JP3583953B2 - Operation guide device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to an operation guide device that guides a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of a video tape recorder to perform a desired operation without error.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a video tape recorder generates message character information using an on-screen display function and presents the message character information to a monitor (telephone) via a video signal line in order to present the operating status of the video tape recorder to a user.
To display the message characters on a monitor screen. For example, when a menu button provided on a remote controller of a video tape recorder is pressed, a current reception channel number, a tape running state, a tape position, a reproduction speed (normal speed / 3 times speed), or a CM cut is displayed on a monitor screen. The valid / invalid state is displayed. By looking at the screen display, the user notices that, for example, the user has attempted to record with the CM cut enabled, but the CM cut is disabled.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional technique, there is a dissatisfaction that the user cannot obtain the message character information unless the monitor is turned on to display the screen. Normally, when operating a video tape recorder, the monitor is turned on, so it can be said that there is not much dissatisfaction as described above. However, when performing a scheduled recording operation or the like in the video tape recorder, the monitor is always turned on. It is not necessary, and in such a case, it is very inconvenient to use if the monitor is turned on one by one to confirm the operation.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an operation guide device that can guide an operation of a video tape recorder without depending on a function of a monitor screen display.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An operation guide device according to the present invention includes: an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information of a video tape recorder; a message identification unit that identifies a message based on information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit; Voice output means for performing the above-mentioned voice output.
[0006]
With the above configuration, a message regarding the operation of the video tape recorder, for example, a message such as “Recording with CM cut”, “Recording at 3 × speed”, “Reserved recording accepted” is given to the user. Therefore, even a user unfamiliar with the operation can perform the desired operation without error. Since the voice is displayed instead of the character display, the message can be transmitted to the user regardless of the screen display function of the monitor, and the trouble of turning on the monitor one by one to obtain the message is eliminated.
[0007]
Here, for example, even if the above-mentioned audio guide “Reservation recording has been accepted” is issued, if the user mistakenly sets the nail clipper cassette tape, the recording will not be performed.
[0008]
The above operation information obtaining means is configured to obtain information by inspecting a matter that is an obstacle in performing the operation instructed by the user by the video tape recorder, and the message determining means is configured to obtain the information that is an obstacle. Preferably, it is configured to determine the message correspondingly.
[0009]
According to this, for example, as described above, when a nail break cassette tape is erroneously set, a nail break that is an obstacle to the recording operation is detected, and in response to the nail break, "tape of the tape is broken. "Please change the tape more and more." Of course, an appropriate audio guide can be performed even when performing an operation other than such a recording operation.
[0010]
The operation information obtaining means is configured to obtain the presence / absence information of a video signal, and the message determining means selects a message prepared for no signal when receiving information indicating no video signal. It is good to be constituted.
[0011]
According to this, for example, in dubbing, when no video signal is transmitted from another video tape recorder, a no signal is detected, and a message such as "no signal" is generated in response to the no signal. It will be selected and uttered. Of course, appropriate voice guidance can be performed even in a non-signal state other than such a case.
[0012]
It is preferable to provide control means for controlling the validity / invalidity of the voice output of the message. A user who finds the voice guide troublesome can disable the voice generation by operating the remote controller, for example. Further, the control means may be configured to enable the sound output of the message when the monitor is turned off. According to this, it is also possible to perform control by voice message guidance when the monitor is turned off and guidance by text message when the monitor is turned on.
[0013]
Further, the operation guide device of the present invention obtains the operation information of the video tape recorder and stores the operation information, and the information stored in the operation information storage unit is arranged so that the order of acquisition can be understood. Information presenting means for communicating to the user. Preferably, the information presentation means includes a message determination means for determining a message based on information stored in the operation information storage means, and a voice output means for outputting a voice of the determined message.
[0014]
With such a configuration, since some past information regarding the operation of the video tape recorder is clarified in the context and presented by voice or the like, what kind of operation has been performed in the past or what kind of operation has been performed There is an advantage that it is possible to know whether or not a malfunction has occurred at the stage of the operation, and to know the cause of the malfunction, or to know that a malfunction is not actually a malfunction even if it is thought to be a malfunction.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0016]
FIG. 1 shows the processing functions of the microcomputer 20 in the video tape recorder in which the operation guide device according to this embodiment is incorporated in a block form, and clarifies the relationship between each functional block and the signals input to the block. . The microcomputer 20 includes a storage circuit such as a ROM and a RAM, a CPU, an I / O circuit, and the like. Control programs for each control stored in the ROM and each functional block are executed by the CPU that executes these programs. And the exchange of each functional block with each signal is realized by the I / O circuit. Each signal is obtained by various sensors (not shown) or obtained by operating an operation unit (operation panel or remote controller).
[0017]
The functional blocks 4 to 13 constitute operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information of the video tape recorder. This operation information acquisition means is to inspect and obtain information by obstructing items that are obstacles in performing the operation instructed by the user by the video tape recorder, to acquire the presence / absence information of the video signal, and other information Do that.
[0018]
The functional blocks involved in obtaining the failure inspection information include a tape detection unit 6, a mode determination unit 7, a timer reservation processing unit (reservation setting / execution processing) 9, and a tape remaining amount determination unit 13. For example, when the mode discriminating unit 7 discriminates that the recording key has been pressed, the tape detecting unit 6 examines the presence or absence of a cassette or a broken nail and obtains the information. As a functional block related to the no-signal information acquisition, there is a no-signal detection unit 4. Other functional blocks for acquiring information include a head dirt determining unit 5, a power ON / OFF determining unit 8, a remote control processing unit (code setting / clock design / battery consumption determining) 10, a BS antenna short circuit determining unit 11, and a power failure. There is a processing unit 12. The processing by these functional blocks will be described later using a flowchart.
[0019]
The message discriminating unit 3 discriminates a message based on information provided from each functional block that is an operation information acquiring unit. For example, when the information that a cassette tape is not inserted is provided, the message “Please insert a cassette” is selected, and when the information that there is no signal is provided, the message “No signal” is selected. . As an example of the structure, a table structure in which the provided information is associated with a code specifying the message can be considered.
[0020]
The speech synthesis control unit 2 performs editing processing of words and endings included in the selected message, and outputs the edited data (speech synthesis data). For example, if the message is "no signal", data indicating "no signal" and "is" are output in association with each other. The output editing data is sent to the voice synthesis IC 14 via the ON / OFF control unit 1. The ON / OFF control unit 1 controls validity / invalidity of voice generation, that is, controls whether or not to send the edit data to the voice synthesis IC 14 based on a guidance voice ON / OFF signal. The guidance voice ON / OFF signal is transmitted by a user's remote control operation or the like. The speech synthesis IC 14 has coded data obtained by compression-encoding words and endings of a person (utterances such as “no signal” and “is”), and edits sent from the speech synthesis control unit 2. Based on the data, selection of encoded data, decoding thereof, and audio signal conversion processing (D / A conversion) are performed. The amplifier 15 amplifies the output audio signal and provides it to the speaker 16. Sound is output by the speaker 16. The speaker 16 is provided on the video tape recorder itself.
[0021]
As a method of outputting the voice of the message, in addition to the above-described method, for example, the voice synthesis control unit generates a character string (character code) constituting the message and outputs the generated character string to the voice synthesis unit. It is also possible to adopt a method of dividing into phoneme units, selecting a corresponding waveform, and outputting the selected waveform to an amplifier. Furthermore, a method is employed in which a character string generated by an on-screen display (OSD) function is received by a voice synthesis unit, and the voice synthesis unit divides the character string into phoneme units, selects a corresponding waveform, and outputs the selected waveform to an amplifier. May be.
[0022]
Next, the voice guidance processing based on the failure inspection information will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, when a reproduction key, a rewind key, or a fast-forward key is operated (step S1), it is determined whether a cassette tape is inserted in the player (step S2). If a cassette tape has not been inserted, a "cassette not inserted" is uttered (step S3). If a cassette tape has been inserted, the process returns to the normal process without speaking.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, when the recording key is operated (step S4), it is determined whether a cassette tape is inserted in the player (step S5). If a cassette tape has not been inserted, "cassette not inserted" is uttered (step S6). If a cassette tape has been inserted, it is determined whether or not the nail is broken (step S7). If the nail is broken, a "cassette check" is uttered (step S8). If the nail is not broken, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 4, when a timer reservation setting operation is performed (step S9),
It is determined whether the timer reservation is full (step S10). When the timer reservation is full, "reservation full" is uttered (step S11). If the timer reservation is not full, it is determined whether or not a non-station channel has been designated (step S12). This determination can be made based on the channel (video channel) number used for television recording and the setting status of the receiving channel. If an unassigned channel (number) has been designated, "reserved channel error" is uttered (step S13). If no channel has been designated, it is determined whether clock setting has not been performed (step S14). If the clock setting has not been performed, "time setting required" is uttered (step S15). When the clock setting is performed, the process returns to the normal process without speaking.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the timer reservation setting operation is completed (step S16), it is determined whether or not a cassette tape is inserted in the player (step S17). If a cassette tape has not been inserted, a "cassette not inserted" is uttered (step S18). If a cassette tape has been inserted, it is determined whether the nail is broken (step S19). If the nail is broken, a "cassette check" is uttered (step S20). If the nail is not broken, it is determined whether it is the tape end (step S21). In the case of the tape end, "cassette confirmation" is uttered (step S22). If it is not the tape end, it is determined whether or not the remaining tape is insufficient (step S23). If the remaining amount of tape is insufficient, the user issues "insufficient recording time" (step S24). If the remaining amount of the tape is not insufficient, the process returns to the normal process without speaking.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on or during reproduction (step S25), it is determined whether or not it is 5 minutes before the execution of the timer reservation (step S26). If it is not 5 minutes before the timer reservation is executed, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice. Five minutes before the timer reservation starts,
"Before starting scheduled recording" is uttered (step S27). Next, it is determined whether or not a cassette tape has been inserted into the player (step S28). If a cassette tape has not been inserted, a "cassette not inserted" is uttered (step S29). If a cassette tape has been inserted, it is determined whether or not the nail is broken (step S30). If the nail is broken, a "cassette check" is uttered (step S31). If the nail is not broken, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice.
[0028]
Next, the voice guidance processing based on no-signal information will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 7, after a reception channel setting (step S32) performed at the time of installation of the video tape recorder, for example, when a certain channel is designated (step S33), it is determined whether or not a video signal is received in the channel (step S33). No signal is detected) (step S34). If the video signal has not been received, "currently no signal" is uttered (step S35). If a video signal has been received, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 8, when switching from channel input to line input or switching from line input to channel input is performed in a so-called EE mode in which recording / reproduction is not performed (step S36), a video signal is received in that channel. Or whether a video signal is supplied to the line (no signal) (step S37). If no video signal is detected, "no signal" is uttered (step S38). When a video signal is detected, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 9, in the recording state (step S39), the presence or absence of a video signal to be recorded (whether there is no signal) is detected (step S40). If there is no video signal, "no signal" is uttered (step S41). If there is a video signal, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 10, in the playback state (step S42), the presence or absence of a playback video signal (whether there is no signal) is detected (step S43). If there is no video signal, "no signal" is uttered (step S44). If there is a video signal, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice.
[0033]
Next, the voice guidance processing based on other information will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 11, it is detected whether or not the remote control code set on the main body side is different from the setting on the remote control side (steps S45 and S46). That is, there are cases where there are settings of “1” and “2”, and the setting of the remote controller side is set to “2” while the setting of the main body is “1”, for example. For example, when a signal is received from the remote controller and the signal does not correspond to any command, it can be determined that the remote controller code is different. If the remote control codes are different, "remote control code confirmation" is uttered (step S47). If there is no difference, the process returns to the normal process without speaking.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 12, in the antenna connection confirmation processing (step S48), it is determined whether the BS antenna is short-circuited (step S49). The BS antenna has a built-in converter without a power supply, and a driving current is supplied to this converter using an antenna cable. A current detection circuit is connected to the antenna cable, and when the antenna cable is short-circuited (short-circuited), the short-circuit of the BS antenna can be detected by the current detection circuit. When the detection signal is received from the current detection circuit, "Possibility of short-circuit of BS antenna" is uttered (step S50).
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 13, when a remote control operation is performed (step S51), it is determined whether the remote control battery is exhausted (step S52). This determination can be made, for example, based on whether the level of the signal transmitted from the remote controller is lower than the reference level. When it is determined that the battery is exhausted, "remote controller battery exhaustion" is uttered (step S53). When it is determined that the battery is not exhausted, the process returns to the normal process without producing a voice.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 14, when the power is restored or the power is turned on again (when the outlet is unplugged and plugged in again) (step S54), it is determined whether the clock setting has been cleared (step S55). If the clock setting has been cleared, say “Please set the time”. If the clock setting is not cleared, the process returns to the normal process without speaking.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 15, it is detected whether the head is dirty based on the reproduced video signal (steps S57 and S58). The detection of dirt on the head can be determined, for example, based on whether the amplitude (envelope level) of the reproduced video signal is lower than a reference level. When it is determined that the head is dirty, "possible head dirt" is uttered (step S59). If it is determined that the head is not dirty, the process returns to the normal process without producing a sound.
[0039]
As described above, a message relating to the operation of the video tape recorder is appropriately given to the user, so that even a user unfamiliar with the operation of the video tape recorder can perform a desired operation without error. Especially, among the messages related to the operation of the video tape recorder, there are messages that prompt the user to take appropriate actions for erroneous operations that the user tends to fall into when using the video tape recorder, and situations that cause the user to mistakenly think that a malfunction has occurred and the causes. The message that informs the user is very useful. Since the message is not a character display but a sound, the message can be transmitted to the user regardless of the monitor screen display function, and the trouble of turning on the monitor one by one to acquire the message is eliminated.
[0040]
Next, the voice guide valid / invalid processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. It is determined whether ON or OFF has been specified in the voice guide setting (steps S60 and S61). If ON is specified, the ON / OFF control unit 1 converts the voice synthesis data from the voice synthesis control unit 2 into the voice synthesis IC 14. (Step S62), and when OFF is specified, the ON / OFF control unit 1 does not supply the voice synthesis data from the voice synthesis control unit 2 to the voice synthesis IC 14 (step S63).
[0041]
As described above, since the voice guide can be selected as valid / invalid, a user who thinks the voice guide is troublesome can invalidate the voice guide by, for example, operating a remote controller. It should be noted that control may be adopted such that voice guidance is performed when the monitor is turned off, and text message guidance is performed when the monitor is turned on. The ON / OFF determination of the monitor requires a configuration for the video tape recorder independent of the television, but the television with a video tape recorder can be easily determined without a special structure.
[0042]
Next, a configuration useful for determining a failure of the video tape recorder or the like will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 17, the microcomputer 20 stores and controls information on modes (recording, playback, timer recording, etc.) accepted by the video tape recorder and information on normal transition / non-transition of the mode. To the part 17. For example, if the information about the mode is 3 bits and the information about the normal transition / non-transition of the mode is 1 bit, one information set has 4 bits. As an example, if the upper three bits “000” indicate recording, and the lower one bit is “1” indicating normal transition, and “0” indicates non-transition, “recording” + “normal transition” Is represented as "0001". The storage control unit 17 stores the received information set in the history storage unit 18.
[0043]
The history storage unit 18 is configured using a shift register or the like that stores, for example, N (for example, 10) information sets. The history storage unit 18 is configured to store a new information set when ten information sets are already stored and to erase the oldest information set when a new information set is input. May be. Alternatively, by the processing of the storage control unit 17, for example, in the case where the transfer failure continuously occurs, the control to stop the subsequent storage so as to retain the operation content at that time and the operation content before that, and further, Later, when a normal shift is detected, control for returning to normal storage processing may be performed. Note that N may be fixed or may be set by the user.
[0044]
Further, when receiving the read command from the microcomputer 20, the storage control unit 17 reads out the information sets from the history storage unit 18, for example, in the order of oldest to newest, and supplies the information sets to the message determination unit 3. Here, the message discriminating unit 3 performs “recording”,
It is assumed that a mode name such as “playback” and a voice message that utters the result of “normal transition” or “transition failure” are also prepared. When receiving the 4-bit information set “0001” from the storage control unit 17, the message determination unit 3 selects the voice messages “recording” and “normal transition”. The edit data forming the selected voice message is output by the voice synthesis control unit 2 and becomes a voice signal through the voice synthesis IC 14, and the “recording normal transition” is uttered by the amplifier 15 and the speaker 16.
[0045]
Next, a series of processes performed by the storage control unit 17 will be briefly described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, information on a mode (recording, playback, timer recording, etc.) and information on normal transition / non-transition of the mode are received (steps S70 and S71), and a storage process of this information is performed (step S72). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a history reading command (step S73). If there is a reading command, information is read from the history storage unit 18 (step S74). Note that the microcomputer 20 determines the operation of the read key using a remote controller or the like, and transmits the read command to the storage control unit 17.
[0046]
With such a configuration, some information in the past regarding the operation of the video tape recorder is clarified in the context and presented by voice, so what kind of operation was performed in the past or how It is possible to know whether or not a malfunction has occurred at the stage of performing an appropriate operation, and to know the cause of the malfunction.
[0047]
In addition, there is a possibility that it may be understood that the failure is not actually a failure even though the failure is considered. For example, if the history information is presented as “Recording normal transition” → “Tape removal transition impossible”, the failure to remove the tape is not a failure,
It can be seen that this is because the video was in the recording state.
[0048]
Although the history information is presented by a voice message, text information indicating the history may be displayed on the monitor screen using the on-screen display function. Further, when the monitor is turned off, It is also possible to adopt a control in which history information is presented by a voice message, and when the monitor is turned on, history information is presented by a text message.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a message relating to the operation of the video tape recorder is given to the user, so that even a user unfamiliar with the operation can perform a desired operation without error. And since it is not a character display but an audio guide, the message can be conveyed to the user regardless of the screen display function of the monitor, and the advantage of eliminating the trouble of turning on the monitor one by one to acquire the message is eliminated. is there.
[0050]
In addition, if the configuration is such that audio guidance is provided for an obstacle to performing an operation instructed by the user, or if audio guidance is performed by acquiring information on the presence or absence of a video signal, the user can more appropriately perform a desired operation. It can be carried out.
[0051]
With a configuration including a control unit that controls the validity / invalidity of voice generation based on voice message data, voice generation can be disabled when it is considered that the voice is troublesome.
[0052]
If the configuration is such that voice generation by voice message data is enabled when the monitor is off, guidance is provided by voice message when the monitor is off, and guidance is provided by text message when the monitor is on. Such control becomes possible.
[0053]
With a configuration in which the operation information of the video tape recorder is acquired and the information is acquired and the order in which the information is acquired is transmitted to the user by voice or the like, what kind of operation has been performed in the past and what kind of operation has been performed There are advantages such as knowing whether or not a failure has occurred at the time of the failure, and knowing the cause of the failure, or knowing that the failure was considered to have not actually occurred.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing functions of a microcomputer in a video tape recorder in which an operation guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated, in the form of blocks.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance process based on fault inspection information.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guide process based on fault inspection information.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of voice guidance processing based on fault inspection information.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance process based on fault inspection information.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guide process based on fault inspection information.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guide process using no-signal information.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of voice guidance processing based on no-signal information.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of voice guidance processing based on no-signal information.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance process based on no-signal information.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a voice guidance process based on other information.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance process based on other information.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance process based on other information.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance process based on other information.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a voice guidance process based on other information.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a voice guide valid / invalid process.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration useful for determining a failure or the like of a video tape recorder.
18 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a storage control unit in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ON / OFF control unit
2 Voice synthesis control unit
3 Voice message discriminator
4 No signal detector
5 Head dirt determination unit
6 Tape detector
7 Mode discriminator
8 Power ON / OFF discriminator
9 Timer reservation processing section
10 Remote control processor
11 BS antenna short circuit determination unit
12 Power failure processing unit
13 Tape remaining amount determination unit
14 Voice synthesis IC
15 amplifier
16 speakers
17 Memory control unit
18 History storage unit

Claims (2)

Operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information of a video tape recorder, message identification means for identifying a message based on the information acquired by the operation information acquisition means, and audio output means for outputting audio of the identified message And an operation guide device comprising:
Control means for controlling the validity / invalidity of the audio output of the message and monitor detecting means for detecting ON / OFF of the monitor connected to the video tape recorder, wherein the audio output of the message is detected when the OFF of the monitor is detected. An operation guide device characterized by being activated. The operation guide device according to claim 1, wherein the operation guide is used for a television with a video tape recorder.

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