U.S. patent number RE48,232 [Application Number 15/914,710] was granted by the patent office on 2020-09-29 for method for controlling cordless telephone device, handset of cordless telephone device, and cordless telephone device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA. The grantee listed for this patent is Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America. Invention is credited to Akihiko Inoue, Keizo Ishiguro, Masayuki Kozuka, Shingo Matsumoto, Tomoki Ogawa, Hideyuki Oka, Tohru Wakabayashi, Hiroshi Yahata.
View All Diagrams
United States Patent |
RE48,232 |
Kozuka , et al. |
September 29, 2020 |
Method for controlling cordless telephone device, handset of
cordless telephone device, and cordless telephone device
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for controlling a cordless telephone
device for use in a system that allows remote control of a home
electric appliance. The method includes a first generation step of
causing a first generation unit in a handset to encode audio input
via a sound receiving unit in the handset to generate a first
stream, and a first transmission step of transmitting the first
stream to a base unit. The first generation step includes causing
the first generation unit to generate instruction bit information
and a first instruction stream when a first trigger indicating a
request to start the remote control is given to the first
generation unit. The first transmission step includes transmitting
the instruction bit information and the first instruction stream to
the base unit through a multiplexing scheme that is common to
transmission of a first stream generated when the first trigger is
not given.
Inventors: |
Kozuka; Masayuki (Osaka,
JP), Matsumoto; Shingo (Tokyo, JP), Oka;
Hideyuki (Osaka, JP), Inoue; Akihiko (Osaka,
JP), Yahata; Hiroshi (Osaka, JP), Ogawa;
Tomoki (Osaka, JP), Wakabayashi; Tohru (Hyogo,
JP), Ishiguro; Keizo (Nara, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America |
Torrance |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
CORPORATION OF AMERICA (Torrance, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
53011260 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/914,710 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61892179 |
Oct 17, 2013 |
|
|
|
Reissue of: |
14514659 |
Oct 15, 2014 |
9280314 |
Mar 8, 2016 |
|
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 24, 2014 [JP] |
|
|
2014-150290 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/167 (20130101); G06F 3/167 (20130101); H04M
1/72502 (20130101); H04M 11/007 (20130101); G10L
15/22 (20130101); H04M 1/72415 (20210101); G08C
15/06 (20130101); G08C 17/02 (20130101); G08C
2201/31 (20130101); G10L 15/22 (20130101); G10L
19/012 (20130101); G10L 2015/223 (20130101); G08C
2201/32 (20130101); G10L 2015/223 (20130101); H04M
1/72415 (20210101); G08C 2201/93 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G10L
21/06 (20130101); G10L 15/00 (20130101); G06F
3/16 (20060101); G10L 15/22 (20060101); H04M
1/725 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1161064 |
|
Dec 2001 |
|
EP |
|
06-152768 |
|
May 1994 |
|
JP |
|
06152768 |
|
May 1994 |
|
JP |
|
07-030675 |
|
Jan 1995 |
|
JP |
|
07030675 |
|
Jan 1995 |
|
JP |
|
09270861 |
|
Oct 1997 |
|
JP |
|
10094070 |
|
Apr 1998 |
|
JP |
|
2006-203900 |
|
Aug 2006 |
|
JP |
|
2009-049653 |
|
Mar 2009 |
|
JP |
|
2011-118822 |
|
Jun 2011 |
|
JP |
|
WO-03056790 |
|
Jul 2003 |
|
WO |
|
2012/063417 |
|
May 2012 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
JPO Search Report, Patent Application 2014-150290, dated Jan. 18,
2018. (Year: 2018). cited by examiner.
|
Primary Examiner: Wassum; Luke S
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack,
L.L.P.
Parent Case Text
.Iadd.This application is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 9,280,314,
which issued on Mar. 8, 2016 from application Ser. No. 14/514,659,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/892,179, filed Oct. 17, 2013. .Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for controlling .[.a cordless telephone device
including a base unit and a handset, for use in.]. a system that
allows remote control of a home electric appliance by using voice
instructions of a user, .[.the method comprising:.]. .Iadd.the
system including a first device and a second device, the method
comprising: .Iaddend. a first generation step of causing .[.a first
generation unit included in.]. the .[.handset.]. .Iadd.first device
.Iaddend.to generate a first stream by encoding audio input via
.[.a sound receiving unit included in the handset.]. .Iadd.the
first device.Iaddend.; .Iadd.and .Iaddend. a first transmission
step of transmitting the first stream to the .[.base unit.].
.Iadd.second device.Iaddend., the first generation step including
causing the first .[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.to
generate instruction bit information indicating that the audio
represents the voice instructions and to generate, as the first
stream, a first instruction stream indicative of the voice
instructions in a case where a first trigger indicating a request
to start the remote control of the home electric appliance is given
to the first .[.generation unit,.]. .Iadd.device, and .Iaddend. the
first transmission step including transmitting the instruction bit
information and the first instruction stream to the .[.base unit
through a common multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission
of the first stream generated in a case where the first trigger is
not given to the first generation unit.]. .Iadd.second device,
wherein the first trigger is given to the first device by
predetermined movement given to the first device or a predetermined
operation given to the first device, the first transmission step
includes transmitting the instruction bit information and the first
instruction stream to the second device through a common
multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission of the first
stream generated in a case where the first trigger is not given to
the first device, the common multiplexing scheme is a Time Division
Duplex/Time Division Multiple Access scheme complying with a
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications standard, in a case
where the first trigger is not given to the first device, the first
generation step includes causing the first device to generate call
bit information indicating that the audio represents a voice call
and to generate, as the first stream, a first call stream
indicative of the audio, and the first generation step includes, in
a case where the first device receives the first trigger during
generation of the first call stream, causing the first device to
generate the instruction bit information and the first instruction
stream, and causing the first device to switch an operation mode of
the system from a call mode in which the audio is transferred to an
intended party with which the user is engaged in the voice call to
a mute mode in which transfer of the audio to the intended party is
interrupted.Iaddend..
.[.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the common
multiplexing scheme is a Time Division Duplex/Time Division
Multiple Access scheme complying with a Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications standard..].
.[.3. The method according to claim 2, wherein in a case where the
first trigger is not given to the first generation unit, the first
generation step includes causing the first generation unit to
generate call bit information indicating that the audio represents
a voice call and to generate, as the first stream, a first call
stream indicative of the audio..].
.[.4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first generation
step includes, in a case where the first generation unit receives
the first trigger during generation of the first call stream,
causing the first generation unit to generate the instruction bit
information and the first instruction stream, and causing the first
generation unit to switch an operation mode of the cordless
telephone device from a call mode in which the audio is transferred
to an intended party with which the user is engaged in the voice
call to a mute mode in which transfer of the audio to the intended
party is interrupted..].
5. The method according to claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend., wherein
the first generation step includes causing the first .[.generation
unit.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.to generate, during the mute mode, an
alternative stream representing an alternative sound that replaces
the audio, and the first transmission step includes transmitting
the alternative stream to the .[.base unit through the common
multiplexing scheme.]. .Iadd.second device.Iaddend..
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first generation
step includes, in a case where the first .[.generation unit.].
.Iadd.device .Iaddend.receives a second trigger indicating a
request to return to the call mode, (i) causing the first
.[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.to terminate the mute
mode, and (ii) causing the first .[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device
.Iaddend.to generate the call bit information and the first call
stream.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first generation
step includes, after a certain period has elapsed since the mute
mode began, (i) causing the first .[.generation unit.].
.Iadd.device .Iaddend.to terminate the mute mode, and (ii) causing
the first .[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.to generate
the call bit information and the first call stream.
8. The method according to claim .[.3.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend., wherein
the first generation step includes causing the first .[.generation
unit.]. .Iadd.device .Iaddend.to generate, as the call bit
information, information specifying an audio encoding scheme for
the first call stream.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first generation
step includes causing the first .[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device
.Iaddend.to generate, as the call bit information, information
specifying a bit rate for the first call stream.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first generation
step includes causing the first .[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device
.Iaddend.to generate, as the instruction bit information,
information specifying an audio encoding scheme for the first
instruction stream.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first generation
step includes causing the first .[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device
.Iaddend.to generate, as the instruction bit information,
information specifying a bit rate for the first instruction
stream.
.[.12. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first
generation step includes causing the first generation unit to
encode the first instruction stream and the first call stream at a
bit rate complying with the Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications standard using an audio encoding scheme
complying with the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
standard..].
.[.13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first trigger
is given to the first generation unit by predetermined movement
given to the handset, predetermined audio given to the handset, or
a predetermined operation given to the handset..].
14. The method according to claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend., further
comprising: a second generation step of generating a second stream
corresponding to the first stream transmitted from the
.[.handset.]. .Iadd.first device .Iaddend.to the .[.base unit.].
.Iadd.second device.Iaddend.; and a second transmission step of
transmitting the second stream, wherein the second generation step
includes (i) in a case where the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second
device .Iaddend.receives the instruction bit information and the
first instruction stream, causing the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second
device .Iaddend.to generate a second instruction stream
corresponding to the first instruction stream, and (ii) in a case
where the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second device .Iaddend.receives the
call bit information and the first call stream, causing the .[.base
unit.]. .Iadd.second device .Iaddend.to generate a second call
stream corresponding to the first call stream, and the second
transmission step includes (iii) in a case where the .[.base
unit.]. .Iadd.second device .Iaddend.generates the second
instruction stream, causing the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second device
.Iaddend.to transmit the second instruction stream to a server that
generates a control command using the second instruction stream for
controlling the home electric appliance, and (iv) in a case where
the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second device .Iaddend.generates the
second call stream, transmitting the second call stream to a
.[.telephone.]. .Iadd.third device .Iaddend.of the intended
party.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second
transmission step includes causing the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second
device .Iaddend.to selectively transmit the second instruction
stream or the second call stream via a public communication line
that is common to transmission of the second instruction stream and
the second call stream.
16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second
transmission step includes (i) in a case where the .[.base unit.].
.Iadd.second device .Iaddend.generates the second instruction
stream, causing the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second device .Iaddend.to
transmit the second instruction stream via a first public
communication line, and (ii) in a case where the .[.base unit.].
.Iadd.second device .Iaddend.generates the second call stream,
causing the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second device .Iaddend.to
transmit the second call stream via a second public communication
line different from the first public communication line.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second generation
step includes causing the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second device
.Iaddend.to generate, during the mute mode, an alternative stream
representing an alternative sound that replaces the audio, and the
second transmission step includes, in a case where the .[.base
unit.]. .Iadd.second device .Iaddend.generates the alternative
stream, transmitting the alternative stream to the .[.telephone.].
.Iadd.third device .Iaddend.of the intended party.
18. A .[.handset of a cordless telephone device.]. .Iadd.first
device .Iaddend.for use in a system that allows remote control of a
home electric appliance by using voice instructions of a user, the
.[.handset.]. .Iadd.first device .Iaddend.comprising: a sound
.[.receiving unit.]. .Iadd.receiver .Iaddend.configured to receive
audio of the user; .Iadd.one or more memories; and an integrated
circuit configured to perform operations including: .Iaddend. .[.a
first generation unit configured to generate.]. .Iadd.generating
.Iaddend.a first stream by encoding the audio input via the sound
.[.receiving unit.]. .Iadd.receiver.Iaddend.; .[.and a first
transmission unit configured to transmit.]. .Iadd.transmitting
.Iaddend.the first stream to a .[.base unit of the cordless
telephone device,.]. .Iadd.second device; .Iaddend. .[.the first
generation unit being configured to generate.]. .Iadd.generating
.Iaddend.instruction bit information indicating that the audio
represents the voice instructions and .[.to generate.].
.Iadd.generating.Iaddend., as the first stream, a first instruction
stream indicative of the voice instructions in accordance with a
first trigger indicating a request to start the remote control of
the home electric appliance.[.,.]..Iadd.; and .Iaddend. .[.the
first transmission unit being configured to transmit.].
.Iadd.transmitting .Iaddend.the instruction bit information and the
first instruction stream to the .[.base unit through a common
multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission of a first
stream generated in a case where the first trigger is not given to
the first generation unit.]. .Iadd.second device, wherein the first
trigger is given to the first device by predetermined movement
given to the first device or a predetermined operation given to the
first device, the integrated circuit transmits the instruction bit
information and the first instruction stream to the second device
through a common multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission
of the first stream generated in a case where the first trigger is
not given to the first device, the common multiplexing scheme is a
Time Division Duplex/Time Division Multiple Access scheme complying
with a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications standard, in a
case where the first trigger is not given to the first device, the
integrated circuit generates call bit information indicating that
the audio represents a voice call and generates, as the first
stream, a first call stream indicative of the audio, and in a case
where the first device receives the first trigger during generation
of the first call stream, the integrated circuit generates the
instruction bit information and the first instruction stream, and
switches an operation mode of the system from a call mode in which
the audio is transferred to an intended party with which the user
is engaged in the voice call to a mute mode in which transfer of
the audio to the intended party is interrupted.Iaddend..
19. The .[.handset.]. .Iadd.first device .Iaddend.according to
claim 18, wherein in a case where the first trigger is not given to
the first .[.generation unit.]. .Iadd.device.Iaddend., the .[.first
generation unit is configured to generate.]. .Iadd.operations
include: generating .Iaddend.call bit information indicating that
the audio represents a voice call and to generate, as the first
stream, a first call stream indicative of the audio.
20. The .[.handset.]. .Iadd.first device .Iaddend.according to
claim 18, further comprising: .[.a trigger generation unit
configured to give the first trigger to the first generation
unit.]. .Iadd.the integrated circuit is configured to perform an
operation of generating the first trigger.Iaddend..
21. A .[.cordless telephone device.]. .Iadd.communication system
.Iaddend.comprising: the .[.handset.]. .Iadd.first device
.Iaddend.according to claim 19; and a .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second
device.Iaddend., the .[.base unit.]. .Iadd.second device
.Iaddend.including.Iadd.: one or more memories; and an integrated
circuit configured to perform operations including: .Iaddend. (i)
.[.a second generation unit configured to generate.].
.Iadd.generating .Iaddend.a second instruction stream corresponding
to the first instruction stream in accordance with receipt of the
instruction bit information and the first instruction stream, and
.[.configured to generate.]. .Iadd.generating .Iaddend.a second
call stream corresponding to the first call stream in accordance
with receipt of the call bit information and the first call stream,
and (ii) .[.a second transmission unit configured to transmit.].
.Iadd.transmitting .Iaddend.the second instruction stream to a
server that generates a control command using the second
instruction stream for controlling the home electric appliance, and
.[.configured to transmit.]. .Iadd.transmitting .Iaddend.the second
call stream to a .[.telephone.]. .Iadd.third device .Iaddend.of an
intended party with which the user is engaged in the voice
call.
.Iadd.22. A method for controlling a first device for use in a
system that allows remote control of a home electric appliance by
using voice instructions of a user, the method comprising: a sound
receiving step of receiving audio of the user; a first generation
step of generating a first stream by encoding the audio input via
the sound receiving step; and a first transmission step of
transmitting the first stream to a second device included in the
system, the first generation step including generating instruction
bit information indicating that the audio represents the voice
instructions and to generate, as the first stream, a first
instruction stream indicative of the voice instructions in
accordance with a first trigger indicating a request to start the
remote control of the home electric appliance, wherein the first
trigger is given to the first device by predetermined movement
given to the first device or a predetermined operation given to the
first device, the first transmission step includes transmitting the
instruction bit information and the first instruction stream to the
second device through a common multiplexing scheme that is common
to transmission of the first stream generated in a case where the
first trigger is not given to the first device, the common
multiplexing scheme is a Time Division Duplex/Time Division
Multiple Access scheme complying with a Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications standard, in a case where the first trigger is
not given to the first device, the first generation step includes
generating call bit information indicating that the audio
represents a voice call and to generate, as the first stream, a
first call stream indicative of the audio, and the first generation
step includes, in a case where the first device receives the first
trigger during generation of the first call stream, generating the
instruction bit information and the first instruction stream, and
switching an operation mode of the system from a call mode in which
the audio is transferred to an intended party with which the user
is engaged in the voice call to a mute mode in which transfer of
the audio to the intended party is interrupted. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. A method for controlling a system that allows remote
control of a home electric appliance by using voice instructions of
a user, the system including a first device and a second device,
the method comprising: a first generation step of causing the first
device to generate a first stream by encoding audio input via the
first device; and a first transmission step of transmitting the
first stream to the second device, the first generation step
including causing the first device to generate instruction bit
information indicating that the audio represents the voice
instructions and to generate, as the first stream, a first
instruction stream indicative of the voice instructions in a case
where a first trigger indicating a request to start the remote
control of the home electric appliance is given to the first
device, and the first transmission step including transmitting the
instruction bit information and the first instruction stream to the
second device, wherein in a case where the first trigger is not
given to the first device, the first generation step includes
causing the first device to generate call bit information
indicating that the audio represents a voice call and to generate,
as the first stream, a first call stream indicative of the audio,
and the first generation step includes, in a case where the first
device receives the first trigger during generation of the first
call stream, causing the first device to switch an operation mode
of the system from a call mode in which the audio is transferred to
an intended party with which the user is engaged in the voice call
to a mute mode in which transfer of the audio to the intended party
is interrupted. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a technique for controlling a
cordless telephone device for use in a system that allows remote
control of a home electric appliance in accordance with voice
instructions of a user.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recent advancements in communication technology enable remote
control of a home electric appliance by using voice instructions of
a user (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
6-152768 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
7-30675). The techniques disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Application Publication No. 6-152768 (hereinafter referred to as
"Patent Literature 1") and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 7-30675 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent
Literature 2") allow a user to input a specific code or password to
a handset of a cordless telephone device to set the operation mode
of a base unit of the cordless telephone device to a speech
recognition mode. The base unit executes various processes for
remote control of a home electric appliance in the speech
recognition mode.
SUMMARY
However, further improvements are needed in the techniques
disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2.
In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a
method for controlling a cordless telephone device including a base
unit and a handset, for use in a system that allows remote control
of a home electric appliance by using voice instructions of a user.
The method includes a first generation step of causing a first
generation unit included in the handset to generate a first stream
by encoding audio input via a sound receiving unit included in the
handset, and a first transmission step of transmitting the first
stream to the base unit. The first generation step includes causing
the first generation unit to generate instruction bit information
indicating that the audio represents the voice instructions and to
generate, as the first stream, a first instruction stream
indicative of the voice instructions in a case where a first
trigger indicating a request to start the remote control of the
home electric appliance is given to the first generation unit. The
first transmission step includes transmitting the instruction bit
information and the first instruction stream to the base unit
through a common multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission
of the first stream generated in a case where the first trigger is
not given to the first generation unit. These general and specific
aspects may be implemented using a system, a method, and a computer
program, and any combination of systems, methods, and computer
programs.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable easy switching
between a call mode in which a user makes a telephone call and a
remote control mode in which a user takes remote control of a home
electric appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a cordless telephone device
according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for the cordless telephone device illustrated in FIG. 1 (Embodiment
2);
FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for the cordless telephone device illustrated in FIG. 1 (Embodiment
3);
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a cordless telephone device
according to Embodiment 4;
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a telephone handset
according to Embodiment 5;
FIG. 6 is a schematic timing chart depicting an illustrative
operation of the telephone handset illustrated in FIG. 5
(Embodiment 6);
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a telephone handset
according to Embodiment 7;
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 8;
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal
according to Embodiment 9;
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 10;
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 11;
FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 12;
FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal
according to Embodiment 13;
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 14;
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a use environment of
the wearable terminal illustrated in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal
according to Embodiment 15;
FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 16;
FIG. 18A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a use environment of
a wearable terminal in the control system illustrated in FIG.
17;
FIG. 18B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a use environment of
the wearable terminal in the control system illustrated in FIG.
17;
FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of a cordless telephone device
according to Embodiment 17;
FIG. 20 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for a base unit of the cordless telephone device illustrated in
FIG. 19 (Embodiment 18);
FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit according to
Embodiment 19;
FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for the base unit illustrated in FIG. 21 (Embodiment 20);
FIG. 23 is a schematic flowchart of control of switching to a mute
mode, which is executed by the base unit illustrated in FIG. 21
(Embodiment 21);
FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit according to
Embodiment 22;
FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit according to
Embodiment 23;
FIG. 26A is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 24;
FIG. 26B is a schematic block diagram of a base unit in the control
system illustrated in FIG. 26A;
FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 25;
FIG. 28 is a table showing illustrative data stored in a target
device database in the control system illustrated in FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal
according to Embodiment 26;
FIG. 30 is a conceptual diagram of a control system including the
wearable terminal illustrated in FIG. 29;
FIG. 31 is a table showing illustrative data stored in a target
device database in the control system illustrated in FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram of a method for using the control
system illustrated in FIG. 8 (Embodiment 27);
FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal
according to Embodiment 28;
FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit according to
Embodiment 29;
FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram of a control system according to
Embodiment 30;
FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal
according to Embodiment 31;
FIG. 37 is a conceptual diagram of a three-dimensional coordinate
system that is set for a user's upper limb; and
FIG. 38 is a table showing illustrative relationships between
operations demanded by a user and operations performed on a
wearable terminal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Findings on which the Present Disclosure is Based
The inventor has found that the techniques disclosed in Patent
Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 given above have the following
difficulties.
The techniques disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent
Literature 2 require, between the handset and the base unit, a line
used only for telephone calls or conversations and a line used only
for remote control of home electric appliances. This increases the
complexity of the design required by a control system for
controlling home electric appliances, and also increases
construction cost for the control system.
To address the problems described above, the inventor has developed
the following solution.
A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for
controlling a cordless telephone device including a base unit and a
handset, for use in a system that allows remote control of a home
electric appliance by using voice instructions of a user. The
method includes a first generation step of causing a first
generation unit included in the handset to generate a first stream
by encoding audio input via a sound receiving unit included in the
handset, and a first transmission step of transmitting the first
stream to the base unit. The first generation step includes causing
the first generation unit to generate instruction bit information
indicating that the audio represents the voice instructions and to
generate, as the first stream, a first instruction stream
indicative of the voice instructions in a case where a first
trigger indicating a request to start the remote control of the
home electric appliance is given to the first generation unit. The
first transmission step includes transmitting the instruction bit
information and the first instruction stream to the base unit
through a common multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission
of a first stream generated in a case where the first trigger is
not given.
According to this aspect, instruction bit information and a first
instruction stream are transmitted to a base unit through a common
multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission of a first
stream generated in a case where the first trigger is not given.
Thus, the user may be able to easily switch the operation mode of
the cordless telephone device between the call mode and the remote
control mode.
In the first aspect, the common multiplexing scheme may be a Time
Division Duplex/Time Division Multiple Access (TDD-TDMA) scheme
complying with a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
(DECT) standard.
According to this aspect, the common multiplexing scheme is a
TDD-TDMA scheme complying with a DECT standard. Thus, a system for
the remote control of a home electric appliance may be easily
constructed.
In the first aspect, in a case where the first trigger is not given
to the first generation unit, the first generation step may include
causing the first generation unit to generate call bit information
indicating that the audio represents a voice call and to generate,
as the first stream, a first call stream indicative of the
audio.
According to this aspect, the first generation unit generates call
bit information. Thus, the base unit may be able to accurately
determine whether or not the user wishes to enter a remote control
mode, preventing or reducing erroneous switching of the operation
mode of the cordless telephone device.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include, in a
case where the first generation unit receives the first trigger
during generation of the first call stream, causing the first
generation unit to generate the instruction bit information and the
first instruction stream, and causing the first generation unit to
switch an operation mode of the cordless telephone device from a
call mode in which the audio is transferred to an intended party
with which the user is engaged in the voice call to a mute mode in
which transfer of the audio to the intended party is
interrupted.
According to this aspect, upon receipt of the first trigger during
the generation of a first call stream, the first generation unit
switches the operation mode of the cordless telephone device from a
call mode in which audio is transferred to the intended party to a
mute mode in which transfer of the audio to the intended party is
interrupted. Thus, the voice instructions given to the cordless
telephone device may be less likely to be delivered to the intended
party. This may enable the user to easily switch the operation mode
of the cordless telephone device from the call mode to the remote
control mode even during a telephone conversation.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include causing
the first generation unit to generate, during the mute mode, an
alternative stream representing an alternative sound that replaces
the audio. The first transmission step may include transmitting the
alternative stream to the base unit through the common multiplexing
scheme.
According to this aspect, an alternative stream is transmitted to
the base unit. Thus, the intended party may be able to hear an
alternative sound during the mute mode. Accordingly, the intended
party may be able to recognize that the connection with the
cordless telephone device is ongoing.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include, in a
case where the first generation unit receives a second trigger
indicating a request to return to the call mode, (i) causing the
first generation unit to terminate the mute mode, and (ii) causing
the first generation unit to generate the call bit information and
the first call stream.
According to this aspect, the user may be able to easily return the
operation mode of the cordless telephone device from the remote
control mode to the call mode during a telephone conversation.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include, after a
certain period has elapsed since the mute mode began, (i) causing
the first generation unit to terminate the mute mode, and (ii)
causing the first generation unit to generate the call bit
information and the first call stream.
According to this aspect, the user may be able to easily return the
operation mode of the cordless telephone device from the remote
control mode to the call mode during a telephone conversation.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include causing
the first generation unit to generate, as the call bit information,
information specifying an audio encoding scheme for the first call
stream.
According to this aspect, the first call stream may be
appropriately encoded using the audio encoding scheme specified in
the call bit information.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include causing
the first generation unit to generate, as the call bit information,
information specifying a bit rate for the first call stream.
According to this aspect, the first call stream may be
appropriately encoded at the bit rate specified in the call bit
information.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include causing
the first generation unit to generate, as the instruction bit
information, information specifying an audio encoding scheme for
the first instruction stream.
According to this aspect, the first instruction stream may be
appropriately encoded using the audio encoding scheme specified in
the instruction bit information.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include causing
the first generation unit to generate, as the instruction bit
information, information specifying a bit rate for the first
instruction stream.
According to this aspect, the first instruction stream may be
appropriately encoded at the bit rate specified in the instruction
bit information.
In the first aspect, the first generation step may include causing
the first generation unit to encode the first instruction stream
and the first call stream at a bit rate complying with the DECT
standard using an audio encoding scheme complying with the DECT
standard.
According to this aspect, the first instruction stream and the
first call stream may be appropriately encoded at a bit rate
complying with the DECT standard using an audio encoding scheme
complying with the DECT standard.
In the first aspect, the first trigger may be given to the first
generation unit by predetermined movement given to the handset,
predetermined audio given to the handset, or a predetermined
operation given to the handset.
According to this aspect, the user may be able to give
predetermined movement, predetermined audio, or a predetermined
operation to the handset to easily switch the operation mode of the
cordless telephone device.
In the first aspect, the method may further include a second
generation step of generating a second stream corresponding to the
first stream transmitted from the handset to the base unit, and a
second transmission step of transmitting the second stream. The
second generation step may include (i) in a case where the base
unit receives the instruction bit information and the first
instruction stream, causing the base unit to generate a second
instruction stream corresponding to the first instruction stream,
and (ii) in a case where the base unit receives the call bit
information and the first call stream, causing the base unit to
generate a second call stream corresponding to the first call
stream. The second transmission step may include (iii) in a case
where the base unit generates the second instruction stream,
causing the base unit to transmit the second instruction stream to
a server that generates a control command using the second
instruction stream for controlling the home electric appliance, and
(iv) in a case where the base unit generates the second call
stream, transmitting the second call stream to a telephone of the
intended party.
According to this aspect, the base unit generates a second
instruction stream corresponding to the first instruction stream in
accordance with receipt of the instruction bit information and the
first instruction stream. Thus, the user may be able to
appropriately operate the home electric appliance in accordance
with audio from the user. The base unit generates a second call
stream corresponding to the first call stream in accordance with
receipt of the call bit information and the first call stream.
Thus, the user may be able to appropriately have a conversation
with the intended party.
In the first aspect, the second transmission step may include
causing the base unit to selectively transmit the second
instruction stream or the second call stream via a public
communication line that is common to transmission of the second
instruction stream and the second call stream.
According to this aspect, the base unit selectively transmits the
second instruction stream or the second call stream via a public
communication line that is common to transmission of the second
instruction stream and the second call stream. Thus, a simple
connection may be made between the cordless telephone device and
the public communication line.
In the first aspect, the second transmission step may include (i)
in a case where the base unit generates the second instruction
stream, causing the base unit to transmit the second instruction
stream via a first public communication line, and (ii) in a case
where the base unit generates the second call stream, causing the
base unit to transmit the second call stream via a second public
communication line different from the first public communication
line.
According to this aspect, the base unit that generates a second
call stream transmits the second call stream via a second public
communication line different from a first public communication
line. Thus, the user may be able to select a public communication
line suitable for the transmission of the second instruction stream
as a first public communication line, and to select a public
communication line suitable for the second call stream as a second
public communication line.
In the first aspect, the second generation step may include causing
the base unit to generate, during the mute mode, an alternative
stream representing an alternative sound that replaces the audio.
The second transmission step may include, in a case where the base
unit generates the alternative stream, transmitting the alternative
stream to the telephone of the intended party.
According to this aspect, an alternative stream is transmitted to
the telephone of the intended party. Thus, the intended party may
be able to hear an alternative sound during the mute mode.
Accordingly, the intended party may be able to recognize that the
connection with the cordless telephone device is ongoing.
A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a handset of a
cordless telephone device for use in a system that allows remote
control of a home electric appliance by using voice instructions of
a user. The handset includes a sound receiving unit configured to
receive audio of the user, a first generation unit configured to
generate a first stream by encoding the audio input via the sound
receiving unit, and a first transmission unit configured to
transmit the first stream to a base unit of the cordless telephone
device. The first generation unit is configured to generate
instruction bit information indicating that the audio represents
the voice instructions and to generate, as the first stream, a
first instruction stream indicative of the voice instructions in
accordance with a first trigger indicating a request to start the
remote control of the home electric appliance. The first
transmission unit is configured to transmit the instruction bit
information and the first instruction stream to the base unit
through a common multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission
of a first stream generated in a case where the first trigger is
not given to the first generation unit.
According to this aspect, instruction bit information and a first
instruction stream are transmitted to a base unit through a common
multiplexing scheme that is common to transmission of a first
stream generated in a case where the first trigger is not given.
Thus, the user may be able to easily switch the operation mode of
the cordless telephone device between the call mode and the remote
control mode.
In the second aspect, in a case where the first trigger is not
given to the first generation unit, the first generation unit may
be configured to generate call bit information indicating that the
audio represents a voice call and to generate, as the first stream,
a first call stream indicative of the audio.
According to this aspect, the first generation unit generates call
bit information. Thus, the base unit may be able to accurately
determine whether or not the user wishes to enter a remote control
mode, preventing or reducing erroneous switching of the operation
mode of the cordless telephone device.
In the second aspect, the handset may further include a trigger
generation unit configured to give the first trigger to the first
generation unit.
According to this aspect, the handset includes a trigger generation
unit. Thus, the user may be able to operate the handset to easily
switch the operation mode of the cordless telephone device between
the call mode and the remote control mode.
A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a cordless
telephone device including the handset described above and a base
unit. The base unit includes (i) a second generation unit
configured to generate a second instruction stream corresponding to
the first instruction stream in accordance with receipt of the
instruction bit information and the first instruction stream, and
configured to generate a second call stream corresponding to the
first call stream in accordance with receipt of the call bit
information and the first call stream, and (ii) a second
transmission unit configured to transmit the second instruction
stream to a server that generates a control command using the
second instruction stream for controlling the home electric
appliance, and configured to transmit the second call stream to a
telephone of an intended party with which the user is engaged in
the voice call.
According to this aspect, the base unit generates a second
instruction stream corresponding to the first instruction stream in
accordance with receipt of the instruction bit information and the
first instruction stream. Thus, the home electric appliance may
appropriately operate in accordance with the audio from the user.
The base unit generates a second call stream corresponding to the
first call stream in accordance with receipt of the call bit
information and the first call stream. Thus, the user may be able
to appropriately have a conversation with the intended party.
Some embodiments relating to a technique for controlling a home
electrical device using a cordless telephone device will be
described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The technique for controlling a home electrical device using a
cordless telephone device will be apparently understood from the
following description. Note that the direction associated with the
terms "up", "down", "left", "right", etc. is for descriptive
purposes only and is intended to be broadly construed.
Embodiment 1
As described above, existing control techniques using a cordless
telephone device require, between the handset and the base unit, a
line used only for telephone calls or conversations and a line used
only for remote control of home electric appliances. No extremely
complicated design of a control system for controlling a home
electric appliance is required when a stream representing audio of
a telephone conversation and a stream representing audio for remote
control of a home electric appliance are transferred from the
handset to the base unit using a common multiplexing scheme
constructed between the handset and the base unit. This may result
in a reduction in the construction cost for the control system. In
Embodiment 1, a description will be given of a technique for
transferring a stream representing audio of a telephone
conversation and a stream representing audio for remote control of
a home electric appliance from the handset to the base unit using a
common multiplexing scheme constructed between the handset and the
base unit.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a cordless telephone device
100 according to Embodiment 1. The cordless telephone device 100
will be described with reference to FIG. 1.
The cordless telephone device 100 includes a base unit 200 and a
handset 300. As with a typical cordless telephone device, a user is
able to input audio to the base unit 200 or the handset 300 and to
have a conversation with an intended party ITP.
The user may give voice instructions for remote control of a home
electric appliance APL to the handset 300. The voice instructions
are transferred from the handset 300 to the base unit 200. After
that, the voice instructions are transferred from the base unit 200
to the home electric appliance APL via a server SVR. The home
electric appliance APL operates in accordance with the voice
instructions. Accordingly, the cordless telephone device 100 can
function as part of a system that executes remote control of the
home electric appliance APL.
The handset 300 includes a sound receiving unit 310, a generation
unit 320, and a transmission unit 330. The user provides audio to
the sound receiving unit 310. The sound receiving unit 310 receives
the audio and converts it into an electrical signal. The sound
receiving unit 310 may be a built-in microphone of a typical
telephone. Alternatively, the sound receiving unit 310 may be any
other device configured to convert the audio of the user into an
electrical signal. The basic concept of this embodiment is not
limited to a specific device used for the sound receiving unit
310.
The electrical signal is output from the sound receiving unit 310
to the generation unit 320. The generation unit 320 applies an
encoding process to the electrical signal, and generates a stream
representing the audio of the user. In this embodiment, the first
generation unit is exemplified by the generation unit 320. The
first stream is exemplified by the stream generated by the
generation unit 320.
The encoding process may be based on an encoding technique used by
a typical cordless telephone device. For example, the generation
unit 320 may execute an encoding process using an audio encoding
scheme complying with the digital enhanced cordless
telecommunications (DECT) standard. Additionally, the generation
unit 320 may execute an encoding process at a bit rate complying
with the DECT standard. Alternatively, the generation unit 320 may
perform an encoding process using any other audio encoding
technique. The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to a
specific encoding process executed by the generation unit 320.
The stream is output from the generation unit 320 to the
transmission unit 330. After that, the transmission unit 330
transmits the stream to the base unit 200. In this embodiment, the
first transmission unit is exemplified by the transmission unit
330.
The user may give a trigger to the handset 300 for requesting the
start of the remote control of the home electric appliance APL. The
user may perform a predetermined operation on the handset 300 to
request the start of the remote control of the home electric
appliance APL. Alternatively, the user may give predetermined
movement to the handset 300 to request the start of the remote
control of the home electric appliance APL. Further alternatively,
the user may provide predetermined audio to the handset 300 to
request the start of the remote control of the home electric
appliance APL. The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited
to a specific method for requesting the start of the remote control
of the home electric appliance APL. In this embodiment, the first
trigger is exemplified by the trigger given by the user to the
handset 300.
When the user gives a trigger to the handset 300 in the way
described above, the generation unit 320 generates instruction bit
information in accordance with the trigger. The generation unit 320
generates, as the stream described above, an instruction stream
from the electrical signal representing the audio received by the
sound receiving unit 310 after the trigger (voice instructions for
the home electric appliance APL) was given. In this embodiment, the
first instruction stream is exemplified by the instruction stream
generated by the generation unit 320.
Similarly to a stream generated by the generation unit 320 when the
user does not give a trigger to the handset 300, the instruction
bit information and the instruction stream are transmitted from the
generation unit 320 to the base unit 200 via the transmission unit
330. The instruction bit information and the instruction stream are
transmitted from the transmission unit 330 to the base unit 200
using a multiplexing scheme that is common to the transmission of
the stream generated by the generation unit 320 when the user does
not give a trigger to the handset 300. Thus, no extremely
complicated design of a control system for controlling the home
electric appliance APL is required.
A common multiplexing scheme constructed between the handset 300
and the base unit 200 may be a time division duplex/time division
multiple access (TDD-TDMA) scheme complying with the DECT standard.
Alternatively, any other multiplexing scheme may be constructed
between the handset 300 and the base unit 200. The basic concept of
this embodiment is not limited to a specific multiplexing
scheme.
When the base unit 200 receives the instruction bit information,
the base unit 200 may determine that the stream received together
with the instruction bit information is an instruction stream
representing voice instructions for the home electric appliance
APL. In this case, the base unit 200 communicates with the home
electric appliance APL via the server SVR.
When the base unit 200 does not receive the instruction bit
information, the base unit 200 may determine that the stream
received from the handset 300 represents the content of a
conversation with the intended party ITP. In this case, the base
unit 200 communicates with the telephone of the intended party
ITP.
Embodiment 2
The cordless telephone device described in connection with
Embodiment 1 is configured to operate under various forms of
control. In Embodiment 2, a description will be given of an
illustrative control method for the cordless telephone device.
FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for the cordless telephone device 100. A control method for the
cordless telephone device 100 will be described with reference to
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
Step S110
In step S110, the generation unit 320 executes an encoding process
on an electrical signal representing audio input via the sound
receiving unit 310, and generates a stream. When the user gives a
trigger to the handset 300, the generation unit 320 generates
instruction bit information and also generates an instruction
stream as a stream. After the generation unit 320 generates the
stream, step S120 is executed. In this embodiment, the first
generation step is exemplified by step S110.
Step S120
In step S120, the stream is transmitted from the generation unit
320 to the base unit 200 via the transmission unit 330. If the
generation unit 320 generates instruction bit information and an
instruction stream in step S110, the instruction bit information
and the instruction stream are output from the generation unit 320
to the transmission unit 330. The instruction bit information and
the instruction stream are transmitted from the transmission unit
330 to the base unit 200 through a multiplexing scheme. A
multiplexing scheme that is common to a stream generated by the
generation unit 320 when the user does not give a trigger to the
handset 300 is used for the transmission of the instruction bit
information and the instruction stream from the transmission unit
330 to the base unit 200. In this embodiment, the first
transmission step is exemplified by step S120.
Embodiment 3
The handset may also generate bit information when the user does
not give a trigger to the handset. This allows the base unit to
accurately determine whether the stream transmitted from the
handset represents the content of a conversation with the intended
party or voice instructions for a home electric appliance. In
Embodiment 3, a description will be given of a control technique
for generating a plurality of types of bit information.
FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for the cordless telephone device 100. A control method for the
cordless telephone device 100 will be described with reference to
FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.
Step S210
In step S210, the user determines whether to give voice
instructions to the home electric appliance APL or to have a
conversation with an intended party. The user who gives voice
instructions to the home electric appliance APL gives a trigger to
the handset 300. When the user gives a trigger to the handset 300,
step S220 is executed. Otherwise, step S230 is executed.
Step S220
In step S220, the generation unit 320 generates instruction bit
information and an instruction stream. Then, step S240 is executed.
The generation unit 320 may generate an instruction stream using an
audio encoding scheme complying with the DECT standard. The
generation unit 320 may generate an instruction stream at a bit
rate complying with the DECT standard. In this embodiment, the
first generation step is exemplified by step S220.
Step S230
In step S230, the generation unit 320 generates call bit
information and a call stream. The generation unit 320 may generate
a call stream using an audio encoding scheme complying with the
DECT standard. The generation unit 320 may generate a call stream
at a bit rate complying with the DECT standard. Unlike the
instruction bit information, the call bit information indicates
that the audio received by the sound receiving unit 310 is a voice
call with the intended party ITP. Unlike the instruction stream,
the call stream represents the audio of a conversation with the
intended party ITP. After the generation of call bit information
and a call stream, step S240 is executed. In this embodiment, the
first generation step is exemplified by step S230.
Step S240
In step S240, the stream is output from the generation unit 320 to
the transmission unit 330. The instruction bit information and the
instruction stream are transmitted from the transmission unit 330
to the base unit 200 through a multiplexing scheme that is common
to the call bit information and the call stream.
Embodiment 4
The handset of the cordless telephone device may have a function to
generate a trigger signal as to whether or not the user is going to
take remote control of a home electric appliance. In Embodiment 4,
a description will be given of a cordless telephone device
including a handset configured to generate a trigger signal.
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a cordless telephone device
100A according to Embodiment 4. The cordless telephone device 100A
will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Numerals common to
Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 4 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 1. These
components are thus identified using the description made in
Embodiment 1.
The cordless telephone device 100A includes a base unit 200. The
base unit 200 is identified using the description made in
Embodiment 1.
The cordless telephone device 100A further includes a handset 300A.
The handset 300A may selectively generate a pair of instruction bit
information and an instruction stream or a pair of call bit
information and a call stream in accordance with the technique
described in connection with Embodiment 3. The pair of instruction
bit information and an instruction stream and the pair of call bit
information and a call stream are transmitted from the handset 300A
to the base unit 200 through a common multiplexing scheme.
Similarly to Embodiment 1, the handset 300A includes a sound
receiving unit 310 and a transmission unit 330. These components
are identified using the description made in Embodiment 1.
The handset 300A further includes a stream generation unit 320A and
a trigger signal generation unit 340. When the user gives a trigger
to the handset 300A, the trigger signal generation unit 340
generates a trigger signal. The trigger signal is output from the
trigger signal generation unit 340 to the stream generation unit
320A. The stream generation unit 320A generates instruction bit
information in accordance with the trigger signal. After that, the
stream generation unit 320A applies an encoding process to the
electrical signal received from the sound receiving unit 310 to
generate an instruction stream. The instruction bit information and
the instruction stream are output from the stream generation unit
320A to the transmission unit 330. In this embodiment, the first
generation unit is exemplified by the stream generation unit 320A.
The first trigger is exemplified by the trigger signal.
When the stream generation unit 320A does not receive a trigger
signal but receives the electrical signal from the sound receiving
unit 310, the stream generation unit 320A generates call bit
information and a call stream. The call bit information and the
call stream are output from the stream generation unit 320A to the
transmission unit 330.
The trigger signal generation unit 340 may be an operation button
(e.g., a power button) or any other operation portion that appears
on a housing (not illustrated) of the handset 300A. In this case,
the user who wishes to take remote control of the home electric
appliance APL is able to operate the operation portion functioning
as the trigger signal generation unit 340 to generate a trigger
signal.
The trigger signal generation unit 340 may be an acceleration
sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or any other sensor element
configured to detect movement given to the handset 300A. In this
case, the user who wishes to take remote control of the home
electric appliance APL is able to activate the handset 300A to
generate a trigger signal.
The trigger signal generation unit 340 may have a function to
recognize audio. In this case, the trigger signal generation unit
340 may be electrically connected to the sound receiving unit 310.
The trigger signal generation unit 340 may analyze the electrical
signal converted from the audio of the user by the sound receiving
unit 310, and generate a trigger signal when the electrical signal
indicates specific audio.
Embodiment 5
The designer may be able to design various devices on the basis of
the design principles of the handset described in connection with
Embodiment 4. The designer may design a handset having a shape and
function similar to those of the telephone handset of a typical
cordless telephone. Alternatively, the designer may design a
wearable terminal such as a terminal that looks like a watch or a
terminal that looks like a pendant. In Embodiment 5, a description
will be given of a handset having a shape and function similar to
those of the telephone handset of a typical cordless telephone.
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a telephone handset 300B
according to Embodiment 5. The telephone handset 300B will be
described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.
Similarly to the telephone handset of a typical cordless telephone
device, the telephone handset 300B has a function to transmit the
audio of the user to the base unit as a radio wave, and a function
to receive a radio wave representing the audio of the intended
party from the base unit and to output the audio of the intended
party. In addition to the functions described above, the telephone
handset 300B has a function to process audio for the remote control
of a home electric appliance.
The telephone handset 300B includes a signal conversion unit 310B,
an integrated circuit 320B, an antenna unit 331, a power button
340B, and a power supply unit 350. The user may operate the power
button 340B to request supply of power from the power supply unit
350. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply unit 350
to the signal conversion unit 310B and the integrated circuit 320B.
After that, the user is able to have a conversation with an
intended party or to take remote control of a home electric
appliance.
The signal conversion unit 310B includes input keys 311, a speaker
312, and a microphone 313. The input keys 311 may be number keys
(or a ten-key pad) of the telephone handset of a typical cordless
telephone device. The user may operate the input keys 311 to input
the telephone number of the intended party. The input telephone
number is output to the integrated circuit 320B as an electrical
signal. The integrated circuit 320B processes an electrical signal
representing the telephone number, and transmits a radio wave
representing the telephone number from the antenna unit 331 to the
base unit. The processing of the electrical signal generated by the
input keys 311 may be based on a processing technique performed by
the telephone handset of a typical cordless telephone device. The
basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to a specific
process performed on the electrical signal generated by the
operation of the input keys 311.
The antenna unit 331 receives the radio wave representing the audio
of the intended party. After that, the integrated circuit 320B
processes the radio wave, and generates an electrical signal
representing the audio of the intended party. After that, the
electrical signal is output from the integrated circuit 320B to the
speaker 312. The speaker 312 converts the electrical signal from
the integrated circuit 320B into audio. As a result, the audio of
the intended party is reproduced from the speaker 312. A signal
processing technique and reproduction technique for the
reproduction of the audio of the intended party may be based on a
processing technique performed by the telephone handset of a
typical cordless telephone device. The basic concept of this
embodiment is not limited to a specific technique for the
reproduction of the audio of the intended party.
The microphone 313 converts the audio of the user into an
electrical signal. The microphone 313 may have substantially the
same structure as a built-in microphone of the telephone handset of
a typical cordless telephone device. The basic concept of this
embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of the microphone
313. The microphone 313 corresponds to the sound receiving unit 310
described with reference to FIG. 4.
The integrated circuit 320B includes a control unit 321, an
encoding unit 322, an input/output (I/O) section 323, and a
communication unit 332. The control unit 321 controls the overall
operation of the integrated circuit 320B. Accordingly, the encoding
unit 322, the I/O section 323, and the communication unit 332
operate under control of the control unit 321.
When the user operates the power button 340B (e.g., when the user
presses the power button 340B for a short period of time) while the
power supply unit 350 supplies power to the signal conversion unit
310B and the integrated circuit 320B, the trigger signal is output
from the power button 340B to the control unit 321. The control
unit 321 generates instruction bit information in accordance with
the trigger signal. The instruction bit information may include
information specifying an audio encoding scheme to be used for the
encoding process on the electrical signal generated by the
microphone 313. Additionally, the instruction bit information may
include information specifying a bit rate to be used for the
encoding process on the electrical signal generated by the
microphone 313. The instruction bit information is output from the
control unit 321 to the encoding unit 322. The power button 340B
corresponds to the trigger signal generation unit 340 described
with reference to FIG. 4.
After operating the power button 340B, the user inputs voice
instructions for the remote control of a home electric appliance to
the microphone 313. The microphone 313 converts the voice
instructions into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is
output from the microphone 313 to the I/O section 323. The I/O
section 323 outputs the electrical signal to the encoding unit 322
under control of the control unit 321. The encoding unit 322 may
perform an encoding process on the electrical signal in accordance
with the audio encoding scheme specified by the instruction bit
information, and generate an instruction stream. Additionally, the
encoding unit 322 may perform an encoding process on the electrical
signal in accordance with the bit rate specified by the instruction
bit information, and generate an instruction stream. The control
unit 321 and the encoding unit 322 correspond to the stream
generation unit 320A described with reference to FIG. 4. In this
embodiment, the first instruction stream is exemplified by the
instruction stream generated by the encoding unit 322.
The encoding unit 322 outputs the instruction bit information and
the instruction stream to the communication unit 332. After that,
the communication unit 332 transmits the instruction bit
information and the instruction stream to the antenna unit 331. The
instruction bit information and the instruction stream are
transmitted from the antenna unit 331 to the base unit. The
communication unit 332 and the antenna unit 331 correspond to the
transmission unit 330 described with reference to FIG. 4.
When the user inputs the telephone number of an intended party
using the input keys 311, an electrical signal representing the
telephone number is output from the input keys 311 to the I/O
section 323. After that, the electrical signal is transferred from
the I/O section 323 to the control unit 321. The control unit 321
generates a control signal for establishing communication between
the telephone handset 300B and the telephone of the intended party
in accordance with the electrical signal from the I/O section 323.
After that, the control signal is transmitted from the control unit
321 to the base unit using the antenna unit 331 via the
communication unit 332. A technique for generating a control signal
to establish communication between the telephone handset 300B and
the telephone of the intended party may be similar to a generation
technique applicable to the telephone handset of a typical cordless
telephone device. This embodiment is not limited to a specific
technique for generating a control signal.
When the control unit 321 receives the electrical signal
representing the telephone number, the control unit 321 may
generate call bit information. Alternatively, when communication is
established between the telephone handset 300B and the telephone of
the intended party (e.g., when the intended party lifts the
receiver off the hook), the control unit 321 may generate call bit
information. The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to
a specific timing at which call bit information is generated.
Similarly to the instruction bit information, the call bit
information may include information specifying an audio encoding
scheme to be used for the encoding process on the electrical signal
generated by the microphone 313. Additionally, the call bit
information may include information specifying a bit rate to be
used for the encoding process on the electrical signal generated by
the microphone 313.
The user starts a conversation with the intended party after
communication has been established between the telephone handset
300B and the telephone of the intended party. The microphone 313
converts the audio of the user into an electrical signal. The
electrical signal is output from the microphone 313 to the I/O
section 323. The I/O section 323 outputs the electrical signal to
the encoding unit 322 under control of the control unit 321.
The encoding unit 322 may perform an encoding process on the
electrical signal in accordance with the audio encoding scheme
specified by the call bit information, and generate a call stream.
Additionally, the encoding unit 322 may perform an encoding process
on the electrical signal in accordance with the bit rate specified
by the call bit information, and generate a call stream. In this
embodiment, the first call stream is exemplified by the call stream
generated by the encoding unit 322.
The encoding unit 322 outputs the call bit information and the call
stream to the communication unit 332. After that, the communication
unit 332 transmits the call bit information and the call stream
from the antenna unit 331. The call bit information and the call
stream are transmitted from the antenna unit 331 to the base
unit.
Embodiment 6
The telephone handset described in connection with Embodiment 5 is
configured to switch the operation mode between a first operation
mode used for making a conversation with an intended party and a
second operation mode used for taking remote control of a home
electric appliance. The telephone handset transmits a call stream
and an instruction stream to the base unit through a common
multiplexing scheme. This enables the user to switch the operation
mode between the first operation mode and the second operation mode
while maintaining the communication between the telephone of the
intended party and the telephone handset. In Embodiment 6, a
description will be given of the switching of the operation mode
between the first operation mode and the second operation mode.
FIG. 6 is a schematic timing chart depicting an illustrative
operation of the telephone handset 300B. The operation of the
telephone handset 300B will be described with reference to FIG. 5
and FIG. 6.
At time T0, the user operates the power button 340B to request
supply of power from the power supply unit 350. As a result, power
is supplied from the power supply unit 350 to the signal conversion
unit 310B and the integrated circuit 320B. After that, the user
operates the input keys 311 to input the telephone number of the
communication partner. As a result, the telephone of the
communication partner is called from the telephone handset 300B.
When the communication partner takes the receiver off the hook in
response to the call, communication is established between the
telephone handset 300B and the telephone of the communication
partner. After that, the telephone handset 300B operates in the
first operation mode. While the telephone handset 300B is operating
in the first operation mode, the user has a conversation with the
intended party. In this embodiment, the call mode is exemplified by
the first operation mode.
At time T1 subsequent to the time T0, the user presses the power
button 340B for a short period of time. As a result, a trigger
signal is output from the power button 340B to the control unit
321. Accordingly, the control unit 321 receives the trigger signal
while the encoding unit 322 is performing a process for generating
a call stream. The control unit 321 generates instruction bit
information in accordance with the trigger signal. The instruction
bit information is output from the control unit 321 to the encoding
unit 322. After that, the encoding unit 322 starts an encoding
process for generating an instruction stream. As a result, the
operation mode of the telephone handset 300B is switched from the
first operation mode to the second operation mode.
While the telephone handset 300B is operating in the second
operation mode, the control unit 321 generates a request signal for
requesting that the audio represented by the instruction stream
(that is, voice instructions) not be transferred to the telephone
of the intended party. The request signal is transmitted from the
control unit 321 to the base unit via the communication unit 332
and the antenna unit 331. The request signal may be transferred
from the control unit 321 to the base unit through the multiplexing
scheme used for the transmission of the instruction stream and the
call stream. As a result of the transmission of the request signal,
the telephone handset 300B can operate in a mute mode for the
telephone of the intended party.
After the generation of the request signal, the control unit 321
may generate an alternative stream representing an alternative
sound that replaces the audio of the user. The alternative stream
is transmitted from the control unit 321 to the base unit via the
communication unit 332 and the antenna unit 331. The alternative
stream may be transferred from the control unit 321 to the base
unit through the multiplexing scheme used for the transmission of
the instruction stream and the call stream.
At time T2 subsequent to the time T1, the user presses the power
button 340B for a short period of time, and requests to return to
the first operation mode. As a result, a new trigger signal is
output from the power button 340B to the control unit 321.
Accordingly, the control unit 321 receives the new trigger signal
while the encoding unit 322 is performing a process for generating
an instruction stream. The control unit 321 generates call bit
information in accordance with the new trigger signal. The second
operation mode (mute mode) ends in synchronization with the
generation of the call bit information, and the operation mode of
the telephone handset 300B is switched from the second operation
mode to the first operation mode. In this embodiment, the second
trigger is exemplified by the trigger signal.
The call bit information is output from the control unit 321 to the
encoding unit 322. The encoding unit 322 starts an encoding process
for generating a call stream in accordance with the call bit
information.
Embodiment 7
Unlike the period of conversation with the intended party, a period
required to input voice instructions for remote control of a home
electric appliance does not largely vary in length. Accordingly, a
fixed period of time may be assigned to the second operation mode.
In this case, the designer may design a telephone handset so that
the second operation mode is automatically terminated. In
Embodiment 7, a description will be given of a telephone handset
configured to automatically terminate the second operation
mode.
FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a telephone handset 300C
according to Embodiment 7. The telephone handset 300C will be
described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Numerals common to
Embodiment 5 and Embodiment 7 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 5. Thus,
these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 5.
Similarly to Embodiment 5, the telephone handset 300C includes a
signal conversion unit 310B, an antenna unit 331, a power button
340B, and a power supply unit 350. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 5.
The telephone handset 300C further includes an integrated circuit
320C. Similarly to Embodiment 5, the telephone handset 300C
performs processing for a signal to be output to the signal
conversion unit 310B, processing for a signal received from the
signal conversion unit 310B, processing for signals (bit
information and stream) output via the antenna unit 331, and
processing for a signal received via the antenna unit 331. Thus,
the description made on the signal processing in connection with
Embodiment 5 is used to indicate the integrated circuit 320C.
Similarly to Embodiment 5, the integrated circuit 320C includes an
encoding unit 322, an I/O section 323, and a communication unit
332. These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 5.
The integrated circuit 320C further includes a control unit 321C
and a timer 324. The control unit 321C controls the overall
operation of the integrated circuit 320C. Accordingly, the encoding
unit 322, the I/O section 323, the timer 324, and the communication
unit 332 operate under control of the control unit 321C.
As described in connection with Embodiment 6, the user operates the
power button 340B at the time T1. As a result, the operation mode
of the telephone handset 300C is switched from the first operation
mode to the second operation mode. A predetermined setting period
STL is set in the timer 324. The setting period STL has a length
sufficient for the user to give voice instructions to a home
electric appliance.
The telephone handset 300C operates in the second operation mode
(mute mode) until the setting period STL has elapsed since the time
T1. At the time T2 after the setting period STL has elapsed since
the time T1, the timer 324 generates a notification signal for
sending a notification of the completion of the setting period STL.
The notification signal is output from the timer 324 to the control
unit 321C.
The control unit 321C generates call bit information in accordance
with the notification signal. The second operation mode (mute mode)
ends in synchronization with the generation of the call bit
information, and the operation mode of the telephone handset 300C
is switched from the second operation mode to the first operation
mode. The call bit information is output from the control unit 321C
to the encoding unit 322. The encoding unit 322 starts an encoding
process for generating a call stream in accordance with the call
bit information.
Embodiment 8
The techniques described in connection with the various embodiments
described above may be suitable for use in a control system for
controlling a home electric appliance. In Embodiment 8, a
description will be given of an illustrative control system.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 400 according to
Embodiment 8. The control system 400 will be described with
reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 to FIG. 8.
The control system 400 includes a cordless telephone device 101, a
wireless fidelity (WiFi) router 410, and a cloud server 420. The
cordless telephone device 101 corresponds to the cordless telephone
device 100 described with reference to FIG. 1.
The cordless telephone device 101 includes a base unit 201 and two
telephone handsets 301 and 302. Each of the telephone handsets 301
and 302 may be designed on the basis of the design principles of
the telephone handsets 300B and 300C described with reference to
FIG. 5 and FIG. 7.
The call bit information, the call stream, the instruction bit
information, and the instruction stream are transmitted from each
of the telephone handsets 301 and 302 to the base unit 201 using a
TDD-TDMA scheme complying with the DECT standard. The base unit 201
has not only the function of a base unit of a typical cordless
telephone device but also the function of a home gateway.
Accordingly, the base unit 201 is connected not only to a fixed
telephone network FTN (a telephone network used for public fixed
telephone services) but also to the WiFi router 410 and a home
electric appliance group APG including various home electric
appliances.
The home electric appliance group APG includes a plurality of home
electric appliances to be subject to remote control in accordance
with voice instructions of the user. In this embodiment, the home
electric appliance group APG includes two lighting devices AP1 and
AP2, two air conditioners AP3 and AP4, a television device AP5, a
video device AP6, a refrigerator AP7, a microwave oven AP8, and a
washing machine AP9. The home electric appliance group APG may
include other home electric appliances. The basic concept of this
embodiment is not limited by the home electric appliance group
APG.
The WiFi router 410 is connected to the base unit 201 so that the
WiFi router 410 can communicate with the base unit 201 via
Ethernet, whereas the WiFi router 410 is connected to the cloud
server 420 so that the WiFi router 410 can communicate with the
cloud server 420 via the Internet line. While one of the telephone
handsets 301 and 302 is operating in the first operation mode (see
FIG. 6), the call bit information and the call stream are
transmitted from the one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302 to
the base unit 201. The base unit 201 refers to the call bit
information, and determines that the call stream is sent to the
intended party via the fixed telephone network. When one of the
telephone handsets 301 and 302 is operating in the second operation
mode (see FIG. 6), the instruction bit information and the
instruction stream are transmitted from the one of the telephone
handsets 301 and 302 to the base unit 201. The base unit 201 refers
to the instruction bit information, and determines that the
instruction stream is sent to the cloud server 420 via the WiFi
router 410 and the Internet line.
The cloud server 420 includes an authentication unit 421, a speech
recognition unit 422, an interaction unit 423, an operation command
generation unit 424, a target device database 425, and an operation
history database 426. The cloud server 420 stores in advance
information concerning the cordless telephone device 101. When the
cloud server 420 receives an instruction stream, the authentication
unit 421 determines whether or not the instruction stream is an
instruction stream transmitted from an authorized cordless
telephone device. This may prevent or at least reduce occurrence of
unauthorized remote control of the home electric appliance group
APG.
After that, the speech recognition unit 422 decodes the instruction
stream, and analyzes the voice instructions from the user. The
target device database 425 stores in advance information concerning
the lighting devices AP1 and AP2, the air conditioners AP3 and AP4,
the television device AP5, the video device AP6, the refrigerator
AP7, the microwave oven AP8, and the washing machine AP9. The
speech recognition unit 422 searches the target device database 425
for a home electric appliance specified by the voice instructions.
The speech recognition unit 422 also searches for the content of
the operation demanded by the user from the voice instructions.
If the voice instructions of the user are not clear, the speech
recognition unit 422 may activate the interaction unit 423. For
example, if the speech recognition unit 422 determines "start" as
an operation but is not capable of determining a home electric
appliance to be started to operate, the speech recognition unit 422
may cause the interaction unit 423 to generate message data
representing the message, "Which home electric appliance would you
like to start?" The message data is transferred to the telephone
handset (one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302) that the user
is using, via the Internet line, the WiFi router 410, and the base
unit 201. As a result, a message sound corresponding to "Which home
electric appliance would you like to start?" is output from the
speaker 312 (see FIG. 5 or FIG. 7). Then, the user inputs voice
instructions to specify a home electric appliance via the
microphone 313, allowing the speech recognition unit 422 to
appropriately understand the content of the remote control demanded
by the user.
The user may operate the telephone handset 301 or 302 to submit a
request for interactive input to the cloud server 420. Also in this
case, the speech recognition unit 422 can appropriately understand
the voice instructions of the user in cooperation with the
interaction unit 423.
The speech recognition unit 422 outputs the result of the speech
recognition process described above to the operation command
generation unit 424. The operation command generation unit 424
generates an operation command in accordance with the result of the
speech recognition process.
The operation command generation unit 424 may refer to the
operation history database 426 to generate an operation command.
When the user operates a home electric appliance in the home
electric appliance group APG, the content of the operation
performed on the home electric appliance is delivered from the home
electric appliance which has been operated to the cloud server 420
via the base unit 201, the WiFi router 410, and the Internet line.
Consequently, the content of the operation can be stored in the
operation history database 426. The operation command generated by
the operation command generation unit 424 may be output to the
operation history database 426. Consequently, the content of the
operation can be stored in the operation history database 426.
In a case where the result of the speech recognition process
indicates that "the user wishes to operate the air conditioner AP3
at a set temperature of 28.degree. C.", the operation command
generation unit 424 may refer to the operation history database 426
to determine whether or not the air conditioner AP3 is in
operation. If the air conditioner AP3 is in operation, the
operation command generation unit 424 generates an operation
command for setting the temperature of the air conditioner AP3 to
28.degree. C. If the air conditioner AP3 is not in operation, the
operation command generation unit 424 generates an operation
command for bringing the air conditioner AP3 into operation, and an
operation command for setting the temperature of the air
conditioner AP3 to 28.degree. C.
The operation command or commands are output from the operation
command generation unit 424 to the WiFi router 410. After that, the
operation command or commands are output from the WiFi router 410
to the home electric appliance specified in the voice instructions
of the user via the base unit 201. Upon receipt of the operation
command, the home electric appliance executes the operation
specified in the voice instructions of the user.
Embodiment 9
The operation mode of the telephone handset described in connection
with Embodiments 5 to 7 may be switched with a simple operation of
the telephone handset. This may cause a person having no sufficient
knowledge about appropriate remote control of a home electric
appliance (e.g., a young child) to operate a home electric
appliance by accident.
The designer may be able to design a handset connected to the base
unit so that the handset and the base unit can communicate with
each other, as a wearable terminal on the basis of the principles
in the various embodiments described above. In this case, the
wearable terminal may be removed from the body of the user. If the
user leaves the wearable terminal after removing it from their
body, someone may find the wearable terminal and pick it up. If a
third party operates the wearable terminal, a home electric
appliance may perform an unwanted operation.
To address the problem described above, it is desirable that a
handset connected to the base unit so that the handset and the base
unit can communicate with each other be operated only by an
authorized user. In Embodiment 9, a description will be given of a
wearable terminal having an authentication function to verify
authenticity of a user.
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal 300D
according to Embodiment 9. The wearable terminal 300D will be
described with reference to FIG. 9. Numerals common to Embodiment 7
and Embodiment 9 designate components having substantially the same
function as those in Embodiment 7. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 7.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300D so that the
wearable terminal 300D is wearable on a user's wrist. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300D
so that the wearable terminal 300D looks like a watch or a bangle.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300D so that the
wearable terminal 300D is wearable on a user's finger. In this
case, the designer may determine the design of the wearable
terminal 300D so that the wearable terminal 300D looks like a ring.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300D so that the
wearable terminal 300D can hang from the user's neck. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300D
so that the wearable terminal 300D looks like a pendant or a
necklace. The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to a
specific position at which the wearable terminal 300D is worn or a
specific design of the wearable terminal 300D.
Similarly to Embodiment 7, the wearable terminal 300D includes an
antenna unit 331, a power button 340B, and a power supply unit 350.
These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 7.
The wearable terminal 300D further includes a signal conversion
unit 310D and an integrated circuit 320D. Similarly to Embodiment
7, the integrated circuit 320D is responsible for various forms of
signal processing such as signal processing for establishing a
connection with the telephone of the intended party, signal
processing for switching the operation mode between the first
operation mode and the second operation mode, and signal processing
for generating bit information and streams. The signal processing
technique described in connection with Embodiment 7 is applied to
the integrated circuit 320D.
The signal conversion unit 310D converts the signal output from the
integrated circuit 320D into audio or an image. Additionally, the
signal conversion unit 310D converts the operation or audio of the
user into an electrical signal.
Similarly to Embodiment 7, the signal conversion unit 310D includes
a microphone 313 and a speaker 312. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 7.
The speaker 312 and the microphone 313 may be replaced by a device
(e.g., a headphone, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) hands-free
microphone, or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) headset)
different from the wearable terminal 300D. Thus, the speaker 312
and the microphone 313 may be removed from the signal conversion
unit 310D.
The signal conversion unit 310D further includes a touch panel 311D
and a display 314. The user may operate the touch panel 311D to
input the telephone number of the intended party. The input
telephone number is output to the integrated circuit 320D as an
electrical signal. The integrated circuit 320D processes the
electrical signal representing the telephone number, and transmits
a radio wave representing the telephone number from the antenna
unit 331 to the base unit.
The display 314 displays various images in accordance with signals
from the integrated circuit 320D. When the user operates the touch
panel 311D and inputs the telephone number of the intended party,
the integrated circuit 320D may generate image data representing
the input number. The image data is output from the integrated
circuit 320D to the display 314. The display 314 displays the
numbers input to the touch panel 311D by the user, in accordance
with the image data. This enables the user to visually check
whether or not the input telephone number is correct.
Similarly to Embodiment 7, the integrated circuit 320D includes an
encoding unit 322, an I/O section 323, a timer 324, and a
communication unit 332. These components are identified using the
description made in Embodiment 7.
The integrated circuit 320D further includes a control unit 321D, a
storage unit 325, and an authentication unit 326. The control unit
321D executes overall control related to data processing in the
integrated circuit 320D. Accordingly, the I/O section 323, the
timer 324, the storage unit 325, the authentication unit 326, the
encoding unit 322, and the communication unit 332 operate under
control of the control unit 321D.
The control unit 321D may generate image data for requesting the
user to enter a password. The image data is output from the control
unit 321D to the display 314 via the I/O section 323. As a result,
the display 314 displays an image for requesting the user to enter
a password.
In response to the password request image on the display 314, the
user operates the touch panel 311D and enters a password.
Authentication information indicating the entered password is
output from the touch panel 311D to the I/O section 323. The I/O
section 323 outputs the authentication information to the
authentication unit 326 under control of the control unit 321D.
The storage unit 325 stores a password preset by the user. Upon
receipt of the authentication information, the authentication unit
326 reads the password from the storage unit 325. After that, the
authentication unit 326 compares the authentication information
with the read password.
If the authentication information matches the read password, the
authentication unit 326 notifies the control unit 321D of
successful completion of the authentication. After that, the
control unit 321D may generate image data indicating that the
authentication has been successfully completed. The image data is
output from the control unit 321D to the display 314 via the I/O
section 323. As a result, the display 314 displays an image
indicating successful completion of the authentication process.
If the authentication information does not match the read password,
the authentication unit 326 notifies the control unit 321D that the
authentication has failed. After that, the control unit 321D may
generate image data for prompting the user to re-enter a password
and/or prompting interruption of authentication. The image data is
output from the control unit 321D to the display 314 via the I/O
section 323. As a result, the display 314 displays an image for
prompting the user to re-enter a password and/or prompting
interruption of authentication. In response to the displayed image,
the user operates the touch panel 311D and re-enters a password.
Alternatively, in response to the displayed image, the user
operates the touch panel 311D and requests the wearable terminal
300D to interrupt the authentication process. The request for the
interruption of the authentication process, which is input via the
touch panel 311D, is output from the touch panel 311D to the
control unit 321D via the I/O section 323. Upon receipt of the
request for the interruption of the authentication process, the
control unit 321D may cause the I/O section 323 to interrupt the
electrical signal from the microphone 313. This may prevent remote
control by a person who does not know the password.
In the case of successful completion of the authentication process,
the result of the authentication may be held until the wearable
terminal 300D is removed. Alternatively, the authentication process
described above may be executed each time the wearable terminal
300D is operated. Further alternatively, the authentication process
described above may be executed at other timing. The basic concept
of this embodiment is not limited to specific timing at which the
authentication process is executed.
Embodiment 10
The technique described in connection with Embodiment 9 may be
suitable for use in a control system for controlling a home
electric appliance. In Embodiment 10, a description will be given
of an illustrative control system.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 401 according
to Embodiment 10. The control system 401 will be described with
reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 6, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10. Numerals common
to Embodiment 8 and Embodiment 10 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 8. Thus,
these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 8.
Similarly to Embodiment 8, the control system 401 includes a WiFi
router 410 and a cloud server 420. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 8.
The control system 401 further includes a cordless telephone device
102. The cordless telephone device 102 corresponds to the cordless
telephone device 100 described with reference to FIG. 1.
The cordless telephone device 102 includes a base unit 201 and two
wearable terminals 303 and 304. The wearable terminals 303 and 304
may be each designed on the basis of the design principles of the
wearable terminal 300D described with reference to FIG. 9.
The wearable terminal 303 is wearable on a user's wrist. The
wearable terminal 303 may look like a watch.
The wearable terminal 304 is designed to hang from the user's neck.
The wearable terminal 304 may look like a pendant.
The call bit information, the call stream, the instruction bit
information, and the instruction stream are transmitted from each
of the wearable terminals 303 and 304 to the base unit 201 using a
TDD-TDMA scheme complying with the DECT standard. When one of the
wearable terminals 303 and 304 is operating in the first operation
mode (see FIG. 6), the call bit information and the call stream are
transmitted from the one of the wearable terminals 303 and 304 to
the base unit 201. The base unit 201 refers to the call bit
information, and determines that the call stream is sent to the
intended party via a fixed telephone network. When one of the
wearable terminals 303 and 304 is operating in the second operation
mode (see FIG. 6), the instruction bit information and the
instruction stream are transmitted from the one of the wearable
terminals 303 and 304 to the base unit 201. The base unit 201
refers to the instruction bit information, and determines that the
instruction stream is sent to the cloud server 420 via the WiFi
router 410 and the Internet line. This enables the user to
selectively take remote control of the home electric appliance
group APG or make a conversation with the intended party by using
the wearable terminals 303 and 304.
Embodiment 11
A control system may include a smartphone. In Embodiment 11, a
description will be given of an illustrative control system
including a smartphone.
FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 402 according
to Embodiment 11. The control system 402 will be described with
reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11. Numerals common to Embodiment 8,
Embodiment 10, and Embodiment 11 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 8 and/or
Embodiment 10. Thus, these components are identified using the
description made in Embodiment 8 and/or Embodiment 10.
Similarly to Embodiment 10, the control system 402 includes a WiFi
router 410 and a cloud server 420. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 10.
The control system 402 further includes a cordless telephone device
103 and a smartphone 430. The cordless telephone device 103
corresponds to the cordless telephone device 100 described with
reference to FIG. 1.
The cordless telephone device 103 includes a base unit 201, a
telephone handset 301, and two wearable terminals 303 and 304. The
base unit 201 and the telephone handset 301 are identified using
the description made in Embodiment 8. The wearable terminals 303
and 304 are identified using the description made in Embodiment 10.
Accordingly, the call bit information, the call stream, the
instruction bit information, and the instruction stream are
transmitted from each of the telephone handset 301 and the wearable
terminals 303 and 304 to the base unit 201 using a TDD-TDMA scheme
complying with the DECT standard.
The smartphone 430 is connected to the base unit 201 using WiFi
communication technology. Additionally, the smartphone 430 is
connected to a mobile telephone network MTN. The communication
connection between the smartphone 430 and the mobile telephone
network MTN may be based on wideband access technology such as long
term evolution (LTE) or wideband code division multiple access
(W-CDMA).
When the smartphone 430 receives an incoming call from the intended
party, a notification signal indicating the incoming call to the
smartphone 430 is sent to the wearable terminals 303 and 304 via
the base unit 201. The user is able to answer the communication
partner using one of the smartphone 430 and the wearable terminals
303 and 304. If the smartphone 430 is in a user's bag, the user is
also able to answer the intended party using the wearable terminal
303 or 304 without taking the smartphone 430 out of the bag.
Embodiment 12
It will be convenient for a user who is familiar with a smartphone
if a control system permits the user to operate the smartphone to
control a home electric appliance. In Embodiment 12, a description
will be given of an illustrative control system that permits a user
to operate a smartphone to control a home electric appliance.
FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 402E according
to Embodiment 12. The control system 402E will be described with
reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 12. Numerals common to Embodiment 11
and Embodiment 12 designate components having substantially the
same function as those in Embodiment 11. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 11.
Similarly to Embodiment 11, the control system 402E includes a
cordless telephone device 103, a WiFi router 410, and a cloud
server 420. These components are identified using the description
made in Embodiment 11.
The control system 402E further includes a smartphone 430E. The
smartphone 430E is connected to the cloud server 420. The
communication connection between the smartphone 430E and the cloud
server 420 may be based on wideband access technology such as the
third generation (3G) or LTE.
An application program for remote control of the home electric
appliance group APG has been downloaded to the smartphone 430E. A
user gives voice instructions to the smartphone 430E. The
smartphone 430E generates a radio wave representing the voice
instructions. The radio wave is transferred from the smartphone
430E to the cloud server 420.
After that, the cloud server 420 generates an operation command on
the basis of the technique described in connection with Embodiment
8. The operation command is finally transferred to the home
electric appliance specified in the voice instructions. This
enables the user to take appropriate remote control of a home
electric appliance using the smartphone 430E.
Embodiment 13
A wearable terminal is available in various communication
environments. In Embodiment 13, a description will be given of a
wearable terminal available in various communication environments.
Note that a technique described in connection with Embodiment 13
may be applied to a telephone handset.
FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal 300F
according to Embodiment 13. The wearable terminal 300F will be
described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 9, and FIG. 13. Numerals
common to Embodiment 9 and Embodiment 13 designate components
having substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 9.
Thus, these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 9.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300F so that the
wearable terminal 300F is wearable on a user's wrist. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300F
so that the wearable terminal 300F looks like a watch or a bangle.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300F so that the
wearable terminal 300F is wearable on a user's finger. In this
case, the designer may determine the design of the wearable
terminal 300F so that the wearable terminal 300F looks like a ring.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300F so that the
wearable terminal 300F can hang from the user's neck. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300F
so that the wearable terminal 300F looks like a pendant or a
necklace. The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to a
specific position at which the wearable terminal 300F is worn or a
specific design of the wearable terminal 300F.
Similarly to Embodiment 9, the wearable terminal 300F includes a
signal conversion unit 310D, an antenna unit 331, a power button
340B, and a power supply unit 350. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 9.
The wearable terminal 300F further includes an integrated circuit
320F. Similarly to Embodiment 9, the integrated circuit 320F is
responsible for various forms of signal processing such as signal
processing for establishing a connection with the telephone of the
intended party, signal processing for switching the operation mode
between the first operation mode and the second operation mode,
signal processing for generating bit information and streams, and
processing for user authentication. The signal processing technique
described in connection with Embodiment 9 is applicable to the
integrated circuit 320F.
Similarly to Embodiment 9, the integrated circuit 320F includes an
encoding unit 322, an I/O section 323, a timer 324, a storage unit
325, and an authentication unit 326. These components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 9.
The integrated circuit 320F further includes a control unit 321F
and a communication unit 332F. The control unit 321F executes
overall control related to data processing in the integrated
circuit 320F. Accordingly, the I/O section 323, the timer 324, the
storage unit 325, the authentication unit 326, the encoding unit
322, and the communication unit 332F operate under control of the
control unit 321F.
The communication unit 332F transmits the instruction bit
information, the instruction stream, the call bit information, and
the call stream from the antenna unit 331 under control of the
control unit 321F. Accordingly, the communication unit 332F and the
antenna unit 331 correspond to the transmission unit 330 described
with reference to FIG. 1.
The communication unit 332F includes a first communication unit 333
and a second communication unit 334. The control unit 321F selects
one of the first communication unit 333 and the second
communication unit 334 as a communication element used for the
transmission of the instruction bit information, the instruction
stream, the call bit information, and the call stream.
When the control unit 321F designates the first communication unit
333, the instruction bit information, the instruction stream, the
call bit information, and the call stream are transmitted to the
base unit through a TDD-TDMA scheme complying with the DECT
standard. Accordingly, the first communication unit 333 corresponds
to the communication unit 332 described with reference to FIG.
9.
When the control unit 321F designates the second communication unit
334, the instruction bit information, the instruction stream, the
call bit information, and the call stream are transmitted in
accordance with short-range radio technology such as Bluetooth
(registered trademark).
The user may operate the touch panel 311D to request the integrated
circuit 320F to display an image for selecting a communication
scheme. In response to the request from the user, the control unit
321F generates image data representing an image for selecting a
communication scheme. The image data is output from the control
unit 321F to the display 314 via the I/O section 323. As a result,
the display 314 displays an image for selecting a communication
scheme.
The user operates the touch panel 311D to select one of the first
communication unit 333 and the second communication unit 334. The
touch panel 311D generates a selection signal representing the
selection of the user. The selection signal is output from the
touch panel 311D to the control unit 321F via the I/O section 323.
The control unit 321F designates one of the first communication
unit 333 and the second communication unit 334 in accordance with
the selection signal.
The control unit 321F may refer to the radio wave received by the
antenna unit 331 and determine the communication environment of the
wearable terminal 300F. In this case, the control unit 321F may
select one of the first communication unit 333 and the second
communication unit 334 in terms of the communication environment.
The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to a specific
method for selecting one of the first communication unit 333 and
the second communication unit 334.
Embodiment 14
The technique described in connection with Embodiment 13 may be
suitable for use in a control system for controlling a home
electric appliance. In Embodiment 14, a description will be given
of an illustrative control system.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 400F according
to Embodiment 14. The control system 400F will be described with
reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14. Numerals common to
Embodiment 8 and Embodiment 14 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 8. Thus,
these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 8.
Similarly to Embodiment 8, the control system 400F includes a WiFi
router 410 and a cloud server 420. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 8.
The control system 400F further includes a cordless telephone
device 102F. The cordless telephone device 102F corresponds to the
cordless telephone device 100 described with reference to FIG.
1.
The cordless telephone device 102F includes a base unit 201, a
telephone handset 301, and a wearable terminal 300F. The base unit
201 and the telephone handset 301 are identified using the
description made in Embodiment 8.
FIG. 14 illustrates a use environment of the wearable terminal 300F
inside the user's home. As described in connection with Embodiment
13, the user operates the touch panel 311D to specify the first
communication unit 333. As a result, the call bit information, the
call stream, the instruction bit information, and the instruction
stream are transmitted from the wearable terminal 300F to the base
unit 201 using the TDD-TDMA scheme complying with the DECT
standard.
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a use environment of
the wearable terminal 300F outside the user's home. A technique for
switching between communication technologies will be described with
reference to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15.
A user is away from home while carrying a smartphone SMP. An
application program for relaying an instruction stream between the
wearable terminal 300F and the cloud server 420 has been downloaded
to the smartphone SMP. The smartphone SMP is connected to the cloud
server 420 via wideband access such as 3G or LTE.
Since the user is wearing the wearable terminal 300F, the distance
from the wearable terminal 300F to the smartphone SMP is
sufficiently short to perform Bluetooth (registered trademark)
communication between the wearable terminal 300F and the smartphone
SMP. As described in connection with Embodiment 13, the user
operates the touch panel 311D to specify the second communication
unit 334. As a result, the call bit information, the call stream,
the instruction bit information, and the instruction stream are
transmitted to the smartphone SMP under Bluetooth (registered
trademark) communication technology. The smartphone SMP is capable
of delivering the instruction stream to the cloud server 420 via
the wideband access described above.
The user may also specify the second communication unit 334 while
they are at home. However, when the user wishes to perform
long-range communication, it is more preferable that the first
communication unit 333 be selected than the second communication
unit 334 would be.
Embodiment 15
A wearable terminal is available in various communication
environments. In Embodiment 15, a description will be given of a
wearable terminal available in various communication environments.
Note that a technique described in connection with Embodiment 15
may be applied to a telephone handset.
FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal 300G
according to Embodiment 15. The wearable terminal 300G will be
described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 16. Numerals common to
Embodiment 13 and Embodiment 15 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 13. Thus,
these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 13.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300G so that the
wearable terminal 300G is wearable on a user's wrist. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300G
so that the wearable terminal 300G looks like a watch or a bangle.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300G so that the
wearable terminal 300G is wearable on a user's finger. In this
case, the designer may determine the design of the wearable
terminal 300G so that the wearable terminal 300G looks like a ring.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300G so that the
wearable terminal 300G can hang from the user's neck. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300G
so that the wearable terminal 300G looks like a pendant or a
necklace. The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to a
specific position at which the wearable terminal 300G is worn or a
specific design of the wearable terminal 300G.
Similarly to Embodiment 13, the wearable terminal 300G includes a
signal conversion unit 310D, an antenna unit 331, a power button
340B, and a power supply unit 350. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 13.
The wearable terminal 300G further includes an integrated circuit
320G. Similarly to Embodiment 13, the integrated circuit 320G is
responsible for various forms of signal processing such as signal
processing for establishing a connection with the telephone of the
intended party, signal processing for switching the operation mode
between the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and
signal processing for generating bit information and streams, and
processing for user authentication. The signal processing technique
described in connection with Embodiment 13 is applicable to the
integrated circuit 320G.
Similarly to Embodiment 13, the integrated circuit 320G includes an
encoding unit 322, an I/O section 323, a timer 324, a storage unit
325, and an authentication unit 326. These components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 13.
The integrated circuit 320G further includes a control unit 321G
and a communication unit 332G. The control unit 321G executes
overall control related to data processing in the integrated
circuit 320G. Accordingly, the I/O section 323, the timer 324, the
storage unit 325, the authentication unit 326, the encoding unit
322, and the communication unit 332G operate under control of the
control unit 321G.
The communication unit 332G transmits the instruction bit
information, the instruction stream, the call bit information, and
the call stream from the antenna unit 331 under control of the
control unit 321G. Accordingly, the communication unit 332G and the
antenna unit 331 correspond to the transmission unit 330 described
with reference to FIG. 1.
Similarly to Embodiment 13, the communication unit 332G includes a
first communication unit 333 and a second communication unit 334.
These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 13.
The communication unit 332G further includes a third communication
unit 335. The control unit 321G selects one of the first
communication unit 333, the second communication unit 334, and the
third communication unit 335 as a communication element used for
the transmission of the instruction bit information, the
instruction stream, the call bit information, and the call
stream.
When the control unit 321G designates the first communication unit
333, the instruction bit information, the instruction stream, the
call bit information, and the call stream are transmitted to the
base unit through a TDD-TDMA scheme complying with the DECT
standard.
When the control unit 321G designates the second communication unit
334, the instruction bit information, the instruction stream, the
call bit information, and the call stream are transmitted in
accordance with short-range radio technology such as Bluetooth
(registered trademark).
When the control unit 321G designates the third communication unit
335, the instruction bit information, the instruction stream, the
call bit information, and the call stream are transmitted on the
basis of long-range radio technology such as 3G.
The user may operate the touch panel 311D to request the integrated
circuit 320G to display an image for selecting a communication
scheme. In response to the request from the user, the control unit
321G generates image data representing an image for displaying a
communication scheme. The image data is output from the control
unit 321G to the display 314 via the I/O section 323. As a result,
the display 314 displays an image for selecting a communication
scheme.
The user operates the touch panel 311D to select one of the first
communication unit 333, the second communication unit 334, and the
third communication unit 335. The touch panel 311D generates a
selection signal representing the selection of the user. The
selection signal is output from the touch panel 311D to the control
unit 321G via the I/O section 323. The control unit 321G designates
one of the first communication unit 333, the second communication
unit 334, and the third communication unit 335 in accordance with
the selection signal.
The control unit 321G may refer to the radio wave received by the
antenna unit 331 and determine the communication environment of the
wearable terminal 300G. In this case, the control unit 321G may
select one of the first communication unit 333, the second
communication unit 334, and the third communication unit 335 in
terms of the communication environment. The basic concept of this
embodiment is not limited to a specific method for selecting one of
the first communication unit 333, the second communication unit
334, and the third communication unit 335.
Embodiment 16
The technique described in connection with Embodiment 15 may be
suitable for use in a control system for controlling a home
electric appliance. In Embodiment 16, a description will be given
of an illustrative control system.
FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 400G according
to Embodiment 16. The control system 400G will be described with
reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17. Numerals common to
Embodiment 14 and Embodiment 16 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 14. Thus,
these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 14.
Similarly to Embodiment 14, the control system 400G includes a WiFi
router 410 and a cloud server 420. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 14.
The control system 400G further includes a cordless telephone
device 102G. The cordless telephone device 102G corresponds to the
cordless telephone device 100 described with reference to FIG.
1.
The cordless telephone device 102G includes a base unit 201, a
telephone handset 301, and a wearable terminal 300G. The base unit
201 and the telephone handset 301 are identified using the
description made in Embodiment 14.
FIG. 17 illustrates a use environment of the wearable terminal 300G
inside the user's home. As described in connection with Embodiment
15, the user operates the touch panel 311D to specify the first
communication unit 333. As a result, the call bit information, the
call stream, the instruction bit information, and the instruction
stream are transmitted from the wearable terminal 300G to the base
unit 201 using the TDD-TDMA scheme complying with the DECT
standard.
FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a use
environment of the wearable terminal 300G outside the user's home.
Switching between communication technologies will be described with
reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 18A.
In the use environment illustrated in FIG. 18A, a user is away from
home while carrying a smartphone SMP. Since the user is wearing the
wearable terminal 300G, the distance from the wearable terminal
300G to the smartphone SMP is sufficiently short to perform
Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication between the wearable
terminal 300G and the smartphone SMP. As described in connection
with Embodiment 15, the user operates the touch panel 311D to
specify the second communication unit 334. As a result, the call
bit information, the call stream, the instruction bit information,
and the instruction stream are transmitted to the smartphone SMP
under Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication technology.
The smartphone SMP is capable of delivering the instruction stream
to the cloud server 420 via the wideband access described
previously.
In the use environment illustrated in FIG. 18B, the user is away
from home without carrying the smartphone SMP. In this case, the
user operates the touch panel 311D to specify the third
communication unit 335. As a result, the call bit information, the
call stream, the instruction bit information, and the instruction
stream are transmitted to the cloud server 420 using 3G
communication technology.
Embodiment 17
A base unit of a cordless telephone device may forward a stream
received from a handset to a server or an intended party as it is.
Alternatively, the base unit may decode a stream received by the
handset and re-encode the stream. In Embodiment 17, a description
will be given of a cordless telephone device including a base unit
that decodes a stream received from a handset and re-encodes the
stream.
FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of a cordless telephone device
100H according to Embodiment 17. The cordless telephone device 100H
will be described with reference to FIG. 19. Numerals common to
Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 17 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 1. Thus,
these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 1.
Similarly to Embodiment 1, the cordless telephone device 100H
includes a handset 300. The handset 300 is identified using the
description made in Embodiment 1.
The cordless telephone device 100H further includes a base unit
200H. The base unit 200H includes a generation unit 210 and a
transmission unit 220. The instruction bit information, the
instruction stream, the call bit information, and the call stream,
which are generated by the handset 300, are transferred to the
generation unit 210 as encoded signals.
When the generation unit 210 receives an encoded signal from the
handset 300, the generation unit 210 decodes the signal. After
that, the generation unit 210 determines whether the signal
includes the instruction bit information or includes the call bit
information. If the signal includes the instruction bit
information, the generation unit 210 re-encodes the instruction
stream. If the signal includes the call bit information, the
generation unit 210 re-encodes the call stream. In this embodiment,
the second generation unit is exemplified by the generation unit
210. The second instruction stream is exemplified by the
instruction stream re-encoded by the generation unit 210. The
second call stream is exemplified by the call stream re-encoded by
the generation unit 210.
The re-encoded instruction stream is output from the generation
unit 210 to the transmission unit 220. The transmission unit 220
transmits the instruction stream to the server SVR. The server SVR
generates an operation command for controlling the home electric
appliance APL, in accordance with receipt of the instruction
stream. In this embodiment, the control command is exemplified by
the operation command generated by the server SVR.
The re-encoded call stream is output from the generation unit 210
to the transmission unit 220. The transmission unit 220 transmits
the call stream to the telephone of the intended party ITP. In this
embodiment, the second transmission unit is exemplified by the
transmission unit 220.
Embodiment 18
The base unit of the cordless telephone device described in
connection with Embodiment 17 is configured to operate under
various forms of control. In Embodiment 18, a description will be
given of an illustrative control method for the base unit.
FIG. 20 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for the base unit 200H. A control method for the base unit 200H
will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20.
Step S310
In step S310, an encoded signal is transferred to the generation
unit 210. Then, step S320 is executed.
Step S320
In step S320, the generation unit 210 decodes the encoded signal.
Then, step S330 is executed.
Step S330
In step S330, the generation unit 210 determines whether or not the
decoded signal includes the call bit information. If the decoded
signal includes the call bit information, step S340 is executed.
Otherwise, step S360 is executed.
Step S340
In step S340, the generation unit 210 re-encodes the call stream.
The re-encoded call stream is output from the generation unit 210
to the transmission unit 220. Then, step S350 is executed. In this
embodiment, the second generation step is exemplified by step
S340.
Step S350
In step S350, the transmission unit 220 transmits the call stream
to the telephone of the intended party ITP. In this embodiment, the
second transmission step is exemplified by step S350.
Step S360
In step S360, the generation unit 210 re-encodes the instruction
stream. The re-encoded instruction stream is output from the
generation unit 210 to the transmission unit 220. Then, step S370
is executed. In this embodiment, the second generation step is
exemplified by step S360.
Step S370
In step S370, the transmission unit 220 transmits the instruction
stream to the server SVR. In this embodiment, the second
transmission step is exemplified by step S370.
Embodiment 19
The control system described in connection with the various
embodiments described above includes a base unit configured to
function as a home gateway. In Embodiment 19, a description will be
given of a base unit configured to function as a home gateway.
FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit 201I according
to Embodiment 19. The base unit 201I will be described with
reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 19 to FIG. 21.
The base unit 201I functions not only as a telephone but also as a
home gateway. The base unit 201I may be used as the base unit 201
described with reference to FIG. 8. Accordingly, the base unit 201I
is connected not only to the fixed telephone network FTN but also
to the WiFi router 410.
The base unit 201I is configured to deliver the audio of the user
to the intended party via the fixed telephone network FTN. The base
unit 201I is configured to deliver the audio of the intended party
to the user via the fixed telephone network FTN.
The base unit 201I is configured to deliver voice instructions for
requesting remote control of the home electric appliance group APG
to the cloud server 420 via the WiFi router 410. The base unit 201I
is configured to receive an operation command generated by the
cloud server 420 via the WiFi router 410. The operation command is
transferred from the base unit 201I to the home electric appliance
group APG via Ethernet. The home electric appliance group APG
executes the operation corresponding to the voice instructions in
accordance with the operation command. This enables the user to
take appropriate remote control of the home electric appliance
group APG.
The base unit 201I includes a power supply unit 290, an audio
processing unit 240, an interface unit 250, an integrated circuit
260, and an antenna unit 270. The power supply unit 290 supplies
power to the audio processing unit 240, the interface unit 250, and
the integrated circuit 260. The audio processing unit 240 converts
the audio of the user into an electrical signal, and also converts
a signal received from the integrated circuit 260 into audio. The
interface unit 250 receives an operation of the user, and provides
the user with necessary information. The integrated circuit 260
performs various forms of signal processing. The antenna unit 270
receives encoded signals from the telephone handsets 301 and
302.
The audio processing unit 240 includes a speaker 241 and a
microphone 242. An audio signal transmitted from the telephone of
the intended party is subject to predetermined processing by the
integrated circuit 260. After that, the audio signal is output from
the integrated circuit 260 to the speaker 241. The speaker 241
converts the audio signal into audio. This enables the user to hear
the audio of the intended party. The user provides audio to the
microphone 242. The microphone 242 converts the audio into an
electrical signal. The electrical signal is output from the
microphone 242 to the integrated circuit 260. The integrated
circuit 260 processes the electrical signal. After that, the
electrical signal is output from the integrated circuit 260 to the
fixed telephone network FTN or the WiFi router 410.
The interface unit 250 includes input keys 251 and a display 252.
The input keys 251 may be number keys (or a ten-key pad) of a
typical telephone. The user may operate the input keys 251 to input
the telephone number of the intended party. The input telephone
number is output to the integrated circuit 260 as an electrical
signal. The integrated circuit 260 processes the electrical signal
representing the telephone number, and establishes communication
between the base unit 201I and the telephone of the intended party
via the fixed telephone network FTN. The integrated circuit 260 may
generate image data representing the numbers input by the user, in
accordance with receipt of the electrical signal representing the
telephone number. The image data is output from the integrated
circuit 260 to the display 252. The display 252 displays an image
representing the numbers input by the user. This enables the user
to visually check whether or not the input numbers are correct.
The integrated circuit 260 includes a determination unit 211, an
encoding unit 212, a communication management unit 220I, and an I/O
section 230. The determination unit 211 decodes the encoded signal
received by the antenna unit 270 (step S320 described with
reference to FIG. 20). The determination unit 211 then determines
whether the signal includes the call bit information or includes
the instruction bit information (step S330 described with reference
to FIG. 20).
If the signal includes the call bit information, the call bit
information and the call stream are output from the determination
unit 211 to the encoding unit 212. The encoding unit 212 encodes
the call stream (step S340 described with reference to FIG. 20).
The encoding unit 212 specifies an output path of the encoded call
stream, and outputs the encoded call stream to the communication
management unit 220I. After that, the communication management unit
220I outputs the encoded call stream to the fixed telephone network
FTN (step S350 described with reference to FIG. 20).
If the signal includes the instruction bit information, the
instruction bit information and the instruction stream are output
from the determination unit 211 to the encoding unit 212. The
encoding unit 212 encodes the instruction stream (step S360
described with reference to FIG. 20). The encoding unit 212
specifies an output path of the encoded instruction stream, and
outputs the encoded instruction stream to the communication
management unit 220I. After that, the communication management unit
220I outputs the encoded instruction stream to the WiFi router 410
(step S370 described with reference to FIG. 20). The determination
unit 211 and the encoding unit 212 correspond to the generation
unit 210 described with reference to FIG. 19. The communication
management unit 220I corresponds to the transmission unit 220
described with reference to FIG. 19.
The audio provided by the user to the microphone 242 is input to
the I/O section 230 as an electrical signal. After that, the
electrical signal representing the audio is output from the I/O
section 230 to the encoding unit 212. The encoding unit 212 encodes
the electrical signal. The encoding unit 212 specifies an output
path of the encoded electrical signal, and outputs the encoded
electrical signal to the communication management unit 220I. After
that, the communication management unit 220I outputs the encoded
electrical signal to the fixed telephone network FTN.
The communication management unit 220I includes a first
communication management unit 221, a second communication
management unit 222, and a third communication management unit 223.
The first communication management unit 221 manages communication
made through the fixed telephone network FTN. The second
communication management unit 222 manages communication made
through a multiplexing scheme (e.g., a TDD-TDMA scheme complying
with the DECT standard) constructed between the telephone handsets
301 and 302 and the base unit 201I. The third communication
management unit 223 manages communication made through the WiFi
router 410 and Ethernet.
When the telephone of the intended party sends an audio signal to
the base unit 201i via the fixed telephone network FTN, the first
communication management unit 221 receives the audio signal. When
the user answers the communication partner using the audio
processing unit 240, the audio signal is output from the first
communication management unit 221 to the speaker 241 via the I/O
section 230. When the user answers the intended party using one of
the telephone handsets 301 and 302, the first communication
management unit 221 transmits the audio signal generated by the
intended party from the antenna unit 270 to the one of the
telephone handsets 301 and 302 in cooperation with the second
communication management unit 222.
When the user provides audio to the microphone 242 and when the
antenna unit 270 receives the call bit information, the encoding
unit 212 outputs the encoded signal to the first communication
management unit 221. The first communication management unit 221
transmits the encoded signal to the telephone of the intended party
via the fixed telephone network FTN. In this embodiment, the second
public communication line is exemplified by the fixed telephone
network used for communication between the first communication
management unit 221 and the telephone of the intended party.
When the antenna unit 270 receives an encoded signal from one of
the telephone handsets 301 and 302, the encoded signal is output
from the second communication management unit 222 to the
determination unit 211. The encoded signal is decoded by the
determination unit 211. If the decoded signal includes the
instruction bit information, the encoding unit 212 outputs the
instruction stream to the third communication management unit 223
after performing an encoding process.
The third communication management unit 223 includes a cloud
communication unit 229 and a home appliance communication unit 228.
When the third communication management unit 223 receives the
instruction stream, the instruction stream is transmitted from the
cloud communication unit 229 to the cloud server 420 via the WiFi
router 410. In this embodiment, the first public communication line
is exemplified by the Internet line constructed between the WiFi
router 410 and the cloud server 420.
The cloud server 420 generates an operation command in accordance
with the instruction stream. The operation command is output from
the cloud server 420 to the third communication management unit 223
via the WiFi router 410. When the third communication management
unit 223 receives the operation command, the home appliance
communication unit 228 outputs the operation command to the home
electric appliance group APG via Ethernet. As a result, a home
electric appliance in the home electric appliance group APG
operates in accordance with the operation command.
Embodiment 20
The base unit described in connection with Embodiment 19 is
configured to operate under various forms of control. In Embodiment
20, a description will be given of an illustrative control method
for the base unit.
FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart of an illustrative control method
for the base unit 201I. A control method for the base unit 201I
will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 21, and FIG.
22.
Step S410
Step S410 is executed until an encoded signal is transmitted to the
antenna unit 270. When an encoded signal is transmitted to the
antenna unit 270, step S420 is executed.
Step S420
In step S420, the second communication management unit 222 outputs
the encoded signal to the determination unit 211. The determination
unit 211 decodes the encoded signal. The determination unit 211
determines whether or not the decoded signal includes the call bit
information. If the decoded signal includes the call bit
information, step S430 is executed. Otherwise, step S450 is
executed.
Step S430
In step S430, the call bit information and the call stream are
output from the determination unit 211 to the encoding unit 212.
The encoding unit 212 encodes the call stream. The encoded call
stream is output from the encoding unit 212 to the first
communication management unit 221. After that, the encoded call
stream is output from the first communication management unit 221
to the telephone of the intended party via the fixed telephone
network FTN. Then, step S440 is executed.
Step S440
In step S440, the first communication management unit 221
determines whether or not the communication connection with the
telephone of the communication partner is ongoing. If the
communication connection with the telephone of the communication
partner is ongoing, step S410 is executed. Otherwise, the process
ends.
Step S450
The determination unit 211 determines whether or not the decoded
signal includes the instruction bit information. If the decoded
signal includes the instruction bit information, step S460 is
executed. Otherwise, step S470 is executed.
Step S460
In step S460, the instruction bit information and the instruction
stream are output from the determination unit 211 to the encoding
unit 212. The encoding unit 212 encodes the instruction stream. The
encoded instruction stream is output from the encoding unit 212 to
the third communication management unit 223. After that, the
encoded instruction stream is output to the cloud server 420 via
the WiFi router 410 by the cloud communication unit 229. Then, step
S440 is executed.
Step S470
In step S470, the determination unit 211 generates a NACK signal.
The NACK signal is output from the determination unit 211 to the
second communication management unit 222. The NACK signal is
transmitted from the second communication management unit 222 to
one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302.
Embodiment 21
In Embodiment 6, the operation mode is switched to the mute mode by
using the handset. Alternatively, the base unit may switch the
operation mode to the mute mode. In Embodiment 21, a description
will be given of switching to the mute mode by using the base
unit.
FIG. 23 is a schematic flowchart of control of switching to the
mute mode, which is executed by using the base unit 201I. A control
method for the base unit 201I will be described with reference to
FIG. 8, FIG. 21, and FIG. 23.
Step S510
In step S510, the call bit information and the call stream are
transmitted from one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302 to the
antenna unit 270. Then, step S520 is executed.
Step S520
In step S520, in response to a request from the user, by operating
one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302, to switch the operation
mode to the mute mode, the one of the telephone handsets 301 and
302 generates a first switching signal. The first switching signal
is transmitted from the one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302
to the antenna unit 270. When the antenna unit 270 receives the
first switching signal, step S530 and step S550 are performed in
parallel. Otherwise, step S590 is executed.
Step S530
In step S530, the instruction bit information and the instruction
stream are transmitted from the one of the telephone handsets 301
and 302 to the antenna unit 270. Then, step S540 is executed.
Step S540
In step S540, the instruction bit information and the instruction
stream are output from the second communication management unit 222
to the determination unit 211. Then, step S570 is executed.
Step S550
In step S550, the first communication management unit 221 generates
an alternative sound signal representing an alternative sound
(e.g., noise or background sound). Then, step S560 is executed.
Step S560
In step S560, the alternative sound signal is transmitted from the
first communication management unit 221 to the telephone of the
intended party via the fixed telephone network FTN. Then, step S570
is executed.
Step S570
In step S570, in response to a request from the user, by operating
one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302, to exit the mute mode,
the one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302 generates a second
switching signal. The second switching signal is transmitted from
the one of the telephone handsets 301 and 302 to the antenna unit
270. When the antenna unit 270 receives the second switching
signal, step S510 is executed. Otherwise, step S580 is
executed.
Step S580
In step S580, the first communication management unit 221
determines whether or not the communication connection with the
telephone of the communication partner is ongoing. If the
communication connection with the telephone of the communication
partner is ongoing, step S530 and step S550 are performed in
parallel. Otherwise, the process ends.
Step S590
In step S590, the first communication management unit 221
determines whether or not the communication connection with the
telephone of the communication partner is ongoing. If the
communication connection with the telephone of the communication
partner is ongoing, step S510 is executed. Otherwise, the process
ends.
Embodiment 22
The base unit according to Embodiment 19 communicates with a cloud
server via a WiFi router, and also communicates with a home
electric appliance via Ethernet. Alternatively, similarly to
communication with the cloud server, the base unit may communicate
with a home electric appliance via the WiFi router. In Embodiment
22, a description will be given of a base unit that communicates
not only with a cloud server but also with a home electric
appliance via a WiFi router.
FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit 201J according
to Embodiment 22. The base unit 201J will be described with
reference to FIG. 24. Numerals common to Embodiment 19 and
Embodiment 22 designate components having substantially the same
function as those in Embodiment 19. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 19.
Similarly to Embodiment 19, the base unit 201J includes a power
supply unit 290, an audio processing unit 240, and an interface
unit 250. These components are identified using the description
made in Embodiment 19.
The base unit 201J further includes an integrated circuit 260J and
an antenna unit 270J. The antenna unit 270J receives signals from
various handsets (e.g., a telephone handset and a wearable
terminal) connected to the base unit 201J so that the handsets and
the base unit 201J can communicate with each other, using a
multiplexing scheme. The integrated circuit 260J processes the
signals received by the antenna unit 270J.
Similarly to Embodiment 19, the integrated circuit 260J includes a
determination unit 211, an encoding unit 212, and an I/O section
230. These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 19.
The integrated circuit 260J further includes a communication
management unit 220J. The communication management unit 220J
manages communication with the fixed telephone network FTN and the
WiFi router 410.
Similarly to Embodiment 19, the communication management unit 220J
includes a first communication management unit 221 and a second
communication management unit 222. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 19.
The communication management unit 220J further includes a third
communication management unit 223J. Unlike Embodiment 19, the third
communication management unit 223J is dedicated to the management
of communication made through the WiFi router 410.
The antenna unit 270J receives a signal from the WiFi router 410.
Additionally, the antenna unit 270J transmits a signal to the WiFi
router 410.
Similarly to Embodiment 19, the antenna unit 270J is connected to
the second communication management unit 222. Unlike Embodiment 19,
the antenna unit 270J is also connected to the third communication
management unit 223J.
Similarly to Embodiment 19, the third communication management unit
223J includes a cloud communication unit 229. The cloud
communication unit 229 transmits the encoded instruction stream
from the antenna unit 270J to the WiFi router 410. After that, the
instruction stream is transmitted from the WiFi router 410 to the
cloud server.
The third communication management unit 223J further includes a
home appliance communication unit 228J. The home appliance
communication unit 228J transmits the operation command generated
by the cloud server from the antenna unit 270J to the WiFi router
410. After that, the operation command is transmitted from the WiFi
router 410 to a home electric appliance. As a result, the home
electric appliance operates in accordance with the operation
command.
Embodiment 23
As described in connection with Embodiment 11, the base unit may be
connected to a smartphone using WiFi communication technology. In
Embodiment 23, a description will be given of a base unit connected
to a smartphone so that the base unit and the smartphone can
communicate with each other using WiFi communication
technology.
FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit 201K according
to Embodiment 23. The base unit 201K will be described with
reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 25. Numerals common to Embodiment 22
and Embodiment 23 designate components having substantially the
same function as those in Embodiment 22. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 22.
The base unit 201K is connected to the telephone handset 301 and
the wearable terminals 303 and 304 so that the base unit 201K can
communicate with the telephone handset 301 and the wearable
terminals 303 and 304 through a TDD-TDMA scheme complying with the
DECT standard. Accordingly, the base unit 201K may be used as the
base unit 201 described with reference to FIG. 11.
Similarly to Embodiment 22, the base unit 201K includes a power
supply unit 290, an audio processing unit 240, and an interface
unit 250. These components are identified using the description
made in Embodiment 22.
The base unit 201K further includes an integrated circuit 260K and
an antenna unit 270K. The antenna unit 270K receives signals from
the telephone handset 301 and the wearable terminals 303 and 304
through a multiplexing scheme. The integrated circuit 260K
processes the signals received by the antenna unit 270K.
Similarly to Embodiment 22, the integrated circuit 260K includes a
determination unit 211, an encoding unit 212, and an I/O section
230. These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 22.
The integrated circuit 260K further includes a communication
management unit 220K. The communication management unit 220K
manages communication with the fixed telephone network FTN and the
WiFi router 410.
Similarly to Embodiment 22, the communication management unit 220K
includes a first communication management unit 221, a second
communication management unit 222, and a third communication
management unit 223J. These components are identified using the
description made in Embodiment 22.
The communication management unit 220K further includes a fourth
communication management unit 224. The antenna unit 270K receives
signals from the WiFi router 410 and the smartphone 430.
Additionally, the antenna unit 270K transmits a signal to the WiFi
router 410 and the smartphone 430. The antenna unit 270K is
connected to the second communication management unit 222, the
third communication management unit 223J, and the fourth
communication management unit 224. The fourth communication
management unit 224 manages communication with the smartphone
430.
When the user operates the smartphone 430 to request to make a
conversation with an intended party via the fixed telephone network
FTN, the antenna unit 270K receives an audio signal representing
the audio input to the smartphone 430. After that, the fourth
communication management unit 224 outputs the audio signal to the
first communication management unit 221. The first communication
management unit 221 transmits the audio signal to the telephone of
the intended party.
Embodiment 24
The base unit may be connected to an IP telephone network. In
Embodiment 24, a description will be given of a base unit connected
to an Internet Protocol (IP) telephone network and a control system
including the base unit.
FIG. 26A is a conceptual diagram of a control system 402L according
to Embodiment 24. FIG. 26B is a schematic block diagram of a base
unit 201L in the control system 402L. The control system 402L will
be described with reference to FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B. Numerals
common to Embodiment 11, Embodiment 23, and Embodiment 24 designate
components having substantially the same function as those in
Embodiment 11 and/or Embodiment 23. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 11 and/or
Embodiment 23.
Similarly to Embodiment 11, the control system 402L includes a
cloud server 420 and a smartphone 430. These components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 11.
The control system 402L further includes a cordless telephone
device 103L and a WiFi router 410L.
Similarly to Embodiment 11, the cordless telephone device 103L
includes a telephone handset 301 and two wearable terminals 303 and
304. These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 11.
The cordless telephone device 103L includes a base unit 201L. The
base unit 201L is connected to the WiFi router 410L, the smartphone
430, and the fixed telephone network FTN so that the base unit 201L
can communicate with the WiFi router 410L, the smartphone 430, and
the fixed telephone network FTN. The base unit 201L is connected to
the telephone handset 301 and the wearable terminals 303 and 304 so
that the base unit 201L can communicate with the telephone handset
301 and the wearable terminals 303 and 304 through a TDD-TDMA
scheme complying with the DECT standard.
The WiFi router 410L is connected to the cloud server 420 and an IP
telephone network ITN. This enables the user to have a conversation
with an intended party via the IP telephone network ITN.
Similarly to Embodiment 23, the base unit 201L includes a power
supply unit 290, an audio processing unit 240, and an interface
unit 250. These components are identified using the description
made in Embodiment 23.
The base unit 201L further includes an integrated circuit 260L and
an antenna unit 270L. The antenna unit 270L receives signals from
the telephone handset 301 and the wearable terminals 303 and 304
through a multiplexing scheme. The integrated circuit 260L
processes the signals received by the antenna unit 270L.
Similarly to Embodiment 23, the integrated circuit 260L includes a
determination unit 211, an encoding unit 212, and an I/O section
230. These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 23.
The integrated circuit 260L further includes a communication
management unit 220L. The communication management unit 220L
manages communication with the fixed telephone network FTN and the
WiFi router 410L.
Similarly to Embodiment 23, the communication management unit 220L
includes a first communication management unit 221, a second
communication management unit 222, a third communication management
unit 223J, and a fourth communication management unit 224. These
components are identified using the description made in Embodiment
23.
The communication management unit 220L further includes a fifth
communication management unit 225. The antenna unit 270L receives
signals from the WiFi router 410L and the smartphone 430.
Additionally, the antenna unit 270L transmits a signal to the WiFi
router 410L and the smartphone 430. The antenna unit 270L is
connected to the second communication management unit 222, the
third communication management unit 223J, the fourth communication
management unit 224, and the fifth communication management unit
225. The fifth communication management unit 225 manages
communication with the IP telephone network ITN. When the user
requests to make a conversation with an intended party via the IP
telephone network ITN, the fifth communication management unit 225
manages the communication of signals via the IP telephone network
ITN.
Embodiment 25
As described in connection with Embodiment 8, the control system
may include a plurality of telephone handsets. The plurality of
telephone handsets may be located in different rooms. In this case,
a home electric appliance installed in a room where the telephone
handset in use is located may be preferentially subject to remote
control. In Embodiment 25, a description will be given of a control
system including a plurality of telephone handsets.
FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 400M according
to Embodiment 25. The control system 400M will be described with
reference to FIG. 27. Numerals common to Embodiment 8 and
Embodiment 25 designate components having substantially the same
function as those in Embodiment 8. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 8.
Similarly to Embodiment 8, the control system 400M includes a base
unit 201 and a WiFi router 410. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 8.
The control system 400M further includes three telephone handsets
(a telephone handset (A), a telephone handset (B), and a telephone
handset (C)) and a cloud server 420M. The telephone handset (A) is
located in a bedroom. The telephone handset (B) is located in a
nursery room (1). The telephone handset (C) is located in a nursery
room (2).
When the user requests to take remote control of a home electric
appliance using the telephone handset (A), the cloud server 420M
preferentially generates an operation command for the remote
control of a home electric appliance installed in the bedroom. When
the user requests to take remote control of a home electric
appliance using the telephone handset (B), the cloud server 420M
preferentially generates an operation command for the remote
control of a home electric appliance installed in the nursery room
(1). When the user requests to take remote control of a home
electric appliance using the telephone handset (C), the cloud
server 420M preferentially generates an operation command for the
remote control of a home electric appliance installed in the
nursery room (2).
Similarly to Embodiment 8, the control system 400M includes an
authentication unit 421, a speech recognition unit 422, an
interaction unit 423, an operation command generation unit 424, and
an operation history database 426. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 8.
The control system 400M further includes a target device database
425M. The target device database 425M stores data for setting
priorities for home electric appliances to be controlled.
FIG. 28 is a table showing illustrative data stored in the target
device database 425M. The data stored in the target device database
425M will be described with reference to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28.
As illustrated in FIG. 27, the user has seven lighting devices. In
some cases, it may be difficult for the speech recognition unit 422
to recognize which lighting device among the seven lighting devices
the user wishes to take remote control of. In response to a request
from the user using the telephone handset (A) to turn on a lighting
device, the operation command generation unit 424 refers to the
target device database 425M and the operation history database 426.
If the lighting device (A) is on while the lighting device (D) is
off, the operation command generation unit 424 selects the lighting
device (D) as the target of remote control.
Embodiment 26
As described in connection with Embodiment 9, a handset connected
to a base unit so that the handset and the base unit can
communicate with each other may be designed as a wearable terminal.
Since a wearable terminal changes its position as the user wearing
it moves, the wearable terminal may have a function to acquire
position information. In this case, the control system may refer to
the position of the wearable terminal and determine a home electric
appliance to be subject to remote control. In Embodiment 26, a
description will be given of a wearable terminal having a function
to acquire position information.
FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal 300N
according to Embodiment 26. The wearable terminal 300N will be
described with reference to FIG. 29. Numerals common to Embodiment
9 and Embodiment 26 designate components having substantially the
same function as those in Embodiment 9. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 9.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300N so that the
wearable terminal 300N is wearable on a user's wrist. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300N
so that the wearable terminal 300N looks like a watch or a bangle.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300N so that the
wearable terminal 300N is wearable on a user's finger. In this
case, the designer may determine the design of the wearable
terminal 300N so that the wearable terminal 300N looks like a ring.
The designer may design the wearable terminal 300N so that the
wearable terminal 300N can hang from the user's neck. In this case,
the designer may determine the design of the wearable terminal 300N
so that the wearable terminal 300N looks like a pendant or a
necklace. The basic concept of this embodiment is not limited to a
specific position at which the wearable terminal 300N is worn or a
specific design of the wearable terminal 300N.
Similarly to Embodiment 9, the wearable terminal 300N includes a
signal conversion unit 310D, an antenna unit 331, a power button
340B, and a power supply unit 350. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 9.
The wearable terminal 300N further includes an integrated circuit
320N. Similarly to Embodiment 9, the integrated circuit 320N is
responsible for various forms of signal processing such as signal
processing for establishing a connection with the telephone of the
intended party, signal processing for switching the operation mode
between the first operation mode and the second operation mode,
signal processing for generating bit information and streams, and
signal processing for authenticating the user. The signal
processing technique described in connection with Embodiment 9 is
applied to the integrated circuit 320N.
Similarly to Embodiment 9, the integrated circuit 320N includes a
control unit 321D, an encoding unit 322, an I/O section 323, a
timer 324, a storage unit 325, an authentication unit 326, and a
communication unit 332.
The integrated circuit 320N further includes a position information
acquisition unit 327. The position information acquisition unit 327
acquires position information concerning the position of the
wearable terminal 300N by using global positioning system (GPS)
technology. The position information acquisition unit 327 generates
a position signal representing the position information. The
position signal is output from the position information acquisition
unit 327 to the communication unit 332. The communication unit 332
transmits the position signal from the antenna unit 331.
FIG. 30 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 400N including
the wearable terminal 300N. The control system 400N will be
described with reference to FIG. 30. Numerals common to Embodiment
25 and Embodiment 26 designate components having substantially the
same function as those in Embodiment 25. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 25.
Similarly to Embodiment 25, the control system 400N includes a base
unit 201, a WiFi router 410, a telephone handset (A), and a cloud
server 420M. These components are identified using the description
made in Embodiment 25.
The control system 400N further includes the wearable terminal 300N
described above. The wearable terminal 300N is located in the
nursery room (2).
FIG. 31 is a table showing illustrative data stored in the target
device database 425M. The data stored in the target device database
425M will be described with reference to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31.
As illustrated in FIG. 30, the user has seven lighting devices. In
some cases, it may be difficult for the speech recognition unit 422
to recognize which lighting device among the seven lighting devices
the user wishes to take remote control of. In response to a request
from the user using the wearable terminal 300N in the nursery room
(2) to turn on a lighting device, the operation command generation
unit 424 refers to the target device database 425M and the
operation history database 426. If the lighting device (C) is on
while the lighting device (D) is off, the operation command
generation unit 424 selects the lighting device (D) as the target
of remote control.
Embodiment 27
A home electric appliance group that is controllable by the control
system described in connection with Embodiment 8 may include a
controller for controlling a home electric appliance. In Embodiment
27, a description will be given of an illustrative method for using
a control system will be described.
FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram of a method for using the control
system 400. An illustrative method for using the control system 400
will be described with reference to FIG. 32.
The control system 400 is configured to directly control a first
home electric appliance group APG1. An operation command generated
by the control system 400 is transmitted to the first home electric
appliance group APG1 via the WiFi router 410 or Ethernet.
The first home electric appliance group APG1 includes infrared (IR)
converters AP11 and AP12, a lighting device AP13, an air
conditioner AP14, a television device AP15, a video device AP16, a
refrigerator AP17, a microwave oven AP18, and a washing machine
AP19. The IR converters AP11 and AP12 generate a control signal
(infrared signal) for controlling a second home electric appliance
group APG2 in accordance with an operation command received from
the control system 400. The control signal is transmitted from the
IR converters AP11 and AP12 to the second home electric appliance
group APG2.
The second home electric appliance group APG2 includes lighting
devices AP21 and AP22, air conditioners AP23 and AP24, a television
device AP25, and a video device AP26. The IR converters AP11 and
AP12 refer to the operation command, and select a home electric
appliance to be operated from within the second home electric
appliance group APG2. The IR converters AP11 and AP12 transmit a
control signal to the selected home electric appliance. The
selected home electric appliance executes the operation specified
by the control signal.
Embodiment 28
The control system described in connection with the various
embodiments described above may employ the DECT standard for
communication between the handset and the base unit. The DECT
standard specifies the use of audio codec schemes such as 32 kbit/s
full term (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM))
G.726, 64 kbit/s Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) G.711, Wideband speech
codec G.722 at 64 kbit/s, Wideband speech codec G.729.1 up to 32
kbit/s, 64 kbit/s Moving Picture Expert Group 4 (MPEG-4) Error
Resilient (ER) Advanced Audio Coding-Low Delay (AAC-LD) codec, and
32 kbit/s MPEC-4 ER AAC-LD codec. The handset may use one of the
above-described audio codec schemes to encode a call stream. The
handset may use another of the above-described audio codec schemes
to encode an instruction stream. In this case, the use of different
audio codec schemes may serve as an index for differentiating the
call stream and the instruction stream from each other, resulting
in a reduction in the number of bits of a signal transmitted from
the handset to the base unit. For example, the instruction stream
may be encoded using an audio encoding scheme with a higher bit
rate than the call stream. In Embodiment 28, a description will be
given of a wearable terminal configured to encode an instruction
stream using an audio encoding scheme different from that of a call
stream.
FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal 300P
according to Embodiment 28. The wearable terminal 300P will be
described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 33. Numerals common to
Embodiment 9 and Embodiment 28 designate components having
substantially the same function as those in Embodiment 9. Thus,
these components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 9.
The wearable terminal 300P may be used as each of the wearable
terminals 303 and 304 described with reference to FIG. 10.
Accordingly, the wearable terminal 300P is connected to the base
unit 201 so that the wearable terminal 300P and the base unit 201
can communicate with each other through a multiplexing scheme
complying with the DECT standard.
Similarly to Embodiment 9, the wearable terminal 300P includes a
signal conversion unit 310D, an antenna unit 331, a power button
340B, and a power supply unit 350. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 9.
The wearable terminal 300P further includes an integrated circuit
320P. The integrated circuit 320P is responsible for various forms
of signal processing such as signal processing for establishing a
connection with the telephone of the intended party, signal
processing for switching the operation mode between the first
operation mode and the second operation mode, and signal processing
for authenticating the user. The signal processing technique
described in connection with Embodiment 9 is applied to the
integrated circuit 320P.
Similarly to Embodiment 9, the integrated circuit 320P includes a
control unit 321D, an I/O section 323, a timer 324, a storage unit
325, an authentication unit 326, and a communication unit 332.
These components are identified using the description made in
Embodiment 9.
The integrated circuit 320P further includes an encoding unit 322P.
The encoding unit 322P includes a call encoding unit 328 and an
instruction encoding unit 329. The call encoding unit 328 encodes a
call stream. The instruction encoding unit 329 encodes an
instruction stream.
For example, the call encoding unit 328 may encode a call stream
using 32 kbit/s full term (ADPCM) G.726. The instruction encoding
unit 329 may encode an instruction stream using 64 kbit/s PCM G.711
or 64 kbit/s MPEG-4 ER AAC-LD codec.
Embodiment 29
Similarly to the handset described in connection with Embodiment
28, the base unit may execute an encoding process using an audio
codec scheme complying with the DECT standard. The DECT standard
specifies the use of audio codec schemes such as 32 kbit/s full
term (ADPCM) G.726, 64 kbit/s PCM G.711, Wideband speech codec
G.722 at 64 kbit/s, Wideband speech codec G.729.1 up to 32 kbit/s,
64 kbit/s MPEG-4 ER AAC-LD codec, and 32 kbit/s MPEC-4 ER AAC-LD
codec. The base unit may use one of the above-described audio codec
schemes to encode a call stream. The base unit may use another of
the above-described audio codec schemes to encode an instruction
stream. In this case, the use of different audio codec schemes may
serve as an index for differentiating the call stream and the
instruction stream from each other, resulting in a reduction in the
number of bits of a signal used for communication between the
handset and the base unit. For example, the instruction stream may
be encoded using an audio encoding scheme with a higher bit rate
than the call stream. In Embodiment 29, a description will be given
of a base unit configured to encode an instruction stream using an
audio encoding scheme different from that of a call stream.
FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of a base unit 201Q according
to Embodiment 29. The base unit 201Q will be described with
reference to FIG. 34. Numerals common to Embodiment 22 and
Embodiment 29 designate components having substantially the same
function as those in Embodiment 22. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 22.
Similarly to Embodiment 22, the base unit 201Q includes a power
supply unit 290, an audio processing unit 240, an interface unit
250, and an antenna unit 270J. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 22.
The base unit 201Q further includes an integrated circuit 260Q. The
integrated circuit 260Q processes a signal received by the antenna
unit 270J.
Similarly to Embodiment 22, the integrated circuit 260Q includes a
determination unit 211, a communication management unit 220J, and
an I/O section 230. These components are identified using the
description made in Embodiment 22.
The integrated circuit 260Q further includes an encoding unit 212Q.
The encoding unit 212Q includes a call encoding unit 213 and an
instruction encoding unit 214. The call encoding unit 213 encodes a
call stream. Additionally, the call encoding unit 213 encodes an
electrical signal generated by the microphone 242. The instruction
encoding unit 214 encodes an instruction stream.
For example, the call encoding unit 213 may encode the call stream
using 32 kbit/s full term (ADPCM) G.726. The instruction encoding
unit 214 may encode the instruction stream using 64 kbit/s PCM
G.711 or 64 kbit/s MPEG-4 ER AAC-LD codec.
Embodiment 30
The instruction stream described in connection with the various
embodiments described above is transmitted to a cloud server via a
public communication line different from the public communication
line used for the transmission of the call stream. Alternatively,
the instruction stream may be transmitted or received using a
public communication line that is common to the call stream. In
Embodiment 30, a description will be given of a control system that
uses a common public communication line for the communication of
the call stream and the instruction stream.
FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 402R according
to Embodiment 30. The control system 402R will be described with
reference to FIG. 35. Numerals common to Embodiment 11 and
Embodiment 30 designate components having substantially the same
function as those in Embodiment 11. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 11.
Similarly to Embodiment 11, the control system 402R includes a
telephone handset 301, two wearable terminals 303 and 304, a cloud
server 420, and a smartphone 430. These components are identified
using the description made in Embodiment 11.
The control system 402R further includes a base unit 201R.
Similarly to Embodiment 11, the base unit 201R has the function of
a telephone, and the function of a home gateway. Additionally, the
base unit 201R also has the function of a WiFi router.
The base unit 201R enables a user to have a conversation with an
intended party via the smartphone 430 and via the mobile telephone
network MTN in accordance with the subscriber identity module (SIM)
identity allocated to the smartphone 430. The user is also able to
have a conversation with an intended party via the mobile telephone
network MTN by using the telephone handset 301 or the wearable
terminal 303 or 304. Accordingly, the call stream is communicated
via the mobile telephone network MTN.
The subscription to use the mobile telephone network MTN may
involve an authentication process for allocating SIM identity to
the telephone handset 301, the wearable terminals 303 and 304, the
base unit 201R, and the smartphone 430.
Similarly to the call stream, the instruction stream is transmitted
to the cloud server 420 via the mobile telephone network MTN. The
operation command is transmitted to the base unit 201R via the
mobile telephone network MTN. Accordingly, the subscription for the
same line enables the user to seamlessly perform operations, that
is, making a telephone call and taking remote control of a home
electric appliance. This may improve user convenience.
Additionally, the basic concept of this embodiment is beneficial to
the user in terms of the fee for the line for telephone calls. In
this embodiment, the common public communication line is
exemplified by a communication line including the mobile telephone
network MTN. The second instruction stream is exemplified by the
instruction stream output from the base unit 201R. The second call
stream is exemplified by the call stream output from the base unit
201R.
Embodiment 31
The wearable terminal described in connection with the various
embodiments described above generates instruction bit information
and an instruction stream in accordance with an operation of a
power button. Alternatively, the wearable terminal may generate
instruction bit information and an instruction stream in response
to a specific gesture performed by the user. In Embodiment 31, a
description will be given of a wearable terminal that generates
instruction bit information and an instruction stream in accordance
with a gesture of a user.
FIG. 36 is a schematic block diagram of a wearable terminal 300S
according to Embodiment 31. The wearable terminal 300S will be
described with reference to FIG. 36. Numerals common to Embodiment
9 and Embodiment 31 designate components having substantially the
same function as those in Embodiment 9. Thus, these components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 9.
The wearable terminal 300S is designed to be wearable on a user's
upper limb. The term "upper limb", as used herein, refers to a body
portion of a user extending from the shoulder to the fingertip. The
wearable terminal 300S may be designed to be wearable on a user's
wrist. Alternatively, the wearable terminal 300S may be designed to
be wearable on a user's finger. The basic concept of this
embodiment is not limited to a specific position at which is the
wearable terminal 300S is worn.
When the wearable terminal 300S is designed to be wearable on a
user's wrist, the wearable terminal 300S may look like a watch.
When the wearable terminal 300S is designed to be wearable on a
user's finger, the wearable terminal 300S may look like a ring. The
designer of the wearable terminal 300S may determine the design of
the wearable terminal 300S so as to be suitable for the position at
which the wearable terminal 300S is worn. Accordingly, the basic
concept of this embodiment is not limited to a specific design of
the wearable terminal 300S.
Similarly to Embodiment 9, the wearable terminal 300S includes a
signal conversion unit 310D, an integrated circuit 320D, an antenna
unit 331, and a power supply unit 350. These components are
identified using the description made in Embodiment 9.
The wearable terminal 300S further includes a power button 340S and
a gesture sensing circuit 360. Similarly to Embodiment 9, the power
button 340S is used to determine whether to supply power from the
power supply unit 350 or to stop the supply of power from the power
supply unit 350. Unlike Embodiment 9, a trigger signal for
requesting the generation of instruction bit information and an
instruction stream is generated by the gesture sensing circuit 360
rather than the power button 340S.
The gesture sensing circuit 360 includes a motion sensor 361 and a
gesture determination unit 362. The motion sensor 361 detects a
motion of the upper limb. The motion sensor 361 outputs motion data
representing the motion of the upper limb. The motion sensor 361
may be an acceleration sensor. Alternatively, the motion sensor 361
may be an angular velocity sensor. The gesture determination unit
362 determines, based on the motion data, whether or not the user
has requested the generation of instruction bit information and an
instruction stream. When determining that the user has requested
the generation of instruction bit information and an instruction
stream, the gesture determination unit 362 generates a trigger
signal. The trigger signal is output from the gesture determination
unit 362 to the control unit 321D.
FIG. 37 is a conceptual diagram of a three-dimensional coordinate
system that is set for the upper limb. A motion detection technique
of the motion sensor 361 will be described with reference to FIG.
36 and FIG. 37.
The motion sensor 361 detects a motion of the upper limb in the
direction of a first axis DVX. A coordinate axis extending along
the extended upper limb, from the shoulder to the fingertip, in the
vertically downward oriented direction of the upper limb is
hereinafter referred to as a second axis PDX. A coordinate axis
perpendicular to the second axis PDX and extending in the direction
of movement of the user is hereinafter referred to as a third axis
FBX. The first axis DVX is perpendicular to a coordinate plane
defined by the second axis PDX and the third axis FBX.
The motion sensor 361 detects a movement of the upper limb in the
extending direction of the first axis DVX perpendicular to the
coordinate plane defined by the second axis PDX and the third axis
FBX. A detection axis of a sensor used as the motion sensor 361 may
be perpendicular to the coordinate plane defined by the second axis
PDX and the third axis FBX. In this case, the motion sensor 361 may
be able to accurately sense a motion (e.g., acceleration and/or
angular velocity) in the direction extending along the first axis
DVX. Alternatively, a detection axis of a sensor used as the motion
sensor 361 may be inclined at an angle larger than 0.degree. and
smaller than 90.degree. with respect to the coordinate plane
defined by the second axis PDX and the third axis FBX. In this
case, the motion sensor 361 can sense not only a motion in the
direction extending along the first axis DVX but also a motion in a
direction extending along the coordinate plane defined by the
second axis PDX and the third axis FBX. The gesture determination
unit 362 may apply a predetermined vector operation to the motion
data output from the motion sensor 361, and individually evaluate
the motion in the direction extending along the first axis DVX and
the motion in the direction extending along the coordinate plane
defined by the second axis PDX and the third axis FBX. The basic
concept of this embodiment is not limited to a specific angle at
which a detection axis of a sensor intersects the coordinate plane
defined by the second axis PDX and the third axis FBX.
While the user is walking, the upper limbs frequently move in the
direction indicated by the third axis FBX. When the user attempts
to pick up an object far in front of them, the upper limb is
extended, causing the wearable terminal 300S to be likely to move
in the direction indicated by the second axis PDX. When the user
attempts to pick up an object in front of their chest, the upper
limb bends, causing the wearable terminal 300S to be likely to move
in the direction indicated by the second axis PDX. The user's
motions described above frequently occur. By comparison with
motions in the directions indicated by the third axis FBX and the
second axis PDX, the motion of the upper limb in the direction
indicated by the first axis DVX does not frequently occur. That is,
the user does not usually move the upper limb quickly and/or a
large amount in the direction indicated by the first axis DVX.
When the motion sensor 361 senses a motion of the upper limb (i.e.,
the wearable terminal 300S) in the direction indicated by the first
axis DVX, the instruction bit information and the instruction
stream are generated under control of the control unit 321D. Thus,
the remote control of a home electric appliance is not likely to
start in response to an accidental or unintentional movement of the
user. This may prevent or reduce inadvertent or unintentional
operation of the home electric appliance.
FIG. 38 is a table depicting illustrative relationships between
operations demanded by the user and operations performed on the
wearable terminal 300S. Illustrative relationships between
operations demanded by the user and operations performed on the
wearable terminal 300S will be described with reference to FIG. 36
to FIG. 38.
When the user wishes to take remote control of a home electric
appliance, the user may move the upper limb on which the wearable
terminal 300S is worn in the direction indicated by the first axis
DVX. When the user wishes to make a telephone call using the
wearable terminal 300S, the user may press the power button 340S.
When the user wishes to answer an incoming call on a smartphone
with the wearable terminal 300S, the user may touch the touch panel
311D.
The basic concepts of the various embodiments described above may
be used in combination to meet the request to control a home
electric appliance.
The basic concepts of the embodiments described above are suitable
for use in the control of a home electric appliance.
* * * * *