JP2000236454A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a sudden output of large sound when power is turned on by introducing a fine volume adjusting mode to a remote controller. SOLUTION: A fine volume adjusting key for the time when power is turned on is provided. Since the key is constituted as a combination key, a mute key 34 functions also as the fine volume adjusting key. Namely, the key normally functions as a mute key, but when a power source key 32 is depressed in the state of operating this key 34 (at the same time of operation or after operation), the key functions as the fine volume adjusting key only at this time. Then, if it is judged that the key 32 is pressed after the key 34 is pressed, a channel memorized when power is turned off is tuned and voice is outputted in a state adjusted to be a fine volume. When an up/down key 46 is operated in addition, this fine volume adjusting mode is released and voice is outputted with a corresponding adjusted value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device applicable to a television receiver or the like. For more information,
When the power switch is turned on while operating the volume adjustment key, sound is not output at the volume at the time the power was turned off, but output at a certain level or less. Thus, sound is not output at an excessive volume.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Most television receivers are provided with a memory function. For example, a channel selected when the power is turned off and an adjustment value of a volume at that time are stored, and are stored when the power is turned on next time. This channel is automatically selected and sound (including sound such as music) is output at the volume at the time of power-off.

[0003]

By the way, when the power is turned off, the television environment is set so that the whole family can watch baseball or soccer broadcasts, or watch the place where there is noise during the day, or raise the volume relatively. In many cases, the viewers watch the video in a state where they are watched.

On the other hand, when turning on the power of the television again, it is often the case that the television is used alone or in an environment with little noise such as early morning or late at night. Therefore, in such a case, the volume is almost too high in most cases.

[0005] For this reason, it is often experienced that when a baby is turned on and then the television is turned on to enjoy a TV program, suddenly sound is output at a high volume and the baby is woken up. is there. Alternatively, since the volume is too high when the power is turned on at night, the user often experiences an operation of suddenly dropping the volume of the remote controller.

[0006] In such a case, a dexterous person may take a calm measure such as operating a mute key (mute switch) provided on the remote controller to lower (turn off) the volume. However, in the case of the mute switch, operating the up / down key for adjusting the volume cancels the mute mode, so that if the user is safe, sound is output at the initial volume. Therefore, this mute operation is not a very effective solution.

Accordingly, the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem. When a power switch is operated with a volume adjustment key being operated, sound is output with the volume lowered. The proposed remote control device is provided.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the remote control device according to the present invention, when the power is turned on while the low volume adjustment key is selected, the volume is adjusted to a low volume. In addition to the output, when the volume up / down key is operated, the minute volume adjustment mode is canceled.

According to the present invention, when the power supply is operated with the fine volume adjustment key being operated, the sound is output at a low volume instead of the stored volume at the time of power off. The low volume is an adjustment volume including zero volume. Therefore, even when the volume is turned off when the power is off, when the power is turned on again, the volume is output at a very low volume. Then, use the volume up / down keys to adjust the volume to a desired level. This can solve the conventional problem.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a case where one embodiment of a remote controller according to the present invention is applied to a television receiver will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a main part showing an embodiment of a remote controller 10 to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a remote control device 10
Is for controlling the television receiver, and the CPU
And a drive unit 14 such as a battery connected thereto, and a memory means (ROM in this example) 16 having a program for realizing various controls for performing remote control. Is connected.
The ROM 16 also has a built-in low volume control program described later.

[0011] A remote control transmission signal for the television receiver is generated from the control unit 12, and the transmission signal is formed into an excitation signal by the transmission means 18, and then applied to the infrared light emitting diode 20 in this example. . The light emitting diode 20 outputs a remote control signal using infrared rays.
An operation unit 30 is further associated with the control unit 12, and a corresponding remote control transmission signal is generated in the control unit 12 in accordance with an operation of an operation key provided therein.

FIG. 2 shows a specific example of the operation unit 30 of the remote control device 10. On the front surface of the apparatus main body 40, a transmission unit 42 is provided such that a remote control signal is diffused at an angle. A plurality of operation keys are arranged on the flat portion 40a of the apparatus main body 40. In the example shown in the figure, operation keys 44 such as a ten key and a function key are arranged at the center of the plane. And
A power switch (power key) 32 and a mute key 34 are arranged at the lower end side, and in this example, a volume (VR)
An adjustment key (up / down key) 46 and an up / down key 48 for the channel CH are provided.

According to the present invention, a key for adjusting a low volume when the power is turned on is provided. The low volume adjustment key can be configured as a dedicated key or a dual-purpose key. FIG. 2 shows a case where the mute key 34 is configured as a dual-purpose key. In this example, the mute key 34 also functions as a small volume adjustment key.

In other words, normally, it functions as a mute key, but when the mute key 34 is operated (simultaneously with or after the operation), the power key 32 is pressed
Only at this time, the mute key 34 functions as a fine volume adjustment key. Therefore, when the mute key 34 is pressed after the power key 32 is pressed, a normal mute operation is performed.

The reason why the mute key 34 is also used as the low volume adjustment mode key is that the mute key 34 is located next to the power key 32 in FIG. Is considered.
Therefore, it is clear that other keys can be used also as the low volume adjustment mode key.

By installing such a low volume adjustment mode, it is possible to reliably prevent suddenly outputting a high volume sound when the power is turned on. The low volume includes both a volume of zero and a volume reduced (a volume that does not cause a person to feel uncomfortable).

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example for this slight volume adjustment. In FIG. 3, when the program for adjusting the low volume is started, it is first checked whether or not only the power key is on. Therefore, the key operation state of the mute key 34 is checked first, and when the power key 32 is turned on (operated) from the beginning (steps 50 and 51), the normal operation mode is set.
That is, the channel stored when the power is turned off is selected, and the sound is output at the volume at the time of power off (steps 52 and 53).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power key 32 has been pressed after the mute key 34 has been pressed (steps 50 and 54), the channel stored when the power is turned off is selected and the volume is reduced. A sound is output with the volume adjusted to a low level (steps 55 and 56). That is, when the mute key 34 is pressed, the sound is output at a low volume.

In the case of a television receiver, when the power is turned on, the volume adjustment amount at that time is displayed as a bar graph or a numerical value on a screen, so that the television receiver equipped with such a display function is provided. In case of the machine, the adjustment value in the low volume adjustment mode (zero or a value close to it)
Is displayed on the screen (step 57).

Thus, when no sound can be heard or the volume is reduced, the user does not mistake the television receiver for a failure. Such a misunderstanding should not occur because the low volume adjustment mode is originally selected based on the user's will. However, such misunderstanding cannot occur when displayed on the screen.

Adjustment of the small volume is performed by the volume up / down key 4.
As long as 6 is not operated, that state continues (steps 58 and 56). However, when the up / down key 46 is operated, the low volume adjustment mode is released, and a sound is output with the corresponding adjustment value (steps 58 and 59).

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a remote control device used for a television receiver. However, the present invention can also be applied to a remote control device for a radio-cassette or a mini-component. Obviously, the low volume setting key may be a dedicated key.

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, the remote control device is provided with the low volume control mode. According to this, a sudden loud sound is not output when the power is turned on. Therefore, the present invention is extremely suitable for application to remote control devices such as television receivers and audio equipment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a main part showing an embodiment of a remote controller according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a key layout diagram of an operation panel of the remote control device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example for realizing a low volume adjustment mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 remote control device 12 control unit 20 light emitting diode 16 ROM 30 operation unit 34 low volume adjustment mode key

Claims (4)

[Claims] When the power is turned on in a state in which the low volume adjustment key is selected, the volume is adjusted to a low volume and output, and when the volume up / down key is operated, A remote control device wherein the volume adjustment mode is canceled. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the fine sound volume adjustment when the power is turned on is zero or a value close to zero. 3. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the low volume adjustment key is a dedicated key or a dual-purpose key. 4. The remote control device according to claim 3, wherein said shared key is a mute key.