JPH04109793A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify key arrangement and to improve operability by arranging a confirmation key to an input device in which the arrangement of entry keys is changed in response to plural modes, displaying the set mode through the depression of the confirmation key and lighting an illumination lamp illuminating the input section. CONSTITUTION:A '?' key 122 is arranged on a remote commander 10. The '?' key 122 has a function of a help key. When the '?' key 122 is depressed, a character representing a set mode is displayed with scroll onto a character display section 120 and an illumination lamp 44 is lighted, When the '?' key 122 is kept depressed for several seconds, the 'HOME' mode in which lots of keys are once arranged is set. Thus, any confusion is solved by only finding out the location of the '?' key 122 and the operation is attained even in a dark state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an input device used for remotely controlling electronic equipment such as a VTR.

[Summary of the invention]

The present invention provides an input device in which a plurality of modes can be set and the arrangement of input keys changes depending on the mode, in which a help key is provided, and when the help key is pressed, the setting mode is displayed and the input section is opened. The illumination lamp that illuminates the device helps users when they become confused, and allows operation even in the dark.

This invention makes it possible to deal with user confusion by entering the full display setting mode when the help key is pressed for a predetermined period of time or more.

[Conventional technology]

A remote commander is used to remotely control electronic equipment such as a VTR. Conventional Norimote Commanders have keys arranged to correspond to individual operations. For this reason,
For example, when operating an electronic device such as a VTR used for editing that allows various operation settings to be made, a large number of keys are arranged on the remote commander.

In other words, in order to operate such a VTR, the remote commander must be equipped with operation setting keys such as play, stop, fast forward, and rewind, as well as editing keys such as variable speed playback and still image playback. It is necessary to set Furthermore, it is necessary to provide a key for setting a timer. Therefore, a very large number of keys are arranged on the remote commander.

Therefore, a mote commander can be considered, in which a touch panel is disposed on the LCD display, and input can be performed by pressing the touch panel at the coordinates of the keys shown on the LCD display. When the touch panel is disposed on the LCD display in this way, the key arrangement can be changed according to each mode, the key arrangement can be simplified, and the operability can be improved.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] As described above, in a remote commander whose key arrangement changes depending on each mode, the current setting mode becomes unclear and the user becomes confused as to how to operate the keys. there is a possibility. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a help key to help users when they are confused. And such a help key needs to be sufficient to deal with user confusion.

It is also conceivable that the remote commander will be used in the dark. In this manner, in consideration of the case where the remote commander is used in the dark, it is conceivable to provide an illumination lamp that illuminates the key operation section formed by stacking the touch panel on the LCD display. However, even if such an illumination lamp is installed, the illumination lamp is of no use unless the key to turn on the illumination lamp can be found in the darkness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an input device with keys to assist the user in times of confusion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can be operated reliably even in the dark.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The present invention provides an input device in which a plurality of modes can be set and the arrangement of input keys changes depending on the mode, in which a confirmation key is provided, and when the confirmation key is pressed, the setting mode is changed. The input device is characterized in that an illumination lamp that illuminates the input section is turned on at the same time as the display is displayed.

The present invention is an input device that enters an all-display setting mode when a confirmation key is pressed for a predetermined time or longer.

[Effect]

The remote commander 10 is provided with a "?" key 122, which has the function of a help key. When this "?" key 122 is pressed, a character indicating the set mode is displayed. is scrolled and displayed on the character display section 120, and the illumination lamp 44 is illuminated. Furthermore, if this "?" key 122 is held down for several seconds, the system enters the [HOME] mode in which a large number of keys are arranged at once.

Therefore, as long as you know the location of the "?" key 122, you can deal with any confusion and can operate it even in the dark.

〔Example〕

Examples of the present invention will be described in the following order.

a. Overview of the VTR body; Internal configuration of the VTR body; Display j, About the mode of the remote commander, Basic operation method of the remote commander 1, Processing when the time is not set m, Calendar and time settings n, Timer setting 0, Memory bank function p, Reservation details Confirmation and change q, operation of other equipment a, outline of the VTR body Figures 1A and 1B show a VTR to which the present invention is applied.
The main body 1 is shown as a whole. Figure 1 A and 1
In FIG. B, a transparent touch panel 2 is provided on the entire surface of the VTR main body 1 as a door that covers the entire front panel IA. FIG. 1A shows the state when the transparent touch panel 2 is closed, and FIG. 1B shows the state when the transparent touch panel 2 is opened. This transparent touch panel 2 is provided with a plurality of operation keys, as will be explained later. As shown in FIG. 1B, the state of the VTR 1 is set by opening the transparent touch panel 2 and operating the operation keys arranged on the transparent touch panel 2. Note that this transparent touch panel 2 is connected to the eject key 150 (10th key) of the remote commander 10, as explained later.
(See Figure I).

As shown in FIG. 1B, when the transparent touch panel 2 on the entire surface of the VTR body 1 is opened, the cassette insertion slot 3 is exposed.

A cassette is loaded into this cassette insertion port 3. Also, on the front panel IA of this VTR body 1, the VTR
Display lamp 4 that displays the operating status of the main unit 1, such as power on/off, recording mode, auto tracking, etc.; Display 5 that displays the setting status of the tape counter, time, operating mode, channel, etc.; and Display section 6 that displays the tape running status. will be placed. Note that the display 5 can selectively display adjustment states such as tracking, audio level, sharpness, etc., as will be explained later. Since the transparent touch panel 2 is transparent, the transparent touch panel 2
Even in the closed state, the display on the display lamp 4, the display 5, and the tape running state display on the display section 6 can be viewed through the transparent touch panel 2.

Further, a light transmitting/receiving section 7 is provided on the front panel IA of the VTR main body 1. The operating state of the VTR body 1 can be controlled remotely using a remote commander 10, which will be explained later. This remote commander 10 is capable of bidirectional communication.

This command signal from the remote commander 10 is transmitted as an infrared signal, and this signal is received by the light transmitting/receiving section 7. A signal indicating VTR operating status such as playback, stop, -time stop, and recording, status information such as recording mode, input mode, recording time, remaining tape amount, timer reservation, reservation confirmation, and timer information such as current time. is transmitted as an infrared signal from the light transmitting/receiving section 7 of the VTR body 1 as necessary, and this signal is received by the remote commander 10.

In this way, the transparent touch panel 2 is provided on the front panel IA of the VTR main body 1 so that it can be opened and closed freely.
By operating this transparent touch panel 2, various operating states can be set. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange a plurality of operation keys on the front panel IA, and the design can be improved. Furthermore, the operation keys arranged on the transparent touch panel 2 can be operated with a light touch, improving operability. Furthermore, since the transparent touch panel 2 is transparent, various displays can be viewed even when the transparent touch panel 2 is closed.

b. Internal configuration of the VTR body FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the VTR main body 1. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, 11 is a system controller, and 12 is a mode controller. System controller 11
and the mode controller 12 are bidirectionally connected.

When operation keys arranged on a transparent touch panel 2 provided on the front surface of the VTR main body 1 are operated, the operation signals are supplied from the touch panel 2 to the system controller 11. Further, when the operation keys arranged on the remote commander 10 are operated, a command signal is transmitted from the remote commander 10, and this command signal is received by the light receiving element 7A.

This signal is transmitted from the light receiving element 7A to the system controller 11.
supplied to Then, a signal indicating the setting state of the VTR main body 1 is outputted from the system controller 11 as necessary, and transmitted from the light emitting element 7B.

When a command signal is supplied to the system controller 11, this command is supplied to the mode controller 12, and the mode controller 12 sets an operating mode.

Depending on the set operating state, the display lamp 4, display 5, and tape running state display section 6 display information.

A rotary head is arranged on the drum 14. drum 14
The operating state of is set by the mode controller 12. During playback, a recording signal on the tape is played back by a rotary head disposed on the drum 14, and the playback output is supplied to the recording/playback circuit 15. In the recording/reproducing circuit 15, a luminance signal is demodulated from the reproduced FM modulated luminance signal, and the carrier frequency of the reproduced low-frequency converted chroma signal is set to a predetermined frequency (for example, 3
゜58M)tz). This reproduced signal is output from the input/output terminal 16.

During recording, a video signal from the tuner circuit 29 or the input/output terminal 16 is supplied to the recording/playback port FIIr15. Then, the luminance signal is FM-modulated, the chroma signal is low-frequency converted, and is recorded on the tape by the rotating head of the drum 14.

When the power is turned on by operating the remote controller 10, the drum 14 is immediately rotated for, for example, 30 seconds.

In this manner, by rotating the drum 14 for a predetermined period of time when the power is turned on, the playback screen can be displayed immediately when playback is started from the power on.

Note that three types of modes (βI, βH1βm) having different tape speeds can be set as the recording mode, and a normal mode and a high band mode can be set.

17 is a timer circuit. Using this timer circuit 17, timer recording can be performed. Timer information set in timer recording is stored in the timer memory 18. The set time of the timer circuit 17 is displayed on the display 5.

Timer settings will be explained later on Remote Commander 10.
This is done by the operation of In addition, this timer memory 18
The timer information stored in the remote commander 10 can be sent back to the remote commander 10 to rewrite the timer information.

19 is a cassette detection circuit. The presence or absence of a cassette is detected by a cassette detection circuit 19. The output of this cassette detection circuit 19 is supplied to the mode controller 22.

When the tuner circuit 29 of the VTR body 1 is used to display a television broadcast screen, the power of the VTR body 1 is normally turned on without a cassette being inserted. Therefore, by using the detection output of this cassette detection circuit 19, if the VTR body 1 is turned on when there is no cassette, the channel may be displayed on the display 5, assuming that the tuner circuit 29 of the VTR body 1 is used. In this way, when the tuner circuit 29 of the VTR main body 1 is used to display a television broadcast screen, the channel display becomes easier to see.

20A and 20B are door opening mechanisms for the transparent touch panel 2. As mentioned above, this transparent touch panel 2 on the main body of the VTR is connected to the eject key 1 of the remote commander lO.
It can be opened with 50 operations. When the remote commander 10 sends an eject command signal, the system controller 11 outputs a door open signal. This door opening signal is supplied to the door opening mechanisms 2OA and 20B.

The open/close state of the transparent touch panel 2 is detected by the open/close detection circuit 21. This opening/closing detection circuit 21 can be configured with a leaf switch, for example. During this time, when the door detection circuit 21 detects that the transparent touch panel 2 is open,
Eject operation is prohibited.

As will be described in detail later, various operation keys are arranged on the transparent touch panel 2. When such a transparent touch panel 2 is arranged so that it can be opened and closed, if the cassette is ejected while the transparent touch panel 2 is not completely opened, the cassette may hit the operation keys arranged on the transparent touch panel 2. There is a risk that it may be touched and malfunction. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the open/close detection circuit 21 detects the open/close state of the transparent touch panel 2 as described above,
When the transparent touch panel 2 is open, the eject operation is prohibited to prevent such malfunctions.

An illumination lamp 22 that illuminates the transparent touch panel 2 is provided. When you open the transparent touch panel 2, the lighting lamp 2
2 is lit.

When the transparent touch panel 2 is operated, an operation sound is generated from the speaker 23. This allows the user to perform reliable operations.

C0 Door Opening Mechanism FIGS. 3A and 3B show the configurations of the door opening mechanisms 20A and 20B. These door opening mechanisms 20A and 20B
is a magnet 23 arranged on the transparent touch panel 2 side.
and iron pieces 24 and 25, and a solenoid coil 26 and iron pieces 27 and 28 disposed on the VTR main body 1 side. By controlling the current flowing through the solenoid coil 26, the transparent touch panel 2 can be opened.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when no current is applied to the solenoid coil 26, the magnetic force of the magnet 23 causes the iron piece to
4.25 and the iron piece 27.28 are attracted to each other. Therefore, the transparent touch panel 2 is held in a closed state.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when a current is passed through the solenoid coil 26, a magnetic field is generated in the solenoid coil 26 in the same direction as the magnetic field of the magnet 23, and the iron pieces 24.25 and 27.28 repel each other. .

Therefore, the transparent touch panel 2 is opened.

Since such door opening mechanisms 20A and 20B can be constructed without using a motor, they are inexpensive and can open the transparent touch panel 2 very quietly without generating motor noise.

d. Overview of Remote Commander FIG. 4 shows the external appearance of the remote commander 10 for operating the VTR main body 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, this remote commander 10 is provided with an LCD display 31, and a touch panel 32 is laminated on this LCD display 31. Keys are displayed on the LCD display 31, and when performing various operation settings, the touch panel 32 above the key display is pressed.

This remote commander 10 can be set to various modes, and the key arrangement displayed on the LCD display 31 can be changed according to each mode.

In this way, since the key arrangement can be changed according to each mode, the key arrangement can be simplified, the number of erroneous key operations can be reduced, and various complicated operation settings can be made. Note that the mode and key layout of the remote commander IO will be described in detail later.

This remote commander 10 can perform two-way communication with the VTR main body 1. A light transmitting/receiving section 33 is provided on the front side of the remote commander 10. A command signal from the remote commander 10 is transmitted from the light transmitting/receiving section 33 as an infrared signal.

Then, a signal indicating the operating state of the VTR main body is transmitted from the VTR main body 1 as an infrared signal, and this signal is received by the light transmitting/receiving section 33 of the remote commander 10.

e. Internal configuration of remote commander FIG. 6 shows the internal configuration of the remote commander 10.

The remote commander 10 is provided with a CPU 41 . A memory 42 is bidirectionally connected to the CPU 41, and a display 31 and a touch panel 32 are also connected. The display 31 and the touch panel 32 are stacked and integrated, as described above.

Keys are displayed on the display 31, and the touch panel 32 is pressed in accordance with the key display. As a result, a command signal is transmitted from the CPU 41, and this command signal is transmitted as an infrared signal from the light emitting element 33B.

Note that the relay 43 is provided to generate an operation sound when the touch panel 32 is pressed. relay 4
The relay sound No. 3 is a familiar sound produced when a switch operation is completed, and is suitable for use as a source of operation sound. In addition, by using the operation sound of the remote commander 10 as a relay sound and the aforementioned operation sound of the VTR main body 1 as a buzzer sound from the speaker 23, it is possible to change the operation sound when the remote commander IO is operated and when the touch panel 2 of the VTR main body 1 is operated. The quality of the sound generated differs depending on the time, improving operability.

The signal sent from the VTR body 1 is sent to the light receiving element 33A.
and is supplied to the CPU 41.

Displays corresponding to the signals sent from the VTR body 1 are displayed on the display 31 as required.

Further, an illumination lamp 44 that illuminates the display 31 and the touch panel 32 is provided. This lighting lamp 44
If you turn on the light, you can check the settings even in a dark place and make operational settings.

This illumination lamp 44 is turned on by pressing the "?j" main key 22, which is a help key, as will be explained later.

Note that the battery attachment detection circuit 45 detects whether or not a battery has been attached.

f. Arrangement of touch panel The touch panel 2 disposed on the front surface of the VTR main body 1 so as to be openable and closable will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of keys arranged on the touch panel 2. As shown in FIG. The touch panel 2 has a power key 47,
Eject key 48, rewind key 49, playback key 50,
Keys for performing basic operations such as a fast forward key 51, a - hour stop key 52, a stop key 53, and record keys 54A and 54B are provided.

Further, a quick timer setting key 55, a timer recording key 56, a recording mode key 57, a TV/video switching key 58, a counter reset key 59, a counter display/tape remaining amount display switching key 60, and a tape return key 61 are provided. .

Further, index function keys such as an index key 62, an index mark key 63, and an index erase key 64 are provided.

Furthermore, input switching keys 65, 66, and 67 are provided.

Further, a channel up/down key 68, a high band key 69, a βIs/5l (B switching key 70, and a main/sub switching key 71) are provided.

Further, keys for editing such as an audio insert edit key 72, a video insert edit key 73, and a synchro date key 74 are provided.

Further, a recording level key 75, a tracking key 76, a sharpness key 77, and an adjustment up/down key 78 are provided.

Also includes a buzzer key 79 for switching operation sounds, a tape select key 80, an edit function switch key 81, an audio monitor key 82, a timer online function switch key 83, a BNR playback switch key 84, a CATV
Various setting/switching keys such as a key 85, an auto stereo key 86, a remote commander mode switching key 87, an OK main key 8 for returning the display to its original state, and an auto tracking key 89 are provided.

Further, keys for tuner presetting, such as a tuner label key 90 and a tuner preset key 91, are provided.

g. Key operation involving erasure In the VTR body 1, by pressing each key on the transparent touch panel 2 arranged as described above, the corresponding operation is set. Operations using the transparent touch panel 2 can be easily set by simply pressing the corresponding keys with a finger. As described above, the input state can be recognized by the buzzer sound from the speaker 23.

However, such easy input operations tend to cause malfunctions in which the wrong key is pressed.

In particular, it is necessary to prevent operations involving tape erasure/rerecording from being erroneously set. Therefore, in the VTR to which the present invention is applied, key manual operations associated with tape erasure/re-recording are prevented from malfunctioning.

That is, the quick timer setting key 55 and timer recording key 56 cannot be set unless the corresponding keys are pressed for several seconds.

Furthermore, regarding the recording keys 54A and 54B, unless you hold down the two recording keys 54A and 54B at the same time for several seconds,
It is not possible to set it.

h. Clean mode As described above, in the VTR body 1, by pressing each key on the transparent touch panel 2, the corresponding operation is set. As each key on the transparent touch panel 2 is repeatedly operated, dirt such as fingerprints adheres to the surface of the transparent touch panel 2. If the transparent touch panel 2 is wiped with a cloth or the like to remove dirt from the transparent touch panel 2, there is a risk that keys on the transparent touch panel 2 will be pressed and malfunction will occur.

Therefore, a clean mode can be set in which all key operations on the transparent touch panel 2 are disabled. That is, when the power key 47 and the OK main key 8 are pressed at the same time, the clean mode is set. In the clean mode, all key operations on the transparent touch panel 2 are disabled. Therefore, dirt on the transparent touch panel 2 can be removed by wiping the surface of the transparent touch panel 2 with a cloth or the like. When in clean mode, display 5 shows rPL.
EASE CLEAN THE PANEL" is displayed to inform you that it is in clean mode.

When a key on the remote commander 10 is operated or when the power key 47 and the OK main key 8 are pressed simultaneously again, the normal operation mode is returned.

i.Display Display Normally, a counter, time, input mode, tape mode, channel, etc. are displayed simultaneously on the display 5 of the VTR body 1.

Incidentally, in the VTR to which the present invention is applied, tracking adjustment can be performed electronically by operating the tracking key 76 and adjustment up/down key 78. You can also adjust the sharpness using sharpness key 77.
This can be done by operating the adjustment up/down key 78. When performing such electrical adjustments, it is necessary to display the state of these adjustments. The display 5 is used to display these setting states. However,
The display area of the display 5 is limited.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the display on the display 5 can be selectively changed between the normal state and the adjustment state.

That is, for example, when performing tracking adjustment, the tracking key 76 is pressed. Then, display 5
As shown in Figure 8A, rTRACK I NG
The letter J and a bar graph indicating the adjustment status are displayed.

While looking at this bar graph, adjust up/down key 7.
Tracking adjustment can be performed by the operation 8. In this way, when performing adjustment, the normal display disappears and a bar graph indicating the tracking adjustment state is displayed on the entire surface of the display 5, so the adjustment display becomes larger and adjustment becomes easier. Note that in the case of sharpness adjustment, a bar graph indicating the sharpness setting status is similarly displayed on the entire surface of the display 5.

When performing tracking adjustment or sharpness adjustment,
After a few seconds or when the OK primary key 8 is pressed, the display 5 returns to the normal display.

Further, when the recording level key 75 is pressed, a level meter is displayed on the entire surface of the display 5, as shown in FIG. 8B. The recording level can be adjusted by operating the adjustment up/down key 78 while viewing this display.

Note that this level meter display is returned to the normal display when the OK main key 8 is pressed. Unless the OK primary key 8 is pressed, the level meter continues to be displayed.

When confirming a reserved program, a display indicating the reserved date, recording mode, recording start time, reservation number, reserved channel, and recording end time is displayed as shown in FIG. 8C.

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, in order to perform appropriate display using the limited display area of the display 5, when making adjustments, the display is displayed in a large size so that the adjusted state can be easily seen. A bar graph indicating the adjustment status is displayed on the entire screen 5, and in the case of normal status or timer confirmation, multiple items are displayed at the same time so that various statuses can be confirmed at once.

j. Remote Commander Modes As mentioned above, the remote commander 10 can be set to various modes. Each mode of this remote commander 10 will be explained.

FIG. 9 shows each mode transition of the remote commander 10. When you install the batteries for the first time or when you do not operate the remote commander for about 5 minutes,
The EEPI mode becomes 101. Figure 10A is [5L
EEP] This shows the state of the key layout in mode 101. In the sleeve mode 101, as shown in FIG. 10A, displays other than the status key 121 are turned off.

Here, when the status key 121 is pressed, normally the [MONITOR] mode 1 is pressed, as shown in FIG.
It becomes 02. FIG. 10B shows the key arrangement in the [MON ITOR] mode 102. Team 0NITO
R] In mode 102, r is displayed on the character display section 120.
After the characters MONITORJ are scrolled and displayed, characters as shown are displayed.

It should be noted that among the displays on the character display section 120, the displays marked with () are input keys.

Also, the "?" key 122, rNOj key 123, rPO
The WERJ key 124 is displayed. Also, rewind key 1
25, fast forward key 126, play key 127, - hour stop key 128, stop key 129, record key 130A, 130
Keys for basic operation settings such as B are displayed. Also, rTIMERJ key 131, r L INE/TU
NERJ key 132 and rSETTING'' key 133 are displayed.

[MONITOR] When set to the playback state in mode 102 and set to the - time stop state, as shown in FIG.
[5HUTTLE) mode 103 is set. FIG. 10C shows the key arrangement in the [5HUTTLE] mode 103. [5HUTTLE! ] In mode 103, after the characters rsHUTTLEJ are scrolled and displayed on the character display section 120, characters as shown are displayed. Also, in the [5) ItlTTLB] mode 103, as shown in FIG.
2. A "NO" key 123 and an rPOWERJ key 124 are displayed. In addition, the speed change reproduction key 134.1 in the forward rotation direction
35.136, reverse speed playback key 137.138
．． 139, a still image playback key 140 is displayed. Also,
The rcCOUNTERJ key 141 is displayed. [5H
UTTLE] When set to mode 103, ×171O
Variable speed playback of 2x speed, x175x speed, x1x speed, x2x speed,
You can switch the playback direction.

In FIG. 9, when the VTR body 1 is in the timer reservation standby state, [TIMERCHECKI mode 10]
It becomes 4. The tenth diagram is [TIMERCHECKI
The key arrangement in mode 104 is shown. [TIM
In the ERCHECKI mode 104, the characters rTIMERCHECKJ are scrolled in two rows on the character display section 120, and then the timer setting state is displayed as shown. Note that the character display section 12
If the character 0 is scroll-displayed across two rows, the character on the upper row is scrolled and then the character on the lower row is scroll-displayed. In addition, in fTIMERC1(ECK) mode 104,
As shown in Figure 10, "?" key 122, "NO"
key 123, rYES'' key 124A (rYESJ key 124A is rp.

(displayed in the same position as the WERJ key 124) is displayed. Also, r MEMORY J key 142, rN
"ExT" key 143 and rTIMERJ key 131 are displayed. In the [TIMERCHECKI mode 104, each time the "r NEXT" key 143 is pressed, the reservation contents of up to eight programs are displayed.

In FIG. 9, [TIMERCHECKI mode 1
When rTIMERJ key 131 is pressed from 04, [T
I Gate EPSET] Mode 105 is set. FIG. 10E shows the key layout for [TIMERC) IE (J mode 104.rTIMERSET] mode 10
5, rTIMER5ET is displayed on the character display section 120.
After the letter J is scrolled across two rows, the timer setting state is displayed as shown. Also,"
? ” key 122, rNOJ key 123, rYEs J
Key 124A is displayed. Further, an up/down key 144 and a channel up/down key 145 are displayed. Also, r MEMORY J key 142, rRE
A CMODJ key 146 is displayed. Also, rTJMε
RJ key 131, rLINε/TUNERJ key 132
, rMONITORJ key 133 A (rMONIT
ORJ key 133A is rsETTING J key 133
(displayed in the same position as ) is displayed. [TIME
RSET] Mode 105 to rTIMERJ key 13
When 1 is pressed, [TIMBRCHECKI mode 1
It will be 04.

In Figure 9, r L INE/TUNERJ key 1
When 32 is pressed, if manual tuner is selected on the VTR main unit 1 side, [TUNER? l0DE] 10
It becomes 6.

FIG. 10F shows the key layout for [TUNERMODE] 106. [TUNERMODEI
In mode 106, rTUN is displayed on the character display section 120.
After the characters ERMODEJ are scrolled and displayed, characters as shown are displayed. Also, "?" key 1
22, rNOJ key 123, rPOWERJ key 124
is displayed. Also, rANT TV/VTl? A J key 147 and an "rMUTING" key 148 are displayed.

Also, a volume up/down key 144A.

Channel up/down keys 145 are displayed. Also, rTIMERJ key 13 L rLINE/TL
INER” key 132, rMONITORJ key 133
A is displayed.

In FIG. 9, the rLINE/TUNERJ key 132
When is pressed, if BS input is selected on the VTR main unit 1 side, the mode becomes [TUNER/BS] mode 107.

FIG. 10G shows the key arrangement in the TUNER/BSI mode 107. [TUNER/BS]
In mode 107, rBS is displayed on the character display section 120.
After the characters TUNER are scrolled and displayed, characters as shown are displayed. Also, "?" key 1
22, “NO” key 123, rPOWERJ key 124
is displayed. In addition, rANT TV/VTRJ key 1
47, rMUTINGJ key 148 is displayed. Additionally, a volume up/down key 144A and a channel up/down key 145 are displayed.

Also, rTIMERJ key 131, r L INE/T
UNERJ key 132, 'MONITORJ key 133
A is displayed.

In Figure 9, r LINE/TUNERJ key 13
When 2 is pressed, line power 1 or 2 is activated on the VTR main unit 1 side.
is selected, the [LINE] mode 108 is selected. FIG. 10H shows the key arrangement in the [LINE] mode 108. [In the LINE7 mode 108, characters as shown are displayed on the character display section 120. Additionally, a "?" key 122, an rNOJ key 123, and an rPOWERJ key 124 are displayed. Also, rTIMERJ key 131, rLINE/TUNEI
? A J key 132 and an rMONITORJ key 133A are displayed.

When the "?" key 122 is pressed in any state, the illumination lamp 44 (sixth
) is lit, and the character display section 120 shows
The characters of the currently set mode are scrolled. In addition, if the character indicating the mode spans two lines, 2
Since the characters on the line are scrolled and displayed at different times, the mode can be easily confirmed.The illumination lamp 44 is extinguished after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Therefore, the user can check at any time what state the remote commander 10 is set to by pressing the "?" key 122. At this time, the illumination lamp 44 is turned on, so as long as the user remembers the position of the "?" key 122, the remote commander can be operated reliably even in a dark place.

Furthermore, if the "?" key 122 is kept pressed, [HOM
E) Mode 109 is set. FIG. 10H is [HO
This shows the key arrangement in ME] mode 109.

(In the HOMEI mode 109, the character display section 12
After the characters rHOMEJ are scrolled and displayed at 0, characters as shown are displayed.

Also, "?" key 122, "NO" key 123, rPO
The WERJ key 124 is displayed. Also, rlNDEX
J key 149, rANT TV/VTRJ key 14
7. Eject key 150 is displayed. Also, a rewind key 125, a fast forward key 126, a play key 127, a - hour stop key 128, a stop key 129, a recording key 130A,
130B is displayed. Also, rTAPE RETUR
N J key 151, rcO [INTERI? ESET”
A key 143A and an rRECMODEJ key 146 are displayed. Also, rTIMERJ key 131, rLI
NE/TIJNERJ key 132, rsETTING
J key 133 is displayed. This [HOME] mode 1
09, all keys necessary for operation are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the rlNDEX J key 149 is pressed, the [INDEX CO[INTER]-E-de 11
becomes 0.

FIG. 10 shows the key arrangement in the INDEX C0UNTERI mode 110. [TNDE
In the [X C0UNTER] mode 110, characters as shown are displayed on the character display section 120. Also, "?" key 122, rNOJ key 123, rPO
WER” key 124 is displayed. Also, rINDEX
J key 149 is displayed. In addition, the rewind key 125
, fast forward key 126, playback key 127, - hour stop key 1
28, a stop key 129 is displayed. Also, rTAPE
RETURN J key 151, rcOUNTERRE
SET” key 143A is displayed. Also, rlNDE
An X MARKI key 131A and an rMONITORJ key 133A are displayed.

In FIG. 9, when the [5ETTING] key 133 is pressed, the [COMMAND] mode 111 is entered.

FIG. 10 J is [COM? '1AND] Mode 111
This shows the key arrangement when . [COMMAND]
In mode 111, rcO is displayed on the character display section 120.
The words MMAND MODE are scrolled across two lines. Additionally, a "?" key 122, a "NO" key 123, and an rYES J key 124A are displayed. In addition, keys 152 numbered from "1" to "12"
．． 152, . . . are displayed. Also, [5ETTIN
G] key 133 is displayed. By using keys 152, 152, . . . from "1" to "12J", it is possible to select a device for which remote commander operation is desired. In addition, key 1
"1" to "12" attached to 52.152,...
The numbers up to correspond to the equipment manufacturer.

In FIG. 9, the [5ETTING] key 133
When is pressed, [CLOCK SET] mode 112
become.

Figure 10 shows [CLOCK SET] mode 11.
This shows the key arrangement at the time of 2. [CLO(JS
ET] In mode 112, rcL is displayed on character display section 120.

After the characters CK 5ETJ are scrolled, characters for setting the calendar and time as shown are displayed. Additionally, a "?" key 122, a "NO" key 123, and an rYES J key 124A are displayed. An up/down key 144 and a channel up/down key 145 are displayed. Additionally, a [5ETTING] key 133 is displayed. In this [CLOCKSET] mode 112, the character displayed on the character display section 120 and the up/down key 144 are used to
The calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 (FIG. 2) of the R main body 1 can be set correctly.

In FIG. 9, the [5ETTING] key 133
When is pressed, [TUNER PRESET] mode 11
It becomes 3.

The 10th diagram is [TUNER PRESET] mode 11
This shows the key arrangement at the time of 3. [TUNERPR
In the ESETI mode 113, the character display section 120
After the characters "TUNERPRESETJ" are scrolled and displayed, characters as shown are displayed. Also, press the "?" key 122, rNOJ key 123, rYEs
J key 124A is displayed. Also, "1" to "12"
Keys numbered 152, 152, . . . are displayed. Additionally, a [5ETTING] key 133 is displayed. [In the TUNER PRESETI mode 113, the receive channel of the tuner can be set.

In FIG. 9, the [5ETTING] key 133
When is pressed, [COMMAND] mode 111 is entered.

k. Basic Operation Method of the Remote Commander The remote commander 10 has a key layout that changes according to each mode, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 1OM.

The "?" key 122 has the function of a help key in case the user does not understand the operation.In other words, as mentioned above, if you want to know which mode is set, the "?" key 122 Pushed. Then, the characters of the set mode are scrolled and displayed on the character display section 120.

Then, when the "?" key 122 is pressed, the illumination lamp 44 that illuminates the display 31 and the touch panel 32 is illuminated, making it possible to confirm the setting state even in a dark place.

Note that when the characters displayed on the character display section 120 span two rows, each row is scroll-displayed with a time difference. Therefore, the character display spanning two levels becomes easier to see.

If the setting mode becomes unknown and the operation becomes unclear, the "?" key 122 is kept pressed for several seconds. In this way, the [HOME] mode 109 is entered. [)
In the 10MEI mode 109, as shown in FIG. 10 (2), all keys necessary for normal operations are displayed, so any operation can be performed.

The "NO" key 123 is a key for canceling the current input and returning to the previous state. If you accidentally press the key or make a mistake in the settings,
"NO" key 123 is pressed. Then, the screen returns to the state before no input was made. With the multi-functional remote commander,
If an incorrect input is made, the setting state often becomes irreversible; however, by pressing the "NO" key 123, the current input can be canceled and the previous state returned. "NO" key 12
When 3 is pressed twice, a [HOME] mode 109 is entered in which all keys necessary for normal operation are displayed.

In addition, characters such as the time and calendar displayed on the display unit 120 and characters marked with [ ] can be directly pressed to set various operations. Therefore, operability is improved.

1. Processing when the time is not set In one embodiment of this invention, the remote commander 10 is set to [TIMER5E
When set to TI mode 105 (FIG. 10E), timer recording can be set using the remote commander IO.

However, when the remote commander 10 is configured to perform timer recording, the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 of the VTR body 1 may not be set correctly, and the timer recording may not be performed correctly.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 are not set when the power is turned on, or when the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 are not set, the timer recording or the quick timer is activated. rPLESE if recording is attempted.
SET THECLOCK is displayed on the display 5, and a warning that the calendar and time are not set is issued.

Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the remote commander 1
After the loading of the 0 battery is detected and a new battery is loaded, when the rTIMERJ key 131 is pressed to perform timer recording, the [CLOCK 5ETI mode 112
Therefore, timer recording is not possible when the calendar and time are set. Whether or not a battery is loaded is detected by a battery attachment detection circuit 44 (FIG. 6). In this way [CLOCK 5ETI mode 112
(Figure 10L) Therefore, before timer recording, the timer circuit 17 of the VTR main body 1 is set correctly, and the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 of the VTR main body 1 are not set correctly, and the timer recording is performed. The risk of not doing it correctly can be avoided.

m, calendar and time settings [CLOC) [SET] Mode 1 shown in Diagram 10
In step 12, the calendar and time are set as follows.

[CLOCK SET] When set to mode 112,
On the character display section 120 of the remote commander 10,
As shown in FIG. 11, day of the week display 161, hour display 162
, a minute display 163, a month display 164, a day display 165, and a year display 166 are displayed.

Among the displays displayed on this character display section 120,
If you directly press the display you want to configure, that display will blink. By pressing the up/down key 144, settings for this blinking display part can be made.

That is, when the month display 164 is pressed, the month display 164 blinks as shown in FIG. 11A. Here, by pressing the up/down key 144, the display of the month display 164 changes and the month is set.

When the day display 165 is pressed, the day display 165 flashes as shown in FIG. 11B. Here, up/down key 14
By pressing 4, the display on the day display 165 changes and the date is set.

When the hour display 162 is pressed, the hour display 162 flashes as shown in FIG. 11C. Here, up/down key 14
By pressing 4, the display on the hour display 162 changes and the hour is set.

When the minute display 163 is pressed, the minute display 163 flashes as shown in the 11th diagram. Here, up/down key 14
By pressing 4, the display on the minute display 163 changes and the minute setting is made.

In this way, when the display displayed on the character display section 120 is directly pressed, the display blinks, and the blinking display part can be set by operating the up/down key 144. In addition, if the settings are incorrect, rN
By pressing the OJ key 123, the original state can be restored.

In addition, if you press the rNOJ key 123 twice, r HO
ME becomes J mode 109.

Check the contents and press rYES J key 124A.
As shown in FIG. 11E, a display 167 of "rTRANsM IT" is displayed on the character display section 120.

For example, at the same time as the time signal, press rYES J key 124A.
When you press , this command signal is transmitted to the VTR main body 1, and a transmission display 16 as shown in FIG. 11F is displayed.
8 is displayed on the character display section 120, and the VTR main body 1
The timer circuit 170 calendar and time are set.

n, timer setting [TIMERSET] mode 10 shown in Figure 10
When set to 5, timer recording can be performed as follows.

[TI Gate ER5HTI When the mode 105 is set, the character display section 120 of the remote commander 10 displays a day of the week display 171, a recording start time display 172, a recording start minute display 173, and a channel display 174, as shown in FIG.
, a recording mode display 175, a recording end display 176, and a recording end display 177 are displayed.

Among the displays displayed on this character display section 120,
If you directly press the display you want to configure, that display will blink. By pressing the up/down key 144, settings for this blinking display part can be made.

That is, when the day of the week display 171 is pressed, the day of the week display 171 blinks as shown in FIG. 12A. Here, up/
By pressing the down key 144, the display on the day of the week display 171 changes and the day of the week is set.

When the recording start time display 172 is pressed, the recording start time display 172 blinks as shown in FIG. 12B.

Here, by pressing the up/down key 144,
The display of the recording start time display 172 changes, and the recording start time setting is made.

When the recording start minute display 173 is pressed, the recording start minute display 173 blinks as shown in FIG. 12C.

Here, by pressing the up/down key 144,
The display of the recording start minute display 173 changes, and the recording start minute setting is made.

When the recording end display 176 is pressed, the recording end display 176 flashes as shown in Figure 12.

Here, by pressing the up/down key 144,
The display of the recording end display 176 changes, and the recording end setting is made.

When the recording end display 177 is pressed, the recording end display 177 flashes as shown in FIG.

Here, by pressing the up/down key 144,
The display of the recording end display 177 changes, and the recording end is set.

When the channel display 174 is pressed, the channel display 174 flashes as shown in FIG. 12F. Here, by pressing the channel setting key 145, the display on the channel display 174 changes and the recording channel is set.

Check the contents and press rYES J key 124A.
As shown in FIG. 12G, a display 167 of "rTRANSMIT" is displayed on the character display section 120.

If the rYEs J key 124A is pressed within, for example, 5 minutes, this command signal is transmitted to the VTR body 1, and the transmission display 1 as shown in FIG.
68 is displayed on the character display section 120, and timer settings are made in the timer memory 18 of the VTR main body 1.

The recording mode is normally set to β■ mode. The recording mode setting is performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 13A, when the channel display 174 is pressed, the channel display 174 blinks. here,
When the rRECMODEJ key 146 is pressed, the channel display 174 disappears and a detailed recording mode display 175A with the letter β is displayed, as shown in FIG. 13B. Each time the rREc MODEJ key 146 is pressed, the recording mode display 175A changes to β■, β■, etc., and the recording mode is set.

Since the recording mode is normally set to β■ mode, the recording mode display 175 is normally displayed in a simple form without the character β, so that the display area can be fully utilized. Then, when setting the recording mode, β
A detailed recording mode display 175A with the characters ``'' is displayed so that the recording mode can be set reliably.

If the settings are incorrect, press the "NO" key 123.
You can return to the original state by pressing . rNOJ key 1
Press 23 twice, r HOME J mode 109
become.

When setting the day of the week, if you keep pressing the amplifier key of the up/down key 144, as shown in FIG.
You can make recording settings up to the month of the month, weekly recording settings, etc. That is, as the up key is continued to be pressed, the day of the week display 171 changes by 1 in the order of rSUJ, rMONJ, . . . rsATJ. When only the day of the week display 171 is displayed, timer recording for that week is set. If the up key is further pressed, a day of the week display 171, a month display 178, a day display 179, a year display 180 are displayed, and timer recording for the next week, the next week, and so on is set. In this way, the timer can be set within one month. If you continue to press the up key, r
sPJ display 181 and rEVERYSU,,rEVERY
MONJ・・・rEVERY SAT, display 1
82 is performed, and timer recording is set at the same time every week. If you continue to press the up key, rMON-F
Rl is displayed 183, and daily timer recording excluding Saturday and Sunday is set.If the up key is further pressed, rMON-3ATJ is displayed 184, and daily timer recording excluding Sunday is set. If you continue to press the up key further, the display 185 "MON-3UNJ" will be displayed and daily timer recording will be set.

If the up key is further pressed, the display returns to the day of the week display 171. Note that if you keep pressing the down key, the operation setting will be the opposite of the above.

O, When setting memory bank function timer recording, rTRANSMITJ display 1
While 67 is displayed on the character display section 120,
r MEMORY When the J key 142 is pressed, the memory bank mode is entered and programs can be stored.

At this time, a title of the user's preference can be added. In this way, when storing a program, the user can add a title of his/her preference, thereby improving operability.

That is, when setting the timer recording, if the timer time is set as shown in FIG. 15A, and the rYES J key 124A is pressed, the rTRANsM
A display 167 of "IT" is displayed on the character display section 120. While this rTRANSMITJ display 167 is displayed on the character display section 120, the r MEMO
When the RY J key 142 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 15C, the reservation number display 181 and the character position setting key 182A are pressed.
, 182B are displayed on the character display section 120. When the character position setting keys 182A and 182B are pressed, the cursor 184 is moved as shown in the 15th diagram.

When the up/down key 144 is operated, the cursor 18
By moving the cursor 184 to a predetermined position using the 0 character position setting keys 1B2A and 182B and operating the up/down key 144, characters are displayed in the part where 4 is blinking. As shown in Figure 15G,
Title character displays 185, 185, . . . are formed.

Here, when the rYES J key 124A is pressed, the first
As shown in FIG. 5H, a character display 167 of rTRANSM I TJ is displayed on the character display section 120. Then, when rYES J key 124A is pressed,
This command signal is transmitted to the VTR main body 1, and a transmission display 167 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the character display section 120.

P, Tl for reservation details! Authentication and changes rTIMIl! When set to RCHECK J mode 104, reservation details can be confirmed.

In other words, when rTIMERCHECK is set to J mode 104, as shown in FIG. 16A (ON10FF)
A display 191 is displayed on the character display section 120. When the rNEXT J key 143 is pressed, a command signal for confirming the reservation details is transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR main body 1. When a command signal is transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR main body 1, a transmission display 168 shown in FIG. 16B is displayed in the character display area 120. As a result, V
The reservation contents stored in the timer memory 18 of the TR body 1 are detected. Then, a signal indicating the contents of the reservation is sent back from the VTR body 1 to the remote commander 10. When a signal is returned from the VTR body 1 to the remote commander 10, a reception display 192 shown in FIG. 16C is displayed in the character display area 120. Then, as shown in Figure 16, the reservation details of reservation number 1 are displayed on the character display section 120. When the rNEXT key 143 is further pressed, a command signal for confirming the reservation contents is similarly transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR main body 1, and the reservation contents stored in the timer memory 18 are detected. The signal indicating this reservation content is the VTR.
The main unit 1 sends a reply to the remote commander 10, and the reservation details for reservation numbers 2, 3, etc. are sent to the remote commander 10.
Each time the J key 143 is pressed, the characters are sequentially displayed on the character display section 120.

Furthermore, the reservation details can be changed by setting rTIMERCHECK J mode 104.

In other words, when set to rTIMERCHECK J mode 104, C0N10FF as shown in FIG. 17A]
A display 191 is displayed on the character display section 120. Here, as shown in Figure 17B, this (ONloFF)
When display 191 is pressed, the recording reservation state is canceled. r
When the NEXT J key 143 is pressed, a command signal for confirming the reservation details is transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR body 1, a transmission display 168 as shown in FIG. The reservation contents stored in the timer memory 18 are detected. A signal indicating the contents of the reservation is sent back from the VTR body 1 to the remote commander 10, and a reception display 192 as shown in Figure 17 is displayed. And reservation number 1.2.3,
Each time you press the J key 143, the character display section 12 will be displayed as shown in Figure 17.
0 will be displayed in sequence. When the character of the reservation number whose recording content is desired to be changed is displayed and the character display of the item desired to be changed is pressed, the character of that item blinks as shown in FIG. 17F. Then, the contents of the blinking portion are changed as shown in FIG. 17G by operating the up/down key 144 and the channel up/down key 145. Then, confirm the contents and press ``YES'' key 12.
Pressing 4A will display the rTRANs as shown in Figure 17H.
A display 167 of MIT is displayed on the character display section 120. Then, when the "r YES" key 124A is pressed, this command signal is transmitted to the VTR main body 1, and a transmission display 168 as shown in FIG. The timer settings of the timer memory 18 are changed.

Since signals can be exchanged bidirectionally between the remote commander 10 and the VTR body 1, the reservation contents stored in the timer memory 18 of the VTR body 1 can be
It can be displayed on the character display section 120 of the remote commander 10. Then, the contents set in the timer memory 18 of the VTR body 1 are sent back to the remote commander 10 side, the timer settings are changed on the remote commander 10 side, and the timer memory 18 of the VTR body 1 is changed again.
It can be set to

q. Operation of other devices The memory 42 of the remote commander 10 stores command signals for operating other televisions and VTRs. Set to command mode 11. and,
You can operate other televisions and VTRs.

In other words, when command mode 11 is set, as shown in FIG.
DE) display 197 is displayed on the character display section 120. By pressing the (MODE) display 197, the device is set to be a television or a VTR.

Then, key 1 numbered from "1" to "12"
By pressing the key corresponding to the manufacturer's number among 52, 152, . . . , the manufacturer of the device is set.

The numbers and manufacturers of the keys 152, 152, . . . correspond, for example, as shown in FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 19, the number of each manufacturer is the same for both televisions and VTRs. In this way, by standardizing the numbers for each manufacturer, operability is improved. Then, the "r YES" key 124A is pressed. This allows the remote commander 120 to operate VTRs and televisions of other models and manufacturers.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, a "?" key 122 having the function of a help key is provided on the remote commander IO. This r? ” key 122 is pressed, characters indicating the set mode are scrolled and displayed on the character display section 120, and the illumination lamp 44 is illuminated. Also,
When this "?" key 122 is held down for several seconds, a [HOME] mode is entered in which many keys are arranged at once.

Therefore, as long as you know the location of the "?" key 122, you can deal with any confusion and can operate it even in the dark.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1A and 1B are perspective views showing the overall structure of a VTR to which this invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a VTR to which this invention is applied, and FIGS. 3
FIG. B is a sectional view used to explain a door opening mechanism in a VTR to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a VTR remote commander to which this invention is applied, FIG. 5 is a sectional view used to explain the VTR remote commander to which this invention is applied, and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a VTR remote commander to which this invention is applied. A block diagram showing the internal configuration of a commonly used VTR remote commander, FIG. 7 is a perspective view used to explain the key arrangement of a transparent touch panel in a VTR to which this invention is applied, and FIGS. 8A to 8C are this diagram. FIG. 9 is a route map used to explain the display of a VTR to which the invention is applied, and FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram used to explain the VTR remote commander to which the invention is applied.
Figures A to 10M are plan views used to explain the VTR remote commander to which this invention is applied, Figure 11 is a route map used to explain calendar and time settings, and Figure 12 is used to explain timer settings. Route map, Figure 13 is a route map used to explain recording mode settings, Figure 14 is a route map used to explain day of the week settings, Figure 15 is a route map used to explain memory banks, Figure 16 is a route map used to confirm reservation details. Figure 17 is a route map used to explain reservation details changes, Figure 18 is a route map used to explain settings for other equipment, Figure 19 is a route map used to explain how to operate other equipment. It is a route map used for explanation. Explanation of main symbols in the drawings 10: Remote commander 44: Illumination lamp. 122: r? J key

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In an input device where multiple modes can be set and the arrangement of input keys changes depending on the mode, a confirmation key is provided, and when the confirmation key is pressed, the setting mode is displayed and the input section is closed. An input device characterized in that an illumination lamp is turned on. (2) The input device according to claim 1, wherein when the confirmation key is pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the entire display setting mode is entered.