JP2002064886A - Remote controller and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller and a control method by which a plurality of devices is made to perform a plurality of operations in a short time. SOLUTION: The remote controller 1 is constituted of an inputting section 11, a memory 2, a transmitting section 13, and a control section 14. The memory 12 stores a series of operations composed of the operations designated from the user of the remote controller 1 and performed by a video cassette recorder 2 and a television receiver 3. The control section 14 makes the recorder 2 and receiver 3 respectively perform the operations stored in the memory 12 by respectively transmitting control signals for controlling the operations of the recorder 2 and receiver 3 to the recorder 2 and receiver 3 through the transmitting section 13. When the control section 14 makes the recorder 2 and receiver 3 perform the operations, the section 14 makes the recorder 2 perform prescribed operations before the section 14 makes the receiver 3 perform the next operation after the section 14 makes the receiver 3 perform one operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a remote control device and a control method for controlling operations of a plurality of devices, and more particularly to a remote control device and a control method for performing a plurality of operations collectively on a plurality of devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Remote control (remote control device)
Transmits a control signal for controlling the operation of the controlled device to a predetermined controlled device by infrared rays or the like. Then, the controlled device performs a predetermined operation in accordance with a control signal supplied from a remote controller by infrared rays or the like. Some of the remote controllers store a series of operations including a plurality of operations and cause the controlled device to perform the series of operations collectively. Some of the remote controllers control operations of a plurality of controlled devices and cause the plurality of controlled devices to perform the series of operations.

[0003]

When the above-described series of operations are performed by one controlled device, the remote controller transmits a control signal for performing each operation to a predetermined controlled device in order. However, the controlled device takes time from performing one operation to performing the next operation. For example, it takes time from when the operation power supply is turned on to when the controlled device changes from the standby state to the operation state. In such a case, the controlled device does not accept the next control signal until it enters the operating state. For this reason, the remote controller is set so as to provide a predetermined time interval between, for example, causing the controlled device to perform one operation and performing the next operation.

As described above, between the time when the remote control transmits one control signal and the time when the next control signal is transmitted,
If a predetermined time interval is set, it takes a long time to cause a plurality of controlled devices to perform a series of operations. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device and a control method that allow a plurality of devices to perform a plurality of operations in a short time.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a remote control device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an operation performed by a first device and an operation performed by a second device. Storage means for storing a series of operations
The operation of the first device and the second device is controlled, and the operation performed by the first device stored in the storage means is performed by the first device.
Control means for causing the device to perform an operation performed by the second device stored in the storage means, the control means causing the second device to perform one operation. The method is characterized in that the second device performs a predetermined operation (at least one operation) after the operation is performed and before the next operation is performed. According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a plurality of devices to perform a plurality of operations in a short time.

[0006] The control means may include a separating means for separating a series of operations stored in the storage means into an operation performed by the first device and an operation performed by the second device.

[0007] The control means may include a transmission means for transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the first device and the second device to each of the first device and the second device.

[0008] A control method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes:
A storage step of storing a series of operations composed of an operation performed by the first device and an operation performed by the second device; and remotely controlling the operations of the first device and the second device. Controlling the first device to perform the stored operation performed by the first device, and causing the second device to perform the operation performed by the second device stored in the storing process. The step includes a step of causing the second device to perform a predetermined operation between the time when the first device performs one operation and the time when the next operation is performed.

In the control step, the series of operations stored in the storage step may be performed by the first device, and the second operation may be performed by the second device.
A separating step for separating the operation from the operation performed by the apparatus may be provided.

[0010] The control step may include a transmission step of transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the first device and the second device to each of the first device and the second device.

[0011]

Next, a remote controller (remote control device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The remote controller according to the embodiment of the present invention is used, for example, in a video system as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the video system includes a remote controller 1, a video cassette recorder (VCR) 2,
And a television (TV) 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 1 includes an input unit 11, a memory 12, a transmission unit 13, a control unit 14,
And controls the operations of the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 according to a predetermined operation by a user of the video system. Specifically, the remote controller 1 stores a series of operations including a plurality of operations, and causes the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 to perform the series of operations in accordance with a predetermined operation of the user.

The input unit 11 has a plurality of input buttons and outputs a setting signal indicating a series of operations (contents of the series of operations) performed by the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 to the control unit 14 in accordance with a predetermined operation by the user. I do. The input unit 11 outputs an operation type signal indicating the type of a series of operations performed by the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 to the control unit 14 according to a predetermined operation by the user.

The memory 12 includes a video cassette recorder 2
And a plurality of types of series of operations performed by the television 3 are stored. The transmission unit 13 transmits a control signal for controlling the operations of the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 to each of the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 by infrared rays.

The control unit 14 causes the memory 12 to store a series of operations of the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 in accordance with a setting signal supplied from the input unit 11. Further, the control unit 14 acquires a series of operations indicated by the operation type signal supplied from the input unit 11 from the memory 12. Then, the control unit 14 controls the operation of each unit constituting the remote controller 1 and causes the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 to perform a series of operations acquired from the memory 12. The control unit 1
The specific operation of No. 4 will be described later.

The video cassette recorder 2 includes a remote controller 1
And a receiving unit that receives infrared rays from the camera, and operates according to a control signal supplied by the infrared rays. Specifically, the video cassette recorder 2 is switched from the standby state to the operation state by turning on the operation power supply. The video cassette recorder 2 is connected to the television 3 by a cable or the like, and reproduces image data recorded on a video cassette set by a user and outputs the image data to the television 3.

The television 3 has a receiving section for receiving infrared rays from the remote controller 1, and operates according to a control signal supplied by infrared rays. Specifically, the television 3 is changed from the standby state to the operation state by turning on the operation power supply. The television 3 displays a predetermined image according to the image data supplied from the video cassette recorder 2.

Next, the operation of the video system configured as described above will be described. First, a user of the video system operates an input button or the like provided in the input unit 11 of the remote controller 1 to operate the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3.
Set a series of operations to be performed. For example, the user inputs a series of operations as shown in Table 1. Note that the registration number n in Table 1 indicates the order in which the user inputs the operation, and the registration content indicates the operation of the video cassette recorder 2 or the television 3 specified by the user.

[0019]

[Table 1]

At the time of setting the series of operations, the input unit 11 of the remote controller 1 outputs a setting signal indicating the series of operations set by the user to the control unit 14 according to a predetermined operation of the user. The control unit 14 causes the memory 12 to store a series of operations to be performed by the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 according to the setting signal supplied from the input unit 11. At this time, in order to distinguish a plurality of types of series of operations, the control unit 14 stores the series of operations in association with, for example, a number or a character string indicating the type of the series of operations.

As described above, the setting of a series of operations to be performed by the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 is completed. After setting the above series of operations, the user of the video system operates the video cassette recorder 2 as described below.
And causes the television 3 to perform a predetermined series of operations.

First, the user operates the input buttons and the like of the remote controller 1 in a predetermined procedure, and the video cassette recorder 2
And a series of operations (types of the series of operations) to be performed by the television 3 are selected. The input unit 11 of the remote controller 1 outputs an operation type signal indicating the type of a series of operations selected by the user to the control unit 14.

The control unit 14 acquires from the memory 12 a series of operations (registration number n and registered contents) indicated by the operation type signal supplied from the input unit 11. And the control unit 14
Performs a continuous control process shown in FIG. 2 using the acquired series of operations, and causes the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 to perform a predetermined series of operations. Specifically, first, the control unit 14 sets the registration number n to be processed to 1 (step S101).

Then, the control unit 14 determines which device operation the registration content of the registration number n indicates. Specifically, the control unit 14 determines whether the registered content of the registration number n indicates the operation of the video cassette recorder 2 or the operation of the television 3. And the control unit 14
Adds the registration content of the registration number n to the operation list of the determined device (step S102). The operation list is a list of registered contents of a series of operations for each device, as shown in Table 2, for example. Each device is distinguished by a device number m, and the order in which registered contents are added to the operation list is indicated by a list number p. At this time, if there is no operation list for the determined device, the control unit 14 creates a new operation list, and adds the registration number n to the created operation list.
Add the registered content of The device number m is determined, for example, in the order in which the operation list is created.

[0025]

[Table 2]

Next, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the registration number n is the last number (step S103). If it is determined that it is not the last (step S103; NO),
The control unit 14 increments the registration number n by 1 (step S1).
04), and the process returns to step S102. If it is determined that it is the last (step S103; YES), the control unit 14 controls the operation of each device using the above-mentioned operation list created for each device. First, the control unit 14
The list number p to be processed is set to 1 (step S105).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 sets the device number m to be processed to 1 (step S106). Then, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the registered content of the list number p exists in the operation list of the device number m (Step S107). If it is determined that the file does not exist (step S
107; NO), the control unit 14 executes step S1 described later.
09 is performed.

If it is determined that there is (step S10)
7; YES), the control unit 14 generates a control signal for causing the device of the device number m to perform the operation of the list number p. Then, the control unit 14 controls the transmission unit 13 to transmit the generated control signal to the device of the device number m by infrared rays, and causes the device of the device number m to perform the operation of the list number p (step S108).

Thereafter, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the device number m is the last number (step S109).
If it is determined that it is not the last (step S109; N
O), the control unit 14 increments the device number m by 1 (step S110), and returns to step S107. If it is determined that it is the last (step S109; YES),
The control unit 14 increases the list number p by 1 (step S111).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the registered content of the list number p exists in the operation list of any device (step S112). In other words, the control unit 14 determines whether a series of operations set by the user has been completed. When it is determined that the registered content of the list number p exists (step S112; NO), the control unit 14
Returns to step S106. When it is determined that the registered content of the list number p does not exist (step S11)
2; YES), the control unit 14 ends the continuous control processing.

As described above, another apparatus can perform a predetermined operation between the time when one apparatus performs one operation and the time when the next operation is performed. In other words, by using a predetermined time interval provided between the time when one device performs one operation and the time when the next operation is performed, it is possible to cause another device to perform the predetermined operation. it can. Accordingly, a series of operations performed by a plurality of devices can be completed in a short time.

(Specific Example) Next, the operation of the video system will be described with reference to Tables 1 and 2. First, a user of the video system operates an input button or the like included in the input unit 11 of the remote controller 1 in a predetermined procedure, and inputs a series of operations shown in Table 1. The input unit 11 of the remote controller 1 outputs a setting signal indicating a series of operations input by the user to the control unit 14.

The control unit 14 causes the memory 12 to store a series of operations to be performed by the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 in accordance with the setting signal supplied from the input unit 11. Thereby, the series of operations shown in Table 1 are stored in the memory 12. After setting the above series of operations, the user of the video system operates the input buttons and the like of the remote controller 1 in a predetermined procedure to cause the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 to perform the series of operations, specifically, as shown in Table 1. Select a series of actions.

The input unit 11 of the remote controller 1 outputs to the control unit 14 an operation type signal indicating the type of a series of operations selected by the user. The control unit 14 performs a series of operations (registration number n and registered contents) indicated by the operation type signal supplied from the input unit 11.
From the memory 12. Then, the control unit 14 starts the continuous control process shown in FIG. 2 using the acquired series of operations. First, the control unit 14 sets a registration number n to be processed to 1 (step S101).

Then, the control unit 14 determines whether the registered content of the registration number 1 indicates the operation of the video cassette recorder 2 or the operation of the television 3, and registers the registration number 1 in the operation list of the determined device. Is added (step S102). In this case, the control unit 14 determines that the registered content of the registration number 1 indicates the operation of the television 3,
The operation list of the television 3 is created, and the registered content of the registration number 1 is added. Since the operation list of the television 3 is created first, the device number of the television 3 is m = 1.

Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the registration number 1 is the last number (step S103). In this case, the control unit 14 determines that the registration number 1 is not the last number (step S103; NO), increments the registration number n by 1 (step S104), and proceeds to step S102.
Return to

Thereafter, the control unit 14 performs the same processing as described above for each of the registration contents of the registration numbers 2, 3, and 4,
It is determined which operation of the video cassette recorder 2 or the television 3 the registered content indicates, and the operation is added to the operation list of the determined device. Thus, the operation list of the television 3 and the operation list of the video cassette recorder 2 shown in Table 2 are completed.

After the operation lists of the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 are completed, the control unit 14 proceeds to step S1.
In the process of 03, it is determined that the registration number 4 is the last number (step S103; YES). And the control unit 14
Sets the list number p to be processed to 1 in order to control the operation of each device (step S105).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 sets the device number m to be processed to 1 (step S106). Then, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the registered content of the list number 1 exists in the operation list of the device number 1 (step S107). In this case, the control unit 14 determines that there is (step S107; YES), and specifically turns on the operation power supply for causing the device (the television 3) of the device number 1 to perform the operation of the list number 1. Generate a control signal for turning on. Then, the control unit 14 controls the transmission unit 13 to transmit the generated control signal to the television 3 by infrared rays, and turns on the power supply for operation (step S108).

Thereafter, the control section 14 determines whether or not the device number 1 is the last number (step S109).
In this case, the control unit 14 determines that the device number 1 is not the last number (step S109; NO), and the device number m
Is increased by 1 (step S110), and step S107 is performed.
Return to

Then, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the registered content of the list number 1 exists in the operation list of the device number 2. In this case, the control unit 14 determines that the video cassette recorder 2 is present, and turns on the operation power supply of the video cassette recorder 2 of the device number 2 in the same manner as described above. Thereafter, the control unit 14 determines that the device number 2 is the last number in the process of step S109 (step S109; YES),
The list number p is incremented by 1 (step S111).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the registered content of the list number 2 exists in the operation list of any device (step S112). In other words, the control unit 14 determines whether a series of operations set by the user has been completed. In this case, the control unit 14 sets the list number 2
(Step S112; N)
O), returning to step S106.

Then, the control unit 14 causes the television 3 of the device number 1 to perform the operation of the list number 2 and causes the video cassette recorder 2 of the device number 2 to perform the operation of the list number 2 in the same manner as described above. Specifically, the control unit 14 causes the television 3 to switch the input to an external input, and causes the video cassette recorder 2 to reproduce a video tape.

Thereafter, the control section 14 proceeds to step S109.
Is determined that the device number 2 is the last number (step S109; YES), the list number p is incremented by 1 (step S111), and the registered contents of the list number 3 are included in the operation list of any device. It is determined whether or not it exists (step S112). In this case, the control unit 14 determines that the registration content of the list number 3 does not exist (step S
112; YES), the continuous control process ends.

As described above, even if the user of the video system sets a series of operations of the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 without considering the time efficiency and the like, the remote controller 1 operates the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3 A predetermined operation is performed with a time difference between them. Specifically, even if the user sets a series of operations in the order of (1) to (4) shown below, the remote controller 1 operates as described above, and as described above, the remote controller 1 (1 ') to (4') Are performed in this order.

(1) The power supply for operating the TV is turned on. (2) Switch the input of the TV to the external input. (3) Turn on the power supply for operating the VCR. (4) Play the video tape.

(1 ') The power supply for operating the TV is turned on. (2 ') The power supply for operating the VCR is turned on. (3 ') The input of the TV is switched to the external input. (4 ') Play the video tape.

As described above, the remote controller 1 causes another device to perform a predetermined operation between the time when one device performs one operation and the time when the next operation is performed. This allows
A series of operations performed by a plurality of devices can be completed in a short time.

The devices controlled by the remote controller 1 are not limited to the video cassette recorder 2 and the television 3,
Any device can be used as long as it can operate the remote controller. For example, it may be an air conditioner or a stereo. Further, the number of devices controlled by the remote controller 1 may be any number. Also,
The remote controller 1 may transmit a control signal to each device using electromagnetic waves other than infrared rays. Further, the remote controller 1 may be connected to each device by wire.

The remote controller 1 may cause another device to perform a plurality of operations between the time when one device performs one operation and the time when the next operation is performed. For example, when there are a plurality of operations that can be continuously performed by another device without providing a time interval, the remote controller 1 treats these operations as one operation. Accordingly, a plurality of devices can efficiently perform many operations, and a series of operations can be completed more efficiently in a short time.

The device of the present invention does not need to use a dedicated device, and can be realized by an ordinary computer. For example, a program and data for causing a computer having an infrared communication function to execute the above-described processes are recorded on a recording medium (floppy disk, CD-ROM, or the like).
Etc.), distribute and install this, and execute it on the OS, thereby realizing the apparatus of the present invention.
The distribution of the program and data is not limited to a CD-ROM or the like, and may be performed via a communication line or the like.

[0052]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention allows a plurality of devices to perform a plurality of operations in a short time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a video system in which a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present invention is used.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a continuous control process performed by a control unit included in the remote controller illustrated in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote control 2 Video cassette recorder 3 Television 11 Input part 12 Memory 13 Transmission part 14 Control part

Claims (6)

[Claims] A storage unit configured to store a series of operations including an operation performed by a first device and an operation performed by a second device; and controlling an operation of the first device and the second device. The operation performed by the first device stored in the storage means is performed by the first device.
Control means for causing the device to perform an operation performed by the second device stored in the storage means, the control means causing the second device to perform one operation. A remote control device comprising: causing the second device to perform a predetermined operation between the time when the second device is performed and the time when the next operation is performed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a classification unit configured to classify a series of operations stored in the storage unit into an operation performed by the first device and an operation performed by the second device. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a control signal for controlling an operation of the first device and the second device to each of the first device and the second device. The remote control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. A storage step for storing a series of operations composed of an operation performed by a first device and an operation performed by a second device, and remotely controlling the operations of the first device and the second device. A control step of causing the first device to perform an operation performed by the first device stored in the storage step, and causing the second device to perform an operation performed by the second device stored in the storage step; The control step includes a step of causing the second device to perform a predetermined operation between the time when the first device performs one operation and the time when the next operation is performed. And control method. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controlling step includes: performing a series of operations stored in the storing step by the first device;
The control method according to claim 4, further comprising a separation step of separating the operation from the operation performed by the device. 6. The control step includes a transmission step of transmitting a control signal for controlling an operation of the first device and the second device to each of the first device and the second device. The control method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein