JP2005277453A - Signal relaying apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a signal relaying apparatus capable of enhancing operability by a remote control apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The signal relaying apparatus is provided with: a control signal reception section 11 for sequentially receiving a control signal transmitted from a remote commander 34 and applied to a television receiver 30; a RAM 22 for sequentially storing control data in response to the control signal C; a relay control signal transmission section 12 for sequentially transmitting a relay control signal E on the basis of the control data to the television receiver 30; a response signal reception section 13 for receiving a response signal R denoting that the television receiver 30 completes processing in response to the relay control signal E from the television receiver 30; and a CPU 20 for controlling the relay control signal transmission section 12 to transmit a new relay control signal E on the basis of control data stored next to the old control data corresponding to the old relay control signal E. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal relay device, and is suitably applied to a signal relay device that relays an operation signal from a remote commander of a television device, for example.

  Conventionally, in a television apparatus, an operation instruction from a user is received by receiving an operation signal from a remote commander.

In recent years, some television apparatuses are configured to display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on a screen in accordance with a user operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-270276 A (page 7, FIG. 3)

  However, in a television apparatus having such a configuration, since processing has become complicated with the increase in functionality, it takes time to complete processing corresponding to the operation instruction after the user is given an operation instruction. There is.

  In this case, the television device cannot accept a new operation instruction until the processing according to the operation instruction is completed. Therefore, when the operation instruction is continuously given from the user at a short interval, the operation instruction is skipped. There is a problem that the operability is poor, such as being unable to perform the process according to the user's operation or having the user wait for each operation until the operation corresponding to each operation is completed.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose a signal relay device that can improve the operability of the remote control device.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the signal relay device of the present invention, operation signal receiving means for sequentially receiving operation signals for the operated device transmitted from the remote operation device, and operation data corresponding to the operation signals are sequentially stored. Accumulating means, relay operation signal transmitting means for sequentially transmitting relay operation signals based on operation data to the operated device, and a response signal indicating that the operated device has completed processing according to the relay operation signal, A response signal receiving means received from the apparatus, and a relay operation signal based on the operation data stored next to the operation data corresponding to the relay operation signal after receiving the response signal corresponding to the relay operation signal by the response signal receiving means And a control means for controlling to transmit from the relay operation signal transmission means.

  Thereby, even when the operation signal is continuously transmitted from the remote operation device, the signal relay device temporarily accumulates the operation data, and the operation data is stored after the processing immediately before the operated device is completed. Since the relay operation signals based on each can be transmitted one by one, the operated device can accept all the relay operation signals.

  The signal relay system according to the present invention is a signal relay system including a signal relay device that relays an operation signal transmitted from a remote operation device and a signal transmission device that is connected to the operated device. The operation signal receiving means for sequentially receiving the operation signals for the operated apparatus transmitted from the remote operation apparatus, the storage means for sequentially storing the operation data corresponding to the operation signals, and the relay operation signal based on the operation data are sequentially received. A relay operation signal transmitting means for transmitting to the operating device; a response signal receiving means for receiving from the operated device a response signal indicating that the operated device has completed processing in accordance with the relay operation signal; and a response signal receiving means. After receiving the response signal corresponding to the relay operation signal, the relay operation signal based on the operation data stored next to the operation data corresponding to the relay operation signal is received. And a control means for controlling the transmission operation signal to be transmitted from the relay operation signal transmission means, and when the operated device completes the process according to the relay operation signal, the signal transmission apparatus sends a response signal indicating that the process is completed. Transmitted to signal relay device.

  Thereby, even when the operation signal is continuously transmitted from the remote operation device, the signal relay device temporarily accumulates the operation data, and the operation data is stored after the processing immediately before the operated device is completed. Since the relay operation signals based on each can be transmitted one by one, the operated device can accept all the relay operation signals.

  Further, in the remote operation system of the present invention, the operated device, the remote operation device that remotely controls the operated device, the signal transmission device connected to the operated device, and the operation signal transmitted from the remote operation device A signal relay device that relays the operation signal, and the signal relay device sequentially receives the operation signal transmitted from the remote operation device to the operated device, and according to the operation signal. Means for sequentially storing the operation data, relay operation signal transmitting means for sequentially transmitting the relay operation signal based on the operation data to the operated device, and indicating that the operated device has completed the processing according to the relay operation signal. A response signal receiving means for receiving the response signal from the operated device; and after receiving the response signal corresponding to the relay operation signal by the response signal receiving means, the relay Control means for controlling the relay operation signal to be transmitted from the relay operation signal transmission means based on the operation data stored next to the operation data corresponding to the operation signal, and the operated device performs processing according to the relay operation signal. When the process is completed, a response signal indicating that the process is completed is transmitted from the signal transmission apparatus to the signal relay apparatus.

  Thereby, even when the operation signal is continuously transmitted from the remote operation device, the signal relay device temporarily accumulates the operation data, and the operation data is stored after the processing immediately before the operated device is completed. Since the relay operation signals based on each can be transmitted one by one, the operated device can accept all the relay operation signals.

  According to the present invention, even when the operation signal is continuously transmitted from the remote operation device, the signal relay device temporarily accumulates the operation data and the processing immediately before the operated device is completed. Since the relay operation signals based on the operation data can be transmitted one by one, the operated device can receive all the relay operation signals, thus realizing a signal relay device that can improve the operability of the remote operation device.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment (1-1) Configuration of Television Device Operating System In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a television device operating system according to an embodiment of the present invention as a whole. As a remote control device 34, and a signal relay device 10.

  The signal relay device 10 receives the operation signal C transmitted from the remote commander 34, transmits a corresponding relay operation signal E (described later) to the television device 30, and is connected to the television device 30. A response signal R (which will be described later) is received from the signal transmission device 33.

  When the television apparatus 30 receives the operation signal C transmitted from the remote commander 34, the television apparatus 30 performs processing according to the operation signal C, but the signal relay apparatus 10 corresponds to the operation signal C. Similarly, when the relay operation signal E is received, processing corresponding to the operation signal C is performed.

(1-2) Circuit Configuration of Television Device As shown in FIG. 2, the television device 30 is configured to perform overall control by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40, and a ROM (Read The basic program and various application programs are read from the (Only Memory) 41, and are developed in a RAM (Random Access Memory) 42 to execute various processes.

  The broadcast reception processing unit 45 receives a television broadcast wave S1 transmitted from a television broadcast station or a broadcast satellite via an antenna 44, and performs demodulation processing, decoding processing, or the like on the television broadcast wave S1, thereby performing video data T1V and audio. Data T1A is generated and sent to the video processing unit 46 and the audio processing unit 47, respectively.

  The video processing unit 46 generates a video signal S2V by performing predetermined amplification processing, image quality improvement processing, and the like on the video data T1V acquired from the broadcast reception processing unit 45, and sends the video signal S2V to the display unit 32 to transmit the video signal S2V. An image is displayed on the display unit 32.

  At the same time, the audio processing circuit 47 generates an audio signal S2A by performing predetermined stereo correspondence processing, analog conversion processing, and the like on the audio data T1A acquired from the broadcast reception processing unit 45, and sends the audio signal S2A to the speaker 48, Sound is output from the speaker 48.

  The television apparatus 30 receives an operation signal C sent from the remote commander 34 (FIG. 1) in response to a user operation by the receiving unit 31, and performs processing according to the operation signal C. .

  In addition to such a configuration, the television device 30 has an “operation signal transmission mode” in which the signal transmission device 33 is connected to remotely control an external device.

  For example, in a situation where a video deck (not shown) is installed in the vicinity of the television device 30, when the television device 30 is switched to the “operation signal transmission mode” based on a user's operation instruction, a predetermined GUI ( Graphical User Interface) screen (not shown) is displayed, and when a “playback” command is selected, the signal transmission device 33 sends the video deck to the video deck with infrared light and instructs “playback”. Send device operation signals.

  At this time, the video deck receives the external device operation signal from the signal transmission device 33 in the same manner as the original operation signal transmitted from the remote commander of the video deck, and starts the reproduction process accordingly.

  As a result, the television apparatus 30 can be connected to an external device based on the operation of the remote commander 34 by the user when the operation signal cannot reach the video deck directly from the position of the user operating the remote commander of the video deck. The video deck can be indirectly operated by an external device operation signal transmitted from the transmission device 33.

  Further, the television device 30 has a “response signal transmission mode” in addition to the “operation signal transmission mode”. In the “response signal transmission mode”, the television apparatus 30 receives the operation signal C from the remote commander 34 and Each time a process corresponding to the operation signal is completed, a response signal R indicating the completion of the process is transmitted from the signal transmission device 33.

(1-3) Circuit Configuration of Signal Relay Device As shown in FIG. 3, the signal relay device 10 is configured to perform overall control by the CPU 20, and a basic program and various application programs are read from the ROM 21 via the bus 23. The data is read out and expanded in the RAM 22 to execute various processes.

  The signal relay device 10 receives a user's operation instruction via the operation unit 15 and measures the current time by a real time clock (RTC) circuit 24.

  By the way, the signal relay apparatus 10 has a plurality of operation modes such as “sequential transmission mode” and “automatic transmission mode”, and operates in the “sequential transmission mode” unless otherwise specified by the user. .

  When the signal relay apparatus 10 operates in the “sequential transmission mode”, the operation signal receiving unit 11 sequentially receives the operation signals C (C1 and C2) transmitted from the transmission unit 35 of the remote commander 34 according to the user's operation. It is made to receive.

  This operation signal C (C1 and C2) is actually infrared light, and as shown in FIG. 4 (A), modulation such as “leader part”, “0” and “1” is about 40 [kHz]. Modulated with frequency.

  Then, the signal relay apparatus 10 demodulates the operation signal C to recognize the codes such as “leader part” and “0” “1” and temporarily store them in the RAM 22, and uses the “reader part” as the division point immediately before. The codes from the “reader unit” to the front of the “reader unit” are cut out and stored in the RAM 22 as one operation code data DS as shown in FIG.

  For this reason, the signal relay device 10 is a case where, for example, the operation signals C (C1 and C2) transmitted from the remote commander 34 are continuously transmitted at short intervals as shown in the waveform of FIG. In addition, it is possible to recognize the operation signals C1 and C2 one by one by regarding the “reader unit” as a division point of each operation signal C.

  At this time, when receiving the operation signal C, the signal relay device 10 displays a message MSG1 as shown in FIG. 6A on the display unit 14 to notify the user that the operation signal C has been received. It is made like that.

  In addition, when the signal relay apparatus 10 does not receive the next operation signal C within a predetermined time after receiving the last operation signal C, the code relay device 10 corresponds to the last operation signal C. One operation code data DS is stored in the RAM 22.

  Incidentally, when the television apparatus 30 continuously receives the operation signals C1 and C2 at short intervals, the next operation signal C2 cannot be received when processing corresponding to the operation signal C1 is started. The device 30 will miss the operation signal C2.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 reads one operation code data DS stored in the RAM 22 and sends it to the relay operation signal transmission unit 12, whereby the relay operation signal obtained by modulating the operation code data DS from the relay operation signal transmission unit 12. E is transmitted.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the signal relay device 10 modulates the relay operation signal E1 to have substantially the same waveform as the operation signal C1, and for this reason, the television that has received the relay operation signal E1. The John device 30 can be recognized as if the operation signal C1 from the remote commander 34 was received.

  At this time, the television apparatus 30 performs a process according to the received relay operation signal E1, and transmits a response signal R1 indicating that the process is completed from the signal transmission apparatus 33 when the process is completed.

  On the other hand, the signal relay device 10 receives the response signal R1 by the response signal receiving unit 13, and the television device 30 completes the processing according to the relay operation signal E1 by receiving the response signal R1. The relay operation signal E2 is transmitted from the relay operation signal transmission unit 12 by recognizing that the relay operation signal E2 can be received.

  At this time, the signal relay apparatus 10 is configured to correctly recognize the relay operation signal E to be transmitted next by using the counter k for counting the number of transmission of the relay operation signal E.

  As described above, in the “automatic reception mode”, the signal relay device 10 accumulates the operation code data DS corresponding to the operation signal C in the RAM 22 at any time, and reads the operation code data DS one by one to output the relay operation signal E. After transmitting and receiving the response signal R corresponding to the relay operation signal E, a series of processes such as sending out the next relay operation signal E is repeated.

(1-4) Television Device Operation Sequence in Automatic Reception Mode Next, the television in automatic reception mode when the signal relay device 10 relays the operation signal C transmitted from the remote commander 34 and transmits it to the television device 30. The John apparatus operation sequence will be described with reference to the sequence chart shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the television broadcast station list 32A is displayed on the display unit 32 of the television apparatus 30, and the cursor CUR is positioned on “1ch MHK” on the first line (in the figure). It is assumed that it is indicated by diagonal lines.

  Here, when the user presses the “downward” button (not shown) twice in succession, the remote commander 34 shortens the operation signals C1 and C2 that indicate the pressing operation of the “downward” button. It transmits to the signal relay apparatus 10 continuously at intervals.

  When receiving the continuous operation signals C1 and C2 whose waveforms are shown in FIG. 4A, the signal relay device 10 demodulates the signals by the operation signal receiving unit 11, and regards the detected “reader unit” as a break. The operation code data DS1 and DS2 (FIG. 5) are cut out and stored in the RAM 22.

  At this time, when the signal relay apparatus 10 receives the operation signals C1 and C2, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, “the first signal has been received.” “The second signal has been received. The messages MSG1 and MSG2 are displayed on the display unit 14 respectively.

  As a result, the signal relay device 10 ensures that the operation signals C1 and C2 are received by the signal relay device 10 even if the television device 30 has not yet performed processing according to the operation signals C1 and C2. Can be visually recognized by the user.

  When the signal relay device 10 receives the first operation signal C1 and accumulates the operation code data DS1 in the RAM 22, the signal relay device 10 immediately reads the operation code data DS1 and based on the operation code data DS1 from the relay operation signal transmission unit 12 The relay operation signal E1 is transmitted to the television apparatus 30, and the counter k is further incremented.

  At this time, the signal relay device 10 is configured to transmit only the relay operation signal E1 corresponding to the first operation signal C1, and the relay operation signal E2 corresponding to the second received operation signal C2 is at this time point. Not yet sent.

  By the way, the television device 30 has been previously switched to the “response signal transmission mode” described above, and when receiving the relay operation signal E1 from the signal relay device 10, as in the case of receiving the operation signal C1 from the remote commander 34. As shown in FIG. 8B, a process of moving the cursor CUR on the television broadcast station list 32A down by one line (that is, the second line) is performed, and when this process is completed, the response signal R1 is sent to the signal relay device. Reply to 10.

  When the signal relay device 10 receives the response signal R1 from the television device 30 by the response signal receiving unit 13, the television device 30 has already processed according to the relay operation signal E1 (that is, according to the operation signal C1). It is recognized that the next operation signal C can be received.

  Therefore, the signal relay device 10 transmits a relay operation signal E2 (FIG. 4C) corresponding to the operation code data DS2 stored next to the operation code data DS1 to the television device 30 based on the value of the counter k. Further, the counter k is incremented.

  When the television apparatus 30 receives the relay operation signal E2, as shown in FIG. 8C, the television apparatus 30 performs a process of moving the cursor CUR on the television broadcast station list 32A downward by one line, and when this process is completed. Then, the response signal R2 is transmitted to the signal relay device 10.

  By the way, the signal relay device 10 can always accept the operation signal C from the remote commander 34, and receives the operation signal C3 (FIG. 4D) transmitted from the remote commander 34 at an arbitrary timing. This is demodulated and stored in the RAM 22 as the operation code data DS3 next to the operation code data DS2.

  In this case, the signal relay device 10 does not yet transmit the relay operation signal E3 corresponding to the operation signal C3 when the operation signal C3 is received, similarly to the case where the operation signal C2 is received.

  When the signal relay device 10 receives the response signal R2 from the television device 30, the signal relay device 10 sends a relay operation signal E3 (FIG. 4 (E)) to be transmitted next based on the value of the counter k accordingly. And the counter k is incremented.

  The television apparatus 30 receives the relay operation signal E3, and, similarly to the case where the relay operation signals E1 and E2 are received, the cursor CUR on the television broadcast station list 32A is set to one line as shown in FIG. A process of moving downward is performed, and when this process is completed, a response signal R3 is transmitted to the signal relay apparatus 10.

  As a result, the television apparatus 30 relays from the signal relay apparatus 10 even though the operation signal C is sequentially sent from the remote commander 34 by the user's operation before each processing of the television apparatus 30 is completed. By performing each process according to the operation signal E, the cursor CUR can be moved as many times as the number of times that the user has operated the remote commander 34.

(1-5) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, the signal relay apparatus 10 receives and demodulates the operation signal C from the remote commander 34 based on the user's operation instruction, and performs each operation using the “reader unit” as a division point. Each operation code data DS corresponding to the signal C is sequentially stored in the RAM 22.

  In parallel with this, the signal relay device 10 first transmits only the relay operation signal E1 based on the first operation code data DS1, and then receives the response signal R1 from the television device 30, thereby the television device 30. Is recognized, the relay operation signal E2 based on the next operation code data DS2 is transmitted, and then the response signal R is received and the relay operation signal E is transmitted. repeat.

  Accordingly, since the signal relay device 10 can always receive the operation signal C, the user can continuously perform the operation via the remote commander 34 without waiting for each time until the processing of the television device 30 is completed. In addition, all operation code data DS corresponding to all operation signals C can be reliably stored in the RAM 22.

  At this time, the signal relay apparatus 10 does not require the user to have special knowledge such as complicated operation or programming, and merely allows the user to perform the same operation via the remote commander 34 as usual, and sequentially outputs the operation signal C. Since it is possible to receive the operation signal C directly from the remote commander 34 to the television device 30 without making the user aware that the signal relay device 10 is being used, Continuous operation can be performed.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 recognizes that the television device 30 has completed each process and has transmitted the response signal R, that is, a state in which a new operation signal C can be received, and then the next relay operation signal. By transmitting E one by one, it is possible to cause the television device 30 to perform processing corresponding to all the stored operation code data DS one by one, so that the television device performs processing according to the number of operations of the user. 30 can be performed reliably.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 displays a message MSG on the display unit 14 every time the operation signal C is received, thereby notifying each time that the operation instruction from the user is recognized by the signal relay device 10. Therefore, even before the television device 30 still performs processing according to the user's operation instruction, the television device 30 recognizes that the television device 30 will later perform processing according to the user's operation instruction. Can do.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 can receive and demodulate an operation signal modulated in the same manner as the remote commander 34, and can transmit a relay operation signal corresponding to the operation signal. The present invention can be widely applied not only to the John device 30 but also to various other electronic devices such as a video deck and a DVD playback device.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 stores the operation code data DS obtained by demodulating the operation signal C in the RAM 22, thereby reducing the necessary storage capacity as compared with a case where, for example, an analog waveform is captured and waveform data is stored. be able to.

  According to the above configuration, the signal relay device 10 sequentially receives the operation signal C from the remote commander 34, individually identifies each operation signal C, and only receives the relay operation signal E corresponding to the first operation signal C. After the transmission, a series of processes such as receiving the response signal R from the television device 30 and then transmitting the relay operation signal E corresponding to the next operation signal C are repeated, so that the television device is displayed to the user. It is possible to realize a signal relay device that can continuously perform operations via the remote commander 34 without waiting for each processing of 30 to be completed each time, thus improving the operability of the remote operation device. it can.

(2) Second Embodiment (2-1) Configuration of Television Device Inspection System

  In FIG. 9, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, 50 denotes a television apparatus inspection system according to the second embodiment. The television apparatus 30 that is carried is sequentially inspected.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the signal relay apparatus 10 receives the operation signal C transmitted from the remote commander 34, transmits the relay operation signal E corresponding thereto to the television apparatus 30, and The response signal R transmitted from the signal transmission device 33 connected to the television device 30 is received.

  Note that the circuit configuration (FIG. 2) of the television device 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

(2-2) Configuration of Signal Relay Device By the way, generally, in the inspection of a television device, operation signals are sequentially transmitted to each television device to be inspected based on a predetermined inspection item. The reaction needs to be confirmed by the inspector.

  On the other hand, in the television apparatus inspection system 50, the inspector does not manually operate the remote commander 34 and sequentially transmit the operation signal C, but relays the operation waveform data DW based on the operation signal C in advance. The relay operation signal E based on the operation waveform data DW is sequentially transmitted from the signal relay device 10 after being stored in the device 10.

  The signal relay device 10 has a circuit configuration similar to that of the first embodiment described above (FIG. 3). In the second embodiment, the signal relay device 10 operates in the “signal accumulation mode”. Hereinafter, the “signal accumulation mode” will be described.

  The signal relay device 10 is switched to the “signal accumulation mode” when a “storage start button” (not shown) provided in the operation unit 15 is pressed.

  The signal relay device 10 switched to the “signal accumulation mode” first enters a state of waiting for the operation signal C by the operation signal receiving unit 11, and the operation signal C transmitted from the transmission unit 35 of the remote commander 34 (FIG. 4A). )) Is received by the operation signal receiver 11.

  At this time, unlike the “sequential transmission mode” in the first embodiment, the signal relay device 10 takes in the waveform data as it is without demodulating the operation signal C, temporarily stores it in the RAM 22, and provides it in the operation unit 15. When the “divided button” is pressed by the user, the waveform data acquired as shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the RAM 22 as one operation waveform data DW.

  Here, the signal relay device 10 accumulates the acquired waveform data as it is as the operation waveform data DW without being demodulated, so that the operation signal C having various waveforms can be accumulated as the operation waveform data DW.

  The signal relay device 10 is configured not to transmit the relay operation signal E1 based on the operation waveform data DW yet when the operation waveform data DW1 is stored in the RAM 22.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 is configured to display the message MSG1 (FIG. 6A) on the display unit 14 when the operation signal C is received, whereby the signal relay device 10 receives the operation signal C. The user can be notified that he is doing.

  When the “accumulation end button” provided in the operation unit 15 is pressed, the signal relay device 10 ends the reception of the operation signal C and the accumulation of the operation waveform data DW.

  As described above, in the “signal accumulation mode”, the signal relay device 10 divides the waveform data acquired by sequentially receiving the operation signals C1, C2,... Each time the “divide button” is pressed by the user. Operation waveform data DW1, DW2,... Are sequentially stored in the RAM 22.

  Thereafter, when the “transmission start button” provided on the operation unit 15 is pressed, the signal relay device 10 is switched from the “signal accumulation mode” to the “automatic transmission mode”.

  When the signal relay apparatus 10 is switched to the “automatic transmission mode”, the signal relay apparatus 10 initializes a counter k for counting the relay operation signal E to be transmitted to “1”.

  Subsequently, the signal relay device 10 reads the operation waveform data DW1 stored first in the RAM 22 in accordance with the value “1” of the counter k, and transmits the operation waveform data DW1 to the relay operation signal transmitter 12. The relay operation signal E1 based on the operation waveform data DW1 is transmitted.

  Here, the signal relay device 10 generates the relay operation signal E1 (FIG. 4B) based on the operation waveform data DW1 (FIG. 10). Therefore, the television device 30 that has received the relay operation signal E1. In addition, it can be recognized as if the operation signal C1 from the remote commander 34 has been received.

  And the signal relay apparatus 10 is the operation which has not yet transmitted the relay operation signal E after receiving the response signal R1 from the television apparatus 30 by the response signal receiving part 13 similarly to 1st Embodiment mentioned above. When the waveform data DW remains, the counter k is incremented and the next relay operation signal E2 is transmitted from the relay operation signal transmitter 12.

  As described above, when the “transmission start button” of the operation unit 15 is pressed, the signal relay device 10 switches to the “automatic transmission mode”, reads the operation waveform data DW stored in the RAM 22 one by one, and repeats the relay operation signal E. , And after receiving the response signal R corresponding to the relay operation signal E, a series of processes such as transmitting the next relay operation signal E is repeated.

  Further, when the operation waveform data DW is stored in the RAM 22, the signal relay device 10 can start the “automatic transmission mode” process each time the “transmission start button” of the operation unit 15 is pressed by the user. ing.

(2-3) Operation Waveform Data Accumulation Processing Procedure in Signal Accumulation Mode Next, operation waveform data accumulation processing procedure in the signal accumulation mode when the signal relay device 10 accumulates the operation waveform data DW in the “signal accumulation mode” This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the “accumulation start button” of the operation unit 15 is pressed to switch to the “signal accumulation mode”, the CPU 2 of the signal relay device 10 starts the routine RT1 of the operation waveform data accumulation processing procedure in the signal accumulation mode and performs step SP1. Move on.

  In step SP1, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 receives the operation signal C (FIG. 4A) transmitted from the remote commander 34 by the operation signal receiving unit 11, captures the waveform data as it is, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 22. The process proceeds to the next step SP2.

  In step SP2, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 displays the message MSG1 (FIG. 6A) on the display unit 14, and proceeds to the next step SP3.

  In step SP3, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 determines whether or not the “division button” has been pressed by the user, and if a negative result is obtained here, the step is repeated until the “division button” is pressed. By repeating the processing of SP1 to SP3, the waveform data is temporarily stored and the “division button” is kept pressed.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP3, this means that the user presses the “divide button” and the waveform data temporarily stored at this point should be set as one operation waveform data DW. At this time, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 proceeds to the next step SP4.

  In step SP4, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 cuts out waveform data temporarily stored in the RAM 22 as operation waveform data DW (FIG. 10), accumulates it in the RAM 22, and proceeds to the next step SP5.

  In step SP5, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 determines whether or not the “accumulation end button” of the operation unit 15 has been pressed. If a negative result is obtained here, this indicates that the user intends to continue to receive the next operation signal C. At this time, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 returns to step SP1 again and proceeds to the next step. An operation signal C is received.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP5, this means that the operation signal C corresponding to all the operations desired by the user has been transmitted by pressing the “accumulation end button”. The operation waveform data DW is stored in the RAM 22, and at this time, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 proceeds to the next step SP6 and ends the routine RT1.

(2-4) Relay operation signal transmission processing procedure in automatic transmission mode Subsequently, the relay operation signal transmission processing procedure in automatic transmission mode when the signal relay device 10 transmits the relay operation signal E in the “automatic transmission mode”. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the operation waveform data DW is accumulated in the RAM 22 and the “transmission start button” of the operation unit 15 is pressed to switch to the “automatic transmission mode”, the CPU 2 of the signal relay device 10 switches to the “automatic transmission mode”. The routine RT2 of the transmission processing procedure is started and the process proceeds to step SP11.

  In step SP11, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 initializes the counter k to “1”, and proceeds to the next step SP12.

  In step SP12, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 reads out the operation waveform data DW1 (FIG. 10) having the number indicated by the counter k from the RAM 22, and transmits the relay operation signal E1 (FIG. 4B) based on this data. The program is transmitted from the unit 12, and the process proceeds to the next step SP13.

  In step SP13, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 has transmitted the relay operation signal E by displaying the message MSG3 (FIG. 6C), such as “The first signal has been transmitted” on the display unit 14. Is transferred to the next step SP14.

  In step SP14, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 waits for a response signal R1 from the signal transmission device 33 connected to the television device 30, and moves to the next step SP15 when receiving the response signal R1.

  In step SP15, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 displays the message MSG4 (FIG. 6 (D)) on the display unit 14 such as “The first response has been received” and has received the response signal R. The user is notified and the process proceeds to the next step SP16.

  In step SP16, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 determines whether or not the operation waveform data DW that has not yet transmitted the relay operation signal E is included in the operation waveform data DW stored in the RAM 22. If an affirmative result is obtained here, this means that the relay operation signal E corresponding to the next operation waveform data DW should be transmitted. At this time, the CPU 20 of the signal relay device 10 performs the next step SP17. Move on.

  In step SP17, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 increments the counter k, and returns to step SP12 again to transmit the next relay operation signal E.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP16, this indicates that the relay operation signal E corresponding to all the operation waveform data DW stored in the RAM 22 has been transmitted. At this time, the signal relay device The CPU 20 moves to the next step SP18 and ends this routine RT2.

  As described above, the signal relay device 10 allows the user to visually check the completion of the processing of the television device 30 every time, instead of sequentially sending the operation signal C from the remote commander 34, in the order according to the inspection items. The relay operation signal E corresponding to the operation signal C can be automatically and sequentially transmitted every time the above process is completed.

  Further, the CPU 20 of the signal relay apparatus 10 performs the routine RT2 every time the “transmission start button” is pressed.

  For this reason, the signal relay device 10 accumulates all the operation waveform data DW corresponding to the inspection items in the RAM 22, thereby allowing the user (inspection) to the television devices 30 that are successively carried by the belt conveyor 51. The operator can complete the operations corresponding to all the inspection items for one television device 30 only by pressing the “transmission start button” of the operation unit 15 only once.

(2-5) Operation and Effect In the above configuration, the signal relay device 10 first switches to the “signal accumulation mode” and then temporarily stores the waveform data when receiving the operation signal C from the remote commander 34. Each time the “divide button” is pressed, the waveform data is divided and sequentially stored in the RAM 22 as operation waveform data DW.

  Thereafter, when the signal relay device 10 is switched to the “automatic transmission mode”, the signal relay device 10 transmits the relay operation signal E corresponding to the operation waveform data DW to the television device 30 and receives the response signal R from the television device 30. Then, a series of processes such as transmitting the next relay operation signal E is repeated.

  Therefore, since the signal relay apparatus 10 does not demodulate the received operation signal C and accumulates the operation waveform data DW in the RAM 22 based on the waveform data, various types of formats can be used without limiting the modulation method in the remote commander 34. The operation signal C having a waveform can be stored as the operation waveform data DW. As a result, it is possible to deal with a large number of manufacturers and models of remote commanders.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 stores all the operation signals C in the RAM 22 as the operation waveform data DW, and switches to the “automatic transmission mode” when the user presses the “transmission start button” to perform the first operation. Since the relay operation signal E1 corresponding to the waveform data DW1 is transmitted, the transmission of the relay operation signal E1 can be started at a timing desired by the user.

  Furthermore, when the operation waveform data DW is stored in the RAM 22, the signal relay device 10 only receives a pressing operation of the “transmission start button” by the user, and transmits the relay operation signal E1 corresponding to the first operation waveform data DW1. Can start from.

  For this reason, the signal relay device 10 applies the predetermined inspection items to the television devices 30 that are successively carried by the belt conveyor 51 while the user waits for each processing of the television device 30 to be completed. On the other hand, when it is necessary to sequentially operate the remote commander 34, it is possible to remarkably reduce the trouble of operating the user.

  Further, the signal relay device 10 displays a message MSG on the display unit 14 every time the operation signal C is received, thereby notifying each time that the operation instruction from the user is recognized by the signal relay device 10. Therefore, even if the television apparatus 30 does not show any reaction at the time when the operation signal C is transmitted from the remote commander 34, the operation signal C according to the operation instruction of the user is transmitted from the signal relay apparatus 10 thereafter. It is possible to recognize transmission to the John device 30.

  In addition, the signal relay device 10 displays the message MSG on the display unit 14 when the relay operation signal E is transmitted and when the response signal R is received, so that the user can receive the relay operation signal E and the response signal R made of infrared light. Even if direct visual inspection is not possible, the signal relay device 10 can notify that transmission and reception are reliably performed.

  According to the above configuration, after switching to the “signal accumulation mode”, the signal relay device 10 sequentially receives the operation signal C from the remote commander 34, and as the operation waveform data DW based on the user's division instruction, respectively. After being sequentially stored in the RAM 22, the mode is switched to the “automatic transmission mode”, the relay operation signal E corresponding to the operation waveform data DW is transmitted to the television device 30, and the response signal R from the television device 30 is received. By repeating the series of processes such as transmitting the next relay operation signal E from the user, the television apparatus 30 allows the user to wait for each process until the television apparatus 30 completes each process. Since the processing can be performed in advance as the remote commander 34 is operated, the remote control device can thus be used. It is possible to realize a signal repeater capable of improving the work resistance.

(3) Other Embodiments In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the relay operation signal E1 is automatically transmitted immediately after receiving the first operation signal C1 has been described. The invention is not limited to this, and a “time designation mode” for transmitting the relay operation signal E1 at a preset time without transmitting the relay operation signal E1 immediately after receiving the operation signal C1 is provided. May be.

  In this case, the signal relay device 10 is switched to the “time designation mode” by accepting the pressing operation of the “mode switching button” of the operation unit 15, and then the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding portions in FIG. The television apparatus operation processing sequence in the time designation mode is performed according to the sequence chart shown.

  That is, the remote commander 34 continuously receives the operation signals C1 to C3 by the user's operation, and uses the “reader unit” detected when demodulating as a dividing point, and the code data as operation code data DS1 to DS3, respectively, in the RAM 22 accumulate.

  At this time, the signal relay device 10 does not yet transmit the relay operation signal E based on the operation code data DS.

  Thereafter, the signal relay apparatus 10 accepts designation of the transmission start time from the user via the operation unit 15, and waits until the transmission start time based on the time measured by the real time clock 24 (FIG. 3).

  Then, the signal relay device 10 sequentially transmits “the relay operation signal E and the response signal R after receiving the response signal R from the relay operation signal E1 corresponding to the operation code data DS1 stored first at the transmission start time. A series of processes such as “send next relay operation signal E” are repeated.

  As described above, the signal relay device 10 sets the relay operation signal E corresponding to the operation signal C to 1 in the “time designation mode” in the same manner as in the “sequential transmission mode” except that it waits until the transmission start time set by the user. Send one by one.

  As a result, the signal relay device 10 performs, for example, a continuous complicated operation such as changing the volume after changing the reception channel by turning on the power to the television device 30 that does not have the timer function. The relay operation signal E can be automatically transmitted, and the user convenience can be improved.

  Further, in this “time designation mode”, in addition to setting only the transmission start time for transmitting the first relay operation signal E1, the time for transmitting each relay operation signal E may be set.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where each relay operation signal E corresponding to each operation code data DS stored in the RAM 22 is transmitted only once has been described. For example, transmission of the relay operation signal E1 corresponding to the operation code data DS1 may be started each time the “transmission start button” of the operation unit 15 is pressed by the user.

  Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the operation signal C is stored in the RAM 22 as the operation waveform data DW in the “signal accumulation mode” has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Similar to the first embodiment, the operation signal C may be stored in the RAM 22 as operation code data DS demodulated.

  Further, in the second embodiment described above, the transmission start instruction by the “transmission start button” is not manually performed by the user, but is automatically repeated at a time interval set in advance by the user, or set in advance by the user. The operation may be started at each of the plurality of times, thereby further reducing the operation time.

  Further, in this case, when the signal relay device 10 does not receive a normal response signal R from the television device 30, a message MSG5 is displayed on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. May be notified to the user that the response is abnormal, thereby allowing the user who is inspecting the television device 30 to reliably recognize the abnormality.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the relay operation signal E is transmitted in the order in which the operation signal C is received has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the signal relay is performed. The apparatus 10 can be communicated with a personal computer or the like after providing a communication function, and the transmission order of the operation signals C can be changed from the personal computer, or the transmission start time in the “time designation mode” can be set. You may do it.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the operation code data DS or the operation waveform data DW stored in the RAM 22 is not particularly erased has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, A “signal delete button” may be provided, and when the “signal delete button” is pressed, all the operation code data DS or operation waveform data DW stored in the RAM 22 may be deleted. As a result, the RAM 22 having a limited capacity can be used effectively.

  Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the signal relay device 10 receives the operation signal C from the remote commander 34 to the television device 30 has been described. Not limited to this, the signal transmission device 33 can be connected to another electronic device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player so that the response signal R can be transmitted, and the signal relay device 10 is operated from the remote commander to the DVD player. A signal may be received.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the operation signal C, the relay operation signal E, and the response signal R are transmitted and received using infrared light has been described. The operation signal C, the relay operation signal E, and the response signal R are not limited to various wireless communication systems such as Bluetooth (trademark) or various wired communication systems such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394. Transmission and reception may be performed.

  Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the signal relay device 10 is configured as one device independent of the television device 30 and the remote commander 34 has been described. Not limited to this, the function of the signal relay device 10 may be incorporated into the remote commander 34 or may be incorporated into the television device 30.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation code data DS or the operation waveform data DW as the operation data is used to operate the operation signal receiving unit 11 as the operation signal receiving unit, the RAM 22 as the storage unit, and the relay operation signal transmission. The case where the signal relay device 10 as the signal relay device is configured by the relay operation signal transmitter 12 as the means, the response signal receiver 13 as the response signal receiving means, and the CPU 20 as the control means has been described. The invention is not limited to this, and by using various other operation data, the operation signal receiving means, the storage means, the relay operation signal transmitting means, the response signal receiving means, and the control means having various other circuit configurations. You may make it comprise a signal relay apparatus.

  The present invention can be used not only for a television apparatus but also for various electronic devices operated using a remote commander such as a DVD player.

It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the television apparatus operating system by one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a television apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a signal relay apparatus. It is a basic diagram which shows the waveform of an operation signal and a relay operation signal. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of accumulation of operation code data. It is a basic diagram which shows the example of a display of a message. It is a basic diagram which shows the television apparatus operation sequence in sequential transmission mode. It is a basic diagram which shows the transition of a screen display. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the television apparatus test | inspection system by other embodiment. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of accumulation of operation waveform data. It is a flowchart which shows the operation waveform data accumulation | storage process procedure in signal accumulation mode. It is a flowchart which shows the relay operation signal transmission processing procedure in automatic transmission mode. It is a basic diagram which shows the television apparatus operation sequence in a time designation | designated mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Television apparatus operating system, 10 ... Signal relay apparatus, 11 ... Operation signal receiving part, 12 ... Relay operation signal transmitting part, 13 ... Response signal receiving part, 14 ... Display part, 15 ... Operation unit 20... CPU, 22... RAM, 30... Television device, 33.

Claims (10)

Operation signal receiving means for sequentially receiving operation signals for the operated device transmitted from the remote operation device;
Storage means for sequentially storing operation data according to the operation signal;
Relay operation signal transmitting means for sequentially transmitting relay operation signals based on the operation data to the operated device;
A response signal receiving means for receiving from the operated device a response signal indicating that the operated device has completed the processing according to the relay operation signal;
After the response signal corresponding to the relay operation signal is received by the response signal receiving means, the relay operation signal based on the operation data stored next to the operation data corresponding to the relay operation signal is transmitted to the relay operation signal transmitting means. And a control means for controlling to transmit from the signal relay device. The storage means is
The signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein operation code data obtained by demodulating the operation signal is stored as the operation data. The storage means is
The signal relay apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation code data is divided and stored with a predetermined identification code included in the operation code data as a division point. The storage means is
The signal relay device according to claim 1, wherein operation waveform data including waveform data of the operation signal is accumulated as the operation data. The storage means is
The signal relay apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the operation waveform data obtained by dividing the waveform data in accordance with a predetermined signal division instruction is accumulated. The control means includes
The signal relay device according to claim 1, wherein when the first operation signal is received, a relay operation signal based on the first operation signal is immediately transmitted. The control means includes
The signal relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first relay operation signal is transmitted after waiting for a predetermined time. Comprising an instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to start transmission of the operation signal,
The signal relay device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits an initial relay operation signal in response to the transmission start instruction. A signal relay system comprising a signal relay device that relays an operation signal transmitted from a remote operation device, and a signal transmission device connected to the operated device,
The signal relay device is
Operation signal receiving means for sequentially receiving the operation signals transmitted from the remote operation device to the operated device;
Storage means for sequentially storing operation data according to the operation signal;
Relay operation signal transmitting means for sequentially transmitting relay operation signals based on the operation data to the operated device;
A response signal receiving means for receiving from the operated device a response signal indicating that the operated device has completed the processing according to the relay operation signal;
After the response signal corresponding to the relay operation signal is received by the response signal receiving means, the relay operation signal based on the operation data stored next to the operation data corresponding to the relay operation signal is transmitted to the relay operation signal transmitting means. And a control means for controlling to transmit from
The signal transmission device is
When the operated device completes processing according to the relay operation signal, a response signal indicating that the processing is completed is transmitted to the signal relay device. A remote comprising an operated device, a remote operation device that remotely controls the operated device, a signal transmission device connected to the operated device, and a signal relay device that relays an operation signal transmitted from the remote operation device An operating system,
The signal relay device is
Operation signal receiving means for sequentially receiving the operation signals transmitted from the remote operation device to the operated device;
Storage means for sequentially storing operation data according to the operation signal;
Relay operation signal transmitting means for sequentially transmitting relay operation signals based on the operation data to the operated device;
A response signal receiving means for receiving from the operated device a response signal indicating that the operated device has completed the processing according to the relay operation signal;
After the response signal corresponding to the relay operation signal is received by the response signal receiving means, the relay operation signal based on the operation data stored next to the operation data corresponding to the relay operation signal is transmitted to the relay operation signal transmitting means. And a control means for controlling to transmit from
The operated device is
When the processing according to the relay operation signal is completed, a response signal indicating that the processing is completed is transmitted from the signal transmission device to the signal relay device.

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