JP5420261B2 - Remote operation device, operation target device, control method for remote operation device, control method for operation target device, and remote operation system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote operation device and an operation target device that can be easily paired.

  Conventionally, infrared rays have been widely used for remote control of electronic devices. Since infrared rays have directivity, when the remote control of an electronic device is performed by a remote control using infrared rays (hereinafter referred to as an infrared remote control), the infrared light emitting portion of the infrared remote control is used as the infrared light receiving portion of the electronic device. When it does not face or there is a shielding object between the infrared light emitting unit and the infrared light receiving unit, there is a disadvantage that the remote operation of the electronic device cannot be performed.

  In addition, the disadvantages of remote operation using infrared rays are that the amount of data that can be transmitted is limited and the distance that can be remotely operated is short. In particular, in recent years, since there are many opportunities to transmit and receive relatively large amounts of data such as images and moving images between electronic devices, it is a big problem that the amount of data that can be transmitted is limited.

  Therefore, in recent years, a technique has been proposed in which an electronic device is remotely operated using non-directional communication means such as a wireless local area network (LAN) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) instead of infrared rays. These communication means can transmit and receive a large amount of data at a higher speed than infrared communication.

  By the way, in the conventional infrared remote control, since infrared rays have directivity, the operation target device can be operated by pointing the remote control at the operation target device. On the other hand, when an operation target device is operated using an omnidirectional communication means, an operation signal is transmitted to a wide area around the remote controller, so that an operation of a device unintended by the user may be performed. There is sex.

  Therefore, when omnidirectional communication means is used for the remote control, it is necessary to perform processing for registering each other's address in order to communicate with the remote control and the operation target device using the omnidirectional communication means. . This process is called pairing. By performing pairing, addresses of communication partners are registered in the remote controller and the operation target device. By using this address, the electronic device other than the operation target device does not receive the operation signal transmitted by the remote controller, so that the operation of the device not intended by the user is not performed.

  In general, pairing is performed by setting the remote control to a pairing mode in which pairing is possible, and similarly by exchanging addresses between the remote control and the operation target device in a state where the operation target device is also set to the pairing mode. Pairing is performed.

  However, in the conventional pairing method, it is necessary not only to set the remote control to the pairing mode, but also to set the operation target device to the pairing mode, and the operation to be performed by the user is complicated. .

  That is, in the above conventional pairing method, the user searches for and presses the pairing switch provided in the operation target device before using the remote control, and presses the pairing switch on the remote control within a predetermined time. There was a need to do.

  In order to eliminate the complexity of such pairing, for example, it is conceivable to use the technique described in Patent Document 1 below. In the following Patent Document 1, a recognition code (communication address) is exchanged between a remote controller and a television using infrared communication, and communication using radio waves is performed using the exchanged recognition code. Have been described.

  According to the above configuration, the remote controller and the television can be paired only by performing a predetermined input operation with the remote controller facing the television.

  Further, as a device that performs communication using two sets of communication means of infrared communication and radio wave communication as in Patent Document 1, for example, Patent Document 2 below can be cited. In Patent Document 2, when a server device receives a radio wave signal transmitted from a client device, an encryption key for performing communication connection between the server device and the client device is transmitted to the client device by infrared communication. Is described.

  According to said structure, only the client apparatus arrange | positioned in the receivable range of the infrared signal transmitted from a server apparatus can receive the said encryption key. Therefore, it is possible to permit communication using a radio signal only between a specific server device and a client device, and the security of the communication system can be improved.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-215064 (published on August 15, 1997) JP 2006-339806 A (released on December 14, 2006)

  Here, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the recognition code (communication address) is exchanged using infrared communication. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, an encryption key for radio wave communication is transmitted using infrared communication.

  However, since the infrared communication means that has been widely used for applications such as a remote controller is not supposed to transmit / receive data such as an address or an encryption key, the configurations of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above are conventionally used. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the infrared communication means widely used as it is.

  That is, a general infrared remote controller has a specification for transmitting a command signal in accordance with a format defined by the home appliance association. However, the above format assumes a relatively simple command transmission such as power ON / OFF of the operation target device, and has a capacity larger than that of a normal remote control command such as an address or an encryption key. Cannot handle large data transmission.

  On the other hand, IrDA (Infrared Data Association) is a standard for performing data communication by infrared rays. Therefore, when IrDA is used, addresses and encryption keys can be exchanged by infrared communication. However, since IrDA is hardware that is not mounted on a general infrared remote controller, when IrDA is mounted on the remote controller, the manufacturing cost is higher than that of a conventional general infrared remote controller. Further, there is a problem that the IrDA communicable distance is shorter than that of a general infrared remote controller.

  That is, in the conventional pairing method, it is necessary not only to set the remote control to the pairing mode but also to set the operation target device to the pairing mode, and the operation to be performed by the user is complicated. There is.

  Further, when the configuration of Patent Document 1 or 2 is applied to pairing, the user operation during pairing can be simplified, but conventionally used infrared communication means cannot be applied. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is a remote control that can be easily paired even when a conventional infrared communication means is used. It is to realize an apparatus or the like.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the remote operation device of the present invention is a remote operation device that performs remote operation by transmitting a signal to a paired operation target device, and is capable of transmitting a signal to the operation target device. A first communication unit, an operation-side second communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the operation target device, and a pairing start signal for instructing the operation target device to start pairing via the operation-side first communication unit. And a pairing start means for transmitting and an operation-side pairing execution means for performing pairing via the operation-side second communication unit.

  Further, in order to solve the above-described problem, the remote operation device control method of the present invention is a method for controlling a remote operation device that transmits a signal to a paired operation target device to remotely control the operation target device. A pairing start step for transmitting a pairing start signal for instructing the operation target device to start pairing via the first communication unit on the operation side capable of transmitting a signal to the operation target device, and signals can be transmitted to and received from the operation target device. And an operation-side pairing execution step of performing pairing with the operation target device via the second operation-side second communication unit.

  According to said structure, pairing with a remote control apparatus and an operation target apparatus is performed by transmission of a pairing start signal as a trigger. Therefore, the user of the remote control device can pair the remote control device and the operation target device only by inputting a pairing start signal transmission instruction. That is, according to the above configuration, pairing can be performed very easily without imposing a burden on the user.

  Further, when performing pairing, the operation side first communication unit only needs to transmit a pairing start signal, and the pairing process in which address transmission / reception is performed is performed via the operation side second communication unit. Is called. That is, the operation side first communication unit may be any device that can only transmit the start of pairing, and there is no need to perform address transmission / reception in the operation side first communication unit.

  Therefore, an infrared communication means that has been widely used for conventional applications such as a remote controller can be applied as the operation-side first communication unit, thereby making it possible to keep the manufacturing cost of the remote operation device low.

  Here, the pairing refers to a process of registering each other's address between the remote operation device and the operation target device in order to transmit / receive a signal via the operation target device and the operation side second communication unit. . By performing pairing, the remote operation device and the operation target device can communicate with each other by specifying an address.

  The operation-side pairing execution means sends an operation-side device information request signal for requesting transmission of the communication address of the own device to the operation target device and the communication address of the operation target device. When received via the communication unit, the communication address of the own device is preferably transmitted to the operation target device via the operation-side second communication unit.

  According to the above configuration, the communication address of the operation target device is received by the remote operation device together with the operation side device information request signal, and the remote operation device transmits the communication address of the own device to the operation target device.

  Thus, according to the above configuration, the remote operation device transmits its own communication address to the received communication address of the operation target device, so that the communication address of the remote operation device is received by another electronic device. It will not be done. Therefore, pairing between the remote operation device and the operation target device can be performed more reliably.

  Further, the operation-side pairing execution means has received the operation-side device information request signal and the communication address of the operation target device at least within a predetermined period after the pairing start means transmits the pairing start signal. Sometimes, it is preferable to transmit the communication address of the own device and not to transmit the communication address of the own device after the predetermined period has elapsed.

  According to the above configuration, when the operation side device information request signal and the communication address of the operation target device are received within a predetermined period after the transmission of the pairing start signal, the communication address of the remote operation device is transmitted. On the other hand, when an operation side device information request signal or the like is received outside the predetermined period, pairing is not performed.

  Here, the pairing start signal is a signal transmitted when the remote operation device performs pairing with the operation target device. That is, according to the above configuration, pairing can be executed only during a predetermined period after the pairing start signal is transmitted.

  Therefore, even if an operation side device information request signal or the like is received from the operation target device when the pairing is not performed, the pairing with the operation target device is not performed. That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent pairing between the remote control device and the electronic device not intended by the user.

  The predetermined period is a time sufficient for the remote operation device to confirm the reception of the operation side device information request signal transmitted from the operation target device that has received the pairing start signal. The predetermined time is preferably as short as possible from the viewpoint of preventing pairing with an electronic device not intended by the user. Therefore, the predetermined time may be set within, for example, 30 seconds.

  The operation-side pairing execution means transmits an operated-side device information request signal for requesting transmission of a communication address of the operation target device and a communication address of the own device to the operation target device. Also good.

  According to said structure, an operation side pairing execution means transmits the operation side apparatus information request signal and the communication address of a remote operation apparatus to an operation target apparatus. On the other hand, the operation target device transmits the communication address of the operation target device to the remote operation device using the received communication address of the remote operation device as the transmission destination, so that the remote operation device sets the communication address of the operation target device. Can be recognized. The operated side device information request signal and the communication address of the remote control device may be transmitted at the same time as the pairing start signal or at an arbitrary timing thereafter.

  The pairing start means transmits the pairing start signal via the operation side first communication unit when an input operation for remotely operating the operation target device is performed. And after the said operation side pairing execution means performs a pairing, the said operation object apparatus respond | corresponds to the said input operation, and the said operation object apparatus via the said operation side 2nd communication part respond | corresponds to the said operation object apparatus. It is preferable to include an operation side communication control means for transmitting to the terminal.

  The pairing start means may be any operation that triggers transmission of a pairing start signal, but pairing is triggered by an input operation for remotely operating the operation target device as in the above configuration. It is preferable to send a start signal.

  In this case, the user simply performs an input operation for remotely operating the operation target device, and the pairing is automatically performed, and a signal for remotely operating the operation target device is transmitted to the operation side second communication unit. Sent through. Therefore, the operation target device can be operated by transmitting and receiving signals through the operation-side second communication unit without forcing the user to perform any special operation.

  In order to solve the above problem, the operation target device of the present invention is an operation target device that receives a signal from a paired remote operation device and is controlled in operation, and transmits a signal transmitted by the remote operation device. An operated first communication unit capable of receiving, an operated second communication unit capable of transmitting / receiving signals to / from the remote control device, and a pairing start signal for instructing the start of pairing to the operated first communication And an operated-side pairing executing means for performing pairing with the remote control device via the operated-side second communication unit when received via the operating unit.

  In addition, a method for controlling an operation target device according to the present invention is a method for controlling an operation target device that is controlled in operation by receiving a signal from a paired remote operation device in order to solve the above problem. A pairing start signal receiving step for receiving a pairing start signal for instructing start of pairing via the first communication unit on the operated side capable of receiving a signal transmitted by the device, and transmission / reception of signals to / from the remote control device And an operated-side pairing execution step of performing pairing with the remote operation device via a possible operated-side second communication unit.

  According to said structure, pairing with a remote control apparatus and an operation target apparatus is performed by reception of a pairing start signal as a trigger.

  Therefore, the user of the remote control device can pair the remote control device and the operation target device only by inputting a pairing start signal transmission instruction. That is, according to the above configuration, pairing can be performed very easily without imposing a burden on the user.

  Further, when performing pairing, the operated-side first communication unit only needs to receive a pairing start signal, and the pairing process in which address transmission / reception is performed is performed via the operated-side second communication unit. Done.

  Accordingly, infrared communication means that has been widely used for conventional applications such as a remote controller can be applied as the operated-side first communication unit, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the operation target device.

  The operated-side pairing execution means, when receiving the pairing start signal, sends an operation-side device information request signal for requesting the remote-control device to transmit a communication address and the communication address of the own device. It is preferable to transmit to the remote operation device via the operated-side second communication unit.

  According to the above configuration, when there are a plurality of operation target devices communicable with the remote operation device, the remote operation device operates when receiving a pairing start signal from any of the plurality of operation target devices. Based on the communication address received together with the side device information request signal, it is possible to determine which operation target device should be paired. Therefore, according to said structure, it can respond also when operating several operation object apparatus with one remote control apparatus.

  Further, when the operated-side pairing execution means receives an operated-side device information request signal requesting that the communication address of the own device be transmitted to the remote operation device and the communication address of the remote operation device. In addition, the communication address of the own device may be transmitted to the remote operation device.

  According to the above configuration, the operated-side pairing execution means receives the operated-side device information request signal and transmits the communication address of the own device (operation target device) to the remote operation device. The communication address of the operation target device can be recognized.

  Further, when the operated-side pairing executing means receives the operated-side device information request signal and the communication address of the remote control device within a predetermined period after receiving the pairing start signal, It is preferable not to transmit the communication address of the own apparatus after the elapse of the predetermined period.

  According to the above configuration, when the operated device information request signal and the communication address of the remote operation device are received within a predetermined period after receiving the pairing start signal, the communication address of the operation target device is transmitted. On the other hand, when the operated device information request signal or the like is received outside the predetermined period, the communication address of the operation target device is not transmitted.

  Here, the pairing start signal is a signal transmitted when the remote operation device performs pairing with the operation target device. That is, according to the above configuration, pairing can be executed only during a predetermined period after receiving the pairing start signal.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, even when a device information request signal or the like on the operated side is received from the remote operation device when the pairing is not performed, the pairing with the remote operation device is not performed. That is, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent pairing between the operation target device and an electronic device not intended by the user.

  In addition, the operation target device has a password output means for outputting a password after receiving the pairing start signal, and whether the received password received from the remote operation device matches the output password output by the password output means. A password verification unit for determining whether or not the operated-side pairing execution unit determines that the password verification unit determines that the received password matches the output password. It is preferable to perform pairing with the remote control device via the device.

  According to the above configuration, pairing is performed only when it is determined that the output password output after receiving the pairing start signal matches the received password received from the remote control device. That is, according to the above configuration, only the remote operation device that has acquired the output password output by the operation target device can be paired with the operation target device.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the operation target device from being paired with an unintended device owned by a third party and remotely operated. That is, the security of the operation target device can be improved.

  The method by which the password output means outputs the password is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the password cannot be easily obtained by a third party. For example, when the operation target device includes a display unit, a password may be displayed on the display unit. Thereby, only the user who can see the display part of the operation target device can perform pairing with the operation target device. In addition, for example, when the operated first communication unit performs directional communication such as infrared communication and has a signal transmission function, a password is transmitted from the operated first communication unit. May be.

  Note that the output password is not fixed and is preferably generated when a pairing start signal is received. Thereby, the security of the operation target device can be further improved.

  The password output means preferably changes the output password when the password verification means determines that the received password does not match the output password.

  According to the above configuration, the output password is changed when it is determined that the received password and the output password do not match. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a third party from decoding the output password, and to improve the security of the operation target device. The predetermined time may be appropriately set as necessary in consideration of the time required to receive the reception password from the remote control device, and is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined time may be about 5 minutes. Is appropriate.

  Further, the operated-side pairing executing means, when the reception of the received password is not confirmed within a predetermined time after the output of the output password, and when the password verification means matches the received password and the output password. It is preferable to invalidate the output password output by the password output means in at least one of the cases where it is determined not to do so.

  According to the above configuration, at least one of the case where the reception of the received password is not confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the output of the output password, and the case where it is determined that the received password and the output password do not match And invalidate the output password.

  Since the output password is invalidated, pairing cannot be performed. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the security of the operation target device by preventing the output password from being decrypted by a third party. Can do. The predetermined time may be appropriately set as necessary in consideration of the time required to receive the reception password from the remote control device, and is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined time may be about 5 minutes. Is appropriate.

  Further, if the remote operation system includes the remote operation device and the operation target device, pairing can be performed very easily without imposing a burden on the user, and the operation side first communication unit and the operated device can be operated. As the first side communication unit, it is possible to apply an infrared communication means that has been widely used for applications such as a remote controller.

  The remote operation device and the operation target device may be realized by a computer. In this case, the remote operation device or the operation target device is operated by operating the computer as each unit of the remote operation device and / or the operation target device. A control program for realizing the operation target apparatus on a computer and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the remote operation device according to the present invention includes the operation-side first communication unit capable of transmitting a signal to the operation target device, the operation-side second communication unit capable of transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the operation target device, and the operation Pairing start means for transmitting a pairing start signal for instructing the target device to start pairing via the operation side first communication unit, and an operation side pair for performing pairing via the operation side second communication unit And a ring execution means.

  In addition, as described above, the operation target device of the present invention includes an operated-side first communication unit that can receive a signal transmitted from the remote operation device, and an operated-side second that can transmit and receive signals to and from the remote operation device. Pairing with the remote control device via the operated second communication unit when the communication unit and a pairing start signal instructing start of pairing are received via the operated first communication unit It is the structure provided with the operated side pairing execution means which performs.

  Therefore, the user of the remote control device can pair the remote control device and the operation target device only by inputting a pairing start signal transmission instruction. That is, according to the above configuration, pairing can be performed very easily without imposing a burden on the user.

  Moreover, when performing pairing, the operation side 1st communication part should just transmit a pairing start signal, and the to-be-operated side 1st communication part should just receive only a pairing start signal. The pairing process in which addresses are transmitted and received is performed via the operation-side second communication unit and the operated-side second communication unit.

  Therefore, it is possible to apply infrared communication means that has been widely used in the past for applications such as a remote control as the operation side first communication unit and the operated side first communication unit, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the remote control device. Can be suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram illustrating main components of an operation target device and a remote operation device. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the remote operation system containing the said operation object apparatus and a remote operation apparatus. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the said remote control system. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when a remote control application is started with the said remote control apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a remote control device, when "TV" is selected as a device which a remote control device operates. It is a figure which shows the structural example at the time of applying the conventional common remote control as said remote control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process in the said remote control system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the reconnection process in the said remote control system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the pairing process in the said remote control system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the data transmission / reception process in the said remote control system. The embodiment different from the above of the present invention is shown and is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the remote control system that performs pairing every time. In another embodiment different from the above of the present invention, it is a flow chart which shows an example of processing which an operation object device and a remote operation device perform. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on the display part of the said remote control apparatus in the case of the said process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on the display part of the said operation target apparatus in the case of the said process.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[System Overview]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the remote operation system 100. As illustrated, the remote operation system 100 includes an operation target device 200 and a remote operation device 300. The remote operation system 100 is a system for operating the operation target device 200 with the remote operation device 300. Here, it is assumed that the remote operation device 300 is a mobile phone and the operation target device 200 is a television receiver.

  The remote operation system 100 may be any system that can operate the operation target device 200 with the remote operation device 300, and is not limited to this example. For example, the remote operation device 300 only needs to have a function of operating the operation target device 200 by transmitting an operation signal, such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a PHS (Personal handy Phone System), a notebook computer, and a portable type. It may be a game machine or the like. Of course, the remote operation device 300 may be a dedicated remote controller for operating the operation target device 200. Further, the operation target device 200 may be any device as long as the operation signal transmitted from the remote operation device 300 is received and operation controlled, and may be a personal computer, a recording device, a music player, an air conditioner, or the like.

[Configuration of Operation Target Device 200]
As illustrated, the operation target device 200 includes a tuner 201, a sound output unit 202, an operation target device control unit 203, a display unit 204, an operation unit 205, a temporary storage unit 206, an operation target device storage unit 207, and an operated-side device. 1 communication unit 208 and operated second communication unit 209 are provided.

  The tuner 201 selects and receives a broadcast wave of a channel designated by the operation target device control unit 203, converts it into a predetermined signal, and outputs it. The operation target apparatus 200 outputs video and audio of the received channel by performing processing such as decoding on this signal. The tuner 201 only needs to have a function of receiving a broadcast wave and converting the received broadcast wave into a predetermined signal. For example, a terrestrial digital tuner, a BS, a CS tuner, etc. Things can also be applied.

  The sound output unit 202 outputs sound to the outside of the operation target device 200 based on the output of the tuner 201 and the instruction of the operation target device control unit 203. The audio output unit 202 can be configured by a speaker, for example.

  The operation target device control unit 203 controls the operation of the operation target device 200 in an integrated manner, and can be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The operation target device control unit 203 operates using a temporary storage unit 107 configured by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a work area. Details of processing performed by the operation target device control unit 203 will be described in detail later.

  The display unit 204 is a display device that displays an image based on an output from the tuner 201 and an instruction from the operation target device control unit 203. For example, an LC (Liquid Crystal) display panel, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) display device, or the like can be used as the display unit 204.

  The operation unit 205 is used by the user to input an operation to the operation target device 200. The operation unit 205 is not particularly limited as long as the user can perform a desired operation input. Here, it is assumed that operation keys corresponding to various operation inputs are provided as the operation unit 205. Specifically, it is assumed that operation keys for operation input such as channel change, volume increase / decrease, and power on / off of the operation target device 200 are provided.

  The operation target device storage unit 207 stores programs and data as illustrated. The operation target device 200 executes a predetermined operation when the operation target device control unit 203 reads the program stored in the operation target device storage unit 207 into the temporary storage unit 206 and executes the program.

  The operated-side first communication unit 208 and the operated-side second communication unit 209 are for the operation target device 200 to communicate with an external device. The operated-side first communication unit 208 is configured to be able to communicate with the operating-side first communication unit 301, and the operated-side second communication unit 209 is configured to be able to communicate with the operating-side second communication unit 302. Yes. Details of the operated-side first communication unit 208 and the operated-side second communication unit 209 will be described later.

[Configuration of Remote Operation Device 300]
As shown in the figure, the remote operation device 300 includes an operation side first communication unit 301, an operation side second communication unit 302, a telephone / web communication unit 303, a voice input unit 304, a voice output unit 305, and a remote operation device control unit 306. A display unit 307, an operation unit 308, a temporary storage unit 309, and a remote operation device storage unit 310.

  The operation side first communication unit 301 and the operation side second communication unit 302 are for the remote operation device 300 to communicate with an external device. The operation side first communication unit 301 is configured to be able to communicate with the operated side first communication unit 208, and the operation side second communication unit 302 is configured to be able to communicate with the operated side second communication unit 209. Yes. Details of the operation side first communication unit 301 and the operation side second communication unit 302 will be described later.

  The telephone / Web communication unit 303 is for making a call with another mobile phone or a general phone via a mobile phone network or the like, or for connecting to the Internet for communication. These functions are realized by a telephone network communication unit and a mobile line unit (not shown). The telephone / web communication unit 303 only needs to have at least a telephone call function, and the one used in a conventional mobile phone or the like can also be applied.

  The voice input unit 304 is for inputting a voice signal to the remote control device 300 at the time of a call, for example, and the voice output unit 305 is a voice signal received by the telephone / web communication unit 303 at the time of a call or the like. It is for outputting a sound based on it. The voice output unit 305 also outputs voice or the like indicating an incoming call such as a phone call or mail. The audio input unit 304 and the audio output unit 305 may be any units that can input and output audio, respectively, and those used in a conventional mobile phone or the like can also be applied.

  The remote operation device control unit 306 controls the operation of the remote operation device 300 in an integrated manner, and can be configured by a CPU or the like, for example. The remote control device control unit 306 operates using a temporary storage unit 129 configured by, for example, a RAM or the like as a work area. Details of processing performed by the remote control device control unit 306 will be described later in detail.

  The display unit 307 displays an image in accordance with an instruction from the remote operation device control unit 306. Although not shown, a VDP (Video Display Processor) is provided between the remote operation device control unit 306 and the display unit 307. In addition, a configuration necessary for displaying an image such as a VRAM (video RAM) is appropriately provided. The display unit 307 can be configured by, for example, an LC display panel or an EL display panel.

  The operation unit 308 is for the user of the remote operation device 300 to perform an operation input to the remote operation device 300, and is not particularly limited as long as the user can perform a desired operation input. Here, it is assumed that the operation unit 308 is an operation key provided on the main body surface of the remote operation device 300. Specifically, as operation keys, various menu keys for displaying a menu screen related to mail, a menu screen related to the Internet connection, and the like on the display unit 307, and up, down, left, and right for selecting items displayed on the display unit 307 are displayed. It is assumed that a plurality of operation keys including a direction key, a determination key for determining a selected item, a character input key for inputting numbers and characters, and the like are provided.

  The remote operation device storage unit 310 stores a program and data as shown in the figure. The remote operation device 300 executes a predetermined operation by the remote operation device control unit 306 reading the program stored in the remote operation device storage unit 310 into the temporary storage unit 309 and executing it. Further, for example, data such as mail received by the telephone / web communication unit 303 and data such as a telephone number and mail address recorded by the user of the remote operation device 300 are stored in the remote operation device storage unit 310. Yes.

[Communication means used in remote operation system 100]
As described above, in the remote operation system 100, the operation side first communication unit 301 is configured to be able to communicate with the operated side first communication unit 208. Further, the operation side second communication unit 302 is configured to be able to communicate with the operated side second communication unit 209. That is, in the remote operation system 100, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 include the first communication path formed by the operation side first communication unit 301 and the operated side first communication unit 208, and the operation side. Communication can be performed using a second communication path formed by the second communication unit 302 and the operated second communication unit 209 (see FIG. 2).

  The first communication path formed by the operation-side first communication unit 301 and the operated-side first communication unit 208 is used for the remote operation device 300 to specify the operation target device 200 as a target for remote operation. . More specifically, the remote operation device 300 identifies the operation target device 200 that can communicate through the first communication path as a target for remote operation.

  For example, when the remote operation device 300 is configured to be able to operate two televisions, a device that can communicate with the remote operation device 300 through the first communication path is the target of the remote operation. It becomes. Note that devices with different categories, such as a television and a recording device, do not normally interfere with each other because commands for infrared remote controllers are defined separately.

  In order to specify the target of remote operation, for example, a highly directional communication means may be used for the first communication path. That is, it is preferable to apply a communication means having a relatively narrow communicable area to the first communication path so as to be able to communicate with only one of the electronic devices arranged close to each other.

  Here, it is assumed that infrared communication is applied to the first communication path. That is, in the remote operation system 100, when the infrared signal emitted from the operation side first communication unit 301 is received by the operated side first communication unit 208, the communication partner of the remote operation device 300 is identified as the operation target device 200. It has come to be.

  Here, since it is assumed that the first communication path is used from the remote operation device 300 side to identify the operation target device 200 as the communication partner, the operation-side first communication unit 301 emits infrared light. It is assumed that the operated first communication unit 208 is an infrared light receiving unit. The operation side first communication unit 301 may have an infrared light receiving unit in addition to the infrared light emitting unit, and the operated side first communication unit 208 may have an infrared light emitting unit in addition to the infrared light receiving unit.

  The first communication path only needs to be able to specify the target of remote operation. Therefore, the first communication path does not need to be able to transmit / receive large capacity data. Therefore, as the operation side first communication unit 301 and the operated side first communication unit 208, an infrared light emitting device and an infrared light receiving device which are used in a conventional general infrared remote controller can be applied. As described above, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 can divert the configuration of an infrared remote controller that is currently widely used, and thus can reduce the manufacturing cost.

  In the first communication path, it suffices if the target of remote operation can be specified, and the configurations of the operation-side first communication unit 301 and the operated-side first communication unit 208 are not limited to the above example. For example, FeliCa (registered trademark) or the like can be applied.

  On the other hand, the second communication path formed by the operation-side second communication unit 302 and the operated-side second communication unit 209 is used for transmitting and receiving data between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200. The In the second communication path, the communication partner can be specified by an address.

  Since the second communication path is used for data transmission / reception, it is preferable that data having a larger capacity than that of the first communication path can be transmitted / received at high speed. In addition, the second communication path has low directivity (wide communicable area) so that communication can be maintained even when the relative positional relationship between the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 changes. It is preferable.

  Therefore, here, it is assumed that Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication is applied to the second communication path. That is, the operated-side second communication unit 209 and the operated-side second communication unit 302 are communication units that can transmit and receive signals through Bluetooth communication. Note that the second communication path is not particularly limited as long as communication can be performed by designating a communication partner by an address. IEEE802.11 radio such as a wireless LAN can be applied, and ZigBee (registered trademark) or the like can be used. Can also be applied.

[Key points of the invention]
As described above, in the remote operation system 100, infrared communication can be performed between the operation-side first communication unit 301 and the operated-side first communication unit 208, and the operation-side second communication unit 302. And the operated second communication unit 209 can perform Bluetooth communication.

  Here, since the infrared communication is directional communication, the operation-side first communication unit 301 and the operation-side first communication unit 301 receive the infrared signal transmitted from the operation-side first communication unit 301. Communication can be performed by making the operated-side first communication unit 208 face each other.

  On the other hand, since Bluetooth communication is non-directional communication, when Bluetooth communication is performed between the operation-side second communication unit 302 and the operated-side second communication unit 209, a device not intended by the user is erroneously operated. It is necessary to perform a pairing process for registering a communication destination device for Bluetooth communication in advance.

  By performing pairing, an address for Bluetooth communication is registered between the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300. Therefore, by specifying this address and performing Bluetooth communication, a device unintended by the user is erroneously registered. Can be prevented from being operated.

  The present invention has a main feature in the execution method of the pairing process. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the remote control system 100 of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the remote operation device 300 transmits a pairing start signal that causes the operation target device 200 to start pairing processing by infrared communication.

  Then, the remote operation device 300 transmits a pairing start signal and shifts to a pairing mode in which pairing processing can be performed. The operation target device 200 that has received the pairing start signal also shifts to the pairing mode. In this manner, pairing is executed by Bluetooth communication in a state where both the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 have shifted to the pairing mode.

  According to the above configuration, since the pairing start signal is transmitted by infrared communication, only the operation target device 200 facing the operation side first communication unit 301 of the remote operation device 300 shifts to the pairing mode. That is, according to said structure, the user can specify the apparatus used as a pairing other party by directing the operation side 1st communication part 301. FIG.

  And according to said structure, the remote control apparatus 300 which transmitted the pairing start signal and the operation target apparatus 200 which received this pairing start signal transfer to pairing mode. Therefore, when the pairing process is performed by Bluetooth communication, even if another electronic device exists within the communication range of Bluetooth communication, there is a possibility that pairing with an electronic device not intended by the user may be performed. Absent.

  Further, the pairing start signal only needs to be a trigger for the operation target device 200 to start the pairing process, and does not need to include address information used for Bluetooth communication. Therefore, since the information amount of the pairing start signal can be suppressed to a very low level, the infrared communication means that has been widely used can be used as it is.

  On the other hand, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-215064 shown in [Background Art], address information is exchanged by infrared communication. However, since the signal format for infrared remote controls stipulated by the home appliance association that has been widely used in the past is not expected to transmit / receive data with a relatively large amount of information such as address information, it has been widely used in the past. It is difficult to use the infrared communication means as it is.

  Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since the pairing process is performed by non-directional Bluetooth communication, even if the remote operation device 300 is moved after the pairing start signal is transmitted, it is ensured. Pairing processing is executed. On the other hand, in the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the remote control moves out of the infrared communication range during the exchange of address information, or when the infrared signal is blocked due to a person passing between the remote control and the TV In addition, the pairing process may not be performed normally.

[Remote control app]
Although the remote operation device 300 normally operates as a mobile phone, the operation target device 200 can be operated by starting a predetermined application program (hereinafter referred to as a remote control application). As described above, by installing the remote control application in various electronic devices, the operation target device 200 can be remotely operated by various electronic devices.

  In particular, mobile phones that are equipped with infrared communication means and Bluetooth communication means as data transmission / reception means are widely used. Therefore, when a mobile phone is applied as in the remote operation device 300, it is preferable that these communication means can be used as communication means for remote operation.

  Here, a display screen example when the remote control application is activated will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 307 when the remote control application is activated.

  In the illustrated example, a screen that prompts the user to select the type of device to be connected from “TV”, “recorder”, and “PC” is displayed. That is, in the example shown in the figure, an example is shown in which three types of devices, “TV”, “recorder”, and “PC”, can be operated by the remote operation device 300. The “recorder” is a recording device that records a television program or the like, and the “PC” is a personal computer.

  Further, as described in FIG. 3, in the remote operation system 100, the pairing process is started by transmitting a pairing start signal by infrared communication. Since infrared communication is directional communication, it is necessary to operate the remote operation device 300 with the operation target device (the operation target device 200 in the remote operation system 100) directed to the operation target device. Is displayed for the operation target device.

  Here, the remote control device 300 (more specifically, the operation-side first communication unit 301) is directed toward the operation target device 200 (more specifically, the operated-side first communication unit 208), and “TV” in FIG. When pairing is not performed between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 by performing the selection operation, pairing is performed as shown in FIG.

  By performing the pairing, even if another electronic device exists within the communication range of Bluetooth communication, only the “TV” can be reliably operated by the remote operation device 300. When pairing has already been performed between the remote control device 300 and “TV”, pairing is not executed when an operation of selecting “TV” in FIG. 4 is performed.

  When pairing is completed, an image as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 307. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit 307 when “TV” is selected in the display state of FIG. The illustrated image is called software keyboard display (hereinafter referred to as soft key display). In the soft key display, the arrangement of each operation key included in the operation unit 308 and the function assigned to each operation key are displayed.

  That is, the operation keys are arranged on the operation unit 308 in the same arrangement as in FIG. 5 and are displayed by inputting operation keys corresponding to the keys displayed on the display unit 307 on the operation unit 308. Processing corresponding to the function being performed is executed. For example, in FIG. 5, the volume of the television is increased by performing an input on the operation key of the operation unit 308 corresponding to the key displayed as “Sound ↑”.

  As described above, by performing the soft key display, an arbitrary remote control operation can be assigned to the operation key of the operation unit 308, whereby the operation target device 200 is operated by the remote operation device 300 having the function of the mobile phone. It becomes possible.

  The remote control device 300 is not limited to the above example as long as it can input a remote control. For example, the display unit 307 and the operation unit 308 of the remote operation device 300 may be configured by a touch panel so that a screen for remote operation is displayed on the display unit 307 and a remote operation input corresponding to the displayed screen may be received. Good.

[Example of using a general remote control]
In the present embodiment, the remote control device 300 having the function of a mobile phone has been described. However, a conventional general remote control can also be applied as the remote control device of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an example in which a conventional general remote controller is applied as the remote control device of the present invention.

  The remote control device shown in the figure has a “power button” for switching power ON / OFF, a “number button” with numbers 1 to 12 used for switching channels, etc., for increasing and decreasing the volume. “Volume button”, “Menu button” to display the menu screen, “Up / Down / Left / Right” direction buttons, “Determination button” used when deciding processing, “End button” used when ending processing, etc. “Return button” for returning the screen display to the previous state is displayed.

  Further, the remote control device shown in the figure is provided with a changeover switch for switching the operation target of the remote control device between a television, a recorder, and a PC. In the example shown in the figure, since the changeover switch is set to the TV, the operation of the TV (power ON / OFF switching, channel change, etc.) can be performed by operating each button in the state shown in the figure. .

  When the remote control device of the present invention is configured as a general remote controller as shown in the figure, the pairing process may be started at the timing when the changeover switch is switched. If pairing has already been performed, the reconnection process may be started at the above timing. For example, when the changeover switch is set to “recorder” from the state shown in the figure, pairing or reconnection with the recorder may be attempted.

  When the changeover switch is set to “PC” from the state shown in the drawing, the changeover switch is set to “recorder” during the changeover. Therefore, in this case, there is a possibility that pairing or reconnection to the “recorder” may be attempted even though the user wants to operate the “PC”. Such a situation can be avoided, for example, by setting to try pairing or reconnection when the changeover switch is set to the same operation target device for a certain time or more.

  Also, as shown in the figure, when the selector switch is already set to “TV”, when connecting to the TV, for example, when you press any button on the remote control (for example, the power button), Try to connect. As a result, pairing or reconnection between the remote controller and the television is performed at a timing when the user wants to operate the television.

[Detailed Configuration of Operation Target Device 200]
Next, more detailed configurations of the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300. As illustrated, the operation target device control unit 203 includes an operated side pairing execution unit (operated side pairing execution unit) 1, an operated side connection destination management unit 2, and an operated side communication control unit 3. The connection target management table 4 is stored in the operation target device storage unit 207.

  The operated-side pairing execution unit 1 controls execution of pairing processing in the operation target device 200. Specifically, when the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 receives a pairing start signal from the remote operation device 300, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 communicate with each other in order to perform Bluetooth communication. Execute pairing processing to register each other.

  The operated-side communication control unit 3 controls communication with the paired remote operation device 300. Specifically, the operated-side communication control unit 3 causes the operated-side second communication unit 209 to perform Bluetooth communication using the device information stored in the connection destination management table 4. In addition, the operated-side communication control unit 3 performs remote control restriction setting processing for restricting the control content permitted to each remote operation device 300 when receiving control from a plurality of remote operation devices 300.

  The operated side connection destination management unit 2 manages information related to a communication counterpart device of communication via the operated side second communication unit 209, that is, Bluetooth communication. Further, the operated side connection destination management unit 2 manages a communication partner apparatus that is currently connected to the Bluetooth communication. Specifically, the operated side connection destination management unit 2 stores the address, service information, and the like sent from the remote operation device 300 in the pairing process in the connection destination management table 4.

  Further, the operated side connection destination management unit 2 assigns an ID to each paired device. This ID is also stored in the connection destination management table 4 and is used for identification of the counterpart device to which the operation target device 200 is connected and the remote control restriction setting process.

  The connection destination management table 4 can have a data structure as shown in Table 1 below, for example. Table 1 is a table showing an example of the connection destination management table 4. Table 1 shows an example in which a remote control ID, device information, and service information are stored in association with each other for one remote control device.

  That is, Table 1 shows that the first remote with the remote control ID “0x01”, the device information (address for Bluetooth communication) “00: 11: 22: 33: 66: AA”, and the service information “0x0001111”. The operation device and the second remote operation device with the remote control ID “0x02”, the device information “00: 11: 22: 33: 55: AA”, and the service information “0x0001111” are the operation target device 200. An example of data stored in the connection destination management table 4 when pairing has been completed is shown.

  The remote control ID is identification information given to a device that has been paired with the operation target device 200, the device information is an address for performing Bluetooth communication, and the service information is the device that has been paired with the operation target device. 200 shows a service to be provided. Here, since it is assumed that the operation target device 200 is remotely operated by the remote operation device 300, the service information is a remote control service.

  Since the operation target device 200 can be connected to various electronic devices such as headphones in addition to the remote operation device 300 via Bluetooth, the operation target device 200 provides what service the paired device provides. It is necessary to know whether it is. Therefore, in the example of Table 1, service information is included in the connection destination management table 4.

  Note that the connection destination management table 4 only needs to include at least device information, and the remote control ID and service information are not necessarily stored in the connection destination management table 4. However, since the remote control ID is stored, it is possible to support a plurality of remote control devices, and the service information is stored, so that it is possible to connect a plurality of types of external devices via Bluetooth. The connection destination management table 4 preferably includes a remote control ID and service information.

[Detailed configuration of remote control device 300]
As shown in FIG. 1, the remote operation device control unit 306 includes a pairing start unit (pairing start unit) 11, an operation side pairing execution unit (operation side pairing execution unit) 12, and an operation side connection destination management unit. 13 and the operation side communication control unit 14, and the remote operation device storage unit 310 includes a connection destination storage unit 15 and an identification information storage unit 16.

  The pairing start unit 11 controls the start timing of pairing. Specifically, the pairing start unit 11 instructs the operation side first communication unit 301 to transmit a pairing start signal when a predetermined input operation is performed on the operation unit 308, and The ring execution unit 12 is instructed to shift the remote control device 300 to the pairing mode.

  The predetermined input operation is an input operation performed when the user of the remote operation device 300 uses the remote operation device 300 as a remote control. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, an operation for selecting a device to be connected corresponds to the predetermined input operation. In the example of FIG. 6, an operation for setting the changeover switch to the connection target device or an input operation to an arbitrary input button such as a power button when the changeover switch is set to the connection target device corresponds to the predetermined input operation. To do.

  As in these examples, when the user of the remote operation device 300 starts pairing using an input operation performed when the remote operation device 300 is used as a remote controller as a trigger, the user can perform special pairing. This is preferable because it is not necessary to perform a simple operation.

  For example, conventionally, it has been necessary to press a pairing button provided on the operation target device in order to shift the operation target device to the pairing mode. Then, it is necessary to perform pairing by pressing a pairing button provided on the remote operation device in a state where the operation target device is in the pairing mode.

  On the other hand, when the user of the remote operation device 300 starts pairing by using an input operation performed when the user of the remote operation device 300 is used as a remote controller, as in the present embodiment, There is no need to perform any special operation for the camera, and pairing can be performed in the same manner as a conventional general infrared remote controller.

  The remote operation device 300 is provided with a pairing execution key, and when an input operation is performed on the pairing execution key, the pairing start unit 11 transmits a pairing start signal. May be. However, as the number of operation keys increases, the operability for the user decreases, and as described above, a pairing start signal can be transmitted by using an input operation performed when the remote operation device 300 is used as a remote control as a trigger. preferable.

  Of course, a screen for performing an input operation for transmitting a pairing start signal may be displayed, and the pairing start signal may be transmitted by the user performing an input operation according to the screen display.

  The operation-side pairing execution unit 12 controls execution of pairing processing in the remote operation device 300. Specifically, when receiving an instruction from the pairing start unit 11, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 registers each other's address in order to perform Bluetooth communication between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200. The matching pairing process is executed.

  The operation side connection destination management unit 13 manages information related to a communication partner device of communication via the operation side second communication unit 302, that is, Bluetooth communication. Specifically, the operation side connection destination management unit 13 stores the address transmitted from the operation target device 200 in the pairing process in the connection destination storage unit 15.

  Further, the operation side connection destination management unit 13 manages the identification information assigned to the remote operation device 300 by the operated side connection destination management unit 2 of the operation target device 200, that is, the remote control ID. Specifically, in the remote operation system 100, since the operation target device 200 transmits a remote control ID to the pairing partner, the operation side connection destination management unit 13 receives the remote control ID and receives the identification information. Store in the storage unit 16.

  The operation side communication control unit 14 controls communication with the paired operation target device 200. Specifically, the operation side communication control unit 14 generates a command corresponding to the input operation to the operation unit 308. Then, the operation side communication control unit 14 instructs the second communication unit to transmit the generated command to the address stored in the connection destination storage unit 15.

  Further, the operation side communication control unit 14 generates and transmits a connection start signal for starting communication with the operation target device 200 when communication with the paired operation target device 200 is started. At this time, the operation-side communication control unit 14 generates a connection start signal so that the operation target device 200 can identify the transmission source of the connection start signal based on the ID of the own device stored in the identification information storage unit 16. Generate. For example, by incorporating the ID of the own device into the connection start signal, the operation target device 200 can identify the transmission source of the connection start signal.

  Thereby, even when the operation target device 200 is paired with a plurality of devices, the operation target device 200 can recognize from which remote operation device the connection start signal has been received. It is possible to reliably connect to the device that is the source of the start signal.

[Processing Flow in Remote Operation System 100 (Remote Operation Device 300 Side)]
A processing flow in the remote operation system 100 including the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the remote operation system 100. Here, the flow of processing executed by the remote operation device 300 will be described first, and then the flow of processing executed by the operation target device 200 will be described.

  As described above, the remote operation device 300 can remotely operate the remote operation device 300 by activating the remote control application. When the remote control application is activated, the pairing start unit 11 confirms the presence or absence of a connection start operation (S1). The connection start operation is an input operation for starting the remote operation of the operation target device 200 by the remote operation device 300, and corresponds to an operation for selecting a device type in the example of FIG.

  And if it confirms that there was connection start operation (it is YES at S1), the pairing start part 11 will confirm whether it is the first connection (S2). The initial connection is a connection in a state where pairing is not performed. For example, it is possible to determine whether or not the connection is made for the first time depending on whether or not the address of the paired device is stored in the connection destination storage unit 15.

  If it is not the first connection (NO in S2), it is not necessary to perform pairing, so the process proceeds to S11, and a reconnection process for performing Bluetooth communication connection with a paired device is executed. On the other hand, if it is the first connection (YES in S2), it is necessary to perform pairing, so the pairing start unit 11 sets the operation side pairing execution unit 12 to the device information request acceptance mode ( S3).

  The device information request acceptance mode is a state in which the remote operation device 300 can be paired (pairing mode), and the address received in the device information request acceptance mode is the Bluetooth communication of the remote operation device 300. It is registered in the connection destination storage unit 15 as a counterpart device.

  Further, the pairing start unit 11 sets the operation side pairing execution unit 12 to the device information request acceptance mode and instructs the operation side first communication unit 301 to transmit a pairing start signal (S4). Since the remote operation device 300 transmits a pairing start signal by directional infrared communication, pairing can be performed only with the operation target device 200 to which the remote operation device 300 is directed.

  The pairing start signal can have a data structure as shown in Table 2 below, for example. Note that the pairing start signal is not limited to the example in Table 2 as long as the operation target device 200 can recognize that the signal is an instruction to start pairing. However, the pairing start signal is preferably in a data format according to a format determined by the home appliance association. By adopting a data format in accordance with the format determined by the home appliance association, the configuration used in the conventional general infrared remote controller as the operation side first communication unit 301 can be applied as it is by making the pairing start signal into a data format in accordance with the format determined by the Home Appliances Association. it can.

  By transmitting a pairing start signal in S4, a pairing process is executed between the operation target device 200 that has received the pairing start signal and the remote operation device 300 (S5). Although details will be described later, the device information (Bluetooth communication address) of the remote operation device 300 is stored in the connection destination management table 4 of the operation target device 200 by pairing processing, and the device information (for Bluetooth communication) of the operation target device 200 is stored. Address) is stored in the connection destination storage unit 15 of the operation target device 200.

  And the pairing start part 11 confirms the success or failure of pairing (S6). If the pairing has failed (NO in S6), the process returns to S2. On the other hand, when the pairing is successful (YES in S6), the pairing start unit 11 instructs the operation side connection destination management unit 13 to check whether or not the remote control ID is received (S7). ). When it is confirmed that the remote control ID has been received (YES in S7), the pairing start unit 11 instructs the operation side connection destination management unit 13 to store the received remote control ID in the identification information storage unit 16. (S8).

  The Bluetooth communication connection is established between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 through the processes of S1 to S8, so that the operation target device 200 can be operated by the remote operation device 300. Data transmission / reception processing (details will be described later) can be performed.

  Further, the processes of S1 to S8 are executed only by performing a connection start operation. The connection start operation is, for example, an operation for selecting the type of connected device in the example of FIG. Therefore, the user of the remote operation device 300 can operate the operation target device 200 with the same feeling as a conventional general infrared remote controller without being aware of pairing at all.

[Flow of Processing in Remote Operation System 100 (Operation Target Device 200 Side)]
Next, a flow of processing executed by the operation target device 200 in the remote operation system 100 will be described. First, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 waits for reception of a pairing start signal (S21).

  When a signal other than the pairing start signal is received (NO in S21), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 instructs the operated-side communication control unit 3 to execute reconnection processing (S28). On the other hand, when the reception of the pairing start signal is confirmed (YES in S21), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 starts the pairing process (S22).

  By the pairing process, the device information (Bluetooth communication address) of the remote operation device 300 is stored in the connection destination management table 4 of the operation target device 200, and the device information (Bluetooth communication address) of the operation target device 200 is stored in the operation target device 200. Are stored in the connection destination storage unit 15.

  When the pairing process is completed, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 checks whether or not the pairing is successful (S23). If the pairing has failed (NO in S23), the process returns to S21. On the other hand, if the pairing is successful (YES in S23), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 instructs the operated-side connection destination management unit 2 to generate a remote control ID (S24).

  The remote controller ID is not particularly limited as long as it can identify a partner device that has been successfully paired, and its generation method and data contents are not particularly limited. Here, as shown in Table 1, it is assumed that 4-digit hexadecimal data in which the number at the end increases in the order of pairing is generated as the remote control ID. That is, in the example of Table 1, the remote device ID “0x01” is assigned to the counterpart device that the operation target device 200 has paired first, and “0x02” is assigned to the counterpart device that has been paired next time. In this example, a remote control ID "" is given.

  Subsequently, the operated-side connection destination management unit 2 transmits the generated remote control ID to the remote operation device 300 via the operated-side second communication unit 209 (S25). Next, the operated-side connection destination management unit 2 performs remote control restriction setting processing for restricting the operation content of the remote operation device 300 corresponding to the transmitted remote control ID as necessary (S26). Then, after the remote control setting is completed, the operated-side communication control unit 3 performs data transmission / reception processing (S27). Details of the remote control restriction setting process and the data transmission / reception process will be described later.

[Reconnection processing (remote control device 300 side)]
As described above, when the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 are connected for the first time, pairing is performed (see S2 and the like in FIG. 7). Thereby, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 can perform Bluetooth communication by specifying addresses with each other.

  Here, a reconnection process executed when the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 are connected for the second time or later, that is, in a paired state, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the reconnection process. The reconnection process corresponds to the processes of S11 and S28 in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the reconnection process executed on the remote operation device 300 in S11 of FIG. 7 will be described first, and then the reconnection process executed on the operation target device 200 in S28.

  Note that the present invention has a feature in the pairing execution method, and the reconnection process performed after the pairing is completed is not limited to the example of FIG. A connection processing method can also be used.

  The reconnection process is executed when the pairing start unit 11 determines that the connection is not the first time (see S2 and S11 in FIG. 7). When the pairing start unit 11 determines that it is not the first connection, the pairing start unit 11 sets the operation side communication control unit 14 to the connection request acceptance mode (S31). When the operation side communication control unit 14 is set in the connection request acceptance mode, the operation side communication control unit 14 is in a state where Bluetooth communication can be performed, and after being set in the connection request acceptance mode, a connection request is received from the operation target device 200 The reconnection process is continued.

  The operation side communication control unit 14 set to the connection request acceptance mode instructs the operation side first communication unit 301 to transmit a connection start signal to the outside of the own device (S32). As described above, the remote operation device 300 transmits a connection start signal by directional infrared communication. Therefore, the remote operation device 300 can connect and communicate only with a device to which the remote operation device 300 is directed.

  The operation side communication control unit 14 is assigned to the remote operation device 300 so that the operation target device 200 that has received the connection start signal can determine which remote operation device 300 has received the operation signal. A connection start signal including identification information (remote control ID) is transmitted. The connection start signal can be, for example, data as shown in Table 3 below.

  Table 3 shows data examples of connection start signals (1) to (3) transmitted by the three remote control devices having the remote controller IDs “0x01”, “0x02”, and “0x03”, respectively. In the example of Table 3, the last two characters of the connection start signal data match the last two characters of the remote control ID. Therefore, the operation target device 200 starts connection from any of the remote control devices having the remote control ID “0x01”, “0x02”, and “0x03” depending on which of the connection start signals (1) to (3) is received. It is possible to recognize whether a signal has been sent.

  The operation side communication control unit 14 that has transmitted the connection start signal to the operation side first communication unit 301 confirms whether or not there is a connection request from the paired device (S33). Here, the connection request sent from the operation target device 200 includes the address of the operation target device 200, and the operation side communication control unit 14 confirms whether or not there is a connection request from the paired device. Assumes that. Note that the connection request is not limited to this example as long as it is a signal that allows the remote control device 300 to specify the transmission source of the connection request.

  If the connection request cannot be confirmed (NO in S33), the operation side communication control unit 14 returns to the process of S2 in FIG. On the other hand, when the connection request is confirmed (YES in S33), the operation side communication control unit 14 instructs the operation side second communication unit 302 to transmit connection permission to the operation target device 200 (S34). ), The reconnection process is terminated. Upon completion of the reconnection process, the process proceeds to S9 in FIG. 7 and the data transmission / reception process is performed.

  The connection request and connection permission can be data as shown in Table 4 below, for example. Table 4 shows an example of connection request and connection permission data. As shown in Table 4, the connection request and the connection permission include the address of the transmission source terminal and the address of the transmission destination terminal of the connection request and connection permission. Accordingly, the remote operation device 300 that has received the connection request can return a connection permission to the operation target device 200 that is the transmission source of the connection request.

[Reconnection processing (operation target device 200 side)]
Next, the reconnection process executed on the operation target device 200 in S28 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described based on FIG. First, the operated-side communication control unit 3 confirms whether or not a connection start signal has been received (S41). If reception of the connection start signal cannot be confirmed (NO in S41), the operated-side communication control unit 3 returns to the process of S21 in FIG. On the other hand, when reception of the connection start signal is confirmed (YES in S41), the operated-side communication control unit 3 instructs the operating-side second communication unit 302 to transmit a connection request (S42).

  Here, as shown in Table 3, it is assumed that a part of the remote control ID is incorporated in the connection start signal. Further, as shown in Table 1, it is assumed that the connection destination management table 4 stores a remote control ID and device information (address) in association with each other. Therefore, the operated-side communication control unit 3 can specify the address of the device that has transmitted the connection start signal from the received connection start signal, and can transmit a connection request to this address.

  In the reconnection process, since the remote operation device 300 shifts to the connection request acceptance mode (S31 in FIG. 8), the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 do not need to incorporate the remote control ID into the connection start signal. Communication can be established.

  Then, the operated-side communication control unit 3 that has issued a connection request transmission instruction waits for reception of a connection permission (S43). If reception of connection permission is not confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in S43), the operated-side communication control unit 3 returns to the process of S21 in FIG. On the other hand, when reception of connection permission is confirmed (YES in S43), the operated-side communication control unit 3 ends the reconnection process. Upon completion of the reconnection process, the process proceeds to S26 in FIG. 7, and a data transmission / reception process is performed.

[Pairing process (operation target device 200 side)]
Next, details of the pairing process executed in S5 and S22 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the pairing process. Here, the pairing process executed on the operation target device 200 in S22 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described first, and then the pairing process executed on the remote operation device 300 in S5 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. To do.

  The operated-side pairing execution unit 1 of the operation target device 200 starts the pairing process upon confirming reception of the pairing start signal. Specifically, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 instructs the operated-side second communication unit 209 to transmit a device information request (S51). The device information request is information including the address of the device information request source terminal, that is, the operation target device 200. Therefore, the remote operation device 300 that has received the device information request can register the operation target device 200 as a Bluetooth communication partner terminal.

  In addition, the device information request is broadcast to all devices within the Bluetooth communication range of the operation target device 200. Here, since the remote operation device 300 is in the device information request acceptance mode (S3 in FIG. 7), the operation target device 200 can reliably cause the remote operation device 300 to receive the device information request.

  The operated-side pairing execution unit 1 that has transmitted the device information request waits for device information to be transmitted from the remote operation device 300 (S52). If reception of device information cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time (NO in S52), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 ends the pairing process. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S22 to S23, it is determined that the pairing has failed in S23, and the process returns to S21.

  On the other hand, if reception of device information is confirmed within a predetermined time (YES in S52), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 instructs the operated-side second communication unit 209 to instruct the remote operation device 300. A PIN code request is transmitted to the terminal (S53), and reception of the PIN code is awaited (S54). If reception of the PIN code cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time, or if the received PIN code is different from a predetermined value (NO in S54), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 performs the process as it is. finish. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S22 to S23, it is determined that the pairing has failed in S23, and the process returns to S21.

  On the other hand, when the received PIN code matches the preset value (YES in S54), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 instructs the operated-side second communication unit 209, A service information request is transmitted to the remote operation device 300 (S55), and reception of service information is awaited (S56).

  The PIN code is a code set to prevent the operation target device 200 from being controlled by the remote operation device 300 not intended by the user. That is, in the operation target device 200, a PIN code is preset for the remote operation device 300 that permits control of the operation target device 200. Then, when the PIN code sent from the remote operation device 300 to be connected matches the PIN code set in the operation target device 200, the connection with the remote operation device 300 is permitted. It has become.

  If reception of service information cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time or if the received service information is not appropriate (NO in S56), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 ends the process as it is. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S22 to S23, it is determined that the pairing has failed in S23, and the process returns to S21. The suitability of the service information is determined by whether or not the operation target device 200 corresponds to the service information.

  When the received service information is appropriate (YES in S56), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 confirms the device information of the remote operation device 300 confirmed to be received in S52 and the reception in S56. The service information is stored and the process is terminated (S57). In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S22 to S23. In S23, it is determined that pairing is successful, and the process proceeds to S24.

  The device information request, PIN code request, service information request, device information, PIN code, and service information can be data shown in Table 5 below, for example. As shown in Table 5, basically, in Bluetooth communication, the transmission source address and transmission destination address of the data are transmitted together with the data. As a result, even if another Bluetooth compatible device exists within the Bluetooth communication range, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 can communicate with each other.

[Pairing process (remote control device 300 side)]
Next, the pairing process executed by the remote operation device 300 in S5 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described based on FIG. That is, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 of the remote operation device 300 waits for a device information request (S61). If reception of device information cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 seconds) (NO in S61), the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 cancels the device information request acceptance mode and ends the pairing process. To do. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the remote operation device 300 from being paired with an electronic device not intended by the user. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S5 to S6. In S6, it is determined that pairing has failed, and the process returns to S2.

  On the other hand, when the reception of the device information can be confirmed (YES in S61), the operation side pairing execution unit 12 instructs the operation side second communication unit 302 to provide the device information (address) of the remote operation device 300. It transmits (S62), and then waits for reception of a PIN code request (S63).

  If the receipt of the PIN code request cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time (NO in S63), the operation side pairing execution unit 12 ends the process as it is. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S5 to S6. In S6, it is determined that pairing has failed, and the process returns to S2.

  On the other hand, when the reception of the PIN code request is confirmed (YES in S63), the operation side pairing execution unit 12 reads the PIN code stored in advance in the remote operation device storage unit 310, and performs the operation side second communication. The unit 302 is instructed to transmit the read PIN code to the operation target device 200 (S64).

  The operated-side pairing execution unit 1 transmits a service information request in the process of S56 when the PIN code verification is successful. Therefore, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 confirms whether or not a service information request has been received after issuing a PIN code transmission instruction in S64 (S65). If reception of the service information request cannot be confirmed (NO in S65), the operation side pairing execution unit 12 ends the process as it is. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S5 to S6. In S6, it is determined that pairing has failed, and the process returns to S2.

  On the other hand, when the reception of the service information request is confirmed (YES in S65), the operation side pairing execution unit 12 instructs the operation side second communication unit 302 to transmit the service information to the operation target device 200. (S66). Finally, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 stores the device information (address) of the operation target device 200 included in the device information request received in S61 in the connection destination storage unit 15 and ends the process. To do. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S5 to S6. In S6, it is determined that pairing is successful, and the process proceeds to S7.

  As described above, in the pairing process, the device information (address) of the operation target device 200 is stored in the connection destination storage unit 15 of the remote operation device 300, and the device information (address) of the remote operation device 300 is stored in the operation target device 200. Are stored in the connection destination management table 4. As a result, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 can subsequently perform Bluetooth communication by specifying addresses with each other.

  The pairing process is not limited to the above example as long as the device information of the operation target device 200 is stored in the remote operation device 300 and the device information of the remote operation device 300 is stored in the operation target device 200. I can't.

  For example, in the above, the operation target device 200 transmits a device information request together with its own communication address to the remote operation device 300, and the remote operation device 300 that has received the device information request operates the device information (communication address) of its own device. Although the example of transmitting to the target device 200 has been described, the remote operation device 300 may transmit a device information request to the operation target device 200 together with its own communication address.

  In this case, the remote operation device 300 does not perform the process of S3 in FIG. 7, and the operation target device 200 that has received the pairing start signal shifts to the device information request acceptance mode. Then, the remote operation device 300 acquires the device information of the operation target device 200 by transmitting a device information request together with the communication address of the own device to the operation target device 200 that has shifted to the device information request acceptance mode. Even with such a configuration, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 can be paired.

  In this case, the operation target device 200 enters the device information request acceptance mode when the reception of device information cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 seconds) after entering the device information request standby state. It is also possible to cancel the pairing process. Thereby, it is possible to prevent pairing between the operation target device 200 and an electronic device not intended by the user.

[Remote control restriction setting]
Here, details of the remote control restriction setting executed in S26 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. As described above, in the remote operation system 100, one operation target device 200 can be operated by a plurality of remote operation devices. In this case, a command transmitted by a plurality of remote operation devices is provided. There is a risk of conflict. For example, when a command to change the channel to “8” is transmitted from a certain remote control device, and a command to change the channel to “10” is transmitted from another remote control device, the output channel of the operation target device 200 is changed. It is not preferable because it changes rapidly.

  Therefore, the operated-side communication control unit 3 of the operation target device 200 performs remote control restriction setting that restricts processing that can be controlled by each remote operation device when connected to a plurality of remote operation devices via Bluetooth communication.

  Specifically, when the operated side communication control unit 3 receives a command from the remote operation device, the operated side communication control unit 3 instructs the operated side connection destination management unit 2 so that the remote control device that is the source of the command is currently connected. Check if the priority is the highest among the remote control devices. The priority level may be set based on, for example, the order of connection, or may be set in advance by the user.

  When the remote control device that is the source of the command has the highest priority among the currently connected remote control devices, the operated-side communication control unit 3 sends all commands from the remote control device. To enable. That is, in this case, there is no restriction on the command from the remote operation device, and the operation target device 200 operates according to the command from the remote operation device as it is.

  On the other hand, when a remote control device having a higher priority than the remote control device that is the transmission source of the command is connected, the operated-side communication control unit 3 determines that at least a part of the command from the remote control device is It is prevented from being executed by the operation target device 200. Thereby, it is possible to prevent contention of commands transmitted by a plurality of remote control devices.

  Here, it is assumed that the address of the remote operation device 300 that is the transmission source of the command is added to the command transmitted by the remote operation device 300. As a result, the operation target device 200 can identify the remote operation device 300 that has transmitted the command, and determine whether or not to limit the command.

  It is preferable that the operated-side communication control unit 3 provides a restriction on a command for changing the output of the operation target device 200 such as channel change or volume change. On the other hand, a command that does not change the output of the operation target device 200, such as a command that causes the remote operation device 300 to transmit the contents of the TV program that is currently being output or information held by the operation target device 200 such as a TV program guide There is no need to provide any particular restrictions. Further, the restriction set for each of the plurality of remote control devices connected at the same time is not limited as long as no conflict occurs between the remote control devices when the operation target device 200 is operated. Can be set.

[Data transmission / reception processing (data to be transmitted / received)]
As described above, in the remote operation system 100, when the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 are not paired, they are connected by Bluetooth communication after pairing, and when paired, Connected by Bluetooth communication in the reconnection process. Then, the data transmission / reception process is executed in the state of being connected by the Bluetooth communication. Hereinafter, data transmission / reception processing will be described.

  In the data transmission / reception process, the remote operation device 300 operates the operation target device 200 by transmitting a “command” or a “data transmission request”. Here, “command” and “data transmission request” will be described.

  The command and the data transmission request are both commands generated by performing a predetermined input operation on the operation unit 308 of the remote operation device 300 and transmitted to the operation target device 200 via the operation-side second communication unit 302. . Here, the instructions are classified into commands and data transmission requests according to the difference in data structure.

  That is, the command includes a command name, a parameter indicating the content of the command, a response flag indicating whether a response is requested to the device (in this case, the operation target device 200) that has received the command, a command transmission source and a transmission destination. It has a data structure consisting of addresses. For example, the command can be data as shown in Table 6 below.

  Table 6 shows an example of a command for changing the output channel of the operation target device 200. The operation target device 200 can determine what command has been sent by referring to the command name, and can determine what processing should be executed by referring to the parameter. it can. Then, the transmission source of the command can be identified from the address of the transmission source of the command. That is, the operation target device 200 that has received the command in Table 6 can determine that a command for changing the channel to 6 channels has been transmitted from the remote operation device 300.

  A command for changing the output of the sound or image of the operation target device 200 such as channel change is classified as a “command”. Since the “command” is a command for changing the output of the voice or image of the operation target device 200, there is a possibility that a process conflict occurs when all the controls from a plurality of remote operation devices are enabled. Therefore, in the operation target device 200, “command” is set as a command to be subjected to the remote control restriction process.

  Here, it is assumed that a special command called an end command is used in addition to general operation control commands such as channel change and volume change. The end command is a command for ending the operation of the operation target device 200 by the remote operation device 300. By transmitting the end command, the remote operation device 300 ends the function (remote control application) for operating the operation target device 200 and returns to the function as a normal mobile phone. As for the data structure of the end command, for example, the command name may be “END”, the parameter may not include data, and the response flag may be “0”.

  The response flag is data indicating whether or not it is necessary to notify the remote operation device 300 of whether or not the command to which the response flag is attached can be executed in the operation target device 200. That is, when the response flag of the received command indicates that a response is necessary, the operation target device 200 determines whether or not the command can be executed. When it can be executed, a response indicating that it can be executed is returned to the remote operation device 300, and when it cannot be executed by the communication restriction process, a response indicating that it cannot be executed is returned. Whether or not the command can be executed is determined by the remote control restriction setting.

  The response can be data as shown in Table 7 below, for example. Table 7 shows an example of response data transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the remote operation device 300 when the operation target device 200 receives a command whose response flag indicates that a response is required. Show. That is, in the example of Table 7, when the operation target device 200 can execute the received command, data “RES_ACCEPT” is transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the remote operation device 300, and the received command is When the operation target device 200 cannot be executed, data “RES_DENY” is transmitted from the operation target device 200 to the remote operation device 300.

  On the other hand, the data transmission request is a command for requesting the transmission source of the request to transmit some data. The request is a data structure including a request name and a data name. For example, the data transmission request can be data as shown in Table 8 below. Table 8 shows an example of the data transmission request.

  According to the data transmission request shown in Table 8, it can be seen from the request name “REQ_DATA” that it is a data transmission request, and the data name “NOW_PROGRAM” indicates that the current program information is requested. Further, the transmission source of the data transmission request can be specified from the transmission source address. Note that the program information is information such as a program name of a TV program and performers. In addition to the current program information, commands such as the user-specified time and channel program information, and the TV program guide transmission request are classified as data transmission requests.

  The operation target device 200 that has received the data transmission request as shown in Table 8 returns data as shown in Table 9 below, for example. Table 9 shows an example of current program information transmitted by the operation target device 200. Thus, since the program information is transmitted to the remote operation device 300, the user of the remote operation device 300 can display the program information on the display unit 307 for browsing.

  The “data transmission request” is a command that does not change the audio and video output from the operation target device 200. Therefore, even if “data transmission requests” are simultaneously made from a plurality of remote operation devices, the operation target device 200 may transmit data sequentially to the transmission source of the “data transmission request”, thereby avoiding processing conflicts. Can do. Therefore, in the operation target device 200, the “data transmission request” is not the target of the remote control restriction process.

[Data transmission / reception processing (processing on the remote control device 300 side)]
Next, the flow of data transmission / reception processing executed in S9 and S27 of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data transmission / reception processing. Here, the flow of data transmission / reception processing executed in the remote operation device 300 in S9 of FIG. 7 will be described first, and then the flow of data transmission / reception processing executed in the operation target device 200 in S27 of FIG. explain.

  When the Bluetooth communication connection is established between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200, the operation side communication control unit 14 waits for a command operation or a request operation (S71). When there is a command or request operation (YES in S71), the operation side communication control unit 14 instructs the operation side second communication unit 302 to operate the command or request corresponding to the command operation or request operation. It is made to transmit to the object apparatus 200 (S72).

  Here, the operation side communication control unit 14 confirms whether or not the Bluetooth communication between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 has been disconnected, or whether or not the remote operation device 300 has been terminated ( S73). If it is confirmed that the Bluetooth communication is disconnected or the remote operation device 300 has been terminated (YES in S73), the operation side communication control unit 14 terminates the data transmission / reception process. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds from S9 to S10. When communication is disconnected, the process returns to S2, and when the termination operation is performed, the remote control application is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the Bluetooth communication connection has not been disconnected and the remote operation device 300 has not been terminated (NO in S73), has the operation side communication control unit 14 transmitted the command in S72 described above? It is confirmed whether or not (S74). If the command is not transmitted in S72 (NO in S74), the operation-side communication control unit 14 checks whether or not the request is transmitted in S72 (S75).

  If it is not confirmed that the request has been transmitted in S72 (NO in S75), the operation side communication control unit 14 returns to S71 and waits for a command or request operation. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the request has been transmitted in S72 (YES in S75), the operation side communication control unit 14 receives the data requested in S72 (S76).

  At this time, when the received data is data such as program information that needs to be presented to the user, the operation-side communication control unit 14 may display the received data on the display unit 307. Thereby, the user can confirm the requested data immediately. Moreover, you may make it make a user select whether to display the received data. When the process of S76 ends, the operation side communication control unit 14 returns to S71 and waits for a command or request operation.

  Here, when it is confirmed that the command is transmitted in S74, the operation-side communication control unit 14 confirms whether or not the transmitted command has a response (S77). Here, as shown in Table 6, since it is assumed that the response flag of a command with a response is set to 1, the operation side communication control unit 14 adds a response when the response flag is 1. It is determined that the command has been transmitted. If the response flag is 0, it is determined that the command has been transmitted without a response.

  If the command is transmitted with a response (YES in S77), a response is returned from the operation target device 200 that has received the command, and the operation side communication control unit 14 receives this response (S78). .

  If the received response indicates that the command has been successfully executed, the operation side communication control unit 14 does not need to notify the user to that effect. However, when the received response indicates that the command execution has failed, it is preferable that the operation-side communication control unit 14 notifies the user by displaying the fact on the display unit 307 or the like. Thereby, the user can recognize that the command execution has failed, and can take measures such as performing an input operation again as necessary.

  On the other hand, when the command is not transmitted with a reply (NO in S77), the operation side communication control unit 14 returns to S71 and waits for a command or request operation.

[Data Transmission / Reception Processing (Processing on Operation Target Device 200)]
Next, the flow of the data transmission / reception process executed by the operation target device 200 in S27 of FIG. 7 will be described based on FIG. When the Bluetooth communication connection is established between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200, the operated communication control unit 3 waits for a signal transmitted by the remote operation device 300. Then, the operated-side communication control unit 3 confirms whether or not the Bluetooth communication connection is disconnected and whether or not the signal received from the remote operation device 300 is an end command (S81).

  If the Bluetooth communication connection has been disconnected or if an end command has been received (YES in S81), the operated-side communication control unit 3 ends the data transmission / reception process. In this case, the process returns from S27 to S21 in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when the Bluetooth communication is not disconnected and the end command is not received (NO in S81), the operated-side communication control unit 3 checks whether the received signal is a command. (S82).

  Then, if it is not confirmed that the command has been received (NO in S82), the operated-side communication control unit 3 checks whether or not a request has been received (S83). If it is confirmed that the request has been received (YES in S83), the operated-side communication control unit 3 performs an operation corresponding to the received request (S84), and instructs the operated-side second communication unit 209. Then, the requested data is transmitted to the remote operation device 300 (85). Then, the operated-side communication control unit 3 that has issued the data transmission instruction returns to the process of S81 again and waits for reception of a signal from the remote operation device 300.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the command is received in S82 (YES in S82), the operated-side communication control unit 3 checks whether or not the received command can be executed (S86). Specifically, the operated-side communication control unit 3 identifies the command source terminal based on the command source address added to the received command.

  Then, the operated-side communication control unit 3 informs the operated-side connection destination management unit 2 whether the priority of the command source terminal is the highest among the devices currently connected to the operation target device 200 and Bluetooth. Confirm. Then, it is determined that the command can be executed when the priority is highest, and it is determined that the command cannot be executed when a terminal with a higher priority is connected.

  If it can be executed (YES in S86), the operated-side communication control unit 3 executes an operation corresponding to the received command (S87). Here, when it is determined that the command received in S86 cannot be executed, and after the command is executed in S87, the operated-side communication control unit 3 determines whether the received command needs to be answered. (S88).

  If a response is required (YES in S88), the operated-side communication control unit 3 instructs the operated-side second communication unit 209 to transmit a response to the remote operation device 300 (S89). Then, the operated-side communication control unit 3 that has issued the reply transmission instruction returns to the process of S81 and waits for reception of a signal from the remote operation device 300. In addition, even when a reply is unnecessary (NO in S88), the operated-side communication control unit 3 returns to the process of S81 and waits for reception of a signal from the remote operation device 300.

  In the remote operation system 100, data is transmitted and received as described above. Since data transmission / reception is performed by Bluetooth communication, large-capacity data can be transmitted / received at a higher speed than infrared communication. In addition, since Bluetooth communication is omnidirectional, the remote operation device 300 is moved during transmission / reception of data, or a shield is inserted between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200. Can maintain the communication connection state.

  Note that the above example shows an example of data transmission / reception processing, and data transmission / reception after pairing or reconnection processing may be performed in any manner. Further, any data may be transmitted / received after the end of pairing or after the end of the reconnection process, and is not limited to the examples shown in Tables 4 to 9.

[Embodiment 2]
As shown in the above embodiment, according to the pairing method of the present invention, pairing is executed without any special operation by the user. In this way, by using a method that allows easy pairing, pairing can be performed each time a Bluetooth communication connection is made.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which pairing is performed each time a Bluetooth communication connection is made will be described with reference to FIG. By performing the pairing every time the connection is made, it is possible to cope with the case where the PIN code is changed, and the security of the remote operation system 100 can be improved. In addition, about the structure and process same as the said embodiment, the same reference number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the remote operation system 100 that performs pairing every time. When the remote control application is activated by the remote operation device 300, the pairing start unit 11 waits for a connection start operation (S1). And when the pairing start part 11 confirms that there was connection start operation (it is YES at S1), it instruct | indicates the operation side pairing execution part 12, and makes it transfer to apparatus information request | requirement acceptance mode (S3). Moreover, the pairing start part 11 instruct | indicates the operation side 1st communication part 301, and transmits a pairing start signal (S4).

  Subsequently, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 performs a pairing process with the operation target apparatus 200 that has received the pairing start signal (S5), and registers each other's addresses in order to perform Bluetooth communication.

  If the pairing process of S5 is successful (YES in S6), the operation side communication control unit 14 shifts to the connection request acceptance mode (S31) and waits for a connection request from the paired device (S33). ). If the pairing process in S5 has failed (NO in S6), the process returns to S1.

  If the reception of the connection request is confirmed and it is confirmed that the connection request transmission source is a paired device (YES in S33), the operation side communication control unit 14 performs the operation side second communication. The unit 302 is instructed to send connection permission to the operation target device 200 (S34). When the connection permission is received by the operation target device 200, the Bluetooth communication connection is established between the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200.

  When the Bluetooth communication connection is established, a data transmission / reception process is performed (S9). When the data transmission / reception process is terminated due to communication disconnection (NO in S10), the process returns to S1 and the data transmission / reception process is terminated. If the process is terminated (YES in S10), the remote control application is terminated.

  On the other hand, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 of the operation target device 200 waits for reception of a pairing start signal (S21), and when confirming reception of the pairing start signal (YES in S21), performs pairing processing. Execute (S22).

  If the pairing fails (NO in S23), the process returns to S21. If the pairing is successful (YES in S23), the operated-side communication control unit 3 performs the operation-side second communication unit 302. To instruct the remote control device 300 to transmit a connection request. Then, the operated-side communication control unit 3 that has transmitted the connection request waits for reception of a connection permission (S43).

  After the connection request is transmitted, if reception of connection permission cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time (NO in S43), the process returns to S21. On the other hand, after receiving the connection request, if reception of connection permission can be confirmed within a predetermined time (YES in S43), the operated-side communication control unit 3 performs remote control restriction setting (S26), Subsequently, data transmission / reception processing is performed (S27).

  As described above, in the remote operation system 100 of the present embodiment, pairing is performed every time the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 are connected by Bluetooth communication. Even in this method in which pairing is performed every time, a Bluetooth communication connection is established only by a user performing a connection start operation. Therefore, the user of the remote operation device 300 can operate the operation target device 200 with the same feeling as a conventional general infrared remote controller without being aware of pairing at all.

  Further, as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, PIN code authentication is performed in the pairing process. Therefore, in the remote operation system 100 of this embodiment, when the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 are connected by Bluetooth communication, PIN code authentication is performed every time. Therefore, a case where the PIN code is changed can be dealt with, and the security of the system can be improved.

  Further, in the remote operation system 100 according to the present embodiment, since pairing is performed every time the Bluetooth communication is connected, the reconnection process performed in S11 of FIG. 7 is unnecessary. Therefore, the remote operation system 100 according to the present embodiment does not include a step of transmitting a connection start signal, and therefore, a step of transmitting and storing a remote control ID is not necessary.

  In the above description, the operation target device 200 transmits a device information request to the remote operation device 300 together with its own communication address, and the remote operation device 300 that has received the device information request operates the device information (communication address) of its own device. Although the example of transmitting to the target device 200 has been described, the remote operation device 300 may transmit a device information request to the operation target device 200 together with its own communication address.

  In this case, the remote operation device 300 does not perform the process of S3 in FIG. 11, and the operation target device 200 that has received the pairing start signal shifts to the device information request acceptance mode. Then, the remote operation device 300 acquires the device information of the operation target device 200 by transmitting a device information request together with the communication address of the own device to the operation target device 200 that has shifted to the device information request acceptance mode. Even with such a configuration, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 can be paired.

[Embodiment 3]
According to the configuration of the above embodiment, when performing the pairing process, the operation target device 200 transmits a PIN code request to the remote operation device 300, and the remote operation device 300 responds to the PIN code request with the PIN code. Send. In the operation target device 200, the PIN code is verified to prevent pairing with a device not intended by the user.

  In the present embodiment, the operation target device 200 displays a passkey on the display unit 204 when a pairing start signal is received. Then, authentication is performed when the user of the remote operation device 300 inputs the displayed passkey.

  Therefore, the operation target device 200 can perform pairing only with a user who can see the display unit 204. In addition, since the operation target device 200 changes or invalidates the passkey displayed on the display unit 204 at a predetermined timing, pairing with the operation target device 200 may be performed by a third party who has acquired the passkey. Can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, an example in which authentication is performed using a passkey displayed by the operation target device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the configurations of the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 in this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  However, the operated pairing execution unit 1 of the operation target device 200 has a function as a password output means for generating and outputting a pass key, a pass key received from the remote operation device 300, and a pass key generated and output. It differs in that it has a function as password verification means for determining whether or not they match.

  Further, there is a difference in that the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 of the remote operation device 300 has a function of receiving a user's passkey input and transmitting the input passkey to the operation target device 200.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the operation target device 200 and the remote operation device 300 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 13 is displayed on the display unit 307 of the remote operation device 300 during the processing of FIG. FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 during the process of FIG.

[Processing flow (remote control device 300 side)]
First, the pairing start part 11 confirms the presence or absence of connection start operation (S161). As described above, the connection start operation is an input operation for starting the remote operation of the operation target device 200. Here, when it is confirmed that a connection start operation has been performed (YES in S161), the pairing start unit 11 waits for an input operation to turn on the operation target device 200 (S162). ).

  When performing the process of S162, the pairing start unit 11 causes the display unit 307 to display an image as shown in FIG. “Device registration (1/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen shown in FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the process of the 1st process is performed among the processes of 8 processes. Device registration refers to pairing.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a message is displayed on the upper center side of the screen to notify the user of the start of device registration and to prompt the user to confirm that the operation target device 200 that is the device registration partner is turned on. Has been. This is because pairing cannot be performed when the operation target device 200 is not powered on.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a selection item for turning on the power of the television (operation target device 200) and a selection item for proceeding to the next step of device registration are displayed on the lower center side of the screen. ing.

  When the pairing start unit 11 detects an input operation for selecting a selection item for turning on the power (YES in S162), the pairing start unit 11 generates a command for turning on the operation target device 200. Then, it is transmitted via the operation side first communication unit 301 (S164). And the pairing start part 11 will progress to the process of S164, after finishing the process of S163.

  On the other hand, when the pairing start unit 11 detects an input operation for selecting a selection item for proceeding to the next step, the input operation for turning on the power of the operation target device 200 is not performed (NO in S162). The process of S163 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S164.

  Also, as shown in the figure, a selection item “return” is displayed at the bottom of the screen. When the pairing start unit 11 detects an input operation for selecting the “return” selection item, the pairing start unit 11 returns to the process of S161 and waits for a connection start operation. This process is not shown in FIG. 12 for simplicity.

  In S164, the pairing start part 11 transmits a pairing start signal via the operation side 1st communication part 301, when a user's predetermined | prescribed input operation is detected. For example, the pairing start unit 11 may prompt the user to perform an input operation by displaying an image as illustrated in FIG. 13B on the display unit 307.

  “Device registration (2/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the process of the 2nd process is performed among the processes of 8 processes.

  In addition, as shown in the figure, in order to notify the user that the pass key (corresponding to the PIN code in the above embodiment) is displayed on the television (operation target apparatus 200) on the upper center side of the screen, A message prompting the user to point the remote operation device 300 toward the operation target device 200 and press the “pass key display” button is displayed.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a selection item “pass key display”, that is, a “pass key display” button, and a selection item for proceeding to the next step of device registration are displayed at the lower center of the screen. . In addition, a selection item “return” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  When the pairing start unit 11 detects an input operation for selecting the “pass key display” button, the pairing start unit 11 transmits a pairing start signal and proceeds to the process of S165. On the other hand, when the input operation for selecting the selection item for proceeding to the next step is detected, the pairing start unit 11 proceeds to the process of S165 without transmitting the pairing start signal.

  Also, as shown in the figure, a selection item “return” is displayed at the bottom of the screen. When the pairing start unit 11 detects an input operation for selecting the “return” selection item, the pairing start unit 11 returns to the process of S162 to display the image of FIG. 13A and turns on the operation target device 200. Wait for input operation. This process is not shown in FIG. 12 for simplicity.

  Subsequently, the pairing start unit 11 transmits a device search execution instruction to the operation-side pairing execution unit 12. The device search is a process of searching for a device capable of Bluetooth communication with the operation-side second communication unit 302. By the device search, the Bluetooth communication address of the device capable of performing Bluetooth communication with the operation-side second communication unit 302 and the model name (device name) of the device are acquired.

  In other words, in the first and second embodiments, the remote operation device 300 acquires the address of the operation target device 200 in response to a device information request including the address of the operation target device 200 (see S51 and S61 in FIG. 9 and Table 5). It was. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the remote operation device 300 transmits a device information request including the address (device information) of the own device (remote operation device 300) in device search. Then, the address of the operation target device 200 transmitted by the operation target device 200 as a response to the device information request is acquired.

  Of course, also in the present embodiment, the communication address of the operation target device 200 may be acquired using only the device information request without performing the device search, as in the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the communication address of the operation target device 200 may be acquired by device search or the like.

  Here, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 that has received the device search execution instruction from the pairing start unit 11 may perform the device search immediately after receiving the instruction, as shown in FIG. A simple screen may be displayed to inquire the user whether the device search is possible.

  “Device registration (3/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. As a result, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the third process is being performed among the eight processes.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a message is displayed on the upper center of the screen to let the user confirm that the pass key is displayed on the television (operation target device 200) and to inform the user that a device search will be performed from now on. ing. Further, as shown in the figure, a selection item “start” is displayed at the lower center of the screen, and a selection item “return” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  When a screen as shown in the figure is displayed and a user's input operation is accepted, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 performs a device search when detecting an input operation for selecting the “start” selection item ( S165). Note that when the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 detects an input operation for selecting the “return” selection item, the process returns to S164, and the screen in FIG. 13B is displayed again. This process is not shown in FIG. 12 for simplicity.

  Since the device search requires a certain amount of time, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 displays a screen as shown in, for example, FIG. Is preferably interrupted.

  “Device registration (4/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the process of the 4th process is performed among the processes of 8 processes.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a message that informs the user that the registered device (operation target device 200) is being searched is displayed on the upper center side of the screen. Further, as shown in the figure, a selection item “cancel” is displayed at the lower center of the screen, and a selection item “return” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  When displaying the screen as shown and accepting the user's input operation, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 interrupts the device search when detecting the input operation for selecting the “cancel” selection item. The process proceeds to S166. When the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 detects an input operation for selecting the “return” selection item, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 returns to the process of S165 and displays the screen of FIG. Encourage execution. This process is not shown in FIG. 12 for simplicity.

  When the device search is completed or interrupted, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 causes the user to select a partner device to be paired from the devices detected by the device search (S166). When selecting a device, for example, a screen as shown in FIG.

  “Device registration (5/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the process of the 5th process is performed among the processes of 8 processes.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a list of registered device candidates is displayed on the upper center side of the screen. Further, as shown in the figure, a selection item “re-search” is displayed at the lower center of the screen, and a selection item “return” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  When a screen as shown in the figure is displayed and a user input operation is accepted, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 detects that an input operation for selecting one of the listed devices is detected. It is determined that the device has been selected as a ring partner device (YES in S166), and the process proceeds to S167.

  On the other hand, when an input operation for selecting the selection item “return” is detected, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 determines that no device has been selected (NO in S166), and returns to the process of S165. Thereby, the screen of FIG. 13C is displayed again. Further, when detecting an input operation for selecting the selection item “re-search”, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 executes device search again (S165). Thereby, the screen of FIG. 13D is displayed again. This process is not shown in FIG. 12 for simplicity.

  When a partner device for pairing is selected, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 causes the user to input a passkey (S167). When inputting the passkey, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 13F may be displayed.

  “Device registration (6/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen in FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the process of the 6th process is performed among the processes of 8 processes.

  Further, as shown in the drawing, a message is displayed on the upper center side of the screen indicating that it is necessary to input a pass key for device registration and prompting the user to input the pass key. Further, as shown in the drawing, a text box for inputting a pass key is displayed at the lower center of the screen, and a selection item “submenu” is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  When the screen shown in the figure is displayed and the user's passkey is accepted, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 detects a passkey input operation and an input passkey determination operation for the displayed text box. , It is determined that a passkey has been input (YES in S167), and the process proceeds to S168.

  If it is detected that the “submenu” selection item has been selected, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 displays a submenu for passkey input. In the submenu, for example, selection items for switching the character type (kana input, alphabet input, number input, etc.) when inputting the pass key are displayed. This process is not shown in FIG. 12 for simplicity.

  In S168, the operation side pairing execution unit 12 transmits the input passkey to the device selected in S166 via the operation side second communication unit 302. That is, the pass key is transmitted by Bluetooth communication. This is because, as described above, the communication address of the device that is the pairing partner is acquired by the device search.

  After the pass key is transmitted, pairing processing is performed and device registration is performed without any user operation. That is, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 shifts to the device information request acceptance mode (S169), and performs pairing processing with the passkey transmission destination device (in this case, the operation target device 200).

  In the pairing process, since the operation target device 200 transmits a service information request (S55), the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 confirms whether the service information request has been received (S65). When the reception of the service information request cannot be confirmed (NO in S65), the operation side pairing executing unit 12 ends the process without performing the pairing. In this case, the process proceeds to S6 of FIG. 7, and it is determined that the pairing has failed in S6, and the process returns to S2.

  On the other hand, when the reception of the service information request is confirmed (YES in S65), the operation side pairing execution unit 12 instructs the operation side second communication unit 302 to transmit the service information to the operation target device 200. (S66). Subsequently, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 stores the device information (address) of the operation target device 200 received when the device search is performed in the connection destination storage unit 15 and ends the pairing process. Note that the service information and the service information request may be data shown in Table 5, for example.

  After the pairing process is completed, the process proceeds to S6 in FIG. The pairing process performed by the remote operation device 300 may be any method as long as the address of the operation target device 200 is acquired and registered, and the address of the remote operation device 300 is transmitted to the operation target device 200 for registration. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

  In S6 of FIG. 7, the success or failure of the pairing is confirmed, but the operation side pairing execution unit 12 may display a screen as shown in FIG. “Device registration (7/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the process of the 7th process is performed among the processes of 8 processes. Further, as shown in the figure, a message indicating that device registration has been performed is displayed in the center of the screen.

  Further, after a while after the display in FIG. 13G, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 13H for example to inform the user that the device registration is completed, You may make it input the name used when managing the apparatus registered in the remote control apparatus 300. FIG.

  “Device registration (8/8)” is displayed at the top of the screen in FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the screen for device registration is displayed and that the process of the 8th process is performed among the processes of 8 processes.

  Further, as shown in the figure, a message prompting the name change of the registered device and a text box for inputting the name are displayed on the upper center side of the screen. In this text box, the model name of the device selected in S166 is displayed. Further, as shown in the drawing, a message informing the user that the device registration is completed and a selection item “Complete” are displayed at the lower center of the screen, and “Return” is displayed at the bottom of the screen. "" Is displayed.

  When displaying the screen as shown and accepting the user's input operation, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 displays the character string displayed in the text box to the user when detecting the input operation to the text box. Let's edit. Thereby, the user can input a desired character string in the text box.

  The operation-side pairing execution unit 12 stores the character string displayed in the text box as the name of the registered device when detecting the input operation for selecting the selection item “complete”. End device registration (pairing). Thereby, the user can manage a registered device with a desired name.

  On the other hand, when the input of the pass key is not confirmed in S167, the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 displays a screen for inputting the pass key (for example, FIG. 13F), and whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. (171).

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S171), the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 returns to the process in S167 and waits for a passkey input. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S171), the operation-side pairing execution unit 12 returns to the process of S165 and executes the device search again.

  If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S171), the operation side pairing execution unit 12 determines that the pairing has failed, and proceeds to S164 to display the screen of FIG. 13B. Also good.

  In the above description, as in the example of FIGS. 7 and 9, the operation target device 200 transmits a device information request to the remote operation device 300, and the remote operation device 300 that has received the device information request receives the device information (communication address) of its own device. ) Is transmitted to the operation target device 200.

  However, since the remote operation device 300 can acquire the communication address of the operation target device 200 by device search, the remote operation device 300 may transmit a device information request to the operation target device 200. In this case, the process of S169 for setting the device information request acceptance mode can be omitted.

[Processing flow (operation target device 200 side)]
Next, an example of processing executed by the operation target device 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. When the operation target device 200 is turned off, the process starts from S181 in FIG. 12, and when the operation target device 200 is turned on, the process starts from S182 in FIG.

  When receiving the command to turn on the power from the remote operation device 300, the operation target device 200 turns on the power (S181), and receives and outputs the broadcast (S182). Note that the operation target device 200 only needs to be turned on when performing the processing from S183 onward, and the process of turning on the operation target device 200 is not particularly limited.

  When the operation target device 200 is turned on, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 waits for reception of a pairing start signal (S183). Here, when reception of the pairing start signal cannot be confirmed (NO in S183), the process returns to S182. That is, in this case, the broadcast is continuously output.

  On the other hand, when the reception of the pairing start signal is confirmed (YES in S183), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 generates a passkey and displays it on the display unit 204 (S184). It is preferable that the passkey is difficult to be known by a third party and easy for the user to input. For example, a randomly selected four-digit number can be used as a passkey.

  For example, the screen for displaying the pass key may be as shown in FIG. “Device registration” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. In the center of the screen, a message indicating that device registration is to be performed, a message indicating that an operation with a mobile phone (remote control device 300) is required, and a pass key are displayed. A message is displayed at the bottom of the screen indicating that the device registration is completed by selecting the “Menu” selection item.

  Thereby, the user can recognize the pass key necessary for device registration from now on, device registration by operation with a mobile phone, and device registration. It can also be recognized that the device registration can be completed by selecting a “menu” selection item provided on the main body of the operation target device 200 or the dedicated remote controller.

  If the reception of the pairing start signal is confirmed (YES in S183), the operated pairing execution unit 1 shifts to the device information request acceptance mode (S185). Then, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 waits for reception of device information (address of the remote operation device 300) and device information request transmitted when the remote operation device 300 performs device search (S186).

  Here, when the reception of the device information and the device information request cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time (for example, within 30 seconds) (NO in S186), the operated pairing executing unit 1 sets the device information request acceptance mode. To release. Then, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 ends the pairing process, and the process returns to S182.

  In this way, by limiting the period during which pairing is possible within a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent pairing between the operation target device 200 and an electronic device not intended by the user.

  On the other hand, when the reception of the device information and the device information request is confirmed (YES in S186), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 instructs the operated-side second communication unit 209 to operate the device of the operation target device 200. Information (address) is transmitted to the remote control device 300 (S187).

  Further, when the user of the remote operation device 300 viewing the pass key displayed in S184 inputs the pass key to the remote operation device 300, the pass key is transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the operation target device 200. Therefore, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 first checks whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after displaying the passkey (S188).

  If it is confirmed that the predetermined time has passed (YES in S188), the process returns to S182, and the received broadcast video is displayed and output on the display unit 204 again. In other words, in this case, the passkey generated and displayed in S184 is invalid, and the passkey is not generated until reception of a new pairing start signal is confirmed.

  As described above, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the reason for terminating the display of the passkey is that the user does not receive the passkey after displaying the passkey, and the user is not willing to register the device. Also, continuing to display the passkey leads to giving a third party an opportunity to learn the passkey. The predetermined time may be appropriately set as necessary, and is not particularly limited. For example, it is appropriate to set the predetermined time to about 5 minutes.

  On the other hand, in S188, when the passkey is received before the passage of the predetermined time is confirmed (NO in S188), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 sets the received passkey and the displayed passkey. Collation is performed and it is confirmed whether or not both match (S189).

  Here, when the received passkey matches the displayed passkey, that is, when the verification of the passkey is successful (YES in S189), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 performs a pairing process.

  That is, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 first instructs the operated-side second communication unit 209 to transmit a service information request to the remote operation device 300 (S55), and waits for reception of service information. (S56). Note that the service information and the service information request may be data shown in Table 5, for example.

  When reception of service information cannot be confirmed within a predetermined time, or when the received service information is not appropriate (NO in S56), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 performs processing without performing pairing. finish. As described above, the suitability of service information is determined by whether or not the operation target device 200 corresponds to the service information.

  When the received service information is appropriate (YES in S56), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 confirms the device information of the remote operation device 300 confirmed to be received in S186 and the reception in S56. The service information is stored and the pairing process is terminated (S57).

  Then, after the pairing process ends, the process proceeds to S23 in FIG. When it is determined that the pairing is successful in S23 of FIG. 7, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 14B, for example, and confirms that the device registration (pairing) is successful. You may make it notify a user.

  “Device registration” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. In the center of the screen, the fact that the device registration has been completed and the model name of the counterpart device that has performed the device registration are displayed. A message is displayed at the bottom of the screen indicating that the device registration is completed by selecting the “Menu” selection item.

  As a result, the user can confirm that the device registration has been completed, and can also confirm whether or not device registration with the remote operation device 300 operated by the user has been performed. It can also be recognized that the device registration can be completed by selecting a “menu” selection item provided on the main body of the operation target device 200 or the dedicated remote controller.

  The pairing process performed by the operation target device 200 may be any method as long as it acquires and registers the address of the remote operation device 300 and transmits the address of the operation target device 200 to the remote operation device 300 for registration. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

  On the other hand, if the received passkey does not match the displayed passkey, that is, if the verification of the passkey fails (NO in S189), the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 returns to the process of S184 and returns to the passkey. Is displayed again. When the passkey is displayed again, the operated pairing execution unit 1 preferably generates the passkey again.

  In this way, a third party who does not look at the display unit 204 of the operation target device 200 knows the passkey by generating a passkey when the passkey verification fails and changing the passkey to be input by the user. Thus, the risk of operating the operation target device 200 can be greatly reduced.

  When the verification of the passkey fails, the operated pairing execution unit 1 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 14C, for example, notifies the user of the verification failure of the passkey and presents a new passkey. You may make it do.

  “Device registration” is displayed at the top of the screen of FIG. In the center of the screen, a message indicating that the device registration has failed, a message indicating that the device registration operation needs to be performed again, and a newly generated passkey are displayed. A message is displayed at the bottom of the screen indicating that the device registration is completed by selecting the “Menu” selection item.

  Accordingly, the user can recognize that the device registration has failed, and can recognize that the device registration needs to be performed again for the device registration. Then, it is possible to confirm a pass key necessary for device registration again. In addition, it is possible to recognize that the device registration can be ended by selecting a “menu” selection item provided on the main body of the operation target device 200 or the dedicated remote controller.

  Note that the processing when the passkey verification fails is not limited to the above example. For example, if the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 fails in the verification of the passkey (NO in S186), the displayed passkey (see FIG. 14A) is invalidated, and the process proceeds to S183. It may be in a state of waiting for reception of the start signal.

  In other words, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 also displays the pass key and does not confirm the receipt of the pass key within a predetermined time after the pass key is displayed (NO in S186) (YES in S188). In the same manner as in (), the passkey generation and display processing (S184) may not be performed until a new pairing start signal is received.

  As a result, the operated-side pairing execution unit 1 does not generate a passkey and does not perform pairing until a new pairing start signal is received after the verification of the passkey fails. become. Therefore, it is possible to improve the security of the operation target device 200 by reducing the risk that the passkey is decoded.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200, in particular, the remote operation device control unit 306 and the operation target device control unit 203 may be configured by hardware logic or using a CPU as follows. It may be realized by software.

  That is, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 include a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a read only memory (ROM) that stores the program, and a RAM that expands the program. (Random access memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is to enable the computer to read program codes (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of control programs for the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200, which are software for realizing the functions described above. This can also be achieved by supplying the recorded recording medium to the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU). .

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the remote operation device 300 and the operation target device 200 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  According to the present invention, since the pairing process can be easily performed, the present invention can be applied to various devices that require the pairing process for establishing communication. In particular, the present invention can be suitably applied to electronic devices such as televisions, recording devices, personal computers, and remote control devices that operate the electronic devices.

1 Operated side pairing execution unit (operated side pairing execution means, password output means, password verification means)
2 Operation side connection destination management unit 3 Operation side communication control unit 4 Connection destination management table 11 Pairing start unit (pairing start means)
12 Operation side pairing execution part (operation side pairing execution means)
13 Operation-side connection destination management unit 14 Operation-side communication control unit 15 Connection-destination storage unit 16 Identification information storage unit 100 Remote operation system 200 Operation target device 203 Operation target device control unit 208 Operated side first communication unit 209 2 communication unit 300 remote operation device 301 operation side first communication unit 302 operation side second communication unit 306 remote operation device control unit

Claims (11)

A remote control device that performs remote control by transmitting a signal to a paired operation target device,
An operation side first communication unit capable of transmitting a signal to the operation target device;
An operation-side second communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the operation target device;
Pairing start means for transmitting a pairing start signal for instructing the operation target device to start pairing via the first communication unit on the operation side;
Operation side pairing execution means for performing pairing via the operation side second communication unit ,
The operation side pairing execution means sends an operation side device information request signal for requesting the operation target device to transmit a communication address of the operation target device and a communication address of the own device, and the operation side second communication unit. A remote control device for transmitting via a remote control.   The operation-side pairing execution means sends an operation-side device information request signal for requesting transmission of the communication address of the own device to the operation target device and the communication address of the operation target device. The remote operation device according to claim 1, wherein when receiving the communication device, the communication address of the device itself is transmitted to the operation target device via the operation-side second communication unit.   The operation-side pairing executing means receives at least the operation-side device information request signal and the communication address of the operation target device within a predetermined period after the pairing start means transmits the pairing start signal. 3. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the communication address of the own device is transmitted and the communication address of the own device is not transmitted after the predetermined period has elapsed. A remote control device that performs remote control by transmitting a signal to a paired operation target device,
An operation side first communication unit capable of transmitting a signal to the operation target device;
An operation-side second communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the operation target device;
Pairing start means for transmitting a pairing start signal for instructing the operation target device to start pairing via the first communication unit on the operation side;
Operation side pairing execution means for performing pairing via the operation side second communication unit,
The pairing start unit is configured to transmit the pairing start signal via the operation side first communication unit when an input operation for remotely operating the operation target device is performed.
After the operation-side pairing execution means performs pairing, a signal for remotely operating the operation target device is transmitted to the operation target device via the operation second communication unit in response to the input operation. A remote operation device comprising operation side communication control means for performing the operation. An operation target device whose operation is controlled by receiving a signal from a paired remote operation device,
An operated first communication unit capable of receiving a signal transmitted by the remote control device;
An operated second communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the remote control device;
When the pairing start signal instructing the start of pairing is received via the operated-side first communication unit, the operated device performs pairing with the remote control device via the operated-side second communication unit Side pairing execution means ,
The operated-side pairing execution means sends an operated-side device information request signal for requesting transmission of its own communication address and the communication address of the remote-operated device from the remote-operated device to the operated-side second An operation target device that receives the information via a communication unit. The operated-side pairing execution means, when receiving the pairing start signal, sends an operation-side device information request signal for requesting the remote-control device to transmit a communication address and the communication address of the own device. The operation target device according to claim 5 , wherein the operation target device transmits the information to the remote operation device via the operated second communication unit. When the operated-side pairing execution means receives the operated-side device information request signal requesting to transmit the communication address of the own device to the remote-controlled device and the communication address of the remote-controlled device, 6. The operation target device according to claim 5 , wherein a communication address of the device itself is transmitted to the remote operation device. When the operated-side pairing execution means receives the operated-side device information request signal and the communication address of the remote operation device within a predetermined period after receiving the pairing start signal, the operated-side pairing execution means 8. The operation target device according to claim 7 , wherein an address is transmitted, and the communication address of the own device is not transmitted after the predetermined period has elapsed. A method for controlling a remote operation device that remotely transmits a signal to a paired operation target device,
A pairing start step of transmitting a pairing start signal for instructing the operation target device to start pairing via the operation side first communication unit capable of transmitting a signal to the operation target device;
The operation target device and the signal via the transmission and reception can be operated-side second communication section, it viewed including the operating-side pairing executing step of performing the operation target apparatus paired,
In the operation side pairing execution step, an operation side device information request signal for requesting the operation target device to transmit a communication address of the operation target device and a communication address of the remote operation device are sent to the operation side (2) A method for controlling a remote control device, characterized in that transmission is performed via a communication unit. A method for controlling an operation target device that receives a signal from a paired remote operation device and is controlled in operation.
A pairing start signal receiving step for receiving a pairing start signal for instructing start of pairing via the operated first communication unit capable of receiving a signal transmitted by the remote control device;
The remote control device and the signal via the transmission and reception can be the operated-side second communication section, it viewed including the the operated-side pairing executing step of performing the remote operation device pairing,
In the operated-side pairing execution step, the operated-side device information request signal for requesting transmission of the communication address of the own device from the remote-operated device and the communication address of the remote-operated device are 2. A method for controlling an operation target device, comprising: receiving via a communication unit. A remote operation system including the remote operation device according to claim 1 and the operation target device according to claim 5 .

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