JP2001245371A - Remote control - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control tat has a 2-way communication function to control a plurality of kinds of devices and simplifies the procedures of the 2-way communication. SOLUTION: When a communication start key of the remote control is depressed, the remote control transmits an ID code transmission request signal to all devices within a remote control signal transmission range. The remote control receives all ID codes returned by devices receiving the ID code transmission request signal and selects any optional device among the devices to set its display and operation keys required for the operation of the device to control the device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote controller having a function of performing bidirectional communication with a device for remotely controlling household electric appliances and the like. It is for operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A remote controller according to the prior art still used at present requires one remote controller dedicated to a device in order to operate one device. Remote controls for operation were required for each device. Also, as a multi-unit remote control,
Some TV remote controllers are compatible with a plurality of manufacturers by switching settings, and others receive and learn signals from a dedicated remote controller to operate the equipment.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned remote control requires a pre-process of learning using a dedicated remote control of a device to be operated, and it takes time and effort as the number of devices increases, and the operation of the device by the remote control becomes complicated. was there.

As means for solving the above problems, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 8-149576 discloses a remote control having a function of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a device, and the remote control corresponds to an ID code for the device. Device information is requested, the device transmits device information or a control code corresponding to the device information and the control code, receives device information from a plurality of devices, and the display device has a response from the plurality of devices. A remote controller has been devised, which has means for displaying the information and means for selecting a device to be operated from among them, and controls the device using a control code of the selected device.

However, even in the above-mentioned means, there is a problem that at least when a new device is selected, or whenever the remote controller is directed to the device to be operated, redundant communication is performed, and the usability of the remote controller is poor.

As means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a device selection switch corresponding to a communication start key for starting communication with a device is provided on a remote controller in JP-A-9-224293, and the device selection switch is pressed. Communication is started only when it is performed, the communication with the basic device is only the ID code, the control information corresponding to the device control information corresponding to the ID code is read from the inside of the remote controller, and the corresponding control information is read. If there is no remote control, a remote controller has been devised which requests control information from the device, stores the control information received from the device, and enables operation of the device based on the control information.

[0007]

However, in the conventional device selection using a remote controller, the procedure of once displaying device information on a display unit and selecting a device from the information is performed, and only one device is used. In this case, there is a problem that the operation procedure becomes redundant.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a remote control and a device having a two-way communication function, the remote control sends a command to the device.
A remote control system according to the present invention for making a remote control capable of operating one device regardless of the number of ID codes received from the device by the remote controller after transmitting the D code transmission request signal includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. , Control unit, storage unit, selection unit, remote control having communication start key, and ID from the remote control
It is configured by a device having a function of transmitting an ID code in response to a code transmission request signal. The remote control includes: a transmitting unit that transmits an ID code transmission request signal to the device from the transmitting unit; a receiving unit that receives an ID code transmitted from the device from the receiving unit;
It has a function of reading device control information corresponding to any one of the devices that have received the code from the storage unit, and automatically displaying and setting keys on the selection unit.

When the remote control receives an ID code transmitted from the device from the receiving unit, the remote control reads out device control information corresponding to one of the received ID codes from the storage unit, The unit has a function of automatically displaying and setting keys on the selection unit. Further, a function may be provided for displaying the names of all devices that have received the ID code, and selecting and operable.

Further, after the remote controller receives the ID code from the device, when selecting the device to be displayed and key-set for the first time, the device control information stored in the storage unit of the remote controller has priority such as the number of times of use. A parameter indicating the order may be added, the parameters may be read and compared, and frequently used parameters may be set with priority.

[0011] Further, in order to eliminate the inconvenience of use due to a change in the arrangement and size of keys due to different devices to be operated, the selection unit of the remote controller fixes keys of the same kind of use even with different devices. A fixed key may be provided on the remote controller so as to be assigned to a position.

[0012] In order to eliminate the inconvenience of having to select a device over and over again when it is desired to operate several devices simultaneously or alternately with the remote control, the remote control is used for the selected device. A function may be provided that allows a user to operate a plurality of devices without repeatedly selecting a device by determining a combination including a character string and performing key setting for operating the combined devices.

[0013] Further, all the devices that have received the ID code once may be provided with a function of storing the ID code and additionally storing the newly received ID code.

[0014] In addition, in the case where a device cannot be operated even if a device to be operated is selected and operated, a device type is selected and operated in order to eliminate the operation of repeatedly selecting another device. If there is no response from the device when performing
A function may be provided in which the setting of the transmission signal is automatically switched to a device having the same model name and a different ID code and transmitted, and the remote controller automatically determines the device.

In order to simplify the procedure for selecting the type of device that the user wants to operate when the type of device is incorrectly selected, the ID code is stored when a key for operating the device is pressed. A function may be provided in which the type of the device is changed within the range of all devices to search for a device having a response, and the device is automatically switched so that the device can be operated.

In addition, when there is a combination of devices operated in cooperation, such as a television and a video, an ID code is received at the same time in order to simplify switching of a device for setting keys required for operation on the remote controller. A function of learning a device as a related device may be provided so that when a device to be operated is determined, the related device can be operated or selected.

Further, a combination of devices corresponding to one ID code received when the ID request key is pressed is read, and one or a plurality of devices for performing a key setting required for an operation according to learning information are determined from the combination. Then, key setting may be performed, and all devices in the combination may be displayed as selectable devices.

Further, by adding communication means with the IC card to the remote controller, information from the IC card can be read to improve the operability of the remote controller, or the IC card can be communicated with the device. Good.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote controller according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart, and FIG. 3 is a setting device priority table in a storage unit of the remote controller. In FIG. 1, 10 is a remote controller, 11 is a control microcomputer, 12 is an infrared light emitting element,
13 is an infrared light receiving element, 14 is a nonvolatile memory, 15 is an LCD with a touch panel, and 16 is a communication start key. On the LCD with touch panel, operation keys, which are operation instruction means for giving instructions for operating the device, are displayed, and when the user touches the operation keys, the device is controlled. The nonvolatile memory 14 includes an ID code, display information such as operation keys displayed on the LCD 15 with a touch panel, a control code transmitted to a device for performing control according to operation of the operation keys, a television, a video, an air conditioner, and the like. Device control information such as a model name representing the type of device, device model number, manufacturer name of manufacturer, device name information such as product name, etc. is recorded. The device control information may be stored in the remote controller in advance, or may be registered once when the remote controller is used for the first time. First, remote control 1
By pressing the communication start key 16 for instructing the start of communication toward the device to be operated, the control microcomputer 11 resets all the key settings up to that time, and the control microcomputer 11 resets all the devices within the signal transmission range. An ID code transmission request signal is transmitted from the infrared light emitting element 12. The communication start key has a function as a request instruction unit for instructing the device to request an ID code. All devices within the signal transmission range that have received the ID code transmission request signal transmit an ID code unique to each device to the remote controller 10. The remote controller 10 receives all ID codes with the infrared light receiving element 13, and the control microcomputer 11
The device with the highest priority among the ID codes received from the set device priority table in 4 is determined, and device control information corresponding to the ID code is read from the nonvolatile memory 14. The display information in the read device control information is
The content is transmitted to the CD 15, the display content is updated, and operation keys are set so that the device can be operated by the touch panel. The remote controller 10 performs the above key setting and waits for key input.

The operation of the remote controller will be described by taking as an example a case where a television, a video, and an air conditioner are within the remote controller signal transmission range. By pressing the communication start key of the remote controller, an ID code transmission request signal is transmitted to the television, video, and air conditioner within the signal transmission range. The television, the video, and the air conditioner receive the ID code transmission request signal and transmit an ID code unique to the device to the remote controller. The remote controller receives all the ID codes, refers to the setting device priority table in the nonvolatile memory shown in FIG. 3, selects the television with the highest priority,
The device control information corresponding to the D code is read from the nonvolatile memory. The display information in the read device control information is transmitted to the LCD with a touch panel to update the display contents, and operation keys are set to enable operation. When operating the television, the operation is selected from the contents displayed on the touch panel.

When the user wants to operate the video or air conditioner, the user again presses the communication start key to communicate with the device, and sets the device to be operated on the remote controller. If the remote control has a function of storing the previously set device and not selecting the device continuously, a video or operation key of the air conditioner can be displayed by pressing a communication start key. In addition to using the setting device priority table, a method of randomly selecting a device to be set in the remote controller can be considered.

When operating the video or air conditioner without changing the priority, the LCD with the touch panel displays a feed button for instructing to display the operation key of the device with the next highest priority (▽, etc.). By operating the feed button, the operation keys may be set in the order of priority and displayed.

Also, an example has been described in which the operation instructing means is displayed on the display means and the operation is performed by the touch panel. However, a fixed button, that is, a fixed key is provided on the remote controller, and the function assigned to the fixed key is provided on the display means. The display may be configured. For example, the functions include power-on, power-off, playback, volume UP, volume DOWN, temperature UP, DOW
N, date designation, and the like are displayed on the display means. The operator controls the device by operating the fixed key while confirming the operation content displayed on the display means. Note that the touch panel can be replaced with a fixed key and a display means in the following embodiments.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a remote controller. The configuration of the remote controller is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the setting device priority table in the non-volatile memory 14 is eliminated, and as shown in FIG. Use separately.
One is an operation key area 15A for operating the device,
The other is a device name display area 15B for displaying and selecting all device names that have received the ID code.

First, by pressing the communication start key 16 toward the device to which the remote controller 10 is to be operated, all the key settings up to that point are reset, and the control microcomputer 11 transmits the signal to all the devices within the signal transmission range. An ID code transmission request signal is transmitted from the infrared light emitting element 12. All devices within the signal transmission range that have received the ID code transmission request signal transmit an ID code unique to each device to the remote controller 10. The remote controller 10 receives all ID codes with the infrared light receiving element 13, and the control microcomputer 11 receives the I
The device control information corresponding to the D code is stored in the non-volatile memory 14.
Read from The display information in the read device control information is transmitted to the LCD 15 with the touch panel, and the operation key area 1 is displayed.
5A is displayed, and operation keys are set to enable operation of the device using the touch panel. Next, the device names including the model name and the product name corresponding to all the received ID codes are read out from the non-volatile memory 14 and displayed in the device name display area 15B. Make settings. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which only the model name is displayed in the device name display area. The remote controller 10 performs the above key setting and waits for key input. When the above processing is performed under the condition that the television, the video, and the air conditioner are within the remote control signal transmission range, the remote control is in a state shown in FIG. First, the operation key area 15A of the LCD 15 with the touch panel
The operation key setting for the television is performed, and the device names such as the television, the air conditioner, and the video within the remote control signal transmission range are displayed in the device name display area 15B thereon.
In this state, in the case where the device to be operated is a television set in the operation key area 15A, the operation is performed by pressing a key assigned to the operation key area 15A. If the device to be operated is a video in the device name display area 15B, by pressing the video displayed in the device name display area 15B, all the operation key settings in the operation key area 15A are reset once, and the remote controller To read the device control information and set video operation keys. Thereafter, a key assigned to the operation key area 15A is pressed to operate the video. If the device to be operated is not in the device name display area 15B, the remote controller 10
Is turned to the direction of another device and the communication start key 16 is pressed, and all the devices within the signal transmission range of the remote controller 10 are taken in again.

However, when the received ID code is one, only the operation keys are set, and the apparatus enters a key input waiting state.

As described above, one of the devices that receive the ID code between the remote controller and the device that performs the two-way communication is assigned to the remote controller so that the device can be operated, and the other devices can be operated by displaying only the device name. Allows you to select the device you want to use, so that even if the other party is a single device, the remote controller for the device you want to operate without having to go through the redundant procedure of once displaying the device name and selecting it Can be.

In this embodiment, the configuration device priority table in the non-volatile memory 14 is eliminated and the operation keys of the device received first are displayed. However, as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, a configuration device priority table may be provided, and the display order of the operation keys of the device to be displayed first and the devices in the device name display area may be determined based on the priority of the configuration device priority table.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the model name is displayed has been described.
Or a product model number such as X20-** or a manufacturer name of the manufacturer. If you have more than one TV, video, or air conditioner within range,
Even if only the video model name is displayed, no distinction can be made. However, if the product name such as the product model number or the manufacturer name is also displayed, the user can appropriately select the device to be selected. In the following examples, similarly,
Not only the model name but also the product name may be displayed.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. This is because in the second embodiment, when the remote controller receives ID codes from a plurality of devices, it is inconvenient to know which device is to be set first, and the learning function is provided. Devices that are frequently used are given priority. FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the remote controller according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the remote controller is the same as that of the second embodiment, except that the number of uses is added as a parameter to the device control information in the nonvolatile memory as shown in FIG.

As in the second embodiment, first, the remote controller 10
By pressing the communication start key 16 toward a device to be operated, all the key settings up to that point are reset, and the control microcomputer 11 sends an ID code transmission request signal to all the devices within the signal transmission range by infrared rays. Transmitted from the light emitting element 12. All devices within the signal transmission range that have received the ID code transmission request signal transmit an ID code unique to each device to the remote controller 10. The remote controller 10 receives all ID codes with the infrared light receiving element 13 and
1 reads the number of times of use of all devices corresponding to the ID code from the non-volatile memory 14 and performs comparison. As a result of the comparison, the device control information of the device that is used the most is read out from the nonvolatile memory 14. The display information in the read device control information is transmitted to the touch panel-equipped LCD 15 and displayed on the operation key area 15A, and the operation keys are set so that the device can be operated by the touch panel. Next, the device names corresponding to all the received ID codes are read out from the non-volatile memory 14 and displayed in the device name display area 15B, and the selection keys are set so that the device to be operated can be selected by the touch panel. The remote controller 10 performs the above key setting and waits for key input. If the device set in the operation key area 15A is a device to be operated, the device is operated by pressing an operation key assigned to the operation key area 15A. When the device is operated by the first operation key after the key setting of the operation key area 15A is updated, 1 is added to the parameter of the number of times of use in the device control information. When the operation key is pressed, the remote controller 10 transmits a control code corresponding to the key from the infrared light emitting element 12 to the device. The device to be operated is not set in the operation key area 15A, and the device name display area 1
When the device name is displayed only in the device name 5B, by selecting the device displayed in the device name display area 15B, all the operation key settings in the operation key area 15A are reset once, and the device control information is stored inside the remote controller. And set the operation key for the device you want to operate. When the user wants to operate a device that is not in the device name display area 15B, the user presses the communication start key 16 toward the device to which the remote controller 10 is to be operated, and captures all devices within the signal transmission range of the remote controller 10 again. .

However, if only one ID code is received, only the operation keys are set, and the apparatus enters a key input waiting state.

In addition to the number of times of use described in this embodiment, the priority order of the device is newly set as a parameter by the user of the remote controller, or the number of times of use for a certain period is recorded as a new parameter, and the frequency of use is calculated. And the like.

As described above, the parameter indicating the priority such as the number of times of use of the device is added to the device control information in the memory, and the device assigned first to the remote controller immediately after receiving the ID code is preferentially used frequently. By doing so, usability is further improved.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This is because, when the LCD with a touch panel is used as in the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the arrangement of keys and the like are free, so that the key position and the position of the keys are different for each model and even for the same model. In some cases, the keys for the same type of use are arranged at fixed positions even in different devices because the sizes may be different. FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the remote controller of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the remote controller of the fourth embodiment. The configuration of the remote control is such that a fixed key area 17 is added to that of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 shows the correspondence between the function of each device and the fixed key. Second
An example in which bidirectional communication for operating the device is performed under the condition that the television, the video, and the air conditioner are within the remote control signal transmission range as in the case of the embodiment is described below.

As in the second embodiment, the remote controller 10
By pressing the communication start key 16 toward a device to be operated, all the key settings up to that point are reset, and the control microcomputer 11 sends an ID code transmission request signal to all the devices within the signal transmission range by infrared rays. Transmitted from the light emitting element 12. All devices within the signal transmission range that have received the ID code transmission request signal transmit an ID code unique to each device to the remote controller 10. The remote controller 10 receives the ID code by the infrared light receiving element 13 and reads, from the non-volatile memory, device control information corresponding to the first received ID code among the received ID codes as in the second embodiment. The control microcomputer 11 determines a key to be assigned to the fixed key area 17 based on the display information and the fixed key setting information shown in FIG. Power supply, channel UP,
When the display information includes the channel DOWN, the volume UP, the volume DOWN, and the input switching, the power supply, the channel UP, the channel DOWN, the volume UP,
The five keys of the volume DOWN are set as the corresponding fixed keys in the fixed key area 17 respectively. At this time, the play key and the stop key having no keys to be assigned are not used. Input switching is set including display in the operation key area 15A. At this time, it goes without saying that the operation key area 15A and the fixed key area 17 may be overlapped and assigned. Subsequently, all the device names that have received the ID code are read from the non-volatile memory, transmitted to the LCD 15 with the touch panel, displayed on the device name display area 15B, and the selection keys are set so that the device can be selected. . Fixed key area 17
If the device to be operated is set in the operation key area 15A, the device is operated using the fixed key and the operation key. When a fixed key or an operation key is pressed, the remote controller 10 transmits a control code corresponding to the key from the infrared light emitting element 12 to the device. If the device to be operated is not set in the fixed key area 17 and the operation key area 15A and the device name is displayed in the device name display area 15B, the device displayed in the device name display area 15B is displayed. By selecting, the fixed key area 17
Then, the key setting of the operation key area 15A is reset, and the key setting of the selected device is performed. Also, device name display area 1
When it is desired to operate a device that is not in 5B, the communication start key 16 is pressed toward the device for which the remote control is to be operated, and all devices within the signal transmission range of the remote control 10 are fetched again.

Next, when the remote controller is set to operate the air conditioner, according to FIG. 10, the power key is the power source, the upper key is the temperature UP, and the lower key is the temperature DOWN. , Right key to switch operation,
Function switching is assigned to the left key. The up and down keys for operating the volume UP / DOWN are assigned to the keys for operating the temperature UP / DOWN for the air conditioner.

As described above, by disposing the keys for the same kind of use at the fixed positions, the same operation sensation can be always arranged at the same position even with completely different devices, so that the operability is improved. In addition, operations with the same function, such as the volume of a television and an audio device, can always be operated with keys at the same position.
Note that the fixed key area 17 of the remote controller in this embodiment is
Needless to say, a similar effect can be obtained by a method of taking the LCD and the fixed key independently at a certain position in the operation key area 15A as shown in FIG. Further, in addition to the shape shown in FIG. 9, the shape of the fixed key may be completely different from the shape of the fixed key, so that the function of the key is meaningful and provided as an easy-to-use remote control for visually impaired persons and the like. I can do it.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This is because, in the second embodiment, when it is desired to alternately operate a plurality of devices, the device must be selected every time. Therefore, the remote controller determines such a possible combination of devices, and automatically selects a plurality of combinations. The remote controller is set so that the device can be operated. FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the remote controller according to the fifth embodiment. The configuration of the remote controller is the same as that of the second embodiment, but in addition to the device control information in the non-volatile memory, one
Device combination information for operation with one remote controller is stored. Similar to the second embodiment, the following description will be made based on an example in which the remote controller communicates with the television, the video, and the air conditioner, and sets the television to the initial setting.

As in the second embodiment, first, the remote controller 1
An ID code transmission request signal is transmitted from the infrared light emitting element 12 to the device by the communication start key 16 of 0. At this time, all key settings are reset and the control microcomputer 11
Transmits an ID code transmission request signal from the infrared light emitting element 12 to all devices within the signal transmission range. All devices within the signal transmission range that have received the ID code transmission request signal transmit an ID code unique to each device to the remote controller 10. When the remote controller 10 receives the ID code by the infrared light receiving element 13, the remote controller 10 reads out the device combination information in the nonvolatile memory 14, and since the device that has received the ID code has the quickest response to the television, Search for the combination with and find that there is a video as the device to be combined. The control microcomputer 11 reads the device control information corresponding to the TV and video ID codes for which the combination has been established from the nonvolatile memory 14 and sets operation keys in the operation key area 15A of the LCD 15 with a touch panel. Next, the device names of all the devices that have received the ID code are read from the device control information in the non-volatile memory and displayed in the device name display area, and the selection keys are set so that the device to be operated can be selected on the touch panel. . The remote controller 10 performs the above key setting and waits for key input. If the device to be operated is set in the operation key area 15A, the operation key assigned to the operation key area 15A is pressed to operate the device. When the operation key is pressed, the remote controller 10 transmits a control code corresponding to the key from the infrared light emitting element 12 to the device. If the device to be operated is not set in the operation key area 15A and the device name is displayed in the device name display area 15B, the operation key is selected by selecting the device displayed in the device name display area 15B. Reset all key settings in area 15A. Thereafter, the control microcomputer 11 reads the device combination information in the nonvolatile memory 14 and determines whether there is a combination of the selected devices. If there is a combination, the device control information of the selected device and the device to be the combination is read out from the non-volatile memory 14, the operation key is set in the operation key area 15A, and the device can be operated. When the user wants to operate a device that is not in the device name display area 15B, the user presses the communication start key 16 toward the device to which the remote controller 10 is to be operated, and captures all devices within the signal transmission range of the remote controller 10 again. . However, when there is no combination of devices, the remote control is for one device.

As a method of arranging the operation keys when there is a combination of devices, for example, in the case of a combination of a TV and a video, a key for the TV which is the selected device is assigned to the upper side and the video of the device to be combined is assigned. For example, there are several methods, such as assigning the operation for the lower side to the lower side, and vice versa, and always arranging the key for the television on the upper side regardless of the selected device. The device combination information in the nonvolatile memory 14 is stored in the remote controller 1.
A method of preliminarily memorizing the non-volatile memory 14 in 0 or a method of registering an arbitrary device combination set by the user in the device combination information in the non-volatile memory 14 is conceivable. For key setting of multiple devices,
Three or more key settings may be displayed as long as the display area allows.

In addition, there may be unnecessary keys, such as keys that are not normally used or keys whose functions are duplicated depending on the combination. Therefore, the operator independently operates the type, arrangement, shape, and size of the operation keys. It is also conceivable to edit such as to improve the usability. When editing the operation keys, a method may be considered in which the fixed keys described in the fourth embodiment are assigned to the key assignment destinations to further improve the usability.

As described above, by selecting one device, the devices to be operated simultaneously or alternately can be combined and operated by one remote control, and the device can be used as a remote control dedicated to the device many times. There is no need to repeat the selection, and the labor can be saved.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first to fifth embodiments, the operation has been described in which the setting of the ID code received so far is reset by operating the communication start key, and only the newly received ID code is stored. In this embodiment, in order to further improve the usability in the above-described embodiment, when the communication start key is operated, the ID code received so far is stored without being reset without being reset. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the remote controller of the present invention, FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the remote controller. In FIG. 12, 10 is a remote controller, 11 is a control microcomputer, 12 is an infrared light emitting element, 13 is an infrared light receiving element, 14 is a non-volatile memory, 15 is an LCD with a touch panel, and 18 is an instruction for requesting an ID to a device. ID
This is an ID request key that is a request instruction unit.

As the device control information stored in the non-volatile memory 14, the received ID code is stored in addition to the previous ones. The device control information may be stored in a memory in advance, or may be downloaded using a personal computer or the like. Also, the microcomputer transfers the ID code received from the device to the memory and stores it.

First, the remote controller 10
Is checked, the models corresponding to all the ID codes are read from the non-volatile memory 14, displayed on the LCD 15 with the touch panel, and the key input wait is waited. Here, when a model to be operated is selected, key setting including a display for operating the model is performed, and a transmission signal corresponding to one of the devices is set. LCD1 with touch panel that matches the selected model
5 is displayed, and key input is awaited. Here, the device can be operated. When a key is pressed, a signal corresponding to the key is transmitted from the infrared light emitting element 12 and the device can be operated. If the set device and the device to be operated are different from each other, if the device is selected from the devices displayed on the LCD 15 with the touch panel, the transmission signal read out from the nonvolatile memory 14 based on the ID code corresponding to the device is selected. Make settings and operate the device. The operation so far is the second
This is almost the same as the embodiment.

In this state, if the device to be operated is not displayed, it is necessary to press the ID request key 18 to make the remote controller 10 remember the device. Therefore, next, I
ID transmission request instructing means for instructing the transmission request of D
When the D request key 18 is pressed, an ID code transmission request signal is transmitted from the infrared light emitting element 12 of the remote controller 10 to the device. Then, the ID code transmitted from the device is received by the infrared light receiving element 13 and stored in the nonvolatile memory 14,
The state returns to a state where selection of models corresponding to all ID codes is possible. In the first to fifth embodiments, when the communication start key is operated, all the IDs stored so far are reset, and only the newly received ID is stored and displayed in the device name display area. Had a configuration. In this embodiment, when the ID transmission requesting unit is operated, the IDs received so far are held without being reset, and the newly received IDs are added and stored.

In order to actually operate the device, it is necessary to select the model, confirm the set device, and if the set device is different, select the device again to enable the operation. Become. When "Return" on the touch panel-equipped LCD 15 is selected in a state where the device can be operated, the key settings for display and operation are cleared, and the state returns to the model selection state.

An example in which there are three televisions in a house will be described. For example, when one TV is stored in a certain room, one TV in another room is stored, and two TVs are already stored in a remote controller, and a TV is selected by model selection in FIG. The state is as shown in the figure. Here, TV 1
When the user wants to operate, the setting of the television 1 has already been set. Therefore, the user operates the television 2 by pressing the key as it is. To select the television 2 having the displayed device name, the setting of the television 2 is changed. Is done. If the user wants to operate the television 3 in another room, the remote control is pointed at the television 3 and the ID request key is pressed, and communication is performed between the television 3 and the remote control, the ID code is stored, and the operable device is operated. Since the television 3 is added to the list, the television 3 can be operated by selecting the television 3 by the device name. If the configuration is such that the ID code once received is held and the newly received ID code is additionally stored as in the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained. For example, IDs of all devices at home in one communication
If the device cannot be received, the device in the first room is registered in the first room, and while the information is retained, the device in the second room is registered in the second room to add an ID. Then, by making the third room further register the devices in the second room, the IDs of all the devices at home can be registered in one remote controller. Also, once you have registered, you will be able to use your ID
It is convenient because there is no need to make a request. Further, when there is a device that is not displayed, it can be additionally registered, and the usability is improved.

It is to be noted that the learning function is provided to the remote controller, and the device set when selecting the model is the device of the ID code received last, so that the device learned by the remote controller can be used immediately. Operability can be improved by making it operable. Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In this embodiment, when a model is selected and operated, the remote controller automatically searches for a device and can operate. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when a plurality of devices having the same model name are registered in one remote controller, that is, when a plurality of televisions are stored. FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart. The configuration of the remote controller is the same as that of FIG. 5, but the communication start key 16 is an ID request key. In the embodiment, the product name is not displayed in the device name display area, but only the device name is displayed.

First, the remote controller 10 displays selectable models and waits for key input. When a model desired to be operated is selected, settings necessary for the operation are made, and all the device names storing the ID codes are displayed on the LCD 15 with a touch panel. If all of them are displayed in this way, I
It is convenient to know the device to which the D code is registered.
It is not necessary to display all. Therefore, when an operation is performed on the device, a signal is transmitted. When a response is not returned from the device, the ID code of the same model is stored and
The setting is changed to the setting of the transmission signal of another device having a different D code, and the transmission is performed. When a response is returned from the device, the setting of the signal transmission partner is fixed, and the process waits for the next key input.

For example, the ID codes are 1, 3, 7 respectively.
When three televisions different from the above are stored, when the user selects the television, the operation keys of the television are displayed in the operation key area. In this state, when the user operates the TV volume button, the remote control
A control code corresponding to ID code 1 is transmitted. Here, if there is a response from the television to be operated, it is determined that the television to be operated is of the ID code 1, and the setting is fixed.
Note that, even if the control code corresponding to the ID code 1 is transmitted, if there is no response from the television within a predetermined time, the control code corresponding to the same model name, that is, the ID code 3 which is the television is transmitted. If there is no response, I
The control code corresponding to the D code 5 is transmitted, and if there is a response, the setting is fixed to that of the ID code 5.

According to the present embodiment, the ID of the device to be operated
If you use a remote control that has a code stored in it, select a model such as a TV or video and then operate the remote control on the device you want to operate. Therefore, the procedure until the operation of the device can be performed is simplified. Also, after that, even when operating another device with the same model but a different ID code, if you operate the key as it is, the signal setting will be changed in the remote control, so that you can operate the device with fewer operations Become. In FIG. 15,
Although the ID code was confirmed and the ID was requested, this procedure was omitted in this embodiment, and even if only the operation of transmitting the control code and fixing the setting when there was a response was performed, the Control can be performed.

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the seventh embodiment, an example has been described in which control codes of devices having the same model name but different ID codes are tried in order and transmitted. In the present embodiment, not only devices having the same model name but also devices having other model names can be automatically set by transmitting control codes of devices having other model names. For example, if you accidentally select a different model name on the remote control, or once operate a device with a different model name,
This is a convenient example when it is desired to operate a device having another model name.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart after model selection, and is the same as the flowchart in FIG. 16 before model selection. The configuration of the remote controller is the same as that of the seventh embodiment.

First, the remote controller 10 transmits a signal to the device when the operation of the device is started in the same manner as the remote controller of the seventh embodiment. If there is no response from the device, the remote controller 10 first uses the same model name. The control code of the device having another ID code is transmitted. As a result of trying all devices having the same model name, when there is no response, the ID code of another model name stored in the non-volatile memory 14 is read out, and the setting of the transmission signal is sequentially changed. To send a signal to the device.
As in the seventh embodiment, the operation key corresponding to the device to which the response is returned is set, and the key input is waited.

For example, when it is desired to turn off the power of the television after adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner, the remote control is pointed at the television with the key setting of the air conditioner pressed, and the power key is pressed. The remote control first transmits the control code of the air conditioner to the television. However, since there is no response, if a plurality of other air conditioners are registered, the control code of the air conditioner having another ID code is transmitted. Since there is still no response, next, a signal is transmitted with the setting of the television in which the ID code is stored, and when a response is returned, the key setting of the television is performed. At this time, the reading order may be set to be higher in frequency of use by using the learning result.
You may make it perform from the order which received the D code.

As described above, the remote controller communicates with the device to be operated in an operation such as searching for a device based on a response from the device, not limited to the type of device, so that key operations can be performed for the device to be operated. Just by performing the operation, the device can be operated.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This is because, when one device is selected with the remote controller of the seventh embodiment and another device nearby is desired to be selected, the device name is registered as a related device using the learning function of the remote controller and the device name is displayed. Thus, when a device is selected, key settings necessary for operating the device are set. FIG.
8 is an operation flowchart after model selection, and the operation before model selection is the same as that in FIG. The configuration of the remote controller is the same as that of the seventh embodiment.

First, the remote controller 10 transmits a signal to the device when it starts operating on the device in the same manner as the remote controller of the seventh embodiment.
The setting of the transmission signal is changed within the range of the same model that has received the D code, and the signal is transmitted. When a response from the device is received, the setting of the transmission signal is fixed, the learning result of the remote controller 10 is read out, the name of a device selectable as a related device is displayed on the LCD 15 with a touch panel, and when the selection is made, the settings required for operating the device are set. Is done.

As a learning function of the remote controller, a function of storing the ID code received at the same time as a related device can be considered. For example, by associating a plurality of ID codes received in the same room at the same time, it is possible to collectively display the related devices used in the same room, thereby improving usability.

In this embodiment, a preferred example when a plurality of devices having the same model name are registered will be further described. For example, as a television, ID code 1, ID
The device with the code 5 and the ID code 14 is registered, and the device with the ID code 2 and the ID code 15 is stored as a video,
Devices of ID code 3, ID code 6, and ID code 16 are stored as air conditioners. The first room has an ID
There are a TV set of code 1, a video set of ID code 2, and an air conditioner of ID code 5, which are registered as group I. The second room has a television with an ID code of 5 and an air conditioner with an ID code of 6, and is registered as Group II. In the third room, there is a television with an ID code of 14 and a video with an ID code of 15, which are registered as group III. In this case, when the television with the ID code 1 is selected, the video and the air conditioner, which are other devices registered in the group I, are displayed in the device name display area. In this state, when the video is selected, the operation keys are displayed based on the display information of the video of the ID code 2 belonging to the group I, and the control code is changed to the ID code 2.
Set to. By making such an association, the number of trial transmissions of control codes as described in the seventh embodiment and the eighth embodiment can be reduced, and efficient transmission can be performed. it can.

Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this method, combination information including one device that has received an ID code is read, classified as a device that can be operated or selected according to learning information, and key setting is performed. The configuration of the remote control is the same as that shown in FIG. 12, and additionally adds the combined registration information in the nonvolatile memory. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a remote controller.

The learning information of the remote control includes the priority order,
Frequency of use. In addition, as a method of registering a combination of devices in the remote controller, a method of sequentially receiving and registering ID codes of devices to be combined, a method of combining devices that have received ID codes at a time, that is, a method of grouping, A method in which the ID codes are read out and selected by the user to perform grouping, a method in which the user inputs the ID codes by key input, and a plurality of ID codes are registered in groups and the like can be considered. .

First, it is assumed that device combination registration information is stored in the remote controller in advance. As in the sixth embodiment, an ID code is received from a device desired to be operated by a remote controller. The operation keys including the display corresponding to the received ID code are set, and the combination registration information including the received ID code is read out and displayed as a selectable device. When operating the device that has received the ID code, the user operates the operation key as it is. When the user wants to operate the displayed device, the user selects the device and operates.

More specifically, all the devices in one's room are registered in combination, and when an ID code is received from the television when the user enters the room, a key for operating the television as shown in FIG. In addition to the settings, the TV, video and air conditioner registered in combination are displayed as selectable devices.

As described above, the combination of devices is registered,
By reading out a combination of devices including the received ID code and enabling operation and selection of the device, a remote control suitable for the user can be obtained. Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. This means that the remote controllers of the first to tenth embodiments are provided with an IC card communication means so that the information stored in the IC card can be used for operating the remote control, or can be communicated with the outside using the communication means with the device. IC card communication can be performed. Here, device combination information and device control information on the IC card, key arrangement information and key editing information set by an individual,
Information such as an ID code and a priority is stored, and the information is used when the remote controller is used. With this configuration,
The settings of the remote controller can be changed for each IC card, and the remote controller can be operated independently of the device. Thus, when there are a plurality of users for one remote control, setting for each user can be easily performed. Also,
By storing the control code of the device in an IC card and reading it out with a remote controller, it is possible to easily cope with a new product. Since the information in the IC card can be updated by the IC card reading / writing device, it is possible to easily obtain the information of the control code of the new product and to use the information to improve the usability of the remote controller.

By exchanging information in the IC card with the outside, information such as electronic money and points can be communicated with the device. If the signal setting is changed during the communication of electronic money or point information, the communication is interrupted. Therefore, the signal setting of the device and the remote control cannot be changed until the end of the communication is confirmed.

As described above, by providing the remote controller with the IC card communication function, the remote controller can read the information of the IC card and operate according to the card-specific settings, or can communicate with the device by communicating with the outside. You can send and receive information inside.

Further, by using the bidirectional communication function of the remote controller and the electronic money of the IC card, it is possible to easily confirm the operation state of the device in the billing system. As the operation at that time, the remote controller transmits electronic money data drawn from the IC card to the device to start the operable period, and after a predetermined time elapses, transmits data indicating that the operable period ends to the remote controller from the device. At this time, the remote controller informs the user by means such as display or buzzer. Also,
When an attempt is made to operate the device during the inoperable period, data indicating that the device is inoperable is transmitted to the remote controller as a response from the device, so that the user can know the current state. These can be easily applied to equipment of a billing system such as a television of a hotel.

In addition, information necessary for operating the device as a remote controller is stored in the IC card, and the device having the infrared communication function reads out the information from the IC card, so that the device having the infrared communication function can be used. Can be used as a remote control.

The function of the remote controller described in the first to eleventh embodiments may be added to the portable telephone so that the portable telephone can operate the device. By adding a remote control function to a mobile phone, each individual can operate the device with his / her own remote control. In addition, ID codes and device control information for devices and new products that cannot be operated using the mobile phone function In addition, it is possible to download information such as device registration information.

In the first to eleventh embodiments, transmission and reception with respect to the device using the infrared light emitting element and the infrared light receiving element have been described. However, the infrared light emitting element and the infrared light receiving element are used for wireless communication. It may be an antenna.
If a wireless antenna is used, it is possible to receive an ID code from a device and operate the device over a wide range without pointing the remote controller at the device. Furthermore, the communication function of the remote
The request and reception of the D code may be performed by wireless communication, and the operation of the device may be performed by using infrared light communication as a communication means. When the communication means is used separately, ID codes can be received from many devices at once by wireless communication, and thereafter, only the target device can be operated by optical communication, so that usability can be further improved. Note that examples of wireless communication include Bluetooth communication and wireless LAN communication.

[0075]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained in a remote controller and a device that perform two-way communication.

Communication between the remote controller and the device can be performed by one key input operation to the remote controller, and any one of the devices with which the communication has been performed can be automatically operated.

Communication between the remote controller and the device is performed by a single key input operation to the remote controller, and any one device can be automatically operated from all the devices with which the communication has been performed. Can be displayed and can be selected. When a device is selected, the selected device can be operated and the device can be selected.

By learning the number of times the device has been used,
When communication is performed with a plurality of devices, a device frequently used among the devices can be preferentially set as a remote control and operated.

Of the keys having different arrangements and sizes depending on different devices and models, keys having the same purpose are set at fixed positions as fixed keys, so that operability of the remote controller can be improved.

By combining devices that may be used as a set, such as a television and a video, the combination of the device selected with the remote controller is determined, and the combined devices can be operated at the same time. When alternately operating some of them, the trouble of repeatedly selecting the device can be saved.

By storing the ID code once received and allowing the remote controller to automatically determine the device from among the stored devices, even if there are many devices, the device can be selected without selecting the device. Be able to operate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote controller according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a setting device priority table in a storage unit of the remote controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a remote controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows internal data of a nonvolatile memory of a remote controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a remote controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a table showing correspondence between devices and fixed keys of a remote controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a remote controller according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a remote controller according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart after model selection according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart after model selection according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a remote controller according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Remote control, 11 ... Control microcomputer, 12 ... Infrared light emitting element, 13 ... Infrared light receiving element, 14 ... Non-volatile memory, 15 ... LCD with touch panel, 16 ... Communication start key, 17 ... Fixed key area, 18 ... ID request Key

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) H04N 5/00 H04N 5/00 A (72) Inventor Shigeyuki Ito 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Co., Ltd. Hitachi Digital Media Development Division (72) Inventor Masayuki Inoue 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Hitachi Image Information Systems Co., Ltd. Inside the Hitachi Image Information System

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A remote controller for performing bidirectional communication with a device having a function of transmitting an ID code, ID request instructing means for instructing the device to transmit an ID code, and instructing operation of the device. Display means for displaying the operation content assigned to the operation instruction means or the fixed key for instructing the operation of the device; and transmitting an ID code to the device within the communication range when operating the ID request instruction means. Transmitting means for transmitting a request signal; receiving means for receiving a device-specific ID code transmitted from the device receiving the ID code transmission request signal; device control information corresponding to the ID code; Storage means for storing the operation information means or the fixed key based on the device control information and the priority information stored in the storage means corresponding to the received ID code. Remote control, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling said display means to display an operation content was. 2. A remote controller for performing bidirectional communication with a device having a function of transmitting an ID code, ID request instructing means for instructing the device to transmit an ID code, and instructing operation of the device. Display means for displaying the operation content assigned to the operation instruction means or the fixed key for instructing the operation of the device; and transmitting an ID code to the device within the communication range when operating the ID request instruction means. Transmitting means for transmitting a request signal; receiving means for receiving a device-specific ID code transmitted from the device having received the ID code transmission request signal; and storage means for storing device control information corresponding to the ID code. Displaying the operation instruction means in the operation instruction area or the operation content assigned to the fixed key based on the device control information corresponding to one ID code of the received plurality of IDs. , Remote control, characterized in that a control means for controlling said display means to display the model name corresponding to a plurality of ID codes thus received to the model name area. 3. The remote controller according to claim 2, wherein said storage means has information indicating the number of times of use of the device or the priority of the learning result, and said control means has the number of times of use of said device or the learning result. A remote controller for determining the operation content assigned to the operation instruction means or the fixed key to be displayed in the operation instruction area based on information indicating the priority order. 4. A remote controller for performing bidirectional communication with a device having a function of transmitting an ID code, ID request instructing means for instructing the device to transmit an ID code, and instructing operation of the device. Fixed operation instructing means, display means for displaying operation instructing means for instructing operation of the device, and, when the ID request instructing means is operated, transmitting an ID code transmission request signal to the device within a communication range. Transmitting means for transmitting; receiving means for receiving a device-specific ID code transmitted from the device having received the ID code transmission request signal; device control information corresponding to the ID code; and fixed operation corresponding to the IC code Storage means for storing fixed operation instruction allocation information for allocating the function of the instruction means; and displaying the operation instruction means based on the device control information corresponding to the received ID code. The display means is controlled as described above, the function of the fixed operation instruction means is assigned based on the fixed operation instruction assignment information corresponding to the received ID code, and the operation instruction means and the fixed function displayed on the display means are assigned. And a control means for controlling the transmitting means so as to transmit a signal for controlling the device by operating the operation instructing means. 5. A remote controller for performing bidirectional communication with a device having a function of transmitting an ID code, comprising: ID request instructing means for instructing the device to transmit an ID code, and instructing operation of the device. Display means for displaying the operation content assigned to the operation instruction means or the fixed key for instructing the operation of the device; and transmitting an ID code to the device within the communication range when operating the ID request instruction means. Transmitting means for transmitting a request signal; receiving means for receiving a device-specific ID code transmitted from the device having received the ID code transmission request signal; and a combination of device control information and the device corresponding to the ID code. Storage means for storing related information to be indicated, and the operation instructing means or the fixed key, based on the device control information and related information corresponding to the received one or more ID codes. Remote control, characterized in that a control means for controlling the 該該 display means to display an operating content. 6. The remote controller according to claim 2, wherein the device that has received the ID code is stored, and when the device that has not received the ID code is operated, the device that has not received the ID code. Operating the ID request instruction means to select the device. 7. The remote controller according to claim 2, wherein, when one model name is selected from the model names displayed on said display means, an operation instruction corresponding to the selected model is provided. Means is displayed in the first area, and when the operation instruction means or the fixed key displayed in the first area is operated, different ID codes of the same type name stored in the storage means are provided. A control signal to be transmitted to the device is transmitted, and when a response signal from the device is received, the operation instruction means of the device or the fixed key and the setting of the operation content assigned to the fixed key are determined. A remote control characterized by the following. 8. The remote controller according to claim 7, wherein said control means, when transmitting a control signal to be transmitted to a device having a different ID code of the same type and stored in said storage means, When no response signal is received from the device, a control signal of another model name stored in the storage means is transmitted. 9. The remote control system according to claim 7, wherein said storage means stores related information for associating said plurality of devices, and said control means causes said model name area to be displayed based on said related information. A remote controller for setting the control signal. 10. The remote controller according to claim 1, wherein said transmitting means for transmitting said ID request instruction, and said ID.
The remote controller according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit that receives the code includes a wireless antenna, and the transmitting unit that transmits a control signal for operating the device includes a light emitting element that performs optical communication. 11. The remote controller according to claim 1, further comprising: IC card communication means for communicating with said IC card, said storage means being an IC card, and said control means being provided with said IC card. A remote controller for controlling the display means based on the device control information stored in a card and the device control information. 12. The remote controller according to claim 1, further comprising: IC card communication means for communicating with said IC card, wherein said control means is a user-specific device stored in said IC card. A remote controller for controlling the display means based on control information.