JP2001352493A - Channel selection device and remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a channel selection device that simplifies reversion operation to a channel once selected. SOLUTION: The remote controller and the channel selection device of this invention are provided with a means, that measures a time when a channel is selected, a means that stores a channel being selected in excess of a prescribed time, and a means that attains restoration to a stored channel with a simple entry operation. Even under a view environment, where channels are frequently revised, a channel having been viewed (or a channel about which a viewer is concerned at a prescribed level or higher) can be reverted automatically.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote controller and a channel selection device for remotely controlling home electric appliances, and more particularly to a remote controller and a channel selection device for performing a channel selection operation of a viewing program for a television receiver or the like. It relates to a tuning device.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a remote controller and a channel selecting apparatus which simplify a return operation to a channel once selected.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art It has long been known in the field of electrical and electronic technology that transmission media such as radio waves and infrared rays can be used for wireless data communication that does not require electrical or optical cables or other wiring. I have. In particular, a communication system using infrared rays has advantages such as low cost, low power consumption, and almost no legal restrictions in each country.
Further, the fact that no wiring is required also means that a connector for connecting cables is not required, which also reduces costs. There is no worry that the connector will be mechanically consumed by attaching and detaching the connector each time it is connected or disconnected.

For example, in the field of consumer electric and electronic devices such as home appliances, an "infrared remote controller" employing an AM modulation method has been developed as a means for remotely inputting user operation commands to the device, and has already been established. are doing. Also, in the field of information processing equipment, as one of the means of wireless communication between information terminals,
Infrared data communication such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association) has been widely adopted.

[0005] The former infrared remote controller selects a channel for a television receiver and reproduces / selects audio / visual equipment.
It is used for transmitting various user commands such as recording / volume control, air conditioner operation start / stop, temperature / air flow control, etc. to the device side by infrared rays (well-known).
Remote selection of program channels in television receivers and AV crises would be the most common applications.

[0006] Conventionally, as a channel selecting device for providing an automatic channel selecting function, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-137078 is known.
JP, JP-A-11-17499, JP-A-6-7
384 publication and the like.

According to the channel selection circuit described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-137078, based on channel selection information such as a time and a channel number written in the memory means, a specified date and time from the next week or specified. In this case, automatic channel selection for performing predetermined channel selection becomes possible, so that complicated reservation setting is not required each time, and the operation of the viewer is simplified.

Further, according to the channel selection device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-17488, a memory for storing the channel number currently being viewed and a countdown timer that operates simultaneously with the channel switching are provided. Then, after returning to the channel automatically stored in the memory after a certain period of time, it is possible to solve the problem that the user unconsciously forgets to return to the channel.

According to the remote controller described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-7384, a timer function is incorporated in the device so that simultaneous control of the operation time of a plurality of devices can be performed. Timer operation can be activated for devices that do not incorporate
In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need for setting a timer for this device, and to prevent a setting error or the like.

However, when the above-described channel selection device is used, when a viewer enters a CM period and switches to another channel B while watching a program on channel A, Even if it is desired to view the program, if the automatic return function of the channel is enabled, the program automatically returns to the channel A originally viewed. For this reason, the viewer must perform additional operations such as resetting the automatic return function of the automatic tuning device such as a remote controller, which is troublesome.

When considering a channel selecting device for image / audio output information mounted on a machine such as a car for transporting people or cargo, a channel selecting function for easily returning to a channel once selected is as follows. It is thought that there is a high necessity for the safety reason that the pilot is not distracted by operations other than the piloting.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an excellent remote controller and an excellent channel selecting device capable of performing a channel selecting operation of a program to be viewed on a television receiver or the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an excellent remote control which simplifies the operation of returning to a channel once selected.
A controller and a channel selection device are provided.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and a first aspect of the present invention is when switching from the currently viewed channel A to another channel B. This channel selection device is characterized by instantaneously returning to channel A by pressing the channel return button within a certain time, and can easily return to the program of the channel that the viewer originally watched.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, when sequentially switching from the currently viewed channel A to other channels B, C, D..., A plurality of channel return buttons are provided within a certain period of time. The channel selecting device is characterized in that, by pressing the first time, the channels B, C, D... Are sequentially restored in accordance with the history of channel change starting from the first channel A.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for detecting a channel currently being viewed, a means for measuring a time during which a channel is selected, a means for detecting channel switching, Means for storing a channel watched for more than a time, means for receiving a user instruction regarding a channel return operation, and means for returning to a channel stored in the storage means in response to the instruction for the channel return operation. This is a channel selection device characterized by the fact that simple automatic return to the originally viewed channel can be performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when switching from the currently viewed channel A to another channel B, pressing the channel return button within a certain period of time instantaneously switches to channel A. With the remote control feature of returning, it is possible to easily return to the program of the channel that the viewer originally watched. Further, by applying the present invention to a current remote control compatible television receiver, it is possible to provide an automatic channel return function without changing the receiver side.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when sequentially switching from the currently viewed channel A to other channels B, C, D... ... The remote controller is characterized in that the channel B, C, D... Further, by applying the present invention to a current remote control compatible television receiver, it is possible to provide an automatic channel return function without changing the receiver side.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for detecting a channel currently being viewed, a means for measuring a time during which a channel is selected, and a means for detecting channel switching. Means for storing a channel watched for more than a time, means for receiving a user instruction regarding a channel return operation, and means for returning to a channel stored in the storage means in response to the instruction for the channel return operation. A remote controller characterized in that the automatic return to the originally viewed channel can be easily performed. Further, by applying the present invention to a current remote control compatible television receiver, an automatic return function can be provided for a television receiver having no automatic channel return function.

[0020]

According to the present invention, there are provided a remote controller and a channel selecting apparatus for measuring a time when a channel is selected, a means for storing a channel which has been continuously selected for more than a certain time, and a simple input device. Means are provided for enabling a return operation to the channel stored by the operation.

According to the remote controller and the channel selection device of the present invention, when the channel is switched from the program of the channel currently being viewed, if the channel is switched within a certain period of time, the viewing is performed by a simple operation before the channel change You can automatically return to the channel you were using.

Even in a viewing environment in which channel changes frequently occur, or when it is not possible to concentrate on channel operations due to driving of a car, etc., the channel (or the channel) originally viewed by a simple operation can be obtained. It is possible to automatically return to a channel in which the viewer is interested in a certain level or more.

According to the remote controller and the tuning device according to the present invention, the operation for switching to another channel and continuing to view the channel after switching, especially during a commercial, becomes simple. Also, the operation when the user cannot concentrate on the switching operation of the image and sound output devices during driving of the car or other work can be simplified.

Still other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are:
It will become apparent from the following more detailed description based on the embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a hardware configuration of a tuning apparatus 10 used in the embodiment of the present invention. The tuning device 10 includes a channel key 1 and a set key 2
, A return key 3, a system controller 4, a memory 5, a tuning tuner 6, and a countdown timer 7.
It is composed of Hereinafter, each unit will be described.

The channel key 1 has a function of inputting a selection of a tuning channel from a user and switching the tuning tuner 6.

The set key 2 has a function of generating a trigger in response to a user input to cause the system controller 4 to perform an operation of storing the currently selected channel.

The return key 3 has an effect of urging the system controller 4 to change the selected channel to a channel stored in the memory 5 in response to a user input.

The system controller 4 has the following operating characteristics.

(1) The currently selected channel is detected and stored in the memory 5. The method of detecting and storing the currently selected channel includes a method of storing the same channel when the same channel is selected for a certain period of time by the countdown timer 7 and a method of responding to pressing operation of the set key 2 by the user. There is a method of storing.

(2) It is detected that the channel has been switched by the channel key 1. Further, in response to a user operation of the channel key 1, the tuner 6 is switched to start the countdown operation of the countdown timer 7.

(3) When the countdown timer 6 detects that a certain period of time has elapsed since the same channel was continuously selected, the currently selected channel number is stored in the memory 5.

(4) In response to the operation of pressing the return key 3,
The channel number stored in the memory 5 is read, and the tuning tuner 6 is switched.

The countdown timer 7 can be similarly implemented by a combination of a program in the system controller 4 and a combination of a counter circuit and a comparator.
The channel key 1 can be composed of a plurality of operation buttons.

As a modification of the tuning apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
A plurality of channels can be stored in the memory 5, and the return key 3 may have the function of sequentially reading out the plurality of channels stored in the memory 5 and switching the selected channel 7. In this case, the memory 5
The order of the channels stored or read in the channel can be in accordance with the channel change history or other rules.

In this modification, the system controller 4 has the following operating characteristics.

(1) The currently selected channel is detected and stored in the memory 5. The method of detecting and storing the currently selected channel is a method of storing when the same channel is selected for a predetermined time or more by the countdown timer 7, or a method of storing when the set key 2 is pressed by the user. Is mentioned.

(2) It is detected that the channel has been switched by the channel key 1. Further, in response to a user operation of the channel key 1, the tuner 6 is switched, the selected channel is additionally recorded in the memory 5, and the countdown timer 7 starts the countdown operation.

(3) When it is detected by the expiration of the countdown timer 6 that the same channel has been continuously selected and a predetermined time has elapsed, the stored contents written in the memory 5 are erased and the channel number currently selected is changed. It is stored in the memory 5. Also, countdown timer 7
The history of the channel change that occurred before the count-up is continuously stored in the memory 5.

(4) In response to the pressing operation of the return key 3,
The channel number stored in the memory 5 is read from the head, and the tuning tuner 6 is switched. Further, in response to the pressing of the return key 3 again, the channel numbers stored in the memory 5 are sequentially read out, and the tuning tuners 7 are switched in the read order. With such an operation, within the fixed time from the channel change until the countdown timer counts up, the program that was originally viewed is first, and the viewed program is continuously changed according to the history of the channel change that occurred. can do.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for storing a channel in the tuning apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be made according to this flowchart.

When the power is turned on, the channel change wait status is bypassed, and the channel number (here, temporarily set to "N") selected at the time of the previous power shutdown is temporarily held as the selected channel (step S1). .

When the selected channel is changed (step S2), the newly selected channel (tentatively "N") is temporarily held as the selected channel.

At the same time as the change of the selected channel, the counting operation of the countdown timer 7 is started (step S3).

If the selected channel is changed during the counting operation of the counter down timer 7 (assuming it is "M") (step S4), the temporarily held selected channel is changed from N to M (Step S9), and the count value is reset (step S1).
0).

In response to the disappearance of the count value of the countdown timer 7 for detecting the elapse of a predetermined time from the change of the channel (step S5), the temporarily held channel number (here, N or M)
Is stored in the memory 5 (step S6).

When the set key 2 is depressed (step S7), the channel number (here, N) is temporarily held without waiting for the count value of the countdown timer 7 to disappear. Or M) is stored in the memory 5 (step S6).

In order to prevent the same channel from being stored in the memory 5 a plurality of times when the set key 2 is pressed, it is checked whether or not the selected channel has been changed (step S8). If there is no change in the selected channel, the process returns to the set key press wait state (step S7).

FIG. 3 shows, in the form of a flowchart, a channel return processing procedure in the tuning apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be made according to this flowchart.

The operation waits until the return key is pressed (step S11).

When the return key is pressed, it is checked whether or not the selected channel is stored in the memory 5 (step S12).

If the selected channel to be returned is not stored, the user is notified of the fact (step S).
15) Without changing the channel, return to the state of waiting for the return key to be pressed (step S11). The notification method to the user is not particularly limited. For example, generation of a beep sound or lighting of an LED indicator (not shown) may be used.

If the selected channel to be returned is already stored in the memory 5, it is taken out (step S13) and passed to the tuner 7 to change the channel (step S14).

FIG. 4 schematically shows a hardware configuration of a remote controller 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the remote controller 20 includes a channel key 11 and a set key 12
A return key 13, a microcomputer 14,
It comprises a memory 15, a transmission unit 16, a countdown timer 17, and an encoding processing unit 18.

Channel key 11, set key 1
2. The return key 13 receives any user input,
It has a function of transmitting a signal corresponding to the operation key to the encoding processing unit 18 and the microcomputer 14.

The encoding processing section 18 has an operation of generating a remote control code signal corresponding to a channel selection operation via the channel key 11.

The microcomputer 14 has a function of storing the currently selected channel in the memory 15;
In addition, when the channel key 11 is switched, the countdown timer 17 is operated to detect the elapse of a certain period after the channel is selected, and to store or additionally record in the memory 15.

When the channel key 11 is depressed, the transmitting section 16 transmits a signal to the remote controller of the corresponding channel number.
A code signal is transmitted, and when the return key is pressed, a remote control code signal of the channel extracted from the memory 15 is transmitted.

The operation of storing and restoring channels by the remote controller 20 is substantially the same as that of the above-described embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

[Supplement] The present invention has been described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. That is, the present invention has been disclosed by way of example, and should not be construed as limiting. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the claims described at the beginning should be considered.

[0062]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an excellent remote controller and an excellent channel selection device that can perform a channel selection operation of a viewing program for a television receiver or the like.

Further, according to the present invention, an excellent remote control which simplifies the operation of returning to a channel once selected is provided.
A controller and a tuning device can be provided.

According to the remote controller and the channel selection device of the present invention, when the channel is switched from the program of the channel currently being viewed, if the channel is switched within a certain time, the viewing and listening is performed by a simple operation before the channel is changed. You can automatically return to the channel you were using.

Even in a viewing environment in which channel changes frequently occur, or when it is not possible to concentrate on channel operations due to driving of a car, etc., the channel (or the channel) originally viewed can be easily operated. It is possible to automatically return to a channel in which the viewer is interested in a certain level or more.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of a tuning device 10 provided for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of channel storage in the channel selection device 10 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a channel return process in the tuning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of a remote controller 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Channel key 2 ... Set key 3 ... Return key 4 ... System controller 5 ... Memory 6 ... Election tuner 7 ... Countdown timer 10 ... Tuning device 11 ... Channel key 12 ... Set key 13 ... Return key 14. Microcomputer 15 Memory 16 Transmitter 17 Countdown timer 20 Remote controller

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A channel selection device for designating a channel to be viewed, comprising: a channel switching means; a channel return button; and a switch when a currently viewed channel A is switched to another channel B. A channel selection control means for instructing return to channel A by pressing a channel return button within a time period. 2. A channel selecting device for designating a channel to be viewed, comprising: a channel switching means; a channel return button; and a plurality of other channels B, C, D,. Channel switching control means for instructing to sequentially return channels A, B, C, D,... In accordance with the history of channel change by pressing the channel return button a plurality of times within a predetermined time after sequentially switching to channel switching. A channel selection device, 3. A channel selecting device for designating a channel to be viewed, a channel switching unit, a unit for detecting a channel currently being viewed, and a unit for measuring a time during which the channel is selected. Means for detecting channel switching; means for storing a channel watched for a certain period of time or more; means for receiving a user instruction regarding a channel return operation; and storing in a storage means in response to an instruction for a channel return operation. Means for returning to the channel of the channel selection device. 4. A remote controller for remotely instructing a channel to be viewed to an external device, comprising: a channel switching unit; a channel return button; When switching to B, channel selection control means for instructing return to channel A by pressing a channel return button within a certain period of time, and a channel selection instruction by the channel selection control means to the external device. Transmitting means for transmitting. 5. A remote controller for remotely instructing an external device on a channel to be viewed, comprising: a channel switching means; a channel return button; Are sequentially switched to channels B, C, D,..., And a channel return button is pressed a plurality of times within a certain period of time, thereby instructing to sequentially return channels A, B, C, D,. A remote controller comprising: control means; and transmission means for transmitting a tuning instruction from the channel tuning control means to the external device. 6. A remote controller for remotely instructing a channel to be viewed to an external device, a channel switching means, a means for detecting a currently viewed channel, and selecting a channel. Means for measuring the time being switched, means for detecting channel switching, means for storing channels watched for a certain period of time or more, means for receiving a user instruction relating to channel return operation, and instructions for channel return operation. A channel selection control unit for responding to the return of the channel stored in the storage unit; and a transmission unit for transmitting a channel selection instruction from the channel selection control unit to the external device. A remote controller.