Electronic device, control method thereof, and remote control system

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus that can prevent a situation in which a connection with an external device is unintentionally cut off due to remote control from the external device, and a method for controlling the same.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus can be remotely controlled from an external device. When the electronic apparatus receives an instruction affecting a connection with the external device, it determines whether the received instruction is an instruction through an operation unit included in the electronic apparatus or an instruction received from the external device being connected thereto. When determining that the received instruction is the instruction through the operation unit, the electronic apparatus executes processing according to the received instruction. On the other hand, when determining that the received instruction is the instruction received from the external device, the electronic apparatus executes the processing according to the received instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, and more particularly to an electronic device that can be remotely controlled from an external device and a control method thereof.The present invention also relates to a remote control system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an electronic device that can be remotely controlled through a user interface displayed on the screen of a communicatively connected external device (e.g., a computing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone) (Patent Document 1). The user interface displayed on the external device is provided based on at least one of data transmitted from the electronic device and data held by a remote control application running on the external device.

[0003] When an operation on the user interface is detected, the external device transmits the operation content to the electronic device, and the electronic device executes an operation according to the operation content received from the external device, thereby realizing remote control of the electronic device from the external device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-171138 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when an external device provides a user interface with the same functions as a user interface provided by an electronic device, an operation to disconnect the external device from the electronic device may be performed from the external device, and if an operation to disconnect the external device from the electronic device is performed from the external device, communication with the electronic device cannot be restored from the external device, making it impossible to remotely control the electronic device.

[0006] One of the objects of the present invention is to prevent such problems. In one aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device and a control method thereof that can prevent unintentional disconnection of a connection with an external device by remote control from the external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can be remotely controlled from an external device, which, when receiving an instruction that affects connection with the external device, has a determination means for determining whether the received instruction is an instruction given through an operation unit of the electronic device or an instruction received from the connected external device, and a control means for executing a process according to the received instruction when it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction given through the operation unit, and when it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, executing a process according to the received instruction within a range in which connection with the external device can be maintained. electronic a control means for controlling the device; ,of Yes If the received instruction is an instruction to initialize the settings of the electronic device, The object of the present invention is achieved by an electronic device characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device and a control method thereof that can prevent unintentional disconnection of a connection with an external device due to remote control from the external device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a remote control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in an embodiment. [Figure 4] Flowchart regarding the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment [Figure 5] Flowchart regarding the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in an embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart regarding the operation of the electronic device according to the second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of them are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] The present invention can be implemented in any electronic device that can be remotely controlled from an external device. Such electronic devices include digital (video) cameras, computer devices (personal computers, tablet computers, media players, PDAs, etc.), mobile phones, smartphones, game consoles, robots, drones, and drive recorders. These are examples, and the present invention can also be implemented in other devices. Furthermore, the term "external device" is a convenient name for an electronic device that can be remotely controlled, and may actually be the same device as the device being remotely controlled.

[0012] ●(First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a remote control system 1000 having an electronic device 100 and an external device 200. Here, only the functional configurations of the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 that are relevant to the implementation of the present invention are described. In reality, the configurations specific to the devices that function as the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 are included. For example, if the electronic device 100 is a digital camera, a configuration related to image capture is included. Also, if the external device 200 is a smartphone, a configuration for communication via a mobile phone network is included.

[0013] The electronic device 100 has an internal bus 110 for communicating data and control signals between connected functional blocks. Also connected to the internal bus 110 are 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.

[0014] The ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory, and at least a portion of it may be electrically rewritable. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, setting values for the electronic device 100, GUI data, and the like. The RAM 103 is a volatile memory that the CPU 101 uses to temporarily store programs, variables, working data, and the like.

[0015] The CPU 101 controls each unit of the electronic device 100 and realizes the functions of the electronic device 100 by loading a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executing the program.

[0016] The input processing unit 104 generates a control signal in response to a user operation on the operation unit 105 and supplies the control signal to the CPU 101. The operation unit 105 is a collective term for a plurality of input devices that are provided in or connected to the electronic device 100 and can be operated by the user. Typical examples of the input devices that make up the operation unit 105 include, but are not limited to, switches, buttons, levers, dials, keyboards, mice, joysticks, and touch panels. In addition, a dedicated remote controller that is different from the external device 200 may also be included.

[0017] The CPU 101 executes an operation in response to a control signal from the input processing unit 104. As a result, the electronic device 100 operates in response to a user operation on the operation unit 105.

[0018] 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) generated by the CPU 101 in accordance with a program.

[0019] When a touch display is used as the display unit 107, the touch panel of the touch display functions as an input device that constitutes the operation unit 105. By using a touch display, it is possible to realize software keys that combine a GUI display and a touch panel.

[0020] The communication control unit 108 communicates with the external device 200 via the communication interface 109 under the control of the CPU 101. The communication interface 109 has an interface circuit that complies with one or more wired and / or wireless communication standards. For example, typical examples of wireless communication standards include the IEEE802.11 series and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Typical examples of wired communication standards include IEEE802.3, USB, and HDMI (registered trademark).

[0021] The communication interface 109 establishes a wired and / or wireless communication connection 300 with a communication interface 209 of the external device 200. The electronic device 100 and the external device 200 communicate with each other through the communication connection 300.

[0022] The external device 200 has an internal bus 210 for communicating data and control signals between the connected functional blocks. Furthermore, the functional blocks 201 to 209 of the external device 200 have basically the same configuration as the functional blocks of the same names of the electronic device 100, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] When the user operates the operation unit 105 of the electronic device 100 to enable remote control from, for example, a menu screen, the CPU 101 causes the communication control unit 108 to start preparations for connection with an external device. The communication control unit 108 starts searching for the external device 200 through the communication interface 109.

[0024] Furthermore, the user operates the operation unit 205 of the external device 200 to start an application used to remotely control the electronic device 100. The CPU 201 starts the application in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 205. The application may be a dedicated application or a general-purpose application such as a web browser application. In the case of a general-purpose application, the user executes a command (e.g., input of a URL) to start communication with the electronic device 100.

[0025] CPU 201 enables communication control unit 208 if it is not enabled, and starts preparations for communication with electronic device 100. Communication control units 108 and 208 establish communication connection 300 through communication interfaces 109 and 209 in accordance with a procedure compliant with a communication standard. This enables communication between electronic device 100 (CPU 101) and external device 200 (CPU 201).

[0026] Note that the communication connection 300 may be established by other procedures. For example, the external device 200 may be registered in the electronic device 100 as a connection partner, and the electronic device 100 may be in a state of constantly waiting for a connection from an external device. In this case, the user can establish the communication connection 300 with the electronic device 100 simply by starting an application on the external device 200.

[0027] When the external device 200 remotely controls the electronic device 100 using a general-purpose application, the electronic device 100 has a function of transmitting data necessary for the remote control to the external device 200. For example, when the external device 200 remotely controls the electronic device 100 using a Web browser application, the electronic device 100 has a Web server function. Then, in response to a command transmitted from the Web browser application, the electronic device 100 transmits data to be used by the Web browser application to the Web browser application.

[0028] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, communication between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 is realized by the CPU 101 and the CPU 201 sending and receiving data via the communication control unit 108, the communication interfaces 109, 209, and the communication control unit 209.

[0029] (Operation of the electronic device 100) Next, the setting operation executed by the CPU 101 when the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 is established will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0030] In S301, the CPU 101 displays a menu screen on the display unit 107 of the electronic device 100 in response to, for example, detecting a predetermined operation on the operation unit 105. Alternatively, when the CPU 101 receives 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 it to the external device 200 via the communication control unit 108 and the communication interface 109.

[0031] It should be noted that if communication with the electronic device 100 is not required to display a GUI screen on the external device 200, the CPU 101 need not be involved in displaying the GUI screen on the external device 200. For example, if a remote control application running on the external device 200 has GUI screen data and can independently provide a GUI screen, the CPU 101 need not be involved in displaying the GUI screen on the external device 200.

[0032] In this embodiment, it is assumed that there is no difference in function between the menu screen displayed on the electronic device 100 and the menu screen displayed on the external device 200. In other words, the external device 200 can give to the electronic device 100 instructions that are the same as the instructions that the user can give to the electronic device 100 via the operation unit 105. For example, by making the menu screen displayed on the electronic device 100 and the menu screen displayed on the external device 200 identical, including their appearance, the user can change the settings of the electronic device 100 without being aware of the difference between the devices being operated.

[0033] However, the menu screen displayed on the electronic device 100 and the menu screen displayed on the external device 200 do not have to be completely identical. However, it is assumed that a menu screen including an option for initializing the settings of the electronic device 100 is displayed on the external device 200. Here, initializing the settings of the electronic device 100 is an example of an instruction to delete information necessary for connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200, or an instruction that affects the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200.

[0034] 3(a) shows an example of a menu screen 701 displayed on the display unit 107 of the electronic device 100 and the display unit 207 of the external device 200. Here, it is assumed that both the display units 107 and 207 are touch displays, and that an item displayed on the menu screen 701 can be selected by touching the item. If the display unit 107 is not a touch display, the menu screen can be operated by a known procedure, such as specifying an item to be selected using the directional keys of the operation unit 105 and instructing execution of the selected item with the decision button. Similarly, if the display unit 207 is not a touch display, the menu screen can be operated using the operation unit 205.

[0035] Menu screen 701 has three tabs. CPU 101 switches the display of the menu screen depending on the selected tab. In FIG. 3(a), the settings tab 702 is selected, and the numbers 1 to 9 displayed directly below the tabs indicate that there are nine pages of settings screens. When a number is selected, CPU 101 displays the corresponding page. In FIG. 3(a), the first page of the settings screen is displayed, and includes four items: initialization, time zone, date / time, and language. When one of the four items is selected, CPU 101 executes a command corresponding to the item or displays a sub-screen. The sub-screen may be, for example, a screen for setting details of the selected item or a screen for requesting the user to confirm execution.

[0036] In S302, the CPU 101 transitions the screen in response to a transition operation on the menu screen 701 via the operation unit 105 or a screen data command received from the external device 200. The transition operation here refers to an operation that only moves within or between levels of a hierarchically structured menu. For example, the tab 702 on the menu screen 701 shown in FIG. 3(a) and the operation of selecting an item that displays a sub-screen correspond to the transition operation. On the other hand, an operation that confirms the execution of a predetermined operation (for example, an operation of selecting an item that does not have a sub-screen, the OK button, the execute button, etc.) is an operation that instructs execution, and is not a transition operation.

[0037] In S303, the CPU 101 determines whether an execution instruction has been received from the operation unit 105 or the external device 200. If it is determined that an execution instruction has been received, the CPU 101 executes S304, and if not, it repeatedly executes S302. The execution instruction is detected by detecting an operation of the operation unit 105 to confirm the execution of a predetermined operation, or by receiving an execution command from the external device 200.

[0038] In S304, CPU 101 determines whether the execution instruction corresponds to an execution instruction for a process involving erasure of information necessary for connection with external device 200. Here, the process involving erasure of information necessary for connection with external device 200 is assumed to be a process for initializing the settings of electronic device 100, but it may be another process.

[0039] If it is determined that an instruction to execute setting initialization (initialization instruction) has been received, the CPU 101 executes S305, and if not, the CPU 101 executes S308. In S308, the CPU 101 ends the menu screen display and executes the process instructed by the received execution instruction.

[0040] In S305, the CPU 101 determines whether the instruction to execute setting initialization is a command received from the external device 200. If it is determined that the instruction to execute setting initialization is a command received from the external device 200, the CPU 101 executes S306, and if not, the CPU 101 executes S307.

[0041] S307 is executed when the instruction to execute setting initialization is an operation of the operation unit 105. For example, if item 703 on the menu screen 701 is an item that instructs execution of initialization processing without a sub-screen, the instruction to execute setting initialization may be an operation to select item 703 by the operation unit 105. In this case, the CPU 101 initializes all settings of the electronic device 100, including information necessary for connection with the external device 200, that are stored in, for example, the ROM 102.

[0042] Meanwhile, in S306, the CPU 101 initializes the settings of the electronic device 100 to the extent that the connection with the external device 200 that is currently established (connected) through the communication connection 300 can be maintained. Here, being able to maintain the connection includes not only the case where the connection is not disconnected, but also the case where the connection can be re-established even if it is disconnected.

[0043] Note that the execution of S306 and S307 may be cancelled by requesting a user for confirmation before the execution (S306 or S307 is executed only if confirmation is given). For example, before executing S307, CPU 101 displays a confirmation screen 713 as shown in FIG. 3B on display unit 107. If operation of cancel button 715 is detected, CPU 101 executes, for example, S301 and displays menu screen 701 on display unit 107. On the other hand, if operation of OK button 716 is detected, CPU 101 determines that the initialization operation has been confirmed, and executes S307.

[0044] Before executing step S306, the CPU 101 displays a confirmation screen 713 on the display unit 207 of the external device 200. In this case, a message 714 displayed on the confirmation screen 713 may be something like "Do you want to initialize all settings? (Communication with the device being remotely controlled will be maintained)" Setting The external device 200 notifies the user that the connection with the electronic device 100 will be maintained even if the external device 200 performs a certain initialization. This allows the user operating the external device 200 to understand that remote operation of the electronic device 100 can be continued even if the initialization is performed, which is convenient.

[0045] If the CPU 101 detects that the cancel button 715 has been operated, the CPU 101 executes, for example, step S301, and causes the menu screen 701 to be displayed on the display unit 107. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 detects that the OK button 716 has been operated, the CPU 101 determines that the initialization operation has been confirmed, and executes step S306.

[0046] If the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 is disconnected by executing S306, the CPU 101 may automatically restore (re-establish) the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 after executing S306.

[0047] In this manner, in this embodiment, the content of the process to be executed differs depending on whether the instruction to execute a process that involves erasing information necessary for communication with an external device, which is received while connected to the external device, is an instruction from the device itself or received from the external device. Specifically, if the instruction is received from the external device, the process is executed to the extent that the connection with the external device can be maintained, and if the instruction is an instruction from the device itself, the process including erasing information necessary for communication with the external device is executed.

[0048] Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the connection between the external device and the electronic device is unintentionally cut off by remote control from the external device, and the connection cannot be restored.

[0049] ●(Second embodiment) 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 will also be described using the electronic device 100 and the external device 200.

[0050] (Operation of the electronic device 100) The setting operation of this embodiment that is executed by the CPU 101 when the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 is established will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the same operations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 2.

[0051] S301 to S305 and S308 are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the description will be omitted. In S305, the CPU 101 determines whether the instruction to execute setting initialization is a command received from the external device 200. If it is determined that the instruction to execute setting initialization is a command received from the external device 200, the CPU 101 executes S406, and if not, the CPU 101 executes S405.

[0052] The process executed by the CPU 101 in S405 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. S405 is executed when the CPU 101 receives a setting initialization command from the external device 200.

[0053] In S501, the CPU 101 transmits data for displaying an initialization method selection screen on the display unit 207 to the external device 200 via the communication control unit 108 and the communication interface 109. The CPU 201 uses the received data in a general-purpose application such as a web browser application to cause the display unit 207 to display the selection screen.

[0054] 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen. The selection screen 704 is a screen for selecting a method for initializing the settings. Here, as the method for initializing the settings, a first method for initializing the settings to the extent that the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 can be maintained, and a second method for initializing all the settings can be selected. Note that when all the settings are initialized, all the information necessary for the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 is also initialized (deleted). Therefore, in order to reconnect the electronic device 100 and the external device 200, it is necessary for the electronic device 100 to perform an operation for registering the information necessary for the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200.

[0055] The selection screen 704 has a maintain network connection button 707 for instructing the setting initialization by the first method, and an initialize all settings button 708 for instructing the setting initialization by the second method. choiceThe screen 704 may further include a cancel button 706 for canceling the initialization of the settings.

[0056] The user operating the external device 200 performs an operation to select a button corresponding to an instruction according to the user's intention from the selection screen 704. When the CPU 201 detects an operation on any of the buttons 706 to 708 on the selection screen 704, it transmits a command corresponding to the operated button to the electronic device 100. When the CPU 101 receives the command from the external device 200, it executes S502.

[0057] Note that the case where data for providing the selection screen 704 on the external device 200 is transmitted from the electronic device 100 to the external device 200 has been described here. However, if the external device 200 can provide the selection screen 704 independently (without needing to receive data from the electronic device 100), such as when a dedicated remote control application is used in the external device 200, S501 does not need to be executed.

[0058] This is because the execution instruction received in S303 is already a command (a command instructing initialization of settings by the first method or the second method) based on the operation on the selection screen 704. In this case, the CPU 101 skips S501 and determines in S502 the type of command received from the external device 200 in S303.

[0059] In S502, CPU101 is external device 200, and branches the process depending on the type of command. That is, when CPU 101 determines that a command instructing setting initialization using the first method has been received, it executes S503. When CPU 101 determines that a command instructing setting initialization using the second method has been received, it executes S507. When CPU 101 determines that a command instructing cancellation has been received, it executes S509. Note that if S501 is skipped and the type of command received is determined in S303, a command instructing cancellation will not be received.

[0060] In S503, the CPU 101 initializes the settings of the electronic device 100 to the extent that the connection with the external device 200 over which the communication connection 300 is currently established (connected) can be maintained, similar to S306 in the first embodiment.

[0061] In S504, the CPU 101 may, if necessary, disconnect the communication connection 300 with the external device 200. S504 does not have to be executed. If S504 is not executed, S505 is also not executed.

[0062] In S505, the CPU 101 re-establishes the communication connection 300 with the external device 200 based on the information that was not initialized.

[0063] In S507, the CPU 101 initializes all settings of the electronic device 100, similar to S307 in the first embodiment. In S508, the CPU 101 initializes all settings of the electronic device 100, and thereby disconnects the communication connection 300 with the external device 200. Note that if the communication connection 300 is automatically disconnected by initializing all settings, S508 does not need to be executed.

[0064] In S509, the CPU 101 transmits data for displaying the menu screen 701 on the display unit 207 to the external device 200 via the communication control unit 108 and the communication interface 109. The CPU 201 uses the received data in a general-purpose application such as a web browser application, thereby causing the display unit 207 to display the menu screen 701.

[0065] Next, the process executed by CPU 101 in S406 of Fig. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. S406 is executed when CPU 101 is instructed to execute setting initialization through an operation on operation unit 105.

[0066] In S601, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the external device 200 is currently connected (the communication connection 300 is currently established). If it is determined that the external device 200 is currently connected, the CPU 101 executes S602, and if not, the CPU 101 executes S606.

[0067] In S602, the CPU 101 displays on the display unit 107 a first confirmation screen for confirming with the user whether or not to execute the settings initialization. FIG. 6B is an example of the first confirmation screen 709. The first confirmation screen 709 includes a message 710 that notifies the user that the connection with the external device 200 will be terminated due to the settings initialization. The first confirmation screen 709 also includes a cancel button 711 and an OK button 112. When a button operation on the first confirmation screen 709 is detected, the CPU 101 executes S603.

[0068] In S606, CPU 101 displays a second confirmation screen on display unit 107 to confirm with the user whether or not it is OK to perform setting initialization. The second confirmation screen may be the one shown in FIG. 3(b). Unlike first confirmation screen 709, second confirmation screen 713 includes message 714 asking the user whether or not it is OK to initialize all settings. Because a connection with external device 200 has not been established, no message regarding connection with external device 200 is included. When a button operation on second confirmation screen 713 is detected, CPU 101 executes S603.

[0069] In S603, CPU 101 determines the type of button whose operation was detected and branches the process depending on the type of button. That is, if CPU 101 determines that the OK button 712 or 716 was operated, it executes S604. On the other hand, if CPU 101 determines that the cancel button was operated, it executes S605.

[0070] In S604, the CPU 101 initializes all settings of the electronic device 100, similar to S307 in the first embodiment. In S605, the CPU 101 displays the menu screen 701 on the display unit 107, and executes the processes from S302 onwards.

[0071] 6B may be displayed on the display unit 207 of the external device 200. This notifies the user operating the external device 200 that the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 will be disconnected. This prevents the connection between the electronic device 100 and the external device 200 from being unintentionally disconnected when, for example, the user does not understand the difference between the maintain network connection button 707 and the initialize all settings button 708 or when the user operates the initialize all settings button 708 by mistake.

[0072] As with the first embodiment, this embodiment can also prevent the connection between the external device and the electronic device from being unintentionally disconnected by remote control from the external device, resulting in a situation where the connection cannot be restored.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, when the settings of an electronic device are initialized remotely from an external device, the user can select whether to initialize the settings to the extent that the connection with the electronic device can be maintained, or to initialize all the settings, thereby preventing the connection with the electronic device from being unintentionally cut off, making it impossible to remotely operate the electronic device.

[0074] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to clarify the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 100...electronic device, 101, 201...CPU, 105, 205...operation unit, 107, 207...display unit, 108, 208...communication control unit, 109, 209...communication interface, 200...external device

Claims

1. An electronic device that can be remotely controlled from an external device, a determination means for determining, when an instruction affecting a connection with an external device is received, whether the received instruction is an instruction issued through an operation unit of the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device currently connected; a control means for controlling the electronic device so that, when it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction given through the operation unit, a process corresponding to the received instruction is executed, and, when it is determined that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, the process corresponding to the received instruction is executed within a range in which a connection with the external device can be maintained; The electronic device, wherein the received instruction is an instruction to initialize settings of the electronic device.

2. 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 required for the connection with the external device is not erased.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means re-establishes the connection with the external device if the connection with the external device is disconnected by executing processing in accordance with the received instruction to the extent that the connection with the external device can be maintained.

4. The control means Identifying the type of instruction received from the external device; If the instruction is for initialization by the first method, the external device is controlled so as to execute the instruction within a range in which the connection with the external device can be maintained; If the instruction is for initialization by the second method, the electronic device is controlled so as to initialize the settings of the electronic device, including information necessary for connection with the external device.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes.

5. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means requests a user to confirm execution if executing the received instruction will erase information necessary for connecting to the external device.

6. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A remote control system comprising: an external device communicably connected to the electronic device.

7. The remote control system according to claim 6, wherein the external device is capable of giving the electronic device instructions, through a connection with the external device, that are the same as instructions that a user can give through the operation unit of the electronic device.

8. A control method for an electronic device that can be remotely controlled from an external device, the method comprising: a determination step of determining, when an instruction affecting a connection with an external device is received, whether the received instruction is an instruction issued through an operation unit of the electronic device or an instruction received from the external device currently connected; a first execution step of executing a process according to the received instruction when it is determined in the determination step that the received instruction is an instruction given through the operation unit; a second execution step of executing a process according to the received instruction to the extent that a connection with the external device can be maintained when it is determined in the determination step that the received instruction is an instruction received from the external device, 10. A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein the received instruction is an instruction to initialize settings of the electronic device.

9. A program for causing a computer included in an electronic device to function as each of the means included in the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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