JP3259366B2 - Remote control device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device for remotely controlling AV equipment, and more particularly to a remote control device suitable for using a head-mounted spectacle-type viewer as an image display means. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an AV (Audio Visual) device such as a video reproducing device, a remote control device (hereinafter, referred to as a remote control) is used for remote control.
In a general remote control, the operation keys correspond to the operations of the target AV device on a one-to-one basis, which is advantageous in that it is easy to understand.

On the other hand, as a display means (monitor) of an AV device, in recent years, a spectacle-type viewer that can be used by being attached to a head and can enjoy an image alone as powerfully as a large screen has attracted attention. This glasses-type viewer is a small LCD
(Liquid crystal display) A panel is placed in front of the eye and is viewed enlarged by an eyepiece. For this reason, the user
During use, you are in a situation where you cannot see the outside world.

[0004]

In the conventional remote controller, the operation keys correspond to the operation of the actual AV equipment in a one-to-one correspondence, so that it is easy to understand. On the other hand, operation keys are required as many as the number of functions. They have complicating contradictions.
When remote control of the AV device is performed by wearing such a remote control with the above-described spectacle-type viewer, considering that the remote control is operated without directly looking at the operation surface of the remote control, multi-functionalization is hopeless, and Since a desired operation can be known only from the result of pressing the operation key with a hand gesture, there is a problem that an accurate operation cannot be expected.

[0005]

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in operation of a remote controller, and an object thereof is to perform a multifunctional operation without directly looking at an operation unit of the remote controller.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a remote control device capable of performing operations correctly .

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, in a remote control device according to the present invention, as a means for achieving the first object, an image output device and an image output device are provided. in remote control device for remotely controlling a display unit for displaying a video signal outputted from the output device, the table
The indicating unit is a spectacle-type viewer, an operation unit for remotely operating the video output device, a control unit that processes an output signal of the operation unit and issues a remote operation signal to the video output device, and the control unit. A display output unit for generating a character signal according to a control signal from the control unit and displaying the character signal on the display unit, wherein the control unit displays an operation menu via the display output unit on the display unit based on an output signal of the operation unit. And a remote control signal corresponding to the operation selected by the selection operation of the operation menu is transmitted to the video output device, or as described in claim 2, the video output device and in remote control device for remotely controlling a display unit for displaying a video signal outputted from the video output device, before
The display unit is a glasses-type viewer, an operation unit for remotely operating the video output device, a control unit that processes an output signal of the operation unit and issues a remote operation signal to the video output device, A display output unit for generating a character signal according to a control signal from the unit and displaying the character signal on the display unit, using a double-structure key capable of performing a two-stage operation on the operation unit, wherein the control unit The arrangement of the entire operation unit and the key position are displayed on the display unit via the display output unit by an output signal from the first stage operation of any key, and the second signal of any key of the operation unit is displayed. A video signal output from the video output device and a video signal output from the video output device may be displayed by outputting a remote control signal to the video output device according to an output signal of a step operation. In remote control device for remotely controlling a display unit, the display unit is a glasses-type viewer,
An operation unit for remotely operating the video output device, a control unit that processes an output signal of the operation unit and issues a remote operation signal to the video output device, and generates a character signal based on a control signal from the control unit. A display output unit for displaying on the display unit, wherein the control unit controls the display output unit to display the arrangement of the entire operation unit and the key position by an output signal according to a first operation of any key of the operation unit. Displayed on the display unit via
A remote operation signal is transmitted to the video output device according to an output signal from the second operation.

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the operation menu is displayed on the display unit, and a desired operation is selected and executed on the menu display, thereby minimizing the number of keys on the operation unit. This allows correct operation without directly looking at the operation unit, and realizes multi-functional operation by selecting a menu.

According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the number of keys on the operation unit is not reduced, and key operations for a desired operation are performed for two or more times.
Step or two consecutive operations. In the first step or the first operation, the key arrangement and the operated key are displayed on the display unit, and the current position of the operated key is notified,
If the key is not the desired operation key, the hand is moved from the current position so that the desired operation key can be easily found. If the key is correct, the user operates the second stage or the second consecutive key operation. As a result, a desired remote operation signal is transmitted from the control unit to the video output device. In this case, the desired key operation is realized by processing the output signal of each stage by the control unit using the double structure key in the invention of claim 2, and in the invention of claim 3, the operation of one key continuously twice. Is determined by the control unit.

[0013] In the above invention, after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of use, a warning of long-time use is displayed on the screen of the display unit that is actually being used, or at the same time, the control unit operates after the start of use. By forcibly turning off the power of the video output device after a certain period of time has elapsed, it is possible to encourage correct use without fear of fatigue due to long-time use and an operation therefor .

Further, in the above invention, before the video output device detects that the battery has run down and stops it , the remote control device performs its own power-off process and issues a normal remote control signal generated by operating the operation unit. However, in the unstable state before the battery goes down, the video output device is prevented from being input to the video output device, and the power supply of the video output device is turned off. Can be prevented
Noh.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. In each of the following embodiments including this embodiment, a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) 1 is assumed as a video output device, and a spectacle type viewer 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as a viewer) using a small LCD is used as a display unit. An example is given below. In FIG. 1, 3 indicates a remote controller,
The VTR 1 and the viewer 2 are connected by cables 4 and 5. The operation unit of the remote controller 3 has a “MENU” (MENU) key 3 as an operation key of the VTR 1 or the viewer 2.
a, "+" key 3b, "-" key 3c, "enter"
An (ENTER) key 3d is provided. In addition,
The "+" and "-" keys may be apparently one key that operates like a seesaw.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the remote controller in the above embodiment. The output signals of the keys 3a to 3d are transmitted to a control unit 6 mainly including a microcomputer.
Is input to Reference numeral 7 denotes a screen display unit corresponding to a display output unit, which includes a character generator, has a function of generating a character according to a control signal from the control unit 6, and displaying an operation menu on the viewer 2. This screen display section 7
Is connected between the lines of the video signal output from the VTR 1 to the viewer 2, and superimposes the menu display on the video signal. Reference numeral 8 denotes a confirmation sound output unit, which has a function of outputting a confirmation sound of a key operation based on a control signal from the control unit 6. The confirmation sound output unit 8 is connected to the viewer 2 from the VTR 1.
The confirmation sound is superimposed on the audio signal. further,
The control unit 6 generates a command corresponding to a remote control signal corresponding to the function selected by the menu method, and sends the command to the VTR 1.

The operation and operation of the embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a menu mode transition diagram showing a control example in the control section 6 for explaining the operation of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a menu operation example for explaining the operation in the same manner.

In FIG. 3, "menu" indicates a mode in which a menu is displayed on the screen, and "normal" indicates a mode in which no menu is displayed.
The names in parentheses indicate key names, and the note symbols indicate confirmation sounds. First, when the MENU key is pressed in the "normal" state, a confirmation sound beeps and a transition is made to the "menu" mode, and a menu with symbols as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the screen. The cursor position during the menu display is performed by, for example, inverting the display of a symbol. Next, the user is "+"
Each time the key or the "-" key is pressed, a beep sounds every time, and the cursor position is raised or lowered as shown in FIG. 4B ("cursor UP", "cursor DO").
WN "processing). At this time, the current operation mode of the VTR (“STOP” in the example in the figure) is displayed above the menu display. After confirming the desired cursor position,
When the TER key is pressed, a confirmation sound beeps and a command of the function corresponding to the cursor position on the menu display is generated and transmitted to the VTR ("command transmission" processing).
The operation mode display changes (in the example of FIG. 4C, “F
F "). After that, the menu state continues (the mode does not return to the “normal” mode from the “new” mode even if any key presses out).
As shown in (e), "+" and "-" keys and ENTER
The VTR operation (PLAY in the illustrated example) can be performed using the keys. To return from the "menu" mode to the "normal" mode, the user presses the MENU key ("menu off" processing).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the operation section of the remote controller cannot be seen, as in the case of using the spectacle-type viewer, the number of operation keys is small.
Remote control operation of TR becomes possible. Further, even if the number of operation keys is small, multi-function can be achieved by the menu selection method.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views showing another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is an external view of a remote controller, and FIG. 5B is a menu table corresponding thereto. This is an example. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, "+" for cursor movement,
The "-" key is arranged vertically, and the menu display is also displayed vertically correspondingly. In this embodiment, the keys 3b and 3c for moving the cursor are arranged horizontally (M
The ENU key and the ENTER key are arranged in the same way as in FIG. 1).
The operation is the same as in the embodiment of FIG.

FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b), 6 (c), 6 (d)
It is a figure showing the modification of the operation part of the remote control in the above-mentioned example.

First, FIG. 6A shows an example in which the conventional "PLAY" key 3e and "STOP" key 3f, which are independent keys, are also used as the "+" and "-" keys in the above embodiment. During display, it functions as a cursor up / down key.

FIG. 6B shows an example in which the encoder using the roller 3g is used for the "+" and "-" keys of the menu. An output signal generated by turning the roller 3g in the forward or reverse direction moves the cursor of the vertical menu display up / down. Note that the roller 3g may be arranged to be able to rotate horizontally. In this case, the cursor is moved left / right as a horizontal menu display shown in FIG. 5B. The same applies to the case where the roller portion has the function of the ENTER key.

FIGS. 6C and 6D show "+" and "-".
This is an example in which an “Enter” (ENT) key is arranged between the keys. In (c), “+”,
An "Enter" key 3d is arranged at the center of the "-" keys 3b and 3c. In FIG. 3 (d), the "+" and "-" keys are used as seesaw-shaped keys 3h, and when the center is pressed, an "enter" function is provided. ing.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 7A and 7B are an external view (a) showing the configuration of the remote controller of this embodiment and a perspective view (b) showing the key structure. In the present embodiment, the “playback” (P
(LAY) key 9a, "rewind" (REW) key 9b,
"Fast forward" (FF) key 9c, "Stop" (STO
P) A key 10 having a double structure is used for each of the keys 9d. The key 10 having the double structure has a tact switch 10b.
The touch switch 10a has a structure in which the touch switch 10a is first turned on when touched lightly, and the tact switch 10b is turned on when pressed.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of this embodiment. The configuration is basically the same as that of FIG. 2 except that the key output signal from the operation unit 9e of the remote controller is provided by the key 10 having the double structure, and the control unit 6
Is that the mode transition processing is not required in the processing of (1). The screen display function performed using the screen display unit 7 and the confirmation sound generation function performed using the confirmation sound output unit 8 are the same as those in FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example according to this embodiment. Here, a case in which the user wants to press the PLAY key without looking at the operation unit will be described as an example. First, touch a key that seems to be a PLAY key. Then, a confirmation sound beeps and a key layout is displayed on the screen as shown in (a), and the key position just touched is displayed blinking. In the illustrated example, it is understood that the key is not the PLAY key but the FF key. The user moves and touches the finger next to the PLAY key because it is indicated that the PLAY key is next to the FF key. As a result, a beeping sound and a sound as shown in FIG.
And the display of the PLAY key blinks, so that it can be seen that the PLAY key is touched. If the user presses the PLAY key as it is, the key layout display on the screen disappears together with a beep sound as shown in FIG. 9C, and a PLAY command is issued to the VTR. In the above, the confirmation sound can be distinguished when a command is issued and when it is not.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even in a situation where it is difficult to see the operation section of the remote controller, such as when a spectacle-type viewer is used, the remote controller of the VTR can be operated and the number of keys can be reduced. Since the number of operations can be increased, the operation can be changed to another function.

In addition to the combination of the touch switch and the tact switch, the double-structured key may be a tact switch that responds with a heavy load on a tact switch that responds with a heavy load. In this case, the configuration is the same as that of the touch key + tact switch, except that it is necessary to press lightly instead of touching first.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a remote controller using only the sheet switch or the tact switch and having the same structure as the conventional one is used, and is connected in the same manner as in FIG. And inputs it to the control unit 6.
In the present embodiment, the control unit performs determination processing by "pressing / pressing again" in response to "touching / pressing" or "pressing lightly / pressing strongly" in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment of FIG. Realize actions and actions. In the example of using a sheet switch as an operation key, first, by pressing a key that is considered to be this side, the layout display of the operation unit is performed, and the pressed key flashes and is displayed. Release and then press again. If not, just slide your finger to the desired key. In the example of using the tact switch as the operation key, the operation is almost the same as that of the above-mentioned sheet switch, but when moving the finger to the side,
Due to the structure, it is necessary to once release the finger from the operation unit.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
You. In this embodiment, an AV device (for example, a remote control) that may be used for a long time by focusing on video / audio (for example,
In this embodiment, a VTR and a spectacle type viewer are assumed.)
In order to solve the problem of fatigue in the use of the device, a warning message of prolonged use is displayed on the screen where it is actually used in an appropriate form to alert the user and promote correct use and operation It is.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of this embodiment. This remote controller is connected between the VTR and the spectacle-type viewer to operate the VTR and the viewer as in the previous embodiment. Reference numeral 6 denotes a control unit which monitors the lapse of time from the start of use (for example, turning on the power of the VTR or the remote controller) and activates the following units. Reference numeral 7 denotes a screen display unit, which is an AV such as a VTR.
It is connected between video signal lines output from the device to the monitor of the viewer, and displays a lapse display of time and a display of the above-mentioned long-time use warning message on a monitor screen by a control signal of the control unit 6. Reference numeral 8 denotes a confirmation sound output unit.
Outputs confirmation sound to speakers or headphones used for the device. Reference numeral 11 denotes a command generation unit for an AV device. In this embodiment, a command signal from the control unit 6 instructs an AV device (video output device) such as a VTR to turn off the power. The command generator 11 may be built in the controller 6.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation and operation of the embodiment having the above configuration, and shows a display example of a monitor screen. First, when the power is turned on, the control unit 8 issues a warning message as shown in FIG. 11A "This system automatically shuts off the power in 3 hours. Please be careful of fatigue."
Is displayed on the monitor screen for a fixed time (for example, 10 seconds).
During this display, the operation of the AV device is invalidated, and a confirmation sound is output at the end of the display. Subsequently, the use elapsed time is displayed as shown in FIG. 11B at all times or every time a predetermined time elapses. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time (in this example, 3 hours), a warning message of prolonged use “Start using,
Three hours have passed. Is displayed for a fixed time (for example, 10 seconds) (FIG. 11C), and then a power-off warning message "3 hours have passed since the start of use. (For 10 seconds) (FIG. 11D), and sends a power off command to the AV device. As described above, the fatigue of the user is prevented.

It should be noted that the warning message "Please use with care for fatigue." (FIG. 11)
(A ')), and FIG. 11 (a') and FIG.
(B) is displayed or FIG. 11 (a ′) → FIG.
(B) → FIG. 11 (c) may be displayed. Further, this warning function may be built in the AV device or the viewer.

Further, regarding another embodiment of the present invention.
State. In the present embodiment, a remote controller that operates by being supplied with power from the battery of an AV device such as a VTR, when the battery cannot be operated due to the battery running down, not only stops itself but also operates the AV device of the main body in conjunction with the power supply. Is turned off to maintain the consistency of the system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the remote controller according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 1 denotes an AV device such as a VTR, and reference numeral 6 denotes a control unit, which operates in the present embodiment by receiving power supply from a battery of the AV device 1. A power supply, signals (video and audio), and commands are connected to the remote controller 3 by cables. Reference numeral 12 denotes a battery-down detection unit corresponding to a battery remaining amount detection unit. The control unit 6 receives a detection signal of the battery-down detection and sends a power-off command to the AV device 1 via the command generation unit 11.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the operation of the present embodiment. In the case of an AV device that operates on a battery, the battery is normally detected as being out of battery. Stop supplying power to the system. Here, if the remote control becomes inoperable before the power supply voltage drops and the main unit detects that the battery is low, there is a possibility that the operation of the main unit may be abnormal, and the correct operation may not be performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detection of the battery down which is not performed by the normal peripheral device is detected by the remote controller before the main body detects the battery down, and the internal power supply of the remote controller is turned off, and the operation of the operation unit is performed. At the same time, the transmission of the command for the remote operation is prevented, and at the same time, a request for turning off the power is issued to the main body to make the power states of both the same, thereby maintaining the consistency of the system. When a peripheral device other than the remote controller is connected, the power of the device is turned off in conjunction with the remote control. Also, this embodiment uses the AV
It can be applied to devices other than devices.

[0039]

As is apparent from the above description, the remote operation device according to the present invention enables correct operation and use.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to operate the video output device without directly looking at the operation unit, that is, without distracting the eyes from the display screen of the display unit.
The number of operation keys can be reduced, and multi-function can be easily realized.

According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, the operation of the video output device can be performed without directly looking at the operation unit, and the operation can be performed without looking away from the display screen of the display unit. As much as possible, even if the number of keys is large, the appearance of each key does not need to be independent, so a novel design is possible. Further, since the number of keys can be increased, multi-functional operation becomes easy.

Further, in the above-mentioned invention, it is also possible to prevent the user from being tired when watching a video or the like for a long time by urging the user to pay attention to correct use and operation . This is also effective as a countermeasure for the manufacturer liability problem.

Further, in the above invention, before the video output device runs out of battery, the remote control device detects the voltage drop in advance by detecting the remaining battery level, performs power-off processing and stops the operation. By turning off the power supply of the video output device, malfunction can be prevented, and the power supply states of both can be matched to achieve matching as a system .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of the invention of claim 1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a menu mode transition diagram showing a control example of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views showing another embodiment of the invention of claim 1;

FIGS. 6 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are views showing a modification of the operation unit of the remote controller according to the first aspect of the present invention;

7 (a) and 7 (b) are perspective views showing an external view and a key structure of an embodiment of the invention of claim 2; FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention .

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation and operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention .

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... VTR (AV equipment) 2 ... Eyeglass type viewer 3 ... Remote control (remote operation device) 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d ... Key 6 ... Control part 7 ... Screen display part 8 ... Confirmation sound output part 10 ... Double structure key 11 ... command generator

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A remote control device for remotely controlling a video output device and a display unit for displaying a video signal output from the video output device, wherein the display unit is a spectacles-type viewer. An operation unit for remote operation, a control unit for processing an output signal of the operation unit and transmitting a remote operation signal to the video output device, and generating a character signal based on the control signal from the control unit and displaying the character signal on the display unit A display output unit for causing the control unit to display an operation menu on the display unit via the display output unit based on an output signal of the operation unit, and to be selected by a selection operation of the operation menu. A remote control device for transmitting a remote control signal corresponding to an operation to the video output device. 2. A remote control device for remotely controlling a video output device and a display unit for displaying a video signal output from the video output device, wherein the display unit is a spectacle-type viewer, and the video output device is An operation unit for remote operation, a control unit for processing an output signal of the operation unit and issuing a remote operation signal to the video output device, and generating a character signal based on the control signal from the control unit and displaying the character signal on the display unit And a display output unit for causing the operation unit to use a double-structured key capable of performing two-step operation, wherein the control unit performs the operation based on an output signal from a first-stage operation of any key of the operation unit. The arrangement of the entire unit and the key positions are displayed on the display unit via the display output unit, and the remote operation signal is displayed by the output signal of the second operation of any key of the operation unit. Remote control apparatus characterized by emitting an output device. 3. A remote control device for remotely controlling a video output device and a display unit for displaying a video signal output from the video output device, wherein the display unit is a spectacles-type viewer. An operation unit for remote operation, a control unit for processing an output signal of the operation unit and issuing a remote operation signal to the video output device, and generating a character signal based on the control signal from the control unit and displaying the character signal on the display unit And a display output unit for causing the control unit to perform an output signal by a first operation of any one of the keys of the operation unit, thereby disposing the arrangement of the entire operation unit and the key positions via the display output unit, A remote control device, which is displayed on the display unit and emits a remote control signal to the video output device according to an output signal of a second successive operation of the key for the first time.