JPH0435599A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To control an electronic equipments as the control object without increasing the transmission output of a remote controller by providing a transmission means with plural transmitters and a control signal outputted from plural transmitters. CONSTITUTION:In an electronic circuit incorporated in the main body of a wall clock, a control part (CPU) 5 controls each part based on the microprogram stored in a ROM 6, and the ROM 6, transmission parts 4a to 4d, a RAM 7, a key input part 8, a frequency division timing circuit 10, a reception part 11 having a photodetector 3, and a waveform shaping part 12 are connected to the CPU. Transmission parts 4a to 4d incorporate light emitting elements 41 and convert a key command (control signal) for control of an external electronic equipment to an infrared signal of large transmission output (namely, power increased) to transmit the signal. Thus, the electronic equipment is controlled without increasing the transmission output of the remote controller regardless of the existence of obstacles between the electronic equipment and the remote controller, and the electronic equipment as the object is surely controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] This invention relates to a control device that outputs control signals for controlling electronic equipment.

[Prior Art] Recently, an increasing number of home appliances such as TVs, VTRs, and audio equipment can be controlled by remote control devices. Furthermore, as the number of remote control devices increases, it becomes troublesome to search for a remote control device that is compatible with each device, so a single remote control device has been developed that can serve as multiple remote control devices. This is called a learning remote control device, and it can store key commands of multiple remote control devices in a memory and control multiple home appliances by transmitting the stored key commands using infrared signals or the like.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, although a learning remote control device can reduce the number of remote control devices, the learning remote control device itself has a limited number of key switches, so Not only is it necessary to perform an operation to select the one, but it is also necessary to point the infrared output section at each home appliance itself and operate a key, which is inconvenient in that the operation is troublesome.

Furthermore, if there is a person or other obstacle between the remote control device and the home appliance and the home appliance cannot be seen, the infrared signal is blocked and the home appliance cannot be controlled.

Furthermore, in order to reduce the size of the remote control device, the transmission output is weak. Therefore, since it is not possible to control a home appliance that is placed far away or a home appliance in another room, there is a problem in that the user must go close to the home appliance.

In order to solve these problems, it may be possible to increase the power of the remote control device's transmission output, but this would increase power consumption and significantly shorten battery life, while also increasing the size of the device and reducing its portability. This causes the inconvenience of being damaged.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and it eliminates the trouble of operating a remote control device toward the electronic device to be controlled, and also eliminates the need to power up the transmission output of the remote control device. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that can reliably control electronic equipment to be controlled.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a receiving means for receiving a control signal from the outside, and a transmitting means for outputting the same control signal as the control signal received by the receiving means. The transmitting means includes a plurality of transmitters, and a control means for causing the plurality of transmitters to output the same control signal.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention also provides a receiving means for receiving different control signals from the outside, and a code data storage for storing code data corresponding to the different control signals received by the receiving means. and comparing means for comparing the code data of a control signal newly received by the receiving means with the code data stored in the code data storage means after the code data is stored in the code data storage means. and transmitting means for converting the code data for which a match has been detected by the comparing means into a control signal and outputting the same, and the transmitting means includes a plurality of transmitters arranged in different transmission directions, and a plurality of transmitters arranged in different transmission directions, and a control means for selectively outputting the MgB signal from at least one of the devices.

[First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wall clock to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the same figure, 1
is the main body of the wall clock, and 1a is the main body case. A time display section 2 having a second hand 2a, a minute hand 2b, and an hour hand 2c is provided on the front surface of the wall clock main body 1. Below the time display section 2, there are provided a light receiving element 3 made of, for example, a photodiode, a phototransistor, etc., and transmitting sections 4a to 4d each including a light emitting element for transmitting an infrared signal. This wall clock is connected to an external remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote control device) (not shown).

) to the light-receiving element 3, a key command remote control signal (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a remote control signal) is received and once captured, and the received key command is transmitted by infrared rays with high transmission power. The signals are converted into remote control signals and transmitted from the transmission IEs 4a to 4d. The structure of the transmitting sections 4a to 4d will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, but the light emitting elements for transmitting infrared signals move vertically and horizontally, so that the transmitting direction can be freely set.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit built into the wall clock body 1. As shown in FIG. In the figure, a control section (CP
U) 5 controls each part based on the microprogram stored in the ROMB, and includes the above-mentioned transmitting parts 4a to 4d, RAM 7, key input part 8, frequency division timing circuit 10, and the light receiving element 3 in addition to the ROM 8. a receiving unit 11 having
and a waveform shaping section 12 are connected.

Each of the transmitting units 4a to 4d has a built-in light emitting element 41, which will be described later, and converts a key command (control signal) for controlling an external electronic device into an infrared signal with a large transmission output (that is, powered up). It is sent by

The ROMB stores the above-mentioned microprogram and also stores in advance a time adjustment command that causes the clock mechanism 14 to perform one line of time adjustment.

The RAM 7 is a memory for storing various data, and as shown in FIG. It consists of a register N that stores the number of transmissions.

The key manual unit 8 includes a time adjustment key (not shown) and the like. The oscillator 9 has a built-in crystal oscillator, for example, 32
A 768 Hz clock pulse is output and supplied to the frequency division timing circuit 10. The frequency division timing circuit 10 divides the frequency of the clock pulse input from the oscillator 9, generates various timing signals such as a time signal for moving the hands of the clock mechanism 14, and supplies the generated timing signals to the control unit 5.

The receiving unit 11 has the above-mentioned light receiving element 3 built-in, and receives an infrared remote control signal of a key command transmitted from an external remote control device, and converts the received remote control signal of the key command into a digital data signal. and outputs it to the control section 5.

Note that the key command remote control signal received from an external remote control device is a custom code signal that specifies the device.
Although the remote control signal includes a command code for instructing the function control of the device, the remote control signal in this embodiment also refers to both.

The waveform shaping section 12 shapes the waveform of the signal output from the control section 5 every second and outputs it to the step motor 13 to rotate the step motor 13. The rotation of the step motor 13 moves the second hand 2a, the minute hand 2b1, and the hour hand 2c through a gear train (not shown) of the clock mechanism 14.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a support structure for each light emitting element 41 provided in one of the transmitting sections 4a to 4d, for example, the transmitting section 4a. Note that the transmitting units 4a to 4d all have the same structure. In the figure, a light emitting element 41 transmits an infrared remote control signal (control signal) and is made of, for example, a light emitting diode. This light emitting element 41 is fixed to a hollow spherical support member 42 with a part cut out, and can be moved vertically and horizontally, and the transmission direction can be freely set according to the plurality of electronic devices arranged in each direction. In addition, it is provided so as to protrude slightly from the front surface of the wall clock main body 1 in order to widen the transmission range. In addition, the light emitting element 41
is the holding member 20. It is held by a transparent film 21, and an infrared drive signal is supplied from the control section 5 via a lead wire 43. In the supporting member 42, a synthetic resin receiver provided on the wall clock main body 1 is supported by a member 44 so as to be movable vertically and horizontally, and the receiver is fixed stationary at an arbitrary position by the frictional force of the member 44.

Next, the operation of relaying key commands sent from an external remote control device to a plurality of electronic devices by using the wall clock will be explained based on FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control section 5. In this case, the transmission directions of the transmitters 4a to 4d shown in FIG. 1 are set to the direction in which the plurality of electronic devices are arranged. For example, the transmitter 4
Set the transmitter a to face the TV, the transmitter 4b to face the VTR, the transmitter 4c to the stereo device, and the transmitter 4d to face the air conditioner. Alternatively, if the wall clock main body is placed in the center of the room, the transmitters 4a to 4d may be oriented in different directions so that the transmitters 4a to 4d can be placed in different directions, regardless of where the electronic device is placed in the room. Make sure that any remote control signal output is received by that device.

However, in step A1 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the remote control signal of the key command transmitted from the external remote control device has been received by the receiving section 11. If it is determined that there is reception in this step A1, YES
Then, the process proceeds to step A2, and if there is no reception, it is determined as No and the process proceeds to step A15.

If no key command has been received, a negative determination is made in step A1, and the process proceeds to step A15. In step A15, whether or not it is time measurement timing, that is, the frequency division timing circuit 1
It is determined whether a clock signal (for example, a 1 second signal) is output from 0. If the determination in step A15 is YES, the process proceeds to step AlB, and if the determination is NO, the process returns to step Al.

If it is now time to measure time, step A1B
The time update process is executed, and the control unit 5 updates the waveform shaping unit 12.
Outputs a signal to. This signal is waveform-shaped by the waveform shaping section 12 and drives the step motor 13. As a result, the second hand of the clock mechanism 14 advances by one second, and the time is updated. After executing this step AIE3, step A
Return to 1.

Thereafter, until the remote control signal is received, the control unit 5 performs steps AI, A15. Repeat the process of Ale.

For example, when turning on a TV (television receiver), point a remote control device dedicated to the TV or a learning remote control device that has learned the remote control signals of this TV toward the wall clock main body 1, and then Operate the provided power ON key. As a result, an infrared remote control signal of a key command corresponding to the power ON key of the TV is transmitted. The infrared remote control signal of this key command is received by the light receiving element 3 of the wall clock body 1, and the receiving section 11 converts the infrared remote control signal received by the light receiving element 3 into a digital signal of the command code and outputs it to the control section 5. do. As a result, YES is determined in step A1, and the process proceeds to step A2.

In the data (command code) storage process of step A2, the digital signals of the key commands input by the receiving section 11 are sequentially stored in the register 7a of the RAM 7 under the control of the control section 5.

In the next step A3, it is determined whether the key command reception process has been completed. For example, if the same key command is received from the remote control device twice in a row, it is determined that the reception is complete. No in this step A3
If it is determined that this is the case, the process returns to step A1 and steps A1 to A3 are executed in the same manner as described above, and the digital signals of the key commands input from the receiving section 11 are sequentially stored in the register 7a of the RAM 7.

Then, when the same key command is received from the remote control device twice in succession, the reception is completed, and YES is determined in step A3, and the process proceeds to step A4.

In step A4, the control unit 5 determines whether the received digital signal of the key command is a self-key command (in this case, a time adjustment command code) stored in advance in the ROMB. If YES is determined in this step A4, the process proceeds to step A5 to correct the time, but if it is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step 80.

For example, if a key command for a time adjustment key is transmitted from a remote control device exclusively for a wall clock rather than a TV remote control device, the answer in step A4 is YES and the process proceeds to step A5. In step A5, the control unit 5
outputs a fast forward hand movement signal to the waveform shaping section 12,
The second hand of the clock mechanism 14 is advanced rapidly to correct the time. After executing step A5, the process returns to step A1.

However, as described above, if a key command to turn on the power is transmitted from an external TV remote control device, the determination in step A4 is No, and the process proceeds to step A6. In step A6, it is determined whether the contents of register N are "0" or not. Initially, the contents of the register N are "0", so YES is determined and the process proceeds to step A7. In addition, Ste.

If it is determined No in step A6, the process advances to step A9.

In the 4a transmission process in step A7, the transmission unit 4a executes the transmission process. That is, the key command (in this case, command code data of the power ON key of the TV) stored in the register 7a of the RAM 7 is read by the control section 5 and output to the transmitting section 4a. The transmitter 4a converts this key command code data into an infrared remote control signal and transmits it using the light emitting element 41. In this case, since the wall clock is much larger than the remote control device, a device with a large transmission output can be incorporated as a transmitting means. However, if the light emitting element 41 of the transmitter 4a is set to face the direction in which the TV is placed, the infrared remote control signal will be reliably transmitted towards the TV. And step A
After executing step 7, the process advances to step A8.

In step A8, the contents of register N are incremented by 1 to become "1", and the process returns to step A6.

In step A6, the contents of register N are changed to "
Since the contents of the register N are now "1", the result is NO and the process proceeds to step A9.

In step A9, it is determined whether the contents of register N are "1" or not. Since the content of register N is now "1", the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step A10. Furthermore, if the determination in step A9 is No, the process proceeds to step All.

In the 4b transmission process of step AIO, the transmitter 4b
The transmission process is executed. That is, the key command (in this case, command code data of the power ON key of the TV) stored in the register 7a of the RAM 7 is read out by the control section 5 and output to the transmission section 4b. The transmitter 4b is
This key command is converted into an infrared remote control signal with a high transmission output and is transmitted by the light emitting element 41. Here, if the transmitting direction of the light emitting element 41 of the transmitting section 4b is set to face the direction in which the VTR is arranged, then the transmitting section 4b
Since the key command transmitted from b is the TV power ON key, the VTR will not operate, but if a VTR key command is transmitted instead of the TV power ON key, the VTR will definitely operate. After executing step AIO, step A8
Return to

In step A8, the contents of register N are +
1 and becomes "2", and the process returns to step A6. Similarly, in step A6, it is determined whether the contents of register N are "0" or not, and the result is NO, and the process proceeds to step A9. In step A9, it is determined whether the contents of register N are "1" or not, and since the contents of register N are now "2", the answer is NO and the process proceeds to step All.

In step All, it is determined whether the contents of register N are "2" or not. Since the content of register N is now "2", the answer is YES and the process proceeds to step A12.

In the 40 transmission process of step A12, the transmission process by the transmitter 4C is executed. That is, register 7a of RAM 7
The key command (in this case, command code data of the power ON key of the TV) temporarily stored in the controller 5 is read out by the controller 5 and output to the transmitter 4c. The transmitter 4c converts this key command into an infrared signal with a high transmission output, and transmits it using the light emitting element 41. Light emitting element 4 of transmitter 4c
For example, if the transmission direction of 1 is set to face the direction in which the stereo device is placed, if the key command sent from the transmitter 4C is the power ON key of the TV, the stereo device will not operate, but the stereo device If a key command is sent, the stereo system will work reliably. After executing step A12, the process returns to step A8.

In step A8, the contents of register N are +
1 and becomes "3", and the process returns to step A6. Same (In step A6, it is determined whether the contents of register N are "0" or not, and the result is NO, and the process proceeds to step A9. In this step A9, the content of register N is also "3", so it is determined NO. The process then proceeds to step All.

In step All, register N
It is determined whether the contents of register N are "2" or not, and since the contents of register N are now "3", it is determined that N is 3, and step A1 is executed.
Proceed to step 3.

In the 4d transmission process of step A13, the transmission process by the transmitter 4C is executed. That is, register 7a of RAM 7
The key command (in this case, the power ON key of the TV) temporarily stored in is read out by the control unit 5 and output to the transmission unit 4d. Transmitter 4d! t. This key command is converted into an infrared signal with a high transmission output and is transmitted by the light emitting element 41.

In the next step A14, "0" is written to the contents of register N and cleared. After executing step A14, the process returns to step A1.

In this way, when a remote control signal is output from the TV's power ON key toward the wall clock main body 1, the signal is transmitted throughout the room via the transmitters 4a to 4d of the wall clock main body 1, so that the TV The power can be turned on.

Similarly to the above, when turning on the power of the VTR or controlling other functions, point the VTR-dedicated remote control device toward the wall clock main body 1 and operate the keys. As a result, the key command is received by the wall clock main body 1, temporarily stored in the register 7a of the RAM 7, converted into an infrared signal with a high transmission output, and transmitted from the transmitters 4a to 4b. In this case, if the VTR is placed in the output direction of the light emitting element 41 of the transmitter 4b, the infrared remote control signal of the key command will be reliably received by the VTR. Also, in other devices, key commands sent from each remote control device can be reliably received by relaying them through the wall clock main body 1, as described above.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on FIGS. 6 to 8.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wall clock to which the second embodiment is applied. 6. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. The configuration shown in FIG. 6 differs from that shown in FIG. 1 above in that a two-contact switch 15 is provided on the side surface of the wall clock main body 1. The two-contact switch 15 is provided in the key operator section 8 in the block diagram of FIG. 2, and is a switch for switching between a registration mode and a readout mode.

FIG. 7 shows the memory configuration of the RAM 7 in FIG. 2. In this second embodiment, the RAM 7 includes a command storage section 7b that stores a plurality of key command code data transmitted from an external remote control device and received by the reception section 11, and a register N that stores the number of times the key commands have been transmitted. It is configured.

Next, the operation of relaying key commands sent from an external remote control device to a plurality of electronic devices using the wall clock in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control section 5 in the second embodiment. In this case, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the transmitting units 4a to 4a shown in FIG.
4d, the transmission direction is set to the direction in which the plurality of electronic devices are arranged. For example, if the transmitter 4a is in the direction of the TV,
b is set to face the VTR, the transmitter 4c is set to face the stereo device, and the transmitter 4d is set to face the air conditioner.

First, in step B1, it is determined whether the receiving section 11 has received a key command transmitted from an external remote control device. In this step B1, if it is determined that there is reception, the result is YES and the process proceeds to step B2, and if there is no reception, the result is determined to be NO and the process proceeds to step B7.

If no key command is received, a negative determination is made in step B1, and the process proceeds to step B7. In step B7, it is determined whether or not it is the clock timing, that is, whether the frequency division timing circuit 10 outputs the clock signal. If YES is determined in step B7, step B
If the answer is NO, the process returns to step B1.

If it is now the clock timing, the time update process of step B8 is executed, and the control section 5 outputs a hand movement signal to the waveform shaping section 12. This hand movement signal is waveform-shaped by a waveform shaping section 12 and drives a step motor 13. As a result, the second hand of the clock mechanism 14 advances by one second, and the time is updated. After executing step B8, the process returns to step B1. Below, until a key command is received,
The control unit 5 performs steps B1, B7. Repeat the process of B8.

Therefore, when storing key commands sent from each remote control device in the command storage section 7b of the RAM 7, the two-contact switch 15 is set to the registration mode,
Send key commands via remote control device.

For example, if you want to memorize the TV's power ON key, point the TV-specific remote control device toward the wall clock body 1, and press the power ON key provided on this remote control device.
Operate the keys. As a result, an infrared remote control signal of a key command corresponding to the power ON key is transmitted. Then, the infrared remote control signal of this key command is received by the light receiving element 3 of the wall clock main body 1, and the receiving part 11 receives the light, converts the infrared signal of the key command received by the element 3 into a digital signal of the key command, and sends it to the control part. Output to 5.

As a result, it is determined in step B1 that reception has been received, and the process proceeds to step B2.

In step B2, the mode is determined.

In this case, since the two-contact switch 15 is set to the registration mode, the process advances to step B3.

In the data (command) storage process of step B3, the digital signal of the key command input by the receiving section 11 is stored in one of the command storage sections 7b of the RAM 7 under the control of the control section 5. After executing step B3, step B
Return to 1.

Thereafter, in the same way as described above, key commands are stored in the command storage section 7b by operating other keys provided on the remote control device exclusively for the TV, and key commands provided in the remote control devices of the VTR, stereo device, and air conditioner device are respectively stored. The key commands for the selected keys are also stored in the command storage section 7b, respectively.

Next, when transmitting key commands from an external remote control device to the wall clock and controlling electronic equipment via the wall clock, set the two-contact switch 15 to read mode, Operate to send key commands. For example, assume that a power ON key provided on a remote control device for a TV is operated and a key command is transmitted.

The transmitted key command is received by the receiving section 11, and the receiving section 11 converts the key command into a digital signal and inputs it to the control section 5. As a result, in step B1, it is determined that there is reception, and the process proceeds to step B2, and in step B2, it is determined that the read mode is in effect, and step B4 is executed.

In step B4, it is determined whether the received key command matches the key command stored in the command storage section 7b.

In the next step B5, it is determined whether it is -Ayabe or not. If the determination is YES in step B5, the process proceeds to step B6, but if the determination is NO, the process returns to step B1 without executing anything.

In this case, since the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the TV is stored in the command storage section 7b of the RAM 7, YES is determined in step B5, and step B6 is executed.

In step B6, the key command that matches the key command in the command storage section 7b, that is, the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the TV, is changed to the contents of the register N, similar to the process shown in steps A6 to A14 in FIG. The signals are sequentially incremented by 1 and are sequentially transmitted from the transmitting units 4a to 4d in a time-division manner.

First, since the contents of the register N are "0", the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the TV is transmitted from the transmitter 4a, similarly to step A7 above. The transmitter 4a converts this key command into an infrared remote control signal with a high transmission output, and transmits it using the light emitting element 41. In this case, since the light emitting element 41 is set toward the direction in which the TV is arranged, the infrared signal is reliably transmitted toward the TV.

Similarly, the contents of register N are sequentially incremented by 1, and steps AIO, AI2, . Each transmission process A13 is executed, and the key commands corresponding to the power ON key of the TV are sequentially transmitted from the transmitting units 4bl 4c and 4d. After executing step B6, the process returns to xt block B1.

Note that the same applies to the VTR, stereo device, and air conditioner l[. That is, in this embodiment, only preset devices can be controlled via the wall clock.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on FIGS. 9 to 11. In the third embodiment, in the registration mode, the wall clock stores key commands sent from each remote control device in the command data storage section 7c of the RAM 7 for each remote control device, and in the read mode, the received key commands are stored as commands. Only when the key command matches the key command stored in the data storage section 7c, the key command is transmitted from one of the transmission sections 4a to 4d corresponding to the matched command data storage section 7c. .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wall clock to which the third embodiment is applied. In FIG. 9, the above-mentioned FIG. 1 and 6
Components that are the same as those in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The configuration shown in FIG. 9 is different from the above-mentioned FIGS. 1 and 6.
This is because we have established the following. The selection switch 16a-LED is
This switch is provided in the key input section 8 in the block diagram of FIG. 2, and is used to select a remote control device in which key commands are to be stored.

FIG. 10 shows the memory configuration of the RAM 7 in FIG. 2. In this third embodiment, the RAM 7 has a plurality of command storage sections 7c that store a plurality of key commands transmitted from an external remote control device and received by the reception unit 1, for each remote control device, and each □command storage section Discrimination flags M for discriminating external devices are provided in a part of 7C, respectively.

Next, in the third embodiment, the operation of relaying the key commands sent from the remote control device of the external device using the wall clock and transmitting them to the external electronic device will be described in the eleventh embodiment.
This will be explained based on the diagram. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation in the third embodiment. In this case, similarly to the first embodiment described above, transmitting units 4a to 4 shown in FIG.
The transmission direction is set for d in the direction in which the plurality of electronic devices are arranged. For example, if the transmitter 4a is in the direction of the TV, then the transmitter 4b is
The transmitter 4c is set to face the VTR, the transmitter 4c faces the stereo device, and the transmitter 4d faces the air conditioner.

First, in step C1, it is determined whether the receiving section 11 has received a key command transmitted from an external remote control device. In this step C1, if it is determined that there is reception, the result is YES and the process proceeds to step C2; if there is no reception, the result is determined to be NO and the process proceeds to step C14.

If no key command is received, a negative determination is made in step C1, and the process proceeds to step C14. In step C14, it is determined whether or not it is time measurement timing, that is, the frequency division timing circuit 1
From 0, it is determined whether or not the clock signal is output.

If YES is determined in this step C14, the process proceeds to step C15, and if NO is determined, step C
Return to 1.

If it is now time to measure time, step C15
The time update process is executed, and the control unit 5 updates the waveform shaping unit 12.
Outputs a hand movement signal. This hand movement signal is waveform-shaped by a waveform shaping section 12 and drives a step motor 13. As a result, the second hand of the clock mechanism 14 advances by one second, and the time is updated. After executing step C15, the process returns to step C1. Thereafter, the control unit 5 repeatedly executes the processes of steps CI, C14, and C15 until a key command is received.

First, the key commands of each remote control device are set to be stored in the command data storage section 7c of the RAM 7. In this case, set the two-contact switch 15 to registration mode, select the selection switch 16a to LED according to the external device, and then point the key command of the remote control device of the external device toward the light receiving element 3. Send.

For example, since the transmitter 4a is directed toward the TV, if you want to store a key command for a power ON key provided on a remote control device exclusively for the TV in the command data storage section 7c, operate the selection switch 16a while Point the remote control device at the wall clock body 1,
Operate the power ON key above. As a result, an infrared remote control signal of the key command corresponding to the power ON key is output, and this infrared remote control signal of the key command is received by the light receiving element 3 of the wall clock body 1, and the receiving unit 11 receives the key command received by the light receiving element 3. The command infrared remote control signal is converted into a key command digital signal and output to the control unit 5.

As a result, in step C1, it is determined that it is a receiving section, and the process proceeds to step C2.

In step C2, the mode is determined.

In this case, since the two-contact switch 15 is set to the registration mode, the process advances to step C3.

In step C3, which selection switch 16a to IE3d is selected?
It is determined whether the is being operated. In this case, it is determined that the selection switch 16a is being operated.

In the next step C4, the digital signal of the key command inputted by the receiving section 11 is stored in one of the command data storage sections 7c under the control of the control section 5, and the corresponding discrimination flag M is set. A value corresponding to the selection switch lea, for example a numerical value rOJ, is stored.

That is, when a key command is stored with the selection switch lea being operated, "0" is written in all the discrimination flags M of the command data storage section 7c. Step C4
After execution, the process returns to step C1. Note that depending on the operation of the selection switches 18 b, 16 c, and 16 d, numerical values rlJ, r2J, and r3J correspond, respectively, and these numerical values are written in the discrimination flag M.

Thereafter, the key commands are stored in the command data storage section 7c by operating other keys provided on the TV-specific remote control device in the same manner as described above.

As a result, key commands sent from the TV-dedicated remote control device are stored in the command data storage section 7c.
, and the discrimination flag M is all “0”.
" is written.

Similarly, key commands for keys provided on the remote control devices of the VTR, stereo device, and air conditioner are stored in the command data storage section 7c, respectively.

In this case, since the transmitter 4b is directed toward the VTR, when storing key commands for a remote control device exclusively for the VTR, the selection switch 16b is operated to transmit the key commands.

As a result, key commands sent from the VTR-dedicated remote control device are transmitted to the command data storage section 7.
c, and all of its discrimination flags M include "
1" is written.

Further, when storing a key command of a dedicated remote control device for the stereo device to which the transmitter 4c is directed, the selection switch 16c is operated to transmit the key command. As a result, the Salel key command transmitted from the remote control device dedicated to the stereo device is stored in the command data storage section 7C, and the discrimination flag M
"2" is written in all of them.

Furthermore, when storing key commands for the remote control device dedicated to the air conditioner, select switch 1f3d.
Operate to send key commands.

As a result, the key commands transmitted from the remote control device dedicated to the air conditioner are stored in the command data storage section 7c, and "3" is written in all of the determination flags M.

Next, when transmitting key commands from an external remote control device to the wall clock and controlling electronic equipment via the wall clock, set the two-contact switch 15 to read mode and set the two-contact switch 15 to the read mode. A key command is transmitted by operating a key to execute a desired function.

For example, when it is desired to turn on the TV, a power ON key provided on a remote control device exclusively for the TV is operated to send a power ON remote control signal to the light receiving element 3.

The transmitted key command is converted into a digital signal by the receiving section 11 and input to the control section 5. As a result, in step C1, it is determined that there is reception, and the process proceeds to step C2, and in step C2, it is determined that the read mode is in effect, and step C5 is executed.

In step C5, it is determined whether the received key command matches the key command stored in the command data storage section 7C.

In the next step C6, it is determined whether it is a part of the key command. If the determination is YES in step C6, the process proceeds to step C7, but if the determination is NO, the process returns to step C1 without executing anything. In this case, the key command corresponding to the TV power ON key is the command data storage section 7c? Since this is memorized, press Y in step C6.
It is determined as ES and the process proceeds to step C7.

In step C7, the content of the determination flag M of the command data storage section 7c that stores the key command that matches the received key command is "0", that is, whether or not this command data storage section 7c is compatible with a TV-only remote control device. will be judged.

In this case, the determination flag M of the command data storage unit 7C that stores the key command corresponding to the received key command
Since "0" has been written in , it is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step C8.

In the 4a transmission process of step C8, the remote control signal of the received key command, ie, the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the TV, is transmitted from the transmitter 4a. The transmitter 4a converts this key command into an infrared signal with a high transmission output, and transmits it using the light emitting element 41. in this case,
Since the light emitting element 41 of the transmitter 4a is set to transmit in the direction in which the TV is placed, the infrared remote control signal is reliably received by the TV. This step C8
After execution, the process returns to step C1.

Next, turn on the power to the remote control device exclusively for the VTR.
Assume that the N key is operated and a key command corresponding to this key is transmitted. Similarly to the above, the transmitted key command is received by the receiving section 11, and the receiving section 11 converts the key command into a digital signal and inputs the digital signal to the control section 5.

Similarly to the above, in step C1, it is determined that there is reception, and in step C2, it is determined that the read mode is present, and then in step C5.
It is determined whether the received key command matches the key command stored in the command data storage section 7C.

Similarly, in step C6, it is determined whether or not this is the first part of the key command. In this case, the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the VTR is stored in the command data storage section 7C, and "1" is written in the determination flag M, so it is determined as YES in step C6. Then step C7 is executed.

In step C7, as described above, it is determined whether the content of the determination flag M in the command data record tI section 7c storing the matching key command is "0". Now, since the determination flag M in the command data storage section 7c is "1", the determination is No and the process proceeds to step C9.

In step C9, as described above, it is determined whether the content of the discrimination flag M in the command data storage section 7c storing the matching key command is "1". in this case,
Since the content of the determination flag M is "1", it is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step CIO.

In step CIO 4b transmission processing, the received key command, ie, the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the VTR, is transmitted from the transmitter 4b. The transmitter 4b converts this key command into an infrared signal with a high transmission output, and transmits it using the light emitting element 41. The light emitting element 41 of the transmitter 4b has V
Since the transmission direction is set toward the direction in which the TR is placed, the infrared signal is reliably transmitted toward the VTR.

After executing step C10, the process returns to step C1.

Furthermore, it is assumed that the power ON key of the remote control device dedicated to the stereo device is operated and a key command is transmitted. Similarly to the above, the transmitted key command is received by the receiving section 11, and the receiving section 11 converts the key command into a digital signal and inputs the digital signal to the control section 5.

In the same way as described above, reception is confirmed in step C1, read mode is determined in step C2, and the process proceeds to step C5, where the received key command is stored in the command data storage unit 7.
It is determined whether the key command matches the key command stored in c.

Similarly, in step C6, it is determined whether or not the key commands match. In this case, the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the stereo device is the command data storage unit 7c.
Since "2" is written in the determination flag M, the determination in step C6 is YES and step C7 is executed.

In step C7, similarly to the above, the determination flag M of the command data storage section 7c storing the matching key command is
It is determined whether the content of is "0" or not. Although the determination flag M in the command data storage section 7c is currently "2", it is determined as No, and the process proceeds to step C9.

In step C9, as described above, it is determined whether the content of the determination flag M in the command data storage section 7c storing the matching key command is "1" or not. in this case,
Since the determination flag M is "2", the determination is No and the process proceeds to step C1l.

In step C1l, as described above, it is determined whether the content of the determination flag M of the command data storage section 7C storing the matching key command is "2" or not. In this case, Y
It is determined as ES and the process proceeds to step CI2.

In the 40 transmission process of step CI2, the received key command, ie, the remote control signal of the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the stereo device, is transmitted from the transmitter 4C. The transmitter 4c converts this key command into an infrared signal with a high transmission output, and transmits it using the light emitting element 41. In this case, since the transmission direction of the light emitting element 41 of the transmitter 4c is set to face the direction in which the stereo device is arranged, the infrared signal is reliably transmitted toward the stereo device.

After executing step C12, the process returns to step C1.

Next, it is assumed that the power ON key of the remote control device dedicated to the air conditioner is operated and a key command is transmitted. Similarly to the above, the transmitted key command is received by the receiving section 11, and the receiving section 11 converts the key command into a digital signal and inputs the digital signal to the control section 5.

In the same way as described above, reception is confirmed in step C1, read mode is determined in step C2, and the process proceeds to step C5, where the received key command is stored in the command data storage unit 7.
It is determined whether the key command matches the key command stored in c.

Similarly, in step C6, it is determined whether or not the key commands match. In this case, the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the air conditioner is the command data storage unit 7c.
Since "3" is written in the determination flag M, the determination in step C6 is YES and step C7 is executed.

In step C7, similarly to the above, the determination flag M of the command data storage section 7C storing the matching key command is
It is determined whether the content of is "0" or not. Now, "3" is written in the discrimination flag M of the command data storage section 7C, so the flag is N.

It is determined that this is the case, and the process proceeds to step C9.

In step C9, as described above, it is determined whether the content of the discrimination flag M of the command data storage section 7c that stores the key command that stores the matching key command is "1". In this case as well, since the determination flag M is "3", the result is No and the process proceeds to step C11.

In step C11, as described above, it is determined whether the content of the determination flag M in the command data storage section 7C storing the matching key command is "2". In this case as well, since the determination flag M is "3", it is determined that M=3 and the process proceeds to step C13.

In the 4d transmission process of step C13, the received key command, ie, the key command corresponding to the power ON key of the air conditioner device, is transmitted from the transmitter 4d. The transmitter 4d converts this key command into an infrared signal with a high transmission output, and transmits it using the light emitting element 41. In this case, since the transmission direction of the light emitting element 41 of the transmitter 4d is set to face the direction in which the air conditioner is disposed, the infrared signal is reliably transmitted toward the air conditioner. After executing step C3, the process returns to step C1.

In addition, in the third embodiment, when M=O, the transmission m 4
Output the remote control signal of key command only a, M = 1
When M=2, only the transmitter 4b outputs a key command remote control signal, when M=2, only the transmitter 4c outputs a key command remote control signal, and when M=3, only the transmitter 4d outputs a key command remote control signal. However, in order to ensure that the transmitted key commands are received, when M=O, a remote control signal is output from the transmitters 4a, 4b, and when M=1, a remote control signal is output from the transmitters 4a, 4b, 4c. It outputs a signal, and when M=2, the transmitter 4b+4C.

Key commands may be output from a plurality of transmitters, such as outputting a remote control signal from 4d and outputting a remote control signal from transmitter 4c+4d when M=3.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a support structure for each light emitting element 41 provided in each of the transmitting sections 4a to 4d. This fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG. The support structure is distinctive. In this case, the support member 42 has a box-shaped receiver made entirely of rubber and is supported by a member 45 so as to be movable vertically and horizontally, and the box-shaped receiver is fixed at an arbitrary position by the frictional force of the member 45. The box-shaped receiver member 45 is provided with terminals 46 and 47 connected to the lead wires 43 of the light emitting element 41. Then, by inserting the terminals 48 and 47 into the support holes 1b and lc provided in the wall clock main body 1,
Terminals 46 and 47 come into contact with connection terminals 48 and 49 provided in wall clock body 1, respectively, and terminals 46 and 47 and connection terminals 48 and 49 are electrically connected. As a result, the infrared drive signal output from the control unit 5 is transmitted to the connection terminals 48 and 4.
9, terminals 4B, 47, and a lead wire 43 to supply the light to the light emitting element 41.

In each of the above embodiments, key commands (control signals) were converted to infrared remote control signals and transmitted from the remote control device, and the same key commands were also converted to infrared signals and transmitted from the wall clock. Not limited to radio radio signals, ultrasonic signals.

The key command remote control signal may be transmitted using a magnetic signal or the like.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a wall clock with an analog clock that moves the hands is shown for relaying key commands, but the present invention is not limited to this, and digital clocks, table clocks, and other electronic devices may be used for relaying key commands. Alternatively, dedicated electronic equipment may be used.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a TV, a VTR, a stereo device, and an air conditioner are shown as electronic devices controlled by a remote control device, but the invention is not limited to these. ), can be widely used in audio equipment such as radios, and automatic opening/closing devices for doors, doors, safes, etc.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, there is no need to operate a remote control device for a plurality of electronic devices to be controlled, and it is possible to control which electronic device to control. Even if there is a clock, the operation is simple because it only needs to be operated in a predetermined direction (for example, the direction in which the relay wall clock is placed). Further, without powering up the transmission output of the remote control device, even if an obstacle exists between the electronic device and the remote control device, control will not become impossible, and the electronic device to be controlled can be reliably controlled.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 5 show the first embodiment, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the wall clock, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the wall clock, and FIG. 3 is a transmitting section 4a to 4d is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the RAM 7; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the memory configuration of the RAM 7;
Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation, Figures 6 to 8
The figures show the second embodiment, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the wall clock, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the memory configuration of the RAM 7, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation, FIGS. 9 to 11 show the third embodiment, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the wall clock, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the memory configuration of the RAM 7,
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the configuration of transmitting sections 4a to 4d in the fourth embodiment. 1...Wall clock body, 2...Time display section, 3...
Light receiving element, 4a to 4d... transmitting section, 5... control section,
6... ROM, 7... RAM, 8... Key human power section, 9... Oscillator, 10... Frequency division timing circuit, 1
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Receiving part, 12... Waveform shaping part, 13... Step motor, 14... Clock mechanism, 15... 2 contact switch, 16a-16d... Selection switch. Figure 1 w42 Figure 144 Figure 116m ai7 Figure 15ffi Figure 8 Figure 9 @ 1110■ Figure 12

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) A receiving means for receiving a control signal from the outside, and a transmitting means for outputting the same control signal as the control signal received by the receiving means, and the transmitting means has a plurality of transmitters and the same and control means for causing the plurality of transmitters to output control signals. (2) The control device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transmitters are arranged in different transmission directions. (3) receiving means for receiving different control signals from the outside; code data storage means for storing code data corresponding to the different control signals received by the receiving means; Comparing means for comparing the code data of the control signal newly received by the receiving means and the code data stored in the code data storage means after the code data is stored;
The transmitting means converts the code data for which a match is detected by the comparing means into a control signal and outputs the control signal, and the transmitting means includes a plurality of transmitters arranged in different transmission directions, and a plurality of transmitters arranged in different transmission directions. A control device comprising: control means for selectively outputting the control signal from at least one of the control signals. (4) In a control device whose functions are controlled by a signal obtained by receiving a remote control signal from the outside, a signal discriminating means for determining whether or not the above signal is a signal for controlling the above function; A control device comprising: transmitting means for converting the signal into a remote control signal and transmitting the signal when the determining means determines that the signal is not a signal for controlling the function. (5) The control device according to claim 4, wherein the transmitting means comprises a plurality of transmitters each having a different transmission direction. (6) A clock function that displays the current time, a receiving means that receives a remote control signal from the outside, and a clock function control means that controls the clock function using the signal from the receiving means. a signal discriminating means for discriminating whether the signal is a signal for controlling the clock function; and a signal discriminating means for discriminating the signal when the signal discriminating means determines that the signal is not a signal for controlling the clock function. 1. A control device comprising: transmitting means for converting into a remote control signal and transmitting the signal. (7) The control device according to claim 6, wherein the transmitting means comprises a plurality of transmitters each having a different transmission direction.