JP2003264713A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller in which the operability of a user is improved by enabling the easy recognition of the position of a reset operation part for resetting an incomplete operation for equipment to be controlled. <P>SOLUTION: A first power button 17 is utilized for transmitting the power ON/OFF code of a VTR and also utilized for resetting the operation of the VTR. Also, when the first power button 17 is operated, a first display part 15 emits light. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device having a light emitting button.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, AV equipment has been equipped with many functions, and it has become very convenient for users who are familiar with these functions. For example, a video tape recorder (hereinafter VT
R) has a function to display recorded programs recorded in a VTR recording medium as a list on a screen of a television receiver (hereinafter, referred to as TV), and to display a program to be reproduced from the list. When you select, the function that the cueing action starts after about 3 seconds (program navigation function)
And a function of starting the channel search operation of the VTR (automatic channel preset function).

Further, many of these functions have come to be operated by a remote control device,
Also in this respect, convenience for users who are familiar with the functions of AV equipment is improved.

On the other hand, on the other hand, since the functions of the AV equipment are increasing, the number of operation buttons incorporated in the remote control device for operating the AV equipment is increasing. For users who are not familiar with
It is becoming complicated and difficult to use. In particular, in a remote control device capable of operating a plurality of devices, the complexity is remarkable. Further, since there is a strong demand to make the remote control device compact, the number of remote control devices incorporating many operation buttons at high density is increasing, and the operation buttons of the remote control device are becoming complicated.

When the AV device or the like is operated by such a complicated remote control device having the operation buttons, the user is likely to make an erroneous operation. For example, in a VTR,
When the initial setting such as the time setting of the internal clock or the recording reservation setting is performed by operating the remote control device while watching the contents displayed on the TV screen by using the OSD function, an erroneous operation is likely to occur. In many cases, the initial setting screen and the recording reservation setting screen displayed on the TV screen are in the form of a menu consisting of multiple layers, and the hierarchical structure is complicated, and the operation screen not intended by the user is displayed. This is because there are many cases and it often happens that the desired screen cannot be easily moved.

When the user makes an erroneous operation in this way, a so-called reset operation is performed in which the operation is started because no operation has been performed so far, and the operation can be restarted from the operation started state. In many cases, this is a simple remedy, and it can be said that the reset operation is a highly convenient function for the user.

A conventional remote control device will be described below.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a conventional remote controller. This conventional remote control device can remotely control a TV and a VTR, which are a plurality of controlled devices. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a selection operation unit for selecting a controlled device to be operated, which is a two-point switching type switch. By switching the switching unit 21a to the side A in the drawing, the first controlled device VTR is selected. It is operable, and the TV, which is the second controlled device, can be operated by switching to the B side in the drawing. Reference numeral 22 denotes a dual-purpose operation unit for operating the controlled device selected by the selection operation unit 21, which is composed of a plurality of operation buttons 22a and the like. In other words, when the selection operation unit 21 selects A, the VTR can be operated, and when B is selected, T
It is an operation unit that enables operation of V. Reference numeral 23 is a first dedicated operation unit that can always operate the VTR regardless of the selection state of the selection operation unit 21, and 24 is a second operation unit that can always operate the TV regardless of the selection state of the selection operation unit 21. This is a dedicated operation unit. 27, when operated by the user, transmits a power ON / OFF code to the VTR,
It is a first power button that can turn on / off the power of R. The first power button 27 also has a function as a reset button for resetting the operation performed by the user on the VTR. Reference numeral 25 denotes a first display unit including a light emitting diode, when the first power button 27 is operated, the first dedicated operation unit 23 is operated, or
Dual-purpose operation unit 2 with the selection operation unit 21 selected to the A side
When 2 is operated, the display is performed by the light emitting diode emitting light. That is, when the VTR is operated by the remote control device, the first display unit 25 is displayed. 28 is a power source for the TV when the user operates it.
It is a second power button that can turn on / off the power of the TV by transmitting an N / OFF code. The second power button 28 also has a function as a reset button for resetting an operation performed by the user on the TV. Two
Reference numeral 5 denotes a second display section composed of a light emitting diode, and when the second power button 28 is operated, the second dedicated operation section 2 is provided.
4 is operated, or when the dual-purpose operation unit 22 is operated with the selection operation unit 21 selected on the B side,
The display is performed by the light emitting diode emitting light. That is,
When the TV is operated by the remote control device, the second display unit 26 is displayed.

The operation of the conventional remote controller constructed as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the first dedicated operation section 23 is composed of a plurality of operation buttons 23a. Since the function which can be operated by these operation buttons 23a is a function peculiar to the VTR, the selection operation section 2
It is possible to operate on the VTR independently of the switching state of 1. These operation buttons 23a are respectively VT
It corresponds to the function of R, and one of the operation buttons 23a
When is operated, a remote control code indicating a function corresponding to the operation button 23a is output from the conventional remote control device to the VTR, and at the same time, the first display section 25 is caused to emit light, and the VT
Visually inform the user that R has been operated. An example of the function that can be operated by the operation button 23a of the first dedicated operation unit 23 is reproduction of information recorded on the recording medium by the VTR.

Next, the second dedicated operation section 24 is composed of a plurality of operation buttons 24a. Since the functions that can be operated by these operation buttons 24a are peculiar to the TV, the selection operation section 21
It is possible to operate the TV without depending on the switching state of. Each of these operation buttons 24a corresponds to the function of the TV. When one of the operation buttons 24a is operated, a remote control code indicating the function corresponding to the operation button 24a is transferred from the conventional remote control device to the TV. Simultaneously with the output, the second display unit 26 is caused to emit light to visually inform the user that the operation of the TV has been performed. An example of the function that can be operated by the operation button 24a of the second dedicated operation unit 24 is an external input switching operation for selecting a signal input to the TV from the outside.

Next, the dual-purpose operation section 22 has a plurality of operation buttons 22.
Since the function that can be operated by these operation buttons 22a is common to both the VTR and the TV, it is possible to operate the VTR when the switching state of the selection operation unit 21 is the A side. When the switching state of the selection operation unit 21 is the B side, it is set so that the TV can be operated. These operation buttons 22a correspond to the functions of the VTR and the TV, respectively, and when one of the operation buttons 22a is operated, when the switching state of the selection operation unit 21 is the A side, the operation button 22a corresponds to this operation button 22a. The remote control code indicating the function is output from the conventional remote control device to the VTR, and at the same time, the first display unit 25 is caused to emit light to visually inform the user that the VTR has been operated, and also to select. When the switching state of the operation unit 21 is the B side, the remote control code indicating the function corresponding to the operation button 22a is output from the conventional remote control device to the TV, and at the same time, the second display unit 26 is caused to emit light to cause the TV to be displayed. Visually inform the user that the operation has been performed. An example of a function that can be operated by the operation button 22a of the dual-purpose operation unit 22 is a numeric button. The number buttons are used for recording reservation setting such as recording time and recording channel during VTR operation and recording reservation using the recording reservation system by inputting a number of predetermined digits. On the other hand, when the TV is operated, it is used at the time of initial setting such as receiving channel setting and time setting.

Next, the first power button 27 is used to transmit the power ON / OFF code of the VTR, and also when the user performs the erroneous operation described above on the VTR, Since there is no erroneous operation, the VTR is in a state before the user starts the operation.
Specifically, when the first power button 27 is operated while the power of the VTR is on, the power of the VTR is turned off and the first display section 25 emits light. When the first power button 27 is operated while the power of the VTR is off, the power of the VTR is turned on, and the user performed on the VTR when the power was turned on before the power was turned off. By resetting the uncompleted operation and causing the first display unit 25 to emit light, the user is visually informed that the VTR has been operated. Here, an uncompleted operation means an operation that has not been completed, and a completed operation means an operation that has completed recording in the storage area in the VTR.

Next, the second power button 28 turns on the power source of the TV.
In addition to being used for transmitting the N / OFF code, when the user makes an erroneous operation as described above on the TV, it is considered that there was no such erroneous operation, and the TV before the user starts the operation. It is to make it a state. Specifically, when the power of the TV is on, the second power button 28
When is operated, the power of the TV is turned off and the second display unit 26 emits light. Further, if the second power button 28 is operated while the TV is off, the TV is turned on, and the user performs the operation on the TV when the power is on before the power was off. By resetting the uncompleted operation and causing the second display unit 26 to emit light, the user is visually informed that the operation to the TV has been performed.

[0015]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, when the operation of the VTR is to be reset, the first power button 27 as a reset section is operated, and when the operation of the TV is to be reset, it is used as a reset section. Although it is sufficient to operate the second power button 28, it is not easy to grasp the position of the power button in a remote control device having many operation buttons, and there is a problem that operability is deteriorated. In particular, this problem is remarkable in a remote control device having a plurality of power buttons. For example, when it is desired to reset the VTR, the second power button 28 is operated and the VTR is
There may be a situation in which it cannot be reset.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a remote control device that improves the operability of the user by making it possible to easily grasp the position of the reset operation portion that resets an incomplete operation of the controlled device. With the goal.

[0017]

In order to achieve this object, a remote control device of the present invention is a remote control device capable of operating first and second controlled devices, and operating the first controlled device. And a first dedicated operating means capable of operating the second controlled equipment, a second dedicated operating means capable of operating the second controlled equipment, and either the first or the second controlled equipment. It is provided with a switching means and a reset operation means for resetting the operation of the first and second controlled devices, and the reset means has a structure characterized by emitting light.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the position of the reset operation means for resetting the uncompleted operation of the controlled device and to obtain the remote control device which improves the operability of the user.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a remote control device capable of operating the first and second controlled devices, wherein the first controlled device can be operated. 1 dedicated operating means and 2nd capable of operating the 2nd controlled equipment
Dedicated operating means, switching means for switching either of the first or second controlled equipment to be operable, and reset operating means for resetting the operation of the first and second controlled equipment. The reset means is characterized in that it emits light, and has the effect that the operability of the user can be improved by allowing the user to easily grasp the position of the reset means.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the reset operation means is a power supply operation means capable of switching on and off the power supplies of the first and second controlled devices. The feature is that the reset operation can be performed by a simple operation.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
Will be explained.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remote control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The remote control device according to the first embodiment can remotely control a TV and a VTR, which are a plurality of controlled devices. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a selection operation unit as selection operation means for selecting a controlled device to be operated, which is a two-point switching type switch, and the first controlled device is operated by switching the switching unit 11a to the A side in the figure. VTR, which is a second controlled device, can be operated by switching to the B side in the figure.
Is to be operated. Reference numeral 11a is a switching unit of the selection operation unit. Reference numeral 12 denotes a dual-purpose operation unit as dual-purpose operation means for operating the controlled device selected by the selection operation unit 11, and includes a plurality of operation buttons 12a and the like.
That is, when the switching unit 11a is selected to A in the selection operation unit 11, it becomes possible to operate the VTR,
This is an operation unit that enables operation of the TV when selected to. Reference numeral 13 is a first dedicated operation section as a first dedicated operation means capable of operating the VTR at all times regardless of the selection state of the selection operation section 11.
3a. Reference numeral 14 denotes a second dedicated operation section as a second dedicated operation means that can always operate the TV regardless of the selection state of the selection operation section 11, and is composed of a plurality of operation buttons 14a. Reference numeral 15 denotes a first display section which is a light emitting diode and emits light when a VTR is operated, and 16 is a second display section which is a light emitting diode and emits light when a TV is operated. Is a display part of. 17 is power ON / OF to VTR
It is a first reset operation means having a function of transmitting an F code to turn on / off the power of the VTR, and further having a function of resetting the operation performed by the user on the VTR, and further, the first display unit 15 Is a first power button as a power operating means arranged in the vicinity. Reference numeral 18 denotes a second reset operation means that can send a power ON / OFF code to the TV to turn on / off the power of the TV, and further has a function of resetting an operation performed by the user on the TV. Further, the second display section 16 is a second power button as a power operating means disposed in the vicinity.

Here, in FIG. 1, a VTR and a TV
More buttons than the illustrated buttons may be mounted in accordance with the number of functions of. Further, the display means may be other display means such as a light bulb in addition to the light emitting diode. Further, the first display unit 15 may be mounted on the first power button 17 to be integrated, or the second display unit 16 may be mounted on the second power button 18 to be integrated. In this case, the display unit may be arranged on the upper surface of the power button so that the light emission from the display unit can be directly visually recognized, or the display unit is built in the power button to display a milky white, transparent or translucent image. It may be one that can be visually recognized by covering it with a material such as plastics or glass and allowing the light emission to pass through the material. Further, although the first power button 17 and the second power button 18 have a function of resetting the controlled device, buttons having no reset function but a reset function may be provided.

The operation of the remote control device of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the first dedicated operation section 13 is composed of a plurality of operation buttons 13a. Since the function operable by these operation buttons 13a is a function peculiar to the VTR, the selection operation section 1
It is possible to operate on the VTR independently of the switching state of 1. These operation buttons 13a are respectively VT
It corresponds to the function of R, and one of the operation buttons 13a
When is operated, the remote control code indicating the function corresponding to this operation button 13a is output from the remote control device of the first embodiment to the VTR, and at the same time, the first display section 15 is caused to emit light, and the VTR is operated. To inform the user visually. An example of the function that can be operated by the operation button 13a of the first dedicated operation section 13 is reproduction of information recorded on the recording medium by the VTR.

Next, the second dedicated operation section 14 is composed of a plurality of operation buttons 14a, and the function operable by these operation buttons 14a is a function peculiar to the TV.
It is possible to operate the TV without depending on the switching state of. Each of these operation buttons 14a corresponds to the function of the TV, and when one of the operation buttons 14a is operated, the remote control code indicating the function corresponding to this operation button 14a is changed to the remote control device of the first embodiment. From the TV to the TV at the same time as
Visually inform the user that the operation has been performed. An example of the function that can be operated by the operation button 14a of the second dedicated operation section 14 is an external input switching operation for selecting a signal input to the TV from the outside.

Next, the dual-purpose operation section 12 has a plurality of operation buttons 12.
Since the function which is composed of a and can be operated by these operation buttons 12a is a function common to the VTR and the TV, it is possible to operate the VTR when the switching state of the selection operation unit 11 is the A side. When the switching state of the selection operation unit 11 is the B side, it is set so that the TV can be operated. These operation buttons 12a correspond to the functions of VTR and TV, respectively.
When one of the operation buttons 12a is operated and the switching state of the selection operation section 11 is on the A side, a remote control code indicating a function corresponding to this operation button 12a is output from the remote control device of the first embodiment to the VTR, and at the same time. First display unit 15
The user is visually informed that the VTR has been operated by causing the selection operation unit 11 to operate.
Is switched to the B side, the remote control code indicating the function corresponding to the operation button 12a is output from the remote control device according to the first embodiment to the TV, and at the same time, the second display unit 16 is caused to emit light, thereby displaying the TV. Visually inform the user that the operation has been performed. An example of the function that can be operated by the operation button 12a of the dual-purpose operation unit 12 is a numeric button. The number buttons are used for recording reservation setting such as recording time and recording channel during VTR operation and recording reservation using the recording reservation system by inputting a number of predetermined digits. On the other hand, when the TV is operated, it is used at the time of initial setting such as setting of receiving channel and time. Even when the user operates the dual-purpose operating unit 12 without sufficiently checking the switching state of the selection operating unit 11, when the dual-purpose operating unit 12 is operated, the first power button 17
Which of the VTR and the controlled device is operated by illuminating the first display unit 15 arranged near the display unit 16 or the second display unit 16 arranged on the second power button 18 Since it can be easily checked, it is possible to prevent a user's erroneous operation.

Next, the first display section 15 has the first power button 1
7 is arranged in the vicinity of 7, and when the VTR is operated by the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it emits light to visually inform the user that the VTR has been operated. Further, the second display unit 16 is arranged in the vicinity of the second power button 18, and when the TV is operated by the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the second display unit 16 emits light to visually Notify the user that the TV was operated.

Next, the first power button 17 is used to transmit the power ON / OFF code of the VTR, and the VT
It is used to reset the operation of R. Also,
When the first power button 17 is operated, the first display section 15 emits light. At this time, when the user operates the VTR, the first display unit 15 arranged near the first power button 17 emits light, so that even if the VTR is erroneously operated, the user can Since it is possible to easily recognize that the VTR is erroneously operated, it becomes easy to determine which controlled device should be reset. Further, since the first display portion 15 which emits light and can visually notify the user is arranged in the vicinity of the first power button 17, the first power button having a reset function and used frequently. The user can easily recognize the position of 17. Here, resetting the operation of the VTR means that when the user operates the VTR, the operation is not performed.
Is the state before the user starts the operation. Specifically, it is the first when the power of the VTR is on.
When the power button 17 of is operated, the power of the VTR is turned off,
If the first power button 17 is operated while the power of the VTR is off, the power of the VTR is turned on, and the VTR is powered on immediately before the power was turned off. Reset the operation of completion. Here, an uncompleted operation means an operation that has not been completed, and a completed operation means an operation that has completed recording in the storage area in the VTR. That is, when the user wants to reset the operation performed on the VTR, the first power button 17
To turn off the power of the VTR and then to the VTR.
The power is turned on to reset.

Next, the second power button 18 turns on the power source of the TV.
It is used not only for transmitting the N / OFF code, but also for resetting the operation of the TV. Also, the second
When the power button 18 of is operated, the second display portion 16 emits light. At this time, when the user operates the TV, the first display unit 1 arranged near the first power button 17
Since 5 emits light, even if an erroneous operation is performed on the TV, the user can easily recognize that the erroneous operation is performed on the TV instead of the VTR. Therefore, which controlled device should be reset? Make decisions about things easier. In addition, the second display unit 16 that emits light to visually notify the user is the second power button 18
Since it is arranged in the vicinity of, the user can easily grasp the position of the second power button 18 having a reset function and frequently used. Here, resetting the operation of the TV means that when the user operates the TV, it means that the user has not operated the TV, and the TV is set to a state before the user starts the operation. . Specifically, if the second power button 18 is operated while the TV is on, the power of the TV is turned off, and if the second power button 18 is operated while the power of the TV is turned off, Reset the uncompleted operation performed by the user on the TV while the power of the TV is turned on and immediately before the power is turned off. Here, the uncompleted operation means an operation which has not been completed, and the completed operation means an operation which has completed recording in the storage area in the TV. That is,
When the user wants to reset the operation performed on the TV, the second power button 18 is operated, the power of the TV is once turned off, and then the power of the TV is turned on, whereby the reset is performed.

Next, the user selects the first embodiment of the present invention.
Regarding the operation when operating the VTR and the TV with the remote control device, the operation when the user sets the recording reservation of the VTR while watching the screen of the TV by using the OSD function will be specifically described.

First, the first power button 17 is operated to operate the VTR.
Power on. At this time, the first display unit 15 emits light. Next, the second power button 18 is operated to turn on the TV. At this time, the second display unit 16 emits light. Then the second
The dedicated operation unit 14 is operated to switch the external input of the TV and display the input image from the VTR on the screen of the TV. When operating the dedicated operation unit 14, the second display unit 1
6 emits light. Next, by setting the switching unit 11a of the selection operation unit 11 to the A side and operating the channel selection button or the like of the dual-purpose operation unit 12 a plurality of times, the recording reservation of the VTR is set using the OSD function. Each time the operation buttons 12a of the dual-purpose operation section 12 are operated once, the first display section 15 emits light. At this time, since the first display unit 15 emits light, the VTR can be operated a plurality of times by the VTR.
The user can easily recognize that the operation is being performed on. When the user makes an erroneous operation while setting the recording reservation for this VTR, that is, while operating the dual-purpose operation section 12, the first display section 1 that emits light when the erroneous operation is performed.
The first power button 17 near 5 is operated to power off the VTR. After that, the first power button 17 is operated to turn on the power of the VTR again. Then, the erroneous operation performed by the user before turning off the power is reset. Thus, when an erroneous operation is performed, the erroneous operation can be reset by operating the power button in the vicinity of the display unit that emits light immediately before the operation. The operability for the user is improved because it can be reset by a simple operation. Next, the dual-purpose operation unit 12 is operated to correctly set the recording reservation, and the process is completed. Finally, the second power button 18 is operated to turn off the power of the TV, thereby ending a series of operations.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the first power button 17 and the second power button 18 are provided with a reset function in addition to the power on / off function, so that the frequency of use by the user is increased. Since the first display unit 15 and the second display unit 16 are respectively arranged in the vicinity, the user can determine which of the VTR and TV controlled devices is being operated. It can be easily confirmed, and the user can easily find and operate the power button that is frequently used. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a remote control device that can improve the operability of the user.

More specifically, since the power button also has a reset function when the user makes an erroneous operation, the VTR can be operated by operating the first power button 17 or the second power button 18.
Alternatively, it is possible to reset the erroneous operation on the TV and restart the operation from the beginning, which is convenient for the user. Furthermore, if you have any questions, rather than learning various operations not only in case of erroneous operation but also in normal operation, you can use the power button if you need to remember it, or if the operation provided on the remote control device When the desired function cannot be achieved by operating the button only once, it is often the case that the function can be achieved by simply operating the power button, which is also convenient for the user. For example, in the following cases, the user can operate the VTR or T by using the remote control device of the first embodiment.
V can be easily operated. First, as an example, when the user wants to stop the cueing operation of the VTR that occurs when the user uses the program navigation function for the VTR, the head is operated by operating the stop button provided on the remote control device. Although the ejecting operation can be stopped, it can be said that operating the first power button 17 that emits light is easier to find the button and has higher operability for the user than searching and operating the stop button. Secondly, when the user wants to stop the VTR search operation that occurs when the user uses the above-mentioned automatic channel preset function for the VTR, the operation of the stop button equipped on the remote control device The operation cannot be stopped, and it is necessary to perform an operation to stop the search operation with the menu button. With such an operation, the position of the menu button cannot be easily grasped, and more operation procedures are required. On the other hand, according to the remote control device of the first embodiment, the VTR search operation can be stopped by operating the first power button 17, and the first power button 1
Since the configuration is such that the first display portion 15 that emits light to 7 is mounted, the position of the first power button 17 can be easily grasped and the reset operation can be easily performed.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, by disposing the light emitting display portion in the vicinity of the power button having the function of resetting the operation of the operated device, the position of the power button which is frequently operated can be easily adjusted. Since the user can grasp the information, the user can easily perform the reset operation of the operated device, and the excellent effect of obtaining the remote control device with improved operability for the user is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remote control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional remote control device.

[Explanation of symbols] 11 Selection operation section 11a switching unit 12 Dual-purpose operation unit 12a Dual-purpose operation button 13 First dedicated operation unit 13a Operation button of first dedicated operation section 14 Second dedicated operation section 14a Operation button of the second dedicated operation section 15 First display 16 Second display 17 First power button 18 Second power button

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5C018 HA11 HA12                 5C056 AA01 BA01 BA05 BA08 EA05                 5K048 AA04 BA03 DA02 DB02 EB09                       HA01 HA24

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A remote control device capable of operating first and second controlled devices, the first dedicated operating means capable of operating the first controlled device, and the second controlled device. Second dedicated operating means capable of operating a device, switching means for switching one of the first or second controlled device to be operable, and the first and second controlled devices A remote control device comprising: reset operation means for resetting the operation of the device, wherein the reset means emits light. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the reset operation means is a power supply operation means capable of switching on and off the power supplies of the first and second controlled devices.