JP2005182598A - Electric equipment provided with specific mode state releasing function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electric equipment which releases a specific mode state to move to a usual mode state without a user's awareness on some defective conditions even if the electric equipment is delivered from a factory in the specific mode state due to the defective conditions such as operational errors, malfunctions and so on or even if the electric equipment falls in a specific mode state due to the defective conditions in an operating environment on the user's side. <P>SOLUTION: The electric equipment is provided with: a present mode state storage part 41d which stores the present mode state of its own electric equipment; a present mode state determination part 41a which determines the present mode state of its own electric equipment; and a control part 41b which sets a mode state switching signal and executes control in accordance with the mode state switching signal and the present mode state. The electric equipment uses an input signal of a power source switch of its own electric equipment main body as the mode state switching signal for switching from the specific mode state to the usual mode state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is an electrical device having a special mode for performing a predetermined operation according to each manufacturing process of a factory and a normal mode for performing an operation during normal use as a product, and is in a special mode state. The present invention relates to an electric device having a release function.

  In recent years, electrical equipment represented by audio and video equipment has become highly functional and multifunctional, and accordingly, setting of various functions and operation tests in each manufacturing process of the electrical equipment factory are indispensable. It has become.

  The setting of various functions and the operation test in each manufacturing process of the factory are performed in a dedicated mode (hereinafter referred to as a special mode) for performing these operations. In other words, it is a mode different from the mode for normal use of the electrical equipment as a product (hereinafter referred to as normal mode), and in the special mode state, does not accept an operation for normal use of the electrical equipment as a product? Or, an operation different from the normal operation corresponding to the operation is usually performed. This is because the code signal received by the microcomputer differs between the normal mode and the special mode.

  Therefore, since the user cannot normally use the electric device in the special mode state, when shipping the electric device from the factory, it is necessary to cancel the special mode state and set to the normal mode state. The transition to the normal mode state is performed by a dedicated jig or special operation.

  For electrical equipment with a remote control device typified by audio / video equipment, the transition to the special mode state, the operation in the special mode state, and the release operation of the special mode state are different from the remote control device for normal operation. This is performed by a mode-specific remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a special remote control device). This is to increase the production efficiency by sharing the code signal of the special mode of a plurality of products in a production line that produces various products. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of mode state switching by such a conventional special remote control device.

  A method for controlling various operations in the special mode is disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2.

JP 2001-219324 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-238063

  As described above, when the electrical device is in the special mode state, an operation for normally using the electrical device as a product is not accepted, or an operation different from the normal operation corresponding to the operation is performed. Is normal. Therefore, if the electrical device in the special mode is shipped from the factory due to a work error or malfunction in the factory, or some other malfunction, or the electrical equipment is in the special mode at the customer due to some malfunction in the user's usage environment. In such a case, there is a problem that the electric device cannot be operated normally and is handled as a defective product by the user.

  In addition, in an electric device in which the operation for canceling the special mode state is performed only by a dedicated device (such as a special remote control device), the user side alone cannot return the electric device to the normal mode state. There has been a problem that the electric equipment has to be returned or a service person has to take a countermeasure to visit the user with the dedicated device. On the other hand, in order to avoid such inconvenience, the special mode state can be canceled only by the user by setting some special operation (such as simultaneous pressing of the main unit key and the remote control) as the special mode state canceling method. There are also electrical devices that are able to transition to a state. However, in this case as well, there is no change in imposing a burden on the user (for example, checking the instruction manual of the electric device or inquiring to a dealer). This burden is conspicuous for users who are not good at operating electrical equipment, and in some cases, they must eventually return the electrical equipment or have a service person visit the user. There was also a problem that could occur.

  In the present invention, when an electrical device in a special mode is shipped from the factory due to an operation error or malfunction in the factory, or some other malfunction, or the electrical equipment is specially used by the customer due to some malfunction in the user's usage environment. Special mode that does not cause a burden on the user, manufacturer, seller, etc. by releasing the special mode state and making it possible to shift to the normal mode state without making the user aware of it even if it becomes the mode state An object is to provide an electrical device having a release function.

  The electric device having the special mode state release function according to claim 1 of the present invention performs a special mode for performing a predetermined operation according to each manufacturing process of the factory and an operation during normal use as a product. In the electric device having the normal mode, the current mode state determining means for determining the current mode state of the electric device, the special mode state releasing means for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state, and the electric mode Control means having a key discrimination means for discriminating a key operation input to the device, and input to the key discrimination means as a mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state The input signal of the power switch of the electric device main body is used.

  According to the configuration of claim 1, when power is supplied to the electric device main body, the control unit determines whether the current mode state is the normal mode state or the special mode state by the current mode state determination unit. The When the current mode state is the normal mode state, the normal operation is performed and the operation is not performed in the special mode state. On the other hand, when the current mode state is the special mode state, setting of various functions and operation tests in each manufacturing process on the manufacturing line are performed. Thus, after the setting of various functions and the operation test are completed, the normal mode state is entered. This is because when the power switch of the electric device main body is turned on by a key operation on the electric device main body, the mode state switching signal is output to the special mode state releasing means by the key discriminating means, and the special mode state is changed to the normal mode state. And switch. Thereby, even if shipped in the special mode state, when the user turns on the power switch of the electric device main body, it automatically shifts to the normal mode state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric device having the special mode state cancel function according to the first aspect, wherein the mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state is provided. The input signal of a specific key among the main body keys provided in the main body of the electric device input to the key discriminating means is used.

  According to the configuration of claim 2, when a specific key operation is performed among the main body keys provided in the main body of the electric device, the mode state switching signal is output to the special mode state canceling unit by the key discriminating unit, and the special mode state is Switch to normal mode.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical device having the special mode state cancel function according to the first aspect, wherein the mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state is provided. As an example, an input signal of an arbitrary key among the main body keys provided in the main body of the electric device input to the key discriminating means is used.

  According to the configuration of claim 3, when any key of the main body keys provided in the main body of the electric device is operated, a mode state switching signal is output to the special mode state canceling means by the key discriminating means, and from the special mode state. Switch to normal mode.

  Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric device having the special mode state cancel function, wherein the electric device receives a remote control operation signal in the electric device according to any one of the first to third aspects. In this case, the remote control device can be operated.

  In the electrical equipment that can operate the electrical equipment by the remote control device, when the power switch of the main body is turned on / off or the main body key is input, this input signal is output from the receiving means to the key discriminating means, and the key discriminating means When the power switch is turned on / off or the main unit key is input, the key discriminating means outputs a mode state switching signal to the special mode state canceling means, and switches from the special mode state to the normal mode state. Change.

  According to the electric device having the special mode state cancel function of claim 1 of the present invention, a special mode for performing a predetermined operation corresponding to each process of manufacture on the line of the factory where the device is manufactured, and a product In an electric device having a normal mode for performing an operation during normal use as a current mode state determination means for determining a current mode state of the electric device, and from the special mode state to the normal mode state A mode state for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state, having a control means comprising a special mode state release means for switching and a key discriminating means for discriminating a key operation input to the electrical device Since the input signal of the power switch of the electric device body input to the key discriminating means is used as the switching signal, the input signal of the power switch of the electric device is used. Since is used as the mode state switching signal for switching to the normal mode state from the special mode state, it is possible to cancel the special mode state without by special equipment or operation. Therefore, even if the electrical equipment in the special mode is shipped from the factory due to a mistake in operation or malfunction in the factory or some other malfunction, the act of turning on the power switch, which is a precondition for using the product. Thus, since the electric device is switched from the special mode state to the normal mode state, it is possible to smoothly shift to the normal mode state without making the user aware of it.

  In addition, even if the customer's usage environment causes the electrical device to enter a special mode at the customer, and the remote control device cannot operate the electrical device at all, the power switch It is possible to smoothly shift to the normal mode state by turning on / off. That is, in the special mode state, it is normal that the electric device main body does not accept a signal from a normal remote control device. When the electric device being used by the user enters the special mode state, the remote control operation is not performed. It will be in a state that can not be. In such a case, as an intuitive action of the user, it is possible to try to operate the main body key provided in the main body of the electric device or to turn the power switch on again, and the user takes such an action. Establishing reach is very high. Therefore, by setting such an intuitive operation of the user as an operation for releasing the special mode state, the electric device can be effectively shifted to the normal mode state without imposing an excessive burden on the user. .

  Further, according to the electric device having the special mode release function of claim 2 of the present invention, in the electric device according to claim 1, the mode state switching for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state. Since the input signal of a specific key among the main body keys provided in the main body of the electric device input to the key discriminating means is used as the signal, the main body provided in the main body of the electric device by the user By operating the key, the electric device can be shifted to the normal mode state.

  Further, according to the electric device having the special mode state cancel function of claim 3 of the present invention, the mode state for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state in the electric device according to claim 1 Since the input signal of any key among the main body keys provided in the main body of the electric device input to the key discriminating means is used as the switching signal, the user is provided in the main body of the electric device. By operating the main body key, the electric device can be shifted to the normal mode state.

  Furthermore, according to the electric device having the special mode state release function of claim 4 of the present invention, in the electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a remote control operation signal is sent to the electric device. Even in the electrical device in which the operation of the electrical device can be performed by a remote control device by including a receiving means for receiving, the electrical device shifts to a normal mode state by turning on / off the body power switch or inputting a body key. can do.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is one form when the present invention is embodied, and is not intended to limit the present invention within the scope thereof.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 which is an embodiment of the electric apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a part of the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a recording / reproducing apparatus.

  The optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 includes a microcomputer 11 serving as a control unit, a power supply unit 15, a remote control device 12, a light receiving unit 13 serving as a receiving unit, and a main body key unit 14. The remote control device 12 is for normal operation of the optical disc recording / reproducing device, the light receiving unit 13 is a device for receiving a signal from the remote control device 12, and the main body key unit 14 is for operating the optical disc recording / reproducing device 1. A plurality of switches 3 including a power switch 3 a provided in the main body 2 are provided. The power supply unit 15 is a device that supplies power to the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 from a commercial power supply.

  The microcomputer 11 performs control for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state, and is a key determination unit 16 as a key determination unit that receives an input signal sent from the light receiving unit 13 or the main body key unit 14. The current mode state discriminating unit 11a as the current mode discriminating unit for discriminating the current mode of the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the special mode state canceling unit 11b as the special mode state canceling unit, and the release operation instruction for performing the processing associated with the special mode state cancellation A unit 11c and a release control unit 11d.

  The special mode refers to one of the operation modes of the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 used for setting various functions and operating tests of the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 in each manufacturing process on the factory line. It is also called factory mode or setting mode, and is not limited to the name of special mode. Similarly, the normal mode refers to a mode for normally using the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 as a product, and is not limited to the name of the normal mode.

  In the present embodiment configured as described above, the operation accompanying the special mode state cancellation will be described. When the power supply unit 15 is energized (step 21), the microcomputer 11 is activated, and the current mode state determination unit 11a determines whether the current mode state is the normal mode state or the special mode state ( Step 22). When the current mode state determined in step 22 is the normal mode state, normal operation is performed by the normal process 24, and the special mode state release unit 11b, the release operation instruction unit 11c, and the release control unit 11d It will not work.

  On the other hand, when the current mode state determined in step 22 is the special mode state, when the switches 3 and 3a provided on the main body key unit 14 are operated, this signal is input to the key determination unit 16. Then, a mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state is output from the key determining unit 16 to the special mode state canceling unit 11b. Here, the mode state switching signal output from the special mode state releasing unit 11b is an input signal when the switches 3 and 3a provided in the main body key unit 14 of the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 are turned on. Is output from the key discrimination 16 to the special mode state canceling unit 11b as a mode state switching signal. As a result, the special mode state is released by the special mode state release unit 11b, the release operation instruction unit 11c, and the release control unit 11d, and a transition is made to the normal mode state.

  As shown in FIG. 8, according to the mode state switching operation by the conventional special remote control device, the special mode state canceling operation in step 81 is neglected before shipment from the factory, or the special mode state canceling operation is performed due to some trouble. If the product has been shipped without any change, the user side has to perform a special operation for setting the normal mode in step 82. According to the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, When the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 is connected to the power source, it is determined whether it is in the normal mode state or in the special mode state. When the switch 3 or 3a is operated, it automatically shifts to the normal mode. Even if you've shipped the product of the special mode state from the factory by some failure, it is possible to smoothly transition to the normal mode without making the user aware.

  That is, in the special mode state, the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 normally does not accept a signal from the normal remote control device 12, and the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 being used by the user enters the special mode state. Will be in a state where remote control operation is not possible. In such a case, the user's intuitive behavior is to operate the power switch 3a for turning on / off the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1, and to connect / disconnect the power outlet. Therefore, by setting such an intuitive operation of the user as an operation for releasing the special mode state, the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 1 can be effectively shifted to the normal mode state without imposing an excessive burden on the user. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the television receiver 1a is used as an electric device will be described. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a part of the television receiver 1a of the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the television receiver 1a, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the television receiver 1a. FIG.

  The television receiver 1 a includes a microcomputer 41, a power supply unit 45, a remote control device 42 a, a light receiving unit 43, and a main body key unit 44. The remote control device 42a is for operating a normal operation as a product of the television receiver 1a, and constitutes a part of the product of the television receiver 1a. In the special mode in which various function settings and operation tests are performed in the factory production line apart from the remote control device 42a, the television receiver 1a is operated using the special remote control device 42b. The product of the television receiver 1a Is not included. In the television receiver 1a of the present embodiment, a special mode state switching signal (step 53a) for shifting to a special mode for performing various function settings and operation tests in the factory production line is generated by the special remote control device 42b. In addition, operation signals (step 55b) for special operations such as various function settings are also issued by the special remote controller 42b.

  The light receiving unit 43 is a device that receives signals from the normal remote control device 42a and the special remote control device 42b, and the main body key unit 44 includes a plurality of switches 46 and a power switch 44a provided on the main unit for operating the television receiver. I have. The power supply unit 45 is a device that supplies power from a commercial power supply to the television receiver 1a. The microcomputer 41 is a device that controls the operation of the television receiver, and the current mode state determination unit 41a provided in the microcomputer 41 is a part that determines the current mode state of the television receiver. The state storage unit 41d is a part that stores the current mode of the television receiver. The control unit 41b, which is a special mode state canceling means provided in the microcomputer 41, can set a mode state switching signal, and the control unit 41b and the normal processing unit 41e or the special processing unit 41f operate the television receiver 1a. Is controlled.

  When the power outlet 45a provided in the power supply unit 45 is connected (step 51), the microcomputer 41 is activated, and the current mode state determination unit 41a determines whether the current mode state is the normal mode state or the special mode state. It is determined whether or not there is (step 52).

  When the current mode state determined in step 52 is the normal mode state, waiting for input of the power switch 44a (step 53b) and confirmation of the presence / absence of a special mode state switching signal (step 53a) is a power ON waiting loop. At 53. Here, if there is a special mode state switching signal, the special mode state is set in the current mode state storage unit 41d (step 57a), and the mode is shifted to the special mode state (step 57b). When there is no special mode state switching signal in the power ON waiting loop 53 and the power switch 44a is input, the operation of the normal processing loop 54 is performed by the key determination unit 41g, the control unit 41b, and the normal processing unit 41e. Thus, the normal operation of the television receiver (normal operation according to key input from the normal remote control device 42a or key input from the main body key unit 44) is performed. When the power switch 44a is turned off in the normal processing loop 54, the operation from step 52 is repeated.

  When the current mode state determined in step 52 is the special mode state, the determination as to whether or not the power switch 44a is input (step 55a) and the determination as to whether or not there is a special mode operation signal (step 55b) This is performed in the waiting loop 55. Here, when there is a special mode operation signal, the operation of the special operation processing loop 56 is performed by the key determination unit 41g, the control unit 41b, and the special processing unit 41f, so that various functions of the television receiver are performed. Special operations such as settings and operation tests (special operations in response to key inputs from the special remote controller 42b) are performed. In the special signal waiting loop 55, when the power switch 44a is input, the normal mode state is set in the current mode state storage unit 41d (step 58a), and the normal mode state is entered (step 58b).

  In principle, when the television receiver 1a is shipped from the factory, it is set to the normal mode state. However, even if the television receiver 1a is shipped in the special mode state, the television receiver of this embodiment is used. According to the apparatus 1a, the television receiver 1a is automatically switched to the normal mode state by the input of the power switch 44a, which is a precondition for using the television receiver 1a. Therefore, the television reception can be smoothly performed without making the user aware of it. The machine 1a can be brought into a normal usable state.

  Even if the television receiver 1a is in the special mode state at the customer, it can be restored to the normal mode state by turning on the power switch 44a of the television receiver 1a again. When the operation of the television receiver 1a becomes strange, turning the power switch 44a back on is one of the actions that the user can take most easily. Thus, the television receiver 1a can be effectively made available for normal use, and the burden on the user can be minimized.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the television receiver 1a according to another embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the television receiver 1a of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted here. Further, since the operations of Step 51x, Step 52x, Power ON Waiting Loop 53x and Special Operation Processing Loop 56x in FIG. 7 are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted here. The special signal waiting loop 55x operates in the same manner as in the second embodiment, but a mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state is provided by the switch 46 or the power switch 44a provided in the main body key unit 44. The difference is that it is an arbitrary input operation.

  In the normal processing loop 70, when there is a key input (including both input from the remote control device 42a and input from the switch 46 provided on the main body key unit 44), whether the current mode state is the normal mode state or special It is determined whether or not it is in the mode state (step 70b). When the television receiver 1a is in the normal mode state, the normal operation is performed. In 77, the input of the main body key unit 44 is awaited. If there is an input, the normal mode state is set in the current mode state storage unit (step 72a), and the normal mode state is entered (step 72b).

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, even when the television receiver being used by the user shifts to the special mode state for some reason, the current mode state is discriminated by key input (remote control device 42a). This is performed every time (including both the input of the key and the input of the main body key unit 44), so that it is possible to immediately shift to the normal mode without needing to reset the power switch 44a. That is, the television receiver 1a in use shifts to the special mode state for some reason, so that the microcomputer built in the television receiver 1a does not accept the normal mode code signal, and the normal remote controller Even when the operation of the television receiver 1a cannot be performed by the device 42a, the microcomputer built in the television receiver 1a can usually determine that the key input of the remote control device 42a has been made. When the key input of the remote control device 42a or the input of the main body key portion 44 is received, the current mode state is determined, and the main body key input waiting loop 77 causes the main body key portion 44 to be input and simultaneously returns to the normal mode. It can be done. If the user suddenly becomes unable to operate the remote control device 42a, after trying the key input of the remote control device 42a several times, try operating the main body key unit 44. According to the present embodiment, the television receiver 1a automatically shifts to the normal mode by such an operation. Therefore, the television receiver can be effectively used without burdening the user. 1a is normally in a usable state.

  As described above, the optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus and the television receiver, which are AV devices, have been described as embodiments for the sake of easy understanding. However, the present invention is not limited to the AV devices, and is not limited to AV devices. AV equipment includes, for example, TV, VTR, DVD playback / recording device, HDD playback / recording device, radio, RECORD PLAYER, CASETTE DECK, HOME THEATER SYSTEM, AUDIO COMPONENT SYSTEM, AV amplifier, MD recording / playback Device, LASER DISC PLAYER, etc. Examples of the household heat appliance include a microwave oven, a microwave oven, a toaster, an IH cooking heater, and an iron. Examples of the air-conditioning appliance include an air conditioner, a fan heater, an electric blanket, an electric carpet, and a fan. Furthermore, the electrical device according to the present invention includes a refrigerator, a washing machine, a futon dryer, a clothes dryer, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, a toilet seat with a washlet, a ventilation system, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a telephone, a clock, a digital camera, a video camera, It includes vacuum cleaners, game machines, projectors, etc.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the electric device can be normally used effectively by setting the mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state according to the properties of various electric devices. Can be in a state. For example, for electrical equipment that has a door or lid, etc. that opens and closes the door or lid when used, a special mode is provided by opening and closing the door or lid. By releasing the state, the electric device can be effectively put into a normal usable state without making the user aware of it.

The block diagram which shows the one part outline of the optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus which is an Example of this invention Flowchart showing the operation of the optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus of the first embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of an optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a part of the television receiver according to the second embodiment. Flowchart showing the operation of the television receiver of the second embodiment. The perspective view of the television receiver of Example 2. FIG. Flowchart showing the operation of the television receiver of the third embodiment. Flow chart showing the transition operation to the conventional normal mode

Explanation of symbols

1 Optical disk recording and playback device (electronic equipment)
3a, 44a Power switch 11, 41 Microcomputer (control means)
11a, 41a Current mode state discriminating means 11b Special state mode releasing unit (special mode state releasing means)
13, 43 Light receiving part (receiving means)
14 Main body key part 12, 42a Remote control device 16, 41g Key discriminating means 41b Control part (special mode state releasing means)

Claims (4)

  In an electric device having a special mode for performing a predetermined operation according to each manufacturing process of the factory and a normal mode for performing an operation during normal use as a product, the current mode state of the electric device is Control means comprising: current mode state determining means for determining; special mode state releasing means for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state; and key determining means for determining a key operation input to the electrical device. And an input signal of a power switch of the electric device main body input to the key discriminating means is used as a mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state. Electrical equipment with special mode status release function.   The electric device according to claim 1, wherein a main body key provided in a main body of the electric device is input to the key determination unit as the mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state. An electric device having a special mode state release function, characterized by using an input signal of a specific key.   2. The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the mode state switching signal for switching from the special mode state to the normal mode state is input to the main body of the electric device input to the key determination unit. An electric device equipped with a special mode state release function characterized by using an input signal of a main body key.   4. The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the electric device includes a receiving unit for receiving a remote control operation signal, so that the operation by the remote control device is possible. Functional electrical equipment.

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