JP3478282B2 - Remote control device and control method thereof - 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 when a head-mounted eyeglass-type viewer is used as a means for displaying the image. It is a thing.

[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 controller, the operation keys correspond to the operations of the target AV device in a one-to-one correspondence, which is easy to understand.

On the other hand, as a display means (monitor) for AV equipment, eyeglass-type viewers, which can be used by being attached to a head and used to enjoy images with the power of a large screen, have recently been receiving attention. This eyeglass viewer is a small LC
A D (Liquid Crystal Display) panel is placed in front of the eye, and is magnified and viewed with an eyepiece. Therefore, the user is left in a situation where the outside world cannot be seen during use.

[0004]

By the way, there is a problem of fatigue in AV devices such as game machines and eyeglass-type viewers, which are used intensively for a long time. Conventionally, these are described in the instruction manual as precautions for use. It was just being done. However, it is easy for enthusiastic users to forget about the passage of time, and especially for eyeglass-type viewers, it is easy to concentrate because they are separated from the outside world, so be sure to operate them properly and exercise caution. Is hard to hope for.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the operation by the remote controller, and its object is to provide a remote operation device which enables a correct operation for long-term use. is there.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a remote control device for remotely controlling a video output device and a display section for displaying a video signal output from the video output device. The display unit is an eyeglass-type viewer, and an operation unit for remotely operating the video output device,
Remote operation including a control unit that processes an output signal of the operation unit and issues a remote operation signal to the video output device, and a display output unit that generates a character signal according to a control signal from the control unit and displays the character signal on the display unit In the device and its control method,
When the power is turned on, the display unit will turn off the power after a certain time.
Display, monitor the passage of a certain time from the start of use,
After the elapse of the certain period of time, a warning of long-term use is displayed on the display unit via the display output unit, or the warning of long-term use is displayed and the operation unit displays during the display. A remote control signal for disabling the operation and then turning off the power is issued to the video output device.

According to the present invention , after a certain period of time has passed from the start of use on the screen of the actually used display unit,
Prolonged use warning display, or with it,
The control unit forcibly turns off the power of the video output device after a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of use, thereby prompting correct use without fear of fatigue due to long-term use and an operation therefor. Further, still better when the display of use elapsed time at every elapse constantly or at regular time in the onset bright.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment 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 spectacles-type viewer 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as a viewer) using a small LCD as a display unit. ) Is used as an example. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a remote controller, which is connected to the VTR 1 and the viewer 2 by cables 4 and 5. The operation unit of the remote controller 3 has "menu" (MENU) key 3a, "+" key 3b, "-" key 3c, "enter" as operation keys of the VTR 1 or the viewer 2.
An (ENTER) key 3d is provided. In addition,
The "+" and "-" keys may be apparently one key that operates like a seesaw.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment solves the problem of fatigue in an AV device (for example, a VTR and a spectacles-type viewer are assumed in this embodiment) in which the remote controller may concentrate on video / audio for a long time. And in the proper form,
A warning message for long-term use is displayed on the screen that is actually used to call attention to the user and encourage correct use and operation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of this embodiment.

This remote controller has the same VT as the previous embodiment.
It is connected between R and the spectacles type viewer to operate the VTR and the viewer. Reference numeral 6 denotes a control unit, and in the present embodiment, it monitors the passage 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 connected between lines of a video signal output from an AV device such as a VTR to a viewer monitor, and a control signal from the control unit 6 displays a lapse of time or warns of the long-term use. Display the message display on the monitor screen. A confirmation sound output unit 8 outputs a confirmation sound to a speaker or headphones used for AV equipment. 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes a command generator for the AV equipment. In this embodiment, a control signal from the controller 6 instructs the AV equipment (video output device) such as a VTR to turn off the power. The command generator 11 may be built in the controller 6.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the operation and action of the embodiment, showing a display example of the monitor screen.

First, the control unit 6 operates as shown in FIG.
The warning message "This system is
The power is automatically turned off in 3 hours. Please be careful about 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 invalid, and a confirmation sound is output when the display ends. Subsequently, the elapsed time of use is displayed as shown in FIG. 3B at all times or every time a certain period of time elapses. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time (after 3 hours in this example), a warning message "Long time has passed 3 hours have passed since you started using" for a long time is displayed for a certain time (for example, 10 seconds) (Fig. 3 (C)) Next, the warning message "Power has been off for 3 hours. Power off." Is displayed for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) (Fig. 3 (d)), and the power is turned on. AV command of off
Send to device. As described above, the user's fatigue is prevented.

[0016] For the sake of simplicity, a warning message "Please be careful about fatigue" only when the power is turned on (Fig. 3
(A ')) only is displayed, or FIG.
(B) is displayed, or FIG. 3 (a ′) → FIG.
You may display (b)-> FIG.3 (c). Further, this warning function may be incorporated in the AV device or the viewer.

Next, another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in a remote controller that is operated by being supplied with power from a battery of an AV device such as a VTR, when the battery cannot be operated due to battery down, not only the operation itself is stopped but also the AV device of the main body works in conjunction with the power supply. Is turned off to maintain the integrity of the system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the remote controller in this embodiment.

Reference numeral 1 is an AV device such as a VTR, and 6 is a control unit. In this embodiment, the battery is supplied from the battery of the AV device 1 to operate. The remote control 3 is a power source,
Signals (video, audio) and commands are connected by cable. Reference numeral 12 is a battery down detection unit corresponding to the battery remaining amount detection means, and the control unit 6 receives the detection signal of this battery down detection and the command generation unit 1
A power-off command is sent to the AV device 1 via 1.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the present embodiment. AV equipment which operates on a battery normally detects a battery down, and when the battery down is discriminated, the power of the main body is turned off and the remote controller is operated. Also stop the power supply to. Here, if the remote control becomes inoperable before the power supply voltage drops and the main body detects that the battery is down, the operation of the main body may be abnormal, and correct operation may not be possible. Therefore, in the present embodiment, detection of battery down, which is not performed by normal peripheral devices, is detected by the remote controller before the main body detects battery down, and the internal power supply of the remote controller is turned off to operate the operation unit. At the same time as preventing the remote control command from being sent, the main body side is requested to turn off the power so that the power states of both are the same and the system consistency is maintained. In addition,
When a peripheral device other than the remote control is connected, the power of the device is also turned off in conjunction with it. Further, this embodiment is applicable to other than AV equipment.

Further, another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, even when the operation section of the remote controller cannot be seen as in the case of using the spectacles-type viewer, the number of operation keys is small, and therefore the remote control operation of the VTR is enabled. Even if the number of operation keys is small, a menu selection method is used to achieve multi-functionality.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the remote controller in this embodiment.

The output signals of the keys 3a to 3d are input to the control unit 6 whose main part is a microcomputer. 7
Indicates a screen display unit corresponding to a display output unit, which has a function of generating a character by a control signal from the control unit 6 by providing a character generator and displaying an operation menu on the viewer 2. The screen display unit 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. A confirmation sound output unit 8 has a function of outputting a confirmation sound of key operation in response to a control signal from the control unit 6. The confirmation sound output unit 8 is connected between the lines of the audio signal output from the VTR 1 to the viewer 2 and superimposes the confirmation sound on the audio signal. Further, the control unit 6 generates a command corresponding to the remote control signal corresponding to the function selected by the menu system and sends it to the VTR 1.

The operation and action of the embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a menu mode transition diagram showing a control example in the control unit 6 for explaining the operation of the embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a menu operation example for similarly explaining the operation.

In FIG. 7, "menu" indicates a mode in which the menu is displayed on the screen, and "normal" indicates a mode in which the menu is not displayed.
In addition, () indicates a key name, and note symbols indicate confirmation sounds. First, when the MENU key is pressed in the "normal" state, a confirmation sound beeps to shift to the "menu" mode, and a menu with symbols as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed on the screen. The position of the cursor in the menu display is, for example, highlighted by a symbol. Next, the user is "+"
Each time the key or the "-" key is pressed, a confirmation sound is emitted each time, and the cursor position is moved up and down ("Cursor UP", "Cursor DO" as shown in FIG. 8B).
WN "processing). At this time, the current VTR operation mode (“STOP” in the illustrated example) is displayed at the top of the menu display. After confirming the desired cursor position in this way, EN
When you press the TER key, a confirmation sound will be heard and a command for the function corresponding to the cursor position on the menu display will be generated and sent to the VTR ("command transmission" process).
The operation mode display changes (in the example of FIG. 8C, "F
F "). After that, the menu state continues (there is no return from the "New" mode to the "Normal" mode due to a timeout without any key), FIG. 8 (d),
As shown in (e), "+" and "-" keys and ENTER
The VTR operation (PLAY in the illustrated example) can be performed with the key. When it is desired to return from the "menu" mode to the "normal" mode, it is performed by pressing the MENU key ("menu off" processing).

9 (a) and 9 (b) are explanatory views showing another embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, (a) is an external view of the remote controller, and (b) is a menu display example corresponding thereto. is there.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the "+" and "-" keys for moving the cursor are arranged vertically, and the menu display is also displayed vertically correspondingly, but in this embodiment, the cursor is The keys 3b and 3c for movement are arranged horizontally (the MENU key and the ENTER key are the same as those in FIG. 1), and the menu display is displayed at the bottom of the screen correspondingly, and the operation is as shown in FIG. It is similar to the form.

10 (a), (b), (c), (d)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the operation unit of the remote controller in the above embodiment.

First, in FIG. 10A, the "PLAY" key 3e and the "STOP" key 3f, which are conventional independent keys, are
An example is shown in which the keys are used also as the "+" and "-" keys of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the keys function as cursor up / down keys during menu display.

FIG. 10B shows an example in which an encoder using the roller 3g is used for the "+" and "-" keys of the menu. An output signal generated by rotating the roller 3g in the forward or reverse direction moves the vertical menu display cursor up / down. It should be noted that the roller 3g may be arranged so as to be horizontally rotatable. In this case, the cursor is moved to the left / right as the horizontal menu display shown in FIG. 9B.
The same applies when the roller section is provided with the function of the ENTER key.

FIGS. 10 (c) and 10 (d) show "+",
This is an example in which the "Enter" (ENT) key is arranged between the "-" keys, and in (c), the "Enter" key 3d is placed in the center of the "+" and "-" keys 3b and 3c for moving the cursor independently. Is arranged, and in (d), the "+" and "-" keys are used as seesaw-shaped keys 3h, and when the center is pressed, the function of "enter" is given.

Further, another embodiment of the above embodiment will be described. 11A and 11B are an external view (a) showing the configuration of the remote controller of the present embodiment and a perspective view (b) showing the key structure. In this embodiment, the "play" (PLAY) key 9a and "rewind" of the normal remote controller 9 are used.
(REW) key 9b, "Fast-forward" (FF) key 9c,
The double-structured key 10 is used for each of the "STOP" keys 9d. This double-structured key 10 has a structure in which a touch switch 10a is overlaid on a tact switch 10b, and the touch switch 10a is first turned on when it is lightly touched, and the tact switch 10a is pressed when pressed.
The two-step operation in which b is also turned on can be performed.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of this embodiment. Basically, the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 6, except that the key output signal from the operation unit 9e of the remote controller is the key 10 having the double structure and the mode transition in the process of the control unit 6 is performed. The point is that no processing is required. 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 in the case of FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example according to this embodiment. Here, as an example, it is desired to press the PLAY key without looking at the operation unit. First, touch what appears to be the PLAY key. Then, a confirmation sound beeps and the key layout is displayed on the screen as shown in (a), and the touched key position is blinked and displayed. In the example shown, the key is not the PLAY key, but FF
It turns out to be a key. For the user, the PLAY key is F
It is shown next to the F key, so move your finger to the next and touch. As a result, a beep confirmation sound and
Since the screen display is changed and the display of the PLAY key is blinked as shown in 3 (b), it is understood that the PLAY key is touched. If the user presses the PLAY key as is,
As shown in 3 (c), the key layout display on the screen disappears with a beeping sound, and the PLAY command causes VT
Sent to R. In the above, the confirmation sound can be distinguished when the command is issued and when it is not issued.

As described above, according to the present embodiment as well, even when it is difficult to see the operation section of the remote controller as in the case of using the spectacles-type viewer, the VTR remote controller can be operated and the number of keys can be reduced. Since the number can be increased, the operation can be made multifunctional.

In addition to the combination of the touch switch and the tact switch, the double structure key may be a tact switch that reacts with a heavy load and a tact switch that reacts with a light load stacked. 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 it first.

Further, as another embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiment, a remote controller using a key having the same structure as the conventional one, which is composed of only a sheet switch or only a tact switch, is used, and this remote controller is connected in the same manner as in FIG. Input to the control unit 6. In the present embodiment, in contrast to the above-mentioned “touch / push” or “lightly press / strong press”, “press / press again”
As a result, the control unit performs the determination process, and
The same operation and action as in the embodiment of are realized. In the example of using the sheet switch as the operation key, first, pressing the key that you think is around here will display the layout of the operation part, and the pressed key will blink and be displayed, so if the key you want is your finger Release it, press it again, and if it is different, just move your finger to the desired key. In the example in which the tact switch is used as the operation key, the operation is almost the same as in the case of the above-mentioned sheet switch, but when the finger is moved to the adjacent side, it is necessary to release the finger from the operation unit once because of the structure.

[0038]

According to the remote control device of the present invention, correct operation and use are possible.

In particular, it is possible to prevent the user from being tired when viewing an image or the like for a long time by calling attention to the user for correct use and operation. This is also effective as a measure for the problem of manufacturer liability.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation and action of the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration according to another embodiment (Embodiment 3) of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a menu mode transition diagram showing a control example of the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

9A and 9B are explanatory views showing another embodiment of the invention according to the third embodiment.

10 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are views showing a modified example of the operation unit of the remote controller in the above embodiment.

11A and 11B are external views of another embodiment of the invention according to the third embodiment and a perspective view showing a key structure.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the above embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... VTR (AV equipment) 2. Glasses viewer 3 Remote control (remote control device) 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d ... key 6 ... Control unit 7 ... Screen display section 8 ... Confirmation sound output section 10 ... Double structure key 11 ... Command generator

Claims (4)

(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, and the video output device is remote. An operation unit for operating, a control unit for processing an output signal of the operation unit and issuing a remote operation signal to the video output device, and a character signal generated by the control signal from the control unit to be displayed on the display unit A display output unit, the control unit, when the power is on, via the display output unit,
To display your Tosu effect the power after a certain period of time on the display unit,
After a lapse of a fixed time from the start of use, after the lapse of the fixed time, a warning of long-term use is displayed on the display unit via the display output unit, or the long-term warning is displayed. Is displayed and the operation of the operation unit is invalidated during the display, and then a remote operation signal for turning off the power is issued to the video output device. 2. The remote controller according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a display of a used elapsed time on the display unit via the display output unit at all times or every time a predetermined time period elapses. Operating 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 an eyeglass-type viewer. An operation unit for remote control of
Remote operation including a control unit that processes an output signal of the operation unit and issues a remote operation signal to the video output device, and a display output unit that generates a character signal according to a control signal from the control unit and displays the character signal on the display unit In the device control method, when the power is turned on, a display indicating that the power is turned off after a certain period of time is displayed on the display unit, and the elapse of a certain period of time from the start of use is monitored. Is displayed on the display unit via the display output unit, or displays the warning of long-term use and disables the operation of the operation unit during the display, and then turns off the power. A method for controlling a remote control device, comprising: issuing an operation signal to the video output device. 4. The method for controlling a remote control device according to claim 3, wherein the elapsed time of use is displayed at all times or every time a predetermined time has elapsed.