JP2006295390A - Control device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operativity of control equipment for controlling an electronic device. <P>SOLUTION: In the control equipment, a table storage part 21 of a controller 2 stores a plurality of commands, and a transmission part 27 transmits the command to an electronic device 3. The electronic device 3 determines whether the command transmitted from the controller 2 can be executed or not, and transmits the determination result to the controller 2. A reception part 20 of the controller 2 receives the determination result transmitted from the electronic device 3, and the table storage part 21 stores the determination result. A selection part 22 selects the command which the electronic device 3 can execute based on the determination result. An operation panel 24 displays a control screen where GUI button of the command selected by the selection part 22 is displayed, on a display 25, and makes a user recognize the command. For example, the controller which operates the electronic device connected to a network can be applied. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program, and more particularly, to a control device, a control method, and a program capable of improving the operability of the control device.

  In recent years, the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) has established guidelines for ensuring the interoperability of electronic devices (digital devices) such as personal computers and digital home appliances (home appliances). In conformity, a system is constructed in which electronic devices are connected to each other or electronic devices and controllers (control devices).

  In such a system, a controller that controls an electronic device connected to a network uses a protocol defined by DLNA to detect a predetermined electronic device as a control target and performs bidirectional communication with the predetermined electronic device. It has a function.

  In bidirectional communication using a protocol defined by DLNA, when a controller specifies a predetermined electronic device as a control target, the electronic device transmits information on its own category to the controller. The controller recognizes the category of the electronic device based on information transmitted from the predetermined electronic device. Here, the categories of electronic devices include categories classified according to the types of electronic devices such as DVD players, CD players, and televisions.

  When the controller recognizes a category of a predetermined electronic device, the controller selects a command set assumed from the category, that is, a combination of commands for controlling the predetermined electronic device, and notifies the user of these commands. . For example, the controller notifies the user of a command by turning on an input key of a command that can be executed by a predetermined electronic device among the input keys provided in the controller and turning off other input keys. . When the user selects a command, the controller transmits the command to a predetermined electronic device, and the electronic device receives and executes the command.

In addition, in a system such as a home network in which a plurality of electronic devices and a controller are connected, the controller can be executed by the electronic device so that the user can control the plurality of electronic devices with a simple operation. Some have information on commands (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-229085 A

  As described above, the controller can select a command set based on a category of a predetermined electronic device, but cannot recognize details of commands that can be executed by the predetermined electronic device. In the command set selected based on the category of the predetermined electronic device, when the user controls the predetermined electronic device, an excess or shortage of commands may occur.

  For example, the controller combines, for a given electronic device, a minimum command set that combines only commands common to electronic devices included in the category, or all commands of electronic devices included in the category. Select the maximum command set.

  However, when the minimum command set is selected, the controller notifies the user of the lack of commands for the multifunctional electronic device, and the user operates only a part of the functions of the multifunctional electronic device. I couldn't.

  For example, if the electronic device is a DVD player and a command set with only the play, stop, fast forward, and fast reverse commands common to all types of DVD players is selected as the minimum command set, Even if a DVD player can execute a command for flash (returned by playing back every predetermined interval (for example, 30 seconds) or advanced playback), the user could not operate the flash.

  In addition, when the maximum command set is selected, the controller notifies the user of commands that cannot be executed by the electronic device, and the user is notified by the controller. It was not possible to distinguish whether the command is a command that can be executed by the electronic device.

  For example, if the electronic device is a DVD player and a command set including commands such as play, stop, fast forward, fast reverse, and flash is selected as the maximum command set, the flash command may be executed. Even when the user operates a DVD player with a simple function that cannot be performed, the flash command is notified to the user, and the user cannot distinguish whether or not the DVD player can execute the flash command. It was.

  Even if a command is selected by the user and the command is transmitted from the controller to the electronic device, if the electronic device does not execute the command, the user may misunderstand that the electronic device is defective. is there.

  As described above, if the controller cannot select a command set that is sufficient or sufficient to operate a predetermined electronic device specified as a control target, that is, a command set that matches the predetermined electronic device, the user can select the command set. Operation was hindered and the operability of the controller was low.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is intended to improve the operability of a controller.

  The control device of the present invention includes a command storage unit that stores a plurality of commands, a transmission unit that transmits a command stored in the command storage unit to the electronic device, and an electronic device that is transmitted from the electronic device. Receiving means for receiving a determination result as to whether or not the command transmitted by the receiving means can be executed, a determination result storing means for storing the determination result received by the receiving means, and a determination result stored by the determination result storage means A selection means for selecting a command that can be executed by the electronic device, and a processing means for performing processing for causing the user to recognize the command selected by the selection means.

  The control method of the present invention includes a transmission control step for controlling transmission of a command stored in a command storage means for storing a plurality of commands to an electronic device, and a transmission control step for the electronic device transmitted from the electronic device. The reception control step for controlling the reception of the determination result as to whether or not the command transmitted in step can be executed, and the determination result received in the reception control step are stored in the determination result storage means for storing the determination result A storage step, a selection step for selecting a command that can be executed by the electronic device based on the determination result stored by the determination result storage means, and a processing step for performing processing for allowing the user to recognize the command selected in the selection step It is characterized by including.

  The program of the present invention includes a transmission control step for controlling transmission of a command stored in a command storage means for storing a plurality of commands to an electronic device, and an electronic device transmitted from the electronic device in the transmission control step. A reception control step for controlling reception of a determination result on whether or not the transmitted command can be executed, and a memory for storing the determination result received in the reception control step in a determination result storage means for storing the determination result A selection step for selecting a command that can be executed by the electronic device based on the determination result stored in the determination result storage means, and a processing step for performing processing for causing the user to recognize the command selected in the selection step; It is characterized by including.

  In the control device, the control method, and the program of the present invention, a plurality of commands are stored, and these commands are transmitted to the electronic device. The electronic device determines whether or not the transmitted command can be executed, and transmits the determination result. A determination result transmitted from the electronic device is received, and the determination result is stored. Furthermore, based on the determination result, a command that can be executed by the electronic device is selected, and a process for causing the user to recognize the command is performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operativity of the control apparatus which controls an electronic device can be improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, even though there are specific examples that are described in the embodiment of the invention but are not described here as corresponding to the configuration requirements, the specific examples are not included in the configuration. It does not mean that it does not correspond to a requirement. On the contrary, even if a specific example is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, this means that the specific example does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. not.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific example described in the embodiment of the invention, and the existence of an invention not described in the claims of this application, that is, in the future, a divisional application will be made. It does not deny the existence of an invention that is added by correction.

  The control device according to claim 1 (for example, the controller 2 in FIG. 3) includes command storage means for storing a plurality of commands (for example, the table storage unit 21 in FIG. 3 for storing the category correspondence table in FIG. 4), The command stored in the command storage unit is transmitted to the electronic device (for example, the transmission unit 27 in FIG. 3), and the command transmitted from the electronic device is transmitted from the electronic device to the electronic device. Receiving means (for example, the receiving unit 20 in FIG. 3) that receives the determination result of whether or not it can be performed, and determination result storage means (for example, the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5) that stores the determination result received by the receiving means. 3 and the selection means for selecting a command that can be executed by the electronic device based on the determination result stored by the determination result storage means. Eg to a selection unit 22) in FIG. 3, characterized in that it comprises a processing means for processing to recognize a selected by the selecting means command the user (e.g., the operation panel 24 in FIG. 3).

  The control method according to claim 4 includes a transmission control step (for example, step S43 in FIG. 10) for controlling transmission of a command stored in a command storage means for storing a plurality of commands to the electronic device, and the electronic device. A reception control step (for example, step S44 in FIG. 10) for controlling reception of a determination result as to whether or not the electronic device can execute the command transmitted in the transmission control step. Based on the storage step (for example, step S46 in FIG. 10) for storing the determination result received in the step in the determination result storage means for storing the determination result, and the determination result stored in the determination result storage means, In a selection step (for example, step S47 in FIG. 10) for selecting a command that can be executed, and in the selection step Processing step for performing a process to recognize the-option commands to the user (e.g., step S47 of FIG. 10), characterized in that it comprises a.

  The correspondence between the constituent elements described in the claims of the program of the present invention and the specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention is the same as that of the control method of the present invention described above, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. .

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a control system to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, the control system 1 includes a controller 2, an electronic device 3, and a network 4. The controller 2 and the electronic device 3 are connected to each other via a network 4, and send and receive commands and responses via the network 4.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the controller 2 of FIG.

  The controller 2 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10, a flash memory (for example, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)) 11, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input unit 14, An output unit 15, a communication unit 16, an interface 17, and a bus 18 are provided. The input unit 14, output unit 15, and communication unit 16 are connected to an interface 17, and the ROM 10, flash memory 11, CPU 12, RAM 13, and interface 17 are connected to each other by a bus 18.

  The ROM 10 and the flash memory 11 store programs, and the CPU 12 performs various processes by executing the programs. The flash memory 11 also stores a table (for example, a category correspondence table in FIG. 4 described later) in which a command set (combination of commands) that needs to be retained after the controller 2 is turned off is registered. . The RAM 13 appropriately stores programs executed by the CPU 12 and necessary data.

  The input unit 14 has a plurality of physical input keys or is, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display of the output unit 15, and is an interface for a user to input a command to the controller 2.

  The output unit 15 is configured by a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) button (an image representing a command) operated when a command for controlling the electronic device 3 is input. A control screen (for example, FIGS. 6 to 8 described later) is displayed.

  The communication unit 16 is a communication interface for performing communication by a wireless local area network (LAN) compliant with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802 standards, for example, and is connected to the electronic device 3 via the network 4. Perform wireless or wired communication.

  For example, when the user controls the electronic device 3, the CPU 12 reads a command set (command) corresponding to the electronic device 3 from the command set registered in the table stored in the flash memory 11, and outputs the output unit 15. The output unit 15 displays a control screen on which the GUI button is displayed based on the command set. When the user selects a command for controlling the electronic device 3 by operating, for example, a GUI button displayed on the control screen, the command is supplied from the input unit 14 to the communication unit 16 via the interface 17. Then, the data is transmitted from the communication unit 16 to the electronic device 3 via the network 4.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the controller 2 of FIG. The functional configuration of FIG. 3 is realized by a CPU (computer) 12 included in the controller 2 of FIG. 2 executing a program.

  The controller 2 includes a reception unit 20, a table storage unit 21, a selection unit 22, an update unit 23, an operation panel 24, and a transmission unit 27. The receiving unit 20 is connected to the selection unit 22, and the selection unit 22 is connected to the table storage unit 21 and the operation panel 24. In addition to the selection unit 22, the reception unit 20 is connected to an update unit 23, and the update unit 23 is connected to the table storage unit 21. The operation panel 24 is connected to the transmission unit 27. The controller 2 is connected to the network 4 by the receiving unit 20 and the transmitting unit 27.

  The reception unit 20 corresponds to the communication unit 16 in FIG. 2, receives a response transmitted from the electronic device 3 via the network 4, and supplies the response to either the selection unit 22 or the update unit 23.

  The table storage unit 21 stores a category correspondence table (FIG. 4) and a device ID correspondence table (FIG. 5) in which a plurality of commands for controlling electronic devices are registered. The category correspondence table and the device ID correspondence table will be described later with reference to the drawings.

  The selection unit 22 selects a command corresponding to the electronic device 3 from the device ID correspondence table (FIG. 5) stored in the table storage unit 21 based on the response supplied from the reception unit 20, and the operation panel 24. To supply.

  The update unit 23 updates the device ID correspondence table (FIG. 5) stored in the table storage unit 21 based on the response supplied from the reception unit 20, and selects that the device ID correspondence table has been updated. 22 is notified.

  For example, when a response indicating that the electronic device 3 could not execute the command is supplied from the reception unit 20 to the update unit 23, the update unit 23 updates the device ID correspondence table based on the response. Then, the selection unit 22 is notified that the device ID correspondence table has been updated. The selection unit 22 selects a command from which the command that could not be executed by the electronic device 3 is selected from the device ID correspondence table updated by the update unit 23 and supplies the selected command to the operation panel 24.

  The operation panel 24 includes a display 25 that displays various screens, and a key input unit 26 that includes a plurality of input keys. The operation panel 24 performs a process for causing the user to recognize a command selected by the selection unit 22 and a controller. This is used when a user inputs a command transmitted from 2 to the electronic device 3. That is, the operation panel 24 displays a control screen on the display 25 based on the command supplied from the selection unit 22. In addition, the operation panel 24 supplies the command input by the user operating the key input unit 26 to the transmission unit 27.

  Here, the display 25 corresponds to the output unit 15 of FIG. 2 and displays a control screen on which the GUI button of the command selected by the selection unit 22 is displayed. In other words, the display 25 displays the GUI button of the command selected by the selection unit 22 so that the user can recognize the command. Furthermore, when the user selects a predetermined electronic device as a control target, the display 25 displays a control target device selection screen in which names of electronic devices that can be controlled are listed.

  The display 25 also corresponds to a part of the input unit 14 in FIG. 2 and has, for example, a function of a touch panel display that detects a contact position on the surface. That is, the display 25 detects a command corresponding to the GUI button displayed at the position according to the position touched by the user, and supplies the command to the transmission unit 27.

  The key input unit 26 corresponds to the other part of the input unit 14 of FIG. 2 and includes a plurality of input keys. When the user operates the input key, the command input unit 26 supplies a command corresponding to the operation to the transmission unit 27. For example, the key input unit 26 includes input keys that are operated when a control target device selection screen is displayed on the display 25.

  Commands input by the user operating the display 25 or the key input unit 26 are supplied to the transmission unit 27 and transmitted to the electronic device 3 via the network 4.

  That is, the transmission unit 27 corresponds to the communication unit 16 of FIG. 2 and transmits a command supplied from the operation panel 24 to the electronic device 3 via the network 4.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a category correspondence table stored in the table storage unit 21 of FIG.

  In the category correspondence table of FIG. 4, a “command set” in which all the commands of the electronic devices included in the category are combined is registered in association with the “category” of the electronic device that can be controlled by the controller 2.

  Here, the categories of electronic devices include categories classified according to the type of electronic device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder, audio, television, and air conditioner. The category correspondence table in FIG. A command set in which all commands for electronic devices included in the category, that is, commands corresponding to all electronic devices included in the category are combined is registered.

  In the category correspondence table of FIG. 4, “DVD recorder”, “audio”, and “air conditioner” are registered in the category, and playback, stop, or recording is performed as a command set corresponding to the category of “DVD recorder”. A "DVD recorder command set" that combines all the commands for all types of DVD recorders is registered, and as a command set corresponding to the "Audio" category, all types of audio such as playback, stop, or recording An “audio command set” that combines all the commands for is registered, and command sets corresponding to the category of “air conditioner” are set temperature + (increase set temperature), set temperature − (set temperature Down) or timer set on All of the command for all kinds of air conditioner are combined "command set of the air conditioner" is registered.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a device ID correspondence table stored in the table storage unit 21 of FIG.

  In the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5, all the commands included in the command set corresponding to the category of the electronic device are associated with the “device ID (IDentification)” of the electronic device that the controller 2 may have controlled. The command is registered. In FIG. 5, for example, “command names” representing the respective commands are shown as commands registered in the device ID correspondence table. In addition, a 1-bit “sent flag” indicating whether or not the command has been transmitted is associated with the “command name” of the command, and 1 indicating whether or not the electronic device cannot execute the command. A bit “invalid flag” is registered.

  In the device ID correspondence table, “DVD recorder # 001122”, “audio # 334455”, and “air conditioner # 667788” are registered in the device ID, and “playback” is used as a command name corresponding to “DVD recorder # 001122”. ”,“ Stop ”, and“ Record ”are registered, and“ Play ”,“ Stop ”, and“ Record ”are registered as command names corresponding to“ Audio # 334455 ”, and“ Air Conditioner # 667788 ”is supported. "Set temperature +", "Set temperature-", and "Timer set on" are registered as command names.

  The device ID correspondence table is in a state where nothing is registered in the initial state. Then, in order to control the predetermined electronic device, the user operates the controller 2 to send a selection notification (described later with reference to step S12 in FIG. 9) to select the predetermined electronic device. When there is a response to the selection notification from the predetermined electronic device, the update unit 23 updates the device ID correspondence table based on the response.

  That is, the update unit 23 newly creates an entry for a predetermined electronic device, registers the device ID of the electronic device in the entry, and refers to the category correspondence table of FIG. Register command names of all commands included in the command set corresponding to. Furthermore, the update unit 23 registers a zero-transmitted flag indicating unsent for all command names, and registers a zero invalid flag indicating that the electronic device can execute the command.

  Thereafter, the device ID correspondence table is updated based on a response returned from the electronic device in response to a command transmitted from the controller 2. That is, the update unit 23 sets the transmitted flag of the command name entry to 0 or 1 based on a response from a predetermined electronic device, indicating that the command has been transmitted, for example, 1 To do. Furthermore, the update unit 23 indicates that the electronic device cannot execute the command out of the invalid flag 0 or 1 of the entry of the command name based on the response from the predetermined electronic device, for example, 1 Set to.

  For example, when the controller 2 transmits a certain command to the electronic device 3 for the first time, if there is a response indicating that the electronic device 3 could not execute the command, the updating unit 23 sends the command name of the command. Is set to 1 in the transmitted flag of the entry of, and 1 is set to the invalid flag of the command name entry of the command in the device ID of the electronic device 3 so that the GUI button of the command is not displayed on the control screen. set.

  Next, FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating display examples of the control screens 30 to 32 displayed on the display 25 in FIG. 3 when the electronic device selected as the control target is a DVD recorder, for example. .

  The control screen 30 in FIG. 6 is a control screen on which, for example, GUI buttons for all commands for all types of DVD recorders are displayed. For example, when the controller 2 selects a predetermined DVD recorder as a control target and the DVD recorder is selected for the first time, the control screen 30 is displayed.

  The control screen 31 in FIG. 7 displays GUI buttons of commands from which commands that cannot be executed by a predetermined DVD recorder are excluded from the control screen 30 in FIG. 6, and there is a gap between the GUI buttons (exclusions). This is the control screen (with the GUI button marked blank).

  That is, only the GUI button of the command that can be executed by the predetermined DVD recorder is displayed on the control screen 31, or the command GUI button that can be executed by the predetermined DVD recorder and the predetermined DVD recorder. GUI buttons for commands that have never been sent are displayed. For example, when a predetermined DVD recorder has been selected by the controller 2, the control screen 31 is displayed.

  The control screen 32 in FIG. 8 is a control screen in which the arrangement of the GUI buttons is changed so as to close the gap between the GUI buttons from the control screen 31 in FIG. Similar to the control screen 31, for example, when a predetermined DVD recorder has been selected by the controller 2, the control screen 32 is displayed.

  That is, the control screens 31 and 32 do not have GUI buttons for “previous”, “next”, “flash-”, “flash +”, “pause recording”, and “stop recording”. It has become a thing.

  Next, FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing for displaying a control screen on the display 25 of FIG.

  In step S11, when an input key operated when the control target device selection screen is displayed on the display 25 among the plurality of input keys provided in the key input unit 26 of the controller 2 (FIG. 3) is pressed by the user. The display 25 displays a control target device selection screen.

  That is, the key input unit 26 is an electronic device connected to the network 4 and controlled by the controller 2 when an input key operated when the control target device selection screen is displayed on the display 25 is pressed by the user. A command for inquiring the names of all electronic devices that can receive the control, that is, the names of electronic devices that can be controlled, is supplied to the transmitter 27.

  The transmission unit 27 transmits a command for inquiring the name of an electronic device that can be controlled via the network 4, and the electronic device that has received the command transmits a response including its own name to the controller 2. The controller 2 receives the response at the reception unit 20 and supplies the response to the operation panel 24 via the selection unit 22. As a result, a control target device selection screen in which names of electronic devices that can be controlled are listed is displayed on the display 25.

  When the user selects the electronic device 3 as a control target from the names of the electronic devices listed on the control target device selection screen displayed on the display 25 after the process of step S11, the display 25 is displayed in step S12. In addition to notifying selection of the electronic device 3, a selection notification command for requesting device information of the electronic device 3 is supplied to the transmission unit 27.

  When the selection notification command is supplied from the display 25 to the transmission unit 27, the process proceeds to step S <b> 13, and the transmission unit 27 transmits the selection notification command to the electronic device 3 via the network 4.

  In step S31, the electronic device 3 receives the selection notification command transmitted from the transmission unit 27 of the controller 2 in the process of step S13.

  In accordance with the selection notification command, the electronic device 3 transmits a response of device information including the device ID of the electronic device 3 and the category of the electronic device 3 to the controller 2 via the network 4 in step S32.

  In step S14, the receiving unit 20 of the controller 2 receives the response of the device information transmitted from the electronic device 3 by the process of step S32. The receiving unit 20 supplies the device information of the electronic device 3 to the selection unit 22, and proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the selection unit 22 temporarily stores the device information of the electronic device 3 supplied from the reception unit 20, and recognizes the device ID of the electronic device 3 and the category of the electronic device 3 included in the device information.

  After the process of step S15, the process proceeds to step S16, and the selection unit 22 refers to the device ID of the electronic device 3 recognized in step S15 and the device ID correspondence table of FIG. 5 stored in the table storage unit 21. Then, it is determined whether or not the controller 2 has transmitted a command to the electronic device 3, that is, whether or not there is a command transmission history of the electronic device 3.

  For example, if the device ID of the electronic device 3 is registered in the device ID correspondence table, that is, if the device ID that matches the device ID recognized in step S15 is registered, the selection unit 22 selects the electronic device 3 It is determined that there is a command transmission history. On the other hand, if the device ID of the electronic device 3 is not registered in the device ID correspondence table, the selection unit 22 determines that there is no command transmission history of the electronic device 3.

  If it is determined in step S16 that there is a command transmission history of the electronic device 3, the process proceeds to step S17, and the selection unit 22 is registered (stored) in the device ID correspondence table of FIG. Select the command corresponding to. That is, the selection unit 22 selects, as a selection command, a command corresponding to a command name corresponding to the device ID of the electronic device 3 and having the invalid flag set to 1 from the device ID correspondence table. . The selection unit 22 supplies the selection command to the operation panel 24 and proceeds to step S18.

  In step S <b> 18, the operation panel 24 displays a control screen on the display 25 based on the selection command supplied from the selection unit 22. Therefore, in this case, a control screen on which a GUI button of a command other than a command for which the invalid flag is set to 1, that is, a command known to be unable to be executed by the electronic device 3 is displayed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that there is no command transmission history of the electronic device 3, the process proceeds to step S19, and the selection unit 22 selects a command in the default command set.

  That is, the selection unit 22 notifies the update unit 23 to create a new entry for the electronic device 3 in the device ID correspondence table of FIG. 5, and the update unit 23 recognizes the device ID of the electronic device 3 recognized in step S15. And an entry for the electronic device 3 is newly created in the device ID correspondence table based on the category and the category, and the device ID of the electronic device 3 is registered in the entry. The command names of all commands included in the command set corresponding to the category of the device 3 are registered, and the transmitted flag and invalid flag are set to 0. Then, the selection unit 22 selects a command having a command name of an entry newly registered in the device ID correspondence table as a selection command, supplies the selected command to the operation panel 24, and proceeds to step S20.

  In step S <b> 20, the operation panel 24 displays a control screen on the display 25 based on the selection command supplied from the selection unit 22. Therefore, in this case, a control screen on which GUI buttons for all commands corresponding to the electronic devices included in the category of the electronic device 3 are displayed.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing for creating a command set of only commands that can be executed by the electronic device 3, that is, a command set suitable for the electronic device 3.

  In step S41, the controller 2 (FIG. 3) displays a control screen on the display 25 of the operation panel 24 by the process of step S18 or S20 of FIG. 9, and proceeds to step S42.

  When the user selects (operates) a command for controlling the electronic device 3 from the command GUI buttons displayed on the control screen, the display 25 supplies the command to the transmission unit 27, and step S43. Proceed to

  In step S <b> 43, the transmission unit 27 transmits the command supplied from the display 25 to the electronic device 3 via the network 4.

  The electronic device 3 waits for a command to be transmitted from the controller 2, and receives a command transmitted from the transmission unit 27 of the controller 2 by the process of step S43 in step S60, and proceeds to step S61. .

  In step S <b> 61, the electronic device 3 determines whether the command from the controller 2 is a command that can be executed by the electronic device 3.

  If it is determined in step S61 that the command from the controller 2 is a command that can be executed by the electronic device 3 (hereinafter referred to as a valid command as appropriate), the process proceeds to step S62, and the electronic device 3 Processing to execute the command is performed, and the process proceeds to step S63.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that the command from the controller 2 is not a command that can be executed by the electronic device 3, that is, the command from the controller 2 is a command that cannot be executed by the electronic device 3 (hereinafter referred to as appropriate). If the command is invalid, the process skips step S62 and proceeds to step S63.

  In step S63, the electronic device 3 transmits a response including the determination result in step S61 and the device ID of the electronic device 3 to the controller 2. After the process of step S63, the process returns to step S60, and the electronic device 3 waits until a command is transmitted from the controller 2.

  In step S44, the receiving unit 20 of the controller 2 receives the response transmitted from the electronic device 3 by the process of step S63, supplies the response to the update unit 23, and proceeds to step S45.

  In step S <b> 45, the update unit 23 determines whether to update the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5 stored in the table storage unit 21 based on the response supplied from the reception unit 20. That is, in the following first or second case, the update unit 23 updates the device ID entry included in the response in the device ID correspondence table.

  The first case is a case where the determination result included in the response transmitted from the electronic device 3 is an invalid command.

  In the second case, in the device ID entry included in the response of the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5, the command has not been transmitted to the transmitted flag of the command name of the command transmitted from the controller 2. As shown, when 0 is set, that is, when the command is transmitted for the first time.

  In the first or second case, the updating unit 23 determines to update the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5 in step S45, and proceeds to step S46. On the other hand, when the update unit 23 determines in step S45 that the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5 is not updated, the process returns to step S42.

  In step S46, the update unit 23 updates the device ID correspondence table of FIG. 5 stored in the table storage unit 21 based on the response.

  That is, in the first case, since the electronic device 3 cannot execute the command transmitted by the controller 2, the updating unit 23 performs the device ID included in the response of the device ID correspondence table, that is, the electronic device here. In the device ID entry of the device 3, the command name invalid flag of the command transmitted by the controller 2 is set to 1 indicating that the command cannot be executed by the electronic device, of 0 or 1. In the transmitted flag of the command transmitted by the controller 2, 1 indicating 0 or 1 indicating that the command has been transmitted is set.

  In the second case, the update unit 23 transmits a command of 0 or 1 to the transmitted flag of the command name of the command transmitted by the controller 2 in the device ID entry of the electronic device 3 in the device ID correspondence table. Set to 1 to indicate that this has happened.

  After the processing in step S46, the process proceeds to step S47, in which the updating unit 23 notifies the selection unit 22 that the device ID correspondence table has been updated, and the selection unit 22 determines from the device ID correspondence table updated in step S46. In the entry of the device ID included in the response, that is, the device ID of the electronic device 3 here, a command having a command name in which 1 is not set in the invalid flag is selected as a selection command and supplied to the operation panel 24. . Based on the selection command supplied from the selection unit 22, the operation panel 24 displays a control screen on which the GUI button representing the selection command is displayed on the display 25.

  At this time, since the command with the command name having the invalid flag set to 1 in step S46 is not supplied from the selection unit 22 to the operation panel 24, the GUI button of the command that cannot be executed by the electronic device 3 is not displayed ( The control screen changed so as to have been deleted is displayed (the control screen displayed in step S41 is updated).

  When the control screen is displayed on the display 25, the process proceeds to step S <b> 48, and the update unit 23 determines whether all commands have been transmitted to the electronic device 3. That is, the update unit 23 refers to the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5 and indicates that the command has been transmitted to the transmitted flag for all the command names in the device ID entry of the electronic device 3. It is determined whether or not is set.

  If it is determined that all commands have not been transmitted to the electronic device 3, the process returns to step S42.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all commands are transmitted to the electronic device 3, a command set suitable for the electronic device 3 is completed. That is, it is determined whether or not all commands included in the command set corresponding to the category of the electronic device 3 are valid commands in the electronic device 3 (step S61), and the device ID correspondence table of FIG. The commands for which 1 is not set in the invalid flag of the command name corresponding to the electronic device 3 are only commands that can be processed by the electronic device 3.

  When the command set suitable for the electronic device 3 is completed, the process for creating the command set suitable for the electronic device 3 ends. After that, in the controller 2, the operation panel 24 displays a control screen on the display 25 on which a GUI button only for commands that can be processed by the electronic device 3 is displayed based on a command set suitable for the electronic device 3. When the user selects a command from the command GUI buttons displayed on the control screen, the transmission unit 27 transmits the command selected by the user to the electronic device 3, and the electronic device 3 receives the command. The process to be executed is performed.

  As described above, when the controller 2 completes a command set suitable for the electronic device 3, a GUI button for a command that is sufficient for the user to control the electronic device 3 is displayed on the control screen. The operability of the controller 2 can be improved.

  Further, even if a command set suitable for the electronic device 3 is not completed, a GUI button of a command determined to be an invalid command among all commands of the electronic device included in the category of the electronic device 3 Is not displayed on the control screen, the operability of the controller 2 is improved as compared with the case where GUI buttons of all commands of the electronic devices included in the category of the electronic device 3 are displayed on the control screen.

  If there are electronic devices that belong to the same category but have different effective commands, the commands that are valid for each electronic device are registered in the device ID correspondence table in FIG. 5 and are valid for each electronic device. GUI buttons for various commands are displayed on the control screen. Thereby, even if a user operates the electronic device from which a valid command differs with the controller 2, the trouble which brings about operation of each electronic device can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the GUI button for commands that cannot be executed by the predetermined electronic device is prevented from being displayed on the control screen from all the commands of the electronic device included in the predetermined electronic device category. Can be completed, a command set suitable for the electronic device can be completed, and GUI buttons for commands that are sufficient to control the electronic device can be displayed on the control screen.

  In the present embodiment, the categories classified only by the type of electronic device have been described. However, for example, the categories classified by the type of content played back on a DVD player or a video deck (video, still image, audio) Or a combination of these) may be stored in the table storage unit 21. When a moving image is reproduced, the reproduction of the moving image among commands effective in a model that reproduces the moving image is performed. On the other hand, only the GUI buttons of commands that are valid can be displayed on the control screen.

  Further, the command set may not be stored in association with the category of the electronic device. For example, when a predetermined electronic device is selected by the controller 2 for the first time, all commands stored in the controller 2 are selected. 22 may be selected and supplied to the operation panel 24. In this case, in step S41 of FIG. 10, a control screen on which GUI buttons for all commands are displayed is displayed, and processing for creating a command set suitable for the electronic device is performed.

  The transmitted flag and invalid flag set in the device ID correspondence table of FIG. 5 can be reset by the user operating the controller 2. For example, when the firmware of an electronic device registered in the device ID correspondence table is upgraded and the command that can be executed by the electronic device is changed, the electronic device is set in the device ID correspondence table. The controller 2 can be requested to reset the transmitted flag and the invalid flag.

  In the device ID correspondence table of FIG. 5, command names are registered in association with device IDs of electronic devices. For example, valid commands are the same for electronic devices of the same model. The command name may be registered in association with the device model.

  The display 25 does not have a touch panel display function, for example, the display 25 displays a command name, and the key input unit 26 includes an input key for selecting a command name displayed on the display 25. It may be. In this case, the user can select a command for controlling the electronic device 3 by operating an input key for selecting a command name displayed on the display 25.

  In addition, the controller 2 does not include the display 25 and lights, for example, an input key for inputting a valid command among input keys of the key input unit 26 (that is, not a GUI button but a physical button). In addition, the user may recognize a valid command by turning off other input keys. For example, the input key can be turned on by embedding an LED (Light Emitting Diode) in the input key.

  Note that the processes described with reference to the flowcharts described above do not necessarily have to be processed in time series in the order described in the flowcharts, but are performed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processes or objects). Processing).

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the control system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the controller 2 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the controller 2 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the category corresponding | compatible table memorize | stored in the table memory | storage part 21 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the apparatus ID corresponding | compatible table memorize | stored in the table memory | storage part 21 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the control screen 30 displayed on the display 25 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the control screen 31 displayed on the display 25 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the control screen 32 displayed on the display 25 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process which displays a control screen on the display 25 of FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining processing for creating a command set that is compatible with the electronic device 3.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control system, 2 Controller, 3 Electronic equipment, 4 Network, 10 ROM, 11 Flash memory, 12 CPU, 13 RAM, 14 Input part, 15 Output part, 16 Communication part, 17 Interface, 18 Bus, 20 Receiving part, 21 Table storage unit, 22 selection unit, 23 update unit, 24 operation panel, 25 display, 26 key input unit, 27 transmission unit, 30 to 32 control screen

Claims (5)

In control equipment that controls electronic equipment,
Command storage means for storing a plurality of commands;
Transmitting means for transmitting the command stored in the command storage means to the electronic device;
Receiving means for receiving a determination result whether or not the electronic apparatus can execute the command transmitted by the transmitting means, transmitted from the electronic apparatus;
Determination result storage means for storing the determination result received by the receiving means;
Selection means for selecting a command that can be executed by the electronic device based on the determination result stored by the determination result storage means;
A control device comprising: processing means for performing processing for causing a user to recognize a command selected by the selection means. The command storage means stores the command for each category of the electronic device,
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits a command corresponding to a category of the electronic device. The processing means includes display means for displaying an image representing the command, and displays the image representing the command on the display means based on the command selected by the selection means. The control device according to 1. In a control method for controlling an electronic device,
A transmission control step for controlling transmission of the command stored in the command storage means for storing a plurality of commands to the electronic device;
A reception control step for controlling reception of a determination result transmitted from the electronic device, whether the electronic device can execute the command transmitted in the transmission control step;
A storage step of storing the determination result received in the reception control step in a determination result storage means for storing the determination result;
A selection step of selecting a command that can be executed by the electronic device based on the determination result stored by the determination result storage unit;
And a processing step of performing processing for allowing a user to recognize the command selected in the selection step. In a program to be executed by a computer included in a control device that controls an electronic device,
A transmission control step for controlling transmission of the command stored in the command storage means for storing a plurality of commands to the electronic device;
A reception control step for controlling reception of a determination result transmitted from the electronic device, whether the electronic device can execute the command transmitted in the transmission control step;
A storage step of storing the determination result received in the reception control step in a determination result storage means for storing the determination result;
A selection step of selecting a command that can be executed by the electronic device based on the determination result stored by the determination result storage unit;
And a processing step for performing processing for causing the user to recognize the command selected in the selection step.

Images