JP2002142279A - Simulation system and simulation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simulation device and method capable of realizing simulation corresponding to various environment change by confirming the received situation of an infrared signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter in an equipment main body. SOLUTION: A personal computer 11 outputs a key signal for allowing a remote control transmitter 20 to perform the pseudo transmission of an infrared signal to be received by a television device 30 when a transmitting and receiving environment is changed, and acquires control data transmitted and received by an IIC bus 32 loaded on the television device 30 based on the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter 20, and compares the key signal with the control data for judging whether or not the same control operation should be executed. Thus, it is possible to realize simulation corresponding to various environment change.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a simulation device and a simulation method, and more particularly to a simulation device and a simulation method for confirming a reception status of an infrared signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter in a device main body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional simulation apparatus, a simulation apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-57983 is known. In this simulation device, high-frequency noise of a fluorescent lamp is converted and stored, and the stored signal is read out and modulated into an infrared signal, and the modulated infrared signal is transmitted to a television device. Check the effect of fluorescent light noise on the Jonson device.

[0003]

The conventional simulation apparatus described above merely confirms the influence of fluorescent light noise, and in this sense, can only reproduce a specific environmental condition when transmitting and receiving infrared signals. Can not. That is, when actually transmitting and receiving an infrared signal between the remote control transmitter and the device body such as a television device, the infrared signal is transmitted and received under another kind of light source such as an incandescent lamp, or a dry cell mounted on the remote control transmitter is used. Despite the fact that the simulation may be performed under exhausted conditions, it has not been possible to realize a simulation according to various environmental changes. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a simulation apparatus and a simulation method capable of realizing a simulation according to various environmental changes.

[0004]

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a transmission control means for transmitting an infrared signal corresponding to a predetermined remote control operation from a remote control transmitter; Receiving status obtaining means for obtaining a signal receiving status; receiving status determining means for determining whether or not the device main body can execute a control operation corresponding to the infrared signal based on the obtained receiving status; A pseudo transmission instructing unit for instructing the transmission control unit to pseudo-transmit an infrared signal received by the device main body from the remote control transmitter when an environment changes. In the invention according to claim 1 configured as described above, when the transmission control means causes the remote control transmitter to transmit an infrared signal corresponding to a predetermined remote control operation, the apparatus main body transmits the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter. Receive the signal. At this time, the reception status obtaining means obtains the reception status of the infrared signal in the device main body, and the reception status determination means performs a control operation corresponding to the infrared signal based on the obtained reception status. Is determined.

[0005] If the transmission / reception environment of the infrared signal changes, the device body may not be able to receive the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter in a proper state. It is necessary to keep. Therefore, in order to simulate a case where the device body cannot receive the infrared signal in a proper state, the infrared signal received by the device body when the transmission / reception environment changes is simulated from the remote control transmitter. To the transmission control means. Then, the reception status in the device body when the transmission / reception environment changes is acquired by the reception status acquisition unit, and the reception status determination unit makes a determination based on the acquired reception status.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the simulation apparatus according to the first aspect, the pseudo transmission instruction means transmits an infrared signal in the pseudo transmission / reception environment. The pseudo transmission instruction unit includes a computer that outputs a control signal corresponding to the instruction by executing a predetermined control program, and the transmission control unit performs a key matrix conversion of the control signal output from the computer. It is configured to include a key matrix converter that outputs to the remote control transmitter. In the invention according to claim 2 configured as described above, when the computer outputs a control signal corresponding to the instruction by executing a predetermined control program, the key matrix converter outputs the control signal. Is converted to a key matrix and output to the remote control transmitter. Therefore, by executing the control program, the infrared signal is automatically transmitted in the pseudo transmission / reception environment. The transmission / reception environment includes an internal environment in the remote control transmitter and an external environment when the infrared signal is transmitted. When the electric element that generates the infrared signal has a machine difference, the waveform of the infrared signal changes, and the reception status of the infrared signal in the device main body may change.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as a configuration example for simulating a change in an internal environment, the simulated transmission is performed by the simulation apparatus according to the first or second aspect. The instruction means is configured to give an instruction to transmit an infrared signal having a duty ratio changed from a regular waveform. In the invention according to claim 3 configured as described above, the pseudo transmission instruction means gives the remote control transmitter an instruction to transmit an infrared signal having a duty ratio changed from a regular waveform. For this reason, in the device main body, a situation in which the power supply voltage is reduced or the infrared signal is received from a remote control transmitter having a difference in the electrical elements that generate the infrared signal from the remote control transmitter is simulated.

[0008] As another configuration example for simulating an internal environmental change, the invention according to claim 4 is the simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The transmission instruction means,
The configuration is such that an instruction is transmitted to transmit an infrared signal whose amplitude is changed from a regular waveform. In the invention according to claim 4 configured as described above, the pseudo transmission instruction means gives the remote control transmitter an instruction to transmit an infrared signal whose amplitude is changed from a normal waveform. For this reason, in the device main body, as in the case of the third aspect,
A situation in which the power supply voltage is reduced or the infrared signal is received from a remote control transmitter in which the electric element that generates the infrared signal has a machine difference is simulated.

On the other hand, when the infrared signal is transmitted, even if there is an external environment in the transmission / reception path of the infrared signal, the waveform of the infrared signal changes, and the reception status of the infrared signal in the main body of the device. May change. Therefore, in performing the simulation, a configuration for eliminating the influence of the external environment change and unifying the simulation conditions is useful. As an example of the configuration, the invention according to claim 5 is provided in the simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the simulation apparatus is interposed between the remote control transmitter and a device body.
It is configured to include a light blocking unit that blocks transmission of external light while permitting transmission and reception of the infrared signal. In the invention according to claim 5 configured as described above, the light shielding means interposed between the remote control transmitter and the device main body blocks external incident light while allowing transmission and reception of the infrared signal. . Therefore, the above simulation is executed without being affected by the incident light from the outside.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as the configuration example of the light shielding means, in the simulation apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the light shielding means includes a predetermined light source. In the invention according to claim 6 configured as described above, an infrared signal is transmitted from the remote control transmitter under a predetermined light source. Therefore, a simulation including external environmental conditions by a predetermined light source is performed. In addition, as a specific example in the case where a light source is provided in the light shielding means, the invention according to claim 7 is based on claim 6.
In the simulation device described in (1), the light blocking means is configured to be able to select either an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp as the light source. In the invention according to claim 7 configured as described above, either the incandescent lamp or the fluorescent lamp is selected as the light source, and an infrared signal is transmitted from the remote control transmitter under the selected light source. .
Therefore, a simulation including a change in external environmental conditions by each light source is performed. In particular, when a fluorescent lamp is selected as the light source, it is useful in that a simulation can be performed while considering the influence of high frequency noise on the infrared signal.

Incidentally, the simulation device is
As an example, the invention according to claim 8 can be realized as a specific configuration by executing a predetermined control program so that an infrared signal received by the television device when a transmission / reception environment changes. Automatically outputs a key signal for pseudo-transmission from the remote control transmitter, and, based on an infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter, an I-signal mounted on the television device.
A personal computer that obtains control data transmitted and received by the IC bus, compares the same key signal with the same control data, and determines whether or not to execute the same control operation. A key matrix converter that converts a key signal into a key matrix and outputs the key signal to the remote control transmitter, and a key matrix converter disposed between the remote control transmitter and the television device, and an infrared ray between the remote control transmitter and the television device. The system is configured to include a dark room having a light source that illuminates a transmission / reception path of the infrared signal while blocking incident light from outside while permitting transmission / reception of a signal. That is, it is also useful as a simulation device having the above specific configuration.

[0012] The above-mentioned simulation technique is as follows.
Not only can it be configured as a substantial device, but also as a method. As an example, the invention according to claim 9 obtains the reception status of the infrared signal in the main body of the device when transmitting the infrared signal corresponding to the predetermined remote control operation from the remote control transmitter. On the basis of determining whether or not the device body can execute a control operation corresponding to the infrared signal, by transmitting an infrared signal received by the device body from the remote control transmitter when a transmission / reception environment changes. , In a pseudo manner to create a change in the transmission / reception environment. That is, the configuration as the above device can be realized also as a method. It goes without saying that the configurations according to claims 2 to 8 can be similarly applied as a method.

[0013]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a simulation apparatus capable of realizing a simulation according to various environmental changes. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the simulation can be automatically executed, whereby the number of working steps can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, a simulation can be realized by simply changing the waveform of the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter. Further, according to the invention according to claim 5, it is possible to perform a simulation while keeping the external environment constant.

Further, according to the invention according to claim 6,
Simulation can be performed including the influence of a predetermined light source. Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 7, it is possible to perform a simulation while taking into account the difference in the influence of the type of light source. Further, according to the invention of claim 8, the simulation device can be realized with a specific configuration. Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a simulation method capable of realizing a simulation according to various environmental changes.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a use state of a simulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The simulation apparatus 10 includes a personal computer 11 as a computer according to the present invention, a key matrix converter 12 and a dark room 13, and windows 13 a and 13 b provided on opposite walls of the dark room 13 are provided on a remote control transmitter 20. Remote control transmitter 20 so that infrared signals can be transmitted and received between transmission unit 20a provided and reception unit 30a provided in television device 30.
And the television device 30 are arranged respectively.

At this time, the remote control transmitter 20 is controlled by the remote control transmitter 20 so that light from outside does not enter the interior of the dark room 13.
, And the front surface of the television device 30 is brought into close contact with the wall surface of the dark room 13. In this sense, the dark room 13
Constitutes the light shielding means according to the present invention. The dark room 13
To prevent external light from entering the inside of the
It is also possible to attach a curtain to the windows 13a and 13b, or attach an elastic member capable of making close contact with the cabinet outer wall surface of the remote control transmitter 20 or the television device 30 to the outer wall surface of the dark room 13. Also,
A data output terminal provided on the television device 30,
Between the data input terminal provided on the personal computer 11,
A communication cable A is connected, and a key matrix converter 12 is provided between a data output terminal provided on the personal computer 11 and a data input terminal provided on the remote control transmitter 20.
, The communication cables B and C are connected.

With this configuration, when a key signal for outputting an infrared signal based on a predetermined remote control operation is output from the personal computer 11 to the key matrix converter 12 via the communication cable B, the key matrix converter 12
The key signal is converted to a key matrix, and the communication cable C
To the remote control transmitter 20 via the. For this reason, the remote control transmitter 20 transmits an infrared signal based on the key signal subjected to the key matrix conversion. In this sense, the key matrix converter 12 constitutes a transmission control unit according to the present invention.

Then, in the television device 30, since the infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter 20 is received by the receiving unit 30a, the microcomputer 31 connected to the receiving unit 30a, as shown in FIG. In order to decode the received infrared signal and execute a corresponding control operation, control data for giving a control instruction to each device such as the tuner 33 and the chroma IC 34 via the IIC bus 32 is transmitted. A data output terminal provided on the television device 30 is connected to a communication interface (communication I / O).
Since it is connected to the IIC bus 32 via the (/ F) 35, control data transmitted and received on the IIC bus 32 can be output to the communication cable. Therefore, personal computer 1
1 obtains control data input to the data input terminal via the communication cable A, compares it with the key signal output to the key matrix converter 12 by itself, and controls the key signal and the control data in the same manner. It is determined whether or not the operation is to be executed. In this sense, the personal computer 11
Constitutes a reception status acquisition unit and a reception status determination unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the simulation apparatus 10. By executing a predetermined control program stored in the hard disk, the personal computer 11 sequentially outputs infrared signal transmission instructions corresponding to all remote control operations executable by the remote control transmitter 20 to the key matrix converter 12. (Steps S100 to S130). Therefore, infrared signals relating to different control operations are repeatedly transmitted from the remote control transmitter 20 to the television device 30, and the personal computer 11 compares each control operation, that is, a key signal corresponding to each control operation with control data. Done in order,
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the determination result is displayed on the CRT 11a to be checked by the operator (steps S140 to S140).
190). Therefore, the operator only needs to execute the above-mentioned control program on the personal computer 11, and the remote control transmitter 20
Can automatically transmit infrared signals corresponding to all remote control operations that can be performed by the CRT 11a.
By simply checking the display, it is possible to know whether or not the reception status of the infrared signal in the television device 30 is normal.

By the way, the receiving condition of the infrared signal in the television device 30 is abnormal due to the change of all environmental conditions. For example, as the dry battery mounted on the remote control transmitter 20 wears down, the duty ratio and the amplitude of the infrared signal waveform change. In addition, the waveform of the infrared signal is similarly changed by the difference in the capacity of the condenser that generates the waveform of the infrared signal in the remote control transmitter 20. Therefore, if there is such a change in the environmental conditions, the television device 30 may not be able to receive the infrared signal in a normal state. Here, the environmental condition means the transmission / reception environment according to the present invention. In the simulation device 10 according to the present embodiment, since the remote control transmitter 20 transmits the infrared signal based on the control program executed by the personal computer 11, it is necessary to change the environmental conditions when executing the control program. Thus, it is possible to simulate any transmission / reception environment and perform a simulation for determining the reception status of the infrared signal in the television device. In this sense, the personal computer 11 constitutes a pseudo transmission instruction unit according to the present invention.

Specifically, when the control program is executed, a condition setting column as shown in FIG. 5 is provided in the execution menu, and a simulation is executed according to the selection in the condition setting column. For example, in the case of the simulation 1 in which the change of the duty ratio is selected, as illustrated in FIG.
A key signal to transmit from 0 is output. Then, it is compared with the control data output from the television device 30 to determine whether the data is based on the same control operation.
Therefore, if it is determined that the data is based on the same control operation, it is possible to determine that the data does not affect the transmission and reception of the infrared signal even if the duty ratio changes to the selected degree.

In the case of the simulation 2 in which the change of the amplitude is selected, a key signal for transmitting the infrared signal whose amplitude is changed from the remote control transmitter 20 is output as shown in FIG. Therefore, similarly to the above-described case, it is possible to perform the data determination and the determination regarding the influence of the amplitude change of the infrared signal. When setting conditions for the infrared signal waveform in the execution menu, for example, -0.
It is also possible to select a ratio such as a 3% amplitude change, or to select a sample that meets desired conditions from samples obtained experimentally in advance under various transmission / reception environments. It is also possible to do it.

Then, for example, a change in the duty ratio or a change in the amplitude of the infrared signal is expected depending on the degree of consumption of the dry battery mounted on the remote control transmitter 20, but the change ratio corresponding to the change rate at which the transmission and reception of the infrared signal starts to be affected. It is possible to determine the degree of consumption of the dry battery as a threshold value and to confirm the time for replacing the dry battery. Note that it is also possible to omit the selection operation in the execution menu and perform simulation while automatically changing predetermined conditions. In this case, it is useful in that the number of work steps can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, when a simulation is performed, as shown in FIG.
The light source 4 is attached as a light source. However, from the viewpoint that the dark room 13 is provided to match the external environment at the time of the simulation, such a configuration is only an example. Good, and if there is no need to consider the external environment, the dark room 13 may not be used. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, an incandescent lamp 14 and a fluorescent lamp 15 can be installed inside the dark room 13 to make it possible to select a desired light source. Can be attached.
This is useful in that the relationship with the high frequency noise caused by the fluorescent lamp 15 can be confirmed.

Further, the light source attached to the dark room 13 can be controlled by the personal computer 11. For example, a light source setting column is provided in the above-described execution menu, and the selection of the incandescent lamp 14 and the fluorescent lamp 15 is performed.
You may make it possible to set the degree of brightness according to the amount of supplied power. As described above, the personal computer 11 outputs a key signal for causing the infrared signal received by the television device 30 to be transmitted from the remote control transmitter 20 in a simulated manner when the transmission / reception environment changes, and the remote control transmitter 2
Based on the infrared signal transmitted from 0, control data transmitted and received on the IIC bus 32 mounted on the television device 30 is obtained, and the same control signal is executed by comparing the same key signal with the same control data. Since it is determined whether or not the simulation is performed, it is possible to realize a simulation according to various environmental changes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a use state of a simulation device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a television device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by the simulation device.

FIG. 4 is a screen display showing an example of a determination result.

FIG. 5 is a screen display showing an example of an execution menu.

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing a specific example of an infrared signal transmitted from a remote control transmitter during a simulation.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a dark room according to a modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Simulation device 11 ... PC 11a ... CRT 12 ... Key matrix converter 13 ... Dark room 13a, 13b ... Window 14 ... Incandescent lamp 15 ... Fluorescent lamp 20 ... Remote control transmitter 20a ... Transmission unit 30 ... Television device 30a ... Reception unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... Microcomputer 32 ... IIC bus 33 ... Tuner 34 ... Chroma IC 35 ... Communication interface (communication I / F) AC-Communication cable

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A transmission control means for transmitting an infrared signal corresponding to a predetermined remote control operation from a remote control transmitter, a reception status obtaining means for obtaining a reception status of the infrared signal in a device main body, Receiving status determining means for determining whether or not the device main body can execute a control operation corresponding to the infrared signal based on the infrared signal; and transmitting the infrared signal received by the device main body when a transmission / reception environment changes to the remote control transmitter. And a pseudo transmission instructing unit for giving an instruction to the transmission control unit in order to perform pseudo transmission from the transmission unit. 2. The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo transmission instruction unit includes a computer that outputs a control signal corresponding to the instruction by executing a predetermined control program. The simulation apparatus includes a key matrix converter that converts a control signal output from the computer into a key matrix and outputs the control signal to the remote control transmitter. 3. The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo transmission instruction unit issues an instruction to transmit an infrared signal having a duty ratio changed from a regular waveform. A simulation device characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo transmission instruction means gives an instruction to transmit an infrared signal whose amplitude is changed from a normal waveform. A simulation device characterized by the above-mentioned. 5. The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simulation apparatus is interposed between the remote control transmitter and a main body of the apparatus, and externally receives the infrared signal while allowing transmission and reception of the infrared signal. A simulation device comprising a light blocking unit for blocking light. 6. The simulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said light shielding means includes a predetermined light source. 7. The simulation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said light shielding means is capable of selecting one of an incandescent lamp and a fluorescent lamp as said light source. 8. By executing a predetermined control program, a key signal for automatically transmitting an infrared signal received by the television device from the remote control transmitter when the transmission / reception environment changes is automatically output. At the same time, based on an infrared signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter, control data transmitted and received on an IIC bus mounted on the television device is obtained, and the same key signal is compared with the same control data to obtain the same control data. A personal computer that determines whether or not to execute a control operation; a key matrix converter that converts a key signal output from the personal computer into a key matrix and outputs the key signal to the remote control transmitter; Between the remote control transmitter and the television device to allow transmission and reception of infrared signals. While as to block the incident light from the outside, simulation; and a dark room with a light source illuminating the transmission and reception path of the infrared signal device. 9. A remote control transmitter acquires a reception status of the infrared signal in the device main body when transmitting an infrared signal corresponding to a predetermined remote control operation, and based on the obtained reception status, the device main body transmits the infrared signal. In determining whether a control operation corresponding to an infrared signal can be performed, by transmitting an infrared signal received by the device body from the remote control transmitter when a transmission / reception environment changes,
A simulation method characterized by simulating a change in the transmission / reception environment.