JP2000184473A - Remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control system structure that can control devices to be controlled by means of a remote control and infrared-ray signals even when an obstacle which interrupts infrared rays exists between the devices. SOLUTION: A remote control system is provided with an air conditioner 3 which is controlled by means of infrared signals, a light-radio converter 5 which inputs the infrared signals radiated from a remote control 1 for an air conditioner 3 and transmits the information on the infrared signals as radio signals, and a radio-light converter 6 which receives the radio signals transmitted from the converter 5, reproduces the infrared signals based on the information contained in the radio signals, and radiates the infrared signals upon the air conditioner 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control system using infrared rays.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a remote control system using infrared rays as a signal medium has been widely used to operate home appliances such as a television and an air conditioner from a remote place. FIG. 9 is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional remote control system using infrared rays. In the figure, reference numerals 1 and 2 denote operating means 1 such as a push button, respectively.
a, 2a, and infrared transmitters 1b, 2b, and an infrared remote controller (air conditioner) configured to emit infrared signals from the infrared transmitters 1b, 2b in accordance with the operation contents of the operation means 1a, 2a. Remote control 1 and lighting remote control 2). An air conditioner 3 includes an infrared receiver 3a that receives an infrared signal output from the infrared transmitter 1b of the air conditioner remote controller 1, and is configured to execute an operation according to the received infrared signal. 2 is an illumination provided with an infrared receiver 4a for receiving an infrared signal output from the infrared transmitter 2b, and configured to execute an operation according to the received infrared signal.

[0003] Remote controller 1 for air conditioner, remote controller 2 for lighting
, The controlled device, the air conditioner 3,
In order to control the lighting 4, the operating means 1 a and 2 a provided on the air conditioner remote control 1 and the lighting remote control 2 may be operated. , 2b, the infrared radiation is radiated only in a predetermined range in front of the radiating port for radiating the infrared radiation, and the infrared receivers 3a, 4a of the controlled device.
Can receive infrared light only from a predetermined direction in front of the entrance to which infrared light enters, so that the controlled device is located within the infrared radiation range of the remote control, and the infrared remote control , It is necessary to operate the infrared remote controller and the controlled device so as to face each other.

[0004]

However, in the wireless remote control system using infrared light as described above, the controlled device is located in the infrared radiable range of the infrared remote control, and the controlled device is controlled by the infrared remote control. So that the infrared remote control is located in the infrared receiving range,
Even when the infrared remote controller and the controlled device are opposed to each other,
If there is an obstacle, such as a wall in a room, that blocks infrared light between the infrared remote controller and the controlled device, there is a problem that infrared light emitted from the infrared remote controller does not reach the controlled device and the controlled device cannot be controlled. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its object to control the remote controller and the controlled device when the controlled device controlled by the infrared signal cannot be seen from the position where the remote controller is operated. An object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a remote control system that can control a controlled device controlled by an infrared signal with a remote controller even when an obstacle that blocks infrared rays, such as a room wall, exists between the devices.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a remote control system according to claim 1 is provided.
A controlled device controlled by an infrared signal emitted by an infrared remote controller, an optical wireless converter that inputs an infrared signal emitted by the infrared remote controller and transmits information about the infrared signal as a wireless signal, and the optical wireless converter Receiving a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless device, reproducing an infrared signal based on information included in the wireless signal, and radiating the infrared signal to the controlled device. It is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control system, wherein a controlled device controlled by an infrared signal radiated by an infrared remote controller and an infrared signal radiated by the infrared remote controller are inputted, and information on the infrared signal is stored. In addition, when a predetermined operation is performed, a portable wireless remote controller that transmits information on the stored infrared signal as a wireless signal, and a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless remote controller, and information included in the wireless signal. And a wireless optical converter that reproduces an infrared signal based on the control signal and radiates the infrared signal to the controlled device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control system which is controlled by an infrared signal radiated by an infrared remote controller, transmits information on the infrared signal radiated by the infrared remote controller, and transmits a portable radio remote controller as a radio signal. The information on the operating means to be stored is stored in association with, and when a wireless signal indicating that the operating means has been operated is received by the wireless remote controller, the infrared signal is reproduced based on the information on the corresponding infrared signal, A wireless optical converter for radiating the infrared signal to the controlled device.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
1 is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of a remote control system, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an optical wireless converter and a wireless optical converter provided in the remote control system, and FIG. 3 is an example of a format of an infrared signal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a format of a radio signal used in the remote control system of the present invention. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
However, the same components as those in the example shown in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1 and 2 respectively include operating means 1a and 2a such as push buttons, and infrared transmitting units 1b and 2b.
This is an infrared remote controller (an air conditioner remote controller 1 and a lighting remote controller 2) configured to emit an infrared signal according to the operation content for 2a. An air conditioner (controlled device) 3 is provided with an infrared receiving unit 3a for receiving an infrared signal and configured to execute an operation according to the received infrared signal. 4 is an infrared receiving unit 4a for receiving an infrared signal.
And an illumination (controlled device) configured to execute an operation according to the received infrared signal.

Reference numeral 5 denotes an infrared receiver 5a for receiving infrared signals output from the infrared transmitters 1b and 2b of the air conditioner remote controller 1 and the illumination remote controller 2, and an optical receiver for amplifying the signal output from the infrared receiver 5a. The optical wireless converter includes a circuit 5b and a wireless transmitting circuit 5c that converts a signal output from the optical receiving circuit 5b into a wireless signal using radio waves as a signal medium and transmits the wireless signal.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a wireless receiving circuit 6a for receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the optical wireless converter 5, and an optical transmitting circuit for converting a signal output from the wireless receiving circuit 6a into an infrared signal using infrared as a signal medium. 6b and a wireless optical converter including an infrared transmitting unit 6c that emits an infrared signal according to the output of the optical transmitting circuit 6b, and 7 is provided between the optical wireless converter 5 and the wireless optical converter 6. It is a wall that does not transmit infrared rays but transmits radio waves.

Next, the operation of the remote control system shown in FIG. 1 will be described. However, in the following description, a case where the air conditioner is controlled will be described. First, the infrared transmitter 1b of the air conditioner remote controller 1
When the infrared receiver 5a of the optical wireless converter 5 is opposed to the remote controller 1 for the air conditioner, a control signal corresponding to the operation content is converted into an infrared signal using infrared as a signal medium, and the optical wireless converter is converted. 5 is transmitted. Optical wireless converter 5
Then, after the infrared signal is received by the light receiving circuit 5b, the wireless transmission circuit 5c transmits information on the infrared signal,
It is transmitted as a wireless signal using radio waves as a signal medium.

Next, after the wireless receiving circuit 6a provided in the wireless optical converter 6 receives the wireless signal transmitted from the optical wireless converter 5, based on information contained in the wireless signal, an optical transmitting circuit 6a is provided. 6b radiates an infrared signal toward the air conditioner 3 via the infrared transmission unit 1b. This infrared signal is received by the infrared receiver 3a of the air conditioner 3, and the air conditioner 3 executes an operation according to the operation content of the remote controller 1 for the air conditioner.
In the remote control system shown in FIG. 1, the remote control 1 for the air conditioner and the optical wireless converter 5, and between the wireless optical converter 6 and the air conditioner 3, at a position where there is no obstacle that blocks infrared rays, An optical wireless converter 5 and a wireless optical converter 6 are provided.

Next, the detailed configurations of the optical wireless converter 5 and the wireless optical converter 6 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the optical wireless converter 5, an optical receiving circuit 5b includes a light receiving section 5d for receiving an infrared signal incident through an infrared light receiving section 5a which is an infrared incident port, and a preamplifier circuit for amplifying an output signal of the light receiving section 5d. 5e. 5f is an antenna for radiating the signal output from the wireless transmission circuit 5c, 5g
Is a microcomputer, 5h is a main body power switch, and 5i is a frequency setting switch for setting the frequency of the radio signal.

The microcomputer 5g receives the received signal output from the preamplifier circuit 5e and converts the format of the received signal from an infrared signal format such as the Home Appliances Association format to a telemeter and telecontrol of a specific low power radio station. Radio equipment standard (RCR STD-
16) and the like, and is configured to output as a transmission signal and perform transmission control of the wireless transmission circuit 5c.

Next, in the wireless optical converter 6, 6d is an antenna, 6e is a microcomputer, 6f is a frequency setting switch, 6g
Is a main body power switch, and 6h is a registration button for switching between a normal operation mode for controlling the controlled device and a mode for registering the optical wireless converter 5 to the wireless optical converter 6.
The light transmitting circuit 6b includes a light emitting unit 6i that emits infrared light.
And a transmission signal from the microcomputer 6e, and
And a light-emitting circuit 6j for driving the.

The microcomputer 6e inputs a reception signal output from the radio reception circuit 6a and converts the format of the reception signal into a standard (RCR STD-16) for a radio equipment for a telemeter and a telecontrol of a specified low power radio station. ) Is converted to a format of an infrared signal such as the format of the Association of Home Appliances and the like, and is output as a transmission signal to the light emitting circuit 6j, and the light emission of the light emitting circuit 6j is controlled.

As an initial setting, the frequency of the wireless signal is adjusted by operating the frequency setting switch 5i of the optical wireless converter 5 and the frequency setting switch 6f of the wireless optical converter 6. In addition, the identification code of the optical wireless converter 5 is registered in the wireless optical converter 6 in order to set which optical wireless converter 5 operates in response to the transmitted radio wave. The identification code is
As will be described later, since it is included in the wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless converter 5, to register, first, the wireless optical converter 6 operates the registration button 6h to switch to the registration mode, and Operating the remote controller 1 for use, the optical wireless converter 5
To transmit a wireless signal. Thereby, the wireless optical converter 6 stores the identification code included in the wireless signal in the memory and registers it. Finally, the registration operation is completed by returning the mode to the normal operation mode.

Next, a schematic configuration of the home appliance association format will be described as an example of an infrared signal format with reference to FIG. The Home Appliances Association format is
A reader section including a section modulated at a carrier frequency F of 33 to 40 kHz, a custom code section forming the first byte and the second byte, a parity and data code 0 of a custom code forming the third byte, It consists of a data code section composed of 4 to n bytes and a trailer section.

The reader section is a signal indicating the start of the format, the custom code section is an identification code set to prevent malfunctions between remote control systems using infrared rays, the data code section is data to be transmitted, and the trailer section is data to be transmitted. This signal indicates the end of the format.

The infrared signal of the format shown in FIG.
PPM (Pulse Position Modura)
), and the logical value “0” is
A section in which a modulated wave having a length of T (unit time) exists and a section in which there is no modulated wave having a length of T subsequent thereto. The logical value “1” indicates that a modulated wave having a length of T exists. And a subsequent section in which there is no 3T-length modulated wave. The leader section is composed of a section in which a modulated wave having a length of 8T exists, and a subsequent section in which a modulated wave having a length of 4T does not exist. The trailer section includes a section in which a modulated wave having a length of T exists. , Followed by a section in which there is no modulated wave having a length of 8 mS or more.

Next, based on FIG. 4, as an example of a radio signal format (radio communication format), a format of a standard (RCR STD-16) of a radio equipment for telemeter and telecontrol of a specific low power radio station is used. The general configuration will be described. The format of the RCR STD-16 is called a frame following a portion of RCR data composed of a 100-bit length bit synchronization signal, a 31-bit length frame synchronization signal, and a 63-bit length identification code, and the RCR data. And a part for storing message data.

Further, the RCR data is encoded by the NRZ code, and the frame is encoded by the Manchester code. In the NRZ code, the logical value “0” is represented by a signal whose level does not change from the Low level in a time slot of the unit time t, and the logical value “1” is the unit time t
Is represented by a signal whose level does not change from the High level in a time slot of length. In the Manchester code, a logical value “0” is represented by a Low level section having a length of the unit time t and a subsequent High level section having a length of the unit time t, and the logical value “1” is represented by the unit time t. It is expressed as a High level section having a length of t and a Low level section having a length of a unit time t following the same.

Next, the operations of the optical wireless converter 5 and the wireless optical converter 6 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First,
The infrared signal radiated from the air conditioner remote control 1 is received by the light receiving section 5d of the optical wireless converter 5, and the preamplifier circuit 5e
Is input to the microcomputer 5g as a reception signal via the. Next, the microcomputer 5g extracts information on the infrared signal (carrier frequency F, unit time T, data code stored in the fourth byte to n bytes) from the received signal in the format of the Association of Home Appliances shown in FIG. And stores the information in the frame of the wireless communication format shown in FIG. 4, adds an identification code and the like, and outputs the information to the wireless transmission circuit 5 c. Then, the wireless transmission circuit 5c transmits a wireless signal from the antenna 5f.

Then, the wireless receiving circuit 6a provided in the optical wireless converter 6 receives the wireless signal transmitted from the optical wireless converter 5 via the antenna 6d and outputs it as a received signal to the microcomputer 6e. The microcomputer 6e reads the identification code from the received signal of the radio communication format (RCR STD-16), checks whether the identification code is registered, and performs the following processing if the identification code is registered.
If not registered, the processing is stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a malfunction due to a radio signal of another system.

When the identification code is registered, the microcomputer 6e reads the carrier frequency F, the unit time T, and the data code of the infrared ray from the wireless communication format, and, based on the information, reads the home appliance shown in FIG. Light emitting circuit 6 which constitutes an infrared signal in association format and transmits it as a transmission signal
output to j. The light emitting circuit 6j drives the light emitting unit 6i based on the transmission signal to emit an infrared signal. The infrared signal is received by the air conditioner 3, which is the controlled device, and performs an operation according to the data code.

As described above, according to the remote control system shown in FIG. 1, the wireless optical converter reproduces the infrared signal radiated by the infrared remote controller and radiates it to the controlled device. Even if there is an obstacle that blocks infrared light between the devices, if a wireless signal reaches the controlled device from the remote control, the controlled device can be remotely controlled using a conventional infrared remote control. In addition, since radio waves can be emitted in all directions, you can operate the infrared remote control in a room and broadcast wireless signals to wireless optical converters individually provided in multiple rooms around the room Thus, the same type of controlled device can be operated at a time. For example, an optical wireless converter can be installed in a living room, a wireless infrared converter can be installed in each of other rooms, and an air conditioner provided in each room can be operated from the living room using an infrared remote controller. Since the infrared remote controller emits highly directional infrared rays and the infrared remote controller is operated while facing the optical wireless converter, there is no need to identify the signal source unlike the wireless optical converter, It is not necessary to perform an initial setting for registering the ID of the infrared remote controller in the optical wireless converter.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. However, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the optical wireless converter is replaced with a wireless remote controller. FIG.
Is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of a remote control system, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless remote controller and a wireless optical converter provided in the remote control system.

In FIG. 5, a wireless remote controller 8 is a portable remote controller configured to learn an infrared signal of the air conditioner remote controller 1 and emit the same infrared signal as the infrared signal. A certain infrared light receiving section 8a
, A light receiving circuit 8b, a wireless transmitting circuit 8c for transmitting a wireless signal to the wireless optical converter 6, and a key matrix circuit 8d having a plurality of keys as operating means.

Next, a detailed configuration of the wireless remote controller 8 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the optical receiving circuit 8b
It includes a light receiving section 8e and a preamplifier circuit 8f for amplifying an output signal of the light receiving section 8e. 8g is a preamplifier circuit 8
f, receives the output signal, temporarily stores information on the infrared signal from the received signal in a memory (not shown), reads out the stored information on the infrared signal in response to an operation on the key matrix circuit 8d, and reads the wireless communication format. And store that information in the frame
This is a microcomputer that adds an identification code and the like and outputs the result to the wireless transmission circuit 8c.

The radio transmission circuit 8c receives the transmission signal output from the microcomputer 8g and transmits it as a radio signal from the antenna 8h. 8i is a main body power switch, 8j is a frequency setting switch for setting the frequency of a radio signal transmitted from the antenna 8h, 8k is a normal operation mode for transmitting a radio signal, and an infrared signal of the air conditioner remote control 1 is learned. This is a registration button for switching the mode (learning mode). Further, the key matrix circuit 8d
In the learning mode, a normal operation mode is used to specify in which storage area of the memory the information relating to the infrared signal is to be stored (which key among a plurality of keys of the key matrix circuit 8d) and to read out the information relating to the infrared signal. Is used to specify which infrared signal of the plurality of stored infrared signals is to be read.

Next, a method of initializing the wireless remote controller shown in FIG. 6 will be described. First, the mode is switched to the learning mode by operating the registration button 8k, and among the keys of the key matrix circuit 8d, the key desired to correspond to the infrared signal is operated. This causes the wireless remote controller 8 to be in a state of waiting for the input of an infrared signal, and
To emit an infrared signal to be learned toward the wireless remote controller 8. The microcomputer 8g inputs the received signal output from the light receiving unit 8e via the preamplifier circuit 8f, reads information (infrared signal carrier frequency F, unit time T, data code) related to the infrared signal from the received signal, The information is stored in the storage area of the memory corresponding to the operated key. Finally, the user operates the registration button 8k to switch the mode from the learning mode to the normal operation mode, thereby completing the learning of the infrared signal.

By setting as described above, when a key operated during learning of an infrared signal during normal operation is operated, information on the infrared signal (carrier frequency of the infrared signal) associated with the key is operated. F, unit time T, data code) are read from the memory, and the microcomputer 8g reads the radio communication format (RCR STD).
After being converted into the wireless signal of -16), the signal is transmitted from the wireless remote controller 8 to the wireless optical converter 6.

In the remote control system shown in FIG. 6, as in the embodiment shown in FIG.
By operating one remote controller, a wireless signal is broadcast to wireless optical converters individually provided in a plurality of rooms around the room, whereby the same type of controlled device can be operated at a time. Further, the wireless remote controller 8 is configured to be portable, and there is no need to worry about the direction of the remote controller unlike an infrared remote controller. Therefore, there is an advantage that the operation can be performed while being easily carried.

Further, since a plurality of infrared signals can be registered, a plurality of types of controlled devices such as a lighting device and an air conditioner can be operated by one wireless remote controller. If a plurality of infrared signals correspond to one key, a plurality of controlled devices can be operated in order by one key operation.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the same components as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 in that information relating to an infrared signal is not registered in a wireless remote controller but in an optical wireless converter. FIG.
Is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire remote control system, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless remote controller and a wireless optical converter provided in the remote control system.

In FIG. 7, the radio remote controller 9 is a radio transmission circuit 9
a, and a key matrix circuit 9b (operation means) having a plurality of keys. When a predetermined key is operated, a radio signal indicating that the key is operated is transmitted to the wireless optical converter 10. It is configured to be. On the other hand, the wireless optical converter 10 includes a wireless receiving circuit 10a for receiving a wireless signal of the wireless remote controller 9, an optical transmitting and receiving circuit 10b for emitting or emitting an infrared signal, and an infrared incidence port and an infrared emission port. An infrared transceiver 10c.

Next, the detailed configurations of the wireless remote controller 9 and the wireless optical converter 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless remote controller 9 includes a microcomputer 9c, a wireless transmission circuit 9a, a key matrix circuit 9b, an antenna 9d, a main body power switch 9e, and a frequency setting switch 9f.

The microcomputer 9c includes a key matrix circuit 9b
When a predetermined key is operated, input data (information on which key is operated) output from the key matrix circuit 9b is input, and its own identification code and the input data are converted to a predetermined location in the wireless communication format. (A frame in the case of input data) and stored in the wireless transmission circuit 9a and the antenna 9
It is configured to transmit the signal to the wireless optical converter 10 via the link d.

On the other hand, the wireless optical converter 10 has an antenna 10
d, a wireless receiving circuit 10a, a microcomputer 10e, an optical transmitting / receiving circuit 10b, a main body power switch 10f, a frequency setting switch 10g, and a registration button 10h. Further, the light transmitting / receiving circuit 10b includes a light emitting circuit 10i for inputting a transmission signal output from the microcomputer 10e and driving the light emitting unit 10j, and a preamplifier unit for amplifying a signal output from the light receiving unit 10k and outputting the amplified signal to the microcomputer 10e as a received signal. 10 m.

The wireless optical converter 10 has a mode (learning mode) for inputting and registering an infrared signal output from the air-conditioning remote controller 1 and a mode for inputting and registering an infrared signal reproduced based on information on the learned infrared signal. A normal operation mode for emitting light is provided, and the mode is switched by operating the registration button 10h.

First, as an initial setting, the wireless optical converter 10
Is switched to the registration mode, and the key of the wireless remote controller 9 to be associated with the infrared signal is operated. Thereby, the identification code, which is the ID of the wireless remote controller 9,
Information on the operated key (key number) is transmitted. The microcomputer 10e of the wireless optical converter 10 inputs the information via the antenna 10d and the wireless receiving circuit 10a.

Next, the air conditioner remote controller 1 is operated to emit an infrared signal to the wireless optical converter 10. This allows
The microcomputer 10e of the optical wireless converter 10 receives the received signal via the light receiving unit 10k and the preamplifier unit 10m, associates the received signal with the previously input identification code and key number, and obtains information on the infrared signal included in the received signal. (Infrared carrier frequency F, unit time T, data code) are stored in the memory. Finally, the initial setting is completed by returning the mode to the normal operation mode.

In the normal operation mode, when the key of the wireless remote controller 9 is operated, the identification code and the key number are transmitted from the wireless remote controller 9 to the wireless optical converter 10, so that the microcomputer 10e of the wireless optical converter 10 Extracts the information from the received signal, determines whether the identification code is registered, and if it is registered, the key number included in the received signal is the key number stored in association with the identification code. Determine if there is. If the identification code and the key number obtained from the received signal match the registered ones, the information (infrared carrier frequency F and unit time T) related to the infrared signal stored in association with the information is stored.
And a data code), reproduces an infrared signal based on the information, and transmits the infrared signal to the air conditioner 3 via the light emitting circuit 10i and the light emitting unit 10j.

In the remote control system shown in FIG. 7, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG.
One remote controller is operated, and a wireless signal is broadcast to wireless optical converters individually provided in a plurality of rooms around the room, so that the same kind of controlled device can be operated at a time. Further, the wireless remote controller 8 is configured to be portable, and there is no need to worry about the direction of the remote controller unlike an infrared remote controller. Therefore, there is an advantage that the operation can be performed while being easily carried.

Further, since a plurality of infrared signals can be registered, a plurality of types of controlled devices such as a lighting device and an air conditioner can be operated by one wireless remote controller. Further, if a plurality of infrared signals can be successively registered in one key, a plurality of types of controlled devices can be sequentially operated by one key operation.

While the remote control system shown in FIG. 5 transmits the carrier frequency F, the unit time T, and the data code from the wireless remote controller 8,
Since the remote control system shown in FIG. 7 transmits only the key number as a wireless signal from the wireless remote controller 10, the amount of information to be wirelessly transmitted is smaller than that of the remote control system shown in FIG. The advantage is that the probability that control information cannot be transmitted correctly due to collision with radio waves transmitted by other wireless remote controllers can be reduced and transmission reliability can be improved, and the circuit configuration of the wireless remote controller can be simplified, so that miniaturization and weight reduction can be achieved. is there.

[0049]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even if there is an obstacle between the remote controller and the controlled device that blocks infrared rays, the wireless optical converter can communicate with the wireless optical converter. When the signal arrives, the controlled device can be remotely controlled. Also, operate the infrared remote control in a room,
It is also possible to broadcast a wireless signal to wireless optical converters individually provided in a plurality of rooms around the room to operate the same type of controlled device at a time. Furthermore, since the infrared remote controller emits highly directional infrared rays and the infrared remote controller is operated while facing the optical wireless converter, there is no need to identify the signal transmission source unlike the wireless optical converter. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the initial setting for registering the ID of the infrared remote controller in the optical wireless converter.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when there is an obstacle between the remote controller and the controlled device that blocks infrared rays, if the wireless signal reaches the wireless optical converter from the wireless remote controller, the controlled device is not controlled. Can be remotely controlled. In addition, the user operates the infrared remote controller in a certain room, broadcasts wireless signals to wireless optical converters individually provided in multiple rooms around the room, and operates the same type of controlled device at once. You can also. Furthermore, since the wireless remote controller is configured to be portable and does not have to worry about the direction of the remote controller unlike the infrared remote controller, there is an advantage that the operation can be performed while being easily carried.

Since a plurality of infrared signals can be registered, a single wireless remote controller can operate a plurality of types of controlled devices such as a lighting device and an air conditioner. Further, if a plurality of infrared signals correspond to one key, a plurality of controlled devices can be sequentially operated by one key operation. Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, even if there is an obstacle that blocks infrared rays between the remote control and the controlled device, if the wireless signal reaches the wireless optical converter from the wireless remote control, the remote control of the controlled device can be performed. Becomes possible. In addition, the user operates the infrared remote controller in a certain room, broadcasts wireless signals to wireless optical converters individually provided in multiple rooms around the room, and operates the same type of controlled device at once. You can also. Furthermore, since the wireless remote controller is configured to be portable and does not have to worry about the direction of the remote controller unlike the infrared remote controller, there is an advantage that the operation can be performed while being easily carried.

Also, since a plurality of infrared signals can be registered, a single wireless remote controller can operate a plurality of types of controlled devices such as lighting and an air conditioner. Further, if a plurality of infrared signals correspond to one key, a plurality of controlled devices can be sequentially operated by one key operation. Claim 2
The remote control system described above transmits the carrier frequency F, the unit time T, and the data code from the wireless remote controller, whereas the remote control system according to claim 3 transmits only the key number as a wireless signal from the wireless remote controller. Therefore, the amount of information transmitted wirelessly is smaller than that of the remote control system according to claim 2, so that the transmission time is short, and the probability that control information cannot be transmitted correctly due to collision with radio waves transmitted by another wireless remote controller can be reduced. The transmission reliability is improved, and the circuit configuration of the wireless remote controller can be simplified, so that there is an advantage that the size and weight can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing a first embodiment of a remote control system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an optical wireless converter and a wireless optical converter provided in the first embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a format of an infrared signal.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a format of a wireless signal used in the remote control system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a system diagram showing a second embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless remote controller and a wireless optical converter provided in a second embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system diagram showing a third embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless remote controller and a wireless optical converter provided in a third embodiment of the remote control system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a system diagram showing an example of a conventional remote control system.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 remote control for air conditioner (infrared remote control) 2 remote control for lighting (infrared remote control) 3 air conditioner (controlled device) 4 lighting (controlled device) 5 optical wireless converter 6,10 wireless optical converter 8,9 wireless remote controller 9b key matrix Circuit (operation means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Kuniharu Tatetsuki 1048 Odakadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka F-term in Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd. EB02 HA03 HA04 HA06

Claims (3)

[Claims] A controlled device controlled by an infrared signal emitted by an infrared remote controller; an optical-to-wireless converter that receives an infrared signal emitted by the infrared remote controller and transmits information about the infrared signal as a wireless signal; A wireless optical converter that receives a wireless signal transmitted by the optical wireless converter, reproduces an infrared signal based on information included in the wireless signal, and radiates the infrared signal to the controlled device. A remote control system. 2. A controlled device controlled by an infrared signal radiated by an infrared remote controller, and an infrared signal radiated by the infrared remote controller are inputted, information on the infrared signal is stored, and a predetermined operation is performed. If
A portable wireless remote controller that transmits information about the stored infrared signal as a wireless signal, receives a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless remote controller, reproduces an infrared signal based on information included in the wireless signal, and outputs the infrared signal. And a wireless optical converter that emits light to the controlled device. 3. A controlled device controlled by an infrared signal emitted by an infrared remote controller, information relating to the infrared signal emitted by the infrared remote controller, and information relating to operation means transmitted by the portable wireless remote controller as a wireless signal. When the wireless remote controller receives a wireless signal indicating that the operating means has been operated, the wireless remote controller reproduces an infrared signal based on information about the corresponding infrared signal, and stores the infrared signal in the controlled device. A remote control system, comprising: a wireless optical converter that radiates light to a wireless device.