JP2007027919A - Remote control transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control transmitter (1) that can perform remote control while coping with controlled devices of a variety of types after assembling the remote control transmitter (1). <P>SOLUTION: The remote control transmitter (1) includes: a programmable ROM (2); an antenna (19) for receiving an electromagnetic induction signal or an RF signal; and reception circuit elements (21, 22) for transmitting integrated control software included in the electromagnetic induction signal or the RF signal to the programmable ROM (2), and writes optional integrated control software for remotely controlling the device to be controlled to the programmable ROM (2) via the antenna (19) and the reception circuit elements (21, 22). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control transmitter that emits an infrared control signal corresponding to an operated key, and more particularly, remote control transmission in which embedded control software for controlling the operation of the remote control transmitter is written in a programmable ROM. Related to the machine.

  The remote control transmitter detects a key operated by any one of the keyboard switches, and emits an infrared control signal corresponding to the key toward the controlled device, thereby causing a predetermined key associated with the operated key. The controlled device is remotely controlled so as to execute the above operation. For this reason, the remote control transmitter stores embedded control software for controlling the operation of the remote control transmitter in addition to a keyboard switch for key operation and an infrared light emitting element that emits an infrared control signal. Each circuit element includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes embedded control software stored in the ROM, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for arithmetic processing.

  In general, each circuit element such as ROM, CPU, and arithmetic processing RAM is integrated in a one-chip microcomputer, and the microcomputer, infrared light emitting element, oscillation circuit element, and the like are integrated on one printed wiring board. A power supply circuit and a keyboard switch are connected to the printed wiring board pattern, and the whole is housed in a case to assemble a remote control transmitter.

  The ROM mounted as a built-in element of the microcomputer does not require a power supply to hold the contents of the embedded control software that has been written, so it stores the boot program that starts the system and the embedded control software that controls the fixed system. Mask ROM (Mask Read Only Memory), which is used as a memory to be programmed, especially programmed at the time of manufacture, has no circuit for writing a program, so is relatively simple in structure and low in cost. Installed in the transmitter.

  On the other hand, the mask ROM lacks the versatility that it cannot be programmed after manufacture to meet specific usage conditions, and effective cost reduction cannot be achieved unless the same model is mass-produced. In addition, since it takes a long time to manufacture a mask ROM storing a required program, it has been impossible to manufacture a remote control transmitter corresponding to a change in the specification of the controlled device in a short time.

  Therefore, the present applicant uses a programmable ROM (hereinafter referred to as “PROM”) capable of writing a program in the production line of the remote control transmitter and uses a relatively low price for a small amount of controlled equipment. We have developed a remote control transmitter that can manufacture models compatible with

  In this remote control transmitter, the necessary embedded control software is written in the PROM immediately before mounting the microcomputer containing the PROM on the printed wiring board, and mounted on the printed wiring board together with other general-purpose circuit elements. Assemble the control transmitter.

  Embedded control software is written to PROM by a dedicated ROM writer, but when manufacturing a large number of remote control transmitters, a conventional ROM writer that can simultaneously write embedded control software to multiple PROMs is used. Production efficiency is increased (Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-154863 (columns 7 to 9, FIG. 1)

  FIG. 5 shows a conventional ROM writer 100 that simultaneously writes embedded control software into a plurality of PROMs. The microprocessor 101, the pin driver module 102, the backplane module 103, and the socket adapter 104 are connected to each other by a bus line. It is composed of The ROM writer 100 shown in the figure writes the embedded control software simultaneously into the four PROMs connected to the four IC sockets (104A to 104D) provided in the socket adapter 104.

  When writing the embedded control software, the microprocessor 101 gives a control signal to each relay switch circuit (103A to 103D) of the backplane module 103 via the logic circuit 102A of the pin driver module 102, and writes a program. In addition, the address and data are directly given to the PROM, and the voltage source circuit 102B is set to output a voltage suitable for writing to the PROM. As a result, each PROM connected to the IC socket (104A to 104D) appears to be directly connected to the address bus and data bus of the microprocessor 101, and a predetermined embedded control software is sent from the microprocessor 101 at a predetermined timing. Written.

  According to the ROM writer 100 described above, it is possible to simultaneously write embedded control software to a plurality of PROMs. However, when mass-producing a remote control transmitter having the same specifications, the individual IC sockets (104A to 104D) are used. It was necessary to replace and connect a large amount of PROM, and the IC socket contact was worn. For example, when using four IC sockets with a durability of about 10,000 times and writing to a PROM mounted on a remote control transmitter with a monthly output of 1.2 million units, the IC sockets should be inserted once a day. It was necessary to replace it.

  Further, before mounting the PROM or the microcomputer incorporating the PROM on the printed wiring board, there is a process of positioning and connecting to the IC socket (104A to 104D) of the ROM writer 100 and writing the program, so that the tact time is reduced. Increased and cannot be manufactured on a consistent remote control transmitter production line.

  Furthermore, even when using a versatile PROM that can store any embedded control software, other components are written on a printed circuit board after being programmed, and assembled into a case to be assembled into a remote control transmitter. Therefore, it was not possible to manufacture a remote control transmitter according to various specifications in a short time.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described conventional problems, and after the remote control transmitter is assembled, it is possible to perform remote control corresponding to different types of controlled devices. An object is to provide a control transmitter.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote control transmitter that can manufacture a large number of remote control transmitters that store arbitrary embedded control software in the PROM without replacing the IC socket of the ROM writer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a key input device according to claim 1 is a remote control transmitter for detecting any operated key of a keyboard switch and emitting an infrared control signal corresponding to the operated key. A programmable ROM that stores rewritable arbitrary embedded control software that controls the operation of the remote control transmitter, a CPU that executes the embedded control software stored in the programmable ROM, and an electromagnetic induction signal or RF An antenna that receives a signal, a receiving circuit element that is connected to the antenna and transmits embedded control software included in an electromagnetic induction signal or RF signal to a programmable ROM, and an infrared light emitting element that emits an infrared control signal By the electromagnetic induction signal or RF signal received by the antenna, the program Characterized by storing the embedded control software in Bull ROM.

  Arbitrary embedded control software is included in the electromagnetic induction signal or RF signal and transmitted to the antenna, so that the programmable ROM mounted on the printed circuit board can be contacted with the ROM writer without contact via the antenna and the receiving circuit. Embedded control software is written.

  Even after the programmable ROM is mounted on the printed circuit board, the embedded control software can be written, so that the remote control transmitter assembled with the programmable ROM mounted on the printed circuit board can receive electromagnetic induction signals or An RF signal can be transmitted and necessary embedded control software can be stored in the programmable ROM.

  The remote control transmitter according to claim 2 is characterized in that the programmable ROM and the CPU are integrated in a one-chip microcomputer, and the antenna is formed by a printed pattern of a printed wiring board on which the microcomputer is mounted. .

  Since the electromagnetic induction signal or the RF signal is received by the planar antenna formed by the printed pattern of the printed wiring board on which the microcomputer is mounted, it is not necessary to prepare the antenna as an independent component and connect it to the microcomputer.

  In the remote control transmitter according to claim 3, a programmable ROM and a CPU are integrated in a one-chip microcomputer, and a switch electrode of a key of a keyboard switch is printed on a printed wiring board on which the microcomputer is mounted. It is characterized by.

  Since the switch electrode of the keyboard switch can be simultaneously formed in the process of forming the printed pattern on the printed wiring board, the keyboard switch can be obtained only by preparing the movable side component to be operated.

  The switch electrode of the keyboard switch is electrically connected to a CPU built in the microcomputer by a printed pattern on the printed wiring board, and can detect a key operated by the keyboard switch.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the embedded control software can be written in the programmable ROM without contact with the ROM writer, there is no need to replace the IC socket.

  In addition, since electromagnetic induction signals or RF signals can be transmitted to the antennas of a plurality of remote control transmitters without contact, embedded control software can be stored in a large number of programmable ROMs simultaneously.

  Also, a remote control transmitter capable of remote control corresponding to various different controlled devices can be manufactured only by preparing a remote control transmitter in which the embedded control software is not written in the programmable ROM. Therefore, the remote control transmitter itself can be a general-purpose product, and no extra inventory is generated.

  Regardless of the manufacturing process of the remote control transmitter, the desired embedded control software can be stored in the programmable ROM at any time, regardless of the location, so that general-purpose remote control transmission can be performed without improving the existing manufacturing line. Machine can be manufactured.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since it is not necessary to prepare the antenna as a component, the number of components is reduced, and the process of mounting the antenna on the printed wiring board is omitted.

  Furthermore, since it is a planar antenna formed with a printed pattern on a printed wiring board, the remote control transmitter can be miniaturized without being bulky.

  In addition, according to the invention of claim 3, the switch electrode of the keyboard switch can be simultaneously formed in the process of manufacturing the printed wiring board without separately preparing a board on which the switch electrode is formed.

  Further, the operated key can be detected without electrically connecting the keyboard switch to the CPU by a connector, solder connection or the like.

  Hereinafter, a remote control transmitter 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of the remote control transmitter 1, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in a microcomputer 3 (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 3 having a built-in programmable ROM (PROM) 2, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a printed wiring board 4 on which the microcomputer 3 is mounted and a rubber sheet 13 constituting a part of the keyboard switch 12, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the remote control transmitter 1.

  The remote control transmitter 1 detects the operated key 11 of any one of the keyboard switches 12, emits an infrared control signal corresponding to the operated key 11 to the controlled device, and the controlled device is operated. The remote control is performed to execute the operation associated with the key 11. The above-described operation of the remote control transmitter 1 is controlled by the CPU 7 incorporated in the microcomputer 3, and each circuit element shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on one printed wiring board 4 and printed on the printed wiring board 4. The circuit elements are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 1 around a microcomputer 3 having a built-in CPU 7 through a pattern.

  A pair of power supply terminals 14a and 14b (see FIG. 3) formed by winding wire contacts in a spiral shape are connected to both electrodes of a battery 15 which is a DC power supply housed in the case 6, and a DC power supply Vdd obtained from the battery 15 is used. Is input between the VDD terminal and the GND terminal of the microcomputer 3 as a driving power source for the microcomputer 3. Note that the capacitor 20 connected in parallel to the battery 15 stabilizes the voltage of the DC power supply Vdd.

  An oscillator 16 connected between the OSC-O terminal and the OSC-I terminal of the microcomputer 3 is used to generate a clock having a predetermined period in the microcomputer 3, and the microcomputer 3 divides the clock to generate a modulation signal described later. The carrier wave is generated.

  The REM terminal of the microcomputer 3 is connected to the transistor 17 acting as a switching element, and outputs a modulation signal to the base of the transistor 17, whereby the infrared light emitting diode 18 connected in series with the transistor 17 to the DC power supply 15. The light emission is controlled.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a pair of switch electrodes 11 a and 11 b is printed on the printed wiring board 4 for each key 11 of the keyboard switch 12. A pair of switch electrodes 11a and 11b are printed on the surface of the printed wiring board 4 facing each other for the keys 11a, 11b... Formed in a matrix on the rubber sheet 13 covering the printed wiring board 4. Is done. One switch electrode 11a of each key 11 is connected to one of the input / output signal pins KI / 01 to KI / 05 through a lead wire 5A on the printed wiring board 4, and the other switch electrode. 11b is connected to one of the input signal pins KI0 to KI3 through the lead line 5B.

  The pair of switch electrodes 11a and 11b of each key 11 are opposed to the movable electrode formed on the inner bottom surface of the key 11 thereabove by a predetermined insulation distance, and when the key 11 is pushed down, the movable electrode becomes the switch electrode 11a, 11b is short-circuited, and the operated key 11 is detected by this. That is, the microcomputer 3 outputs a key scan signal from KI / 01 to KI / 05 at different timings, and when a key scan signal is input from any of KI0 to KI3, the input signal pin and the key scan signal are output. The pressed key 11 is detected from the signal input timing.

  Around the switch electrodes 11a and 11b constituting the keyboard switch 12, it is insulated from the lead lines 5A and 5B drawn from the switch electrodes 11a and 11b, and has a looped print pattern as shown in FIG. A planar antenna 19 is formed, and both ends thereof are connected to the SI terminal and the GND terminal of the microcomputer 3. Here, the planar antenna 19 functions as an antenna that receives an RF (radio frequency) signal.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the microcomputer 3, via the bus line 25, an input / output port KI / O, an input port KI, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7, an embedded control software for controlling the operation of the CPU 7, boot A PROM 2 in which programs and the like are stored, an arithmetic RAM (Random Access Memory) 8, a carrier generation circuit unit 9, and a control circuit unit 21 are connected to one another.

  The CPU 7 outputs a predetermined calculation and control command according to the embedded control software stored in the PROM 2 and will be described later according to an operation mode for controlling the entire operation of the remote control transmitter 1 and a boot program stored in the PROM 2. As described above, the operation is performed in the writing mode in which the embedded control software included in the RF signal is written from the control circuit unit 21 to the PROM 2. Here, the boot program is read by the CPU 7 at the time of startup when the power source 15 is turned on, and the general purpose written at the time of manufacturing the PROM 2 is set in the writing mode when the RF signal is received under a certain condition described later. It is a program.

  The input / output ports KI / O are five input / output ports that are connected to signal pins (KI / 01 to KI / 05) through an interface (not shown). As described above, the pressed key 11 of the keyboard switch 12 is pressed. In order to detect, a key scan signal is output at a different timing from each input / output port. Similarly, the input ports KI are four input ports connected to the signal pins (KI0 to KI3) through an interface (not shown), and input the key scan signal.

  The keys 11, 11,... Of the keyboard switch 12 are associated with control commands for operations such as the power supply, volume, and channel switching of the controlled device such as a television receiver, and are input to any of the input ports KI. When an operation on a specific key 11 is detected by the key scan signal, the CPU 7 generates a PPM modulated signal that is PPM (Pulse Position Modulation) modulated by an operation control command associated with the key 11.

  The control circuit unit 21 is connected via the front end 22 to signal pins (SI, GND) to which both ends of the planar antenna 19 are connected. The front end 22 amplifies the RF signal received by the planar antenna 19, converts the frequency and outputs the amplified signal to the control circuit unit 21. The control circuit unit 21 demodulates the embedded control software from the frequency-converted RF signal.

  Here, the PROM 2 uses an OTP (One Time programmable) ROM. Since the PROM 2 is originally a non-volatile memory and is a memory device that can be rewritten to the minimum necessary, the PROM 2 built in the chip of the microcomputer 3 does not directly pull out an address bus, a data bus, and the like. Therefore, when writing the embedded control software into the PROM 2, the operation mode of the CPU 7 is switched to the write mode, and an RF signal obtained by modulating the embedded control software is transmitted from a ROM writer (not shown). The RF signal transmitted from the ROM writer is received by the planar antenna 19, demodulated into the embedded control software by the control circuit unit 21 via the front end 22, and written to the OTPROM 2 via the bus line 25.

  More specifically, when the battery 15 is connected and power is applied to the microcomputer 3, the CPU 7 executes an operation at the time of startup according to the boot program stored in the OTPROM 2. The CPU 7 monitors the output of the control circuit unit 21 after activation, and sets the CPU 7 in the write mode when a write command is included in the signal demodulated from the RF signal. In the write mode, the chip enable signal is output from the CPU 7 to the OTPROM 2, the OTPROM 2 is connected to the control circuit unit 21 via the bus line 25, and an address and data for directly writing the embedded control software are given from the control circuit unit 21. .

  An external ROM writer transmits an RF signal modulated with data for writing embedded control software in accordance with a predetermined programming algorithm, and embedded control is performed by data demodulated by the control circuit unit 21 from the RF signal received by the antenna 19. The software is written in a predetermined address of the OTPROM2. When all the programs are written, the CPU 7 shifts to a normal operation mode.

  In general, the writing of the embedded control software to the PROM 2 is connected by inserting the signal pin of the PROM 2 into the writing terminal of the IC socket of the ROM writer. The lifetime is about 10,000 times. When the embedded control software is written in a large amount of PROM 2, it is necessary to replace the IC socket each time. In this embodiment, the built-in control software can be written by connecting to the ROM writer in a non-contact manner, so that the writing terminal does not wear out or become fatigued, and operates with the predetermined built-in control software without replacing the connection parts. Can mass-produce remote control transmitters.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the microcomputer 3 having the OTPROM 2 built therein can be connected to the printed wiring board at any time without using the mask ROM for writing the individual embedded control software to the controlled device in the wafer processing step. Even after the remote control transmitter 1 is manufactured after being mounted on the case 4 and housed in the case 6, the embedded control software can be written into the OTPROM 2, so that the inventory can be kept in a short period of time. The remote control transmitter 1 for operating various controlled devices can be manufactured.

  The calculation RAM 8 temporarily stores the embedded control software stored in the OTPROM 2, calculation results by the CPU 7, generated data, and the like during the operation of the CPU 7. The RAM 8 may temporarily store data for writing embedded control software demodulated by the control circuit unit 21.

  The carrier wave generation circuit unit 9 divides the frequency of the clock input from the oscillator 16 to generate a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency, and secondarily modulates the carrier wave with the PPM modulation signal generated by the CPU 7 and outputs it from the REM terminal.

  In addition to the microcomputer 3 configured in this manner, the circuit components shown in FIG. 1 are collectively mounted on the printed wiring board 4 using, for example, the same mounting machine. Subsequently, the rubber sheet 13 of the keyboard switch 12 is overlaid on the printed wiring board 4 so that the movable electrode of each key 11 faces the switch electrodes 11a and 11b, and the key 11 protrudes as shown in FIG. It is assembled in a case 6 composed of an upper case 6A and a lower case 6B in which a through hole is formed at a position where the through hole is formed.

  The operation of the remote control transmitter 1 in which the embedded control software is written in the OTPROM 2 so as to control the operation of a specific controlled device, such as a television receiver, will be described below for the remote control transmitter 1 having the above-described configuration. To do.

  When the key 11 is depressed to cause the television receiver to perform a predetermined operation, the movable electrode of the depressed key 11 comes into contact with the opposing switch electrodes 11a and 11b, and the switch electrodes 11a and 11b are electrically connected. Since the CPU 7 in the operation mode outputs the key scan signal from the signal pins (KI / 01 to KI / 05) to the five fixed lead wires 5A at different timings, the key scan signal is input. The operated key 11 is detected from the signal pins (KI0 to KI3) and their input timing.

  With the built-in control software, the keys 11, 12,... Of the keyboard switch 12 are associated in advance with control commands such as the power supply, volume, and channel switching of the television receiver, and the CPU 7 operating with the built-in control software. When an operation on a specific key 11 is detected, a PPM modulated signal that is PPM modulated by a control command associated with the key 11 is output to the carrier wave generation circuit 9.

  The carrier wave generation circuit 9 outputs a secondary modulation signal obtained by secondarily modulating the carrier wave with the PPM modulation signal from the REM terminal. Accordingly, a modulation signal representing a control command associated with the pressed specific key 11 is output from the REM terminal, and the infrared light emitting diode 18 is driven and controlled by this modulation signal, and the infrared control signal including the control command is remotely controlled. It is transmitted from the transmitter 1.

  When receiving an infrared control signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter 1, for example, a television receiver which is a controlled device, demodulates the control command and executes an operation corresponding to the pressed key 11 according to the control command. To do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the OTPROM has been described as an example of the PROM. However, as long as the embedded control software can be written at least after manufacturing the ROM, a PPROM (Production Programmed Read Only Memory), EEPROM, EPROM, etc. It may be.

  In particular, if the remote control transmitter 1 is equipped with a PROM that can be written a plurality of times, it is possible to rewrite the upgraded embedded control software, and to change the controlled device to another new product. When the model is replaced, the embedded control software for remotely controlling the replaced controlled device can be remotely controlled without having to replace the remote control transmitter by the user writing in the PROM. Become.

  In the above-described embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the planar antenna 19, the front end 22 and the control circuit unit 21 have been described only in one direction for receiving an RF signal. It is desirable that bidirectional communication having a modulation function is possible in order to transmit the signal to an RF signal.

  In addition, the antenna 19 is not limited to the planar antenna formed by the pattern of the printed wiring board 4 but may be other conductive material such as a conductive wire as long as it is mounted on the same printed wiring board 4 on which the PROM 2 is mounted. It may be formed.

  Furthermore, the PROM 2 is not limited to being built in the microcomputer 3 integrated on one chip together with the CPU 7 or the like, but may be mounted on the printed wiring board 4 as an independent IC element.

  Further, the printed wiring board 4 on which the microcomputer 3 is mounted and the keyboard switch 12 may be formed separately, and electrically connected to each other with an electrical connector or the like and housed in the case 6 for assembly.

  Further, the transmission signal for transmitting the embedded control software is not limited to the RF signal, and may be a loop electromagnetic induction signal. When the embedded control software is included in the electromagnetic induction signal and written to the PROM 2 of the remote control transmitter 1, the embedded control software is derived from the electromagnetic induction signal represented by the change in magnetic flux passing through the loop using the antenna as a loop antenna. Is demodulated.

  The present invention is suitable for a remote control transmitter in which embedded control software for controlling the operation of the remote control transmitter is stored in a PROM.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the remote control transmitter 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure in the microcomputer 3 in which programmable ROM2 was incorporated. 2 is a perspective view of a printed wiring board 4 on which a microcomputer 3 is mounted and a rubber sheet 13 constituting a part of a keyboard switch 12. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a remote control transmitter 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conventional ROM writer 100 that simultaneously writes embedded control software into a plurality of PROMs. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Remote control transmitter 2 Programmable ROM (PROM)
3 Microcomputer 4 Printed wiring board 7 CPU
11 key 11a, 11b switch electrode 12 keyboard switch 18 infrared light emitting element (infrared light emitting diode)
19 Antenna (planar antenna)

Claims (3)

A remote control transmitter (10) for detecting any operated key (11) of the keyboard switch (12) and emitting an infrared control signal corresponding to the operated key (11),
A programmable ROM (2) for rewritably storing arbitrary embedded control software for controlling the operation of the remote control transmitter (10);
A CPU (7) for executing embedded control software stored in the programmable ROM (2);
An antenna (19) for receiving electromagnetic induction signals or RF signals;
Receiving circuit elements (21, 22) connected to the antenna (19) and sending embedded control software included in the electromagnetic induction signal or RF signal to the programmable ROM (2);
An infrared light emitting element (18) for emitting an infrared control signal,
A remote control transmitter characterized in that embedded control software is stored in a programmable ROM (2) by an electromagnetic induction signal or RF signal received by an antenna (19). The programmable ROM (2) and CPU (7) are integrated in a one-chip microcomputer (3).
The remote control transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the antenna (19) is formed by a printed pattern of a printed wiring board (4) on which the microcomputer (3) is mounted. The programmable ROM (2) and CPU (7) are integrated in a one-chip microcomputer (3).
The switch electrode (11a, 11b) of the key (11) of the keyboard switch (12) is printed on the printed circuit board (4) on which the microcomputer (3) is mounted. Item 3. The remote control transmitter according to Item 2.

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