(12) Publication of Unexamined Patent Application (A)

Transcription

1 Case #: JP H A (19) JAPANESE PATENT OFFICE (51) Int. Cl. 6 H04 M 11/00 G11B 15/02 H04Q 9/00 9/02 (12) Publication of Unexamined Patent Application (A) Identification Symbol JPO File No. FI H04M G11B H04Q 11/00 15/02 9/00 9/02 (11) Disclosure Number: Unexamined Application H (43) Date of Publication of Unexamined Patent Application: April 15, Z 301B 311L B Technical Indications Request for Examination: Not Requested. Number of Claims: 7. OL. (11 Pages Total) (21) Application Number H (22) Filing Date: October 5, 1995 (71) Applicant Sony Corporation Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. (72) Inventor Takufumi Kawamura c/o Sony Corporation Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (74) Agent Yoshio Inamoto, Patent Attorney (54) Title of the Invention: Remote Control Apparatus and Communication Apparatus (57) Abstract [Problem] To allow accurate remote control of electronic devices even from a remote location. [Resolution Means] In a database 5, a program listing including the broadcast channel, broadcast starting time or the like is recorded as information which is required to schedule recording in a VTR 4. With a mobile terminal 1, communication is performed between the database 5, a base station 2, and a network 3. The program listing is received and is then displayed. The user refers to the program listing, confirms the broadcast channel and broadcast starting time, etc. of the program to schedule for recording, then enters the program into the mobile terminal 1. This information is transmitted to the VTR 4 by way of the base station 2 and the network 3, and the VTR 4 schedules the recording. 1 Comcast, Exhibit-1014

2 Unexamined Patent Number H (2) Specification Title of the Invention: REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS [DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION] [FIELD OF THE INVENTION] [0001] The present invention relates to a remote control apparatus and communication apparatus, and more particularly to a remote control apparatus and communication apparatus that, by displaying, for example, information necessary for the control of an electronic device, has the user confirm the information and then accurately controls the electronic device remotely. [DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART] [0002] Electronic devices like a television set, VTR (video tape recorder), or air conditioner are configured so as to be remotely controlled by operation of a remote control. Namely, when a remote control is operated, an infrared beam or the like is emitted in response to the operation, the infrared beam is received by a television set, VTR, or air conditioner, and then the television set, VTR, or air conditioner performs a process in response to the remote control operation. [SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION] [0003] In the aforementioned case, however, to perform the remote control of an electronic device, the remote control needed to be operated from a position relatively close to the electronic device, such as within the room wherein the electronic device is located. Therefore, controlling an electronic device from a place outside the given room or other relatively far location was difficult. [0004] Recently, electronic devices that can be remotely controlled by way of a public network (telephone line), for example, have been realized. For example, there are VTRs that can schedule recordings if a predefined remote control signal is transmitted by way of a public network. [0005] There were cases however where the user was not able to perform the desired operation when remotely controlling a VTR. When using a remote control to schedule a recording from a location outside the home, for example, it was necessary to specify the channel and recording start time and end time of the program to be recorded. However, few users had such information necessary for such remote control memorized when outside the home. Therefore, there was a problem where the user specified the incorrect channel, start time, or end time or the like and as a result was not able to record the desired program. [0006] With the foregoing in view, it is an object of the present invention to accurately control an electronic device remotely. [SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION] [0007] A remote control apparatus described in claim 1 includes: reception means for communicating, by way of a network, with a database recording necessary information that is necessary to control the electronic device, and then receiving the necessary information; and output means for outputting the necessary information received by reception means. [0008] A communication apparatus described in claim 2 includes: a remote control apparatus for the remote control of an electronic device; and a database recording necessary information that is needed for the remote control of the electronic device. The remote control apparatus includes: reception means for communicating with the database by way of a network, and then receiving the necessary information; and output means for outputting the necessary information received by reception means. [0009] 2

3 Unexamined Patent Number H (3) A remote control apparatus described in claim 6 includes: readout means for reading out necessary information from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed for remote control of the electronic device; and output means for outputting the necessary information read out by readout means. [0010] A communication apparatus described in claim 7 includes a remote control apparatus for remote control of an electronic device. The remote control apparatus includes: readout means for reading out necessary information, from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; and output means for outputting the necessary information read out by readout means. [0011] In the remote control apparatus described in claim 1, reception means are configured so as to communicate, by way of a network, with a database where necessary information is recorded that is needed for control of the electronic device, and then receive the necessary information. Output means are configured so as to output the necessary information received by reception means. [0012] In the communication apparatus described in claim 2, the remote control apparatus is configured so as to remotely control an electronic device. Necessary information that is needed for the control of the electronic device is recorded in a database. In the remote control apparatus, reception means are configured so as to communicate with the database by way of a network, and then receive the necessary information. Output means are configured so as to output the necessary information received by reception means. [0013] In the remote control apparatus described in claim 6, readout means are configured for reading out necessary information, from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device. Output means are configured so as to output the necessary information read out by readout means. [0014] In the communication apparatus described in claim 7, the remote control apparatus is configured so as to remotely control an electronic device. In this remote control apparatus, readout means are configured for reading out necessary information, from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device, and output means are configured so as to output the necessary information received by reception means. [DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS] [0015] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. Before that however, to clarify the correspondence relationship between each of the means of the invention described in the claims and each embodiment below, the corresponding embodiment (just one example, however) will be appended in parentheses after each of the means to describe the characteristics of the invention as below. [0016] In a remote control apparatus which remotely controls an electronic device (the VTR 4 shown in FIG. 1, for example), the remote control apparatus described in claim 1 includes: reception means (the interface part 12 shown in FIG. 3, for example) for communicating with a database (the database 5 shown in FIG. 1, for example) recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device by way of a network (the network 3 shown in FIG. 1, for example) and then receiving the necessary information; output means (a display 18 or speaker 19 shown in FIG. 3, for example) for outputting the necessary information received by the reception means; operation means (a keyboard 15 or a tablet 16 and a stylus 17 as shown in FIG. 3, for example) that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means (a transmission interface part 12 shown in FIG. 3, for example) for transmitting operation information in response to operation by the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. 3

4 Unexamined Patent Number H (4) [0017] In a communication apparatus connected to the electronic device, remote control apparatus, and database by way of a network, the communication apparatus described in claim 2 includes: an electronic device (the VTR 4 shown in FIG. 1, for example) for performing predetermined processing: a remote control apparatus (the mobile terminal 1 shown in FIG. 1, for example) for remotely controlling the electronic device; and a database (the database 5 shown in FIG. 1, for example) recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; and the remote control apparatus includes: reception means (the interface part 12 shown in FIG. 3, for example) for communicating with the database by way of the network and then receiving the necessary information; output means (the display 18 or the speaker 19 shown in FIG. 3, for example) for outputting the necessary information received by the reception means; operation means (the keyboard 15 or the tablet 16 and the stylus 17 shown in FIG. 3, for example) that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means (the transmission interface part 12 shown in FIG. 3, for example) for transmitting operation information in response to operation by the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. [0018] The communication apparatus described in claim 3 further includes update means (the database control part 6 shown in FIG. 1, for example) for updating the recorded content of the database. [0019] The communication apparatus described in claim 5 is such that the operation information is received by a communication terminal (a telephone 31 shown in FIG. 10 or a telephone 41 shown in FIG. 11, for example) that can receive information by way of the network, and then is transferred to the electronic device (a VTR 36 shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, for example). [0020] The remote control apparatus described in claim 6 is used for remote control of an electronic device (the VTR 4 shown in FIG. 12, for example) wherein a remote control apparatus includes: readout means (a drive unit 61 shown in FIG. 13, for example) for reading out necessary information from a recording medium (a recording medium 52 shown in FIG. 12, for example) recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; output means (the display 18 or speaker 19 shown in FIG. 13, for example) for outputting the necessary information read out by the readout means; operation means (the keyboard 15 or tablet 16 and stylus 17 shown in FIG. 13, for example) which are operated to control the electronic device; and transmission means (the transmission interface part 12 shown in FIG. 13, for example) for transmitting operation information in response to operation of the operation means to the electronic device by way of a network. [0021] The communication apparatus described in claim 7, connecting the electronic device and remote control apparatus by way of a network (the network 3 shown in FIG. 12, for example), includes: an electronic device (the VTR 4 shown in FIG. 12, for example) for performing a predetermined process; and a remote control apparatus (a mobile terminal 51 shown in FIG. 12, for example) for the remote control of the electronic device; and the remote control apparatus includes: readout means (a drive unit 61 shown in FIG. 13, for example) for reading out necessary information from a recording medium (the recording medium 52 shown in FIG. 12, for example) recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; output means (the display 18 or speaker 19 shown in FIG. 13, for example) for outputting the necessary information read out by the readout means; 4

5 Unexamined Patent Number H (5) operation means (the keyboard 15 or tablet 16 and stylus 17 shown in FIG. 13, for example) which are operated to control the electronic device; and transmission means (the transmission interface part 12 shown in FIG. 13, for example) for transmitting operation information in response to operation of the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. [0022] The above-mentioned descriptions do not limit each of the means as mentioned therein. [0023] FIG. 1 shows the constitution of an embodiment of a remote control system applying the present invention. This remote control system is configured so that by operating the mobile terminal 1, the user will be able to remotely control the VTR 4 located in the user s home, for example. [0024] The mobile terminal 1 is a personal data mobile terminal (PCS) or the like, and is configured so that communication with the base station 2 can be performed wirelessly. The base station 2 is configured so as to receive a signal from the mobile terminal 1, transmit the signal to an apparatus which can perform the predetermined communication by way of the network 3 as well as receive the signal transmitted thereto by way of the network 3, and then transmit the signal to the mobile terminal 1. The network 3 constitutes a public network, for example. Thus, the mobile terminal 1 is connected to the network 3 by way of the base station 2, and is thereby able to communicate with an available communication apparatus by way of the base station 2 and the network 3. [0025] The network 3 may also constitute a wired line other than a public network, or a wireless circuit or the like. [0026] The VTR 4 is a VTR having functionality other than the recording scheduling function. For example, the VTR is located in the home of the user, who is the owner of the mobile terminal 1. This VTR 4 is connected to the network 3 and by thereby supplying a predetermined signal by way of the network 3, it is possible to control the VTR remotely. [0027] A central station has the database 5 and the database control part 6. Recorded in the database 5 is the information necessary to control (to schedule a recording or the like in the present embodiment) the VTR 4 such as the listing of television broadcast programs, or the information relating to the content of each program (hereinafter, program information where suitable). The database 5 is connected to the network 3 and is configured so that when accessed by way of the network 3, the aforementioned listing or program information can be obtained from the database 5. Information necessary for a program listing or for program information may include image data (static, motion), text data or other displayable data, and audio data. [0028] The database control part 6 is configured so as to update the content recorded in the database 5. Namely, the database control part 6 is operated by the operator of the central station, for example, and in response to this operation, the most recent program listing or program information is recorded in the database 5. [0029] The database control part 6 can be installed separate from the database 5. In this case, the database control part 6 is connected to the network 3, and then the description content of the database 5 can be updated by the database control part 6 by way of the network 3. It is also possible to have a plurality of databases wherein the necessary information is recorded in addition to the network 5. In this case, a plurality of databases is updated simultaneously by way of the network 3. With the present embodiment, the database can also be updated by way of a satellite circuit or ground wave wireless line in addition to the network 3. [0030] Next, processing performed when scheduling a recording to the VTR 4 by remote control will be explained referring to FIG. 2. For example, when the user is away from home and tries to schedule a program recording to the VTR 4 but does not know which channel the program is on or what time the program starts, the user can operate the mobile terminal 1 to access the database 5 (1). [0031] 5

6 Unexamined Patent Number H (6) In this case, the mobile terminal 1 accesses the database 5 by way of the base station 2 and the network 3. Communication between the mobile terminal 1 and the base station 2 is performed by wireless as mentioned above. Thus, a wireless communication system is constituted in this case. However, a microcell format system (a Personal Handy-phone System (PHS)) or the like can be used as the wireless communication system. [0032] After accessing the database 5, by operating the mobile terminal 1 the user can transmit the program listing or program information recorded in the database 5 to the mobile terminal 1. In this way, the program listing or program information is transmitted from the database 5 to the mobile terminal 1 by way of the network 3 and the base station 2 (2). The program listing or program information transmitted from the database 5 is received by the mobile terminal 1 and is displayed (output) as necessary. The user refers to the displayed program listing or program information, and then confirms the broadcast channel, the starting time, and any other information needed to schedule a recording of the desired program. [0033] By operating the mobile terminal 1, the user accesses the VTR 4 by way of the base station 2 and the network 3 (3). Then, the user schedules a recording of the desired program by transmitting the broadcast channel, starting time, and other confirmed information to the VTR 4 (4). [0034] As described above, with the mobile terminal 1, the program listing, program information, or other information necessary to schedule a recording to the VTR 4 is transmitted by way of the database 5 where the necessary information is recorded and the network 3, and then the program listing or program information is received. Next, the program listing or program information is displayed (output), and the user confirms the information needed to schedule a recording of the desired program. Thus, the user is able to accurately control the VTR 4 from any location and at any time. In this case, the user is therefore able to accurately schedule the recording of the desired program even when away from home. [0035] Next, a configuration example of the mobile terminal 1 will be described referring to FIG. 3. An antenna 11 is configured so as to receive radio waves from the base station 2, output the received signal to the communication interface part 12, and output the signal from the communication interface 12 as radio waves. The communication interface part 12 is an interface for communicating with the base station 2 (data communication), and is configured so as to establish a link to the base station 2, for example, or release a link that has been established to the base station 2. The control part 13 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and is configured so as to control the entire apparatus. The user interface part 14 includes the keyboard 15, the tablet 16, the stylus 17, the display 18, and the speaker 19, and is configured so as to accept input from the user and provide information to the user. [0036] Namely, the keyboard 15 or tablet 16 and stylus 17 are operated when it is necessary to read out the necessary information from the database 5, remotely control the VTR 4, or enter information. The display 18 is configured so as to display information among the information supplied from the control part 13 that is displayable (images, text, or the like). The speaker 19 is configured so as to output audio from the information supplied by the control part 13 that can be output. [0037] The user interface part 14 is configured so as to provide the user with a graphical user interface (GUI), for example. [0038] FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the VTR 4. In this embodiment, the VTR 4 includes a scheduling control part 21 and a VTR block 25. The scheduling control part 21 includes a communication interface 22, a control part 23, and a paired VTR block interface 24, and is configured so as to receive remote control signals transmitted thereto by way of the network 3, and then perform control in response to the received signals. Namely, the communication interface 22 is an interface for communication by way of the network 3 and is configured so as to control communication according to a predetermined communication procedure. The control part 23 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM or the like, for example, and is configured so as to control the entire scheduling control part 21. The paired VTR block interface 24 is configured so as to 6

7 Unexamined Patent Number H (7) exchange data with the VTR block 25 instead of the control part 23. The VTR block 25 has the functionality of a conventional VTR and is configured so as to record or play back videotape (with the present embodiment, the VTR block 25 shall also have a recording scheduling function). [0039] Next, the procedure for communication performed by the mobile terminal 1 is described referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. FIG. 5 shows the communication procedure between the mobile terminal 1 and the database 5. When the user uses the keyboard 15 or stylus 17 so that the tablet accesses the database 5, an operation signal is output from the user interface part 14 to the control part 13 in response to the operation (hereinafter database access signal, where appropriate). The control part 13, upon reception of a database access signal, controls the communication interface part 12 so as to establish a communication link with the database 5. The communication interface part 12, following the control of the control part 13, accesses the base station 2 by way of the antenna 11, and then establishes a communications link with the base station 2. The communication interface part 12 then requests the base station 2 for access to the database 5. Upon receipt of the request, the base station 2 establishes a communications link to the database 5 by way of the network 3. In this way, a communications link is established between the mobile terminal 1 (communication interface part 22) and the database 5 by way of the base station 2 and the network 3. [0040] With the communication part 22, a communications link is established with the database 5 as described above, and when communication is thereby enabled, communication is performed with the database 5 by way of the base station 2 and the network 3, and then the program listing or program information is requested. When the database 5 receives this request, the program listing or program information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 1. The mobile terminal 1 receives this program listing or program information from the communication interface part 12 by way of the antenna 11, and then supplies the information to the control part 13. [0041] The control part 13, upon reception of the program listing or program information stores the information in built-in RAM. The control part 13 then reads out the program listing or program information stored in RAM, and then either supplies the information to the display 18 for visual output or supplies the information to the speaker 19 for audio output. [0042] If the program listing or program information stored in RAM cannot be output by the display 18, the control part 13 reads out from RAM only the portion of the program listing or program information that can be displayed, and then supplies the information to the display 18 for visual output. In this case, if the keyboard 15 or stylus 17 is used to operate the tablet 16, the control part 13 scrolls the display 18 window, for example to thereby have the display 18 display the portion of the program listing or program information that was not displayed. [0043] If the program listing or program information transmitted to the control part 13 cannot be stored in RAM, once the control part 13 receives a portion of the program listing or program information equal to a predetermined data amount, the control part 13 interrupts data reception by the communication interface part 12. In this case, when it becomes necessary for the communication interface part 12 to output from the display 18 or the speaker 19 the program listing or program information that was not completely received, the control part 13 requests the database 5 to transmit the remaining information. [0044] The user references the program listing or program information output from the display 18 or speaker 19 as mentioned above, and then confirms the information needed to schedule recording of the desired program. After confirming the information, the user operates the user interface part 14 (keyboard 15 or tablet 16 and stylus 17) to sever the communication link with the database 5. The user interface part 14 then outputs to the control part 13 an operation signal (hereinafter database link release signal where appropriate) in response to the operation. Upon receipt of a database link release signal, the control part 13 controls the communication interface part 12 so as to sever (release) the link with the database 5. The communication interface part 12 severs the communication link with the base station 2 by way of the antenna 11 according to the control from the control part 13. When the communication link with the mobile terminal 1 is 7

8 Unexamined Patent Number H (8) severed, the base station 2 severs the communication link that had been established with the database 5 by way of the network 3. [0045] FIG. 6 shows the procedure for communication between the mobile terminal 1 and the VTR 4. Similar to the communication between the mobile terminal 1 and the database 5 described in FIG. 5, communication between the mobile terminal 1 and the VTR 4 is also performed by way of the base station 2 and the network 3. However, in FIG. 6 the descriptions relating to the base station 2 have been omitted. [0046] When the user has the information necessary for scheduling a program memorized or does not have the information memorized but has confirmed as described in FIG. 5 the information necessary to schedule a program, the user operates the user interface part 14 to establish a communications link with the VTR 4 to schedule a recording of the desired program. The user interface part 14 then, in response to the operation, outputs an operation signal (hereinafter VTR access signal where appropriate) to the control unit 13 and establishes a communications link to the VTR 4 similar to the case described in FIG. 5. [0047] Thereafter, the user operates the user interface part 14 to enter the information necessary (hereinafter scheduling information where appropriate) (operation information) for scheduling a recording of the desired program. The scheduling information is output from the antenna 11 by way of the control part 13 and the communication interface part 12 to the VTR 4 by way of the base station 2 and the network 3. [0048] With the VTR 4, the scheduling information is received from the mobile terminal 1 by way of the communication interface part 22, and is output to the control part 23. The control part 23 converts the scheduling information into a format suitable for the VTR block 25 to schedule a recording, and then outputs the information to the VTR block 24 by way of the paired VTR block interface part 24. Upon reception of the scheduling information, the VTR block 24 schedules a recording according to the scheduling information. [0049] If necessary, the VTR block 25 then outputs to a scheduling control part 21 the information for confirming the program scheduled to be recorded (for example, the channel for the program to be recorded, the program start time, and the like) (hereinafter the confirmation message where appropriate). This confirmation message is transmitted to the mobile terminal 1 by way of the network 3 and the base station 2, and when the mobile terminal 1 receives the confirmation message, the display 18, for example, displays the message. [0050] The user views the confirmation message and judges whether or not the recording was scheduled correctly. If the recording was not scheduled correctly, the user then cancels the scheduled recording and enters the scheduling information again. If the recording was scheduled correctly, the user operates the user interface part 14 so as to sever the communications link with the VTR 4. Then, the user interface part 14 outputs to the control part 13 the operation signal (hereinafter VTR link release signal where appropriate) in response to the operation, and the communications link with the VTR 4 is severed similar to the case described in FIG. 5. [0051] In the aforementioned case, the VTR 4 scheduled the recording while the communications link between the mobile terminal 1 and the VTR 4 was established. However, it is also possible to schedule a recording by transmitting the scheduling information from the mobile terminal 1, immediately severing the communications link between the mobile terminal 1 and the VTR 4, and then having the VTR 4 schedule the recording. In this case however, it is not possible to confirm the information (receive a confirmation message) as mentioned above. [0052] In addition, the number of the telephone line the VTR 4 and the database 5 is connected to has been registered in the control part 13 beforehand, and the VTR 4 and database 5 can be accessed by referring to that number. [0053] 8

9 Unexamined Patent Number H (9) Next, the process performed by the mobile terminal 1 will be explained further while referring to FIGS. 7 through 9. F IG. 7 shows the mobile terminal 1 with a program listing displayed. If possible, the mobile terminal 1 displays a program listing including columns for one day s worth of programs for all broadcast channels that can be received. In this case, each program column can be color-coded, for example, by genre such as sports, music, or drama so that the user can readily recognize the genre of each program. [0054] When the user finds the desired program from a program listing and wants to confirm the content of that program, the user operates the user interface part 14 to select the program column corresponding to that program. The control part 13 receives the operation signal corresponding to this selection operation. Then, the control part 13 outputs to the user interface part 14 the program information corresponding to the selected program. As shown in FIG. 8, the display 18 of the user interface part 14 displays the displayable program information (moving images, static images, characters), and the speaker 19 outputs the program information (audio) that can be output be audio. The user is then able to confirm the program content. [0055] The user can refer to such program information in the program listing by operating the user interface part 14 or by performing a predetermined operation on the user interface part 14. [0056] To schedule a recording of the desired program, the user can operate the user interface part 14 as mentioned above to establish a link with the VTR 4 and enter scheduling information. However, it is also possible to schedule a recording as described below. [0057] Namely, while a program listing is displayed, by operating the user interface part 14 to select a program from the program listing to schedule for recording, the control part 13 recognizes the scheduling information necessary to schedule the recording such as the channel, starting time and ending time of selected program by referring to the program listing, and then establishes a link to the VTR 4. Next, a recording is scheduled as described in FIG. 6 below. [0058] While program information is being output and the user interface part 14 is operated as when scheduling a recording, the scheduling information necessary to schedule a recording of the program corresponding to the currently output program information is recognized by referring to the program listing and a recording is scheduled as mentioned above. [0059] In this case, the user can schedule a recording by using a simpler operation because entry of the scheduling information is not necessary. [0060] The user can confirm the scheduling information by performing a predetermined operation with the user interface part 14 to display the scheduling information as shown in FIG. 9. [0061] In the aforementioned case, the channel, starting time, and ending time of the program was mentioned as the scheduling information. However, by including a so-called G code in the program listing, for example, the G code can also be used as scheduling information. [0062] The mobile terminal 1 can also perform processing like that described below. For example, by operating the user interface part 14, the user can register a desired genre, actor, or the like in the mobile terminal 1. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 accesses the database 5 at regular intervals or irregular intervals and receives the program listing or program information. By referring to the information, the user can then search for a program based on the registered program genre or by the actor appearing in the program. When the corresponding program is found, then a sound or image is output to notify the user. [0063] Thus, the user can readily recognize when a favorite program is being broadcasted and will not forget to schedule a recording of that program. [0064] The VTR 4 shown in FIG. 4 was configured so as to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 1, but the electronic device to be remotely controlled did not have a 9

10 Unexamined Patent Number H (10) communication function like this one. A VTR such as this one only includes a VTR block 25. Next, an example configuration of a system that can be placed in the user s home and remotely control a VTR like this one is described below referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. [0065] The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes a VTR 36 constituting only a telephone 31 as an example communication terminal that can communicate by way of the network 3, and a VTR block 25. The telephone 32 includes a telephone block 32, a control part 34 having similar functionality to the control part 23 in FIG. 4, and an information transfer part 35 that controls the exchange of data between the control part 34 and the VTR 36. [0066] The telephone block 32 is configured so as to include a communication interface part 33 having similar functionality to the communication interface part 22 shown in FIG. 4, and function as a conventional telephone. [0067] In this case, the communication interface part 33 exchanges data with the mobile terminal 1, and the scheduling information received thereby is provided to the information transfer part 35 by way of the control part 34. Upon reception of the scheduling information, the information transfer part 35 transfers the information to the VTR block 25 (remote transfer). Thus, a recording is scheduled by the VTR block 25. [0068] In this case, the telephone 31 must include a telephone block 32 having the same functionality as a conventional telephone, the control part 34, and the information transfer part 35. [0069] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 includes a telephone 41, for example that functions as a communication terminal that can communicate by way of the network 3, an adapter 42 that functions as an interface between a remote control 34 included with the VTR 36 and the telephone 41, the remote control 34, and the VTR 36. Portions of FIG. 11 which correspond to items in FIG. 10 have the same symbols, and the description of these items will be omitted below when appropriate. [0070] The telephone 41 includes only a telephone block 32 having the functionality of a conventional telephone. The adapter 42 includes a control part 43 having the same functionality as the control part 23 shown in FIG. 4, and a paired remote control interface part 44 that controls the remote control 44 according to the control of the control part 43. [0071] In this case, the scheduling information received by the communication interface part 33 of the telephone block 32 in the telephone 41 is provided to the paired remote control interface part 44 by way of the control part 34 in the adapter 42. Upon reception of the scheduling information, the remote control interface part 44 controls the remote control 45 in response to the scheduling information. Then, the remote control 45 emits to the VTR 36 an infrared beam corresponding to the scheduling information in response to the control of the paired remote control interface part 44. When the VTR 36 receives this beam, the recording is scheduled. [0072] In the case described above, utilization of a VTR (VTR 36) which does not have communication functionality can be improved. [0073] On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows the configuration of another embodiment of a remote control system applying the present invention. In this figure, portions corresponding to FIG. 1 have the same symbols, and the description of these items will be omitted below when appropriate. [0074] Except for incorporating a recording medium 52 like a magnetic disk (floppy disk), a CD- ROM, an optical card, an IC card or the like, and having the ability to read out the content recorded on the medium, a mobile terminal 51 has the same constitution as the mobile terminal 1. [0075] FIG. 13 shows an example constitution of the mobile terminal 51. In the figure, portions corresponding to FIG. 3 have the same symbols. Except for the ability to drive the recording 10

11 Unexamined Patent Number H (11) medium 52 and being provided with a drive part 61 that reads out the content stored therein, the mobile terminal 51 has the same constitution as the mobile terminal 1 shown in FIG. 3. [0076] In FIG. 12, the recording medium stores program listings or program information or the like recorded in the database 5 shown in FIG. 1. [0077] In a remote control system constituted like the one described above, the user mounts a recording medium 52 into the mobile terminal 51, and then operates the user interface part 14 to play back the medium. In this way, the necessary information recorded on the recording medium 52 is read out by the drive part 61. The necessary information is provided to the user interface part 14 by way of the control part 13, and then is output. [0078] Accordingly, in this case as well, because the user can confirm the necessary information for scheduling a recording of the desired program in a similar manner to the case in FIG. 1, the user can exercise accurate remote control of the VTR 4 from any location at any time. [0079] In the case of the present embodiment, when all broadcasts of the program corresponding to the necessary program recorded in the recording medium 52 have ended, the recording medium 52 becomes obsolete. When this occurs, the user must obtain an updated recording medium containing the necessary information relating to the program and then replace the recording medium 52 with the updated medium. [0080] This concludes the description of applying the present invention to the remote control of a VTR. In addition to a VTR, the present invention can also be applied when remotely controlling a variety of electronic devices such as a television set or an air conditioner. [0081] An example of scheduling recording with remote control was described in the present embodiment, but other types of remote control are also possible. [0082] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the apparatus performing the remote control was described as the mobile terminal 1 (or 51), but the apparatus performing the remote control does not necessarily have to be portable. [0083] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 1 (or 51) was described as having wireless communication capability, but the mobile terminal 1 can also communicate using wired communication. In this case however, the locations where remote control can be performed are limited. [EFFECT OF THE INVENTION] [0084] According to the remote control apparatus described in claim 1 and the communication apparatus described in claim 2, communication is performed by way of a database containing the information necessary to control an electronic device, and a network, so that the necessary information is received and output. Thus, control of the electronic device can be performed accurately based on the necessary information. [0085] According to the remote control apparatus described in claim 6 and the communication apparatus described in claim 7, the information necessary to control an electronic device is read out from a recording medium and then is output. Thus, it is possible to accurately control the electronic device. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] FIG. 1 is a view of the first embodiment of a remote control system applying the present invention FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the operation of the embodiment in FIG. 1 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a constitution example of the mobile terminal 1 in FIG. 1 11

12 Unexamined Patent Number H (12) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a constitution example of the VTR 1 in FIG. 1 FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the procedure for communication between the mobile terminal 1 and the database 5 FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the procedure for communication between the mobile terminal 1 and the VTR 4 FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the operation of the mobile terminal 1 FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the operation of the mobile terminal 1 FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the operation of the mobile terminal 1 FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a constitution example of the telephone 31 and the VTR 36 FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a constitution example of the telephone 41, the adapter 42, and the VTR 36 FIG. 12 is a view of the constitution of a second embodiment of a remote control system applying the present invention FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a constitutional example of the mobile terminal 51 shown in FIG. 12 [Explanation of References] 1 mobile terminal 3 Network 4 VTR 5 Database 6 Database control part 12 Communication interface part 13 Control part 14 User interface part 15 Keyboard 16 Tablet 17 Stylus 18 Display 19 Speaker 31, 41 Telephone 42 Adapter 51 Mobile terminal 52 Recording medium 61 Drive part 12

13 Unexamined Patent Number H (13) [Claims] [Claim 1] A remote control apparatus which remotely controls an electronic device, the remote control apparatus comprising: reception means for communicating, by way of a network, with a database recording necessary information that is necessary to control the electronic device, and then receiving the necessary information; output means for outputting the necessary information received by the reception means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation by the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. [Claim 2] A communication apparatus connected to an electronic device, remote control apparatus, and database by way of network, the communication apparatus comprising: an electronic device for performing predetermined processing; a remote control apparatus for remotely controlling the electronic device; and a database recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; the remote control apparatus comprising: reception means for communicating with the database by way of the network and then receiving the necessary information; output means for outputting the necessary information received by the reception means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation by the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. [Claim 3] The communication apparatus according to Claim 2, further comprising update means for updating recorded content of the database. [Claim 4] The communication apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein: the necessary information is related to television broadcast programs; the electronic device is a video cassette recorder; and the operation information is information necessary for scheduling a program for recording by the video cassette recorder. [Claim 5] The communication apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the operation information is received by a communication terminal that can receive information by way of the network, and then is transferred to the electronic device. [Claim 6] A remote control apparatus used for remote control of an electronic device, the remote control apparatus comprising: 13

14 Unexamined Patent Number H (14) readout means for reading out necessary information from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; output means for outputting the necessary information read out by the readout means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation of the operation means to the electronic device by way of a network. [Claim 7] A communication apparatus connecting an electronic device and a remote control apparatus by way of a network, the communication apparatus comprising: an electronic device for performing a predetermined process; and a remote control apparatus for the remote control of the electronic device; the remote control apparatus comprising: readout means for reading out necessary information, from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; output means for outputting the necessary information read out by the readout means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation of the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. 14

15 Unexamined Patent Number H (15) (57) ABSTRACT [Problem] To allow accurate remote control of electronic devices even from a remote location. [Resolution Means] In a database 5, a program listing including the broadcast channel, broadcast starting time or the like is recorded as information which is required to schedule recording in a VTR 4. With a mobile terminal 1, communication is performed between the database 5, a base station 2, and a network 3. The program listing is received and is then displayed. The user refers to the program listing, confirms the broadcast channel and broadcast starting time, etc. of the program to schedule for recording, then enters the program into the mobile terminal 1. This information is transmitted to the VTR 4 by way of the base station 2 and the network 3, and the VTR 4 schedules the recording. Selected Drawing: FIG. 1 15

16 Unexamined Patent Number H (16) 16

17 Unexamined Patent Number H (17) 17

18 Unexamined Patent Number H (18) 18

19 Unexamined Patent Number H (19) [Type of Publication] Corrections according to stipulations in Clause 2, Article 17 of the Patent Act [Division Category] Department 7, Division 3 [Date of Issue] December 20, 2002 [Publication Number] Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H [Disclosure Date] April 15, 1997 [Annual Serial Number] Unexamined Patent Publication Bulletin H [Application Number] Patent Application No. H [International Patent Classification Ver. 7] H04M 11/ G11B 15/ H04Q 9/ /02 [FI] H04M 11/ G11B 15/ Z H04Q 9/ B 311 L 9/02 B [Amendments] [Date Submitted]October 3, 2002 [Amendment 1] s [Item to be Amended]Title of the Invention [Title of the Invention]Remote Control Apparatus and Communication System [Amendment 2] [Item to be Amended]Claims [Claims] [Claim 1] A remote control apparatus which remotely controls an electronic device, the remote control apparatus comprising: reception means for communicating, by way of a network, with a database recording necessary information that is necessary to control the electronic device, and then receiving the necessary information; output means for outputting the necessary information received by the reception means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation by the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. 19

20 Unexamined Patent Number H (20) [Claim 2] A communication system connected to an electronic device, remote control apparatus, and database by way of network, the communication system comprising: an electronic device for performing predetermined processing; a remote control apparatus for remotely controlling the electronic device; and a database recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; the remote control apparatus comprising: reception means for communicating with the database by way of the network and then receiving the necessary information; output means for outputting the necessary information received by the reception means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation by the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. [Claim 3] The communication system according to Claim 2, further comprising update means for updating recorded content of the database. [Claim 4] A remote control apparatus used for remote control of an electronic device, the remote control apparatus comprising: readout means for reading out necessary information from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; output means for outputting the necessary information read out by the readout means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation of the operation means to the electronic device by way of a network. [Claim 5] A communication system connecting an electronic device and a remote control apparatus by way of a network, the communication system comprising: an electronic device for performing a predetermined process; and a remote control apparatus for the remote control of the electronic device; the remote control apparatus comprising: readout means for reading out necessary information, from a recording medium recording necessary information that is needed to control the electronic device; output means for outputting the necessary information read out by the readout means; operation means that are operated when controlling the electronic device; and transmission means for transmitting operation information in response to operation of the operation means to the electronic device by way of the network. 20