JP4433894B2 - Remote control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device (remote control device) for remotely operating an AV device such as a TV, VCR, or DVD player, and more particularly to a remote control device that can simplify an input operation for an AV device having a complicated function. .

  As an example of a remote control device, there is known a remote control that automatically outputs a signal according to the stored contents of a memory at a corresponding time and remotely operates a target device (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In this device, a microcomputer (CPU) and a memory (RAM) are built in the remote controller, and a schedule according to the personal life time is stored in advance in the memory, and when the time corresponding to the program comes, the memory is stored. According to the contents, a signal is automatically output from a remote controller, and each target device is remotely controlled.

As a result, the operation of the remote controller is convenient because it does not bother human hands.
JP, 6-6860, A In addition, a remote control device which improves operability by changing the mode selection order of a plurality of devices according to the usage frequency of each time zone has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). .

  In this remote control device, the time management means manages the time zone in which the remote control operation is performed, and the control means reads the devices in the time zone selection order at the time of mode selection based on the selection order storage means.

Since the remote control code of the selected device is generated from the device code generation means, the target device can be selected efficiently, and the operability is improved.
JP, 7-203559, A Also, a remote control device has been proposed for the purpose of causing a combination operation of a plurality of controlled devices to be performed accurately and in a timely manner by a single remote control operation (for example, Patent Document 3). reference).

  In this remote control device, the transmission order of individual remote control signals to each controlled device is stored in advance in the storage unit, and when the operator presses the call switch, the remote control signal is received according to the stored transmission instruction sequence. Sent to the control device.

In addition, on each controlled device side, the operation state at that time of the device is stored in the corresponding storage unit corresponding to the remote control signal transmitted in advance, and the operation stored according to the remote control signal transmitted at the time of control The state is taken out by the state setting unit, and the controlled device is controlled.
Further, there is also known an air conditioner including a remote controller that saves time and effort when performing a timer operation under the same conditions as the previous time (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

  This air conditioner is provided with a timer repeat key for causing the remote controller to perform timer operation under the same conditions as the previous time. When this timer repeat key is pressed, the previous timer mode and timer time are read from the memory, and these setting data are transmitted from the transmission unit to the main body.

  On the main body side, timer operation is performed in the same timer mode and timer time as the previous time based on the received setting data.

This eliminates the need to reset the mode and time by operating the timer setting key when resuming the operation, thereby saving labor of the operation.
JP 2003-106599 A

  By the way, each of the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 includes a memory and a storage unit, and is based on storing the contents of key operations and executing them later. When the operation mode is executed, the time from the first key press to the next key press is stored, and the operation mode is not executed at the same time.

  For this reason, when the operation mode is executed by a key operation of the remote controller, a signal may not be received on the controlled device side, and an erroneous input may occur. In this case, the key operation is usually performed several times until the transmission signal is accepted, but such operation is extremely troublesome.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can simplify a key operation that becomes complicated as it becomes more multifunctional, reduce the burden on the operator, and improve operability. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the remote control device according to the present invention is configured so that a plurality of operation modes including at least an edit mode, a format mode, a finalize mode, and an initialization mode executed by the controlled device are individually assigned to set the operation mode. a numeric keypad which also functions as a use key, a memory key for inputting a command for storing the start, in addition to functioning as a determination key, an enter key which also functions as a storage end command keys, to each key A key decoder that outputs an assigned key code; a transmitter that wirelessly transmits the key code output from the key decoder; and a remote controller that includes a memory and a counter and controls the entire apparatus, part is, the time count to the counter from the time when the memory key is operated to open Is, then, when the operating any of the ten-key the operation mode is assigned, and stores the key code assigned to the numeric keypad in the memory is read from the key decoder and assigned to the numeric keypad the operating mode for each predetermined individual key for executing the Ru are sequentially operated that is, the key code assigned to each key that is the operation sequentially read from the key decoder and the key code thus read out The elapsed time data that is the count time of the counter at the time when the key corresponding to each key code is operated is sequentially stored in the memory, and the command corresponding to each key code read from the key decoder A first control function for transmitting a signal from the transmission unit to the controlled device; When the contents obtaining the possibility of starting the operation mode assigned to the key is displayed on the screen of the display unit of the controlled device, after the start of the operation mode is selected by operating the predetermined key, the enter key Only when is operated , the counting operation of the time count of the counter is ended , and the count time at the end time is stored in the memory as a required time from the operation of the memory key to the operation of the enter key a second control function, after execution by the second control function is terminated, when one of the numeric keys which the memory key and the operation mode is allocated is operated continuously, from the memory reads the elapsed and the key code stored in connection with the operation mode assigned to the numeric keypad is operated time data , And a third control function sequentially transmitted from the transmitting unit in each key code readout time interval based on the elapsed time data.

Moreover, in the remote control device according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the control unit comprises :
Wherein after said numeric key memory key and the operation mode is allocated is operated continuously, the enter key is operated without Rukoto, the memory key and the numeric key operation mode is assigned continuously again when operated, to erase each key code and the elapsed time data stored in the memory at that time, on the basis of the memory key and the ten-key said is again operated, the first control Control by the function, the second control function, and the third control function is sequentially executed .

Further comprising a display unit, wherein the control unit, the in the first control function to display respectively the elapsed time operation mode of operation assigned to the numeric keypad and the counter is counting on the display unit, In the third control function, when the required time is read from the memory in addition to each key code and elapsed time data, and each key code read from the memory is sequentially transmitted from the transmitter, the elapsed time from the required time A countdown value until completion calculated by subtracting data is displayed on the display unit .

The remote control device according to the first aspect of the present invention is to execute the operation mode assigned to the ten key after any of the ten keys to which the operation mode is assigned is operated following the operation of the memory key. When the key code of each predetermined key sequentially operated and the elapsed time data at the time each corresponding key is operated are sequentially stored in the memory and the enter key is operated Then, by storing the data of the transmission sequence of the key codes and the transmission time interval when actually executing the operation mode in the memory , next, the tenth to which the operation mode is assigned following the memory key . When the key is operated again, the data is read from the memory and the key code related to the operation mode of the controlled device is sent at time intervals based on the elapsed time data. Since sequentially transmitted from the parts, without operating the plurality of keys required to perform the conventional operation mode as, since it is only necessary to operate the two keys of the memory key and numeric keypad, significantly the burden on the operator There is an effect that the operability can be improved by reducing it.

Also, remote control device according to the invention according to claim 2, when the more numeric key is operated again memory key to enter key is not operated, to erase the first data stored in the memory, re-operation since storing data when the memory, no erroneous input occurs when not accepted by the controlled device, there is an advantage that it is possible to reliably perform the operation mode.

Furthermore, the remote control device according to the invention according to claim 3, when the numeric key is operated subsequent to the memory key to display the elapsed time along with displaying the operation mode assigned to that numeric key on the display unit, further , at the time of transmission of the key code, from possible to display a countdown value to the end, after which the user can confirm the input content, there is the advantage that it is possible to know the time required for transmission.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a remote control device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This remote control device 16 remotely controls the DVD player 1 shown in FIG. 3, and the basic configuration is the same as that of a popular remote control. The power supply is turned on / off on the front side of the upper surface 17a of the remote control body 17. A power key, a switching key for DVD / TV switching, an opening / closing key for opening and closing the tray, and the like are provided.

In addition, a channel and a numeric keypad 18 for inputting numerical values are arranged substantially at the center of the upper surface 17a. The numeric keypad 18 is assigned various operation modes of the DVD player 1 to each numeric key.
In this example, the key number “1” is an edit mode for editing recorded information of the DVD 2, the key number “2” is a format mode for formatting the DVD 2, and the key number “3” is for formatting different types of DVDs such as RW and RAM. This is a finalize mode that enhances compatibility, and various modes are supported for other keys.

  In the vicinity of the numeric keypad 18, a setting key 19 for starting various settings of the DVD player 1, a menu key 20 for displaying menu items on the monitor screen, and the operation contents in the numeric keypad of the numeric keypad 18 are stored in the memory 30a. A memory key 21 to be stored and an enter key 22 for determining and executing a selection item by operating each key are arranged.

  Further, on the rear side of the upper surface 17a, function keys including a cursor key 23, a pause key 24, and the like are provided.

  In the cursor key 23, play, stop, fast forward, and fast reverse functions are assigned to the cross keys arranged vertically and horizontally.

  The cursor key 23 outputs a command for selecting a desired item by moving the cursor on the screen when the menu key 20 is used to display a menu on the screen of the monitor 11. Yes.

  In addition, the enter key 22 outputs a command to determine and execute any of the selection items displayed on the screen and the signs “YES” and “NO” according to the operation of the key.

  Reference numeral 25 denotes a liquid crystal display screen which receives the signal from the display unit 29 and displays the contents of the key operation with characters and signs.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the remote control device.

  In the figure, 26 is a key input unit that outputs a command signal when operating the various keys, 27 is a key decoder that outputs a code assigned to each key, and 28 is a code signal of the key decoder that receives an infrared signal from a light emitter. The transmission unit 29 transmits the display signal to the display screen 25 based on the control of the control unit 30.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a remote controller control unit (control unit) comprising a microcomputer, which counts the elapsed time from the start to the end of the operation of the memory 30a, the memory key 20 and the numeric keypad 18 for storing the command data and time data at the time of the key operation. Counter 30b and the like.

  The remote controller 30 is connected in one direction or bidirectionally depending on each part of the circuit and its function.

  Then, when any of the numeric keys 18 is operated, the remote controller 30 reads a mode corresponding to the key from the key decoder 27 and displays it on the display screen 25. Further, an elapsed time when the memory key 21 is operated is displayed, or a countdown of the elapsed time is displayed.

  Further, every time one of the keys is pressed, a remote control code corresponding to the operation content is transmitted as an instruction signal to the DVD player 1 side by an infrared signal.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the DVD player 1.

  In the figure, reference numeral 2 denotes a DVD 2 placed on the tray, and 3 denotes a drive system motor, which rotates the DVD 2. An optical pickup 4 sends information optically read from a track of the DVD 2 to a signal processing unit (not shown). This signal processing unit is connected to the reading unit 6 and the control unit 15, and performs signal processing on the read information and transmits it to each.

  Note that the operation speed of the motor 3 and the optical pickup 4 is controlled by the servo control unit 5.

  The reading unit 6 sends the compressed video / audio data read from the DVD 2 to the separation unit 7. The separation unit 7 separates the compressed video / audio data into a compressed video data bucket and a compressed audio data bucket, and transmits the compressed video / data data bucket to the decompression unit 8.

The decompressing unit 8 decodes the compressed video data bucket and the compressed audio data bucket separated by the separating unit 7 to decompress the original video / audio information.
The reading unit 6, separation unit 7 and decompression unit 8 are constituted by a general decoder IC.

  A video information output unit 9 converts the video data expanded by the expansion unit 8 into an NTSC or PAL color television signal for display on the screen of a monitor 11 such as a television. Output.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes an audio information output unit, which sends out the audio data expanded by the expansion unit 8 to the speaker 12 for sound emission.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes a display circuit for OSD (On Screen Display), and an output is connected to the video information output unit 9. Then, based on display control of the control unit 15, an OSD signal is output to the video information output unit 9 to display a menu, various modes, and the like on the screen of the monitor 11.

  A receiving unit 14 receives an infrared signal transmitted from the remote controller 16 and sends a transmission signal to the control unit 15 side.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a control unit composed of a microcomputer, which includes a memory and a timer, and controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The control unit 15 is unidirectionally or bidirectionally connected depending on each part of the circuit and its function.
Then, the mode shifts to a mode corresponding to the command signal from the remote controller 16, and a control signal is sent to the servo control unit 5 to control the drive mechanism, thereby various kinds of normal playback, slow playback, fast forward, fast reverse and stop. Perform the action.

  In addition, operation control of the reading unit 6, the separation unit 7, the decompression unit 8, and the like is performed, the recording information of the DVD 2 is read, video is displayed on the screen 11 a of the monitor 11, and sound is emitted from the speaker 12.

The control unit 15 stores in advance data for rewriting various DVDs such as RW and RAM into a format that can be used by the DVD player 1 in a memory.
The control unit 15 is configured to display a menu or mode on the screen of the monitor 11 in accordance with a command from the remote controller 16 and then perform control according to the selection command.

  Next, the operation of the remote control device will be described with reference to the drawings.

Here, a case where the DVD 2 is formatted by the DVD player 1 will be described.
First, when the user presses the key number “2” of the numeric keypad 18 after the memory key 21 of the remote controller 16, the remote controller control unit 30 starts storage associated with the format mode accordingly.
When this storage starts, each time a key operation is performed, the remote control unit 30 reads the corresponding key code from the key decoder 27 and stores it in the memory 30a.
Further, the remote control unit 30 displays the characters in the format mode on the display screen 25 and causes the counter 30a to start counting time.
Subsequently, the user operates the menu key 20 in the same manner as in the normal format mode start. Then, the remote controller 30 reads the key code and causes the transmitter 28 to transmit a menu display command signal.
When the DVD player 1 receives this command signal, the control unit 15 displays menu items on the screen of the monitor 11 so that various modes such as an edit mode, a format mode, and a finalize mode can be selected.
Here, when the user operates the cursor key 23 to select the format mode, the control unit 15 accordingly displays “Start formatting?“ YES ”/“ NO ”on the screen.
At this time, when the user selects “YES” and depresses the enter key 22, the remote controller 30 reads the format mode key code from the key decoder 27 and causes the transmitter 28 to transmit a format command signal.
Further, the counting of the time by the counter 30a is ended, and the format mode display on the display screen 25 is deleted.
Then, the elapsed time from the operation point of the memory key 21 to the operation point of the enter key 22 is calculated, and the data is stored in the memory 30b.
As a result, the key code for each key operation accompanying the start of the format mode and the elapsed time data are stored in the memory 30b, and the series of format start operations ends.
When the DVD player 1 receives the format command signal transmitted from the remote controller 16, the control unit 15 shifts to the format mode in response to this and starts formatting the DVD2.
By the way, when the DVD player 1 is controlled by operating the remote control device 15 to execute various modes, the mode is usually not immediately shifted to a standby state in many cases.
The format mode is the same, and the user operates the remote controller 16 while watching the screen display. As described above, “Do you want to start formatting? If“ YES ”/“ NO ”is not displayed, It is possible to know that the input operation is invalid and the key input operation is necessary again.
At this time, the user again presses the key number “2” of the numeric keypad 18 following the memory key 21 of the remote controller 16.
When the memory key 21 and the key number “2” are operated again, the remote controller 30 erases the data in the format mode that has been stored in the memory 30b until then.
Then, storage of the format mode is newly started. Also at this time, the counter 30a starts counting time, and the key code is read and stored in the memory 30a every time a key operation is performed.
Thereafter, when the enter key 22 is operated, the elapsed time data and the key code from the operation point of the memory key 21 are stored in the memory 30b.
As a result, when the format mode start operation ends, the memory 30b stores time data and a key code when the enter key 22 is operated after the memory key 21 is operated for the second time.
These data are the key code transmission order and the required time when the DVD2 format is actually started.
Thereafter, when the user operates the key number “2” of the memory key 21 and the numeric keypad 18 with the remote controller 15, the remote controller controller 30 transmits a key code based on the data stored in the memory 30b.
At this time, the remote controller 30 transmits the key code of each key operated before in the time zone at each operation time.
In addition, the remote control unit 30 controls the display unit 25 to display the time until the end of transmission on the display screen 25 in a countdown manner.
For this reason, the user can know the required time, and the problem of feeling frustrated is avoided.
When this transmission command signal is received by the DVD player 1, the control unit 15 can shift to the format mode and immediately start formatting by displaying a menu in the same manner as the normal execution order.

As a result, the DVD 2 can be formatted without any trouble by a simple operation of pressing the memory key 21 and the numeric keypad 18.
When starting the finalize mode, the basic operation is the same, the menu display items differ depending on whether the DVD 2 is RW or RAM, and only the selection operation is added.
As a result, the DVD 2 of RW or RAM can be easily formatted, so even if it is made by a different manufacturer, it can be used with the DVD player 1.
Even in the edit mode or the initialization mode, each mode can be easily executed.

  In addition, this apparatus is not limited to said each embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the remote control apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the remote control device. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a DVD player.

Explanation of symbols

18 Input key 21 Memory key 22 Enter key

Claims (3)

A numeric keypad that also functions as an edit mode, format mode, the operating mode of the plurality of types comprising at least finalization mode and the initialization mode is individually assigned, the key operation mode setting executed by the controlled device,
And the memory key to enter a command of the memory start,
In addition to the function as a decision key, an enter key that also functions as a memory end command key ,
A key decoder that outputs a key code assigned to each key;
A transmitter that wirelessly transmits a key code output from the key decoder;
Having a memory and a counter, and a remote control unit for controlling the entire apparatus,
The remote control unit is
When the memory key is operated, the counter starts counting time, and when any of the ten keys to which the operation mode is assigned is operated, the key code assigned to the ten key is changed to the key. is read from the decoder is stored in said memory, and for each predetermined individual key for executing an operation mode assigned to the numeric key Ru are sequentially operated, the key code assigned to each key that is the operation Are sequentially read from the key decoder, and each read key code and elapsed time data which is the count time of the counter at the time when a key corresponding to each key code is operated are sequentially stored in the memory. And a command signal corresponding to each key code read from the key decoder A first control function to transmit to Luo the controlled device,
After the content for requesting whether or not to start the operation mode assigned to the operated numeric keypad is displayed on the screen of the display device of the controlled device, after the start of the operation mode is selected by operating the required key only if the enter key is operated, and to end the time count of the counting operation of the counter, the counting time of the end time as a time required from when the operation of the memory key until the enter key operation A second control function stored in the memory ;
After execution by the second control function is terminated, when one of the numeric keys in which the memory key and the operation mode is allocated is operated continuously, from said memory, the numeric keypad is operated It reads the key codes to the operation mode that are assigned are related and stored and the elapsed time data, the sequentially transmitted from the transmitting unit in each key code readout time interval based on the elapsed time data A remote control device having three control functions . The controller is
Wherein after said numeric key memory key and the operation mode is allocated is operated continuously, the enter key is operated without Rukoto, the memory key and the numeric key operation mode is assigned continuously again when operated, to erase each key code and the elapsed time data stored in the memory at that time, on the basis of the memory key and the ten-key said is again operated, the first control 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the control by the function, the second control function, and the third control function is sequentially executed . Furthermore, a display unit is provided,
The control unit is
In the first control function, the operation mode assigned to the operated numeric keypad and the elapsed time counted by the counter are respectively displayed on the display unit ,
In the third control function, when the required time is read from the memory in addition to each key code and elapsed time data, and each key code read from the memory is sequentially transmitted from the transmitter, the elapsed time from the required time 3. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein a countdown value until completion calculated by subtracting data is displayed on the display unit. 4.