JP2001296380A - Power source timer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power source timer device which can manage use times of plural persons and limit use time zones of plural persons. SOLUTION: The power source timer device 10 includes a power source timer device body 12 and remote control ID devices 50 and 60. The power source timer device body 12 includes a microcomputer 40. To the microcomputer 40, a setting switch 30, a receiving circuit 42, a display unit 28, a relay 44, a RAM 46, and a nonvolatile memory 48 are connected. Remote control ID devices 50 and 60 have mutually different IDs. The nonvolatile memory 48 is stored with timer times, start times and end times, and timer time reset times corresponding to the IDs of the remote control ID devices 50 and 60.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power timer device, and more particularly, to a power timer device used for restricting, for example, watching a television for a long time or using a video game for a long time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a demand from parents for restricting children from watching television for a long time or using a video game for a long time. However, parents cannot always control these behaviors of their children. In such a case, it is conceivable to use a power timer device with a key.

[0003]

However, since the conventional power supply timer device is provided with only one timer, it is only possible to manage the viewing time of one child on the television and so on. It was not possible to manage the TV viewing time of each child. For this reason, parents have to take a lot of trouble to manage the viewing time of multiple children on TV. In addition, there is a request from a parent to prohibit a child from watching television during a time period such as midnight, but such a view cannot be prohibited with a conventional power timer device.

[0004] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a power supply timer device capable of managing the use time of a plurality of persons. Another object of the present invention is to provide a power supply timer device capable of managing the use time of a plurality of persons and limiting the use time zone of a plurality of persons.

[0005]

A power supply timer device according to the present invention is a power supply timer device in which a time for supplying power is controlled by each of a plurality of timer times corresponding to a plurality of IDs. . In the power timer device according to the present invention, the plurality of timer times corresponding to the plurality of IDs are stored in the memory, and the remaining time of the plurality of timer times are stored in the memory corresponding to each of the plurality of IDs. Each of the timer times may be reset. In this case, the remaining times of the plurality of timer times are reset at a time at the timer time reset time, for example. Further, in the power supply timer device according to the present invention, the power whose time to be supplied is controlled by the timer time corresponding to the ID may be supplied in the time period from the start time to the end time corresponding to the ID. Good. Further, in the power supply timer device according to the present invention, a plurality of I
An ID device capable of inputting a plurality of personal identification numbers corresponding to D may be included. Further, the power supply timer device according to the present invention may include an ID device in which the remaining time of the timer time is stored. Furthermore, the power supply timer device according to the present invention includes an AC outlet to which power is supplied, and has a holding unit for holding the AC plug connected to the AC outlet through an AC cord of the AC plug so as to prevent the AC plug from being easily detached. You may do so.

In the power timer device according to the present invention, when a plurality of IDs are used by a plurality of persons, respectively, the use time of the plurality of persons can be managed. Further, in the power supply timer device according to the present invention, when the power controlled by the timer time corresponding to the ID is supplied during the time period from the start time to the end time corresponding to the ID, It is possible to limit the use time zone of a plurality of persons using a plurality of IDs.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a power timer device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the power timer device main body, and FIG. 3 is a cover of the power timer device main body. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the power timer device. This power supply timer device 10
Includes a power timer main body 12.

The power timer main body 12 includes a case 14. The case 14 includes a box-shaped case body 16. A recess 18 is formed in the rear part of the case body 16. A cover 20 is placed over the recess 18. One end of the lid 20 is attached to the case body 16 by a hinge 22 so that the lid 20 can be opened and closed. A ring-shaped member 24 is provided substantially at the center of the other end of the lid 20 and substantially at the center of the rear end of the case body 16.
a and 24b are formed respectively. These members 2
4a and 24b are provided with locks 26 to prevent the lid 20 from opening. Further, at the other end of the lid 20, beside the member 24a, for example, a semicircular notch 2
0a is formed. The lid 20 and the lock 26 serve as holding means for holding the AC cord of the television receiver TV, for example.

A receiving window 16 is provided on the front of the case body 16.
a is formed, and the indicator 28 is attached. A setting switch 30 and an AC outlet 32 are attached to the concave portion 18 of the case body 16. Further, the AC cord 34 is pulled out from the back of the case body 16. One end of the AC cord 34 has an AC plug 3
6 is connected.

The power timer device 10 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a “microcomputer”) 40. The microcomputer 40 includes a setting switch 30, a receiving circuit 4
2. The display 28 and the relay 44 are connected. The relay 44 has the other end of the AC cord 34 and the AC outlet 32.
Are connected. The setting switch 30 is for inputting a timer time and the like. The receiving circuit 42 is for receiving a transmission signal of the remote control ID devices 50 and 60 described later. The display 28 is for displaying the remaining time of the timer time and the like. The relay 44 is for electrically connecting and disconnecting the AC cord 34 and the AC outlet 32. The microcomputer 40, the receiving circuit 42, and the relay 44 are provided inside the case body 16. In this case, the receiving element of the receiving circuit 42 is arranged near the receiving window 16a of the case body 16.

Further, a RAM 46 and a nonvolatile memory 48 are connected to the microcomputer 40. The RAM 46 and the nonvolatile memory 48 are also provided inside the case body 16.

Further, power supply timer device 10 includes two remote control ID devices 50 and 60. These remote control ID devices 50 and 60 have different IDs from each other.
Having. One remote control ID device 50 has an ON switch 51a, an OFF switch 51b, and a transmission circuit 52. In this remote control ID device 50,
When the on switch 51a or the off switch 51b is operated, the transmission circuit 52 transmits the ID corresponding to the ID of the remote control ID device 50 by infrared rays or electromagnetic waves.
Signal and switch 51a for on or switch 5 for off
An ON signal or an OFF signal indicating the state of 1b, ie, ON or OFF, is transmitted. Similarly, the other remote control I
The D device 60 also has an ON switch 61a, an OFF switch 61b, and a transmission circuit 62.

Next, an example of the operation or operation of the power timer device 10 will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

First, in the power timer main body 12,
The lock 26 is removed and the lid 20 is opened.

Then, an AC plug of the television receiver TV is connected to the AC outlet 32.

Further, by operating the setting switch 30, a timer time, a start time and an end time corresponding to each ID of the remote control ID devices 50 and 60 are set, and a timer time reset time is set. The contents are stored in the non-volatile memory 48. The timer time is a time during which power can be supplied to the AC outlet 32, that is, a time during which power can be supplied by the power supply timer device 10, and the start time is a time at which power is supplied to the AC outlet 32. Is the time at which power supply can be started by the power supply timer device 10, and the end time is the time at which power supply to the AC outlet 32 ends, that is, the power supply timer device 10.
Is the time at which power supply ends, and the timer time reset time is the time at which the remaining time of the timer time is reset to the original timer time. For example, one remote control ID
According to the ID of the device 50, the timer time is set to 2 hours, the start time is set to 15:00, and the end time is set to 20:00. The timer time is set to 3 hours in accordance with the ID of the other remote control ID device 60. , The start time is set to 19:00, the end time is set to 22:00, and the timer time reset time is set to 6:00, and their contents are stored in the nonvolatile memory 48. In this case, it is possible to watch television for 2 hours only between 15:00 and 20:00 a day in accordance with the ID of one remote control ID device 50, and in correspondence with the ID of the other remote control ID device 60, It is possible to watch television for 3 hours only between 19:00 and 22:00 a day. In this case, at 6:00, one remote control ID
The remaining time of the timer is reset to 2 hours corresponding to the ID of the device 50, and the remaining time of the timer is reset to 3 hours corresponding to the ID of the other remote control ID device 60.

Then, the lid 20 is closed and the lock 26 is locked.

In this state, when the child watches the television, for example, the ON switch 51a of one remote control ID device 50 is operated, and the ID signal and the ON signal are transmitted. The transmission signal is transmitted to the power timer device main body 1
2 receiving circuit 42.

In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
In the first step S1, it is determined whether another ID is in use. If another ID is not in use, the process proceeds to the next step S3. If another ID is in use, the operation ends as another child is watching the television.

In step S3, it is determined whether the time is after the start time of the ID and before the end time. That is, in this step S3, the time is set to the ID.
It is determined whether or not the time period is within the viewable time range from the start time to the end time. If the time is after the start time of the ID and before the end time, the process proceeds to the next step S5 because the time is within the viewable time zone, but otherwise, the time is viewable. It ends because it is not a time zone. For this reason, it is possible to prohibit viewing of the television outside of the viewing time zone.

In step S5, it is determined whether the remaining time of the timer of the ID is greater than 0 or 0. When the remaining time of the timer time is larger than 0, the process proceeds to the next step S7, but ends when the remaining time of the timer time is 0.

In step S7, the ID is determined to be in use. In the next step S9, the relay 44 is turned on, and power is supplied to the AC outlet 32 or the television receiver TV. Therefore, the user can watch television.

In the power supply timer device 10, the microcomputer 40 generates a timer interrupt as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

The first step S11 of the timer interrupt is as follows:
This is a time calculation process. In the time calculation process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the time is calculated in the first step S21.

In step S23 following step S21, it is determined whether the time is a timer time reset time. If the time is the timer time reset time, the process proceeds to the next step S25, but if the time is not the timer time reset time, the process ends.

In step S25, the timer time of each ID is read from the nonvolatile memory 48, and the remaining time of each timer time is reset to each timer time.

That is, in the first step S11 (time calculation processing) of the timer interrupt, the time is calculated, and when the time is the timer time reset time, the remaining time of the timer time of each ID becomes equal to the original timer time. Reset.

In step S13 following step S11, it is determined whether any ID is in use. If any ID is in use, the next step S
Proceed to 15, but if no ID is in use,
finish.

In step S15, the remaining time of the timer corresponding to the ID being used is decremented as the time elapses.

In the next step S17, it is determined whether the remaining time of the timer time of the ID being used is larger than 0 or 0. When the remaining time of the timer time is larger than 0, the process proceeds to step S19, and when the remaining time of the timer time is 0, the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S19, the ID indicating the time is in use
Is determined after the start time and before the end time. That is, in this step S19, it is determined whether or not the time is within the viewable time zone from the start time to the end time of the ID in use. I whose time is in use
If the time is after the start time of D and before the end time, the time is within the viewable time zone, and the process ends. Otherwise, the time is outside the viewable time zone. Proceed to step S20.

In step S20, the relay 44 is turned off, and power is not supplied to the AC outlet 32 or the television receiver TV. Therefore, the user cannot watch the television. In this step S20, the ID in use is determined to be not in use.

On the other hand, while the ID of the remote control ID device 50 is being used, the off switch 51 of the remote control ID device 50 is used.
When b is operated, an ID signal and an OFF signal are transmitted. The transmission signal is received by the reception circuit 42 of the power timer main body 12.

In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
In the first step S31, the ID is determined to be unused.

In the next step S33, the relay 44 is turned off, and the AC outlet 32 or the television receiver TV is turned off.
Is no longer supplied with power.

In the power supply timer device 10,
When another child operates the other remote controller ID device 60, the operation is similar to the above-described operation, although the ID and the like are different.

As described above, in the power timer device 10, the timer time, the start time, and the end time can be managed for each ID. Therefore, in the power supply timer device 10, if the parent sets the timer time, start time, and end time corresponding to each ID with the setting switch 30, and the two children use the remote control ID devices 50 and 60, respectively, Can manage the viewing time of the two children's TV and limit the viewing time zone.
By increasing the number of remote control ID devices and IDs, it is possible to manage the viewing time of three or more children on the TV and to limit the viewing time zone.

Further, in the power timer device 10, when the timer time reset time comes, the remaining time of the timer time is reset, so that it is not necessary for the parent to reset the remaining time of the timer time.

Further, in this power timer device 10, since the lock 26 is locked so that the cover 20 covering the concave portion 18 of the case main body 16 is not opened, the child can use the television receiver T.
It is possible to prevent disconnection of the V AC plug from the AC outlet 32 and direct connection to a normal AC outlet at home so that the user can listen to the television at any time, and to prohibit the operation of the setting switch 30 by a child. Can be.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another example of the power timer device according to the present invention. In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 9, the power timer device 1 shown in FIGS.
0, the microcomputer 40, the receiving circuit 42, the relay 4
4. Display 28, RAM 46 and nonvolatile memory 48
Is provided in the housing of the television receiver TV. Note that, for these, those used for the television receiver TV may be shared. The relay 44 has an AC code 34
And the power supply circuit of the television receiver TV. Therefore, the relay 44 is connected to the AC code 34 and the television receiver TV.
Is used to electrically connect and disconnect the power supply circuit. This AC code 34 corresponds to the television receiver T
V penetrates the housing.

The power timer device 10 shown in FIG.
One remote control ID device 50 is included. This remote control ID
The device 50 includes a number switch 53 and a setting switch 54 of 1 to 12 in addition to an on switch 51a, an off switch 51b, and a transmission circuit 52. In this remote control ID device 50, an ON signal is transmitted by operating the ON switch 51a, and an OFF signal is transmitted by operating the OFF switch 51b. In the remote control ID device 50, a password is input by operating a number switch 53 corresponding to a password indicating an ID, and a password signal is transmitted. Further, in this remote control ID device 50, a plurality of IDs are
, A timer time, a start time, and an end time are set, and further, a timer time reset time is set, and the contents thereof are stored in the nonvolatile memory 48.
The remote control ID device 50 is a television receiver TV.
May be shared.

In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG.
When the child watches television, the remote control ID device 5
By operating the 0 ON switch 51a, an ON signal is transmitted. Next, the user operates the number switch 53 corresponding to the personal identification number indicating which ID the instruction is, and the personal identification number is input, and the personal identification number signal is transmitted. These transmission signals are received by the receiving circuit 42 of the power timer main body 12.

In this case, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, in step S43 following the input of the personal identification number, in step S43, the inputted personal identification number coincides with one of the preset personal identification numbers. It is determined whether it is correct or not. If the password is correct, the process proceeds to the next step S45, but if the password is incorrect, the process ends.

The following steps S45 to S53 are the same as the above-described steps S to S of the power supply timer device 10 shown in FIGS.
Same as 1 to S9. Therefore, steps S45 to S
In 53, when another ID is not in use, the time is in the time zone from the start time to the end time of the ID, and the remaining timer time of the ID is greater than 0,
Is in use, the relay 44 is turned on, and power is supplied to the power supply circuit of the television receiver TV.

In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 9, the operation after operating the off switch 51b of the remote control ID device 50 is the same as that of the power timer device 10 shown in FIGS.

Therefore, the power supply timer device 1 shown in FIG.
Even if it is 0, the parent can manage the viewing time of a plurality of children's televisions and can limit the viewing time zone, and further, it is unnecessary for the parent to reset the remaining time of the timer time.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing still another example of the power supply timer device according to the present invention. In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 11, a card reader 70 instead of the setting switch 30 and the receiving circuit 42 is different from the power timer device 10 shown in FIGS.
And a card writing device 72 instead of the remote control ID devices 50 and 60, and a card 74 as an ID device.
Is used. The card reader 70 is for reading information on the card 74 and writing information on the card 74. The card writing device 72 is for writing information on the card 74. The card 74 has storage means such as an IC card or a magnetic card. ID information and timer information for identifying the card 74 are written and stored in the card 74. Timer information is
It includes information on the timer time, start time, and end time corresponding to the ID.

In the power supply timer device 10 shown in FIG.
Information and timer information are written.

The power supply timer 10 shown in FIG.
Then, when the child watches the television receiver TV, the card 74 is inserted into the card reader 7 of the power timer main body 12.
If the time is within the viewing / listening period from the start time to the end time on the card 74 and the remaining time of the timer time on the card 74 is greater than 0, the relay 44 is inserted. When the power is turned on, the power is supplied to the AC outlet 32 or the television receiver TV, and the remaining time of the timer time on the card 74 is rewritten by the card reader 70 so as to decrease as time passes.

When the remaining time of the timer on the card 74 becomes zero, the relay 44 is turned off, and power is not supplied to the AC outlet 32 or the television receiver TV.

Even if the remaining time of the timer time on the card 74 is greater than 0, if the time passes the end time on the card 74, the relay 44 is turned off, and the AC outlet 32 or the television receiver TV is turned off. Power is not supplied.

Further, when the time is in a viewable time zone from the start time to the end time on the card 74 and the remaining time of the timer time on the card 74 is larger than 0, the card 74 is When unplugged from the reader 70, the relay 44 is turned off, and power is not supplied to the AC outlet 32 or the television receiver TV. In this case, since the remaining time of the timer time remains on the card 74, the card 74 is reinserted into the card reader 70.
, The power timer device 10 can be further used for the remaining time.

In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 11, when another child watches the television receiver TV, the other card 74 in which ID information and timer information corresponding to the child are written is supplied with power. What is necessary is just to insert in the card reader 70 of the timer apparatus main body 12.

As described above, also in the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 11, the parent can manage the viewing time of the television of a plurality of children and can limit the viewing time zone.

In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 11, if a plurality of power timer device main bodies 12 are provided and connected to a plurality of devices such as a television receiver and a video game, respectively, It is possible to manage the total usage time.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing still another example of the power timer device according to the present invention. In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 12, a switch 43 as an ID device is used instead of the receiving circuit 42 and the remote control ID devices 50 and 60 as compared with the power timer device 10 shown in FIGS. The switch 43 is connected to the microcomputer 40.

In the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 12, when a child watches a television, by transmitting an ID signal and an ON signal from the switch 43 as an ID device, the relay 44 is turned on, and the television reception is performed. Power is supplied to the TV set. In this case, when the remaining time of the timer time corresponding to the ID decreases with the passage of time and becomes zero, the relay 44 is turned off and the television receiver T
No power is supplied to V. Even if the remaining time of the timer time does not become 0, if the time is out of the viewable time zone from the start time to the end time corresponding to the ID, or the ID signal and the ID signal from the switch 43 as the ID device are output. Also when the off signal is transmitted, the relay 44 is turned off, and power is not supplied to the television receiver TV. Note that by using a switch with a key as the switch 43, it is possible to prohibit the use of others who do not have a key.

Therefore, even with the power timer device 10 shown in FIG. 12, the viewing time of a plurality of children on the television can be managed and the viewing time zone can be limited.

In each of the power supply timer devices 10 described above,
The contents of the timer time, the start time and the end time, and the contents of the timer time reset time corresponding to each ID are stored in the non-volatile memory 48 and the card 74. An apparatus may be configured.

The above-described power timer devices 10 are used in a television receiver TV, but may be used in other devices such as a video game.

[0062]

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a power timer device capable of managing the viewing time of a plurality of persons, for example, a television. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to manage the viewing time of a plurality of people, for example, a television,
A power supply timer device that can limit the viewing time period of a plurality of persons, for example, a television, is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a power timer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a power timer device main body of the power timer device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the power timer apparatus main body shown in FIG. 2 with a lid removed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the power timer device shown in FIG. 1;

5 shows a remote control I in the power timer device shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart when an ON signal is transmitted from the D device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt generated at regular intervals in the power supply timer device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a clock calculation process of a timer interrupt in the power timer device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows a remote control I in the power timer device shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart when an off signal is transmitted from the D device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another example of the power timer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart when an ON signal is transmitted from the remote control ID device in the power timer device shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing still another example of the power supply timer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing still another example of the power timer device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 power timer device 12 power timer device main body 14 case 16 case main body 16a receiving window 18 concave portion 20 lid 20a cutout portion 22 hinge 24a, 24b ring-shaped member 26 lock 28 display 30 setting switch 32 AC outlet 34 AC cord 36 AC Plug 40 Microcomputer 42 Receiving circuit 43 Switch 44 Relay 46 RAM 48 Nonvolatile memory 50, 60 Remote control ID device 51a, 61a ON switch 51b, 51b OFF switch 52, 62 Transmission circuit 53 Number switch 54 Setting switch 70 Card reader 72 Card writer 74 Card

Continued on front page F term (reference) 2F002 AA05 AB01 AD06 AD07 AE01 BA26 BB03 BB04 EA00 EB01 EE03 FA14 FA21 FA31 GA08 GC04 GC06 GC22 2F081 AA00 BB01 CC02 CC16 DD00 FF05 FF06 FF11 GG04 JJ06

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A power supply timer device, wherein a time for supplying power is controlled by each of a plurality of timer times corresponding to a plurality of IDs. 2. The plurality of timer times corresponding to the plurality of IDs are stored in a memory, and the remaining time of the plurality of timer times are stored in the memory corresponding to each of the plurality of IDs. The power supply timer device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply timer device is reset at each of the plurality of timer times. 3. The power timer device according to claim 2, wherein the remaining times of the plurality of timer times are reset at a time at a timer time reset time. 4. The power whose time supplied by the timer time corresponding to the ID is controlled is supplied in a time period from a start time to an end time corresponding to the ID.
The power supply timer device according to claim 1. 5. The power supply timer device according to claim 1, further comprising an ID device capable of inputting a plurality of personal identification numbers corresponding to the plurality of IDs. 6. The power supply timer device according to claim 1, further comprising an ID device storing the remaining time of the timer time. 7. An AC outlet to which the power is supplied, further comprising: a holding unit for holding an AC plug connected to the AC outlet through an AC cord of the AC plug so as to prevent the AC plug from being easily detached. The power supply timer device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.