JP2005303659A - Remote control system, operation target device, remote control device, and remote control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control system or the like by which a user can simply and easily take in a user interface desired by the user in consideration of universal design. <P>SOLUTION: The remote control system is composed of an operation target device which has at least a storage part for storing two or more user interface programs, a short-range radio communication part for transmitting the user interface program by executing the short-range radio communication in between a remote control device, and a reception part for receiving an operation signal from the remote control device, and the remote control device which has at least a short-range radio communication part for receiving the user interface program by executing the short-range radio communication in between the control target device, a display unit for displaying the user interface on the basis of the user interface program, an operation part capable of operating the user interface displayed on the display unit, and an operation signal transmitting part for transmitting the corresponding operation signal to the operation target device on the basis of the operation of the user interface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control system, an operation target device, a remote control device, and a remote control method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plurality of different operations using a single remote control device by using a desired user interface according to user preferences. The present invention relates to a remote control system capable of remotely operating a target device.

  Conventionally, the number of remote control devices (remote control devices: remote operation devices) for remotely operating an operation target device is not limited to the number of operation target devices, and the operation method of each remote control device is different. It was inconvenient to use the device. Therefore, in recent years, remote control devices that can remotely operate a plurality of operation target devices with one remote control device have been developed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote control device including a storage unit that stores a plurality of control data corresponding to a plurality of control devices, and an input unit that inputs the control data in an exchangeable manner from the outside. ing. In the remote control device of Patent Document 1, remote control can be performed with one remote control device regardless of the type and number of controlled devices.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a remote control method for home appliances in which a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of a device connected to a network is displayed on a screen such as a television screen, and the GUI is operated by a remote controller. The remote control method of Patent Document 2 can flexibly cope with the expansion and change of each device in the network and the expansion of the network itself.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, an operation button (GUI) is displayed on a display unit of a remote controller, and by operating such an operation button (GUI), a remote of an electric device that can operate a device connected to a network is disclosed. A control system is disclosed. In the system disclosed in Patent Document 3, it is not necessary to provide one remote controller for each electric device, and a complicated operation of storing remote control signals for a plurality of types of electric devices in one remote control device is also necessary. Never.

  By the way, conventionally, there is a concept of universal design that allows one user interface to be used easily and suitably by various people related to, for example, the presence / absence of disability, age, sex, nationality, race, and the like. Such a universal design is incompatible with a complicated user interface tailored to individual preferences and a user interface that emphasizes design. Providing the most suitable user interface to the user by suitably merging such conflicting user interfaces (ie, a universal design user interface and a user interface tailored to individual preferences) Is possible.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-136776 JP-A-9-238385 JP 2001-36976 A

  However, in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it is possible to operate a plurality of operation target devices with a single remote control device, but personal preferences such as the user's age group and the frequency of use of the remote control device, and universal It was not a fusion of design.

In addition, since the user's age group and the frequency of use of the remote control device are different for each individual, the user interface considering each of the above universal designs and the user interface considering individual preferences are combined to provide individual user interfaces. It has been difficult to provide a user interface satisfying the user using a single remote control device. Thus, conventionally, the device provider has a technical problem of providing a remote control device having a plurality of user interfaces capable of satisfying individual preferences while considering universal design. It was.

As a method of providing such a plurality of user interfaces to the remote control device, a method of providing a remote control device having a different user interface for each user layer for a single operation target device or a method of distributing a program can be considered.

However, in a method of manufacturing a remote control device having several types of user interfaces for each user layer for one operation target device, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases and the unit price of the remote control device increases.

On the other hand, in the method of distributing the user interface program to each user, the user himself / herself has to make complicated settings. For example, it is difficult for a user such as a young age group or an elderly age group to use it. As described above, it has been difficult for the device provider to provide a remote control device having a plurality of user interfaces that can satisfy individual preferences while considering the universal design.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is a new and improved system that does not require a remote control device for each user interface and allows a user to easily and easily capture a desired user interface in consideration of universal design. It is to provide a remote control system and the like.

  When user interfaces of a plurality of operation target devices are stored in the remote control device, a possible method is to select the operation target device from the list, or such a selection method requires an operation of selecting from the list. Become. In the present invention, the operation target device can be selected by bringing the remote control device closer to the operation target device.

Therefore, it is another object of the present invention to select an operation target device or a user only by bringing the remote control device close to the operation target device regardless of whether or not the user interface of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved remote control system capable of taking in and operating an interface program.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the first aspect of the present invention, short-range wireless communication is performed between at least a storage unit that stores two or more user interface programs and a remote control device, and the remote control device is connected to the remote control device. A short-range wireless communication unit that transmits a user interface program and an operation signal receiving unit that receives an operation signal from the remote control device, and at least the short-range wireless communication between the operation target device and the operation target device. A short-range wireless communication unit that executes communication and receives a user interface program stored in the operation target device; a display unit that displays a user interface based on the received user interface program; and An operation unit capable of operating the displayed user interface, and the user interface Based on the operation, the remote controller and an operation signal transmitting unit which transmits a corresponding operation signal to the operation target device, consisting of a remote control system is provided, characterized in that.

  In the above-described invention, since a program describing a plurality of user interfaces is stored in various operation target devices, the user can transmit a desired user interface program to the remote control only by causing the remote control device to perform short-range wireless communication with the operation target device. Can be read into the device. Thus, the user can easily and easily operate various operation target devices using a desired user interface using one remote control device. On the other hand, since the device provider can provide a user interface to the remote control device simply by storing a plurality of user interface programs in the storage unit of the operation target device, a plurality of remote control devices are created for each user interface. There is no need to do.

  In addition, if the remote control device is configured so that the user interface provided from the operation target device can select a universal design mode and a personal preference mode, for example, the presence / absence of disability, age, gender, nationality, etc. , A user interface that takes into account a universal design that can be used easily and suitably by various people of different races, a complex user interface that suits individual tastes, and a user interface that emphasizes design Since the personal preference user interface can be suitably selected with one remote control device, the most suitable user interface can be provided to the user.

  In addition, the initial setting of the remote control device is set to the universal design mode, and when the operation target device performs short-range wireless communication with the remote control device set to the universal design mode, the universal design mode is set. If the mode user interface is configured to transmit to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication, for example, a user such as a childhood group or an elderly group can make a universal design by simply bringing the remote control device close to the operation target device. Since the user interface considered can be displayed, the remote control device can be suitably used without complicated settings by the user himself / herself.

  In addition, when the remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to the personal preference mode, the operation target device is a user interface program comprising a plurality of user interface programs for the remote control device. The list is transmitted by short-range wireless communication, and the remote control device displays the transmitted user interface program list on the display unit, and transmits the user interface program selected by the user by the short-range wireless communication. When the request is made to the target device, and the operation target device transmits the requested user interface program to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication, the user can make a user interface comprising a plurality of user interfaces. The desired user from the list The interface can be selected and loaded into the remote control device.

  In addition, the remote control device further includes a storage unit that stores user interfaces received from a plurality of different operation target devices as a user interface list, and the remote control device receives a user interface list in response to a user request. Is displayed on the display unit, and the user interface selected by the user is further displayed on the display unit, the user can use the user interface acquired from the various operation target devices stored in the remote control device. The operation target device can be easily and easily operated using a desired user interface from the user interface list.

The remote control device can determine whether or not a user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device when short-range wireless communication is performed with the operation target device. When the remote control device determines that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored, the remote control device displays the stored user interface of the operation target device on the display unit of the remote control device. If configured like this,
A desired user interface can be selected without selecting from a list of user interfaces.

In addition, when the remote control device determines that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the remote control device stores the user interface of the operation target device in the remote control device and also displays the user interface of the operation target device. If configured to display on the display unit of the remote control device, the user interface can be stored in the remote control device even when the desired user interface is not already stored in the remote control device. Thus, the user can select the user interface program and read it into the remote control device by the same operation of approaching regardless of whether or not the desired user interface program is already stored in the remote control device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in a second aspect of the present invention, short-range wireless communication is performed between at least a storage unit that stores two or more user interface programs and a remote control device to the remote control device. There is provided an operation target device comprising: a short-range wireless communication unit that transmits a user interface program; and an operation signal receiving unit that receives an operation signal from the remote control device.

  In the above-described invention, the device provider can provide a user interface to the remote control device only by storing a plurality of user interface programs in the storage unit of the operation target device. There is no need to manufacture a remote control device. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the remote control device can be reduced, and the unit price of the remote control device can be reduced.

  The operation target device can determine whether a remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to a universal design mode or an individual preference mode, and the operation target device When it is determined that the remote control device is set to the universal design mode, a user interface program in the universal design mode can be transmitted to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication to the remote control device. If configured in this way, for example, a user such as a childhood group or an elderly group can select a user interface considering a universal design only by bringing the remote control device close to the operation target device. As a result, the user can preferably use the remote control device without complicated settings by the user himself / herself.

  The operation target device can determine whether a remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to a universal design mode or an individual preference mode, and the operation target device If it is determined that the remote control device is set to the personal preference mode, a user interface program list including a plurality of user interface programs can be transmitted to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication. According to this configuration, the user can select a desired user interface from a user interface list including a plurality of user interfaces and read it into the remote control device.

  In order to solve the above problems, in a third aspect of the present invention, at least short-range wireless communication is performed with the operation target device, and a user interface program stored in the operation target device is received. A short-range wireless communication unit, a display unit that displays a user interface based on the received user interface program, an operation unit that can operate the user interface displayed on the display unit, and an operation of the user interface Thus, there is provided a remote control device including an operation signal transmission unit that transmits a corresponding operation signal to the operation target device.

  In the above-described invention, since a program describing a plurality of user interfaces is stored in various operation target devices, the user can control a desired user interface from the various operation target devices by simply moving the remote control device close to the operation target device. Can be read into the device. Thus, the user can easily and easily operate various operation target devices using a desired user interface using one remote control device.

In addition, if the remote control device is configured so that the universal design mode and the personal preference mode can be selected for the user interface provided from the operation target device,
For example, a user interface that takes into account a universal design that can be used easily and appropriately by diverse people, such as the presence or absence of disabilities, age, gender, nationality, race, etc., and complex users tailored to individual preferences An individual preference user interface such as a user interface that emphasizes the interface and design can be suitably selected with a single remote control device, so that the most suitable user interface can be provided to the user.

  The initial setting of the remote control device is set to the universal design mode, and when the remote control device set to the universal design mode performs short-range wireless communication with the operation target device, the operation target If configured so that the user interface in universal design mode can be received from the device by short-range wireless communication, for example, a user such as an infant group or an elderly group can make a universal design by simply bringing the remote control device close to the operation target device. Since the user interface considered can be displayed, the remote control device can be suitably used without complicated settings by the user himself / herself.

  In addition, when the remote control device is set to the personal preference mode, a user interface program list including a plurality of user interface programs can be received from the operation target device, and the plurality of user interfaces received from the operation target device can be received. A user interface program list consisting of user interface programs can be displayed on the display unit, transmission of the user interface program selected by the user can be requested to the operation target device by short-range wireless communication, and the operation If the user interface program transmitted from the target device can be received by short-range wireless communication, the user selects a desired user interface from a user interface list including a plurality of user interfaces. It can be read in the remote control device Te.

  In addition, the remote control device further includes a storage unit that stores user interfaces received from a plurality of different operation target devices as a user interface list, and the remote control device receives a user interface list in response to a user request. Is displayed on the display unit, and the user interface selected by the user is displayed on the display unit, the user can use the user interface list of various operation target devices to display a desired user interface. Simple and easy selection.

The remote control device can determine whether or not a user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device when short-range wireless communication is performed with the operation target device. When the remote control device determines that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored, the remote control device displays the stored user interface of the operation target device on the display unit of the remote control device. If configured like this,
A desired user interface can be selected without selecting from a list of user interfaces.

In addition, when the remote control device determines that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the remote control device stores the user interface of the operation target device in the remote control device and also displays the user interface of the operation target device. If configured to display on the display unit of the remote control device, the user interface can be stored in the remote control device even when the desired user interface is not already stored in the remote control device. Thus, the user can select the user interface program and read it into the remote control device by the same operation of approaching regardless of whether or not the desired user interface program is already stored in the remote control device.

  In order to solve the above problem, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation target device performs short-range wireless communication with the remote control device, transmits a user interface program to the remote control device, and The remote control device receives a user interface program transmitted from the operation target device, the remote control device displays a user interface on a display unit based on the received user interface program, and the remote control device includes the display unit A remote control method is provided, wherein a corresponding operation signal is transmitted to the operation target device based on the operation of the user interface displayed on the screen.

  In the above-described invention, since a program describing a plurality of user interfaces is stored in various operation target devices, the user can transmit a desired user interface program to the remote control only by causing the remote control device to perform short-range wireless communication with the operation target device. Can be read into the device. Thus, the user can easily and easily operate various operation target devices using a desired user interface using one remote control device. On the other hand, since the device provider can provide a user interface to the remote control device simply by storing a plurality of user interface programs in the storage unit of the operation target device, a plurality of remote control devices are created for each user interface. There is no need to do.

In addition, the operation target device determines whether a remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to a universal design mode or an individual preference mode, and the operation target device is configured to select the remote control device. If it is determined that the device is set to the universal design mode, a user interface program in the universal design mode is transmitted to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication to the remote control device.
For example, users such as young and elderly can display a user interface that takes into account the universal design just by bringing the remote control device closer to the operation target device, so the user can use the remote control device without complicated settings. Can be used for

  In addition, the operation target device determines whether a remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to a universal design mode or an individual preference mode, and the operation target device is configured to select the remote control device. When it is determined that the device is set to the personal preference mode, a user interface program list including a plurality of user interface programs is transmitted to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication, and the remote control device transmits the transmission The remote control device requests the operation target device to transmit the user interface program selected by the user by short-range wireless communication, and the operation target device The requested user interface program Transmits via near field communication a to the remote device, if as configuration, the user can read the remote control device to select the desired user interface from a user interface list comprising a plurality of user interfaces.

  In addition, the remote control device stores a user interface list including user interfaces of a plurality of different operation target devices, and the remote control device displays the user interface list on the display unit in response to a user request, If the user interface selected by the user is configured to be displayed on the display unit, the user can use a desired user interface from a user interface list including user interfaces acquired from various operation target devices stored in the remote control device. Thus, the operation target device can be operated easily and easily.

In addition, when the short-range wireless communication is performed with the operation target device, the remote control device determines whether a user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device, and the remote control device The apparatus is configured to display the stored user interface of the operation target device on the display unit of the remote control device when determining that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored. If
A desired user interface can be selected without selecting from a list of user interfaces.

In addition, when the remote control device determines that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the remote control device stores the user interface of the operation target device in the remote control device and also displays the user interface of the operation target device. If configured to display on the display unit of the remote control device, the user interface can be stored in the remote control device even when the desired user interface is not already stored in the remote control device. Thus, the user can select the user interface program and read it into the remote control device by the same operation of approaching regardless of whether or not the desired user interface program is already stored in the remote control device.

  In the present invention, since a program describing a plurality of user interfaces is stored in various operation target devices, the user can transmit a desired user interface program to the remote control device only by causing the remote control device to perform short-range wireless communication with the operation target device. Can be read. Thus, the user can easily and easily operate various operation target devices using a desired user interface using one remote control device. On the other hand, the device provider can provide a desired user interface to the remote control device only by storing a plurality of user interface programs in the storage unit of the operation target device. There is no need to manufacture a remote control device. In addition, the user can select the user interface program and read it into the remote control device by the same operation of approaching regardless of whether or not the desired user interface program is already stored in the remote control device.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  First, the remote control system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote control system 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of operation target devices 100-1 and 100-2 and a plurality of remote control devices 200-1 and 200-2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the remote control system 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of operation target devices 100-1, 100-2,. The air conditioner 100-2 is shown as an example. In addition, the operation target device 100 is a device other than the television 100-1 and the air conditioner 100-2, for example, a daily device (device owned by the user) used by a user such as a video, a personal computer, and a washing machine at home. For example, a device not owned by a user such as a vending machine or a ticket machine can be included.

  The various operation target devices 100 according to the present embodiment store a program describing a plurality of user interfaces (hereinafter referred to as a user interface program).

  On the other hand, the remote control device 200 according to the present embodiment can read a desired user interface program from the various operation target devices 100 by executing short-range wireless communication with the various operation target devices 100. The user can operate the operation target device by displaying a desired user interface on the remote control device.

  Next, based on FIG. 2, the structure of the operation target apparatus 200 concerning this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operation target device 200 according to the present embodiment.

  The operation target device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless interface 110, an infrared unit 120, an external input / output unit 130, a control unit 140, a storage unit 150, an internal bus 160, another operation target device circuit 170, and the like.

  The wireless interface 110 is a device that performs near field communication (for example, NFC: Near Field Communication described in ISO / IEC IS 18092) with the remote control device 200. The wireless communication interface 100 includes an antenna (not shown), a modulation circuit (not shown), and the like, and the remote control device 200 is brought close to a predetermined wireless communication range (for example, about 0 to 20 cm). In this case, near field communication (NFC) is executed. In the present embodiment, a user interface program (or a list of user interface programs) stored in the storage unit 150 described later can be transmitted to the remote control device 200. In the present embodiment, the user interface program transmission method will be described using an example of NFC in ISO / IEC IS 18092, but other wireless communication methods such as a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11b, Wired communication methods such as USB can also be used. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication interface 110 is described by taking an example in which a single wireless interface is employed, but it may have a plurality of wireless interfaces.

  The infrared unit 120 is a unit that receives an infrared signal transmitted from the remote control device 200 and converts it into an electrical signal. The electric signal is further demodulated to generate a control signal, and the other operation target device circuit 170 is controlled.

  The external input / output unit 130 executes communication control in the wireless interface 110 or the infrared unit 120 based on an instruction from the control unit 140. The control unit 140 performs overall control of the operation target device 100.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the storage unit 150 stores a user interface program list 152 including user interface programs of the operation target device 100 according to the present embodiment. The user interface program list 152 includes, for example, an operation target device ID 1521, a UI identification number 1522, a user interface program 1523, and the like.

  The operation target device ID 1521 is a unique number for identifying the operation target device 100. The operation target device ID 1521 can specify the device target device using, for example, a product name, a format, a manufacturing number, or the like, but may be any identification number as long as the device target device can be specified. For example, in the present embodiment, “VEGA” can indicate a television product name, “61S” can indicate a screen size, and “0123” can indicate a manufacturing number.

  The UI identification number 1522 is an identification number assigned to each user interface program. The UI identification number 1522 identifies the user interface using, for example, a manufacturer name, a product name, a user interface type, a type number, and the like, but any user interface program can be specified. It may be an identification number. For example, in the present embodiment, “SNY” indicates a manufacturer name, and “TV” indicates that the operation target is a television. In addition, “UNV” indicates that the user interface is based on a universal design that can be used easily and suitably by various people regardless of disability, age, sex, nationality, race, etc. , “YNG” indicates a user interface that takes into account a preference for young people. “01” or “02” indicates the version of the user interface.

  The user interface program 1524 is a program that is provided to the remote control device 200 and provides an operation display screen on the display unit of the remote control device. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the user interface program itself is not a feature of the present invention, so that the description thereof is omitted, and only the interface program 01, the interface program 02, and the interface program 03 are described.

  The internal bus 160 is a transmission means for transmitting various signals between the components in the operation target device 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The other operation target device circuit 170 is a circuit in which the original operation of the operation target device according to the present embodiment is performed. For example, if the operation target device is a television, it is a circuit for functioning as a television. For example, if the air conditioner is an operation target device, this is a circuit for causing the operation target device to function as an air conditioner. In the present embodiment, the other operation target device circuit 170 is not a characteristic part of the present invention, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation target device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described by taking a TV and an air conditioner as an example. Devices (devices owned by the user) can be included, and devices not owned by the user such as vending machines and ticket vending machines can also be included.

  Next, the configuration of a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote control device) 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote control device 200 according to this embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, the external configuration of the remote control device includes a display unit 270 and an operation unit 280. The display unit 270 is for displaying a user interface list or a user interface, and includes a display.

  The operation unit 280 is input means for operating the remote control device 200. The operation unit 280 includes, for example, a power switch 282, a menu button 284, an up / down / left / right movement / confirmation key button 286, a numeric character input means 288 and the like. The power switch 282 is means for turning on / off the power of the remote control device. The menu button 284 is a button for displaying an operation menu on the display unit 284. The up / down / left / right movement / confirmation key button 286 is a button for confirming by moving the cursor on the content displayed on the display unit. Numeric character input means 288 is means for inputting numbers, characters, etc., and can be used, for example, when the operating device ID is changed to a user-specific ID or when the user creates a user interface list.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the display unit 270 and the operation unit 280 are separately provided has been described. However, for example, the display unit and the operation unit may be configured integrally using a touch panel or the like. it can.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the internal configuration of the remote control device 200 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless interface 210, an infrared unit 220, an external input / output unit 230, a control unit 240, a storage unit 250, an internal bus 260, and a display 270. , Operation unit 280 and the like.

  The wireless interface 210 is an interface that performs short-range wireless communication (for example, NFC: Near Field Communication described in ISO / IEC IS 1809) with an operation target device. The wireless interface 210 includes an antenna (not shown), a modulation circuit (not shown), and the like, and is remote controlled within a predetermined wireless communication range (for example, about 0 to 10 cm) with respect to the operation target device 100. NFC communication is executed when the apparatus 200 is brought close. In the present embodiment, a user interface program (or a list of user interface programs) stored in the storage unit 250 of the operation target device 100 can be received.

  In this embodiment, the transmission method of the user interface program will be described using an example using NFC in ISO / IEC IS 1809, but other wireless communication methods such as wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11b, Wired communication methods such as USB can also be used. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication interface will be described by taking an example in which a single wireless interface is employed, but a plurality of wireless interfaces may be provided.

  The infrared unit 220 is a unit that transmits an infrared signal to the operation target device 100. In the infrared unit 220, a command operated by a user interface displayed on the display unit of the remote control device is transmitted to the operation target device 100 via an infrared signal.

  The external input / output unit 230 executes communication control of the wireless interface 210 or the infrared unit 220 based on an instruction from the control unit 240. The control unit 240 performs overall control of the operation target device 100. When the short-range wireless communication is executed with the operation target device, the control unit 240 can determine whether the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device. At this time, if it is determined that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the storage unit 250, the user interface of the operation target device can be displayed on the display unit 270 of the remote control device. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the user interface of the operation target device is stored in the storage unit 250 and the user interface of the operation target device is displayed on the display unit 270. be able to.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the storage unit 250 stores a user interface list including user interfaces acquired from the operation target device 100 via the wireless interface 210. The user interface list 252 includes a remote control device ID 2521, an operation target device ID 2522, a UI identification number 2523, a user interface program 2524, and the like.

  The remote control device ID 2521 is a unique identification number associated with the remote control device. For example, “RI” is a type of remote control device. “0123” is a serial number indicating the serial number of the remote control device. The operation target device ID 2522 is the ID of the operation target device that acquired the user interface program. The UI identification number 2523 is a unique identification number associated with the user interface program and can be used as it is obtained from the operation target device. However, the user operates the operation unit according to the user's preference. Can also be rewritten. The user interface program 2524 is a program that is provided from the operation target device 100 and provides an operation display screen to the display unit 270 of the remote control device 200. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the user interface program itself is not a characteristic part of the present invention, so that the description thereof is omitted, and only the interface program 01, the interface program 22, and the interface program 31 are described.

  The internal bus 260 is a means for transmitting various signals within the remote control device 200. Since the display unit 270 and the operation unit 280 have already been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  An example of a user interface displayed on the display unit 270 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a user interface (a user interface considering universal design) that allows simple operation of the television. The user interface shown in FIG. 7 is a user interface including minimum necessary operation buttons (power switch, channel button, volume) for operating the television. Further, the user interface shown in FIG. 8 is an example of a user interface that takes into account personal preferences, for example, with an emphasis on design. As shown in FIG. 8, the user interface in consideration of personal preference is composed of, for example, a screen in which a television channel is moved and displayed with a scroll bar and a channel is selected with a cursor.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the user operates the air conditioner, the user interface for the air conditioner can be displayed by selecting the user interface of the air conditioner from the user interface list. The user interface shown in FIG. 9 is, for example, a user interface for an air conditioner (a user interface considering a universal design) including minimum necessary operation buttons for remotely controlling the air conditioner.

  In the remote control device, the user interface displayed on the display unit is configured to be operated by the operation unit. However, if the display unit such as a touch panel and the operation unit are configured to be integrated, the display unit Operation on the user interface screen displayed on the screen can be performed.

  In this embodiment, since a program in which a plurality of user interfaces are described is stored in various operation target devices, the user can execute desired communication from various operation target devices from a plurality of user interfaces only by performing communication with the remote control device. A user interface can be selected and loaded into the remote control device. Thus, the user can operate a plurality of operation target devices with one remote control device, and the user can easily and easily operate the operation target device with a desired user interface. On the other hand, since the device provider creates a plurality of user interface programs and stores them in the storage unit of the operation target device, it is not necessary to create a plurality of remote control devices for each user interface.

  Next, a method for downloading the user interface program according to the present embodiment from the operation target device to the remote control device will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for transmitting the user interface program according to the present embodiment from the operation target device to the remote control device.

  First, in step S102, the user brings the remote control device 200 close to the operation target device 100 and executes near field communication (NFC) (step S102). Such near field communication (NFC) is executed via the wireless interface 110 of the operation target device 100 and the wireless interface 210 of the remote control device 200. In addition, during such short-range wireless communication, communication can be performed after user authentication is performed by authentication such as a password.

  Next, in step S104, remote control device 200 determines whether a user interface program has already been registered in remote control device 200 (step S104). If it is determined that the user interface program has already been registered, the process proceeds to step S116, and the registered user interface is displayed from the operation target device ID 2522 (step S116).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the user interface program is not registered in the remote control device 200, the process proceeds to step S106, and it is determined whether or not the default setting is set (that is, whether or not the universal design mode is set). Step S106).

  When it is determined that the setting is the default setting (that is, the universal design mode), the process proceeds to step 108 where a user interface program considering the universal design is selected, and the selected user interface program is selected as the remote control device 200. Is transmitted by short-range wireless communication (step S108).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S110, and the remote control device 200 stores the operation target device ID, UI identification number, user interface program, and UI identification number associated with the user interface program in the storage unit 210 (step S114). In step S116, remote control device 200 displays the previously used user interface or the selected user interface on the display unit (step S116).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the setting is not default (that is, not the universal design mode), the process proceeds to step S110, and the remote control device 200 reads a list of user interface programs from the operation target device 100. (Step S110). For example, for a common user interface such as a vending machine, it is not necessary to load a new user interface program into the remote control device even if the operation target device ID is different. In the case of a vending machine, only the product list can be read into the remote control device 200 and displayed on the screen of the display unit using an existing user interface. At this time, it is also possible to identify using the identification number (ID) obtained by grouping the same type of operation target devices.

  In step S112, the user selects a desired user interface from the list of user interface programs displayed on the remote control device (step S112). FIG. 11 shows a list of user interface programs on the display unit 270 of the remote controller 200. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of interface programs (SNYTVUNV01, SNYTVYNG01, SNYTVYNG02,...) For one operation target device (VEGA61S0123) are displayed.

  Thereafter, in step S114, the remote control device 200 stores the operation target device ID, UI identification number, user interface program, and UI identification number associated with the user interface program in the storage unit 210 (step S114).

  Finally, in step S116, the remote control device 200 displays the previously used user interface or the selected user interface on the display unit (step S116).

  As described above, the user interface programs of a plurality of operation target devices can be read into the remote control device only by performing an operation of bringing the remote control device closer to the operation target device.

  Next, based on FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the operation method of the operation target device by the remote control device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation method of the operation target device by the remote control device according to the present embodiment. Note that the user interface program is already stored in the storage unit of the remote control device, and the operation target device is selected from the list or operated from the device name or operation target device ID given by the user or device provider. Can do. This will be described below.

  First, in step S202, the user turns on the power of the remote control device (step S202).

  Next, in step S204, the user operates the operation unit of the remote control device to display the user interface list on the display unit (step S204). At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation target device name rewritten by the user such as “Living room TV”, “MY TV”, “Air conditioner”, “Vending machine”, and the like can be displayed. Also, the UI identification name (or the UI identification name rewritten by the user) can be displayed.

  Thereafter, in step S206, the user selects a desired user interface from, for example, the user interface list shown in 13 (step S206).

  In step S208, the remote control device displays the selected user interface on the display unit as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 (step S208).

  Finally, in step S210, the user uses the user interface displayed on the display unit of the remote control device to perform remote operation of the operation target device (step S210).

  As described above, since the user interface program is already stored in the storage unit of the remote control device, the operation target device is selected from the list from the device name or operation target device name given by the user or device provider. Thus, the user can operate the operation target device using a desired user interface list.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the user interface program is transmitted to the remote control device using NFC communication has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the user interface program can be transmitted to the remote control device by wire-connecting the operation target device and the remote control device.

  The remote control device can also be configured to be able to transmit the user interface program acquired from the operation target device to other remote control devices. As a result, even when the operation target device does not exist near the user, the user interface program can be acquired easily and easily by contacting the users.

  Further, the remote control device is configured to be able to determine whether or not the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device when short-range wireless communication is performed with the operation target device. be able to. At this time, if the remote control device determines that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored, the remote control device can display the user interface of the operation target device on the display unit of the remote control device. In addition, when the remote control device determines that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the remote control device stores the user interface of the operation target device in the remote control device and the user interface of the operation target device of the remote control device. It can be displayed on the display unit. Thus, regardless of whether or not a desired user interface program is already stored in the remote control device, the user interface program can be selected and read into the remote control device by the same operation of approaching.

  The present invention is applicable to a remote control system, an operation target device, a remote control device, and a remote control method.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation target device 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the user interface program list 152 of the operation target device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an external configuration of the remote control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the remote control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the user interface list acquired from the operation target device 100 and stored in the storage unit of the remote control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (for example, a user interface for elderly people) that allows simple operation of the television according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of another user interface capable of operating the television according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user interface capable of operating the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting the user interface program according to the first embodiment from the operation target device to the remote control device. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list of user interface programs displayed on the display unit 270 of the remote control device 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of the operation target device by the remote control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a list of user interface programs displayed on the display unit 270 of the remote control device 200 according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Remote control system 100 Operation object apparatus 110 Wireless interface 120 Infrared unit 130 External input / output part 140 Control part 150 Storage part 152 User interface program list 160 Internal bus 170 Other operation object apparatus circuit 200 Remote control apparatus 210 Wireless interface 220 Infrared unit 230 External input / output unit 240 Control unit 250 Storage unit 252 User interface list 260 Internal bus 270 Display 280 Operation unit

Claims (23)

At least a storage unit for storing two or more user interface programs, a short-range wireless communication unit for performing short-range wireless communication between the remote control device and transmitting a user interface program to the remote control device, and the remote control device An operation target device having an operation signal receiving unit for receiving an operation signal from
Based on at least the short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the operation target device and receives a user interface program stored in the operation target device, and the received user interface program A display unit for displaying a user interface, an operation unit capable of operating the user interface displayed on the display unit, and an operation for transmitting a corresponding operation signal to the operation target device based on the operation of the user interface A remote control device having a signal transmission unit,
A remote control system characterized by that.   The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is capable of selecting a universal design mode and a personal preference mode for a user interface provided from the operation target device. The initial setting of the remote control device is set to the universal design mode,
When the operation target device executes short-range wireless communication with the remote control device set in the universal design mode, the user interface in the universal design mode is transmitted to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication.
The remote control system according to claim 2. When the remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to the personal preference mode, the operation target device displays a user interface program list including a plurality of user interface programs for the remote control device. Sent by short-range wireless communication,
The remote control device displays the transmitted user interface program list on the display unit, and requests the operation target device to transmit the user interface program selected by the user by short-range wireless communication.
The operation target device transmits the requested user interface program to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication.
The remote control system according to claim 2 or 3, The remote control device further includes a storage unit that stores user interfaces received from a plurality of different operation target devices as a user interface list,
In response to a user request, the remote control device displays a user interface list on the display unit, and further displays a user interface selected by the user on the display unit.
The remote control system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 and 4. The remote control device can determine whether or not the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device when performing short-range wireless communication with the operation target device;
The remote control device displays the stored user interface of the operation target device on the display unit of the remote control device when determining that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored. The remote control system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. When the remote control device determines that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the remote control device stores the user interface of the operation target device in the remote control device, and the user interface of the operation target device is stored in the remote control device. The remote control system according to claim 6, wherein the remote control system is displayed on a display unit of the apparatus. at least,
A storage unit for storing two or more user interface programs;
A short-range wireless communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication with the remote control device and transmits a user interface program to the remote control device;
An operation signal receiving unit for receiving an operation signal from the remote control device,
A device to be operated. The operation target device can determine whether a remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to the universal design mode or the personal preference mode, and
When the operation target device determines that the remote control device is set to the universal design mode, the operation target device transmits a user interface program in the universal design mode to the remote control device through short-range wireless communication with the remote control device. Can send,
The operation target device according to claim 8. The operation target device can determine whether a remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to a universal design mode or an individual preference mode, and the operation target device is: When determining that the remote control device is set to the personal preference mode, a user interface program list including a plurality of user interface programs can be transmitted to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication.
The operation target device according to claim 8, wherein the device is an operation target device. at least,
A short-range wireless communication unit that executes short-range wireless communication with the operation target device and receives a user interface program stored in the operation target device;
A display unit for displaying a user interface based on the received user interface program;
An operation unit capable of operating the user interface displayed on the display unit;
An operation signal transmitting unit that transmits a corresponding operation signal to the operation target device based on the operation of the user interface,
A remote control device characterized by that.   The remote control device according to claim 11, wherein the remote control device is capable of selecting a universal design mode and an individual preference mode for a user interface provided from the operation target device. The initial setting of the remote control device is set to the universal design mode, and when the remote control device set to the universal design mode performs short-range wireless communication with the operation target device, The user interface of universal design mode can be received by short-range wireless communication.
The remote control device according to claim 12, wherein: When the remote control device is set to the personal preference mode, a user interface program list including a plurality of user interface programs can be received from the operation target device.
A user interface program list including the plurality of user interface programs received from the operation target device can be displayed on the display unit;
Transmission of the user interface program selected by the user can be requested to the operation target device by short-range wireless communication; and
The user interface program transmitted from the operation target device can be received by short-range wireless communication.
14. The remote control device according to claim 12 or 13, The remote control device further includes a storage unit that stores user interfaces received from a plurality of different operation target devices as a user interface list,
In response to a user request, the remote control device displays a user interface list on the display unit, and further displays a user interface selected by the user on the display unit.
The remote control device according to claim 11, wherein the remote control device is any one of claims 11, 12, 13, and 14. The remote control device can determine whether or not the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device when performing short-range wireless communication with the operation target device;
The remote control device displays the stored user interface of the operation target device on the display unit of the remote control device when determining that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored. The remote control device according to any one of claims 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. When the remote control device determines that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the remote control device stores the user interface of the operation target device in the remote control device, and the user interface of the operation target device is stored in the remote control device. The remote control device according to claim 16, wherein the remote control device is displayed on a display unit of the device. The operation target device performs short-range wireless communication with the remote control device, transmits a user interface program to the remote control device, and
The remote control device receives a user interface program transmitted from the operation target device by short-range wireless communication;
The remote control device displays a user interface on a display unit based on the received user interface program,
The remote control device further transmits a corresponding operation signal to the operation target device based on an operation of the user interface displayed on the display unit.
A remote control method characterized by that. The operation target device determines whether the remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to the universal design mode or the personal preference mode,
When the operation target device determines that the remote control device is set to the universal design mode, the operation target device transmits a user interface program in the universal design mode to the remote control device through short-range wireless communication with the remote control device. Send,
19. The remote control method according to claim 18, The operation target device determines whether the remote control device performing short-range wireless communication is set to the universal design mode or the personal preference mode,
When the operation target device determines that the remote control device is set to the personal preference mode, the operation target device transmits a user interface program list including a plurality of user interface programs to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication. ,
The remote control device displays the transmitted user interface program list on the display unit,
The remote control device requests the operation target device to transmit a user interface program selected by a user by short-range wireless communication;
The operation target device transmits the requested user interface program to the remote control device by short-range wireless communication.
20. The remote control method according to claim 18 or 19, The remote control device stores a user interface list including user interfaces of a plurality of different operation target devices,
The remote control device displays a user interface selected by a user on the display unit after displaying the user interface list on the display unit in response to a user request.
21. The remote control method according to claim 18, wherein the remote control method is any one of claims 18, 19 and 20. The remote control device determines whether or not a user interface program of the operation target device is already stored in the remote control device when short-range wireless communication is performed with the operation target device;
The remote control device displays the stored user interface of the operation target device on the display unit of the remote control device when determining that the user interface program of the operation target device is already stored. The remote control method according to any one of claims 18, 19, 20, or 21. When the remote control device determines that the user interface of the operation target device is not stored, the remote control device stores the user interface of the operation target device in the remote control device, and the user interface of the operation target device is stored in the remote control device. The remote control method according to claim 22, wherein the remote control method is displayed on a display unit of the apparatus.

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