JPS6187414A - Remote control system of receiver for communication - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a tuning device for television and radio receivers that includes a unique device for storing a list representing recommended channels.

[Background]

Tuning systems for television receivers often use a storage device called a "skip memory" that stores a list of recommended and non-recommended channels, i.e. channels that should be "skipped" when selecting a channel. When the user presses the ``Scan-1'' or ``Scan Down'' button, the key storage locations of the skip memory corresponding to each channel are sequentially recalled to find the 1st position containing an indication that the channel is recommended. When it is found, the search is stopped and the channel corresponding to the recalled memory location is tuned.

Ordinary skip memory needs to be programmed by the user, so you can either make the skip memory contingency or operate the skip memory from standby power so that you don't have to program the skip memory again when you shut off the receiver. It is desirable to provide continuous supply. Non-volatile storage devices are expensive. A standby power source may consist of a power source or a battery that is always connected to the AC line regardless of the receiver's on/off switching device, but an AC line-connected standby power source can be used in the event of an AC power outage or when the receiver is removed from the screen. Skip memories cannot be supplied with operating power, and the use of batteries in television receivers creates safety-related problems in insulating the user from the high voltages generated within the receiver.

To solve problems associated with reprogramming skip memories that are not non-volatile or battery-powered, skip memories are stored whenever the received carrier has a signal strength above a predetermined characteristic, e.g., a predetermined level. It has been proposed to use a signal search detection device that automatically writes an indication of the recommended channel at the location, but this method does not guarantee that the channel specified in the skip list does not match the one actually recommended by the user. be.

[Disclosure of the invention]

According to one feature of the invention, a skip memory is provided in a remote control transmitter of a remote control system of a television or radio receiver. In this manner, the battery of the remote control transmitter serves to maintain the information contained in the skip memory, thereby allowing the use of relatively inexpensive volatile storage rather than non-volatile storage. Skip Because the battery to maintain the information in memory is in the remote control transmitter and not in the television receiver itself,
The above safety issues are eliminated.

Another skip memory is provided in the chassis of the television receiver to allow the user to select channels locally on the television receiver itself, as well as by remote control installation. To eliminate the need for the user to program the local skip memory built into the television receiver, this device automatically programs the local skip memory with the skip list stored in the remote skip memory in the remote control transmitter. be taught or “learned”. In particular, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the channels recommended in the remote control transmitter's skip list include "
When selected after pressing the ``Scan Up'' or ``Scan Down'' keys, the remote (2) transmitter transmits the channel number of the selected channel as well as the selected scan direction. The television receiver is connected to the remote control transmitter
upon receipt of a remote control system indicating channel selection by a "scan up" or "scan down" key, sequentially addressing each storage location of the local skip memory in the selected scan direction from the address corresponding to the first channel; Equipped with equipment. Data representing a deprecated channel, such as a logical "o", is written to each addressed location of the local skip memory until the location corresponding to the transmitted channel number is reached. When that position is reached, the data representing the recommended channel, e.g.
'' is written to the currently addressed unique location of the local skip memory.

[Detailed explanation]

The remote control transmitter shown in FIG. 1 includes a keyboard 10 for the user to select channels and control various other functions of the television receiver shown in FIG. It has two normally open push button switches. One representative switch is shown as 10a. When a key on a pushbutton switch is pressed, the switch closes and places a low logic level or logic "0" (
When the key is released, the switch automatically returns to the open position and a logic "o" appears from its output conductor.

The numeric keys (0 to 9) on the keyboard 10 allow direct channel selection by pressing the 10th and 1st digits of the corresponding channel number in sequence.
(Scan Up) and SD (Scan Down) keys in the list of recommended channels (for the currently selected channel).
Allows selection of next highest or next lowest channel; ADD and DEL keys add or subtract channels from the list of recommended channels; VU and VD keys increase/decrease volume The ON and OFF keys are used to turn on or turn off the television receiver.

Keys for controlling functions other than volume may also be provided as needed.

The output lead of the keyboard 10 is coupled to a power supply circuit 12 and a microprocessor 14. When a key on the keyboard 10 is pressed, the corresponding logic "0" signal is output to the stain source circuit 1.
2 applies supply voltage from battery 16 to the remainder of the remote control transmitter, including microprocessor 14. In response to the logic rOJ signal corresponding to the pressed key, microprocessor 14 generates a digital word in parallel bit format representing the appropriate remote control "4 notification, as described below. This digital word in parallel bits is in serial bit format. is applied to a modulator 18, where the serial digital word modulates a carrier wave provided from excavator 20. The resulting modulated carrier wave is amplified by driver 22 and applied to transducer 24. Transducer 24 is an ultrasonic or infrared emitting device that transmits its modulated carrier wave to the television receiver and remote control transmitter shown in FIG.

The power supply circuit 12 includes an OR function gate 26, and when any one key on the keyboard 10 is pressed, a corresponding logic "0" is generated.
A signal is applied through this OR function gate 26 to the set signal S of the reset flip-flop 28, which causes the flip-flop 28 to be set and output to a high logic level logic "1" at the Q output of the flip-flop 28. ” generates a signal.

The logic “1” generated at the Q output of this flip-flop 28
” signal, a normally open electronic switch 30 having a control wholesale input coupled to its Q output is closed, resulting in battery 16
The supply voltage from the microprocessor 14 is the supply voltage input V. C and each supply voltage input of modulator 18, carrier oscillator 20 and driver 22. After the microprocessor 14 generates the remote control command corresponding to the pressed key, it generates a "power off" signal, which is applied to the reset input R of the flip-flop 28. This resets the clip frog 28 and produces a logic "0" signal at its Q output. Switch 30 accordingly
is opened and the supply voltage from battery 16 is applied to microprocessor 14, modulator 18, oscillator 20, and driver 22.
removed from The transmitter is therefore only energized long enough to send a remote control command after a key is pressed, thereby extending the life of the battery 16.

The output of the switch 30 is applied to a power rise detector 32 whose output is coupled to the reset input of the microprocessor 14. A key on the keyboard 10 is pressed, which closes the switch 30, causing the supply power to rise. When applied to the microprocessor 14, the tortoise force increase detector 32 generates a reset pulse. In response to this reset pulse, the control program of the microprocessor 14 is started as described below.

The microprocessor 14 inputs information about the keyboard 10 (
in digital form) and sends this to the modulator 18 and the flip
It has an input/output boat 34 that supplies the flop 28 and the flop 28 .

The central processing unit 36 stores read-only stored values (RO
M) Control data transfer and processing under the control of the program described in 38. To this end, unit 36 addresses ROM 38, reads instructions stored at the storage location at the specified address, and processes or transfers data in accordance with the instructions. During this operation the internal volatile random
The access memory (RAM) 40 is used to temporarily store the data being processed. Central processing unit 3
6 specifies an address in the RAM 40, and data is read/written to/from the storage location of the specified address.

Volatile RA provided outside the microprocessor 14
M42 is used to store a list of recommended and non-recommended channels, or a "skip list", and other data discussed with respect to FIG. 2a. R.A.
The skip list section of M42 includes a memory location for each receivable channel, and each memory location includes a data string indicating whether the corresponding channel is a recommended channel or a non-recommended channel, respectively, containing logical "0" and "1". I'm here.

The central processing unit 36 specifies the address of the RAM 42 and writes data into and out of the storage location at the specified address. Addresses and data are transferred serially between microprocessor 14 and external RAM 42 to save connections (bins). When the user presses either the SU or SD key, the skip list section of RAM 42 is sequentially addressed in channel number order until a storage location containing a logic "1" representing a recommended channel is reached. Then, the channel number corresponding to the specified address is sent to the receiver, and the corresponding channel is tuned there. In order to input data representing a recommended channel into the skip list section of the RAM 42, when the user inputs the channel number of the recommended channel using the numeric keys on the keyboard 10, the corresponding memory location in the RAM 42 is addressed, and then Press the ADD key to indicate that the selected channel is a recommended channel, or press the DEL key to indicate that the selected channel is a non-recommended channel (i.e. should be skipped in scanning channel selection). Bye.

The battery 16 is connected to the switch 30 for inputting the pressure to the RAM 42.
When the remote control transmitter is off, i.e. no key is pressed, the RAM42
The contents of the file are maintained.

Although the skip list may be stored using an internal RAM such as 40 of the microprocessor 14, an external SSRAM 16 may be used to store the skip list so that the battery 16 can be disconnected from the microprocessor 14 when the transmitter is not in use. It is advisable to write down a list.

The microprocessor 14 is manufactured by National Semiconductor.
The COP 42Q type microprocessor from Corp., ) is suitable;
type RAM is suitable.

The COP 420 microprocessor consists of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMO8) device, C'MO3
The device is particularly suitable because it uses relatively little energy.

FIG. 2a shows the data format of the information stored in external data RAM 42. As mentioned above, RAM4
The skip list section of 2 contains a storage location for each channel that the television receiver can receive. Assuming that the television receiver is adapted to receive the 82 broadcast channels available in the United States, the skip list portion of RAM 42, denoted by the symbol SLR, each has an address corresponding to one of the 82 broadcast channels. It will contain 82 storage locations. The storage locations are arranged so that they can be addressed sequentially in order of channel number.

In this example, a logic "1" indicates the recommended channel, and a logic "0" indicates the recommended channel.
To represent a deprecated channel, each storage location in the SLH only needs to store one bit.

RAM 42 includes, in addition to a skip list section, a memory location in which the channel number of the last channel selected by the remote control transmitter is stored for future reference. The contents of this storage location are represented by the symbol CNR. In this column, the channel number of the selected channel is displayed in binary coded decimal (BC)
D) format, so that the digital word NCR consists of a 4-bit 10th part (NRT) and a 4-bit 1st part (NRT).
It has a central part (CNU).

Finally, external RAM 42 contains storage locations for the 8-bit word PLCER. This word is used by the control program to determine whether the contents of RAM 42 have been lost due to loss of power from battery 16 (eg, during battery replacement).

The data format of internal RAM 40 is shown in Figure 2b. The RAM 40 contains a memory location for storing the word KEYR representing the last key pressed by the user of the keyboard 10, as well as when directly selecting a channel with the numeric keys or controlling functions such as volume. Time logic "1"
”, and another memory location is used when a channel is selected by a scanning operation initiated by pressing the SU or SD key, or when a function such as volume is controlled. d is the 1-bit word SK that is sent to logic “1” when
Remember yourself.

Another memory location in the internal RAM 40 stores an 8-bit word CHR representing in BCD format the channel number to be transmitted by the remote control transmission at the end of a channel selection operation, the digital word containing the 10th part. It is divided into two parts: CHTR and the first part CHUR.

Finally, one storage location in RAM 400 is provided for storing an 8-bit word FNR representing control of special functions other than channel selection, such as volume or on/off control. Figure 1 shows ON, OFF%VU and V
Although only the D keys are shown, since the FNR is 8 bits, it can also control a total of 256 functions in addition to channel selection.

For the sake of explanation, RAM M2O is shown as having a memory location for each word CHR%FNR, but only one command, channel selection or function side, can be sent at the same time.
Therefore, one storage location can be used to store both.

Figure 2c shows the format of the data sent from the remote control transmitter. The word sent has 10 bits, the 10th bit being the DA bit and the 9th bit being the SK bit. When the channel is selected, the 8th
The bits from the 5th to the 5th and the bits from the 4th to the 1st are the 10th bits of the selected channel.
Data words CHTR and CHU representing digits and first digits
Contains R. When a function other than channel selection is to be controlled, the eighth to first bits contain a digital word FNR representing the function to be controlled.

3a, a key is pressed and the battery supply voltage is first applied to the microprocessor 14, modulator 18, oscillator 2.
0 and applied to driver 22 via switch 30, a control program is initiated in response to generation of a reset signal from power rise detector 32.

In response to the reset signal, the central processing unit 36 addresses a storage location in the program ROM 38 corresponding to the start of the control program. At this point in the program (decision diamond 001) the power dissipation constant word PLCER stored in external RAM 42 is compared to the correct power dissipation constant word PC generated under program control. If it is two words, then this is external data RAM M4
2, indicating that the remote skip list is not lost, but if it does not match, the external R
Power is removed from AM 42, thus indicating that the recorded remote skip list has disappeared. In the latter case, each bit in the remote skip list (SLR) is automatically set equal to a logical ``1'' and the 82 channels/? is a recommended channel (function rectangle 002), and in order to program the skip list as described below with respect to Figures 3f and 3g, it is recognized that the channels may be selected sequentially by an upward or downward scanning motion. show. This sequentially addresses each storage location H1 of the SLR, and writes 1. This is achieved by writing a logic ``1'' to location C.

Assuming that the remote skip list did not disappear,
The output leads of the keyboard 10 are tested to determine if any keys are pressed within a predetermined time delay, eg 3Qm seconds (diamond 003). This is done by setting a counter (not shown) built in the microprocessor 14 to a predetermined delay time, and testing the output lead of the keyboard 10 to see if a key is pressed while the counter does not reach the O count. This can be achieved by determining the If no key is pressed by the end of the predetermined delay time (diamond 003), central processing unit 36 applies a power cutoff signal to the reset input of flip-flop 28 via input/output port 34 (rectangle 004). . This results in 7 lip flops, 28
is reset, switch 30 is opened, and power is removed from microprocessor 14 and circuits 18-22. This puts the transmitter in standby mode and
At this point the program ends.

If the key is pressed within the predetermined delay time (diamond 003
), the word representing the pressed key is stored in storage location KEYH of internal RAM2O (rectangle 005).

As shown in Figure 3b, the word KEYR is then tested to determine which key on keyboard 10 was pressed (diamonds 006-010). Keys SU, SD, ADD, DEL
3c, 3d, 3f and 3g, which are fixed accordingly.

When the pressed key corresponds to a function other than channel selection, i.e. when the pressed key corresponds to SU, SD, ADD, DE
If not one of the L or numeric keys, press the word KEYR
is written to the storage location for word FNR, bits DA,
After SK is set to logic “1” respectively, bit DA
% SK and word FNR are input/output port 3 in this order.
4 to the modulator 18 to send remote control commands (rectangle 011).

As will be discussed below, the purpose of setting each of DA and SK to a logic "1" is to indicate to the remote control receiver shown in FIG. 4 that functions other than channel selection are to be controlled. After transmitting this remote control command, the program returns to decision diamond 003 (Figure 3a) and waits for the next keyboard operation. If there is none, the transmitter is placed in standby mode.

According to the SU subroutine shown in FIG. 3C, the external RA
The skip list is tested in order of increasing channel number starting with the last selected channel represented by the word CNR stored in M42 to find the next recommended channel. At the beginning of the SU subroutine, bit DA is set to logic ``0''.
”, beep) SK is set to logic “1” (rectangle 0
12). This means that the scanning channel selection operation has begun and that the scanning direction is in the direction of increasing channel numbers, ie, "upward." Furthermore, the word CHR is set equal to the word CNH representing the channel number of the last selected channel (rectangle 012).

Thereafter, the channel number represented by CHR is incremented by 1 (rectangle 013). A test is then performed to see if the current channel/channel number in CHR is greater than 83, the largest channel number in this example (diamond o14).

If the current channel number is greater than 83, word C
HR now represents channel 02, the lowest channel number in this example (rectangle 015). This is done because when the maximum channel number is reached, the upward scanning operation must continue from the minimum channel number.

If the current channel number is 83 or less (diamond 014
) or 02 (rectangle o15), the test will show that the current channel number in CHR is CN
It is determined whether the channel number is equal to the channel number of the last selected channel represented by R (diamond 016). CH
If R and CNR are equal (diamond 016), this indicates that the entire remote skip list was searched starting from the channel number of the last selected channel and no recommended channel was found. In this case the remote skip list is empty and
The current channel number represented by CHR is transmitted (rectangle 019). If CHR and CNR are not equal (diamond o
t6), (SLR
The storage location corresponding to the current channel number (represented by CHR) is tested to determine if it contains a logic "1" (diamond 017). If included, it indicates that the CHR represents the channel number of the recommended channel, in which case the CHR will be stored in that storage location in RAM 42 at a future time (rectangle 01
8), DA, SK, and CHR are transmitted sequentially (rectangle 01
9).

The program then returns to the beginning and waits for the next key press, and if none occurs, it puts the transmitter into standby mode. If there is no logical ``1'' in the memory location for the current channel number (diamond 017), the program continues until a memory location containing a logical ``1'' in the skip list is reached or the entire skip list has been explored. (From rectangle 013)
Iterates with successively higher channel numbers.

The SD subroutine for the downward scanning operation shown in FIG. 3b is similar to the SU subroutine shown in FIG. 3C except that the scanning direction is downward. Therefore, part 020.021.022.023.024.025. of the SD subroutine.
026.027 is part 0 of the SU subroutine where function 7 is
12.013.014.015.016.017.01
Corresponds to 8.019. As in the SU subroutine, when a channel corresponding to a recommended channel is located in the skip list, the channel number, represented by CHR, is transmitted along with the appropriate SK and DA data bits. Since this type of channel selection operation is a scanning operation, the DA bit is set to a logic ``0'', and since the scan direction of the 7 is downward, the SK bit is also set to a logic ``0''.

The DE subroutine generates a complete two-digit channel number when the user makes a direct channel selection. 1 of the channels to be selected after a number key is pressed
The word CHTR representing the zero digit is set equal to the word KEYR and the DA bit is set to a logic ``1'' to indicate direct selection.

The SK bit is set to logic '0' (rectangle o28).

A test is then performed to determine whether the second numeric key is pressed after a predetermined delay (diamond 028, rectangle 0).
30, diamond 031). If the second numeric key is not pressed within the predetermined delay time, central processing unit 36 generates a power down signal to place the transmitter in standby mode and the program ends. This prevents partial direct channel selection operations from being sent. However, if the second numeric key is pressed within the predetermined delay time, the word KEYR is written to the memory location in RAM 40 for the word CHUR representing the first digit of the selected channel number, and the word CHR is C
It is written to the storage location for NR, and DA, SK, and CHR are transmitted in that order (033). After that, the program returns to its original state and waits for the next keyboard operation, and if there is none, it puts the transmitter in standby mode.

A subroutine for writing recommended channels into the skip list portion of the RAM 42 is shown in FIG. 3f. After selecting the channel number of the channel to be written to the skip list by direct selection operation or upward or downward scanning motion,
A logic "1" is written in the skip list storage location corresponding to the channel number of the selected channel by pressing the ADD key (rectangle 034). The program then returns to its original state and waits for the next keyboard operation. A subroutine showing deprecated channels in the skip list is shown in Figure 3g. This subroutine is similar to the ADD subroutine of FIG. 3f, but instead of a logic "1", a logic "0" is written to the storage location corresponding to the deprecated channel in the skip list in the RAM 42 (rectangle 034). .

4 depicts a television receiver including a microprocessor controlled remote control receiver for automatically learning the remote skip list stored in the RAM 42 of the remote control transmitter of FIG. 1; See. The receiver includes a large RF input represented by antenna 44, a tuner 46 and a signal processing section 48 of conventional construction for generating video and audio signals from the RF television signal received by antenna 44. Tuner 46 and signal processor 48 receive their supply voltage from a mains power supply 50 which derives its supply voltage from the AC line voltage. An electronic switch 52 is coupled to the main power supply 50, which selectively supplies power to and from the tuner 46 and signal processing section 48 to turn the receiver on and off.

The remote receiving section of the receiver receives the remote control signal sent from the remote control transmitter shown in FIG.
6 and a control signal that controls the signal processing section 48 is extracted. The remote control receiver receives supply voltage from standby power supply 54 . A standby power supply 54 is connected directly to the AC line and provides power to the receiver's remote control so that the remote control signal for turning on the receiver can be processed even when the tuner 46 and signal processor 48 are off. do.

The remote control includes a transducer 56 that converts the signals emitted by the transducer 24 of the remote control transmitter shown in FIG. 1 into corresponding electrical signals.

The transducer 56 includes a sequential amplifier 58 and a demodulator 60.
It is continuing. Is the demodulator 60 an amplified electrical signal?
The transmit carrier is removed from the transmitter to produce a digital word in serial format representing the transmitted remote control command. This serial word is provided to a microprocessor 62 which, under program control, tunes the tuner 46.
, generates control signals for the signal processing unit 48 and the on/off switch 52. Microprocessor 62 cooperates with microprocessor 14 of the remote control transmitter shown in FIG.
It includes an input/output capotro 4, a central processing unit 66, a program ROM 68, and an internal RAM 70, which function similarly to their corresponding parts.

A keyboard 72 by means of which a user may control the receiver locally (i.e. at the receiver) has four output wires coupled to the input/output capotro 4 of the microprocessor 62.

To obtain control characteristics similar to those provided by the remote control transmitter of FIG. 1, keys on keyboard 72 are ADD and D.
It is the same as the keyboard 10 except that there is no EL key. The ADD and DEL keys do not need to be programmed by the user because the skip list associated with local channel selection is automatically learned or programmed from the remote skip list stored in the transmitter's external RAM 42, as described below. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the keyboard 72.

The local skip list is internal to the microprocessor 62.
Stored in A M2O. The skip list stored in the internal RAM M2O is also maintained when the receiver is shut off, so that power is maintained in the microprocessor 62 to process received remote control signals even when the receiver is shut off. maintained at times. Moreover, internal RAM7
Using 0 eliminates the need for additional integrated circuits and their associated connections. For use as a microprocessor 62, there is a National Microprocessor.

If you cut off the power supply to the remote control receiver of your television receiver, you can either disconnect the receiver from the AC line (unplug it), or if the voltage on the AC line is temporarily lost, it will be activated, including the local skip list. It is clear that the information stored in the RAM 70 will be lost, but because of the automatic learning or programmability described above, there is no need for the user to reprogram.

When the progress is restored after a power outage on the AC line, the power increase 1 detector 74 is activated by the microprocessor 6 generated by the standby power supply 52.
2 and generates a reset signal which is applied to the reset input of microprocessor 62. This reset signal starts a control program as described below.

Depending on the type of remote control notification or the key pressed on the keyboard 72, the microprocessor 62 issues a control N command to control the on/off switch 52, thereby changing the on/off state of the television receiver and the tuner 46. signal processing unit 4, such as channel selection and volume level;
Controls certain functions of 8. 'A flip-flop 76 receives control signals S and RESET R from the microprocessor 62 and provides control signals to the on/off switch 52 to control the on and off states of the television receiver. When flip-flop 76 is set, switch 52 conducts, turning on the mains of the receiver, and when flip-flop 76 is reset, switch 52 becomes non-conducting, turning the mains of the receiver on. Convert part off.

To select a channel, a digital word representing the channel number of the selected channel is provided in parallel bit format to a channel number register 78 which, depending on the channel number stored in the channel number register 78, causes the tuner 46 to The RF multiplied signal corresponding to the selected channel is tuned. The channel number of the selected channel is displayed on the two-digit display unit 80.

To control the volume, for example, the microprocessor 62 generates a digital word representing the volume level, which is provided to a volume register 82, and the contents of the volume register 82 are applied to the signal processor 48 to control the volume level. .

Flip-flop 76, channel number register 78
The supply voltages for the registers 82 and 82 are supplied by the standby power supply 54, so that their contents are maintained even when the main part of the receiver is turned off. The contents of channel number register 78 and volume register 82 are maintained even if the receiver is turned off, so when the receiver is turned back on, the previously selected channel will be retuned and the previously configured channel will be retuned. The volume level you set will be set again.

Next, a method for the remote control receiver to learn the skip list stored in the remote control transmitter will be described with reference to the program flowcharts of FIGS. 6a to 6d. Internal RA
FIG. 5 shows the format of data stored in M70 and processed by central processing unit 66 according to the program.

The skip list section S L,L of RAM 66 is constructed in the same format as the skip list section of external RAM 42 of the remote control transmitter and includes 82 one-bit storage locations addressed by respective channel numbers. BCD the channel number of the last selected channel
A memory location is provided for storing the word CNL in the format. This word CNL is divided into a 10th place CNLT and a 1st place CNLU. Word KE representing the last key on the keyboard 72 pressed by the user
A storage location is also provided for storing YL. In this example, the keyboard 72 has 15 keys, so K
EYL is 4 bits. Further, microprocessor 62 processes word CHL to generate word CNL.
An 8-bit storage location is provided for storing the . This word CHL consists of two 4-bit BCD parts CHLT and CH representing the 10th and 1st digits of the channel number.
It has LU. 8 also for storing the word FNL representing the selected function under the control of the microprocessor 62.
A storage location for bits is provided.

Remote control notifications received from the transmitter) DA and DK
Two 1-bit storage locations are provided to store
Two 8-bit storage locations are provided for storing the words CHR and FNR of the transmitted notification. lastly,
Local keyboard 72 still provides a storage location for storing a one bit word LAST indicating whether the last channel selection command was entered by remote keyboard 10. When this last channel selection command is entered by the local keyboard 72, LAST becomes a logic "1" and when entered by the remote keyboard 10, LAST becomes a logic "0".

Returning to FIG. 6a, when the receiver is first connected to the AC line (i.e., plugged in), or when the AC line voltage is restored after a temporary power outage, the power rise detector 74
A control program for the microprocessor 62 begins in response to generation of a reset signal by the microprocessor 62. In other words, the reset signal causes the central processing unit 66 to specify the address of the storage location in the program ROM 68 corresponding to the start of the program. After the reset signal is generated, a logic "1" is placed in each memory location of the local skip list (SLL) of the RAM 70.
is written (rectangle 001). This identifies each channel as a recommended channel and allows the user to select one of the channels using the SU and SD keys on the local keyboard 72. The local skip list remains in this state until it learns the remote list stored in RAM 42 of the remote control transmitter. Additionally, word CNL is set to represent the lowest channel number, ie 02 in this embodiment, and is sent via input/output capotro 4 to channel number register 78 to tune to channel 02 (rectangle 001). The program then waits for a key to be pressed on the local keyboard 72 or for a remote control message to be received.

A test is performed to determine whether a local key has been pressed by testing the output conductors of the keyboard 72 (diamond 00).
2). If the local key is pressed, the corresponding word key is stored in the storage location KEYL of RAM2O (rectangle 003). The format of the next pressed key is determined. The pressed key is a number key or keys SU, SD
, i.e., represents a channel selection command, then the word LAST is set to logic "1" (rectangle 005), and if (i L T U N E
The subroutine represented by (local tuning) begins.

If the key pressed is a function control key rather than a channel selection key (diamond 004), the word KEYL is written to the memory location for word FNL and the function is executed (rectangle 006). Thereafter, the central processing unit 66 turns on/off the word representing the function to be controlled via the input/output capotro 4.
Off flip-flop 76 or a suitable function register such as a volume register. The program then returns to decision diamond 002 and determines whether another local key has been pressed.

If the local key is not pressed (diamond 002), a test is made to determine whether a remote control signal is being received (diamond 007). This is done by checking whether a remote control data word is being accepted from the demodulator 60 via the input/output capotro 4. If the remote data word is not accepted, the program returns decision diamond 0.
Returning to step 02, it is determined whether the local key has been pressed. Although not shown in this flowchart, it should be appreciated that other television functions may be performed by the microprocessor 62 while waiting for local key activation or remote control signal reception. For example, microprocessor 6
2 can also be used to control the channel number display 80.

If a remote control data word has been received (diamond 007)
), a test is performed to determine whether it represents a channel selection command or a pond function control command (diamond 008).
). As described above, function control commands other than channel selection commands are represented by both the DA and SK data bits being set to logic "1". Both DA and SK are logical “1”
'' (diamond 0OS), indicating that the remote control notification is a channel selection command, the routine represented by RTUNE in FIG. 6b begins. However, both data bits DA and SK are logic “1”.
” (diamond 008), it indicates that the remote control notification is for a function other than the channel selection command, and the part FNR representing the function to be controlled in the transmitted data word is the data word. The t function represented by FNL is moved to the memory location for storage of FNL and executed, transferring the appropriate control instructions to each control unit, such as flip-flop 76 or volume register 82 (rectangle 010).

The program then returns to decision diamond 002 and waits for a local key operation or other remote control notification to be received.

Figure 6b shows the RA of the remote control receiver of the television receiver.
The local skip list (SLL) stored in M70 is
4 illustrates an RTUNE subroutine that automatically programs a remote skip list stored in RAM 42 of a remote control transmitter. The first step of the RTUNE subroutine determines whether a direct channel selection has been made with the keyboard 10 of the remote control transmitter by determining whether the ODA bit of the transmitted remote control data word is a logic "1". (diamond 001).

If DA is a logical ``1'', the portion of the transmitted data word representing the transmitted channel number is stored in the RAM 70 in the register tt corresponding to the data word CNL (rectangle 012). Next, the channel corresponding to the channel number represented by CNL is tuned (rectangle 021),
Thereafter, the program returns to the judgment diamond 002 in FIG. 6a and waits for the next keyboard operation.

If DA is not a logical ``1'' (diamond 011), indicating that the remote control data word represents a scanning channel selection command, it is determined whether the last channel selection command was entered locally, ie by keyboard 72. A test is performed by determining whether the LAST bit is a logic "1" (diamond 013). If the last channel selection command has been entered locally, no automatic programming routine is initiated and the remotely selected channel is simply tuned. As detailed in Tawara,
The purpose of this is to prevent false news from entering the local skip list. Therefore, when the LAST bit is set to a logic '1', the word LAST is set to a logic '0' and the next remote control channel selection operation provides an indication that the last channel selection was made remotely (rectangle 012
), the portion CHR of the transmitted data word representing the transmitted channel number is stored in the storage location for C, HL in RAM 70 (rectangle 012) and the corresponding channel is tuned (rectangle 021).

If the last channel selection command was not entered locally, as indicated by the LAST bit being a logic '0', the routine for automatic programming begins (diamond 013). First, the contents of the CNL storage location are transferred to the CHL storage location (rectangle 014) so that the automatic programming routine begins with the last selected channel. The direction of scanning is therefore determined by checking the SK bib of the transmitted remote control data word (
Diamond o13).

If the SK bib is a logic "1", it indicates that the scanning direction is upward; if it is a logic "0", it indicates that the scanning direction is downward.

When the scanning direction is upward, the channel number represented by CHL is raised by 1 (rectangle 016). Thereafter, a test is performed to determine whether the channel number exceeds the highest value, for example 83 (diamond 017). If the channel number exceeds 83, the word CHL will display the lowest channel number, for example 02 (rectangle 018) 02 and 8.
operation continues within the legal channel number range between 3 and 3. Whether the highest channel number has been reached or not, the currently generated channel number represented by CHL is C.
Indicates that the address of the storage location corresponding to the recommended channel equal to the transmitted channel number represented by HR has been reached. This is because the address corresponds to the recommended channel number sent from the remote transmission, 1, in response to scanning channel selection. In this case, (SLL (C
A logic "1" is written in the memory location of the skip list corresponding to the currently occurring channel number, represented by CHL), and for the future, CHL is changed to CNL.
The channel represented by CNL is tuned (rectangle 020.021). The program then returns to the beginning and waits for the next input.

If the currently generated channel number in CHL does not correspond to the transmitted channel number in CHR (diamond 019), this indicates that the currently selected channel is not the recommended one. Indicate, CH
Logic "0" is written in the storage location of the skip list section of R A M2O corresponding to L1λ-Ah7- (Envy unQQ
1-1tkZ,rF('TJT,μCRR matching routine is executed for the next highest channel number starting from diamond 015.

If the scan direction is downward as indicated by SK not being logical rlJ (diamond o1s), the -t routine is essentially the same as if the scan direction were upward. That is, successively lower channel numbers are generated until a match is obtained between the locally generated channel number, represented by CHL, and the remotely transmitted channel number, represented by CHR. A logic ``0'' is written to the corresponding memory location in RAM2O for each locally generated channel number, denoted CHL, until a match is obtained. When a match is obtained, a logic ``1'' is written to the memory location in RAM 70 corresponding to the locally generated channel number, denoted CHL.

Blocks 023.024.025 relate to the downward scanning operation and are functionally block 01 of the upward scanning operation.
Corresponds to 6.017.018.

As previously mentioned, when a remote control signal corresponding to a channel selection command is received, it is determined whether the last channel selection command was issued locally or remotely, as indicated by decision diamond 013. A trial will be conducted to determine whether

The purpose of this is to ensure that the last channel is selected using the remote control transmission and that the automatic programming operation of the local skimp list begins immediately. If this is not done, the local skip list may not match the remote skip list. This will be explained using an example. As an example, assume that the skip list stored in the transmitter contains US channels 2-13 (i.e. all VHF channels), and that the last remotely selected channel is channel 05, then channel 0
Suppose we select 3 locally. When the next remote channel selection command SU is sent, the channel number sent is channel 06 (because the scanning operation begins on channel 05 and all VHF channels are indicated as recommended channels in the remote skip list). The automatic programming operation for the local skip list is performed on channel 0 unless a test is performed to determine whether the selection command was issued locally or remotely on the last chancel.
Because of the interpolation section selection of 3, it starts from channel 03 instead of from channel 05.

Therefore, since there is no match between the channel numbers transmitted up to channel 06 and the locally generated channel numbers, the local skip list for the storage location corresponding to channel 04.05 is actually the preferred channel. The display of deprecated channels is input.

FIG. 6C shows the LTUNE subroutine for channel selection by local keyboard 72. That display is before RA
First, a determination is made whether the pressed key stored in the storage location of the word KEYL of M2O (rectangle 003 in FIG. 6a) is a numeric key (diamond 026). If the pressed key is a number key, the channel number 10
The word KEYL is written into the memory location of RAM2O for the word CNTL representing the position (rectangle 027). A test is then performed to determine whether another local numeric key has been pressed within a predetermined delay time, e.g. 30 seconds (diamond 028,
rectangle 029, diamond 030). If the second local key is not pressed, the program returns to decision diamond 002 (Figure 6a) and waits for the next local key operation. When the second key is pressed, the word KEYL representing the pressed key changes to the word CNUL representing the first digit of the selected channel number.
(rectangle 0
31), the corresponding channel is tuned (rectangle 0
42). If the second key pressed is not a numeric key, the program returns to decision diamond 002 and waits for another input.

If the pressed key of the local keyboard 72 is not a numeric key (diamond 026), the word CHL is set equal to the word CNL representing the last selected channel number (diamond 026).
rectangle 032). After that, save the word KEYL and press the key SU.
Determine which of SD and SD is pressed (diamond 033)
. The channel number represented by CHL increases sequentially depending on the scanning direction (rectangle 034, diamond 035, rectangle 036)
or decrease (rectangle 037, diamond 038, rectangle 039) L
, each storage location of the local skip list is checked for each channel number to determine whether the corresponding channel is a recommended channel or not. If the corresponding channel is the recommended channel, the word CHL is moved to a storage location for the word CNL in RAM 70 for future use and the corresponding channel is tuned (rectangle 042).

If a local skip list is not programmed, the recommended channel will not be found. To prevent the test from continuing indefinitely, i.e. from causing an infinite loop in the program, after testing the storage location of the local skip list (diamond 040), the currently selected channel number, denoted by CHL, is changed to CNL. It is compared with the last selected channel number represented by (diamond 043). CH
If L and CNL do not match, the program returns to decision diamond 033 and continues searching for recommended channels in the selected scan direction.

Referring to the remote control transmission diagram of FIG. 1, a mode switch is coupled to the microswitch 14, which is pushed to the programmed position so that the remote skip list (and therefore also the local skip list) is activated during normal use of the keyboard. It is desirable to prevent the settings from changing accidentally and to respond only to the operations of the ADD and DEL keys. ADD key and DE
The same thing can be done by providing a movable cover on the L key. In the remote control receiver of FIG.
8 and volume register 82 are external to microprocessor 72, but they could also be located internal to microprocessor 72. Furthermore, although the invention has been described in terms of an apparatus using a microprocessor, it will be clear that the invention could also be implemented using discrete logic elements. These modifications fall within the technical scope of this invention as described in the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a block circuit diagram of a microprocessor-controlled remote control transmitter constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2a;
FIGS. 2b and 2C are diagrams showing the storage location distribution and format of data processed by the microprocessor of the remote control transmitter of FIG. 1; FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3.
c@, 'Figures 3d, 3e, 3f, and 3g are diagrams showing each part of the flowchart of the control program of the microprocessor of the remote control transmitter of Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing each part of the control program of the microprocessor of the remote control transmitter of Figure 1. FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram of a television receiver including a microprocessor-controlled remote control receiver constructed as shown in FIG. , FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, and FIG. 6c are diagrams showing each part of a flowchart of a control program for the microprocessor of the remote control image receiver i in FIG. 4. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Remote keyboard, 14...Remote channel number generation means, 18.20.22.24...Transmission means, 36...Remote memory test means, 42...Remote storage device, 46...・Synchronization means, 56.58.60.62...
・Remote control receiving unit, 62... Local channel number generation means, 66... Local storage device testing means, 68... Programming means, 70... Local storage device, 72...
・Local keyboard, SU, S'D...scan keys. External RAh42 Internal HAH40 +0987654321 Figure 1'3a Internal RAt'170 Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office Kazuo Wakasugi 1. Display of the case Japanese Patent Application No. 59-63117 2 Title of the invention Remote control method for communication receiver 3 Relationship with the person making the amendment Patent applicant address New York State, United States of America 1002
0 New York Rockefeller Frasa 30 names
(757) RCSNY Corporation 4, Agent 5 The "Claims" and "Detailed Description of the Invention" columns of the specification subject to amendment. 6 Contents of amendment (1) The scope of claims will be amended as shown in the attached sheet. (2) The description in the specification will be corrected according to the errata below. Attachment Claims Claims (1) A remote keyboard having at least one scanning key, and a remote channel for generating encoded signals representing sequential channel numbers when the scanning key of the remote keyboard is operated. remote memory including number generating means and a memory location corresponding to each addressable channel in response to said coded channel number indication signal and storing a coded indication of whether the channel is desired to receive or not; testing the device and the contents of the addressed storage location of said remote storage device, and when the addressed storage location contains an indication of a channel desired to be received;
remote storage device testing means for stopping the modification of the encoded channel number display signal by the remote channel number generation means; and remote control of the encoded channel number display signal generated by the remote channel number generation means; a remote control transmitter including a means for transmitting as a message; a local keyboard mounted on the communication receiver and including at least one scan key of the same type as the scan key of the remote keyboard; receiving means for receiving a message; local channel number generating means for sequentially generating encoded signals representing channel numbers when the scanning key of the local keyboard is operated; and the encoded channel number generated by the local channel number generating means. a local storage device including storage locations corresponding to each channel, each addressable in response to an indication signal and storing a coded indication of whether each channel is desired to be received; and said storage locations of said local storage device. local storage device testing means for testing the contents of a specified address of n and, when the specified storage location is located, stopping the change of the encoded channel number indicating signal by the local channel number generating means; and programming means for automatically programming said local storage device with the same desired and undesired channel information contained in said remote storage device in response to a control message; , a remote control system for a communications receiver including a channel tuning device comprising tuning means within the communications receiver for tuning a corresponding channel in accordance with the encoded channel number display signal generated by the local channel number generating means; .

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) a remote keyboard having at least one scanning key; remote channel number generating means for generating encoded signals representing channel numbers sequentially when the scanning key of the remote keyboard is operated; and the encoded channel number display signal; a remote storage device including a storage location corresponding to each addressable channel and storing a coded indication of whether or not that channel is to be targeted for reception; and said storage location of said remote storage device; remote storage for testing the contents of the addressed one and causing said remote channel number generating means to stop changing said encoded channel number indication signal when one of said addressed storage locations contains the desired channel indication; a remote control transmitter including device testing means and transmitting means for transmitting the coded channel number display signal generated by the remote channel number generating means as a remote control notification; a local keyboard including at least one scan key of the same type as said scan key; receiving means for receiving transmitted remote control notifications; Addressing can be specified according to the local channel number generation means to be generated and the coded channel number display signal generated by the local channel number generation means, and each channel can be coded to indicate whether or not each channel is recommended for reception. a local storage device containing a storage location corresponding to each channel to be stored, and testing the contents of the addressed storage location of said local storage device to include a recommended channel indication in said storage location; local storage test means for causing said local channel number generation means to abort the change of said coded channel number indicating signal when said local channel number generating means is the same as included in said remote storage device in response to said remote control notification; programming means for automatically programming said local storage device with recommended and non-recommended channel information; and a coded channel number indicating signal generated by said local channel number generating means. and tuning means in the communications receiver for tuning a corresponding channel accordingly.