JP2007067705A - Remote controller and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a peripheral unit of a television set, etc. such as printer operable by a remote controller of the television set etc. and improves its operability. <P>SOLUTION: The remote controller comprises an indicator 1a for showing an operating panel, a state changing switch 11 for switching over a first state for remote-controlling a picture display and a second state for remote-controlling a peripheral unit of the display, and a display switch for switching the operating panel shown on an indicating means from the operating panel for remote-controlling the picture display to the operating panel for remote-controlling the peripheral unit when the switch 11 turns to the second state from the first state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology that enables remote control of a plurality of types of devices with one remote control device (remote control device).

  Conventionally, in order to remotely control a television and its peripheral devices such as a video deck and a printing device, it is common to use a dedicated remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) attached to each device. For this reason, remote controllers corresponding to the number of televisions and their peripheral devices are required, and there is a problem that the user has to learn complicated remote control operations.

  In addition, when a plurality of devices can be operated with one remote controller, some devices are operated with the remote controller in a television screen. In this case, since each device is selected from the menu screen and detailed settings are performed on the next lower layer screen, the operation is performed through the layers, which is complicated.

  As a method for solving this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that a board insertion port is provided in the remote control, a touch panel is installed on a part of the switch operation surface, and the board can be changed to support various models with a single remote control. The technology to make is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique that can cope with various models by downloading operation screen information, device ID numbers, and the like by operating a touch panel.

Further, regarding a printing apparatus which is one of peripheral devices, Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for displaying the remaining amount of consumables when a button on a remote controller is pressed.
JP-A-9-271082 Japanese Patent No. 3272046 JP 2005-138347 A

  However, any of the above prior arts has a problem in that there are many troublesome and difficult operations when operating peripheral devices. In particular, in a printing apparatus, since there are many setting items, it is difficult to share it with a TV remote control.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable operation of a printing apparatus, which is a peripheral device, with a remote controller such as a television and to improve the operability thereof. .

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a remote control device according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays an operation panel, a first state in which a video display device is remotely controlled, and the video display device. A state switching unit that switches between a second state in which a peripheral device is remotely operated, and an operation panel displayed on the display unit when the state switching unit switches from the first state to the second state. Display switching means for switching from an operation panel for remotely operating the video display device to an operation panel for remotely operating the peripheral device;
It is characterized by comprising.

  A control method for a remote control device according to the present invention is a method for controlling a remote control device including display means for displaying an operation panel, wherein the remote control device remotely controls the video display device. When the peripheral device of the video display device is switched to the second state in which the peripheral device is remotely operated, the operation panel displayed on the display means is changed from the operation panel to remotely operate the video display device to the peripheral device. A display switching step of switching to an operation panel to be remotely operated is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to operate a printing apparatus, which is a peripheral device, with a remote controller such as a television, and to improve the operability.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
In this embodiment, the remote control device (remote control) according to the present invention is used for remote operation of a television as a main device, and for remote operation of a printer equipped with an inkjet head to which an ink tank as a peripheral device can be attached and detached. The case of using also will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied not only to a combination of a television and a printer, but also to a combination of other main devices and peripheral devices.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a remote controller, a television as a device to be operated, and a printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The remote controller 1 remotely controls a television 2 as a main device and a printer 3 as a peripheral device, and includes a transmission / reception unit 10 and a display operation unit described later. The television 2 includes an image display unit 21 and a receiving unit 20 that receives an infrared signal from the remote controller 1. The printer 3 includes a transmission / reception unit 30 that transmits and receives infrared signals to and from the remote controller 1, a paper feeding unit 31 that stacks paper bundles and separates them one by one, a printing unit 32 that prints on the conveyed paper surface, A paper discharge unit 33 that discharges the printed paper. In addition, an ink cartridge that is a consumable is mounted on the printing unit 32, and the printer 3 also includes a cartridge replacement unit 34 that replaces the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge includes an ink tank in which four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black) are independent. The user replaces the ink cartridge as soon as these inks are no longer printed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the remote controller 1.

  The remote controller 1 includes a touch panel 1a, and can display buttons 11, 16 buttons 12, and functions assigned to them on the screen of the touch panel 1a. FIG. 2 shows a display state of the touch panel 1a when the television remote control mode for remotely operating the television 2 is set. Reference numeral 11 denotes a mode switching button, and the button 12 is displayed as a so-called numeric keypad for selecting a broadcasting station, a volume key, and a channel front / rear key.

  FIG. 3 shows a display state of the touch panel 1a when the print mode for remotely operating the printer 3 is set. It is assumed that the remote controller 1 receives operation information for remotely operating the printer from the printer 3 via the transmission / reception unit 10 and stores the operation information in association with the model information of the printer 3. With this information, a display for operating the printer can be performed. It is also possible to display the information reflecting the capabilities, functions, and setting status of the printer. Similarly, the button 11 is a mode switching button, and the button 12 displays functions assigned to items necessary for print settings. Further, 13 is a multi-window, in which the remaining ink tanks of Y, M, C, and Bk are displayed in 13a, a progress bar and status are displayed in 13b, and setting items are displayed in 13c.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the remote controller 1, the television 2 as the operated device, and the printer 3.

  In FIG. 4, the television 2 includes an image display unit 21, a control unit 22 that controls the image display operation of the image display unit 21, and a reception unit 20 that receives an infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 1. In addition, the printer 3 uses infrared rays between the remote controller 1 and the printing unit 32 that performs printing on the printing medium, the control unit 35 that controls the printing operation of the printing unit 32 and takes in information from the printing unit 32, and the remote controller 1. And a transmission / reception unit 30 for performing bidirectional communication. Furthermore, the remote controller 1 transmits / receives to perform bidirectional communication using infrared rays between the printer 3 and the control unit 15 that controls the touch panel 1a, the display state of the touch panel 1a, and receives an operation signal from the touch panel 1a. Part 10. Note that the transmission / reception unit 10 also transmits an infrared signal to the television 2 to control the operation of the television 2.

  Next, a procedure for the user to actually perform a printing operation using the remote controller 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user is viewing the television 2, the remote controller 1 is in the display state shown in FIG. It is necessary to print the image of the television 2 or the supplied content, etc., and the mode switching button 11 is pressed (step S101), and the display mode of the print mode shown in FIG. 3 is obtained (step S102). At the same time, when the command is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 10 of the remote controller 1, the printing apparatus 3 shifts from the standby state to the print ready state.

  At this time, in the TV remote control mode (FIG. 2) while watching TV, the one-way communication from the remote control 1 to the TV 2 is performed as in the TV channel and volume control, whereas in the print mode of FIG. Bidirectional communication between the remote controller 1 and the printer 3 is performed. Current setting information and ink remaining amount information are transmitted from the printer 3 to the remote controller 1 and displayed on the multi-window 13 of the remote controller 1.

  Further, a message such as “Start printing. Press any button within 5 seconds to change settings” is displayed on the multi-window 13.

  If the user does not need to make a setting, printing is started as it is or by pressing the send button 12a in the button 12.

  If the user needs to change the setting, press any button in the button 12 to start printing. Press any button within 5 seconds to change the setting. The display disappears and a display such as “Setting is being made” is made. As a result, the user can use the button 12 to make settings such as print quality, color / monochrome selection, cassette selection, paper type selection, paper size selection, and number of prints. When the user sets these items (step S103) and finally presses the send button 12a in the button 12 (step S104), the setting contents are transferred from the remote control 1 to the printer 3. As a result, the printer 3 starts printing.

  When printing is started, the remote controller 1 automatically returns to the display state of FIG. 2 in the TV remote control mode after an arbitrary time has elapsed (step S105).

  Here, when changing the setting or checking the status, if the mode switching button 11 is pressed during printing, information such as the status is transmitted from the printer 3 to the remote controller 1 and the remote controller 1 is temporarily printed. It is possible to switch to the mode display state.

  In addition, when the remaining amount of ink becomes low during printing or after the end of printing, the printer 3 transfers the remaining amount of ink to the remote controller 1. As a result, the display state of the remote controller 1 is switched to the print mode, and the ink remaining amount is displayed in the multi-window 13. Further, when any of the ink tanks is lost during printing or after printing is finished (or as it is closer to being missing) and needs to be replaced, the display state of the remote controller 1 is switched to the printing mode, as shown in FIG. Thus, the ink cartridge replacement button 12b appears. When the user presses the button 12b, the ink cartridge that needs to be replaced is automatically taken out to the cartridge replacement unit 34 for replacing the ink cartridge.

  Also, when an error such as a paper jam occurs during printing, information is transferred from the printer 3 to the remote controller 1, the display state of the remote controller 1 is switched to the print mode, and the user can check the status on the remote controller 1 or check for errors. The contents can be confirmed.

  It is also possible to cancel printing by pressing and holding the mode switching button 11 during printing. Of course, this function description can be displayed nearby.

  Further, when printing is completed, information on the completion of printing is transferred from the printer 3, the display state of the remote controller 1 is switched to the printing mode, and the user can confirm the completion of printing on the remote controller 1.

  Part or all of the contents of the multi-window 13 can be displayed on the image display unit 21 of the television 2, and the presence or absence of display can be switched by operating the remote controller 1.

  In this way, the user can easily set the printer 3 without occupying the image display unit 21 of the television 2 or with the amount of occupancy reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the case where the remote controller 1 in the first embodiment is a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like, is assigned a function of each button, and is a remote control device capable of personal level transmission / reception. To do.

  In the present embodiment, when any of the ink tanks is lost during printing or after printing is finished (or as it is closer to being missing) and needs to be replaced, the following display is made. That is, in addition to the appearance of the ink cartridge replacement button as shown in FIG. The user can easily purchase consumables without going to the store or starting the PC and connecting to the Internet. In addition, since a cartridge having a specific product number is selected in advance, there is no erroneous selection by the user.

  In addition, since settings (for example, selection of paper type, size, quality, cassette, etc.) tailored to each individual can be stored in a mobile phone or PDA, printing tailored to each individual is easier than in the first embodiment. Is possible. For example, if you share a printer with your family, A4 paper is usually loaded in cassette 1, B5 paper is usually loaded in cassette 2, father is always using A4, and mother is always using B5. If each setting is made, printing is possible without having to make the setting every time.

  Furthermore, by downloading a setting file specific to the printer model of each printer manufacturer, it can function as a remote controller suitable for the printer. For example, it is not possible to store all setting files specific to the printer model of each company in the memory on the mobile phone side, but if it can be downloaded, it is not necessary to store the setting file in the memory in advance. Less.

  The setting items in the first and second embodiments include borderless printing settings, layout printing (printing the contents of two pages on one sheet), density settings, color settings, duplex printing settings, Other setting items such as layer printing may be included.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the printer connected to the television can be operated using the television remote controller, and can be operated without omitting the functions of the television and the printer. It becomes possible to.

  In addition, by using a personal level mobile phone or PDA as a remote control, it is possible to easily perform printing suitable for an individual by using individual-specific settings.

It is a figure which shows the remote control concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention, the television and printer which are to be operated. It is the figure which showed the detailed structure of the remote control. It is a figure which shows the display state of a touchscreen in the case of being set to the printing mode for operating a printer remotely. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between a remote control, the television which is a to-be-operated apparatus, and a printer. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure in which a user performs printing operation using a remote control. It is a figure which shows the state which the ink cartridge exchange button appeared on the touchscreen of remote control.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote control 10 Transmission / reception part 11 Mode switching button 12 Button 13 Multi-window 2 Television 20 Reception part 3 Printer 30 Transmission / reception part 31 Paper feed part 32 Printing part 33 Paper discharge part 34 Cartridge exchange part

Claims (13)

Display means for displaying an operation panel;
State switching means for switching between a first state in which the video display device is remotely operated and a second state in which the peripheral device of the video display device is remotely operated;
When the state switching unit switches from the first state to the second state, the operation panel displayed on the display unit is remotely controlled, and the peripheral device is remotely operated from the operation panel for remotely operating the video display device. Display switching means for switching to the operation panel to be
A remote control device comprising:   The remote control device according to claim 1, further comprising a bidirectional communication unit that enables bidirectional communication between the remote control device and the peripheral device.   The remote control device according to claim 2, further comprising display control means for displaying on the display means information transmitted from the peripheral device by the bidirectional communication means.   Switching control for automatically switching the remote control device from the first state to the second state when the information to be displayed on the display unit is transmitted from the peripheral device by the bidirectional communication unit The remote control device according to claim 3, further comprising means.   The remote control according to claim 1, further comprising switching control means for automatically switching the remote control device from the second state to the first state when the operation of the peripheral device is completed. Control device.   The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is an individual device.   The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is a printer.   The remote control device according to claim 7, wherein the operation panel for remotely operating the printer includes a consumable replacement button. A method for controlling a remote control device comprising display means for displaying an operation panel,
An operation panel displayed on the display means when the remote control device is switched from a first state in which the video display device is remotely operated to a second state in which peripheral devices of the video display device are remotely operated. A control method for a remote control device, comprising: a display switching step of switching from an operation panel for remotely operating the video display device to an operation panel for remotely operating the peripheral device.   The remote control device further includes a bidirectional communication unit that enables bidirectional communication between the remote control device and the peripheral device, and information transmitted from the peripheral device by the bidirectional communication unit is displayed on the display unit. The method for controlling a remote control device according to claim 9, further comprising a display control step of displaying on the screen.   Switching control for automatically switching the remote control device from the first state to the second state when the information to be displayed on the display unit is transmitted from the peripheral device by the bidirectional communication unit The method for controlling a remote control device according to claim 10, further comprising a step.   The remote control device according to claim 9, further comprising a switching control step of automatically switching the remote control device from the second state to the first state when the operation of the peripheral device is completed. Control method of the control device.   The method for controlling a remote control device according to claim 9, wherein the operation panel for remotely operating the peripheral device includes a consumables replacement button of a printer as the peripheral device.

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