Electronic device and control method thereof, remote control system and computer readable medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device and a control method thereof, a remote control system and a computer-readable medium. The electronic device can be remotely controlled by an external device. When the electronic device receives an instruction that affects the connection with the external device, it is determined whether the received instruction is an instruction made by a control included in the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device being connected through a connection. If it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction made by the control, the electronic device performs processing according to the received instruction. If it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, the electronic device performs processing according to the received instruction within the range of being able to maintain the connection with the external device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, a remote control system and a computer readable medium, and in particular to an electronic device capable of being remotely controlled from an external device and a control method thereof. The present invention also relates to a remote control system. Background Art

[0002] An electronic device that can be remotely controlled by a user interface displayed on a screen of an external device (e.g., a computing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone) communicatively connected to the electronic device is known (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-171138). The user interface to be displayed in the external device is provided based on at least one of data transmitted from the electronic device and data possessed by a remote control application running in the external device.

[0003] When an operation on the user interface is detected, the external device sends the operation details to the electronic device. The electronic device performs the operation according to the operation details received from the external device, and as a result, remote control of the electronic device from the external device can be achieved.

[0004] For example, when the external device provides a user interface having the same function as that provided by the electronic device, etc., an operation of disconnecting the connection between the external device and the electronic device may be performed from the external device. If an operation of disconnecting the connection between the external device and the electronic device is performed from the external device, the connection with the electronic device cannot be restored from the external device, and thus remote control cannot be performed any more. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in one aspect thereof provides an electronic device and a control method thereof capable of preventing accidental disconnection of a connection with an external device by remote control from the external device.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device capable of being remotely controlled via an external device, the electronic device comprising: a determination unit which, upon receiving an instruction affecting connection with an external device, determines whether the received instruction is an instruction made via a control included in the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device being connected via a connection; and a control unit which, if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction made via the control, performs processing according to the received instruction, and if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, performs processing according to the received instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a remote control system is provided, which includes: an electronic device; and an external device, which is communicatively connected to the electronic device via a connection and can remotely control the electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes: a determination unit, which, when receiving an instruction that affects the connection with the external device, determines whether the received instruction is an instruction made by a control included in the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device being connected; and a control unit, which, if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction made by the control, performs processing according to the received instruction, and if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, performs processing according to the received instruction within the range that can maintain the connection with the external device.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an electronic device capable of being remotely controlled from an external device, the control method comprising: upon receiving an instruction affecting a connection with an external device, determining whether the received instruction is an instruction made by a control included in the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device being connected through a connection; if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction made by the control, performing processing according to the received instruction; and if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, performing processing according to the received instruction within the range that the connection with the external device can be maintained.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer included in an electronic device to execute a control method according to the present invention, the electronic device being remotely controllable via an external device.

[0010] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a remote control system according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a flowchart regarding the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a diagram showing an exemplary screen display in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flowchart regarding the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a flowchart regarding the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a diagram showing an exemplary screen display in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart regarding the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. A plurality of features are described in the embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the invention requiring all of these features, but these features can be appropriately combined. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar parts, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0019] Note that the present invention can be implemented in any electronic device that accepts remote control from an external device. These electronic devices include digital (video) cameras, computer devices (such as personal computers, tablet computers, media players and PDAs), mobile phones, smart phones, game consoles, robots, drones and dashcams. These are just examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other devices. In addition, for convenience, "external device" is the name of an electronic device that can be remotely controlled, and can actually be a device similar to the device being remotely controlled.

[0020] First embodiment

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of a remote control system 1000 including an electronic device 100 and an external device 200. Here, with respect to the electronic device 100 and the external device 200, only the functional configuration related to the implementation of the present invention is described. In fact, configurations specific to the devices used as the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 are included. For example, when the electronic device 100 is a digital camera, a configuration related to video recording is included. In addition, when the external device 200 is a smart phone, a configuration for communicating via a mobile phone network is included.

[0022] The electronic device 100 includes an internal bus 110 for transmitting data and control signals between connected functional blocks. In addition, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an input processing unit 104, an output processing unit 106, and a communication control unit 108 are connected to the internal bus 110.

[0023] The ROM 102 is a nonvolatile memory, and at least a part thereof may be electrically rewritable. GUI data, a program executed by the CPU 101 , setting values ​​of the electronic device 100 , and the like are stored in the ROM 102 .

[0024] The RAM 103 is a volatile memory, and is used by the CPU 101 to temporarily save programs, variables, work data, and the like.

[0025] The CPU 101 controls the units of the electronic device 100 and realizes the functions of the electronic device 100 by reading a program stored in the ROM 102 to the RAM 103 and executing the program.

[0026] The input processing unit 104 generates a control signal according to a user operation on the control 105, and provides the control signal to the CPU 101. The following multiple input devices are collectively referred to as the control 105: the multiple input devices are arranged in the electronic device 100 or connected to the electronic device 100 and can be operated by the user. Typical examples of the input devices constituting the control 105 include switches, buttons, joysticks, dials, keyboards, mice, joysticks, and touch panels, but are not limited thereto. In addition, a dedicated remote control different from the external device 200 may also be included.

[0027] The CPU 101 performs an operation corresponding to the control signal from the input processing unit 104. Thus, the electronic device 100 operates according to the user operation performed on the widget 105.

[0028] The output processing unit 106 outputs a display signal suitable for the display unit 107 based on display data such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like generated by the CPU 101 according to a program.

[0029] Note that when a touch display is used as the display unit 107, a touch panel included in the touch display is used as an input device constituting the widget 105. As a result of using a touch display, software keys can be realized by combining a GUI display and a touch panel.

[0030] The communication control unit 108 communicates with the external device 200 via the communication interface 109 based on the control of the CPU 101. The communication interface 109 includes an interface circuit that complies with one or more wired and / or wireless communication standards. For example, typical examples of wireless communication standards include IEEE 802.11 series, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. In addition, typical examples of wired communication standards include IEEE 802.3, USB, HDMI (registered trademark), etc.

[0031] The communication interface 109 establishes a wired and / or wireless communication connection 300 with a communication interface 209 included in the external device 200. The electronic device 100 and the external device 200 communicate with each other through the communication connection 300.

[0032] The external device 200 includes an internal bus 210 for transmitting data and control signals between connected functional blocks. In addition, the functional blocks 201 to 209 included in the external device 200 are basically constructed similarly to the functional blocks of the same name included in the electronic device 100, so their description will be omitted. For example, when the user operates the control 105 of the electronic device 100 and enables remote control from the menu screen, the CPU 101 causes the communication control unit 108 to start operating to prepare for connection with the external device. The communication control unit 108 starts searching for the external device 200 through the communication interface 109.

[0033] In addition, the user performs an operation in the external device 200 to start an application for remotely controlling the electronic device 100 on the control 205. The CPU 201 starts the application according to the operation performed on the control 205. The application can be a dedicated application or a general application such as a web browser application. In the case of a general application, the user executes a command (for example, inputs a URL) for starting communication with the electronic device 100.

[0034] If the communication control unit 208 is not enabled, the CPU 201 enables the unit and causes the unit to start an operation to prepare for communication with the electronic device 100. The communication control units 108 and 208 establish a communication connection 300 through a procedure conforming to a communication standard via the communication interfaces 109 and 209. Thus, the electronic device 100 (CPU 101) and the external device 200 (CPU 201) can communicate.

[0035] Note that the communication connection 300 may be established by other processes. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the external device 200 is registered as a connection partner in the electronic device 100 and the electronic device 100 is in a state of continuously waiting for the connection of the external device. In this case, the user can establish the communication connection 300 with the electronic device 100 simply by starting an application in the external device 200.

[0036] When the external device 200 uses a general application to remotely control the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 has a function of transmitting data required for remotely controlling the electronic device 100 to the external device 200. For example, when the external device 200 uses a web browser application to remotely control the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 has a web server function. In addition, in response to a command transmitted from the web browser application, the electronic device 100 transmits data to be used in the web browser application to the web browser application.

[0037] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, communication between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 is achieved by the CPU 101 and the CPU 201 sending and receiving data through the communication control unit 108 , the communication interfaces 109 and 209 , and the communication control unit 208 .

[0038] Operation of the electronic device 100

[0039] Next, we will use Figure 2 1 and 10. The setting operation performed by the CPU 101 in a state where the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 is established is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0040] In step S301, for example, the CPU 101 displays a menu screen in the display unit 107 of the electronic device 100 in response to detecting a predetermined operation performed on the control 105. Alternatively, upon receiving a request to send menu screen data from the external device 200, the CPU 101 reads the requested data from the ROM 102 and sends the data to the external device 200 via the communication control unit 108 and the communication interface 109.

[0041] Note that if communication with the electronic device 100 is not required to display the GUI screen in the external device 200, the CPU 101 may not participate in displaying the GUI screen in the external device 200. For example, if the remote control application running in the external device 200 includes GUI screen data and can independently provide the GUI screen, the CPU 101 may not participate in displaying the GUI screen in the external device 200.

[0042] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the menu screen to be displayed in the electronic device 100 and the menu screen to be displayed in the external device 200 have no functional difference. That is, the same instruction details as the instruction details that the user can give to the electronic device 100 through the control 105 can be given from the external device 200 to the electronic device 100. For example, also with regard to the appearance, by making the menu screen to be displayed in the electronic device 100 and the menu screen to be displayed in the external device 200 the same, the user can configure or change the settings of the electronic device 100 without paying attention to the difference in the devices to be operated.

[0043] However, the menu screen to be displayed in the electronic device 100 may not be completely the same as the menu screen to be displayed in the external device 200. Note that it is assumed that a menu screen including an item for resetting the settings of the electronic device 100 is displayed in the external device 200. Here, the resetting of the settings of the electronic device 100 is an example of an instruction for deleting information required to establish or maintain a connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 or an instruction for affecting the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200.

[0044] Figure 3A An example of a menu screen 701 to be displayed in the display unit 107 of the electronic device 100 and the display unit 207 of the external device 200 is shown. Here, it is assumed that the display units 107 and 207 are touch displays, and by touching the items displayed in the menu screen 701, the touched items can be selected. When the display unit 107 is not a touch display, the menu screen can be operated by a known process (such as a process of specifying an item to be selected using the direction key of the control 105 and indicating the execution of the selected item by the determination button). When the display unit 207 is not a touch display, the menu screen can be similarly operated using the control 205.

[0045] The menu screen 701 includes three tabs. The CPU 101 switches the display of the menu screen according to the selected tab. Figure 3A , a state in which a tab 702 for settings is selected is shown, and numbers 1 to 9 shown immediately below the tab indicate that the screen for settings has 9 pages. When a number is selected, the CPU 101 displays the corresponding page. Figure 3A , the first page of the screen about settings is displayed, and includes four items, namely, reset, time zone, date / time, and language. When one of the four items is selected, the CPU 101 executes a command corresponding to the selected item, or displays a sub-screen. The sub-screen may be a screen for setting details about the selected item, a screen for requesting the user to confirm execution, etc.

[0046] In step S302, the CPU 101 changes the screen in response to a change operation of the menu screen 701 through the control 105 or a screen data command received from the external device 200. The change operation mentioned here is an operation for performing movement only within or between layers of a hierarchically structured menu. Figure 3A The tab 702 in the menu screen 701 shown and the selection operation of the item for displaying the sub-screen correspond to the transition operation. On the other hand, the operation for confirming the execution of a predetermined operation (for example, the selection operation of an item that does not have a sub-screen, an OK button, or an execution button) is an operation for instructing execution, not a transition operation.

[0047] In step S303, the CPU 101 determines whether an execution instruction has been received from the control 105 or the external device 200. Then, if it is determined that the execution instruction has been received, the CPU 101 executes step S304, otherwise, the execution of step S302 is repeated. The execution instruction is the detection of an operation on the control 105 for confirming the execution of a predetermined operation, or the reception of an execution command from the external device 200.

[0048] In step S304, the CPU 101 determines whether the execution instruction corresponds to an execution instruction of a process including deleting information required to maintain a connection with the external device 200. Here, it is assumed that the process including deleting information required to maintain a connection with the external device 200 is a process for resetting the settings of the electronic device 100, but the process may also be other processes.

[0049] If it is determined that an execution instruction to reset settings (reset instruction) has been received, the CPU 101 executes step S305 , and otherwise, executes step S308 .

[0050] In step S308 , the CPU 101 ends the menu screen display, and executes the processing instructed by the received execution instruction.

[0051] In step S305, the CPU 101 determines whether the execution instruction of the reset settings is a command received from the external device 200. If it is determined that the execution instruction of the reset settings is a command received from the external device 200, the CPU 101 executes step S306, otherwise, executes step S307.

[0052] The case where step S307 is executed is the case where the execution instruction of the reset setting is an operation performed on the control 105. For example, if the item 703 in the menu screen 701 is an item that does not include a sub-screen and is used to instruct the execution of the reset process, the execution instruction of the reset setting may be a selection operation of the item 703 by the control 105. In this case, the CPU 101 resets all settings of the electronic device 100, which include information required to establish or maintain a connection with the external device 200 and are stored in the ROM 102, for example.

[0053] On the other hand, in step S306, CPU 101 resets the setting of electronic device 100 within the range of being able to maintain the connection with external device 200 that has established communication connection 300 (i.e., is being connected). Here, the situation that can maintain the connection certainly includes the situation that the connection is not disconnected, and also includes the situation that the connection can be established again even if the connection is disconnected.

[0054] Note that it is possible to construct such that before executing steps S306 and S307, the user is asked to confirm the execution so that the execution can be canceled (step S306 or S307 is executed only when confirmation is made). For example, before executing step S307, CPU 101 will Figure 3B The confirmation screen 713 shown is displayed in the display unit 107. Then, if the operation of the cancel button 715 is detected, the CPU 101 executes step S301, and displays the menu screen 701, for example, in the display unit 107. On the other hand, if the operation of the OK button 716 is detected, the CPU 101 determines that the reset operation has been confirmed, and executes step S307.

[0055] Note that before executing step S306, the CPU 101 displays the confirmation screen 713 in the display unit 207 of the external device 200. In this case, a message such as “Do you want to reset all settings? (Maintain communication with the device being remotely controlled.)” is displayed in the confirmation screen 713, and it is notified that the connection with the electronic device 100 is maintained even if the settings are reset. Therefore, the user who operates the external device 200 can understand that the remote control of the electronic device 100 can continue to be performed even if the reset is performed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0056] Then, for example, if an operation on the cancel button 715 is detected, the CPU 101 executes step S301 and displays the menu screen 701 in the display unit 107. On the other hand, if an operation on the OK button 716 is detected, the CPU 101 determines that the reset operation has been confirmed, and executes step S306.

[0057] Note that when the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 is disconnected by executing step S306 , a configuration may also be adopted in which, after executing step S306 , the CPU 101 automatically restores (reestablishes) the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 .

[0058] As described above, in the present embodiment, when connected to an external device, the details of the processing are changed depending on whether the execution instruction of the received processing (the processing including deleting the information required to maintain the connection with the external device) is made by an operation performed on the own device or is received from the external device. Specifically, if the execution instruction is received from the external device, the processing is executed within the range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, and if the execution instruction is made by an operation performed on the own device, the processing including deleting the information required to maintain the communication with the external device is executed.

[0059] Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the connection between the external device and the electronic device is accidentally disconnected by remote control from the external device and the connection cannot be restored.

[0060] Second embodiment

[0061] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment can be implemented by the remote control system 1000 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment is also described using the electronic device 100 and the external device 200.

[0062] Operation of the electronic device 100

[0063] Will use Figure 4 The setting operation of this embodiment performed by the CPU 101 in a state where the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 is established is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the same operation as in the first embodiment is given Figure 2 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0064] Steps S301 to S305 and step S308 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] In step S305, the CPU 101 determines whether the execution instruction of the reset settings is a command received from the external device 200. If it is determined that the execution instruction of the reset settings is a command received from the external device 200, the CPU 101 executes step S406, otherwise, executes step S405.

[0066] Will use Figure 5 1 and 2. The processing executed by the CPU 101 in step S405 is described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the CPU 101 receives a setting reset command from the external device 200, step S405 is executed.

[0067] In step S501, the CPU 101 transmits data for displaying a selection screen for selecting a reset method in the display unit 207 to the external device 200 via the communication control unit 108 and the communication interface 109. The CPU 201 displays the selection screen in the display unit 207 by using the received data in a general application such as a web browser application.

[0068] Fig. 6A704 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen. Selection screen 704 is a screen for selecting a method for resetting settings. Here, it is assumed that a first method and a second method for resetting all settings can be selected as the method for resetting settings, and in the first method, the settings are reset within a range in which the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 can be maintained. Note that when all settings are reset, all information required to maintain the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 is also reset (deleted). Therefore, in order to reestablish the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200, an operation for registering the information required to establish the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 should be performed in the electronic device 100.

[0069] The selection screen 704 includes a keep connected button 707 for instructing to reset settings using the first method and a reset all button 708 for instructing to reset settings using the second method. The selection screen 704 may also include a cancel button 706 for canceling the reset of settings.

[0070] The user who is operating the external device 200 performs an operation to select a button corresponding to the intended instruction from the selection screen 704. Upon detecting an operation on one of the buttons 706 to 708 in the selection screen 704, the CPU 201 transmits a command corresponding to the operated button to the electronic device 100. Upon receiving the command from the external device 200, the CPU 101 executes step S502.

[0071] Note that the case has been described here where data for providing the selection screen 704 in the external device 200 is transmitted from the electronic device 100 to the external device 200. However, when the external device 200 can independently provide the selection screen 704 (without receiving data from the electronic device 100), such as when a dedicated remote control application is used in the external device 200, step S501 does not need to be performed.

[0072] This is because the execution instruction received in step S303 is a command (a command for instructing to reset settings by the first method or the second method) based on an operation already performed on the selection screen 704. In this case, the CPU 101 skips step S501, and in step S502, determines the type of command received from the external device 200 in step S303.

[0073] In step S502, the CPU 101 determines the type of command received from the external device 200, and branches the process according to the type of command. That is, if it is determined that a command for indicating a setting reset by the first method has been received, the CPU 101 executes step S503. If it is determined that a command for indicating a setting reset by the second method has been received, the CPU 101 executes step S507. If it is determined that a command for indicating cancellation has been received, the CPU 101 executes step S509. Note that when step S501 is skipped and the type of command received is determined in step S303, a command for indicating cancellation is not received.

[0074] In step S503 , similarly to step S306 in the first embodiment, the CPU 101 resets the settings of the electronic device 100 within a range in which the connection with the external device 200 that is establishing the communication connection 300 (ie, connecting) can be maintained.

[0075] In step S504, the CPU 101 may disconnect the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 as needed. Step S504 may not be executed. When step S504 is not executed, step S505 is also not executed.

[0076] In step S505 , the CPU 101 reestablishes the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 based on the information that has not been reset.

[0077] In step S507 , similarly to step S307 in the first embodiment, the CPU 101 resets all settings of the electronic device 100 .

[0078] In step S508, the CPU 101 disconnects the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 as a result of resetting all settings of the electronic device 100. Note that when the communication connection 300 is automatically disconnected as a result of resetting all settings, step S508 need not be performed.

[0079] In step S509, the CPU 101 transmits data for displaying the menu screen 701 in the display unit 207 to the external device 200 via the communication control unit 108 and the communication interface 109. The CPU 201 displays the menu screen 701 in the display unit 207 by using the received data in a general application such as a web browser application.

[0080] Next, we will use Figure 7 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is used to describe the CPU 101 in Figure 4 When the CPU 101 is instructed to execute setting reset by an operation performed on the control 105, step S406 is executed.

[0081] In step S601, the CPU 101 determines whether the electronic device 100 is connected (establishing the communication connection 300) with the external device 200. If it is determined that the electronic device 100 is connected with the external device 200, the CPU 101 executes step S602, otherwise, executes step S606.

[0082] In step S602 , the CPU 101 displays, on the display unit 107 , a first confirmation screen for requesting the user to confirm whether to execute setting reset. Figure 6B 709. The first confirmation screen 709 includes a message 710 for notifying the user of the fact that the connection with the external device 200 will be disconnected by resetting the settings. In addition, the first confirmation screen 709 includes a cancel button 711 and an OK button 112. When an operation of a button in the first confirmation screen 709 is detected, the CPU 101 executes step S603.

[0083] In step S606, the CPU 101 displays a second confirmation screen for requesting the user to confirm whether to perform setting reset on the display unit 107. The second confirmation screen may be Figure 3B . Unlike the first confirmation screen 709, the second confirmation screen 713 includes a message 714 for asking the user whether to allow resetting all settings. Since the connection with the external device 200 is not established, the message about the connection with the external device 200 is not included. When the operation of the button in the second confirmation screen 713 is detected, the CPU 101 executes step S603.

[0084] In step S603, CPU 101 determines the type of button that has been operated, and branches the process according to the type of button. That is, if it is determined that OK button 712 or OK button 716 has been operated, CPU 101 executes step S604. In addition, if it is determined that the cancel button has been operated, CPU 101 executes step S605.

[0085] In step S604 , similarly to step S307 in the first embodiment, the CPU 101 resets all settings of the electronic device 100 .

[0086] In step S605 , the CPU 101 displays the menu screen 701 on the display unit 107 , and executes the processes in step S302 and thereafter.

[0087] Note that when the reset all button 708 is operated in the selection screen 704, the Figure 6B. Therefore, the user who is operating the external device 200 can be notified of the fact that the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 will be disconnected. Therefore, accidental disconnection of the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200, which occurs in a case where, for example, the user does not understand the difference between the keep connection button 707 and the reset all button 708 and in a case where the user mistakenly operates the reset all button 708, can be prevented.

[0088] According to the present embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the connection between the external device and the electronic device is accidentally disconnected by remote control from the external device and the connection cannot be restored.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, when resetting the settings of the electronic device from the external device through remote control, the user can choose whether to reset the settings within the range of being able to maintain the connection with the electronic device or to reset all settings. Therefore, the following situation can be avoided: the connection between the external device and the electronic device is accidentally disconnected and the connection cannot be restored.

[0090] Other embodiments

[0091] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by reading and executing computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by, for example, reading and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium by the computer of the system or device to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments, and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions in the above-mentioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) TM ), flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0092] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0093] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An electronic device capable of being remotely controlled by an external device, the electronic device comprising: A display unit that displays a menu screen; a transmitting unit that transmits information for displaying a menu screen to the external device in response to a request from the external device; a determination unit that, when receiving an instruction affecting connection with an external device via a menu screen, determines whether the received instruction is an instruction made by a control included in the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device being connected through a connection; as well as a control unit that, if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction made by the control, executes processing according to the received instruction, and if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, executes processing according to the received instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, wherein if the instruction received from the external device is an instruction to reset the settings of the electronic device, the control unit determines the type of the instruction, If it is determined that the instruction is to reset the setting by the first method, the control section resets the setting within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, and If it is determined that the instruction is to reset the settings by the second method, the control section resets the settings of the electronic device including information required to maintain the connection with the external device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained is a range in which information necessary for maintaining the connection with the external device is not deleted.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: If the connection with the external device is disconnected as a result of executing processing according to the received instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, the control section reestablishes the connection with the external device.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The received instruction is an instruction to reset the settings of the electronic device.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The control section requests a user to confirm the execution if information necessary for maintaining the connection with the external device is to be deleted as a result of executing the process according to the received instruction.

6. A remote control system, comprising: Electronic equipment; as well as an external device that is communicably connected to the electronic device via a connection and is capable of remotely controlling the electronic device, Wherein, the electronic equipment comprises: A display unit that displays a menu screen; a transmitting unit that transmits information for displaying a menu screen to the external device in response to a request from the external device; a determination unit that, when receiving an instruction affecting connection with an external device via a menu screen, determines whether the received instruction is an instruction made by a widget included in the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device being connected; and a control unit that, if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction made by the control, executes processing according to the received instruction, and if it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, executes processing according to the received instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, wherein if the instruction received from the external device is an instruction to reset the settings of the electronic device, the control unit determines the type of the instruction, If it is determined that the instruction is to reset the setting by the first method, the control section resets the setting within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, and If it is determined that the instruction is to reset the settings by the second method, the control section resets the settings of the electronic device including information required to maintain the connection with the external device.

7. The remote control system according to claim 6, wherein: The external device can give the electronic device, through connection with the external device, the same instruction as that which a user can provide through a control included in the electronic device.

8. A control method for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device can be remotely controlled from an external device, the control method comprising: Display the menu screen; In response to a request from the external device, sending information for displaying a menu screen to the external device; upon receiving an instruction affecting connection with an external device via a menu screen, determining whether the received instruction is an instruction made by a control included in the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device being connected through a connection; If it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction made by the control, executing processing according to the received instruction; as well as If it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, executing processing according to the received instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, If the instruction received from the external device is an instruction to reset the settings of the electronic device, determining a type of the instruction, If it is determined that the instruction is to reset the settings by the first method, resetting the settings within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, and If it is determined that the instruction is to reset the settings by the second method, the settings of the electronic device including information required to maintain the connection with the external device are reset.

9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein: The range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained is a range in which information necessary for maintaining the connection with the external device is not deleted.

10. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising: If the connection with the external device is disconnected as a result of executing processing according to the received instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained, the connection with the external device is reestablished.

11. The control method according to claim 8, wherein: The received instruction is an instruction to reset the settings of the electronic device.

12. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising: If information required to maintain the connection with the external device is to be deleted as a result of executing the process according to the received instruction, the user is requested to confirm the execution.

13. A computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer included in an electronic device capable of being remotely controlled by an external device to execute the control method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

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