JP2001119765A - Control system for a plurality of devices - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control system for a plurality of devices that can be operated at a free position with excellent operability. SOLUTION: The control system for a plurality of deices of this invention consists of a controller 1 to which a plurality of devices are connected, a control panel 2 that transmits a signal in response to the entry operation to the controller 1 by 1-way communication, and a station 3 that is connected to the controller 1 in a way of capable of 2-way communication and that is provided with a panel mount section and that relays the 2-way communication between the control panel 2 and the controller 1 while the control panel 2 is mounted on the station 3. When a 2-way controller 5 is a control object while the station 3 is mounted with the control panel 2, a control signal of the control panel 2 is supplied to the controller 1 by 2-way communication. When a 1-way controller 4 is a control object while the station 3 is not provided with the control panel 2, a control signal of the control panel 2 is supplied to the controller 1 by 1-way communication.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to audio / video equipment.
The present invention relates to a multiple device control system capable of centrally operating a plurality of devices such as (AV devices) and lighting devices using a single control panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in FIG.
(91) to (96) are connected to the host computer (97) via the device control device (9), and using a keyboard (98) and a display (99) as input / output devices of the host computer (97), There has been proposed an AV control system capable of centrally operating a plurality of AV devices (91) to (96). According to the AV control system, on the device selection screen displayed on the display (99), a desired AV device to be operated is selected by operating the keyboard (98). By selecting and operating a required operation key on a screen on which a plurality of operation keys are displayed, the AV device can perform a desired operation.

[0003]

However, in the conventional AV control system, the user needs to operate the keyboard (98) and the display (99) by using the host computer.
Since the operation must be performed while connected to the (97), the operation position is limited to the vicinity of the host computer (97), and there is a problem that the device cannot be operated from a free position. It should be noted that it is possible to realize a certain degree of portability by connecting a portable computer integrally comprising a host computer (97), a keyboard (98) and a display (99) to the device control device (9). However, depending on the type of AV equipment to be operated, it is necessary to perform two-way communication between the equipment control device (9) and the portable computer. Therefore, the two must be connected by a signal line such as an RS232C cable. Instead, the movable range is limited. Further, a portable computer having all functions of the host computer (97), keyboard (98) and display (99) is heavy and has a problem in operability.

An object of the present invention is to target a plurality of devices including a one-way control device that can be controlled by one-way communication and a two-way control device to be controlled by two-way communication.
An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-device control system that can be operated from a free position when the plurality of devices are intensively operated, and which has good operability.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a multiple device control system in which a plurality of devices to be controlled are connected and a control signal is transmitted to these devices.
(1), an input operation for causing each device to perform a desired operation is possible, an operation signal corresponding to the input operation is created, and the operation signal is transmitted to the controller (1) by wireless one-way communication. Control panel that can be sent to
(2) is connected to the controller (1) so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and has a mounting portion for detachably mounting the control panel (2).
A station (3) that relays bidirectional communication between the control panel (2) and the controller (1) with the (2) mounted.

In the above multi-device control system, when the bidirectional control device (5) is to be controlled while the control panel (2) is mounted on the station (3),
The operation signal of the control panel (2) is supplied to the controller (1) via the station (3) by the two-way communication, while the one-way control device is in a state where the control panel (2) is detached from the station (3). When (4) is to be controlled, an operation signal of the control panel (2) is sent to the controller (1) by the wireless one-way communication. When the control panel (2) is mounted on the station (3) and the one-way control device (4) is to be controlled, the operation signal of the control panel (2) is transmitted in two-way communication or one-way communication. By any of
Transmission to the controller (1) is possible.

Therefore, when the user operates the one-way control device (4), the user operates the control panel (2) at the station.
It can be operated from any position while detached from (3) and holding the control panel (2).
Here, the control panel (2) basically includes an input function using a touch panel or the like, a signal processing function using a microcomputer or the like, and a communication port for communication with the controller (1) and the station (3). Since it can be realized, downsizing and weight reduction can be achieved, and thereby good operability can be obtained.

In a more specific configuration, the controller
(1) includes a one-way communication port to which a one-way control device (4) is connected and a two-way communication port to which a two-way control device (5) is connected, and each device connected to these ports. The control signal is sent to the Control panel (2)
And a device detecting means for detecting whether the device to be controlled is a one-way control device (4) or a two-way control device (5). When the state of attachment to the station (3) is detected and the device to be controlled is the bidirectional control device (5), the operation signal generated based on the input operation is transmitted to the station (3) by the bidirectional communication. On the other hand, when the state of detachment from the station (3) is detected and the control target device is the one-way control device (4), the operation signal generated based on the input operation is transmitted to the wireless communication device. There is provided communication control means for transmitting to the controller (1) by one-way communication.

The controller (1) includes a station
On the basis of the operation signal sent by the two-way communication from (3), a control signal for the two-way control device is created, and the control signal is supplied to the two-way communication port. Communication control means is provided for generating a control signal for a one-way control device based on an operation signal transmitted by wireless one-way communication and transmitting the control signal to a one-way communication port.

In a more specific configuration, the control panel (2) issues a warning when the two-way control device (5) becomes a control target in a state where the detachment state from the station (3) is detected. With means. According to the specific configuration, when the user removes the control panel (2) from the station (3), the bidirectional control device (5)
If an operation involving the above operation is performed, a warning is issued. If the control panel (2) is attached to the station (3) in response to this operation, the bidirectional control device (5) can be operated.

[0011]

According to the multiple device control system of the present invention, a plurality of devices can be intensively operated by the control panel (2), and when a one-way device is to be controlled, Since the operation can be performed while the control panel (2) is detached from the station (3), the operation position using the control panel (2) is not restricted and is convenient. Further, since the control panel (2) is small and lightweight, the operability is good.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. A multiple device control system according to the present invention, as shown in FIG.
(4) VCR (42), DVD (43), bidirectional control device
A liquid crystal projector (51), a lighting controller (52), an AV switcher (53), and the like as (5) are controlled devices.
A controller for centrally operating these multiple devices and for controlling the operation of the multiple devices
(1) and a control panel (2) used for input operation,
Station for mounting the control panel (2)
(3).

The controller (1) includes a system control port (15), a remote control output port (16) and an RS23.
A 2C port (17) is provided. The system control port (15) is connected to a system VCR (41) for performing a predetermined operation such as scheduled recording. The remote control output port (16) has multiple unidirectional control devices (4)
Is connected. A plurality of bidirectional control devices (5) are connected to the RS232C port (17). In addition, the controller (1) is provided with an AV output port and an AV input port for connecting an AV input terminal and an AV output terminal of each AV device, but they are not shown.

The controller (1) comprises a CPU (11), a ROM
(12), a microcomputer comprising a RAM (13) and the like, wherein the microcomputer has an interrupt signal generation circuit.
(14) is connected. The controller (1) is provided with an IR port (18) for receiving an infrared signal transmitted from the control panel (2), and is connected to the microcomputer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel (2) includes a microcomputer including a CPU (23), a RAM (25), a ROM (26) and the like. In addition to the circuit (24), a display (27) and a touch panel (28) are connected. Further, the control panel (2) includes a bidirectional communication port (21) for performing bidirectional communication with the station (3) by an infrared signal while being mounted on the station (3), and a communication port (21) from the station (3). IR port (2) for one-way communication with the controller (1) by infrared signal
And 2) are connected to the microcomputer. Furthermore, control panel (2)
Is provided with a power connector (29) for receiving power supply from the station (3) when mounted on the station (3), and the power connector (29) is connected to the detachment detection circuit (20). The connection is made, and the attachment / detachment state to the station (3) is detected. The detachment state detection signal is supplied to the interrupt signal generation circuit (24).

The touch panel (28) is attached to the screen of the display (27), and operates the touch panel (28) according to the operation screen displayed on the display (27) as shown in FIG. Depending on the operation, an operation signal (device control command)
Is transmitted from the IR port (22) to the controller (1) or from the bidirectional communication port (21) to the station (3) as described later.

In the station (3), a panel mounting portion (30) for mounting the control panel (2) in a detachable manner is recessed in its housing. The station (3) is provided with a power connector (34) at the bottom of the panel mounting part (30), and a power circuit (33) is connected to the power connector (34). The power connector (34) of the station (3) and the power connector (29) of the control panel (2) are connected to each other by mounting the control panel (2) on the panel mounting portion (30) of the station (3). As a result, power is supplied to the control panel (2).

The station (3) has a bidirectional communication port (31) for performing bidirectional infrared communication with the bidirectional communication port (21) of the control panel (2), and a controller (1). R) to be connected to the RS232C port (17)
S232C port (32) is provided, and a bidirectional communication port is provided.
(31) and the RS232C port (32) are connected to each other.

As will be described later, when the control panel (2) is mounted on the panel mounting portion (30) of the station (3), the infrared rays transmitted from the bidirectional communication port (21) of the control panel (2). The signal is received by the bidirectional communication port (31), converted into an electric signal, supplied to the RS232C port (32), and input to the controller (1) via the RS232C communication cable (35). The electric signal transmitted from the controller (1) via the RS232C communication cable (35) is supplied from the RS232C port (32) to the bidirectional communication port (31), and is converted into an infrared signal. It is transmitted to the bidirectional communication port (21) of (2). When the control panel (2) is removed from the panel mounting part (30) of the station (3), the two-way communication port (21) of the control panel (2) and the two-way communication port (31) of the station (3) are removed. Communication with the controller (1) is transmitted from the IR port (22) of the control panel (2) to the IR port (18) of the controller (1). , One-way communication can be performed.

FIG. 4 shows the CPU of the control panel (2).
(23) represents the processing to be executed, whereby the bidirectional communication port (21) of the control panel (2) or I
A device control command is transmitted using any one of the R ports (22) as a communication port.

FIG. 5 shows a control panel disconnection detection interrupt activated by a detection signal (control panel disconnection detection signal) obtained from the detachment detection circuit (20) when the control panel (2) is removed from the station (3). This shows the processing of the handler, whereby the IR port (22) is selected as the communication port.
FIG. 6 shows that the control panel (2) is a station.
(3) shows a process of a control panel arrival detection interrupt handler activated by a detection signal (control panel arrival detection signal) obtained from the detachment detection circuit (20) when attached to the (3). Communication port
(21) will be selected as the communication port. Each interrupt handler operates independently at the same time as each interrupt occurs.

FIG. 7 shows the CPU of the controller (1).
(11) represents the processing to be executed, whereby the operation of reading and executing the device control command sent from the control panel (2) by one-way communication and the operation of sending the device control command from the station (3) by two-way communication. The operation to read and execute the received device control command is switched.

In the process of the control panel shown in FIG. 4, the RS232C communication flag “f_com”,
Four flags are used: an R communication permission flag “f_irok”, a control panel exit flag “f_tpcup”, and an IR communication mode flag “f_ir”. The following states are represented by the values of the flags.

RS232C communication in progress flag “f_com” f_com = 1: a state in which communication by RS232C is in progress. f_com = 0: A state in which communication by RS232C is not being performed.

IR communication permission flag “f_irok” f_irok = 1: A state in which the control panel (2) is detached from the station (3) and the operation may shift to a device operation (remote control operation mode) by one-way communication. The controller (1), which has been notified from the station (3) that this flag has been set to “1”, thereafter sets the IR port (18) and R
It waits for a command from both S232C ports (17). f_irok = 0: A state in which the control panel (2) must not be removed from the station (3) to shift to the remote control operation mode.

Control panel detachment flag “f_tpcup” f_tpcup = 1: The state where the control panel (2) is detached from the station (3). f_tpcup = 0: The control panel (2) is mounted on the station (3).

IR communication mode flag “f_ir” f_ir = 1: A mode in which communication with the controller (1) is performed by infrared one-way communication because the control panel (2) is removed from the station (3). f_ir = 0: a mode in which communication with the controller (1) is performed via the RS232C communication cable (35) because the control panel (2) is mounted on the station (3).

In the processing shown in FIG.
Flags “f_com”, “f_irok”, “f_com”
“tpcup” and “f_ir” are initialized to 0. (Step S1) Next, a command to execute a series of device operations (contents) is given from the operation screen as shown in FIG. When the content button to be operated is operated (step S2), it is determined whether or not the operated content button instructs the operation of the one-way control device (IR control device) (step S3). If yes, set "f_irok" to 1
(Step S4) The controller (1) transmits an "IR communication preparation notification" (a command for notifying that the IR communication is enabled) from the bidirectional communication port (21). In response, the controller (1) communicates with the RS232C port (17) and the IR
A command input check is performed for both ports (18). Note that during communication of the content, “f_com” is set to 1 when communication by the RS232C is started, and “f_com” is set to 0 when communication is completed.

On the other hand, if the content intended for the bidirectional control device is activated, and if it is determined NO in step S3, "f_irok" is set to 0 (step S6), and then the controller (1) is set. ) Is transmitted from the bidirectional communication port (21) to the "notification of IR communication preparation" (command for notifying that the IR communication is not enabled).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a device control button (for example, a volume control button or a reproduction command button) for controlling the operation of a specific device has been operated (step S8).
If determined to be no, it is further determined whether or not the content end button has been operated (step S9). If the determination is yes here, "f_irok" is set to 0 (step S10). When the RS232C communication is started, “f_com” is set to “1”, and when the communication is completed, “f_com” is set to “0”. Subsequently, an "IR communication non-preparation notification" (a command for notifying that the IR communication has been disabled) is transmitted from the bidirectional communication port (21) to the controller (1) (step S11).

On the other hand, when the control buttons of the respective contents are operated in the state where the contents are activated, and it is determined as YES in step S8, it is determined whether or not “f_ir” is 0 (step S8). S12) If "f_ir" is 1, the communication port is set to the IR port (22) (step S13). On the other hand, when "f_ir" is 0, the communication port is set to the bidirectional communication port (21) (step S14).

Thereafter, a command corresponding to the device control button is transmitted from the set communication port to the controller (1) (step S15), and the process returns to step S8.

In the process shown in FIG. 5, when a control panel uninterrupt occurs, first, "f_tpcup"
Is set to 1 (step S21), and it is determined whether or not “f_com” is 1 (step S22). If the answer is yes (RS232C communication is being performed), the message "Please attach the control panel to the station immediately. Communication is in progress. The current process may not have been successful." A message is displayed (step S23).

On the other hand, when it is determined NO in step S22 (the RS232C communication is not being performed), “f_i
rk "is 1 (step S2).
4). Here, when “f_irok” is 0, the message “Install the control panel to the station. IR communication is not possible at present.” Is displayed.
(Step S25). When “f_irok” is 1,
After setting "f_ir" to 1 (step S26), a message "Only the remote control buttons can be operated" is displayed. Then, an "IR port communication notification" is transmitted from the IR port (22) to the controller (1). In response, the controller (1) waits for a command only from the IR port (18).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the controller (1) (step S29). If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S25, and if the determination is yes, the procedure ends.

In the process shown in FIG. 6, first, "f_t
"pcup" is set to 0 (step S31), and "f_
After "ir" is set to 0 (step S32), a message that "any button can be operated" is displayed (step S33). Thereafter, a "two-port communication enabled notification" is transmitted from the IR port (22) to the controller (1) (step S34). In response, the controller (1)
It waits for a command only from the 232C port (17).

In the controller (1), "IR input interrupt processing", "RS232C input interrupt processing", and "command processing by controller" shown in FIG. 7 are executed. Here, the IR communication possibility flag “g_ir”
ok "and an IR communication mode flag" g_ir ".

In the "IR input interrupt processing", the IR
When there is an input from the port (18), an interrupt is generated and the IR input interrupt handler is called. In the IR input interrupt handler, the data string input to the IR port is temporarily
Until the data is stored in the reception buffer. In the process of FIG. 7, which will be described later, when executing the “command reading process from the reception buffer from the IR port” (step S49),
The command in the R reception buffer is read and analyzed.

In the "RS232C input interrupt processing", an interrupt is generated when there is an input from the RS232C port (17), and the RS232C input interrupt handler is called. In the RS232C input interrupt handler, RS23
The data string input to the 2C port (17) is
The process is performed until the data is stored in the 32C reception buffer. In the process of FIG. 7, when executing the "command reading process from the reception buffer from the RS232C port" (step S43), the command in the RS232C reception buffer is read and analyzed.

In the process of FIG. 7, the command input buffer (RS232C input buffer or IR input buffer) from the control panel (2) is constantly polled. First, after the two flags “g_irok” and “g_ir” are initialized to 0 (step S41),
It is determined whether “g_ir” is 1. initial state
In (“g_ir” = 0), the RS232C port is polled, and when a command is stored in the RS232C input buffer, command reading and analysis processing (steps S43 → S44 → S45 → S47) are started.

When the flag "g_ir" is 1, only the IR port is polled, and when a command is stored in the IR input buffer, the command is read and analyzed.
(S49 → S50 → S51 → S53 → S47) is started.

When the flag “g_irok” is 1, R
Poll both S232C and IR ports,
If a command is input to either of them, the command is read and an analysis process is executed (S42 → S43 → S44 → S
48 → S49 → S50 → S51 → S53 → S47).

As a result of the command analysis, the control panel
If (2) is a command (IR communication preparation notification) notifying that the IR communication is enabled (“f_irok” = 1), the flag “g_irok” is set to 1 (step S45 → S46). Then, polling for subsequent command analysis is performed for both the RS232C input buffer and the IR buffer.

If the result of the command analysis is a normal controller control command, the process is executed (step S47). On the other hand, if the result of the command analysis is the IR communication preparation notification, the flag “g_irok” is set to 1 (step S46). If the result of the command analysis is an IR port communication notification, the flag “g_ir” is set to 1 (step S51 → S52). On the other hand, if both ports can communicate, the flag "g_ir" is returned to 0 (step S53 → S54).

In the above-described multi-device control system, when the bidirectional control device (5) is to be controlled while the control panel (2) is mounted on the station (3), an operation signal of the control panel (2) is issued. Is supplied to the controller (1) via the station (3) by the RS232C communication, while the one-way control device (4) is to be controlled while the control panel (2) is detached from the station (3). , An operation signal of the control panel (2) is transmitted to the controller (1) by IR communication.

Therefore, the user can select the VCR (42) or DVD (4
When performing operations such as playback and volume control for one-way control equipment (4) such as 3), the control panel (2)
From the station (3) and remove the control panel
The operation can be performed from any position while holding (2) in the hand. Here, the control panel (2)
Microcomputer, display (27), touch panel (28)
The operability is good because it is composed of the above-mentioned components and is reduced in size and weight.

Further, when operating the bidirectional control device (5) such as the lighting controller (52) as an object, or for uploading the current connection state of the device from the AV switcher (53), the controller (1) is used. When exchanging system information between the control panels (2), the control panel (2) is attached to the station (3),
Bidirectional communication between the station (3) and the controller (1) becomes possible, and a predetermined operation is realized.

For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, when an operation for instructing video reproduction by the DVD (43) is performed, the controller (1) turns on the power supply of the DVD (43), for example. The lighting controller (52) dims the room lighting. Set the volume to the default setting. DVD input source for LCD projector (51)
(43). The DVD (43) is set to the play state. Is transmitted to each device. At this time, D
Commands to the VD (43) are transmitted by one-way communication using infrared rays. On the other hand, the command to the liquid crystal projector (51) is transmitted by bidirectional communication by RS232C. As a result, a signal returned from the liquid crystal projector (51) is received by the controller (1), transmitted to the control panel (2) by bidirectional communication by RS232C, and received by the control panel (2). You. With this, the control panel (2)
The operation relating to the control of the illumination controller (52) in the above can be performed.

Thereafter, after the DVD (43) is set to the play mode and the reproduction of the image is started, the station
By removing the control panel (2) from (3) and operating the control panel (2) from a free position, it is possible to perform operations such as volume adjustment and rewinding.

Further, in the above-described multi-device control system, if the user accidentally removes the control panel (2) from the station (3), the bi-directional control device is removed.
When the operation accompanied by the operation (5) is performed, a message is sent to the effect that the control panel (2) should be attached to the station (3). Accordingly, the control panel (2) is switched to the station (3). , The operation for the bidirectional control device (5) can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state of a multiple device control system according to the present invention and a configuration of a controller.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control panel and a station.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process in a control panel.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a control panel exit interrupt handler.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of a control panel arrival interrupt handler.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a controller.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a device configuration of a conventional AV control system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (1) Controller (16) Remote control output port (17) RS232C port (2) Control panel (20) Detach detection circuit (21) Bidirectional communication port (22) IR port (3) Station (30) Panel mounting part (31 ) Bidirectional communication port (32) RS232C port (35) RS232C communication cable (4) Unidirectional control device (5) Bidirectional control device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5H215 AA20 BB03 BB09 CC03 CC05 CX05 CX06 GG02 GG03 JJ02 KK07 5K048 AA13 BA02 BA07 DA02 DB01 DB07 DC01 DC04 EB01 EB02 HA04 HA06 9A001 BB06 CC05 DD15 JJ75 KK62

Claims (3)

[Claims] A control system for a plurality of devices including a one-way control device to be controlled by one-way communication and a two-way control device to be controlled by two-way communication. A controller (1) to which the plurality of devices are connected and which transmits a control signal to these devices; and an input operation for causing each device to perform a desired operation. The operation signal is generated, and the operation signal is transmitted to the controller (1) by wireless one-way communication.
A control panel (2) capable of transmitting the control panel (2) to the controller (1); and a mounting part for detachably mounting the control panel (2). Station that relays bidirectional communication between the control panel (2) and the controller (1) with the control panel (2) attached to the
When the control panel (2) is mounted on the station (3) and the bidirectional control device (5) is to be controlled, the operation signal of the control panel (2) is The controller (1) through the station (3) by the bidirectional communication.
On the other hand, when the one-way control device (4) is to be controlled in a state where the control panel (2) is separated from the station (3), the operation signal of the control panel (2) is transmitted to the wireless terminal. Controller (1) by one-way communication
A multi-device control system, which is sent to a device. 2. The controller (1) is a one-way control device.
(4) One-way communication port to be connected and two-way control device
The station (3) includes a bidirectional communication port to which (5) is to be connected.
(2) is connected to enable bidirectional communication, relays bidirectional communication between the control panel (2) and the controller (1),
The control panel (2) has an attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment state with respect to the station (3), and determines whether the device to be controlled is a one-way control device (4) or a two-way control device (5). And a device discriminating means for detecting the state of attachment to the station (3), and when the device to be controlled is a bidirectional control device (5), transmits an operation signal created based on an input operation to the bidirectional control device. While transmitting to the station (3) by communication, the station
When the state of departure from (3) is detected and the device to be controlled is the one-way control device (4), the operation signal generated based on the input operation is transmitted to the controller (1) by the wireless one-way communication. ) Is provided, and the controller (1) generates a control signal for the bidirectional control device based on the operation signal transmitted from the station (3) by the bidirectional communication, The control signal is supplied to the bidirectional communication port, and a control signal for a one-way control device is created based on an operation signal transmitted from the control panel (2) by the wireless one-way communication. 2. The multiple device control system according to claim 1, further comprising communication control means for supplying the communication device to the one-way communication port. 3. The control panel (2) includes a means for issuing a warning when the two-way control device (5) becomes a control target in a state where the detachment state from the station (3) is detected. The multiple device control system according to claim 1 or 2.