JP3485850B2 - Centralized control system for multiple devices - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a centralized control system for centrally controlling a plurality of control target devices such as AV (audio / visual) devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 20, a DVD player (31), a VCR (32) (33), a CD player (34), a TV receiver (35), an AV device such as an AV amplifier (36). The group (30) is connected to the host computer (40) through the device control device (20),
A keyboard that is an input / output device of the host computer (40)
An audio / video control system (hereinafter referred to as an AV control system) capable of intensively operating the AV device group (30) using the (41) and the display (42) has been proposed.

In the AV control system,
As shown in FIG. 21, a top screen in which a plurality of content selection buttons such as “TV” and “movie” are drawn is displayed on the display (42), and the user selects one content from these content selection buttons. When the select button is operated, a predetermined operation corresponding to the content select button is instructed to one or a plurality of required devices (hereinafter referred to as control target devices), and the operations of those devices are started. The user selects, for example, the content selection button "VCR
When "1" is operated, a predetermined operation (for example, power-on of VCR1, start of normal playback of VCR1, power-on of TV, sound output) is performed, and VCR1 (32), TV receiver (35) and AV amplifier
Instructed to (36), the reproduced image of VCR1 (32) is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver (35) and the AV amplifier (36)
Will output audio.

In the above AV control system,
If, for all the connected AV equipment, the operation buttons for causing the AV equipment to execute various operations are displayed on the display (42), the number of operation buttons is changed according to the number of connected AV equipment. The number of operation buttons increases, and the display of one operation button becomes smaller, which makes operation difficult. Therefore, in the AV control system, for each content selection button, one of the control target devices of the content selection button is registered in advance as a main device (hereinafter referred to as a main device), and When one content selection button is operated by the user as described above, a sub-menu screen as shown in FIG. 22 for performing various operations on the main device of the content selection button is displayed on the display (42). There is. afterwards,
When the user operates the operation button displayed on the sub-menu screen, an operation corresponding to the operation button is instructed to the main device, and the main device executes the operation.

The user selects the content selection button "VCR
In the above example of operating 1 ", the VCR1 submenu screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the display (42), and when the user operates the rewind reproduction button based on the VCR1 submenu screen, the VCR1 (32) The rewinding reproduction operation is started.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional AV control system, when the predetermined controlled device is operating in response to the user operation on the content selection button, the content selection is performed as described above. Since only the sub-menu screen of the main device of the button is displayed, the user cannot perform an operation for causing a device other than the main device to execute various operations. Therefore, even if the operation of the content selection button operated by the user is unrelated to the operation of the controlled device, the operation cannot be executed by a device other than the main device of the content selection button, and the operation is not performed. There was a problem that the equipment being used is not being used effectively. In the above-mentioned example in which the VCR 1 (32), the TV receiver (35) and the AV amplifier (36) are operating in response to the user operation on the content selection button "VCR1", other than the main device of the content selection button. For VCR2 (33) which is a device,
It is not possible to execute an operation unrelated to the operation of the devices (32) (35) (36), for example, an operation of recording a program being broadcast.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a centralized control system for a plurality of devices which has good operability with respect to the operation buttons of the connected devices and which can effectively use the connected devices. Is to provide.

[0008]

In a first centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention, a plurality of devices are connected to a control device, and the control device has an image display surface and an input to the image display surface. It has an input device that can be operated. The control device selects a content from which a plurality of content selection buttons for instructing a predetermined operation to a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices among a plurality of connected devices are displayed on the image display surface. Button display means, information storage means for each content selection button, which stores main device information for specifying one main device that is a main one of a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices; Depending on the user operation for one content selection button,
Alternatively, control target device operation command means for commanding a predetermined operation to a plurality of control target devices, and a main device of the content selection button based on the main device information in response to a user operation on one content selection button. Operation button display means for displaying one or a plurality of operation buttons for specifying and specifying a predetermined operation to the main device, and for the specified main device according to a user operation on the operation button. And a main device operation commanding means for instructing a predetermined operation, and a control means for controlling the operations of the controlled object device operation commanding means and the operation button display means. The control means further operates one content selection button by the user in a state where one or more predetermined control target devices are performing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button. At this time, the control target device operation command means is prohibited from executing the predetermined operation command, while the operation button display means is instructed to execute the operation button display.

In the first centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention, when the user selects one content selection button from the plurality of content selection buttons displayed on the image display surface, the content selection is performed. A predetermined operation is instructed to the control target device of the button, and the control target device starts operating. Further, the operation buttons for the main equipment of the content selection button are displayed on the image display surface. Then, when the user operates the operation button, a predetermined operation is instructed to the main device of the content selection button, and the main device performs the predetermined operation.

As described above, when the user further operates one content selection button in the state where a predetermined controlled device is performing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button, the operation is newly performed. The operation buttons for the main equipment of the content selection button will be displayed on the image display surface. At this time, since the control target device operation command means is prohibited from executing the predetermined operation command, a predetermined operation is not commanded to the control target device of the content selection button newly operated by the user, The device to be controlled by the content selection button previously operated by the user is maintained in the operating state before the user newly operates the content selection button. After that, when the user operates the operation button displayed on the image display surface, a predetermined operation is instructed to a predetermined main device, and the main device of the content selection button newly operated by the user performs a predetermined operation. Will be done.

According to the above-described centralized control system for a plurality of devices, the user keeps the operation of the device to be controlled by the desired content selection button as described above, while performing a predetermined operation on the main device of another content selection button. Since it can be executed, the connected device can be effectively used. Further, since the operation buttons for only the main equipment of the one content selection button operated by the user are displayed on the image display surface, the display of one operation button can be enlarged, and the operability of the operation buttons is good. can get.

Specifically, the control device further displays on the image display surface an error display indicating that a predetermined operation cannot be instructed to the main device of the content selection button newly operated by the user. Error display means, memory means for storing main device information of one content selection button, and execution of operation of a predetermined controlled device,
Information processing means for reading out the main device information of the content selection button operated by the user to instruct the predetermined controlled device to operate from the information storage means and storing the read main device information in the memory means. I am. The control means compares the main device information stored in the memory means with the main device information of the content selection button newly operated by the user, and the main device of the content selection button previously operated by the user. And a determination means for determining whether or not the main equipment of the content selection button newly operated by the user is the same, and the predetermined operation instruction to the control target equipment operation instruction means when the main equipment is not the same. And a command means for instructing the operation button display means to execute the operation button display, and instructing the error display means to execute the error display when the main devices are the same. It consists of

In the specific configuration, when the main device of the content selection button previously operated by the user and the main device of the content selection button newly operated by the user are different from each other, the newly operated content is selected. Operation buttons for main devices of the selection button are displayed on the image display surface. On the other hand, when the both main devices are the same, an error display indicating that the main device of the content selection button newly operated by the user cannot be instructed to perform a predetermined operation is displayed on the image display surface. Done
Therefore, the user does not mistakenly operate the operation button of the main device of the content selection button last time, and the operation of the control target device of the content selection button is reliably maintained.

Further, specifically, the control device is further operated to maintain the operation of one or a plurality of control target devices that are performing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on the content selection button. A prohibition button display means for displaying a prohibition button that should be displayed on the image display surface, and a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices executing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button,
When the user further operates one content selection button, the operation stop command means for instructing the predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices to stop the operation is provided. Then, the control means executes the operation stop command to the operation stop command means and operates the controlled object device when the one content selection button is operated after the user operates the prohibition button. Means for prohibiting execution of the predetermined operation command and commanding operation button display means for execution of the operation button display, and further one content selection button without the user operating the prohibition button. Is operated, the operation stop command means is instructed to execute the operation stop command, the control target device operation command means is executed the predetermined operation command, and the operation button display means is operated. Command execution of operation button display.

In the specific configuration, in the state where a predetermined controlled device is performing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button, after the user operates the prohibit button, the content is further selected. When the button is operated, the operation button for the main device of the newly operated content selection button is displayed on the image display surface. At this time, since the operation stop instruction means is prohibited from executing the operation stop instruction, the operation stop instruction is not instructed to the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user last time. Further, since the controlled device operation command means is prohibited from executing the predetermined operation command, a predetermined operation is not commanded to the controlled device of the content selection button newly operated by the user. Therefore, the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user last time is maintained in the operating state before the user newly operates the content selection button. After that, the user can operate the main device of the newly operated content selection button by operating the operation button newly displayed on the image display surface.

On the other hand, in a state in which a predetermined controlled device is performing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button, the user can further operate the content selection button without operating the prohibition button. When operated, the user instructs the control target device of the content selection button operated last time to stop the operation, and the control target device stops the operation. Further, a predetermined operation is instructed to the control target device of the content selection button newly operated by the user, the control target device starts operating, and the operation buttons of the main devices of the content selection button are changed. It will be displayed on the image display surface.

In a second centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention, a plurality of devices including a recordable device capable of recording operation are connected to a control device, and the control device has an image display surface and an image. And an input device capable of inputting operations on the display surface. The control device selects a content from which a plurality of content selection buttons for instructing a predetermined operation to a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices among a plurality of connected devices are displayed on the image display surface. A button display means and a control target device operation command means for commanding a predetermined operation to a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices according to a user operation on one content selection button;
The recording setting button to be operated when starting the recording setting is displayed on the image display surface in the state where the predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices are performing the predetermined operation according to the user operation for one content selection button. For the recording setting button display means to be displayed, the recordable information storage means storing the recordable information for determining whether each connected device is a recordable device, and one content selection button When the user operates the recording setting button while one or more control target devices are performing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation, they are connected based on the recordable information. One or more recording operation buttons for extracting one or more recordable devices from the plurality of devices and instructing the recordable devices to perform a predetermined operation A recording manipulation button display means for displaying on the image display surface in response to a user operation to the recording operation button, and comprises a recording apparatus capable of operation instruction means for instructing a predetermined operation to the recordable device.

In the second centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention, when a user operates one content selection button, a predetermined operation is instructed to the device to be controlled by the content selection button, and the control is performed. The target device starts operating. When the user operates the recording setting button in this state, the recording operation buttons for one or a plurality of recordable devices among the plurality of devices connected to the control device are displayed on the image display surface. Become. On this occasion,
The device to be controlled by the content selection button operated by the user maintains the above operation. After that, when the user operates the recording operation button displayed on the image display surface, a predetermined operation is instructed to a predetermined recordable device, and the recordable device starts operating.

According to the above-described centralized control system for a plurality of devices, the user can cause a desired recordable device to perform an operation while maintaining the operation of the device to be controlled by the desired content selection button as described above. , The connected equipment can be used effectively. Also, among the connected multiple devices, the record button for only the recordable device is displayed on the image display surface, so that the display of one operation button can be enlarged, and the operability of the operation button is good. Is obtained.

More specifically, the control device further has a predetermined one or more for each content selection button and the identification information storage means for storing the identification information for identifying each connected device. A main device information storage unit that stores identification information of one main device that is a main device among a plurality of control target devices, and a memory unit that stores identification information of the main device of one content selection button. 1
In order to specify the main device of the content selection button based on the identification information stored in the main device information storage means in response to a user operation on one content selection button and to instruct the main device to perform a predetermined operation. Of 1
Alternatively, a device operation button display means for displaying a plurality of device operation buttons, and a content selection button operated by the user to instruct the predetermined controlled device to operate in response to the execution of the operation of the predetermined controlled device. Of the identification information of the main equipment information storage means and stores the read identification information in the memory means, and a predetermined operation for the identified main equipment according to a user operation on the equipment operation button. It comprises a main device operation command means for commanding operation. Then, the recording operation button display means compares the identification information stored in the memory means with the extracted identification information of each recordable device, and the main device of the content selection button operated by the user and each recordable device. It is determined whether the devices are the same, and one or a plurality of recording operation buttons for instructing a predetermined operation to a recordable device that is not the same as the main device is displayed on the image display surface.

In the specific configuration, when the user operates the recording setting button in a state where a predetermined controlled device is executing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button, the content selection button is selected. A recording operation button for only a recordable device different from the main device of the button will be displayed on the image display surface. Therefore, the user does not mistakenly operate the operation button for the main device of the operated content selection button, and the operation of the control target device of the content selection button is reliably maintained.

More specifically, the recording operation button display means of the control device is selected from one or a plurality of recordable devices.
A device selection button display means for displaying one or more device selection buttons for selecting one recordable device on the image display surface, and one recording device selected by the user according to the device selection operation by the user. It is composed of a device-specific operation button display means for displaying one or a plurality of operation buttons for instructing a predetermined operation to a possible device on the image display surface.

In the specific configuration, when the user operates the recording setting button while a predetermined controlled device is executing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button, one or more One or a plurality of device selection buttons for selecting one recordable device from one recordable device are displayed on the image display surface.
After that, when the user operates the device selection button to select the desired recordable device on which the operation is to be executed, the operation button for the desired recordable device is displayed on the image display surface. . In this way, since only the operation buttons for the recordable devices on which the user intends to execute the operation are displayed on the image display surface, the user accidentally selects the operation buttons for the recordable devices other than the desired recordable device. There is no operation.

[0024]

According to the centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to the present invention, the operability of the operation buttons of the connected devices can be obtained, and the connected devices can be effectively used. I can.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described with reference to a plurality of AV devices.
The AV control system shown in FIG.
The applied form will be explained concretely based on two examples.
RevealSystem configuration The AV control system according to the present invention is shown in FIG.
Like, a controller consisting of a microcomputer, etc.
In (1), cover the image display surface of the liquid crystal display, etc.
Touch panel input device (11) equipped with a touch panel
As the AV equipment, three VCRs (21) (2
2) (23), TV receiver (24), AV amplifier (25), etc. are connected
ing. The controller (1) is the same as the conventional controller shown in FIG.
Equipment control device constituting AV control system
(20) and host computer (40)
It In addition, the touch panel input device (11) is a microcomputer
With a built-in computer, image display control for the image display surface and
The communication process with the controller (1) is executed.

[0026]First embodiment In the AV control system of this embodiment, the system
The touch panel input device
The top screen as shown in Fig. 2 is displayed on the screen of (11).
It The screen shows "TV", "movie", "game",
Multiple content selection buttons such as "VCR1" and "BGM"
Tan is displayed.

When the user operates one content selection button from these content selection buttons, a predetermined operation corresponding to the content selection button is performed on a predetermined control target device as in the conventional AV control system. In response to the instruction, the operation of these controlled devices is started, and at the same time, a sub-menu screen as shown in FIG. 3 for causing the main device of the content selection button to perform various operations is displayed. On the submenu screen, the content selection button operated by the user as described above is highlighted. When the user operates the operation button displayed on the sub-menu screen, an operation corresponding to the operation button is instructed to the main device, and the main device performs the operation.

When the user operates, for example, the content selection button "TV" based on the top screen shown in FIG. 2, the TV program being broadcast is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver (24) and the AV amplifier (25 ) Will output the program sound. Further, the TV submenu screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. On the TV submenu screen, the content selection button "TV" is highlighted. Then, when the user operates the operation button for switching the channel of the TV receiver (24) on the basis of the TV submenu screen, the channel of the TV receiver (24) is switched.

When the user operates the content selection button again while a predetermined control target device is operating in response to a user operation on the content selection button, the control target device of the content selection button stops operating.
(For example, turning off the power of the TV receiver and stopping the sound output), the operation of these controlled devices is stopped, the display of the submenu screen is ended, and the top screen shown in Fig. 2 is displayed. To be done. In the above example, when the user operates the content selection button "TV" again, the TV receiver
When the program display in (24) is completed, the AV amplifier (25)
The output of the program sound from will be stopped. In addition, the display of the TV submenu screen shown in FIG.
The top screen shown in will be displayed.

When the user operates a content selection button different from the previously operated content selection button, the newly operated content selection button is operated after the operation of the controlled device of the previously operated content selection button is stopped. When the operation of the control target device is started and the sub-menu screen of the main device of the previously operated content selection button ends, the sub-menu screen of the main device of the newly operated content selection button is displayed. It The operation up to this point is the same as that of the conventional AV control system.

The AV control system of this embodiment is
Even if a predetermined controlled device is performing an operation in response to a user operation on the content selection button,
While the operation of the controlled device is maintained, it is possible to cause the AV device other than the main device of the content selection button to execute various operations. The top screen shown in FIG. 2 and the sub menu screen shown in FIG. Displays a "prohibit" button that should be operated at that time.

When the user operates the "prohibit" button displayed on the sub-menu screen shown in FIG. 3 while a predetermined controlled device is operating in response to a user operation on the content selection button, the touch panel is touched. Input device
If (11) is set to prohibit mode and the user then operates a content selection button different from the previously operated content selection button, the main device of the newly operated content selection button and the previously operated content selection button will be If the main device is different, the sub-menu screen of the main device of the newly operated content selection button will be displayed. On the new submenu screen, the highlighted display of the previously operated content selection button has ended, and the newly operated content selection button is highlighted. At this time, the control target device of the previously operated content selection button is maintained in the operating state before the user operated the “prohibit” button.

When the user operates the operation button displayed on the new submenu screen, the operation corresponding to the operation button is instructed to the main device of the newly operated content selection button, and the main device is operated. Will perform that action. Here, since the operation buttons for the main equipment are displayed large, the operability for the operation buttons is good.

For example, the TV receiver (24) is registered as the main device of the content selection button "TV", and the VCR1 (21) is registered as the main device of the content selection button "VCR1", and the user selects the content selection button "TV". Is operated to operate the TV receiver (24) and AV amplifier as described above.
When (25) is executing the predetermined operation, the user
"Prohibition" displayed on the TV submenu screen shown in
After operating the button, select the content selection button "VCR
When "1" is operated, the VCR1 submenu screen shown in Fig. 4 is displayed. On the VCR1 submenu screen, the reverse display of the content selection button "TV" is completed and the content selection button "VCR1" is completed. "Is highlighted. At this time, the TV program being broadcast is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver (24) and the AV amplifier is displayed.
The program audio is output from (25), and the TV receiver (2
4) and the AV amplifier (25) are maintained in the operating state before the user operates the "prohibit" button. When the user operates the rewind reproduction button on the VCR1 submenu screen, the VCR1 (21) starts the rewind reproduction operation.

On the other hand, when the main device of the content selection button newly operated by the user and the main device of the content selection button previously operated are the same, as shown in FIG. 5, the newly operated content selection button is displayed. An error is displayed to the effect that it is not possible to cause the main equipment of to execute the operation. Further, even when the user operates the "prohibit" button and then operates the content selection button that was operated before operating the "prohibit" button again, the error display is displayed.

In the above example in which the TV receiver (24) is registered as the main device of the content selection button "game" and the content selection button "TV" is operated, after the user operates the "prohibition" button, When the content selection button "game" is newly operated, the above error display is made. Also, the user selects the content selection button "TV".
When is operated again, the above error is displayed.

Then, when the user again operates the content selection button operated after operating the "prohibit" button while the new submenu screen is displayed as described above, the touch panel input device (11) is prohibited. The mode is switched to the normal mode, and the sub-menu screen of the main device of the content selection button operated before the user operates the "prohibition" button is displayed. On the sub-menu screen, the highlighted display of the newly operated content selection button ends, and the previously operated content selection button is highlighted. In the above example in which the user operates the "prohibition" button and then operates the content selection button "VCR1", the user selects the content selection button "VCR1" displayed on the VCR1 submenu screen shown in FIG. When you operate it again,
The TV submenu screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. On the TV submenu screen, the reverse display of the content selection button "VCR1" is completed, and the content selection button "TV" is reversely displayed.

In the touch panel input device (11),
Multiple content selection buttons displayed on the top screen,
For each of the plurality of operation buttons displayed on the sub-menu screen of the AV equipment, as shown in FIG. 6, a button code (“0000” to “00” for identifying the button is displayed.
(FF ”,“ 0100 ”to“ 01FF ”, etc.), where the upper two digits of the button code are the top screen and submenu screen type, and the lower two digits are the button type displayed on that screen. For example, "0000" to "00" for a plurality of content selection buttons.
"0100" to "0" for the button code of FF "and a plurality of operation buttons displayed on the VCR1 submenu screen
A button code of 1FF "is assigned.

FIG. 7 shows a main device table stored in the touch panel input device (11). The main device table stores button codes (“0000” to “00FF”) of content selection buttons and device codes (“00” to “FF”) of main devices of each content selection button. Here, the device code is given to identify all devices connected to the controller (1). For example, the main device of the content selection button "TV" is the TV receiver (24)
If the button code is “0000”, the
The device code "00" of the V receiver (24) is stored. The touch panel input device (11) refers to the main device table and selects the main device of the content selection button operated by the user before operating the “prohibition” button and the content selection operated by the user after operating the “prohibition” button. It is determined whether the main devices of the buttons are the same.

FIG. 8 shows a submenu screen table stored in the touch panel input device (11). In the submenu screen table, the above device code
(“00” to “FF”) and screen codes (“S ₀ ” to “S _n ”) for displaying the submenu screen when the content selection button is operated are stored. When the content selection button is operated by the user, the touch panel input device (11) specifies the screen code based on the device code of the main device of the content selection button, and is operated by the user based on the screen code. Display the submenu screen of the main device.

FIG. 9 shows an operation table stored in the controller (1) of this embodiment. In the operation table, the above button codes (“0000” to “00F
F "," 0100 "~"" and the like), the content selection button, or the operation code (for commanding the operation when the operation buttons displayed on the submenu screen of each AV device is operated" 01FF F _{0 "~" F n ","} F 10 "~
“F _1n ”, etc. are stored.

When the content selection button is operated by the user, the controller (1) is a touch panel input device.
The operation code of the content selection button operated by the user is specified based on the button code received from (11), and a predetermined operation is instructed to the control target device of the content selection button based on the operation code. When the user operates the operation button on the sub-menu screen, the controller (1) identifies the operation code of the operation button operated by the user based on the button code received from the touch panel input device (11). , Based on the operation code, the AV device of the sub-menu screen is instructed to perform a predetermined operation. For example, the content selection button "TV"
If (button code "0000") is operated, a touch panel input device (11) button code "0000" operation code based on the "F _0" is specified from, based on said operating code "F _0", TV receiver (24) and AV amplifier (2
A predetermined operation is instructed to 5). Also, VCR
When the play button (button code “0100”) displayed on the 1 submenu screen is operated, the operation code “F ₁₀ ” is specified based on the button code “0100” from the touch panel input device (11), and Based on the operation code “F ₁₀ ”, the VCR 1 (21) is instructed to perform the reproduction operation.

10 and 11 show procedures executed by the touch panel input device (11) in order to realize the above operation. When the top screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed, first in step S1 of FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the button operation is performed by the user. If the determination is No, the same is performed in step 1. Yes, while repeating judgment
When it is determined to be (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, it is determined whether the button operated by the user is the content selection button or the "prohibition" button. If the button is determined to be the "prohibition" button, the process proceeds to step S14. Migrate,
After setting the prohibition flag, the process returns to step S1. As a result, the touch panel input device (11) is set to the prohibit mode. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the button operated by the user is the content selection button, the process proceeds to step S3, and it is determined whether the prohibition flag is set. If the answer is YES, the process proceeds to step S15 of FIG. 11 to execute the procedure described below in the prohibit mode.

If it is determined NO in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, and the user operation for the content selection button is ON (ON) operation or OFF (OF) operation.
F) Determine which of the operations. Here, when the user operates any of the content selection buttons in a state in which any of the AV devices connected to the controller (1) has stopped operating, or in response to the user operation on the content selection button. When the user operates the content selection button different from the content selection button while the predetermined control target device is performing the operation, it is determined to be the ON operation, the process proceeds to step S5, and the controller
It is determined whether any of the AV devices connected to (1) is operating. Here, if the user operates any of the content selection buttons in a state where any of the AV equipment connected to the controller (1) has stopped operating as described above, it is determined as no, Control goes to step S8.

On the other hand, when the user operates a content selection button different from the content selection button in the state where a predetermined controlled device is operating in response to the user operation on the content selection button as described above, If YES in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6, and the controller selects the button code of the content selection button previously operated by the user and the OFF command string (1).
Send to. The controller (1) identifies the control target device based on the button code received from the touch panel input device (11) and instructs the control target device to stop the operation. As a result, the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user last time stops operating. Subsequently, in step S7, after the submenu screen of the main device of the content selection button operated by the user last time is terminated, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the button code of the content selection button operated by the user and the ON command sequence are transmitted to the controller (1). controller
(1) refers to the operation table shown in FIG. 9, specifies an operation code based on the button code received from the touch panel input device (11), and based on the operation code, a predetermined operation target device is specified. Command movement. As a result, the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user starts a predetermined operation.

Subsequently, in step S9, after referring to the main device table shown in FIG. 7, the device code of the main device of the content selection button is specified based on the button code of the content selection button operated by the user. ,
The screen code is specified based on the specified device code with reference to the submenu screen table shown in FIG. 8, and the submenu screen of the main device of the content selection button is displayed based on the screen code. Then, in step S10 of FIG. 10, the device code specified in step S9 is stored, and the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, when the user operates the same content selection button as the content selection button while a predetermined control target device is operating in response to a user operation on the content selection button, step S4
At step S11, it is determined that the operation is off, and the button code of the content selection button and the OFF command sequence are transmitted to the controller (1). The controller (1) identifies the control target device based on the button code received from the touch panel input device (11) and instructs the control target device to stop the operation. As a result, the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user stops operating. Then, step S12
Then, after the sub menu screen of the main device of the content selection button is finished, in step S13,
The device code saved in 10 is deleted, and step S1
Return to.

If the prohibition flag is set and the answer in step S3 is YES, the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. 11 and the main device table shown in FIG. 7 is referenced to operate by the user. After identifying the device code of the main device of the content selection button based on the button code of the content selection button, it is determined whether or not the device code matches the device code saved in step S10 of FIG. 10 as described above. To do. If YES is determined in step S15 of FIG. 11, the process proceeds to step S22, an error display as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, and then the process returns to step S1 of FIG.

On the other hand, the device code of the main device of the content selection button operated by the user does not match the device code stored in step S10 of FIG. 10, and it is determined as NO in step S15 of FIG. If so, the process proceeds to step S16, and it is determined whether the user operation on the content selection button is an on operation or an off operation.

Here, when the user operates the content selection button for the first time after operating the "prohibit" button,
After it is determined that the operation is the ON operation, the process proceeds to step S17, and after saving the screen code of the sub-menu screen displayed at that time, in step S18, the sub-menu screen table shown in FIG. 8 is referred to, and the process proceeds to step S15. The screen code is specified based on the specified device code, the sub-menu screen of the main device of the content selection button newly operated by the user is displayed based on the screen code, and the process returns to step S1 in FIG. Here, the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user last time is maintained in the operating state before the “prohibition” button is operated.

After that, the user operates the operation button displayed on the newly displayed sub-menu screen as described above to operate the "prohibition" button and then the main equipment of the content selection button newly operated. Can perform various operations.

On the other hand, if the user operates the content selection button after operating the "prohibition" button and operates the content selection button again, it is determined in step S16 that the operation is off, and step S19 follows. After the transition, and the sub menu screen displayed at that time is terminated, in step S20, the sub menu displayed before the "prohibit" button is operated based on the screen code saved in step S17. Display the menu screen. Then, in step S21, the prohibition flag is reset, and the process returns to step S1 in FIG. As a result, the touch panel input device (11) is switched from the prohibit mode to the normal mode.

After that, the user operates the operation button displayed on the sub-menu screen displayed before operating the "prohibit" button to select the content operated before operating the "prohibit" button. Various operations can be performed by the main device of the button.

In the AV control system of the present embodiment, after the user operates the "prohibit" button while the predetermined controlled device is executing the predetermined operation in response to the operation of one content selection button. If the content selection button is further operated, the submenu screen of the main device of the newly operated content selection button is displayed while the operation of the predetermined controlled device is maintained, and then the user When the operation button displayed on the menu screen is operated, the operation of the main device of the newly operated content selection button is executed according to the operation. Therefore, the user can use the controller (1)
AV equipment connected to can be effectively used.

[0057]Second embodiment In the AV control system of this embodiment, the
Control target device of the content selection button selected by the
Control even when the device is performing the specified operation.
With the operation of the target device maintained,
The recording operation is performed on a recordable device other than the main device
The top screen shown in Fig. 12 can be displayed.
Displays the “Recording Settings” button that should be operated at that time.
ing.

When the user operates, for example, the content selection button "VCR1" on the top screen shown in FIG. 12, the reproduced image of the VCR1 (21) in FIG. 1 is displayed on the TV receiver (24).
And the sound is output from the AV amplifier (25). Further, the VCR1 submenu screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. On the VCR1 submenu screen, the content selection button "VCR1" is highlighted. Then, the user, like the first embodiment,
By operating the operation button displayed on the VCR1 submenu screen, the VCR 1 can be caused to perform an operation corresponding to the operation button.

As described above, when the user operates the "record setting" button while the device to be controlled by the content selection button selected by the user is performing a predetermined operation,
Among a plurality of AV devices connected to the controller (1), a device capable of recording operation (hereinafter referred to as a recordable device)
In addition, the device selection buttons displaying the names of the devices different from the main device of the content selection button selected by the user are sequentially displayed, and finally, FIG.
The recording setting device selection screen as shown in is displayed. As a device capable of recording operation, VCR1 (21), VCR2 (22) and VCR3 (23) are connected to the controller (1), and after the user operates the content selection button "VCR1" as described above, When the "record setting" button is operated, as shown in FIG. 14, device selection buttons of "VCR2" and "VCR3" other than VCR1 (21) which is the main device of the content selection button "VCR1" are displayed. It will be.

Then, when the user operates the device selection button of the device for which the recording operation is to be performed, from among these device selection buttons, a submenu screen as shown in FIG. 15 of the device is displayed. Become. At this time, the control target device of the content selection button operated before the user operates the “recording setting” button is
The operating state before the button is operated is maintained.

The user selects the content selection button "VC
In the above-mentioned example in which the R1 ″ is operated and the VCR 1 (21), the TV receiver (24) and the AV amplifier (25) are operating,
When the user operates the device selection button “VCR3” displayed on the recording setting device selection screen shown in FIG. 14, for example, the VCR3 submenu screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. At this time, the playback image of VCR1 (21) is T
It is displayed on the screen of the V receiver (24) and the AV amplifier
Audio is output from (25), and the VCR1 (21), TV receiver (24) and AV amplifier (25) are set by the user in "Recording Settings".
The operating state before the button is operated is maintained. After that, when the user operates the operation button displayed on the VCR3 submenu screen, the VCR 3 (23) will execute the recording operation according to the operation button.

FIG. 16 shows a device information table stored in the touch panel input device of this embodiment. In the device information table, the device code assigned to each AV device connected to the controller (1)
(“00” to “FF”) and a recordable flag (“0”, “1”) indicating whether or not the device is a recordable device are stored. Here, the recordable flag is provided with "1" for a recordable device and "0" for a device that is not a recordable device. For example, the device code “0” of the TV receiver
The recordable flag “0” is stored in the same row as 0 ”, and the recordable flag“ 1 ”is stored in the same row of the device code“ 01 ”of the VCR 1. The touch panel input device will be described later with reference to the device information table. As described above, a process for extracting a recordable device from the AV devices connected to the controller (1) is performed.

17 to 19 show procedures executed by the touch panel input device to realize the above-described operation. The touch panel input device stores the main device table shown in FIG. 7 and the sub menu screen table shown in FIG. 8, and the controller (1) stores the operation table shown in FIG. When the top screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, first, in step S31 of FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the user has operated a button, and if NO, the same determination is repeated in step 31. On the other hand, if the answer is yes, step S
Move to 32.

In step S32, it is determined whether the button operated by the user is the content selection button or the "recording setting" button. If it is determined that the button is the "recording setting" button, The process proceeds to step S43 of 18, and the procedure described later is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 in FIG. 17 that the button is the content selection button, step S
In step 33, it is determined whether the user operation on the content selection button is an on (ON) operation or an off (OFF) operation, and if it is determined to be an on operation, step S34 is entered.

In step S34, it is determined whether or not any AV equipment connected to the controller (1) is in operation. If NO is determined, the process proceeds to step S37. If YES in step S34,
In step S35, the button code of the content selection button previously operated by the user and the OFF command string are transmitted to the controller (1). As a result,
The control target device of the content selection button previously operated by the user stops operating. Subsequently, in step S36, after the submenu screen of the main device of the content selection button operated by the user last time is terminated, the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, the button code of the content selection button operated by the user and the ON command sequence are transmitted to the controller (1). As a result,
The device to be controlled by the content selection button operated by the user starts a predetermined operation.

Subsequently, in step S38, after referring to the main device table shown in FIG. 7, the device code of the main device of the content selection button is specified based on the button code of the content selection button operated by the user. , Referring to the submenu screen table shown in FIG.
Specify the screen code based on the specified device code,
Further, based on the screen code, the sub-menu screen of the main device of the content selection button is displayed. afterwards,
In step S39 of FIG. 17, the device code specified in step S38 is saved, and the process returns to step S31.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the off operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S40, and the controller selects the button code of the content selection button operated by the user and the OFF command string. )
Send to. As a result, the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user stops operating. Succeedingly, in a step S41, after the submenu screen of the main device of the content selection button is terminated, in a step S42, the device code stored in the step S39 is erased, and the process returns to the step S31.

When it is determined in step S32 that the button operated by the user is the "record setting" button, the process proceeds to step S43 in FIG. 18 and the submenu displayed at that time. Save the screen code of the screen.

Subsequently, in step S44, referring to the device information table shown in FIG. 16, a recordable device among the AV devices connected to the controller (1), that is, a recordable flag is "1" 1 After reading the device code of each AV device, in step S45, the device code,
As described above, it is determined whether the device codes stored in step S39 of FIG. 17 match, and if the result is YES, the process returns to step S44.

On the other hand, if it is determined NO in step S45, the process proceeds to step S46 and the above step S45
After displaying the device selection buttons of the recordable devices having the device code read in 44 as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined in step S47 whether or not the device codes of all the recordable devices have been read, and it is determined no. If YES, the process returns to step S44, while if YES, the process shown in FIG.
Then, the process proceeds to step S48. In this way, among the recordable devices connected to the controller (1), the device select buttons of the recordable devices different from the main device of the content select button operated by the user are sequentially displayed, and finally, The recording setting device selection screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

In step S48 of FIG. 19, among the device selection buttons displayed on the recording setting device selection screen,
It is determined whether or not any button has been operated by the user, and if NO, the same determination is repeated in step S48. If the user operates any of the device selection buttons and the determination in step S48 is YES,
The process proceeds to step S49, the screen code is specified based on the device code of the device indicated by the device selection button operated by the user with reference to the submenu screen table shown in FIG. 8, and the device is determined based on the screen code. Display the submenu screen of. Here, the control target device of the content selection button operated by the user is maintained in the operating state before the “recording setting” button is operated. After that, the user can cause the desired recordable device to execute various operations by operating the operation buttons displayed on the submenu screen.

Subsequently, in step S50, it is determined whether or not the button operation is performed by the user. If the determination is NO, the same determination is repeated in step S50,
If YES is determined, the process proceeds to step S51 to determine whether or not the button operated by the user is the "recording setting" button, and if NO is determined, the process returns to step S50.

On the other hand, if YES is determined in the step S51, the process proceeds to the step S52 to end the sub-menu screen displayed at that time, and then in the step S53, in the step S43 of FIG. Based on the saved screen code, the sub-menu screen that was displayed before the "recording setting" button was operated is displayed, and the process returns to step S31 in FIG. After that, the user can operate the operation buttons displayed on the sub-menu screen to execute various operations on the main device of the content selection button operated before operating the “record setting” button. I can.

In the AV control system of the present embodiment, the user operates the "record setting" button while the predetermined controlled device is executing the predetermined operation in response to the operation of one content selection button. After that, if the device selection button is operated to select the desired recordable device, the submenu screen of the desired recordable device is displayed in a state where the operation of the predetermined controlled device is maintained, and thereafter, When the user operates the operation button displayed on the submenu screen, the desired operation of the recordable device is executed according to the operation. Therefore,
The user can effectively use the AV equipment connected to the controller (1).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an AV control system in which the present invention is implemented.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a top screen of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a TV submenu screen of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a VCR1 submenu screen of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an error display screen of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining button codes of content selection buttons and operation buttons displayed on a submenu screen of each AV device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main device table stored in a touch panel input device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a submenu screen table stored in the touch panel input device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation table stored in a controller.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure executed by the touch panel input device to realize device control in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the rest of the above procedure.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a top screen of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a VCR1 submenu screen of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a recording setting device selection screen of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a VCR3 submenu screen of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a device information table stored in the touch panel input device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a procedure executed by the touch panel input device to realize device control in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the first division diagram of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a second branch diagram of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional AV control system.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a conventional top screen.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a conventional submenu screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

(1) Controller (11) Touch panel input device (21) VCR1 (22) VCR2 (23) VCR3 (24) TV receiver (25) AV amplifier

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of devices are connected to a control device, and the control device comprises an image display surface and an input device capable of input operation on the image display surface, and according to the operation of the input device,
In a centralized control system for a plurality of devices in which operations of a plurality of devices are controlled, a control device performs a predetermined operation for a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices among the connected plurality of devices. Content selection button display means for displaying a plurality of content selection buttons for commanding on the image display surface, and for each content selection button, one main device that is the main one of the predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices Information storing means for storing main device information for specifying a device, and control for instructing a predetermined operation to a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices according to a user operation on one content selection button Target device operation command means, and a main device of the content selection button based on the main device information in response to a user operation on one content selection button. Button display means for specifying one or more operation buttons for specifying a predetermined operation to the main device, and the specified main device according to a user operation on the operation button. A main device operation instructing means for instructing a predetermined operation with respect to the control target device operation instruction means and a control means for controlling the operation of the operation button display means When one more content selection button is operated by the user in the state where a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices are performing a predetermined operation according to the operation, Centralized control of a plurality of devices, wherein execution of a predetermined operation command is prohibited while commanding execution of the operation button display to operation button display means. System. 2. The error display, wherein the control device further displays an error display indicating that a predetermined operation cannot be instructed to the main equipment of the content selection button newly operated by the user on the image display surface. Means, memory means for storing main device information of one content selection button, and a user operated to instruct the predetermined controlled device to operate in response to execution of the operation of the predetermined controlled device. An information processing means for reading the main device information of the content selection button from the information storage means and storing the read main device information in the memory means; and the control means, the main device information stored in the memory means, The content selection button previously operated by the user is compared with the main device information of the content selection button newly operated by the user. Of the main device and the judgment device for judging whether the main device of the content selection button newly operated by the user is the same, and when the main device is not the same, In addition to prohibiting the execution of predetermined operation commands,
A command means for instructing the operation button display means to execute the operation button display, and for instructing the error display means to execute the error display when the main equipment is the same. 1. A centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to 1. 3. The control device further displays a prohibition button to be operated in order to maintain the operation of one or a plurality of control target devices performing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on the content selection button. A prohibition button display means to be displayed on the display surface, and a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices executing a predetermined operation in response to a user operation on one content selection button, and further one content by the user. When the selection button is operated, the operation stop command means for instructing the predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices to stop the operation is provided, and the control means is such that the prohibit button is operated by the user. After that, when one further content selection button is operated, the operation stop command is executed to the operation stop command means, and the control target device operation finger is executed. Commanding means for prohibiting execution of the predetermined operation command and commanding operation button display means for executing the operation button display, and further selecting one content without operating the prohibition button by the user. When the button is operated, the operation stop command means is instructed to execute the operation stop command, the predetermined operation command is executed to the control target device operation command means, and the operation button display means is executed. The centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an instruction to execute the operation button display is issued. 4. A plurality of devices including a recordable device capable of recording operation are connected to a control device, and the control device comprises an image display surface and an input device capable of input operation on the image display surface. , In a centralized control system for a plurality of devices in which the operation of a plurality of devices is controlled according to the operation of the input device,
The control device selects a content from which a plurality of content selection buttons for instructing a predetermined operation to a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices among a plurality of connected devices are displayed on the image display surface. Button display means, control target equipment operation command means for instructing predetermined one or a plurality of control target equipments to perform a predetermined operation according to a user operation on one content selection button, and one content selection button A recording setting button that displays a recording setting button to be operated when starting recording setting in a state where a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices are performing a predetermined operation according to a user operation. Display means and recordable information storage means for storing recordable information for determining whether or not each connected device is a recordable device; When the user operates the recording setting button in the state where a predetermined one or a plurality of control target devices are performing a predetermined operation according to a user operation on one content selection button, based on the recordable information. Then, one or a plurality of recordable devices are extracted from the plurality of connected devices, and one or a plurality of recording operation buttons for instructing the recordable device to perform a predetermined operation are displayed as images. A recording operation button display means for displaying on the screen, and a recordable equipment operation command means for instructing a predetermined operation to the recordable equipment according to a user operation on the recording operation button. Central control system for multiple devices. 5. The control device further includes an identification information storage unit that stores identification information for identifying each connected device, and a predetermined one or a plurality of units for each content selection button. Main device information storage means for storing the identification information of one main main device among the control target devices, memory means for storing the identification information of the main device of one content selection button, and one content 1 for specifying a main device of the content selection button based on the identification information stored in the main device information storage means in response to a user operation on the selection button and instructing the main device to perform a predetermined operation. Alternatively, a device operation button display means for displaying a plurality of device operation buttons, and operation of the predetermined control target device according to execution of operation of the predetermined control target device An information processing unit that reads out identification information of a content selection button operated by a user to give an instruction from the main device information storage unit and stores the read identification information in the memory unit, and according to a user operation on the device operation button. A main device operation command means for instructing a specified operation to the specified main device, wherein the recording operation button display means is provided with the identification information stored in the memory means and each of the extracted recordable devices. Of the content selection button operated by the user to determine whether or not each recordable device is the same, and performs a predetermined operation on the recordable device that is not the same as the main device. For ordering
Alternatively, the centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of recording operation buttons are displayed on the image display surface. 6. The recording operation button display means of the control device displays, on the image display surface, one or a plurality of device selection buttons for selecting one recordable device from one or a plurality of recordable devices. Device selection button display means and one or a plurality of operation buttons for instructing a predetermined operation to one recordable device selected by the user according to the device selection operation by the user on the image display surface. The centralized control system for a plurality of devices according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a device-specific operation button display means for displaying.