JP3312622B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device suitable for operating an electronic device such as a VTR.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A remote commander is used to remotely control a VTR. Conventional remote commanders include
Keys are arranged corresponding to individual operations. And
When a key arranged on the remote commander is pressed, a corresponding command signal is transmitted from the remote commander to the VTR main body, and the VTR main body receives the command signal. When the VTR receives a command signal from the remote commander, the operation of the VTR is set in accordance with the command signal sent from the remote commander.

[0003]

In such a conventional remote commander, a command signal is transmitted in one direction from the remote commander to the VTR body. For this reason, the operation state of the VTR main body cannot be confirmed on the remote commander side, and the operation setting of the VTR main body cannot be set accordingly.

For example, there is a case where the user wants to confirm the timer setting state of the VTR main body on the remote commander side and change the timer setting state. However, in the conventional remote commander, since one-way communication is performed from the remote commander side to the VTR main body side, the timer setting state of the VTR main body cannot be sent back to the remote commander. For this reason, the timer setting state of the VTR main body cannot be confirmed on the remote commander side.

Similarly, since the conventional remote commander is one-way communication, information such as the remaining amount of the tape and the recording time cannot be sent back to the remote commander on the VTR main body side and confirmed on the remote commander side.

Therefore, it is conceivable to realize a remote commander that enables bidirectional communication and can set various operation modes. As described above, when various operation modes can be set, it is necessary to display the operation modes and setting states. However, the remote commander is small, and it is difficult to arrange a large display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an input device capable of performing a necessary display in a limited display space of a remote commander.

An object of the present invention is to provide a two-way system capable of changing a setting state of an electronic device main body after confirming a setting state of the electronic device main body.

[0009]

According to the present invention, a touch panel is provided on a display, and the touch panel is pressed according to a key arrangement displayed by the touch panel. A plurality of modes can be set, and a plurality of modes can be set. In the input device in which the key arrangement is changed, the character display unit has a character display unit, and when a new mode is set on the character display unit, a display indicating the new mode is displayed for a predetermined time, and then a display of the setting state in the mode is performed. do
In the input device, the key arrangement in the setting state
It contains a mode confirmation key to confirm the over soil, the mode
When the confirmation key is pressed, the character display
Display indicating the set mode is displayed for a predetermined time
An input device characterized by doing so.

When a new mode is set, the characters in the newly set mode are scroll-displayed on the character display section, and then the setting state is displayed. With such a configuration, the setting mode can be easily recognized, and a limited display space can be effectively used.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Description will be made in the following order.

A. Overview of VTR body b. Internal configuration of VTR main body c. Door opening mechanism d. Overview of Remote Commander e. Internal configuration of remote commander f. Arrangement of touch panel g. Key operation with erasure h. Clean mode i. Display on display j. Remote Commander mode k. Basic operation method of Remote Commander l. Processing when time is not set m. Calendar and time setting n. Timer setting o. Memory bank function p. Confirmation and change of reservation contents q. Operation of other equipment.

A. Overview of VTR Main Body FIGS. 1A and 1B show a VTR main body 1 to which the present invention is applied as a whole. 1A and 1B, a transparent touch panel 2 is provided on the entire surface of the VTR main body 1 as a door covering the entire front panel 1A so as to be freely opened and closed. FIG. 1A shows a state when the transparent touch panel 2 is closed, and FIG. 1B shows a state when the transparent touch panel 2 is opened. A plurality of operation keys are provided on the transparent touch panel 2 as described later. As shown in FIG. 1B, open the transparent touch panel 2,
By operating the operation keys arranged on the transparent touch panel 2, the state of the VTR 1 is set. The transparent touch panel 2 can be opened by operating an eject key 150 (see FIG. 13A) of the remote commander 10 as described later.

As shown in FIG. 1B, when the transparent touch panel 2 on the entire surface of the VTR main body 1 is opened, the cassette insertion slot 3 is exposed. A cassette is loaded into the cassette insertion slot 3. Also, the front panel 1A of the VTR main body 1 has power on / off of the VTR main body 1, a recording mode,
There are provided a display lamp 4 for displaying an operation state such as auto tracking, a tape counter, a display 5 for showing a set state of time, an operation mode, a channel and the like, and a display section 6 for a tape running state. In addition, the display 5 includes
As will be described later, adjustment states such as tracking, audio level, and sharpness can be selectively displayed. Since the transparent touch panel 2 is transparent, even when the transparent touch panel 2 is closed, the display of the display lamp 4,
It can be visually recognized through the display of the display 5 and the panel 2.

Also, the front panel 1A of the VTR main body 1
Is provided with a light transmitting / receiving unit 7. The operation state of the VTR main body 1 can be remotely controlled by a remote commander 10 described later. This remote commander 10
Can perform two-way communication. The command signal from the remote commander 10 is transmitted as an infrared signal, and the signal is received by the light transmitting / receiving unit 7. Then, signals indicating operation status of the VTR such as playback, stop, pause, and recording, recording mode, input mode, recording time, status information such as remaining tape, timer reservation, reservation confirmation, and timer information such as current time are transmitted. VTR with infrared signal as needed
This signal is transmitted from the light transmitting / receiving section 7 of the main body 1 and received by the remote commander 10.

As described above, the transparent touch panel 2 is provided on the front panel 1A of the VTR main body 1 so as to be freely opened and closed, and various operation states can be set by operating the transparent touch panel 2. Therefore, the front panel 1
It is not necessary to arrange a plurality of operation keys on A, and the design can be improved. Further, the operation keys provided on the transparent touch panel 2 can be operated with a light touch, so that the operability is improved. Since the transparent touch panel 2 is transparent, various displays can be visually recognized even when the transparent touch panel 2 is closed.

B. FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the VTR main body 1. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a system controller, and 12 denotes a mode controller. The system controller 11 and the mode controller 12 are bidirectionally connected.

When operation keys arranged on a transparent touch panel 2 provided on the front of the VTR main body 1 are operated, the operation signals are transmitted from the touch panel 2 to the system controller 11.
Supplied to When an operation key arranged on the remote commander 10 is operated, a command signal is transmitted from the remote commander 10, and the command signal is received by the light receiving element 7A. This signal is supplied from the light receiving element 7A to the system controller 11. Then, a signal indicating the setting state of the VTR main body 1 is output from the system controller 11 as necessary, and transmitted from the light emitting element 7B.

When a command signal is supplied to the system controller 11, the command mode controller 12
The operation mode is set by the mode controller 12. The display lamp 4, the display 5, and the display section 6 of the tape running state are displayed according to the set operation state.

The drum 14 is provided with a rotary head. The operation state of the drum 14 is determined by the mode controller 12.
Is set by At the time of reproduction, a recording signal of the tape is reproduced by a rotary head disposed on the drum 14, and the reproduction output is supplied to a recording / reproduction circuit 15. In the recording / reproducing circuit 15, the luminance signal is demodulated from the reproduced FM modulated luminance signal, and the carrier frequency of the reproduced low frequency conversion chroma signal is converted to a predetermined frequency (for example, 3.58 MHz). This reproduced signal is output from the input / output terminal 16.

At the time of recording, a video signal from the tuner circuit 29 or the input / output terminal 16 is supplied to the recording / reproducing circuit 15. Then, the luminance signal is FM-modulated, the chroma signal is low-frequency converted, and recorded on a tape by the rotating head of the drum 14. When the power is turned on by operating the remote commander 10, the drum 14 is immediately rotated, for example, for 30 seconds. As described above, by rotating the drum 14 for a predetermined period when the power is turned on, the reproduction screen can be immediately displayed when the reproduction is started from the power on.

In the recording mode, three types of modes (βI, βII, βIII) having different tape speeds can be set, and a normal mode and a high band mode can be set.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a timer circuit. Using this timer circuit 17, timer recording can be performed. Timer information set in the timer recording is stored in the timer memory 18. The set time of the timer circuit 17 is displayed on the display 5. Timer setting
This is performed by operating the remote commander 10 described later. The timer information stored in the timer memory 18 can be sent back to the remote commander 10 to rewrite the timer information.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a cassette detection circuit. The presence or absence of a cassette is detected by a cassette detection circuit 19. The output of the cassette detection circuit 19 is supplied to the mode controller 22.

When displaying a television broadcast screen using the tuner circuit 29 of the VTR main unit 1, usually,
The VTR main body 1 is powered on without the cassette mounted. Therefore, using the detection output of the cassette detection circuit 19, when the VTR main body 1 is turned on when there is no cassette, the channel display may be performed on the display 5 assuming that the tuner circuit 29 of the VTR main body 1 is used. . This makes it easier to see the channel display when displaying a television broadcast screen using the tuner circuit 29 of the VTR main body 1.

Reference numerals 20A and 20B denote door opening mechanisms of the transparent touch panel. The touch panel 2 of the VTR body 1
As described above, the remote commander 10 can be opened by operating the eject key 150. When an eject command signal is sent from the remote commander 10, a door opening signal is output from the system controller 11. This door opening signal is supplied to the door opening mechanisms 20A and 20B.

The open / closed state of the transparent touch panel 2 is detected by a door open detection circuit 21. The door opening detection circuit 21 is configured by, for example, a leaf switch. This door opening detection circuit 21
Detects that the transparent touch panel 2 is open, the eject operation is prohibited.

As will be described in detail later, the transparent touch panel 2
, Various operation keys are arranged. When such a transparent touch panel 2 is provided so as to be freely opened and closed, if the cassette is ejected in a state where the transparent touch panel 2 is not completely opened, the cassette is moved to the transparent touch panel 2.
There is a danger that the operation key may be contacted and malfunctioned. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention,
As described above, the open / closed state of the transparent touch panel 2 is detected by the door open detection circuit 21, and when the transparent touch panel 2 is open, the eject operation is prohibited, and such a malfunction is prevented.

An illumination lamp 22 for irradiating the transparent touch panel 2 is provided. When you open the transparent touch panel 2,
The illumination lamp 22 is turned on.

When the transparent touch panel 2 is operated, an operation sound is generated from the speaker 23. As a result, the user can perform a reliable operation.

C. 3A and 3B show the configuration of the door opening mechanisms 20A and 20B. The door opening mechanisms 20A and 20B
It comprises a magnet 23 and iron pieces 24 and 25 disposed on the transparent touch panel 2 side, and a solenoid coil 26 and iron pieces 27 and 28 disposed on the VTR main body 1 side. By controlling the current flowing through the solenoid coil 26,
The transparent touch panel 2 can be opened.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the solenoid coil 2
6 when no current is applied to the iron piece 2 of the magnet 23.
4, 25 and iron pieces 27, 28 attract each other. Therefore, the transparent touch panel 2 is kept in a closed state.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the solenoid coil 2
6, a magnetic field is generated in the solenoid coil 26 in the same direction as the direction of the magnetic field of the magnet 23, and the iron pieces 24,
25 and the iron pieces 27 and 28 repel each other. Therefore, the transparent touch panel 2 is opened.

The door opening mechanisms 20A and 20B are
Because it can be configured without using a motor, it is inexpensive and
The transparent touch panel 2 can be opened very quietly without generating motor noise.

D. Overview of Remote Commander FIG. 4 shows an external view of a remote commander 10 for operating the VTR main body 1. As shown in FIG. 5, an LCD display 31 is provided on the remote commander 10, and a touch panel 32 is stacked on the LCD display 31. Keys are displayed on the display 31, and when performing various operation settings, the touch panel 32 on the key setting display is pressed.

The remote commander 10 can be set to various modes, and the key arrangement displayed on the LCD display 31 can be changed according to each mode. As described above, the key arrangement can be changed in accordance with each mode, so that the key arrangement can be simplified, key operation errors can be reduced, and various complicated operation settings can be made. The mode and key arrangement of the remote commander 10 will be described later.

This remote commander 10 can perform bidirectional communication with the VTR main body 1. On the front side of the remote commander 10, a light transmission / reception unit 33 is provided. The command signal from the remote commander 10 is transmitted and received
3 is transmitted as an infrared signal. And VTR body 1
Is transmitted from the VTR main body 1 as an infrared signal, and this signal is received by the light transmitting / receiving section 33 of the remote commander 10.

E. FIG. 6 shows the internal configuration of the remote commander 10. The remote commander 10 is provided with a CPU 41. The display 41 and the touch panel 32 are connected to the CPU 41 in both directions. The display 31 and the touch panel 32
Are stacked and integrated as described above.

Keys are displayed on the display 31. The touch panel 32 is pressed according to the key display. As a result, a command signal is transmitted from the CPU 41, and the command signal is transmitted as an infrared signal from the light emitting element 33B.

The relay 43 is provided to generate an operation sound when the touch panel 32 is pressed. The relay sound of the relay 43 is familiar as a sound generated when the switch operation is completed, and is suitable for use as a source of operation sound. Also, the operation sound of the remote commander 10 is used as a relay sound, and
By making the operation sound of the buzzer sound from the speaker 23, the sound quality generated when the remote commander 10 is operated and the sound quality generated when the touch panel 2 of the VTR main body 1 is operated are different, and the operability is improved.

The signal sent from the VTR main body 1 is received by the light receiving element 33A and supplied to the CPU 41. A display corresponding to the signal transmitted from the VTR main body 1 is displayed on the display 31 as necessary.

An illumination lamp 44 for illuminating the display 31 and the touch panel 32 is provided. When the illumination lamp 44 is turned on, the setting state can be confirmed even in a dark place and the operation setting can be performed. The illumination lamp 44 serves as a help key as described later.
Pressing the "?" Key 122 turns on the light.

The battery mounting detection circuit 45 detects whether or not the battery has been mounted.

F. Arrangement of Touch Panel The touch panel 2 disposed on the front surface of the VTR main body 1 so as to be freely opened and closed will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration of keys arranged on the touch panel 2. The touch panel 2 has keys for performing basic operations such as a power key 47, an eject key 48, a rewind key 49, a play key 50, a fast forward key 51, a pause key 52, a stop key 53, and recording keys 54A and 54B. Are arranged.

A quick timer setting key 55, a timer recording key 56, a recording mode 57, a television / video switching key 58, a counter reset key 59, a counter display / tape remaining amount display switching key 60, and a tape return key 61 are arranged. You.

Further, index function keys such as an index key 62, an index mark key 63, and an index erase key 64 are provided.

Input switching keys 65, 66, 67
Is arranged.

The channel up / down key 6
8, a high band key 69, a βIS / SHB switch key 70, and a main / sub switch key 71 are provided.

The audio insert edit key 7
2. Editing keys such as a video insert editing key 73 and a synchro edit key 74 are arranged.

A recording level key 75, a tracking key 76, a sharpness key 77, and an adjustment up / down key 78 are provided.

A buzzer key 7 for switching operation sounds
9, tape select key 80, edit function switch key 81, audio monitor key 82, timer online function switch key 83, BNR playback switch key 84, CATV key 85, auto stereo key 86, remote commander mode switch key 87, display Various setting / switching keys such as an OK key 88 and an auto tracking key 89 are provided.

Also, keys for resetting the tuner, such as a tuner label key 90 and a tuner preset key 91, are provided.

G. Operation of Keys with Erase In the VTR main body 1, by pressing each key on the transparent touch panel 2 arranged as described above, a corresponding operation is set. The operation using the transparent touch panel 2 can be easily set by simply pressing the corresponding key lightly with a finger. Then, as described above, the input state can be recognized by the buzzer sound from the speaker 23.

However, if the input operation can be easily performed in this way, an erroneous operation of pressing an incorrect key is likely to occur. In particular, it is necessary to prevent erroneous setting of an operation involving erasing / re-recording of a tape. Therefore, in the VTR to which the present invention is applied, a key input involving erasing / re-recording of a tape is prevented from malfunctioning.

That is, the quick timer setting key 5
5. The timer recording key 56 cannot be set unless the corresponding key is pressed for several seconds. Further, the recording keys 54A and 54B cannot be set unless the two recording keys 54A and 54B are simultaneously pressed for several seconds.

H. Clean Mode As described above, in the VTR main body 1, by pressing each key on the transparent touch panel 2, a corresponding operation is set. When the operation of each key on the transparent touch panel 2 is repeated, stains such as fingerprints adhere to the surface of the transparent touch panel 2. If the transparent touch panel 2 is wiped with a cloth or the like in order to remove the stain on the transparent touch panel 2, there is a risk that a key on the transparent touch panel 2 is pressed and a malfunction occurs.

Therefore, it is possible to set a clean mode in which all the operations of each key on the transparent touch panel 2 are invalidated. That is, the power key 47 and the OK key 88
When is pressed at the same time, the mode is set to the clean mode.
In the clean mode, all key operations on the transparent touch panel 2 are invalidated. For this reason, the transparent touch panel 2
Of the transparent touch panel 2 can be removed by wiping the surface with a cloth or the like. In the clean mode, “PLEASE CLEAN THEPANE” is displayed on the display 5.
"L" is displayed to inform that the mode is the clean mode.

When the keys of the remote commander 10 are operated or the power key 47 and the OK key 88 are simultaneously pressed once, the operation returns to the normal operation mode.

I. Display on Display Usually, a counter, a time, an input mode, a tape mode, a channel, and the like are simultaneously displayed on the display 5 of the VTR body 1.

In the VTR to which the present invention is applied, the tracking adjustment can be performed electronically by operating the tracking key 6 and the adjustment up / down key 78. The sharpness adjustment can be performed by operating the sharpness key 77 and the adjustment up / down key 78. When making such electrical adjustments,
It is necessary to display these adjustment states. The display 5 is used to display these setting states.
However, the display area of the display 5 is limited.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the display on the display 5 can be selectively changed between normal time and adjustment time.

That is, for example, when performing tracking adjustment, the tracking key 76 is pressed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, "TRACK" is displayed on the display 5.
ING ”and a bar graph indicating the adjustment state are displayed. The tracking adjustment can be performed by operating the adjustment up / down key 78 while looking at the bar graph.
In this way, when making adjustments, the normal display disappears,
Since the bar graph indicating the tracking adjustment state is displayed on the entire surface of the display 5, the adjustment display becomes large, and the adjustment becomes easy. In the case of sharpness adjustment,
Similarly, a bar graph indicating the setting state of the sharpness is displayed on the entire surface of the display 5.

When the tracking adjustment or the sharpness adjustment is performed, the display on the display 5 is returned to the normal display several seconds later or when the OK key 88 is pressed.

When the recording level key 75 is pressed,
As shown in FIG. 8B, the display of the level meter is displayed on the entire surface of the display 5. While watching this display, the recording level can be adjusted by operating the adjustment up / down key 78.

The indication of the level meter is OK.
If the key 88 is not pressed, the level meter display is continuously displayed.

When confirming a reserved program, a display showing a reserved recording mode, a recording start time, a reservation number, a reserved channel, and a recording end time is displayed as shown in FIG. 8C.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment state is large and easy to see so that an appropriate display can be performed using the limited display area of the display 5. In addition, a bar graph is displayed on the entire display 5 for the adjustment state, and in the case of a normal state or a timer check, a plurality of items are simultaneously displayed so that various states can be checked at once.

J. Remote Commander Mode As described above, the remote commander 10 can be set to various modes. Each mode of the remote commander 10 will be described.

FIG. 9 shows each mode transition of the remote commander 10. When you insert batteries for the first time,
Or, when the remote commander has not been operated for about 5 minutes, the mode changes to the [SLEEP] mode 101. FIG. 10A shows [SLE
EP] shows the state of the key arrangement in the mode 101.
In the sleep mode 101, as shown in FIG. 10A, the display other than the status key 121 disappears.

Here, when the status key 121 is pressed, normally, as shown in FIG.
02. FIG. 10B shows a key layout in the [MONITOR] mode 102. In the [MONITOR] mode 102, the character "MONITOR" is scroll-displayed on the character display section 120, and then the character as shown is displayed. In addition, among the displays on the character display unit 120, the display with [] is an input key. In addition, “?” Key 122, “NO” key 123, “PO”
The "WER" key 124 is displayed. Also, rewind key 1
25, fast forward key 126, play key 127, pause key 128, stop key 129, recording keys 130A, 130
Keys for basic operation setting such as B are displayed. "TIMER" key 131, "LINE / TUNER" key 13
2. The "SETTING" key 133 is displayed.

[MONITOR] When the playback mode is set in the mode 102 and the playback mode is set to the pause state, as shown in FIG.
[SHUTTLE] mode 103 is set. FIG. 10C shows [SHUTTL
E] shows a key layout in the mode 103. [SHUTTL
E] In the mode 103, the character display unit 120 displays “S
After the characters "HUTTTLE" are scroll-displayed, the characters as shown in the figure are displayed. In the [SHUTTLE] mode 103, as shown in FIG.
22, a "NO" key 123 and a "POWER" key 124 are displayed. Also, the forward / reverse speed change reproduction keys 134, 13
5, 136, reverse-speed variable speed reproduction keys 137, 138,
139, a still image playback key 140 is displayed. [SHUTTL
[E] When the mode 103 is set, variable speed reproduction at × 1/10 × speed, × 1/5 × speed, × 1 × speed, × 2 × speed, and switching operation of the reproduction direction can be performed.

In FIG. 9, when the VTR main body 1 is in the timer reservation standby state, the [TIMER CHECK] mode 104
become. FIG. 11A shows a key arrangement in the [TIMER CHECK] mode 104. [TIMER CHECK] mode 104
Then, the character display section 120 displays “TIME CHE
CK "is scrolled over two lines,
A timer setting state is displayed as shown. When the character is scrolled over the character display unit 120 in two rows, the lower character is scrolled after the upper character is scrolled. In the [TIMER CHECK] mode 104, as shown in FIG. 11A, a “?” Key 122 and a “NO” key 1
23. The "YES" key 124A is displayed (the "YES" key 124A is displayed at the same position as the "POWER" key 124). Also, a “MEMORY” key 142, a “NEXT” key 143, and a “TIMER” key 131 are displayed. [TIMER C
In the [HECK] mode 104, every time the "NEXT" key 143 is pressed, the reservation contents of up to eight programs are displayed.

In FIG. 9, [TIMER CHECK] mode 10
When the "TIMER" key 131 is pressed from 4, the [TIMER SE]
[T] mode 105. FIG. 11B shows [TIMER CHECK]
The key layout in the mode 104 is shown. [TIMER SE
In the [T] mode 105, the character display section 120 displays “T
After the characters "IMER SET" are scrolled over two levels, a timer setting state is displayed as shown. The "?" Key 123 and the "YES" key 12
4A is displayed. Also, the up / down key 144,
A channel up / down key 145 is displayed. Also, a “MEMORY” key 142 and a “REC MODE” key 146 are displayed. “TIMER” key 131, “LINE / TUNE”
R "key 132," MONITOR "key 133A (" MONITOR
Key 133A is displayed at the same position as the "SETTING" key 133). [TIMERSET] mode 1
When the “TIMER” key 131 is pressed from 05, [TIMER C
HECK] mode 104.

In FIG. 9, "LINE / TUNER" key 132
When [] is pressed, [TUNER MODE] 106 is displayed when the tuner input is selected on the VTR main body 1 side. FIG. 11C
Shows the key layout at the time of [TUNER MODE] 106. In the [TUNER MODE] mode 106, the characters "TUNER MODE" are scroll-displayed on the character display section 120, and then the characters as shown in the figure are displayed.
In addition, “?” Key 122, “NO” key 123, “POWER”
Key 124 is displayed. Also, "ANT TV / VTR"
A key 147 and a “MUTING” key 148 are displayed. Further, a volume up / down key 144A and a channel up / down key 145 are displayed. Also, "TU
NER) key 131, LINE / TUNER key 132, MONI
TOR "key 133A is displayed.

In FIG. 9, "LINE / TUNER" key 132
When the button is pressed and the BS input is selected on the VTR main body 1, the [TUNER / BS] mode 107 is set. FIG. 12A
Indicates a key arrangement in the [TUNER / BS] mode 107. In the [TUNER / BS] mode 107, the characters "BS TUNER" are scroll-displayed on the character display section 120, and then the characters as shown are displayed. Also, "?" Key 122, "NO" key 123, "POWER"
A key 124 is displayed. Also, "ANT TV / VTR" key 1
47, a “MUTING” key 148 is displayed. Further, a volume up / down key 144A and a channel up / down key 145 are displayed. Also, a "TIMER" key 131, a "LINE / TUNER" key 132, and a "MONITOR" key 133A are displayed.

In FIG. 9, "LINE / TUNER" key 132
Is pressed, and when the line input 1 or 2 is selected on the VTR main unit 1, the [LINE] mode 108 is set. FIG.
2B shows a key layout in the [LINE] mode 108. In the [LINE] mode 108, the character display unit 1
A character as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. Also,
A "?" Key 122, a "NO" key 123, and a "POWER" key 124 are displayed. In addition, "TIMER" key 131,
"LINE / TUNER" key 132, "MONITOR" key 133A
Is displayed.

In any state, the “?” Key 12
When 2 is pressed, the illumination lamp 44 (FIG. 6) for irradiating the display 31 is turned on, and the character of the currently set mode is scroll-displayed on the character display unit 120. When the characters indicating the mode extend over two lines, the characters on the two lines are scroll-displayed with a time lag, so that the mode can be easily checked. The illumination lamp 44 is turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, the user can check the state of the remote commander 10 at any time by pressing the “?” Key 122. At this time, the illumination lamp 44 is turned on, so that the remote commander operation can be performed reliably even in a dark place if only the position of the "?" Key 122 is memorized.

When the "?" Key 122 is kept pressed, the [MODE] mode 109 is set. FIG. 13A shows [H
[OME] mode 109 shows the key layout. [M
In the ODE] 109, the character display unit 120 displays “HOM
After the character "E" is scroll-displayed, a character as shown is displayed. In addition, “?” Key 122 and “N
An "O" key 123 and a "ROWER" key 124 are displayed.
In addition, “INDEX” key 149, “ANT TV / VTR” key 14
7. The eject key 150 is displayed. Also, a rewind key 125, a fast forward key 126, a play key 127, a pause key 128, a stop key 129, a recording key 130A,
130B is displayed. "TAPE RETURN" key 1
51, "COUNTER RESET" key 143A, "REC MODE"
A key 146 is displayed. "TIMER" key 13
1. "LINE / TUNER" key 132, "SETTING" key 13
3 is displayed. In the [HOME] mode 109, all keys necessary for the operation are provided.

In FIG. 9, when the “INDEX” key 149 is pressed, the mode becomes the [INDEX COUNTER] mode 110. FIG.
3B shows an array in the [INDEX COUNTER] mode 110. In the [INDEX COUNTER] mode 110, a character as shown in the figure is displayed on the character display unit 120. Also, “?” Key 122, “NO” key 123,
A "POWER" key 124 is displayed. Also, "INDEX"
A key 149 is displayed. Also, a rewind key 125, a fast forward key 126, a play key 127, a pause key 12
8. The stop key 129 is displayed. Also, "TAPE RETUR
An "N" key 151 and a "COUNTER RESET" key 143A are displayed. In addition, “INDEX MARK” key 131A, “MONI
TOR "key 133A is displayed.

In FIG. 9, when the [SETTING] key 133 is pressed, a [COMMAND] mode 111 is set. FIG. 14A
Indicates a key arrangement in the [COMMAND] mode 111. In the [COMMAND] mode 111, the characters "COMMANDMODE" are scroll-displayed on the character display unit 120 over two lines. The "?" Key 12
2. The "NO" key 123 and "YES" 124A are displayed. Also, keys 152, 152,... With numbers “1” to “12” are displayed. Also, a [SETTING] key 133 is displayed. By using the keys 152, 152,... Of "1" to "12", a device to be operated by the remote commander can be selected. The keys 152, 15
The numbers “1” to “12” given to 2,.
Supports equipment manufacturers.

In FIG. 9, the [SETTING] key 133
When [] is pressed, the [CLOCK SET] mode 112 is set. FIG.
4B shows a key arrangement in the [CLOCK SET] mode 112. In the [CLOCK SET] mode 112, the characters "CLOCK SET" are scroll-displayed on the character display section 120, and then characters for setting the calendar and time as shown in the figure are displayed. Also,"?"
Key 122, "NO" key 123, "YES" key 124A
Is displayed. An up / down key 144 and a channel up / down key 145 are displayed. Also, [SETTI
NG] key 133 is displayed. In the [CLOCK SET] mode 112, a character displayed on the character display unit 120 and a VTR
The calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 (FIG. 2) of the main body 1 are set correctly.

In FIG. 9, the [SETTING] key 133
When is pressed, the [TUNER PRESET] mode 113 is set. FIG. 14C shows a key arrangement in the [TUNER PRESET] mode 113. In [TUNER PRESET] mode 113,
The character display section 120 displays “TUNER PRESE
After the character "T" is scroll-displayed, the character is displayed as shown. "?" Key 122, "NO"
The key 123 and the "YES" key 124A are displayed. Also, keys 15 numbered from “1” to “12”
2, 152,... Are displayed. Also, [SETTING] key 1
33 is displayed. In [TUNER PRESET] mode 113,
The receiving channel of the tuner can be set.

In FIG. 9, the [SETTING] key 133
When [] is pressed, the [COMMAND] mode 111 is set.

K. Basic Operation Method of Remote Commander As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the key arrangement of the remote commander 10 is changed according to each mode.

The "?" Key 122 has a function of a help key when the user cannot understand the operation. That is, as described above, when it is desired to know which mode is set, the “?” Key 122 is pressed. Then, the character of the set mode is displayed on the character display section 1.
20 is scroll-displayed. And "?" Key 12
2 is pressed, the display 31 and the touch panel 3
The illumination lamp 44 for irradiating 2 is illuminated, and the setting state can be confirmed even in a dark place.

When the characters displayed on the character display section 120 extend over two levels, each level is scroll-displayed with a time difference. This makes it easier to see the character display in two stages.

When the setting mode becomes unknown and the operation is not understood, the "?" Key 122 is kept pressed for several seconds. By doing so, the [HOME] mode 109 is set.
In the [HOME] mode 109, as shown in FIG. 13A, all keys necessary for normal operations are displayed, so that any operation can be performed.

The "NO" key 123 is a key for canceling the current input and returning to the previous state. If a key entry has been made by mistake or a setting has been made by mistake, the “NO” key 123 is pressed. Then, the state returns to the state before the input was not performed. In the multi-function remote commander, when an incorrect input is made, it is often impossible to return the setting state to the original state. However, if the “NO” key 123 is pressed, the current input can be canceled and the state can be returned to the previous state. When the “NO” key 123 is pressed twice, the mode becomes the [HOME] mode 109 in which all keys necessary for normal operation are displayed.

Further, a character such as a time or a calendar displayed on the display unit 120 or a character with [] can be set by directly pressing the character. Therefore, operability is improved.

L. Processing when time is not set In one embodiment of the present invention, the remote commander 10
Is set to [TIMER SET] mode 105 (FIG. 11B), timer recording can be set by the remote commander 10. However, the remote commander 10
When the timer recording can be performed by using, the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 of the VTR main body 1 are not set correctly, and the timer recording may not be performed correctly.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 are not set when the power is turned on, or when the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 are not set, When the recording or the quick timer recording is attempted, the display of "PLEASE SET THE CLOCK" is displayed on the display 5, and a warning that the calendar and the time are not set is issued.

Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the battery of the remote commander 10 is detected to be loaded and the battery is newly loaded, the timer recording is performed by pressing the "TIMER" key 131. [CLOCK SET] mode 112
When the calendar and time are set, timer recording cannot be performed. Whether or not a battery is loaded is detected by a battery loading detection circuit 45 (FIG. 6). Thus, [CLOCK SET] mode 112 (FIG. 14B)
Therefore, prior to performing the timer recording, the timer circuit 17 of the VTR main unit 1 is set correctly, and the calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 of the VTR main unit 1 may not be set correctly, and there is a risk that the timer recording may not be performed correctly. Can be avoided.

M. Setting of Calendar and Time In the [CLOCK SET] mode 112 shown in FIG. 14B, a calendar and time are set as follows.

When the [CLOCK SET] mode 112 is set,
In the character display section 120 of the remote commander 10,
As shown in FIG. 15, a day display 161, an hour display 163,
A month display 164, a day display 65, and a year display 166 are displayed.

When a display desired to be set among the displays displayed on the character display section 120 is directly pressed, the display flashes. When the up / down key 144 is pressed, the blinking display portion can be set.

That is, when the month display 164 is pressed, FIG.
As shown in A, the month display 164 flashes. Here, pressing the up / down key 144 causes the month display 16 to be displayed.
The display of 4 changes, and the month is set.

When the date display 165 is pressed, the date display 165 blinks as shown in FIG. 15B. Here, by pressing the up / down key 144, the display of the date display 165 changes, and the date is set.

When the hour display 162 is pressed, the hour display 162 flashes as shown in FIG. 15C. Here, when the up / down key 144 is pressed, the display of the hour display 162 changes, and the hour setting is performed.

When the minute display 63 is pressed, the minute display 163 blinks as shown in FIG. 15D. Here, by pressing the up / down key 144, the display of the minute display 163 is changed, and the minute setting is performed.

As described above, when the display displayed on the character display section 120 is directly pressed, the display blinks, and the blinking display portion can be set by operating the up / down key 144. If the setting is apologized, the user can return to the original state by pressing the "NO" key 123.

When the "NO" key 123 is pressed twice, the "HOME" mode 109 is set. Check the contents,
When the "YES" key 124A is pressed, a display 167 of "TRANSMIT" is displayed on the character display section 120 as shown in FIG. 15E.

When the "YES" key 124A is pressed at the same time as the time signal, for example, this command signal is transmitted to the VTR main body 1, and a transmission display 168 as shown in FIG. , VTR
The calendar and time of the timer circuit 17 of the main body 1 are set.

N. Timer Setting When the [TIMER SET] mode 105 shown in FIG. 11B is set, timer recording can be performed as follows.

[TIMER SET] When set to mode 105,
In the character display section 120 of the remote commander 10,
As shown in FIG. 16, a day display 171, a recording start display 172, a recording start minute display 173, a channel display 17
4, a recording mode display 175, a recording end display 176, and a recording end minute display 177 are displayed.

When a display desired to be set among the displays displayed on the character display section 120 is directly pressed, the display blinks. When the up / down key 144 is pressed, the blinking display portion can be set.

That is, when the day display 171 is pressed, FIG.
As shown in 6A, the day display 171 blinks. Here, by pressing the up / down key 144, the display of the day display 171 is changed, and the day is set.

When the recording start display 172 is pressed, the display shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the recording start time display 172 blinks. Here, by pressing the up / down key 144, the display of the recording start display 172 changes, and the recording start setting is made.

When the recording start minute display 173 is pressed, FIG.
As shown, the recording start minute display 173 blinks. Here, when the up / down key 144 is pressed, the display of the recording start minute display 173 changes, and the recording start minute is set.

When the recording end display 176 is pressed, FIG.
As shown, the recording end display 176 flashes. Here, by pressing the up / down key 144, the display of the recording end display 176 changes, and the recording end setting is made.

When the recording end minute display 177 is pressed, FIG.
As shown, the recording end minute display 177 flashes. Here, by pressing the up / down key 144, the display of the recording end minute display 177 is changed, and the recording end minute setting is made.

When the channel display 174 is pressed, the state shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6F, the channel display 174 blinks.
Here, by pressing the channel setting key 145,
The display of the channel display 174 changes, and the recording channel is set.

After confirming the contents and pressing the "YES" key 124A, "TRANSMI" is displayed as shown in FIG.
The display 167 of “T” is displayed on the character display unit 120.

Then, for example, within 5 minutes, "YES" key 1
When 24A is pressed, this command signal is
16H, a transmission display 168 as shown in FIG. 16H is displayed on the character display unit 120, and the VT
Timer settings are made in the timer memory 18 of the R main body 1.

The recording mode is normally set to the βII mode. The setting of the recording mode is performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 17A, channel display 1
When 74 is pressed, the channel display 174 flashes. Here, when the “REC MODE” key 146 is pressed, the channel display 174 disappears and β
The detailed recording mode display 175A with the letters "" is displayed. Each time the “REC MODE” key 146 is pressed, the recording mode display 175A changes to βIII, βI... And the recording mode is set.

Since the recording mode is normally set to the βII mode, the recording mode display 175 is normally displayed in a simple form without the character β, so that the display area can be sufficiently used. When the recording mode is set, the detailed recording mode display 1 with the character β
75A is displayed, so that the recording mode can be reliably set.

If the setting is incorrect, "NO"
By pressing the key 123, the original state can be restored. When the “NO” key 123 is pressed twice, the “HOME” mode 109 is set.

If the up key of the up / down key 144 is kept depressed when setting the day of the week, a recording setting up to one month, a weekly recording setting and the like can be performed as shown in FIG. That is, when the up key is kept pressed, the day of the week display 171 becomes “SUN”, “MON”.
T ”in order. When only the day display 171 is displayed, timer recording for the week is set. If the user continues to press the up key, a month display 178, a day display 179, and a year display 180 are displayed together with the day display 171 and timer recording for the next week, and the next week, and so on, is set. In this way, the timer can be set within one month. If you continue to press the up key, “SP” display 181 and “EVERYSU”
"EVERY MON"... "EVERY SAT" is displayed 182, and timer recording at the same time every week is set. If you continue to hold the up key,
A display 183 of "N-FRI" is made, a daily timer recording without Saturday and Sunday is set, and when the up key is kept pressed, a display 184 of "MON-SAT" is made.
Is set, and the timer recording every day without Sunday is set, and when the up key is kept pressed, “MON-S
"UN" is displayed 185, and the timer recording is set every day. If the user continues to press the up key, the display returns to the day display 171 of this week. When the down key is kept pressed, the operation setting is reversed.

O. Memory bank function Display 1 of “TRANSMIT” when setting timer recording
While 67 is displayed on the character display unit 120,
When the “MEMORY” key 142 is pressed, a memory bank mode is set, and a program can be stored. Then, at this time, a title desired by the user can be given. As described above, when a program is stored, a title desired by the user can be given, so that operability is improved.

That is, when the timer recording is set, FIG.
The timer time is set as shown in FIG.
When 4A is pressed, as shown in FIG.
"SMIT" is displayed on the character display unit 120. When the “MEMORY” key 142 is pressed while the “TRANSMIT” display 167 is displayed on the character display unit 120, the reservation number display 181, the character position setting keys 182A and 182B are displayed as shown in FIG. 19C. It is displayed on the character display unit 120. When the character position setting keys 182A and 182B are pressed, as shown in FIG. 19D,
The cursor 184 is moved. Up / Down key 14
When the user operates No. 4, characters are displayed in a portion where the cursor 184 is blinking. Character position setting keys 182A, 18
By moving the cursor 184 to a predetermined position and operating the up / down key 144 in FIG.
19G, the title character display 185, 1
85,... Are formed.

When the "YES" key 124A is pressed, the character display 167 of "TRANSMIT" is displayed on the character display section 120 as shown in FIG. 19H. When the "YES" key 124A is pressed, this command signal is transmitted to the VTR main body 1, and a transmission display 167 as shown in FIG.

P. Confirmation and change of reservation contents By setting to "TIMER CHECK" mode 104, reservation contents can be confirmed.

That is, when the mode is set to the “TIMER CHECK” mode 104, [ON / OFF] as shown in FIG.
The display 191 is displayed on the character display unit 120. Then, when the “NEXT” key 143 is pressed, a command signal for confirming the reservation content is transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR main body 1. When a command signal is transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR main body 1, a transmission display 168 shown in FIG. 20B is displayed in the character display area 120. Thereby, the VTR main body 1
The reservation contents stored in the timer memory 18 are detected. Then, a signal indicating this reservation content is returned from the VTR main body 1 to the remote commander 10. When a signal is returned from the VTR body 1 to the remote commander 10,
The reception display 192 shown in FIG.
20 is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 20D, the reservation content of reservation number 1 is displayed on character display unit 120. When the “NEXT” key 143 is further pressed, similarly,
A command signal for confirming the reservation contents is transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR main body 1, the reservation contents stored in the timer memory 18 are detected, and a signal indicating the reservation contents is transmitted from the VTR main body 1 to the remote commander 1. ., And the reservation contents of the reservation numbers 2, 3,... Are sequentially displayed on the character display unit 120 each time the "NEXT" key 143 is pressed.

In the "TIMER CHECK" mode 104, the reservation contents can be changed.

That is, when the "TIMER CHECK" mode 104 is set, [ON / OFF] as shown in FIG.
The display 191 is displayed on the character display unit 120. Here, as shown in FIG. 21B, when the [ON / OFF] display 191 is pressed, the recording reservation state is released. "NEX
When the "T" key 143 is pressed, a command signal for confirming the reservation content is transmitted from the remote commander 10 to the VTR main body 1, a transmission display 168 as shown in FIG. 21C is displayed, and the timer of the VTR main body 1 is displayed. Memory 18
Is reserved. A signal indicating this reservation content is sent from the VTR main unit 1 to the remote commander 10.
And a reception display 192 as shown in FIG. 21D is displayed. Each time the “NEXT” key 143 is pressed, the reservation contents of the reservation numbers 1, 2, 3,... Are sequentially displayed on the character display unit 120 as shown in FIG. 21E. When the character of the reservation number whose recording content is to be changed is displayed and the character display of the item to be changed is pressed, the character of the item blinks as shown in FIG. 21F. Then, the contents of the blinking portion are displayed by operating the up / down key 144 and the channel up / down key 145 in FIG.
G is changed as shown in FIG. And check the contents,
When the "YES" key 124A is pressed, a display 167 of "TRANSMIT" is displayed on the character display section 120 as shown in FIG. 21H. Then, "YES" key 124
When A is pressed, this command signal is transmitted to the VTR main body 1, and a transmission display 168 as shown in FIG. 21I is displayed on the character display section 120, and the timer setting of the timer memory 18 of the VTR main body 1 is performed. Be changed.

Since the remote commander 10 and the VTR main body 1 can exchange signals bidirectionally,
The reservation contents stored in the timer memory 18 of the VTR main body 1 can be displayed on the character display section 120 of the remote commander 10. Then, the contents set in the timer memory 18 of the VTR main body 1 are changed in the timer setting on the remote commander 10 side, and the VTR
It can be set in the timer memory 18 of the main body 1.

Q. Operation of Other Devices A command signal for operating another television or VTR is stored in the memory 42 of the remote commander 10. When the command mode 11 is set, other televisions and VTRs can be operated.

That is, when the command mode 11 is set, the number display 195 and the device display 1 are displayed as shown in FIG.
96, [MODE] display 197 is the character display section 12
By pressing the [MODE] display 197 displayed at 0, the device setting for the television or VTR is made. By pressing the key of the corresponding maker number among the keys 152, 152,... Numbered "1" to "12", the maker of the device is set.

The numbers of the keys 152, 152,... Correspond to the makers, for example, as shown in FIG. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the number of each manufacturer is common to both televisions and VTRs. in this way,
If the number of each maker is made common, operability is improved. Then, "YES" key 124A is pressed. Thus, the remote commander 120 can operate a VTR or a television of another model or another manufacturer.

[0131]

According to the present invention, when a new mode is set, the characters of the newly set mode are scroll-displayed on the character display section, and then the mode is set. With such a configuration, the setting mode can be easily recognized, and a limited display space can be effectively used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a VTR to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view used to explain a door opening mechanism in a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view used to explain a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view used to explain an arrangement of keys on a transparent touch panel in a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a display in a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a state transition diagram used to explain a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a plan view used to explain a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a plan view used for explaining a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a plan view used for explaining a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a plan view used for explaining a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 14 is a plan view used for explaining a remote commander of a VTR to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram used for describing a calendar and time setting.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a timer setting.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a recording mode setting.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram used for explaining day setting.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram used for describing a memory bank.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram used for explaining reservation content confirmation.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram used for explaining a change in reservation content.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram used to explain setting of another device.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram used for describing a case where an operation of another device is performed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... VTR main body, 10 ... remote commander,
120 ... character display section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI H04Q 9/00 371 (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/02-3/023 G06F 3 / 00 H04Q 9/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A touch panel is provided on a display, and the touch panel is pressed according to a key arrangement displayed by the touch panel. A plurality of modes can be set, and the key arrangement is changed according to the mode. An input device having a character display unit, wherein when a new mode is set in the character display unit, a display indicating the new mode is displayed for a predetermined time, and then the setting state in the mode is displayed. Entering
Force device, confirm the above mode in the key layout in the above setting state
When the mode confirmation key is pressed, the character display
Display shows the currently set mode for a predetermined time.
An input device characterized by being displayed .