JP2001057693A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller such that high convenience particularly for a disabled or the aged person is obtained by transmitting a remote control signal without the need for key depression so as to remotely control a control object device. SOLUTION: A remote commander body 1 is provided with a signal generating means 7 that generates an electric signal when the remote commander body 1 changes a placing angle from nearly a horizontal state into an oblique or a vertical direction, a memory 20b that stores numeral data corresponding to a code assigned to each key of a key operation section 2, a counter 18 that counts the electric signal outputted from the signal generating means 7, and a control means 20 that receives count data of the counter 18, reads a code corresponding to the numeral data within a prescribed time from the memory 20b and allows a signal transmission means 21 to output a transmission signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a television receiver (TV), a video tape recorder (VCR), etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device for remotely controlling a device, and more particularly to a remote control device suitable for a physically handicapped person, which enables remote control without requiring a push key operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A remote control device called a remote control device basically transmits an infrared signal in response to a key operation to remotely control an electric device to be controlled. One example of this remote control device is an electric device. Is known (see Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 61-104654). This device includes a light collecting system, an infrared sensor, a detection circuit, a control circuit, and the like, and is configured to remotely control a TV.
In this remote control device, the infrared sensor outputs a signal to a detection circuit when a light collecting system including a concave mirror collects light within a certain range. The detection circuit detects a generation cycle or an output width of the output from the infrared sensor and outputs a detection signal to the control circuit. This control circuit controls the TV according to the generation cycle or the output width based on the detection signal. As described above, since the remote control device can collect infrared light within a certain range by the concave mirror, it is not necessary to operate the remote control device in a state where the light emitting device side of the remote control device is accurately directed to the infrared sensor side which is the light receiving device. Operability is improved.

[0003]

However, this remote control device is provided with a key operation section composed of various function keys on the remote control main body, as in the conventional general type, and any one of the key operation sections is depressed. Unless a key is operated, an infrared signal is transmitted from the light emitting device, and the electric device cannot be remotely controlled. For this reason, a physically handicapped person or an elderly person who has difficulty in pressing fingers and cannot operate a remote control device cannot use the remote control device, which causes inconvenience in daily life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables remote control of a device to be controlled by transmitting a remote control signal without requiring a push key operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control device that is highly convenient for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when a key operation portion provided on a remote control main body is pressed by a key, the content of the key operation is reduced. A remote control device that reads a corresponding code from a memory, outputs a transmission signal from a signal transmission unit, and transmits an infrared signal from a light emitting element attached to an outer portion of the remote control main body. Signal generating means for generating one electric signal when the angle changes obliquely or vertically from a substantially horizontal state, and numerical data is stored in the memory in association with a code assigned to each key of the key operation unit. A counter for counting the electric signal output from the signal generating means, and receiving the count data of the counter, It is characterized by and a control means for controlling to output a transmission signal from the signal transmitting means code corresponding read from the memory. Also, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the signal generating means has an elongated hollow guide portion extending in the length direction of the remote control main body, and is formed shorter than the entire length of the hollow guide portion and has a lengthwise direction. A sliding member housed slidably, a first fixed electrode provided on a substantially central inner surface of the hollow guide portion and connected to a voltage supply portion, and disposed on each inner surface at both ends of the hollow guide portion; The second and third fixed electrodes are electrically connected to each other, and are provided on the substantially central outer peripheral surface of the slide member facing the first fixed electrode so as to be always in sliding contact with the first fixed electrode. A first movable electrode, and second and third movable electrodes disposed on both outer surfaces of both ends of the slide member so as to face the second or third fixed electrode, respectively, and connected to the counter. It is characterized by.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a signal generation member of the signal generation unit.
This remote control device is applied to a remote control device (hereinafter, abbreviated as “remote control”) provided in a TV-integrated VCR in which a TV and a VCR are integrated. A signal is generated, an infrared signal is transmitted from the light emitter 22, and a television-integrated VCR (not shown) arranged at a remote location is remotely controlled.

The remote control main unit 1 has a key operation unit 2 on an upper surface 1a, a light emitting unit 22 on a front end 1b, and a guide storage unit 6 on one side 1c, and a signal conversion unit 5 and a signal generation unit in the remote control main unit 1. 7, a control unit 20, a transmission unit 21, and the like. The key operation unit 2 includes a power key for powering on / off, a VCR key for video selection, a TV key for TV selection, a CATV key for cable TV selection, and a channel on the front side of the upper surface 1a. Special keys 3 such as a numeric keypad for selection, a channel up / down key, and a volume up / down key are provided. A function key 5 such as a play key, a fast-forward key, a rewind key, a fast-forward key, and a stop key for controlling each function of the VCR 21 is provided on the rear side of the upper surface 1a.

[0008] The signal generator 7 is provided with a signal generator 8 and a signal output unit 9. Signal generation tool 8
Is composed of a hollow guide member 10 and a slide member 14, and is housed in the guide housing portion 6. The guide storage section 6 is formed in an elongated hollow shape so as to extend in the length direction of the remote control main body 1, and a cover is attached to this opening to cover the same. The hollow guide member 10
It is a slender cylindrical body having a hollow portion extending in the length direction, and has a mounting hole formed substantially at the center of the upper surface 10a and at each end surface of the front and rear ends 10a and 10b. The first fixed electrode 11 having a rectangular shape is provided in the substantially central mounting hole, the second fixed electrode 12 having a substantially rectangular shape is provided in the mounting hole on the front end face, and the substantially rectangular second fixed electrode 12 is provided in the mounting hole on the rear end face. Each of the three fixed electrodes 13 is firmly attached.

Each of the fixed electrodes 11 to 13 is made of a flat conductor, and each surface is made substantially flush with the outer surface of the hollow guide member 10, while each back surface is made substantially flush with the inner surface of the hollow guide member 10. Have been one. In addition, the second fixed electrode 12 and the third fixed electrode 13 are connected to each other by a lead wire (see FIG. 4). The hollow guide member 10 thus formed can be separated and connected in the middle of the longitudinal direction, and the slide member 14 is inserted into the hollow portion in the separated state.
After being stored, they are connected again and integrated.

The slide member 14 is a slender cylindrical body, and is formed shorter than the entire length of the hollow guide member 10. The height and width of the slide member 14 are smaller than the height and width of the inner surface of the hollow guide member 10 so that the slide member 14 can slide freely in the length direction when housed in the hollow portion. The slide member 14 has a mounting hole substantially at the center of the upper surface 14a, and the rectangular first movable electrode 15 is mounted in the mounting hole. Note that the first movable electrode 15 is projected from the upper surface 14a,
When the slide member 14 slides in the hollow portion of the hollow guide member 10, the first movable electrode 1 is always applied to the first fixed electrode 11.
5 is in sliding contact. In addition, the slide member 14 has an opening formed on the end face on the front end side to form the second movable electrode 1.
6, and an opening is also formed in the end face on the rear end side to firmly fix the third movable electrodes 17 respectively. The first movable electrode 15, the second movable electrode 16, and the third movable electrode 17 are connected to each other by arranging lead wires inside (see FIG. 4).

The slide member 14 thus formed
When housed in the hollow guide member 10, the first movable electrode 15 is provided on the first fixed electrode 11, the second movable electrode 16 is provided on the second fixed electrode 12, and the third movable electrode 17 is provided on the third fixed electrode 13. Face each other. When the angle of the remote control main body 1 is changed from a substantially horizontal state to an oblique or vertical direction, the slide member 14 slides in the hollow portion, and the first fixed electrode 11 and the first movable electrode 15 are always in sliding contact with each other. The second movable electrode 16 comes into contact with the second fixed electrode 12, and the third movable electrode 17 comes into contact with or separate from the third fixed electrode 13. The first fixed electrode 11 is connected to an output terminal of the power supply unit 19 via a resistor. Further, the second fixed electrode 12 and the third fixed electrode 13 are respectively connected to the signal output unit 9.

Thus, when a voltage is applied from the power supply section 19 to the first fixed electrode 11, the voltage is supplied to the second fixed electrode 12 and the third fixed electrode 13 via the first movable electrode 15. Then, the second movable electrode 1 is attached to the second fixed electrode 12.
6 is in contact with the third movable electrode 17
Is supplied, the supply voltage from the power supply unit 19 is sent to the signal output unit 9 side. Thus, when the movable electrode comes into contact with any of the fixed electrodes, one electric signal is generated on the signal generating tool 8 side, and is output from the signal output unit 9 as a signal of one pulse.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the remote controller, and FIG. 4 is a detailed explanatory view showing a main part of the remote controller. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 2 denotes the key operation unit, which outputs a signal corresponding to the operation content when any key is pressed. Reference numeral 5 denotes a signal conversion unit which receives an operation signal from the key operation unit 2 and outputs digital data to the control unit 20 side. Reference numeral 7 denotes a signal generation unit, which causes a signal output unit 9 to output a pulse-shaped electric signal when an electric signal is generated on the signal generation tool 8 side. Reference numeral 18 denotes a counter, which counts an electric signal from the signal output unit 9.

Reference numeral 20b denotes a memory, and the key operation unit 2
Numerical data is stored in association with the code assigned to each key. That is, a control code for operating the TVCR by a transmission signal is assigned to each key of the key operation unit 2, and the data is stored in the memory 20b in advance. The data of each control code stores numerical data in various correspondences based on the number 1. For example, as the same control code, a power key of the key operation unit 2 and numerical data of “1”, VCR
Numerical data corresponding to other keys including the VCR, such as a key and numerical data of "2" and a TV key and numerical data of "3", are stored in the memory 20b in advance. 20d is a timer which outputs time data every moment. Reference numeral 21 denotes a transmission unit which converts a digital signal from the control unit 20 into a pulse signal and outputs the pulse signal. Reference numeral 22 denotes a light emitting device including a light emitting diode, which emits infrared light based on a pulse signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 21 and transmits an infrared signal.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a CPU 20a and a ROM serving as a memory.
A control section comprising a RAM 20b and a RAM 20c, which is connected to the signal conversion section 5, the transmission section 21, the counter 18, the transmission section 21 and the like in one or two directions according to each function. It operates in response to the supply voltage from the power supply unit 19, and when a numerical signal is transmitted from the counter 18 when a command signal by a key operation of the key operation unit 2 or the remote control main body 1 is shaken, the memory 20b The corresponding control code is read out and transmitted to the transmitting section 21 side. The usage of the remote controller configured as described above is described in an instruction manual or displayed on the surface of the remote controller main body 1 or the like. As the display contents, when the angle of the remote control main body 1 is changed from a substantially horizontal state to an oblique or vertical direction, the remote control main body 1 is shaken once, and it is clear that the TVCR can be remotely operated freely by the number of times of shaking within a predetermined time. preferable.

Next, the operation when the above-mentioned remote controller is used will be described with reference to FIGS. When a user presses any key of the key operation unit 2 and operates a key, the operation signal is supplied to the control unit 20 and the CPU 20a of the control unit 20 stores the memory 20
By reading out the corresponding control code from b and transmitting it to the transmitting section 21, the light emitting device 22 emits light to transmit an infrared signal. This infrared signal is transmitted to a TV (not shown).
When the light is received by the photodetector of the CR, the transmission signal is transmitted to the receiving unit side, and is input to the control unit 20 of the TVCR. The control unit 20 performs an operation control according to the content of the push key operation of the remote controller based on the transmitted control code. For this reason, the power on / off key is operated with the key operation unit 2,
Subsequently, when the TV key is operated, the TVCR is turned on, and the broadcast program of the currently selected channel is displayed on the TV screen.

If the user cannot press the key operation section 2 with his / her finger as described above, the user shakes the remote control main body 1 to remotely control the TVCR. In this case, it is only necessary to change the angle of the remote control main body 1 from a substantially horizontal state to an oblique or vertical direction, and shake the remote control body 1 an arbitrary number of times within a predetermined time while watching a wristwatch or the like. Then, each time the signal is shaken, one electric signal is generated by the signal generator 7, and this signal is generated by the counter 18.
, And the counted number is stored in the RAM 20c as numerical data. CPU 2 of control unit 20
0a is a counter 18 based on the time data of the timer.
The data of the count number stored from the time when the electric signal is first transmitted from the side to the time set in advance is stored in the RA.
M20c, and further reads a control code corresponding to the numerical data from the memory 20b, and
Send to one side. Then, the light emitting device 22 emits light and an infrared signal is transmitted.

When this infrared signal is received by a TVCR light receiver, a transmission signal is sent to the receiver and the TV signal is transmitted.
It is input to the control unit 20 of the CR. The control unit 20 performs operation control according to the number of times the remote control main body 1 has been shaken, based on the transmitted control code. For example, when the remote control main body 1 is shaken once within a predetermined time, the slide member 14 slides in the hollow portion, and the first fixed electrode 11 and the first movable electrode 15 are always in sliding contact with each other. The second movable electrode 16 contacts the third fixed electrode 13 and the third movable electrode 17
Are separated from each other. Alternatively, on the contrary, the third movable electrode 17 contacts the third fixed electrode 13, and the second fixed electrode 12 and the second movable electrode 16 separate from each other. Accordingly, the signal output unit 9
A more pulse-like electric signal is output, and this is the counter 1
8 and stored in the RAM 20b. Then, the CPU 20a reads the control code corresponding to the numerical data within the predetermined time from the memory 20b, and
1, the TVCR is turned on in the same manner as when the power key of the key operation unit 2 is operated. Subsequently, when the remote control main body 1 is shaken three times within a predetermined time, a broadcast program or the like is displayed on the screen of the TV.

As described above, when the operation of shaking the remote control main body 1 is sequentially performed, the channel can be changed and the volume can be adjusted, and various functions such as reproduction and recording can be freely operated by operating the VCR side. It can be easily used by physically handicapped people and the elderly. In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a TVCR remote controller has been described. However, the present invention can be widely applied not only to a single TV or VCR but also to various AV devices remotely controlled by a remote controller. Also, an example in which the key operation unit 2 and the signal generation unit 7 are provided in the remote control main body 1 has been described. However, only the signal generation unit 7 may be provided in the remote control main body 1 to be used as a remote control dedicated to the physically handicapped.

[0020]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the angle of the remote control main body 1 is changed from a substantially horizontal state to an oblique or vertical direction within a predetermined time, the number of times of the angle change The code corresponding to the numerical data is read out from the memory and the transmission signal is output from the signal transmission means, and the control target device can be operated arbitrarily. Since only the operation of shaking the remote control main body is sufficient without any trouble, a physically handicapped person or a handicapped person who has trouble with fingers can easily perform remote control. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the signal generating means includes an elongated hollow guide portion and a slide member slidably housed in the hollow guide portion, and the remote control main body is obliquely or vertically shifted from a substantially horizontal state. When the angle is changed in the direction, the second or third fixed electrode facing the second
Alternatively, since the electric signal is generated by the contact of the third movable electrode and the transmission signal can be output from the signal transmission unit, it can be incorporated in a remote control body having a key operation unit. There is an advantage that a remote control device that can be used by both the physically handicapped and the elderly can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a signal generating tool constituting the signal generating unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the remote control device.

FIG. 4 is a detailed explanatory view showing a main part of the remote control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote control main body 2 Key operation part 7 Signal generation means 18 Counter 20 Control means 20b Memory 21 Signal transmission means

Claims (2)

[Claims] When a key operation portion provided on a remote control main body is pressed by a key, a code corresponding to the content of the key operation is read out from a memory and a transmission signal is output from a signal transmission means. In a remote control device for transmitting an infrared signal from a light emitting element attached to a remote control device, signal generating means for generating one electric signal when the remote control main unit changes its angle from a substantially horizontal state to an oblique or vertical direction. A numerical value data corresponding to a code assigned to each key of the key operation unit in the memory, and a counter for counting an electric signal output from the signal generating means; A code corresponding to the numerical data within a predetermined time is read from the memory, and a transmission signal is transmitted from the signal transmission unit. And control means for performing control to force,
A remote control device comprising: 2. An elongated hollow guide portion extending in the length direction of the remote control main body, wherein the signal generating means is formed to be shorter than the entire length of the hollow guide portion and housed slidably in the length direction. A sliding member, a first fixed electrode provided on a substantially central inner surface of the hollow guide portion and connected to a voltage supply portion, and a first fixed electrode provided on each inner surface at both ends of the hollow guide portion and electrically connected to each other. Connected second and third fixed electrodes;
A first movable electrode provided on a substantially central outer peripheral surface of the slide member facing the first fixed electrode so as to be always in slidable contact with the first fixed electrode; and a first movable electrode provided on both outer surfaces at both ends of the slide member. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, further comprising a second and a third movable electrode disposed to face each of the second and third fixed electrodes and connected to the counter. 3.