JP2000059246A - Control method for communication equipment conducting intermittent reception - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent occurrence of a temporal delay of a reaction response of a communication equipment to be controlled by bringing the communication equipment that conducts intermittent reception through the reception of a standby request signal sent from a transmitter side equipment into a continuous reception state in advance. SOLUTION: A remote commander 10 consists of an operation system 11, a CPU 12, a light emitting section 13, and a detection section 14 that detects availability and the communication equipment 20 to be controlled consists of a light receiving section 21, a CPU 22, an operation system 23, a control system 24 and a display system 25 respectively. Through the configuration above, the availability detection section 14 has a function of detecting possibility of any operation by using the remote commander 10. When the detection section 14 detects the availability, the detection section 14 allows the CPU 12 to transmit a standby request signal to the communication equipment 20 to be controlled that conducts intermittent reception and allows the equipment 20 to produce a trigger signal to bring itself into the normal reception operating mode. Thus, power-saving is realized for a time band where the equipment 20 is not in use and the equipment 20 is quickly brought into the normal reception operating state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device with a remote controller (hereinafter, abbreviated as "remote controller") performing an intermittent reception operation, and more particularly, to a device capable of reducing power consumption and quick response. The present invention relates to a communication device control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a device with a remote control which can be remotely controlled (remote control system) is provided with a circuit for detecting a remote control signal from an operation side. It has been operating for 24 hours a day. This state will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an input standby method and an input operation of a remote controller in a conventional device with a remote controller.
Indicates a case where the power supply of the device is intermittently turned on.

[0005] As shown in FIG. 5 (1), if the power supply is always turned on in order to detect a remote control signal from the operation side, the device with the remote control maintains a state in which the signal can always be received. can do. However, in this case, power consumption increases. Therefore, as a conventional method for solving such a problem, a method of continuing the intermittent reception state as necessary is also possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (2), there is a method in which an intermittent reception state is set by controlling a power supply of a device (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-253366).
With this method, power consumption can be reduced. For example, even in a device with a remote control, there is a time zone that is not originally used, such as midnight, depending on the type of the device. Therefore, it is suitable for a time zone such as midnight where the possibility of use is low. However, if such an intermittent reception method is always employed, when an operation (key input) is performed from the remote controller, a time delay occurs until the next time the device is in a receivable state (power on). For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (2), a key input from the remote controller cannot be received until the time indicated by hatching on the lower device side, and the response time (response) in actual use is reduced. There is a problem that it becomes redundant.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, communication which realizes power saving by the conventional intermittent reception operation and does not cause a time delay (delay) in the response of the controlled device. An object of the present invention is to provide a device control method.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a communication device performing an intermittent reception operation is always set to a reception operation state in advance by transmitting a standby request signal from a transmission-side device (the invention of claim 1). . When a predetermined time has elapsed after the communication device performing the intermittent reception operation has shifted to the continuous reception operation state, the communication device automatically shifts to the intermittent reception operation state (the invention of claim 7).

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to the present invention, when a device performing an intermittent reception operation is likely to be actually used, a condition for transitioning from an intermittent reception state to a constant reception state is set. It is characterized in that it is possible to absorb a time difference from an intermittent reception state to an actually used state. First, the hardware configuration will be described.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a system including a remote controller and a device to be controlled, which implements a method for controlling a communication device according to the present invention. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a remote control, 11 denotes an operation system, 12 denotes a CPU, 13 denotes a light emitting unit, 14 denotes a usability detecting unit, 20 denotes a device to be controlled, 21 denotes a light receiving unit, and 22 denotes a light receiving unit.
Denotes a CPU, 23 denotes an operation system, 24 denotes a control system, and 25 denotes a display system.

The configuration itself of the remote controller 10 and the controlled device 20 shown in FIG. 1 is basically the same as that of the prior art, except that a usability detector 14 is added to the remote controller 10 side. 3 and FIG. 4 to be described later, the CPU 12 of the remote controller 10
22 differs from the conventional system in that control is performed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG.

The arrow between the left remote controller 10 and the right controlled device 20 indicates information transmission by infrared rays. Each part will be briefly described. On the remote controller 10 side, an operation system 11 is a part for performing key input, and in many cases, provided with operation buttons, and instructs various operations. The CPU 12 transmits the information input from the operation system 11 or the availability detection unit 14 to the device 2 on the controlled side.
Control such as conversion into a signal to be transmitted for 0 is performed.
For example, when using infrared light, the light emitting unit 13 includes an infrared light emitting element, and adjusts a transmission timing and the like. As mentioned above, the availability detection unit 14 is an important part for implementing the control method of the present invention,
The remote controller 10 has a function of detecting that there is a possibility that some operation is performed. Then, when it is detected that there is the availability, the controlled device 20 performing the intermittent reception operation for the CPU 12 is
A standby request signal is transmitted, and a trigger for constantly switching to the reception operation mode is generated.

As a method of detection by the usability detector 14, when the main body of the remote controller 10 changes from a stationary state (invention of claim 2), an infrared sensor is built-in.
When detecting that a human hand is approaching (invention of claim 3), a temperature sensor is built in, and when a change in temperature is detected by being grasped by a human hand (invention of claim 4) ), When a light sensor or a solar cell is built-in, and when it is detected that the lighting of the installed room is turned on (the invention of claim 5), or when the light sensor is built-in, When it is detected that the light is interrupted by the transmission device (invention of claim 5), when it is detected in advance that there is a possibility that transmission is performed by the transmission-side device (invention 6).
Various inventions) can be used. It is also possible to combine these as necessary for the use environment and the purpose of use.

When using infrared light, the light receiving section 21 of the controlled device 20 is constituted by an infrared light receiving element.
A signal from a specific light emitting portion (light emitting portion 13 on remote controller 10 side) is received and transmitted to CPU 22. The CPU 22
It determines the received information and converts it into a signal for controlling the device 20. The operation system 23 is, for example, a key input unit, and has a button input function for directly operating the device 20. The control system 24 has a function of actually controlling the device 20 according to the input operation.
The display system 25 is a display unit for displaying an operation state or the like on the main body of the device 20 or a monitor.

In the communication device control method of the present invention, the intermittent receiving operation is automatically performed when the light receiving section 21 of the controlled device 20 does not use (receive a signal) for a specified time or more (intermittent reception). Receiving operation mode). A remote controller 10 for operating such a controlled device 20
Since the user touches the hand before use, the remote control 10 moves. Therefore, in the present invention, the movement or operation of the remote controller 10 is sensed, and it is determined from the detection signal that the remote controller 10 can be used.
Then, a standby request signal for switching the current intermittent reception operation mode to the constant reception operation mode is transmitted to the controlled device 20.

When the controlled device 20 receives this standby request signal during the intermittent receiving operation, it immediately shifts to the always receiving operation mode and receives information such as control commands and data from the remote controller 10. Prepare a system to do it. Therefore, when the information is transmitted from the remote controller 10 side thereafter, the controlled device 20 can process the information in real time. Note that even when the remote controller 10 transmits the standby request signal while the intermittent reception operation of the controlled device 20 is stopped, the standby request signal is received during the next intermittent reception operation. Migration is performed reliably.

In general, when the user uses the remote controller 10, it is very rare that the user touches the hand (detects the availability) and immediately performs an operation (key input), and this does not pose a problem in practical use. However, in preparation for such a case, it is also possible to configure so as to transmit information on the actual operation following transmission of the standby request signal. Also,
For example, in the case of a television receiver, information may be continuously transmitted from the remote controller 10 to the controlled device 20. As an example, an operation at the time of volume adjustment or the like corresponds to this. In order to cope with the case where information from the remote controller 10 is transmitted in this way, after shifting to the always-receiving operation mode by the standby request signal, the standby request continues until a certain time elapses. It can also be controlled so that

Specifically, after a predetermined time has elapsed,
The controlled device 20 shifts to the intermittent reception operation mode again, but the remote control 10 can also adopt a control method of transmitting a standby request signal in accordance with the timing. According to the various control methods described above, the light receiving unit 21 of the controlled device 20 is set to the intermittent reception operation mode, thereby realizing both reduction in power consumption and quick response. For example, when a certain number is continuously watched, the program selected by the operation of the remote controller 10 is likely to be continuously viewed as it is, so that the operation of the remote controller 10 is unnecessary. Further, since there is practically no case where the remote controller 10 is used (operated) in a stationary state, the control method is optimal for remote operation using a remote controller that can correspond to an actual use environment. Further, if the intermittent reception operation timing in the controlled device 20 is managed (understood) on the remote controller 10 side, the standby request signal is transmitted in accordance with the timing, so that the remote controller 10 side also has an unnecessarily long time. Since it is not necessary to transmit the standby request signal over time, it is possible to reduce the power consumption on the remote controller 10 side.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Here, as an example, a case will be described in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is remotely operated by a remote controller using infrared rays.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a remote control input standby method and an input operation of a communication device control method according to the present invention, wherein (1) is a first embodiment, and (2) is a second embodiment. An example will be described.

First, a first embodiment, that is, FIG.
The case (1) will be described. First, the controlled device 2
When there is no use (signal reception) for a predetermined time or more in the light receiving unit 21 provided in the main body, the intermittent reception operation is automatically performed. The remote controller 10 for operating the controlled device 20 is held by the user for use by the user, or the remote controller 10 itself is moved. As described above, the user operates the remote control 10.
When an operation such as touching a hand is performed, the availability detection unit 14 of the remote controller 10 detects the operation, and outputs a detection signal notifying the CPU 12 of the detection. Upon receiving the detection signal, the CPU 12 transmits a standby request signal to the controlled device 20 via the light emitting unit 13 in order to switch the intermittent reception mode to the continuous reception operation mode. This standby request signal is transmitted to the CPU 22 via the light receiving unit 21 on the controlled device 20 side.

As shown in FIG. 2A, when the standby request signal is received during the non-operation during the intermittent reception operation as shown in FIG. 2A, the CPU 22 immediately shifts to the normal reception operation mode.
A state is entered in which information such as control commands and data from the remote controller 10 is received. Then, actually, the remote control 10
When the information is transmitted from the device side, the controlled device 20 can process the information in real time. In this case, when the time from transmission of the standby request signal to transmission of the actual information is short, such information can be transmitted following the standby request signal. As described above, in the first embodiment, when the user touches the remote controller 10 with his / her hand or the like and the remote controller 10 itself moves, the standby request signal is automatically transmitted, so that the remote controller 10 is always in the reception operation mode. Switch.

For example, in the case of a television receiver, the user may continuously transmit information from the remote controller when adjusting the volume. Referring to FIG. 1, the controlled device 20 corresponds to a television receiver. As described above, the remote controller 10 controls the device 2 on the controlled side.
When information is continuously transmitted with respect to 0,
It is also possible to control so that the standby request signal continues. In the controlled device 20, the remote controller 1
After receiving a key input from 0, that is, when there is no use (signal reception) for a specified time or more after performing the input operation, the operation automatically shifts to the intermittent reception operation again.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the timing at which intermittent reception is performed in the controlled device 20 is managed on the remote controller 10 side. Then, at the time of transmission from the remote controller 10 side, in accordance with the timing at which the signal is received,
Send a standby request signal. For example, as shown in FIG.
Does not immediately transmit the standby request signal even if
The standby request signal is transmitted at the time of the next intermittent reception operation in the controlled device 20. If the method of FIG. 2 (2) is adopted, the signal transmission time of the remote controller 10 can be reduced.
It becomes possible to further shorten the length as compared with FIG. 2 (1).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main processing flow on the remote control side in the control method of the communication device performing the intermittent reception operation of the present invention.

In step S1, it is monitored whether there is a possibility that the remote controller is used. In this case, for example, the sensor detects that the remote controller has slightly moved, and determines from the result that the remote controller may be used. Alternatively, the photosensitive element is arranged on the surface of the remote control, and it is sensed that the light is shielded by the user's hand or the like,
It is also possible to determine the availability of the remote control. If it is determined that there is a possibility that the remote controller will be used, a standby request signal is transmitted in step S2. In step S3, a prescribed time until information is input is set in order to continue the reception standby state for a fixed time. This time is defined so as to be linked with the timeout time of the controlled device.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not the set specified time has elapsed (timeout). If the set specified time has not elapsed, it is determined in step S5 whether a key input (information) has been made. If there is no key input in step S5, the process returns to step S4, and the timeout value is subtracted. The processes in steps S4 and S5 are repeated until the set specified time has timed out, during which time it is determined whether or not a key input has been made.

When it is detected in step S5 that a key input has been made, in step S6 the content of the input operation (operation information) is transmitted to the controlled device, and the process returns to step S3. In this case, the specified time is set again in step S3. Then, it prepares for the next key input. If it is determined in step S4 that a timeout has occurred, the process returns to step S1.

If there is a possibility that the remote controller will be used by the processing in steps S1 to S6, the controlled device is switched from the intermittent reception mode to the continuous reception mode, and the information from the remote controller is transmitted immediately. It becomes possible to receive. If a key input (step S5) is performed, assuming a case where it is not possible to accurately detect the availability of the remote controller (step S1), the transmission of the standby request signal and the key input are immediately performed. The transmission of the operation can also be processed continuously. Therefore, the flow of FIG. 3 shows one embodiment, and many modifications are possible.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a main processing flow in the standby state on the device main body side in the control method of the communication device performing the intermittent reception operation of the present invention.

In step S11, intermittent reception of a signal sent from the remote controller is performed. In step S12, it is determined whether a standby request signal has been received within the intermittent reception time. If the standby request signal has not been received, the reception operation is stopped again until the intermittent reception interval. If the standby request signal is received within the reception time, the process shifts to the continuous reception mode in step S13, and the input operation information sent from the remote controller can be received thereafter. In step S14, a time-out period for keeping the reception state constant for a certain period of time is set. This time is prescribed so as to be linked with the timeout time of the remote controller as described in FIG.

In step S15, it is determined whether or not the timeout period has elapsed. If the timeout period has elapsed, it is determined that the remote controller is also in the intermittent reception state, so the process returns to step S11 and shifts to the intermittent reception state. On the other hand, if the timeout time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S16.
It is determined whether an input operation has been received from the remote controller. Also in this case, if no input operation is received,
Returning to step S15, the timeout value is subtracted. The processes of steps S15 and S16 are repeated until the set specified time has timed out, during which time it is determined whether or not an input operation has been received.

If an input operation has been received in step S16, the input operation is transmitted to the CPU of the device main body in step S17, the apparatus is always in a reception state, and the process returns to step S13. In this case, the specified time is set again in step S13. Then, it prepares for receiving the next input operation. In the case of FIG. 4 as well, assuming that the standby request signal could not be received (step S12), when an input operation was received during the intermittent reception operation time (step S16), this input is performed. The reception of the operation and the transmission of the input operation to the CPU of the device main body can be continuously processed. Therefore, the flow of FIG. 4 also shows one embodiment, and many modifications are possible.

In the above embodiment, a remote control system using infrared rays has been described. However, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to all devices that perform wireless transmission, not limited to infrared. For example, it can be applied to all remote control systems using microwaves, millimeter waves, and the like. Also, the remote control system has been described mainly with respect to a television receiver, but can be applied to all communication systems that perform so-called remote control. For example, it is possible to simply and efficiently control the connection between the wireless transmission paths simply by defining the communication procedure (protocol) described above between the remote controller and the device. Further, it can be widely applied as a communication procedure (protocol) for all wireless transmissions.
That is, the control method of the communication device that performs the intermittent reception operation of the present invention can be implemented in all the systems that remotely control the controlled device 20 by moving the remote control 10 when the remote control 10 is operated. You can do it.

[0033]

According to the communication device control method of the first aspect, the transmitting device is provided with means for transmitting a standby request signal for using the communication path between the two devices, and the transmitting device transmits the standby request signal. By transmitting the signal, the communication device that performs the intermittent reception operation is always set to the reception operation state in advance. Therefore, as in the conventional case, power saving can be realized in a time zone when the device is not used, and it is possible to quickly shift to the reception operation state quickly, so that a good response response can be obtained. Further, the connection between the wireless transmission paths can be controlled easily and efficiently.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the first aspect, when the transmitting-side device moves from a stationary state, the movement is detected and a standby request signal is transmitted. Therefore, the effect of the communication device control method according to the first aspect is reliably obtained.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the first aspect, a standby request signal is transmitted when a change in the environment around the transmitting device is detected. Therefore, the effect of the communication device control method according to the first aspect is reliably obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the first aspect, a standby request signal is transmitted when a change in the temperature around the transmitting side device is detected. Therefore, the effect of the communication device control method according to the first aspect is reliably obtained.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the first aspect, a standby request signal is transmitted when a change in brightness around the transmitting side device is detected. Therefore, the effect of the communication device control method according to the first aspect is reliably obtained.

According to the control method of the communication device of the present invention, when the operation status of the device connected to the transmitting device is detected, the standby request signal is transmitted. Therefore, the effect of the communication device control method according to the first aspect is reliably obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the first aspect, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the communication device performing the intermittent reception operation shifts to the continuous reception operation state, the communication device automatically performs the operation. To the intermittent reception operation state. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the control method of the communication device according to the first aspect, the subsequent power saving is realized.

According to the communication device control method of the eighth aspect, means for transmitting a standby request signal for using a communication path between the two devices to the transmitting device, and intermittent reception in the communication device performing the intermittent receiving operation An intermittent reception timing management unit for grasping the timing is provided, and a standby request signal is transmitted from the transmitting device using the intermittent reception timing. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the control method of the communication device of the first aspect, an extremely good response can be obtained.

According to the communication device control method of the ninth aspect, in the communication device that performs the intermittent reception operation with the transmission side, the transmission side device receives the standby request signal for using the communication path between the two devices. A transmitting means and an intermittent reception timing management means for grasping the intermittent reception timing in the communication device performing the intermittent reception operation are provided, and the transmission side device transmits a standby request signal in synchronization with the intermittent reception timing. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the communication device control method according to claim 8 can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a system including a remote controller and a device to be controlled, which implements a communication device control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input standby method and an input operation of a remote controller in the communication device control method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main processing flow on the remote control side of the control method of the communication device performing the intermittent reception operation of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main processing flow in a standby state on the device main body side in the control method of a communication device performing an intermittent reception operation according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote control input standby method and an input operation of a conventional device with a remote control.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 remote control, 11 operation system, 12 CPU
13 ... light-emitting unit, 14 ... usability detection unit, 20 ...
... devices on the controlled side, 21 ... light receiving unit, 22 ... CPU,
23 operation system, 24 control system, 25 display system

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A communication device for performing an intermittent reception operation with a transmission side, comprising: means for transmitting a standby request signal for using a communication path between the two devices to the transmission side device; A method for controlling a communication device performing an intermittent reception operation, wherein the communication device performing the intermittent reception operation is always set to a reception operation state in advance by transmitting a standby request signal from the device. 2. The means for transmitting a standby request signal includes:
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the device on the transmitting side moves from the stationary state, a standby request signal is transmitted by an output from the movement detecting means for detecting the movement. Control method. 3. The means for transmitting a standby request signal includes:
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a standby request signal is transmitted based on an output from an environment change detecting unit that detects an environment change around a transmitting-side device. 4. The means for transmitting a standby request signal includes:
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a standby request signal is transmitted in response to an output from a temperature change detecting means for detecting a change in temperature around the transmitting device. 5. A means for transmitting a standby request signal,
2. The control of a communication device for performing an intermittent reception operation according to claim 1, wherein a standby request signal is transmitted based on an output from a brightness change detecting means for detecting a change in brightness around a device on the transmitting side. Method. 6. A means for transmitting a standby request signal,
2. The control of a communication device for performing an intermittent reception operation according to claim 1, wherein a standby request signal is transmitted in accordance with an output from an operation status detection means for detecting an operation status of a device connected to the transmission-side device. Method. 7. When a predetermined time elapses after a communication device that performs an intermittent reception operation shifts to a continuous reception operation state by receiving a standby request signal from a transmission-side device,
2. The control method for a communication device that performs an intermittent reception operation according to claim 1, wherein a transition is automatically made to an intermittent reception operation state. 8. A communication device for performing an intermittent reception operation with a transmission side, means for transmitting a standby request signal for using a communication path between the two devices to the transmission side device, the intermittent reception operation And a communication device for performing the intermittent reception operation by transmitting a standby request signal from the transmitting device using the intermittent reception timing. A method for controlling a communication device performing an intermittent reception operation, wherein the device is always set to a reception operation state in advance. 9. A communication device that performs an intermittent reception operation with a transmission side, means for sending a standby request signal for using a communication path between the two devices to the transmission side device, A communication device that performs the intermittent reception operation by transmitting a standby request signal from the transmission-side device in accordance with the intermittent reception timing in a communication device that performs intermittent reception timing in the communication device that performs the intermittent reception timing. A communication device for performing an intermittent reception operation, wherein the communication device is set to a reception operation state at all times in advance.