JP4387910B2 - Remote control ID setting program and remote control ID setting system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote controller capable of individually operating a plurality of devices.

  Many electrical appliances exemplified by VTRs, DVD recorders, and hard disk recorders are remotely operated using a remote controller that emits infrared rays (hereinafter abbreviated as a remote controller).

  Some remote controllers have a function of individually operating a plurality of electrical appliances. In the case of such a remote control, for example, by switching the ID numbers from 1 to 4 with a changeover switch, it is selected which electrical appliance is to be operated.

  Electric appliances corresponding to such remote controllers have a function of setting an ID number. The ID number of the electric appliance may be determined by setting with a mechanical switch. Alternatively, the ID number of the electric appliance is determined by being written via a user interface to a nonvolatile memory storing the ID number or a battery-backed memory.

  An example of the configuration of a conventional remote controller and its light receiving system will be described with reference to FIG. The remote control 101 includes a transmission unit that transmits an infrared signal and a selection switch for selecting which of a plurality of electrical appliances to operate.

  The remote control light receiving system 102 includes a remote control light receiving unit 104 that receives a signal transmitted from the remote control 101. The remote control light receiving system 102 further includes a RAM 108, a ROM 110, a flash ROM 112, a microcontroller 106 for controlling them, and a backup battery 114. The remote control light receiving system 102 further includes an audio / visual system 118 such as a recording system.

  The remote control light receiving system 102 further includes a LAN controller 120. By the LAN controller 120, the remote control light receiving system 102 can exchange information with other remote control light receiving systems (electric appliances) via the LAN. In recent years, an increasing number of home networks connect computers and home appliances through such networks to enable mutual information exchange and control.

  The microcontroller 106, the recording system 118, and the LAN controller 120 are controlled by the system CPU 116.

  For electrical appliances that do not have a mechanical switch, non-volatile memory, battery-backed memory, etc., provided to set the ID number, when using again after turning off the switch or power failure The user needs to reset the ID number by operating the electrical appliances one by one.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a device control method and a device control system for providing a device control method and a device control system capable of task-oriented control over devices connected to a network.

  In Patent Document 2, in a system in which a plurality of AV devices are connected and digital data can be optionally transferred between the AV devices, the plurality of AV devices are serially connected in a daisy chain via a cable. An AV network system comprising: connection means for configuring a network by connecting; and control means for controlling operation of the network by connecting both ends of the network constituted by the connection means It is disclosed.

JP 2001-103584 A JP-A-4-207432

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to set an ID of a remote controller of an electrical appliance with a simple configuration.

  Another object of the present invention is to easily set an ID of a remote controller of an electrical appliance connected to a network.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control ID setting system that does not require a backup for holding the ID of an electric appliance when the power is turned off as in the prior art.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control ID setting system that can be easily recovered after a power failure such as a power failure.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control ID setting system in which a remote control ID is automatically set in order from a device directed by a user.

  In the following, means for solving the problem will be described using the numbers used in [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] in parentheses. These numbers are added to clarify the correspondence between the description of [Claims] and [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. However, these numbers should not be used to interpret the technical scope of the invention described in [Claims].

  The remote control ID setting program (28) according to the present invention includes a step (S2) of generating an input ID selected from a plurality of IDs that can be set by the remote controller (1), and a plurality of devices ( 21, 22, 23) selecting one device as the first device (21) and assigning an input ID to the first device (21), and a plurality of devices (21, 22, 23) A step (S28) of sequentially assigning IDs other than the input ID among the plurality of IDs to devices other than the first device (21).

  The remote control ID setting program (28) according to the present invention generates an input ID selected from a plurality of IDs that can be set by the remote controller (1) (S2), and inputs the input ID to the first device (21). Is assigned as the first device temporary ID (S14), and the second device (22) connected to the first device (21) via the LAN (24) is selected from the plurality of IDs. A determination step (S16) for determining whether or not a device ID is assigned, and a step of collating the first device temporary ID and the second device ID when the second device ID is assigned in the determination step ( S18) and the second device ID is not assigned in the determination step, or the first device temporary ID is assigned to the first device (21) when the collation result does not match. The step of determining as the assigned ID (S28) and the step of assigning an ID other than the first device temporary ID among the plurality of IDs to the first device (21) when the collation result matches (S28) It has.

  In the remote control ID setting program (28) according to the present invention, the first device (21) and the second device (22) are interchangeable.

  A remote control ID setting system according to the present invention includes a storage device (27) for storing a remote control ID setting program (28), a remote controller (1), a first device (21), a second device (22), a remote When a signal is received from the controller (1) and any one of the plurality of IDs is not assigned to the first device (21), the remote control ID setting program (28) is read from the storage device (27) and executed. And a computer (16) for assigning an ID to the first device (21).

  A remote control ID setting system according to the present invention includes a storage device (27) for storing a remote control ID setting program (28), a remote controller (1), a first device (21), a second device (22), a remote When a signal is received from the controller (1) and any one of a plurality of IDs is not assigned to the first device (21) and the second device (22), an ID setting program is stored from the storage device (27). (28) is read and executed, and includes a computer (16) that assigns IDs in order from the first device (21) and the second device (22) that have received the remote controller (1) signal earlier. Yes.

  In the remote control ID setting system according to the present invention, the first device (21) and the second device (22) transmit information indicating a declaration that the ID is assigned to the computer (16) when the ID is assigned. It has a declaration part.

  In the remote control ID setting system according to the present invention, when no ID is assigned to both the first device (21) and the second device (22), one of the first device (21) and the second device (22). The other makes a declaration, triggered by the receipt of one declaration by the computer (16).

  In the remote control ID setting system according to the present invention, the remote controller (1) includes an input unit for selecting any one of a plurality of IDs. The computer (16) assigns the ID selected in the input unit to the first device (21) or the second device (22) that has received the signal from the remote controller (1) earlier.

  The remote controller ID setting system according to the present invention includes a remote controller (1) having a selection switch for selecting an ID for individually operating a plurality of electronic devices (21, 22, 23), and when no ID is assigned. And an electronic device (21, 22, 23) that registers the ID selected by the selection switch as its own ID when a signal is received from the remote controller (1).

  In the remote control ID setting system according to the present invention, a plurality of electronic devices (21, 22, 23) are connected to each other via a LAN (24). Of the plurality of electronic devices (21, 22, 23) to which no ID is assigned, the electronic device that has received the earliest signal from the remote controller (1) assigns the ID selected by the selection switch to itself. Register as your ID.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to set the ID of the remote controller of the electrical appliance with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the setting of the ID of the remote controller of the electrical appliance connected to the network is easily performed.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a remote control ID setting system that does not require a backup for holding the ID of an electrical appliance when the power is cut off as in the prior art.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a remote control ID setting system that can be easily recovered after a power failure such as a power failure.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a remote control ID setting system in which a remote control ID is automatically set in order from a device directed by a user.

  Hereinafter, a remote control ID setting program and a remote control ID setting system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the remote control ID setting system is shown. The remote control ID setting system 30 includes a remote control 1, a first receiving device 21, a second receiving device 22, and a third receiving device 23 that are connected to each other via a LAN 24. The LAN 24 is not limited to a wired line and may be wireless. These receiving devices are video or DVD recording or playback devices, television sets, tuners, hard disk recorders, personal computers, etc., each connectable to a LAN. The number of receiving apparatuses is not limited to three, but may be two or four or more.

  The remote controller 1 includes a selection switch for individually selecting and operating each receiving apparatus. The selection switch makes it possible to distinguish the three receiving devices by IDs such as No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, for example. Information indicating the ID selected by the selection switch is transmitted as part of an infrared signal for operating the receiving device.

  Each receiving apparatus has a case where an ID corresponding to the selection switch of the remote controller 1 is set and a case where the ID is not set. For example, it is assumed that the first receiving device 21 is set to ID No. 1, the second receiving device 22 is set to ID No. 2, the third receiving device 23 is not set to ID, and all three devices are placed in close proximity. When the user turns on the selection switch of the remote controller 1 and performs an operation with the remote controller, infrared signals are received by the three receiving devices. Only the first receiving device 21 whose ID matches the ID of the selection switch responds to the operation of the remote controller, and the other receiving devices ignore the received signal and do not react.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the remote control and its light receiving system is shown. This light receiving system is provided in each of the receiving devices such as the first receiving device, the second receiving device, and the third receiving device in FIG. The remote controller 1 includes a transmission unit that transmits an infrared signal and a selection switch for selecting which of a plurality of electrical appliances to operate.

  The remote control light receiving system 2 includes a remote control light receiving unit 4 that receives a signal transmitted from the remote control 1. The remote control light receiving system 2 further includes a RAM 8, a ROM 10, and a microcontroller 6 for controlling them. The RAM 8 stores an ID corresponding to the selection switch of the remote controller 1 or stores that the ID is not set. When the ID stored in the RAM 8 changes from the unset state to the set state, the microcontroller 6 uses the LAN controller to transmit information indicating the acquisition of the ID to another remote control light receiving system. To do. This operation is hereinafter referred to as “ID declaration”. The remote control light receiving system 2 further includes a system exemplified by the audio / visual relationship of the recording system 18 or the like.

  The remote control light receiving system 2 further includes a LAN controller 20. The LAN controller 20 allows the remote control light receiving system 2 to exchange information with other remote control light receiving systems (electric appliances) via the LAN. The microcontroller 6, the recording system 18, and the LAN controller 20 are controlled by the system CPU 16. The system CPU 16 further stores a remote control ID setting program 28.

  4 and 5, an operation performed by the remote control receiving system 2 when an infrared signal is received from the remote control 1 is shown. Part of these operations is an operation that the system CPU 16 reads out the remote control ID setting program 28 and performs according to the procedure described in the remote control ID setting program 28. Hereinafter, such an operation is described as an operation performed by the remote control ID setting program 28.

  The following description will be given focusing on one of a plurality of receiving devices connected by the LAN 24.

  Step S2: Referring to FIG. 4, the user operates remote controller 1 toward receiver, and remote controller light receiving unit 4 receives a signal from remote controller 1. In the signal, the ID of the receiving device selected by the selection switch provided in the remote controller 1 is included.

  Step S4: The microcontroller 6 checks whether or not an ID is stored in the RAM 8.

  Step S6: When an ID is stored in the RAM 8 in Step S4 (Step S4 Yes), the microcontroller 6 collates the ID with the ID received from the remote controller 1. If the collation results do not match, the signal received from the remote controller 1 is ignored. If the collation results match, processing in response to an operation by the remote controller 1 is performed.

  Step S8: The receiving apparatus monitors whether another receiving apparatus connected via the LAN 24 has made an ID declaration. When the ID declaration is not made (No at Step S8), the normal operation in response to the remote controller 1 is performed. When the ID declaration is made (step S8 Yes), the operation proceeds to step S10.

  Step S10: When another receiving device makes an ID declaration, the receiving device collates its own ID stored in the RAM 8 with the ID included in the ID declaration made by the other receiving device. When the result of collation does not match (No in step S10), a normal operation in response to the remote controller 1 is performed. When the collation results match (Yes at Step S10), the process proceeds to Step S12.

  Step S12: When the ID stored in the RAM 8 matches the ID of the ID declaration, a signal indicating that the ID is duplicated is transmitted to the other receiving apparatus that has made the ID declaration. Thereafter, the operation returns to the normal operation (step S6). When receiving the signal, the other receiving device that has made the ID declaration operates to acquire an ID different from the ID included in the ID declaration.

  Step S14: Referring to FIG. 5, when the ID is not stored in RAM 8 in Step S4, or when it is stored that the ID is not set, the mode for automatically assigning the ID of the receiving device (Automatic ID allocation mode) is launched. When the automatic ID assignment mode is started, the ID (corresponding to the selection switch of the remote controller 1) included in the signal received from the remote controller 1 is first stored and set in the RAM as a temporary ID.

  Step S16: If another receiving apparatus has made an ID declaration in advance (Yes at Step S16), the operation proceeds to Step S18. If another receiving apparatus has not made an ID declaration in advance (No in step S16), the operation proceeds to step S22.

  Step S18: The ID previously declared by another receiving apparatus is collated with the ID temporarily set in step S14. When the collation results match (step S18 Yes), the operation proceeds to step S20. When the result of collation is inconsistent (No in step S18), the operation proceeds to step S22.

  Step S20: The temporarily set ID is changed (for example, 1 is added to the ID number), and the operation returns to Step S16.

  Step S22: The receiving apparatus declares the ID temporarily set in step S14.

  Step S24: When the same ID as the ID declared in step S22 is declared from another receiving apparatus, the operation proceeds to step S26. Otherwise, the operation proceeds to step S28.

  Step S26: The system CPU 16 outputs a signal instructing to change the ID included in one of the ID declarations (for example, adding 1 to the ID number). The receiving device in which the ID included in the ID declaration is changed returns to step S16 and continues the operation.

  Step S28: The ID temporarily set in step S14 is determined as the ID of the receiving device.

  Step S30: The confirmed ID is notified to the user by means such as being displayed on the display of the receiving device.

  Step S32: The automatic ID assignment mode is terminated.

  Step S34: The receiving apparatus returns to the operation of making a normal response to the operation of the remote controller.

  According to such an operation, the receiver that has received light from the remote controller 1 makes an ID declaration earlier, and as a result, obtains an ID preferentially. Among the other receiving devices connected to the receiving device that has received light from the remote controller 1 through the LAN, those that have not been set with ID are automatically automatically triggered one after another using the ID declaration of the receiving device that has made the ID declaration earlier. The ID declaration is performed, and the ID of the ID declaration with which the ID interferes is sequentially corrected, and the ID is automatically assigned to all the devices.

  For example, when the user sets the selection switch of the remote control to No. 1 and operates the remote control 1 by pointing the remote control 1 toward the first reception device 21 whose ID is not set, the first reception device 21 is set as the ID. Get number one. In this way, it is possible to easily assign an ID desired by the user to a device frequently used by the user.

  Such a remote control ID setting system and remote control ID setting program eliminates the trouble of setting IDs one by one when the ID of the remote control receiver is erased due to, for example, a power failure, and automatically performs all operations with a single remote control operation. It is possible to reset the ID of the device. Similarly, when the ID is erased by turning off the power of each device, the ID is reset by a single remote control operation, and the setting is easy. When a new device is connected to the LAN for the first time, the ID is easily set by the same remote control operation.

  Furthermore, when the remote control ID of the device is not set and the user tries to operate the remote control toward any of the plurality of devices, the ID set in the ID selection switch provided in the remote control is It is automatically set as the ID of the device to which the remote controller is directed. Therefore, after a power failure or when a new device is installed, the user can start the operation of the device simply by operating the remote control toward the desired device without performing a setting operation related to the remote control ID.

According to such a remote control ID setting system and remote control ID setting program, a non-volatile memory, a backup battery, and a mechanical switch are not required for holding the ID even when the power of the receiving apparatus is turned off. Therefore, the configuration is simple and the cost is reduced.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a remote controller and a receiving system in the background art. FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a remote control ID setting system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the remote control and the receiving system according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control ID setting system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control ID setting system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Remote control 2 ... Remote control light-receiving device 4 ... Remote control light-receiving part 6 ... Microcontroller 8 ... RAM
10 ... ROM
16 ... System CPU
18 ... Recording system etc. 20 ... LAN controller 21 ... 1st receiving device 22 ... 2nd receiving device 23 ... 3rd receiving device 24 ... LAN
30 ... Remote control ID setting system

Claims (8)

A computer to be executed on a device constituting an information processing system having at least two devices each having a receiving means connected to a network and capable of receiving a signal output by a user's remote controller operation A program,
The first device receives from the remote controller a signal including an input ID selected by the user from among a plurality of IDs and operating the device;
Determining whether any one of the plurality of IDs is assigned to the first device;
Assigning the input ID as a first device temporary ID to the first device when the plurality of IDs are not assigned to the first device;
A determination step of determining whether a second device connected to the first device via a network is assigned any one of the plurality of IDs to the second device;
Collation for collating the first device temporary ID and the second device ID assigned to the second device when any one of the plurality of IDs is assigned to the second device in the determination step. Steps,
When none of the plurality of IDs is assigned to the second device in the determination step, or when the first device temporary ID and the second device ID do not match in the inquiry step, Determining a first device temporary ID as a first device ID assigned to the first device;
Assigning an ID other than the second device ID among the plurality of IDs to the first device when the first device temporary ID and the second device ID match in the inquiry step. A remote control ID setting program for causing the first device to execute the method. A remote control ID setting program according to claim 1,
In the inquiry step, when the first device and the second device ID match, an ID other than the second device ID among the plurality of IDs assigned to the first device is assigned to another device. A remote control ID setting program comprising: determining an ID other than the second device ID as the first device ID when the ID is not set. A remote control ID setting program according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The first device ID and the second device ID can be exchanged. Remote control ID setting program. A storage device for storing the remote control ID setting program according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
The first device;
The second device connected to the first device via a network;
A signal including any one of the plurality of IDs is received from the remote controller, and a signal for operating the device is received, and none of the plurality of IDs is assigned to the first device and the second device. A remote controller comprising: a computer that reads and executes the remote control ID setting program from a storage device and assigns an ID in order from the first device and the second device that have received the remote controller signal first. ID setting system. The remote control ID setting system according to claim 4,
The remote control ID setting system, wherein the first device and the second device transmit information indicating a declaration that an ID has been assigned to the computer when an ID is assigned. The remote control ID setting system according to claim 5,
When information indicating the declaration is transmitted from the first device and the second device to the computer, a remoter ID setting system that determines the one that transmitted the declaration earlier as an allocation ID. A remote control ID setting system according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The remote controller further includes an input unit for selecting any one of the plurality of IDs,
The computer assigns an ID selected in the input unit to a first one of the first device and the second device that has received a signal from the remote controller first. Remote control ID setting system. The remote control ID setting system according to any one of claims 4 to 7 ,
A remote control ID setting system in which an operation of the first device or the second device is started when an ID included in a signal for operating the device matches the first device ID or the second device ID.

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