Remote control system and remote control method, device for performing remote control operation and control method therefor, device operable by remote control operation and control method therefor, and storage medium

• US 8,190,695 B2
• Filed: 08/01/2002
• Issued: 05/29/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Rekimoto, Junichi, Ayatsuka, Yuji, Matsushita, Nobuyuki, Oba, Haruo
• Primary Examiner(s): BATES, KEVIN T
• Application Number:
  US10/485,192
• Publication Number:
  US 20050120096A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,589 Days
• Field of Search: 709/213, 709/208, 709/228, 455/420
• US Class Current: 709/208
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/20 Binding and programming of remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/30 User interface
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/61 Password, biometric
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/04 Arrangements for synchronous operation

Abstract

A portable information terminal is placed in proximity with an ID recognition unit of a notebook PC. By reading ID from the portable information terminal, the notebook PC is able to identify a network address of the portable information terminal so as to establish a network connection with the portable information terminal. The notebook PC then sends suitable operation information to the portable information terminal via a network. For example, if presentation is running on the notebook PC, screen information for operating the presentation is transferred to the portable information terminal. Accordingly, by using one device connected to the other device by a wired or wireless network, the operation of the other device can be controlled.

Claims

1. A remote control system that allows a first device to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

ID information including a network address of a first information storage location and a first public security key associated with the first device;

an ID recognition unit executing on a first processor, configured to obtain the network address and the first public security key from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode;

an encryption unit executing on a second processor associated with the second device, the encryption unit generating a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key, and encrypting the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

a decryption unit executing on a third processor associated with the first device, the decryption unit decrypting the encrypted second private key and second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second private key and the second information storage location;

a network connection unit enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

an operation information providing unit executing on the second processor allowing a transfer of operation information from the second information storage location to the first device via the network connection, for remotely controlling the second device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

a remote control unit executing on the third processor allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

6. A remote control system according to any one of claims 1, and 2 to 5, wherein the operation information further includes an operation method suitable for operating the second device by the first device.

7. A remote control system according to any one of claims 1, and 2 to 5, wherein the first device is a portable information terminal including a cellular telephone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) of a user.

8. A remote control system according to any one of claims 1, and 2 to 5, wherein the second device is a relatively large device used in an environment in which the second device is installed, wherein the second device includes at least one of:

a notebook computer, a desk-top computer, a liquid crystal projector, or a television receiver.

9. A remote control system according to any one of claims 1, and 2 to 5, wherein the ID information or the ID recognition unit is installed in a place which is associated with a function implemented by the second device to be remotely controlled by the first device.

10. A remote control system according to any one of claims 1, and 2 to 5, wherein the ID information or the ID recognition unit is provided in a peripheral device connected to the second device to be remotely controlled by the first device.

2. A remote control system that allows a first device to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

ID information indicating a method for accessing a first information storage location and a first public security key provided for the first device;

an ID recognition unit executing on a first processor for obtaining the method by reading the ID information and the first public security key from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode;

an encryption unit executing on a second processor associated with the second device, the encryption unit generating a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key, and encrypting the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

a decryption unit executing on a third processor associated with the first device, the decryption unit decrypting the encrypted second private key and second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second private key and the second information storage location;

a network connection unit enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

an operation information providing unit executing on the second processor allowing a transfer of operation information for remotely controlling the second device via the second information storage location by using the obtained method, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

a remote control unit executing on the third processor allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

3. A remote control system that allows a first device to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

ID information indicating a method for accessing a first information storage location and a first public security key provided for the first device;

an ID recognition unit executing on a first processor for obtaining the method by reading the ID information and the first public security key from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode;

an encryption unit executing on a second processor associated with the second device, the encryption unit generating a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the private key, and encrypting the second private key and a second information storage location with the first security public key;

a decryption unit executing on a third processor associated with the first device, the decryption unit decrypting the encrypted second private key and second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second private key and the second information storage location;

a network connection unit enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

an operation information providing unit executing on the second processor providing a method for accessing the operation information for remotely controlling the second device via the second information storage location by using the obtained method, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

a remote control unit executing on the third processor allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

4. A remote control system that allows a first device to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

ID information indicating an access method of a first information storage location for exchanging information with the first device and a first public security key;

an ID recognition unit executing on a first processor for reading the ID information and the first public security key from the first device by a first connection type, the first connection type being any one of formats including an RF-ID, touch net, a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, a cybercode, infrared communication, and Bluetooth communication in a low power mode;

an encryption unit executing on a second processor associated with the second device, the encryption unit generating a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the private key, and encrypting the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

a decryption unit executing on a third processor associated with the first device, the decryption unit decrypting the encrypted second private key and second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second private key and the second information storage location;

a network connection unit enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

an operation information providing unit executing on the second processor allowing a transfer of operation information from the second information storage location to the first device via the network connection, for remotely controlling the second device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

a remote control unit executing on the third processor allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

5. A remote control system that allows a first device to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

ID information indicating an access method of a first information storage location and a first public security key for exchanging information with the first device;

an ID recognition unit executing on a first processor for identifying the access method by reading the ID information and the first public security key from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode;

an encryption unit executing on a second processor associated with the second device, the encryption unit generating a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the private key, and encrypting the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

a decryption unit executing on a third processor associated with the first device, the decryption unit decrypting the encrypted second private key and second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second private key and the second information storage location;

a network connection unit enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location, wherein the network connection is according to at least one of a wireless or wired LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth communication, a telephone network, and the Internet;

an operation information providing unit executing on the second processor allowing a transfer of operation information from the second information storage location to the first device via the network connection, for remotely controlling the second device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

a remote control unit executing on the third processor allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type.

11. A remote control method that allows a first device connected to a network to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

reading ID information from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode, the ID information including a network address of a first information storage location and a first public security key associated with the first device;

generating at the second device a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key;

encrypting at the second device the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

decrypting at the first device the encrypted second private key and the second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second information storage location;

enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

allowing a transfer of operation information from the second information storage location to the first device via the network connection, for remotely controlling the second device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

16. A remote control method according to any one of claims 11, and 12 to 15, wherein the operation information includes an operation method suitable for operating the second device by the first device.

17. A remote control method according to any one of claims 11, and 12 to 15, wherein the first device is a portable information terminal including a cellular telephone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) of a user.

18. A remote control method according to any one of claims 11, and 12 to 15, wherein the second device is a relatively large device used in an environment in which the second device is installed, wherein the second device includes at least one of:

a notebook computer, a desk-top computer, a liquid crystal projector, or a television receiver.

19. A remote control method according to any one of claims 11, and 12 to 15, wherein the ID information is provided in a place which is associated with a function implemented by the second device to be remotely controlled by the first device.

20. A remote control method according to any one of claims 11, and 12 to 15, wherein the ID information is provided in a peripheral device connected to the second device to be remotely controlled by the first device.

12. A remote control method that allows a first device connected to a network to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

reading ID information from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode, the ID information indicating a method for accessing a first information storage location and a first public security key provided for the first device;

generating at the second device a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key;

encrypting at the second device the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

decrypting at the first device the encrypted second private key and the second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second information storage location;

enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

allowing a transfer of operation information from the second information storage location to the first device via the network connection, for remotely controlling the second device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

13. A remote control method that allows a first device connected to a network to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

reading ID information from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode, the ID information indicating a method for accessing a first information storage location and a first public security key provided for the first device;

generating at the second device a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key;

encrypting at the second device the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

decrypting at the first device the encrypted second private key and the second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second information storage location;

establishing a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

providing a method for accessing the operation information for remotely controlling the second device via the second information storage location by using the method obtained by reading the ID information, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

14. A remote control method that allows a first device connected to a network to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

reading ID information from the first device by a first connection type, the ID information indicating an access method of a first information storage location for exchanging information with the first device and a first public security key, the first connection type being any one of formats including an RF-ID, touch net, a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, a cybercode, infrared communication, and Bluetooth communication in a low power mode;

generating at the second device a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key;

encrypting at the second device the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

decrypting at the first device the encrypted second private key and the second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second information storage location;

enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location;

allowing a transfer of operation information from the second information storage location to the first device via the network connection, for remotely controlling the second device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

15. A remote control method that allows a first device connected to a network to control an operation of a second device, comprising:

reading ID information from the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode, the ID information indicating an access method of a first information storage location for exchanging information with the first device and a first public security key;

generating at the second device a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key;

encrypting at the second device the second private key and a second information storage location with the first public key;

decrypting at the first device the encrypted second private key and the second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second information storage location;

enabling a network connection between the first device and the second information storage location on the second device by linking the first information storage location with the second information storage location, wherein the network connection is according to at least one of a wireless or wired LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth communication, a telephone network, and the Internet;

allowing a transfer of operation information from the second information storage location to the first device via the network connection, for remotely controlling the second device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

allowing the first device to remotely control the second device by using the operation information via the second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

21. A device for remotely controlling a first device, the first device generating a first private key and a first public key corresponding to the private key and encrypting the first private key and a first information storage location with the second public key received from the device, the device comprising:

ID information stored on computer memory including a network address of a second information storage location associated with the device and a second public key;

a communication unit sending the ID information to the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode;

a decryption unit executing on a processor associated with the device for decrypting the encrypted first private key and first information storage location using a second private key so as to obtain the first private key and the first information storage location;

a network connection unit establishing a network connection with the first information storage location associated with the first device, the second information storage location linked to the first information storage location;

an operation information obtaining unit executing on the processor receiving operation information from the first information storage location via the network connection for remotely controlling the first device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

a remote control unit executing on the processor remotely controlling the first device using the obtained operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the operation information includes an operation method suitable for operating the first device by the device.

23. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device is a portable information terminal including a cellular telephone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) of a user.

24. The device according to claim 21, wherein:

the ID information includes a method for accessing the first information storage location and the second information storage location; and

the operation information obtaining unit obtains the operation information, written into the second information storage location, for remotely controlling the first device.

25. The device according to claim 21, wherein:

the ID information includes a method for accessing the first information storage location and the second information storage; and

the operation information obtaining unit obtains the operation information for remotely controlling the first device by using the method written into the second information storage location.

26. The device according to claim 21, wherein the ID information is represented by any one of formats including RF-ID, touch net, barcode, two-dimensional barcode, cybercode, infrared communication and Bluetooth.

27. A control method for a device remotely controlling a first device, comprising:

storing ID information including a network address of a first information storage location associated with the device and a first public key associated with the device;

sending the ID information to the first device by a first connection type in a low power mode;

generating at the first device a second private key and a second public key corresponding to the second private key

encrypting at the first device the second private key and a second information storage location with the second public key, the second information storage location associated with the first device;

decrypting at the device the encrypted second private key and second information storage location using a first private key so as to obtain the second private key and the second information storage location;

establishing a network connection between the second information storage location and the first information storage location;

receiving operation information, by a processor, from the second information storage location for remotely controlling the first device, wherein the operation information includes graphical user interface (GUI) information indicating an operation screen; and

remotely controlling the first device by using the obtained operation information via a second connection type, different from the first connection type and at an output power higher than an output power of the first connection type.

28. A control method according to claim 27, wherein the operation information includes an operation method suitable for operating the first device by the device.

29. A control method according to claim 27, wherein the device which is connectable to a network is a portable information terminal including a cellular telephone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) of a user.

30. A control method according to claim 27, wherein:

the ID information includes a method for accessing the first information storage location and the second information storage location; and

using the method for accessing the first information storage location and the second information storage location for remotely controlling the first device.

31. A control method according to claim 27, wherein the ID information is represented by any one of formats including an RF-ID, touch net, a barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, a cybercode, infrared communication, and Bluetooth communication.