled device through the general remote control, the control data for the controlled device is not stored in the integrated remote control 100.

For example, if a user purchases a new audio device including an audio remote controller for controlling the audio device, and the audio device is a newly released product, the control data for the audio device is the integrated remote controller 100. It is not stored in. Therefore, when the user controls the audio device through the audio remote controller, the intermediate apparatus 200 receives the audio control signal and transmits control data corresponding to the audio control signal to the integrated remote controller 100. Of course, the audio control signal is also transmitted to the audio device, and the audio device performs an operation according to the audio control signal. As a result, the user can control the newly purchased audio device even by using the integrated remote controller 100.

Secondly, when controlling the controlled device through the integrated remote controller 100, control data for the controlled device is not stored in the integrated remote controller 100.

For example, when the user discards the existing DVD device and purchases a new DVD device different from the existing DVD device, the control data for the new DVD device is not stored in the integrated remote controller 100. Therefore, when the user controls the new DVD device through the integrated remote controller 100, the intermediate apparatus 200 receives the DVD control signal, and transmits the control data corresponding to the DVD control signal to the integrated remote controller 100. . In addition, the integrated remote controller 100 changes the control code for the existing DVD device into a control code for the new DVD device, or stores the control code for the new DVD device together with the control code for the existing DVD device. . As a result, the user can control the newly purchased DVD device even by using the integrated remote controller 100.

On the other hand, there are two cases in which the intermediate apparatus 200 extracts the control data and transmits the control data to the integrated remote controller 100.

First, the control data stored in the internal database of the intermediate apparatus 200 is extracted and transmitted to the integrated remote controller 100. Since the intermediate apparatus 200 may store a much larger amount of data than the integrated remote controller 100, the intermediate apparatus 200 may be provided to the user in a state where a much larger amount of control data is stored than the control data stored in the integrated remote controller 100. In addition, the intermediary device 200 may communicate with the server 300 to be described later in a specific cycle, and download the updated control data to the server 300 and store it in an internal database. As a result, the intermediary device 200 may transmit control data corresponding to the received control signal to the integrated remote controller 100.

Secondly, the control data stored in the server 300 is extracted and transmitted to the integrated remote controller 100. When the control data corresponding to the control signal received from the general remote controller or the integrated remote controller 100 is not stored in the internal database of the intermediate apparatus 200, the intermediate apparatus 200 returns the received control signal to the server 300 again. The controller 300 searches for control data corresponding to the received control signal in real time. The server 300 transmits the retrieved control data to the intermediate apparatus 200, and the intermediate apparatus 200 stores the received control data in an internal database, and then transfers the received control data to the integrated remote controller 100. . As a result, the intermediate apparatus 200 may transmit the control data corresponding to the received control signal to the integrated remote controller 100.

The configuration of the intermediate apparatus 200 and the server 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

3 is a block diagram of an intermediary device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The intermediary device 200 relays the general remote control or the integrated remote controller 100 and the server 300 so that the control data is transmitted to the integrated remote controller 100.

As shown, the intermediate apparatus 200 includes a storage unit 210, a control unit 220, an internet interface 230, and an IR transceiver 240.

The storage unit 210 stores various programs for operating the intermediate apparatus 200. In addition, the storage unit 210 stores control data for controlling the controlled devices 400 in an internal database. Such control data may be control data already stored before the intermediate apparatus 200 is released, or may be control data transmitted from the server 300.

The storage unit 210 sorts the control data by the controlled device, the manufacturer of the controlled device, or the type of the controlled device, and stores the control data in an internal database.

The controller 220 searches for control data corresponding to the control signal received through the general remote controller or the integrated remote controller 100 and transmits the retrieved control data to the integrated remote controller 100 through the IR transceiver 240.

In addition, if the control data corresponding to the received control signal is not retrieved, the control unit 220 transmits the control signal received through the Internet interface 230 to the server 300, the control data from the server 300 To be searched.

When the search is completed in the server 300, the controller 220 causes the searched control data to be received from the server 300 through the internet interface 230, and the received control data is stored in the database of the storage unit 210. To be stored in. In particular, the controller 220 allows the received control data to be sorted by the controlled device, by the manufacturer of the controlled device, or by the type of the controlled device.

The internet interface 230 is connected to communicate with the server 300 according to an internet communication scheme. That is, the intermediate apparatus 200 receives the control data for the controlled devices from the server 300 through the Internet.

The IR transceiver 240 is connected to the general remote controller or integrated remote controller 100 so as to communicate with each other according to an infrared communication method.

In this way, the intermediary device 200, by intermediating the general remote control or integrated remote control 100 and the server 300, the user can more easily and simply, control the controlled device.

4 is a block diagram of a server 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server 300 retrieves control data corresponding to the control signal received from the intermediate apparatus 200 and transmits the control data to the intermediate apparatus 200.

As shown, the server 300 includes an internet interface 310, a server controller 320, and a server storage unit 330. The internet interface 310 is connected to communicate with the intermediary device 200 according to an internet communication method.

The server controller 320 retrieves the control data corresponding to the control signal received from the intermediary device 200 and transmits the retrieved control data to the intermediary device 200 through the internet interface 310.

The server storage unit 330 stores various programs for operating the server 330 and various control data for controlling the controlled devices 400.

As such, the server 300 retrieves the control data corresponding to the control signal received from the intermediary device 200 and transmits the control data to the intermediary device 200 so that the user can more easily and conveniently control the controlled device. do.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a control data setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it will be described as an example of receiving a control signal from the camcorder remote control.

In order to control the camcorder, when the user operates the camcorder remote control, the intermediary device 200 receives a control signal from the camcorder remote control (S510).

The intermediate apparatus 200 determines whether control data corresponding to the received control signal is stored in the integrated remote controller 100 (S520).

If it is determined that the control data corresponding to the received control signal is stored in the integrated remote controller 100 (S520-Y), the intermediate apparatus 200 does not perform a separate operation, the control corresponding to the received control signal If it is determined that data is not stored in the integrated remote controller 100 (S520-N), the intermediate apparatus 200 searches for control data corresponding to the control signal in the internal database (S530).

When the control data is retrieved in the internal database (S540-Y), the intermediate apparatus 200 extracts the control data from the internal database (S550), and when the control data is not retrieved in the internal database (S540-N), the intermediate apparatus ( 200 retrieves control data from the server database (S560).

When control data is retrieved from the server database (S570-Y), the intermediary device 200 extracts the control data from the server database (S580), and stores the extracted control data in the internal database of the intermediary device 200 ( S590).

Thereafter, the intermediate apparatus 200 transmits the control data extracted from the internal database or the server database to the integrated remote controller 100 (S600), and the integrated remote controller 100 respectively transmits control codes included in the received control data. It is set (S610).

As a result, the plurality of controlled devices can be controlled using the integrated remote controller 100.

6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining a process of setting a control code by the integrated remote controller 100. In particular, FIG. 6A illustrates a state in which a control code is set when the integrated remote controller 100 does not receive control data from the intermediary device 200. FIG. 6B illustrates that the integrated remote controller 100 mediates. FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a case where control data for a camcorder is received from the apparatus 200, and FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a state where setting of a control code for a camcorder is completed in the integrated remote controller 100.

As shown in FIG. 6A, in the integrated remote controller 100, control codes for 'TV', 'DVD' and the like are already set. Therefore, when the user presses the '1 button' while the user presses the 'TV button', the integrated remote controller 100 generates a control signal for 'tuning the channel 1' and the user transmits the 'DVD button'. When the 'play button (▶)' is pressed while pressing ', a control signal for playing the DVD device is generated and transmitted.

In this case, since the control signal for the camcorder device is not stored in the integrated remote controller 100, even when the 'play button (▶)' is pressed while pressing the 'camcorder button', the operation such as playing the camcorder device is performed. It is not possible to generate a control signal for the.

However, the intermediate apparatus 200 determines that the signal received from the integrated remote controller 100 is 'information related to the camcorder apparatus', and as shown in FIG. 6B, extracts control data for controlling the 'camcorder apparatus'. To be transmitted to the integrated remote controller 100.

Thereafter, the integrated remote controller 100 extracts a control code from the received control data, and as shown in FIG. 6C, a control code for the camcorder is set to each button and stored together with the predetermined control codes.

Therefore, when the user presses the 'play button (▶)' while the user presses the 'CAM button', the integrated remote controller 100 may generate a control signal for playing the camcorder device and transmit it to the camcorder device.

Accordingly, it becomes easier and simpler to set a control code for the controlled device and to control the plurality of controlled devices.

In the above, the process of setting the control code for the camcorder by using the button has been described, but it is merely an example for convenience of explanation. Therefore, not only when the control code for the camcorder is set, but also when setting the control code for the other controlled device, or the control code for each model or manufacturer of the controlled device, the technical idea of the present invention remains the same. Could be applied.

7 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The remote control system transmits control data for controlling the controlled device to the integrated remote controller, thereby enabling control of the controlled device using the integrated remote controller.

As shown, the remote control system includes an integrated remote controller 710, a first controlled device 720, a server 730, controlled devices 740, and general remote controls 745.

A description of a portion of the illustrated remote control system can be inferred from the remote control system shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the following description will focus on the difference between the remote control system shown in FIG. 1.

In the remote control system illustrated in FIG. 7, unlike the remote control system illustrated in FIG. 1, an intermediary device is included in the first controlled device 720. Accordingly, the first controlled device 720 receives a control signal from the general remote controller 745 or the integrated remote controller 710, extracts control data corresponding to the received control signal, and integrates the extracted control data into the integrated remote controller. Send to 710.

In addition, the integrated remote controller 710 controls the first controlled device 720 including the relay device and the controlled devices 740 not including the relay device.

As such, by implementing the intermediary device to be configured inside the first controlled device 720, it is possible to control the plurality of controlled devices more easily and conveniently while maximizing spatial efficiency.

On the other hand, in the above, it is assumed that there are three controlled devices, which is merely an example for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the technical idea of the present invention may be applied as it is even if there are three or less or three or more controlled devices.

In addition, in the above, it is assumed that if the control data for the controlled device is not stored in the integrated remote controller, the control data is stored in the integrated remote controller. Of course, it can also be processed according to the result.

In addition, the buttons provided on the operation unit 140 of the integrated remote controller 100 are not limited to the above-described buttons, and the present invention may be applied even when more buttons or fewer buttons are provided. In addition, the technical idea of the present invention may be applied even when the touch screen method or the voice input method is implemented instead of the button. A case where the integrated remote controller is implemented as a voice input method will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

8 is a block diagram of an integrated remote controller operable by a voice input method. As illustrated, the integrated remote controller 800 includes a remote controller storage unit 810, an IR transceiver 820, a remote controller control unit 830, an operation unit 840, and a microphone 850. ), The operation of the IR transceiver 820, and the operation unit 840 is the same as or the same as the operation of the remote controller storage unit 110, the IR transceiver 120, and the operation unit 140 shown in FIG. 1. Since it can be inferred, it will be omitted.

The microphone 850 receives the user's voice, and the remote controller 830 reads the user's voice input through the microphone 850. The remote controller 830 generates a control signal based on the read voice. For example, if a user speaks a voice about the product name, manufacturer, or type of a specific camcorder to control a specific camcorder, the integrated remote control may receive such a voice to obtain the product name, manufacturer or type of the specific camcorder from the received voice. Read and generate a control signal for controlling the read device based on the read result.

More specifically, the process of generating the control signal can be divided into two processes. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

9 is a flowchart provided to explain a process of generating a control signal.

First, the remote controller 830 determines whether a user's voice is received through the microphone 850 (S910), reads the received voice (S920), and provides a control signal according to the following two cases. Create

First, the control data for the controlled device identified by the voice read result is already stored in the remote controller storage unit 810 (S930-Y). In this case, the remote controller 830 generates a control signal for controlling the controlled device based on the voice reading result and the control data already stored (S940). The generated control signal is transmitted to the controlled device (S950), and the controlled device is controlled according to the received control signal (S960).

Secondly, the control data for the controlled device determined by the voice read result is not stored in the remote controller storage unit 810 (S930-N). In this case, the remote controller 830 checks the controlled device based on the voice reading result (S970), and generates a control signal for requesting control data necessary for controlling the controlled device (S980). It is transmitted to (S990).

Thereafter, the integrated remote controller 800 receives the control data retrieved from the internal database or the server database of the intermediate apparatus (S1000), and sets the received control code (S1010).

10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a control command to a controlled device is input into a microphone.

As shown, when the user says "camcorder recording" by the microphone 850 of the integrated remote controller 800, the integrated remote controller 800 reads the input voice, so that the control code for the camcorder, which is the controlled device, is read. Check whether it is stored internally.

When the control code is not stored, the integrated remote controller 800 generates a control signal for requesting control data for the camcorder by using the input voice, and transmits the generated control signal to the intermediate apparatus. As a result, the control data for the camcorder can be received from the intermediate apparatus or the server and set in the integrated remote controller 800.

That is, in a state where the control code for the camcorder is not set as shown in FIG. 6A, when the user inputs a control command related to the camcorder by voice such as "camcorder recording", the control as shown in FIG. 6B is performed. The code will be received from the intermediary. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6C, in the integrated remote controller 800, a control code for the camcorder is set together with preset control codes TV and DVD.

On the other hand, when the control code for the controlled device is stored, the integrated remote controller 800 generates a control signal for the camcorder by using the input voice and transmits it to the camcorder which is the controlled device.

The above mentioned contents are merely exemplary for implementing the voice input method. Therefore, the control data transmission method using the voice input method is not limited to the above description and should not be understood.

In particular, in the above, it is assumed that the control code for the camcorder is set by inputting a control command related to the camcorder, but in the case of setting a control code for a controlled device other than the camcorder and a control code other than the control command related to the camcorder. In the case of inputting a model name, a manufacturer name, etc. of the controlled device to be set, the technical idea of the present invention may be applied as it is.

In addition, the voice input method may be applied to an intermediary device as well as an integrated remote controller.

Meanwhile, in the above description, it is assumed that the integrated remote controller or the general remote controller and the intermediary device use the IR communication method, and the intermediary device and the server use the Internet communication method, but this is merely an example for convenience of explanation. Therefore, even if the integrated remote controller and the intermediary device are implemented using other methods such as Zigbee communication method, the technical idea of the present invention may be applied as it is.

In the above description, when the control data corresponding to the control signal received from the integrated remote controller does not exist in the integrated remote controller, it is assumed that the intermediary apparatus searches for the control data corresponding to the received control signal. It is merely an example for the sake of simplicity. Accordingly, even when the intermediary device searches for the control data based on whether the received control signal is the first received control signal without determining whether the control data exists in the integrated remote controller, Idea can be applied as it is. This is because, in the case of a control signal received for the first time, the probability that the control data for the controlled device corresponding to the control signal is not stored in the integrated remote controller is large.

Further, in the above, it is assumed that the retrieved control data is control data corresponding to one controlled device, but even when the retrieved control data is control data corresponding to two or more controlled devices, the technical idea of the present invention is applied as it is. Can be. In this case, the intermediary device enumerates all the searched control data so that the user can select the controlled device, extracts the control data corresponding to the controlled device selected by the user, and transmits it to the integrated remote controller.

In the above description, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and the present invention belongs to the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or the prospect of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2A and 2B are views provided for explanation of the integrated remote controller,

3 is a block diagram of an intermediary device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a block diagram of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a flowchart illustrating a control data setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining a process of setting a control code by an integrated remote controller;

7 is a block diagram of a remote control system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a block diagram of an integrated remote controller operable by a voice input method;

9 is a flowchart provided to explain a process of generating a control signal, and

10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a control command to a controlled device is input into a microphone.

*** Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings ***

100: integrated remote controller 200: intermediary device

300: server 400: controlled devices

450: common remote controls

Claims (27)

Receiving a control signal from a remote control device; A first search step of searching for control data corresponding to the control signal in an internal database based on the control signal; A second retrieving step of retrieving the control data from an external database if the control data is not retrieved from the internal database; And And extracting the retrieved control data and transmitting the extracted control data to an integrated remote control apparatus. The method of claim 1, The control data, And a control code list for controlling the controlled device corresponding to the remote control device. 3. The method of claim 2, The control data, And at least one of product name information, manufacturer information, and type information of the controlled device controlled by the control code. The method of claim 1, Matching the transmitted control data with a controlled device corresponding to the remote control device, and storing the transmitted control data in the integrated remote control device. The method of claim 1, The second search step, If the control data is not retrieved from the internal database, the control signal is transmitted to an external server to retrieve the control data from the database of the external server. The method of claim 5, The second search step, And transmitting the control data from a database of the external server through the Internet. The method of claim 1, And if the control data is not retrieved from the internal database, adding the control data retrieved from the external database to the internal database. The method of claim 1, The control data, Control data transmission method, characterized in that stored in the internal database or the external database for each controlled device, for each manufacturer of the controlled device or the type of the controlled device. The method of claim 1, The control signal is, The control data transmission method, characterized in that the signal processed based on the user's voice input to the remote control device. The method of claim 9, The control signal is, And a processed signal based on a user's voice with respect to a product name of the controlled device. The method of claim 1, And the remote control device is the integrated remote control device. The method of claim 1, The transmitting step, And transmitting the extracted control data to the integrated remote controller through at least one of IR and ZigBee. The method of claim 1, The transmitting step, When the retrieved control data is control data corresponding to at least two controlled devices, the control data corresponding to the controlled device selected by the user among the at least two controlled devices is extracted and transmitted to the integrated remote controller. Control data transmission method, characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The first search step, And if it is determined that control data corresponding to the received control signal is not stored in the integrated remote control device, retrieving the control data. The method of claim 1, The first search step, And if it is determined that the control signal is the first received signal, retrieving the control data. A storage unit for storing control data for controlling the controlled device; On the basis of a control signal received from a remote control device, the storage unit retrieves control data corresponding to the control signal, and if the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit, the control data is retrieved from an external server. A controller configured to extract the retrieved control data; And And a transceiver for receiving a control signal from the remote controller and transmitting the extracted control data to an integrated remote controller. The method of claim 16, The control unit, If the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit, the control signal is transmitted to an external server, The external server, And retrieving the control data from a database of an external server by using the received control signal and transmitting the retrieved control data to the remote control intermediary device. The method of claim 16, The control unit, if the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit, remote control intermediary device, characterized in that for adding the control data retrieved from the external server to the storage unit. The method of claim 16, It further includes a control panel for receiving a user's command; The control unit, When the retrieved control data is control data corresponding to at least two controlled devices, the integrated remote control is performed by extracting control data corresponding to the controlled device selected by the user through the operation unit among the at least two controlled devices. Remote control intermediary device, characterized in that the transmission to the device. The method of claim 16, The control unit, And if it is determined that control data corresponding to the received control signal is not stored in the integrated remote control device, retrieving the control data. The method of claim 16, The control unit, And if it is determined that the control signal is the first received signal, retrieving the control data. A controlled device controlled by an integrated remote control device, A storage unit storing control data for controlling at least one external controlled device; On the basis of the control signal received from the remote control device corresponding to the at least one external controlled device, the storage unit retrieves control data corresponding to the control signal, and the control data is not retrieved from the storage unit. A control unit for retrieving the control data from an external server; And And a transceiver for receiving a control signal from the remote controller and transmitting the retrieved control data to the integrated remote controller. In the integrated remote control device for controlling a plurality of controlled devices, An input unit composed of at least one input means; A transmission / reception unit configured to transmit a control signal to a remote control intermediary device that mediates the plurality of controlled devices and the integrated remote control device, and to receive a control code list corresponding to the control signal from the intermediary device; And A controller for matching each control code included in the control code list to the input means, and transmitting a control command corresponding to the selected input means to the controlled device when the input means is selected. Control unit. A server connected with an external device including at least one of a controlled device and a remote control intermediary device for mediating the controlled device and the controlled device, A storage unit which stores control data for controlling the plurality of controlled devices; And And a controller configured to extract control data corresponding to the control signal from the storage unit by using the control signal received from the external device and to transmit the extracted control data to the external device. A remote control device for transmitting a control signal; A remote control intermediary device that searches for control data corresponding to the control signal based on a control signal received from the remote control device, and transmits the control signal or the control data to the outside according to a search result; A server for retrieving the control data and transmitting the control data to the remote control intermediary based on the control signal received from the remote control intermediary; And And an integrated remote control device for receiving control data retrieved from at least one of the remote control relay device and the server from the remote control relay device. 26. The method of claim 25, The remote control intermediary device, And when the control data is retrieved, transmit the retrieved control data to the integrated remote control device, and when the control data is not retrieved, transmit the control signal to the server. 26. The method of claim 25, The control data includes a control code list for controlling a controlled device corresponding to the remote control device. And the integrated remote controller sets control codes included in the received control code list as control codes for controlling functions of the controlled device.

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