JP4609629B2 - External device control apparatus and external device control method - Google Patents

External device control apparatus and external device control method Download PDF

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JP4609629B2
JP4609629B2 JP2004096641A JP2004096641A JP4609629B2 JP 4609629 B2 JP4609629 B2 JP 4609629B2 JP 2004096641 A JP2004096641 A JP 2004096641A JP 2004096641 A JP2004096641 A JP 2004096641A JP 4609629 B2 JP4609629 B2 JP 4609629B2
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JP2005286634A (en
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ひろし 的場
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本発明は、受像機能および録画機能のうち少なくともいずれかを備えた外部機器から入力される信号により、その外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御装置および外部機器制御方法に関する。   The present invention relates to an external device control device and an external device control method for controlling an external device by a signal input from the external device having at least one of an image receiving function and a recording function.

従来、STB(Set−top Box)およびTV等のチューナを備えた受像機器に、VCR(Video Casettetape Recorder)およびHDD(Hard Disk Drive)レコーダ等の録画機器を接続し、予め登録した録画開始時刻から録画終了時刻の間に録画動作させるためのタイマー録画を録画機器に設定することで、以下のようにして、留守中でも番組の録画を可能にしていた。タイマー録画が設定された録画機器は、録画開始時刻になると、外部機器となる受像機器に赤外線による信号を送信して、受像機器を電源が入った状態にする。これにより、受像機器が受信する映像が録画機器に送られ、録画機器でその映像が録画される。これは、受像機器にタイマーを設定して、録画機器に録画させる場合も同様である(例えば、特許文献1参照)。
特開2000−253338号公報
Conventionally, a recording device such as a video cassette recorder (VCR) and a hard disk drive (HDD) recorder is connected to an image receiving device equipped with a tuner such as a STB (Set-top Box) and a TV, and a recording start time registered in advance is established. By setting a timer recording for a recording operation during the recording end time in the recording device, the program can be recorded even when absent. When the recording device for which timer recording is set reaches the recording start time, an infrared signal is transmitted to the image receiving device that is an external device so that the image receiving device is turned on. Thereby, the video received by the image receiving device is sent to the recording device, and the video is recorded by the recording device. The same applies to the case where a timer is set in the image receiving device and the recording device records the image (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-253338 A

上述したように、外部機器となる受像機器に対して外部機器制御装置となる録画機器が赤外線による信号を送信して受像機器をコントロールしようとすると、以下に説明するように、受像機器に対して絶対的なコマンドが使えないことが問題になることがあった。   As described above, when a recording device serving as an external device control device transmits an infrared signal to control an image receiving device to an image receiving device serving as an external device, as described below, There was a problem that absolute commands could not be used.

赤外線による信号で外部機器の電源のオン/オフを切り換えるには、通常、状態を切り換えるためのトグル的なコマンドであるトグル信号が用いられている。そして、受像機器は、電源のトグル信号を録画機器から受信すると、信号受信前の状態と反対の状態になる。受像機器が電源オフの状態で録画機器が電源のトグル信号を受像機器に送信すると、受像機器は電源オンの状態に切り換わる。反対に、受像機器が電源オンの状態で録画機器が電源のトグル信号を受像機器に送信すると、受像機器は電源オフの状態に切り換わる。そのため、受像機器に電源が入った状態で、上述のタイマー録画による録画開始の際、受像機器が録画機器から電源のトグル信号を受信すると、電源がオフになってしまい、映像を録画できなくなってしまう。   To switch on / off the power of an external device with an infrared signal, a toggle signal, which is a toggle command for switching the state, is usually used. When the image receiving device receives the toggle signal of the power supply from the recording device, the image receiving device is in a state opposite to the state before the signal reception. If the recording device transmits a power toggle signal to the image receiving device while the image receiving device is powered off, the image receiving device is switched to the power on state. Conversely, when the recording device transmits a power toggle signal to the image receiving device while the image receiving device is powered on, the image receiving device is switched to a power off state. For this reason, when the image receiving device receives power toggle signal from the recording device when the above-mentioned timer recording starts when the image receiving device is turned on, the power is turned off and the video cannot be recorded. End up.

本発明は上述したような従来の技術が有する問題点を解決するためになされたものであり、外部機器の初めの状態によらず、設定した時刻に外部機器を動作状態にすることが可能な外部機器制御装置および外部機器制御方法を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and can make an external device into an operating state at a set time regardless of the initial state of the external device. An object is to provide an external device control apparatus and an external device control method.

上記目的を達成するための本発明の外部機器制御装置は、リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号が入力され、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御装置であって、
前記外部機器に対する制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信するための赤外線発光部と、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件が格納された記憶部と、
前記設定条件に含まれる動作開始時刻になるか、または動作開始の指示が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して該外部機器に送信する判定動作および制御信号出力動作を行う制御部と、
を有する構成である。
An external device control device of the present invention for achieving the above object is an external device control device for receiving a video signal from an external device including an infrared light receiving unit for remote control and controlling the external device,
An infrared light emitting unit for transmitting a control signal for the external device to the external device by infrared;
A storage unit storing operation condition setting conditions of the external device;
When the operation start time included in the setting condition is reached or an operation start instruction is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit, Analyzing an image included in a video signal input from the external device, determining whether information obtained by the analysis matches the setting condition, and if the information obtained by the analysis is different from the setting condition A control unit for performing a determination operation and a control signal output operation for transmitting a control signal for switching to the state of the setting condition to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit;
It is the structure which has.

本発明では、外部機器の動作を開始させる際、外部機器が設定条件に合わなければ、状態を切り換えるための制御信号が外部機器に送信されるため、初めに外部機器がどのような状態であっても、外部機器を設定条件に合う状態にすることが可能となる。   In the present invention, when the operation of the external device is started, if the external device does not meet the setting conditions, a control signal for switching the state is transmitted to the external device. However, the external device can be brought into a state that meets the setting conditions.

また、本発明の外部機器制御装置は、リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号が入力され、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御装置であって、
前記外部機器に対する制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信するための赤外線発光部と、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件を格納するための記憶部と、
前記設定条件が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して該外部機器に送信する判定動作および制御信号出力動作を行う制御部と、
を有する構成である。
Further, the external device control device of the present invention is an external device control device for inputting a video signal from an external device including an infrared light receiving unit for remote control and controlling the external device,
An infrared light emitting unit for transmitting a control signal for the external device to the external device by infrared;
A storage unit for storing operating condition setting conditions of the external device;
When the setting condition is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit, and an image included in the video signal input from the external device is analyzed. Then, it is determined whether or not the information obtained by the analysis matches the set condition . If the information obtained by the analysis is different from the set condition, a control signal for switching to the state of the set condition is sent to the infrared ray. A control unit for performing a determination operation and a control signal output operation to be transmitted to the external device via the light emitting unit;
It is the structure which has.

本発明では、外部機器の設定条件を格納する際、操作者により入力される設定条件に外部機器の状態が合わなければ、状態を切り換えるための制御信号が外部機器制御装置から外部機器に送信される。そのため、初めに外部機器がどのような状態であっても、設定条件入力の際に外部機器を設定条件に一致する状態にすることが可能となる。   In the present invention, when storing the setting conditions of the external device, if the state of the external device does not match the setting conditions input by the operator, a control signal for switching the state is transmitted from the external device control device to the external device. The Therefore, regardless of the state of the external device in the beginning, it is possible to make the external device match the set condition when inputting the set condition.

また、上記本発明の外部機器制御装置において、前記外部機器から入力される映像を録画する機能を備えたこととしてもよい。本発明では、外部機器制御装置が録画機能を備えているため、外部機器がチューナを備えた受像機器であると、録画開始時刻に受像機器がどのような状態であっても、受像機器の電源をオンさせることが可能となり、受像機器からの映像が録画される。   The external device control apparatus of the present invention may have a function of recording video input from the external device. In the present invention, since the external device control apparatus has a recording function, if the external device is an image receiving device having a tuner, the power of the image receiving device can be used regardless of the state of the image receiving device at the recording start time. Can be turned on, and video from the receiving device is recorded.

さらに、上記本発明の外部機器制御装置において、チューナを備え、該チューナで受信した映像を前記外部機器に出力することとしてもよい。本発明では、外部機器制御装置がチューナを備えており、チューナで受信する映像を外部機器に出力するため、外部機器が録画機器であると、録画開始前に録画される映像が外部機器制御装置で確認され、録画機器で映像が録画される。   Furthermore, the external device control apparatus according to the present invention may include a tuner, and the video received by the tuner may be output to the external device. In the present invention, the external device control device includes a tuner, and outputs video received by the tuner to the external device. Therefore, if the external device is a recording device, the video recorded before the start of recording is displayed on the external device control device. The video is recorded on the recording device.

一方、上記目的を達成するための本発明の外部機器制御方法は、リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号を検出し、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御方法であって、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件を保存し、
前記設定条件に含まれる動作開始時刻になるか、または動作開始の指示が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、
前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信するものである。
On the other hand, the external device control method of the present invention for achieving the above object is an external device control method for detecting a video signal from an external device having an infrared light receiving unit for remote control and controlling the external device. And
Save the setting condition of the operating state of the external device,
When the operation start time included in the setting condition is reached or an operation start instruction is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit,
Analyzing the image included in the video signal input from the external device ,
Determine whether the information obtained by the analysis matches the set conditions ,
If the information obtained by the analysis is different from the setting condition, a control signal for switching to the setting condition is transmitted to the external device by infrared rays.

また、本発明の外部機器制御方法は、リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号を検出し、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御方法であって、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、
前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信するものである。
Further, the external device control method of the present invention detects an image signal from an external device provided with a infrared receiver for remote control, an external device control method for controlling an external device,
When the setting condition of the operation state of the external device is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit,
Analyzing the image included in the video signal input from the external device ,
Determine whether the information obtained by the analysis matches the set conditions ,
If the information obtained by the analysis is different from the setting condition, a control signal for switching to the setting condition is transmitted to the external device by infrared rays.

本発明の外部機器制御装置は、タイマー録画で映像を録画する場合、録画開始時刻にトグル信号で外部機器の電源をオン状態からオフ状態にしてしまっても、外部機器の電源がオフしたことを認識し、外部機器の電源をオンさせる。そのため、タイマー録画開始前の外部機器がどのような状態であっても、映像を録画することができる。   The external device control device of the present invention, when recording video by timer recording, indicates that the power of the external device has been turned off even if the power of the external device is turned off by the toggle signal at the recording start time. Recognize and turn on the external device. Therefore, video can be recorded regardless of the state of the external device before the timer recording is started.

本発明の外部機器制御装置は、外部機器の状態を検出し、外部機器が所望の状態になるように、検出した状態に合わせて外部機器に制御信号を送信することを特徴とする。
(実施例1)
本実施例の外部機器制御装置について説明する。
The external device control apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a state of the external device is detected and a control signal is transmitted to the external device in accordance with the detected state so that the external device is in a desired state.
Example 1
The external device control apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

図1は本実施例の外部機器制御装置の一構成例を示すブロック図である。   FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an external device control apparatus according to the present embodiment.

図1に示すように、外部機器制御装置10は、外部機器となる受像機器30からの映像を受信するための映像入力手段12と、入力された映像を判定し、判定の結果に応じて受像機器30の状態を変更するための制御信号を送出する制御部13とを有する。また、外部機器制御装置10には、制御信号を赤外線信号に変換するための赤外線発光部となる外部機器制御デバイス20が接続されている。   As shown in FIG. 1, the external device control apparatus 10 determines a video input unit 12 for receiving a video from an image receiving device 30 serving as an external device, and the input video, and receives the image according to the determination result. And a control unit 13 that transmits a control signal for changing the state of the device 30. The external device control apparatus 10 is connected to an external device control device 20 that is an infrared light emitting unit for converting a control signal into an infrared signal.

なお、本実施例では、外部機器制御装置10は録画機能を備えているが、録画動作のための構成については通常の録画機器と同様であるため、その詳細な説明を省略する。   In the present embodiment, the external device control apparatus 10 has a recording function, but the configuration for the recording operation is the same as that of a normal recording device, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

外部機器制御装置10の制御部13は、映像入力手段12から受信する信号に映像信号が現れているか否かを判定する映像判定手段14と、映像判定手段14の判定結果に応じて受像機器30に制御信号を送出する外部機器制御手段15とを有する。そして、制御部13は、プログラムにしたがって所定の処理を実行するCPU(Central Processing Unit)と、プログラムを格納するための記憶部とを備えている。   The control unit 13 of the external device control apparatus 10 determines whether the video signal appears in the signal received from the video input unit 12, and the image receiving device 30 according to the determination result of the video determination unit 14. And an external device control means 15 for sending a control signal. And the control part 13 is provided with CPU (Central Processing Unit) which performs a predetermined | prescribed process according to a program, and the memory | storage part for storing a program.

また、記憶部には録画設定条件(以下、設定条件と称する)が予め登録されている。設定条件は、録画開始時刻、録画終了時刻、電源オン状態、録画対象となる番組の放送チャンネル、および映像画質等の項目がある。   In addition, recording setting conditions (hereinafter referred to as setting conditions) are registered in advance in the storage unit. The setting conditions include items such as a recording start time, a recording end time, a power-on state, a broadcast channel of a program to be recorded, and an image quality.

外部機器制御手段15は、映像判定手段14から映像信号を受け取らなければ、受像機器30の電源が入っていないものと判定し、電源のオン/オフ状態を切り換えるためのトグル信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して受像機器30に送信する。また、映像判定手段14から映像信号を受け取ると、映像が設定条件に合っているか否かを判定し、設定条件に合っていない項目については状態が一致するようにトグル信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して受像機器30に送信する。   If the external device control means 15 does not receive a video signal from the video determination means 14, it determines that the power of the image receiving device 30 is not turned on, and sends a toggle signal for switching the power ON / OFF state to the external device control device. 20 to the image receiving device 30. When the video signal is received from the video determination unit 14, it is determined whether or not the video meets the setting condition, and the toggle signal is sent to the external device control device 20 so as to match the state of items that do not meet the setting condition. To the image receiving device 30.

外部機器制御手段15はネットワークを介して外部の情報端末と通信可能に接続される。そのため、ユーザが外出先で情報端末を操作して設定条件を指示する旨入力すると、情報端末はネットワークを介して外部機器制御手段15に設定条件を含む動作指示情報を送信する。そして、外部機器制御手段15は動作指示情報を受け取ると、記憶部に設定条件を格納する。   The external device control means 15 is communicably connected to an external information terminal via a network. Therefore, when the user inputs an instruction to set the setting condition by operating the information terminal while away from home, the information terminal transmits operation instruction information including the setting condition to the external device control means 15 via the network. When the external device control unit 15 receives the operation instruction information, the external device control unit 15 stores the setting condition in the storage unit.

また、ユーザが外出先ですぐに録画をする必要が生じた場合、ユーザが情報端末を操作して録画開始時刻を除く設定条件を入力すると、情報端末は、入力された設定条件を含む動作指示情報を外部機器制御装置10の外部機器制御手段15に送信する。外部機器制御手段15は、情報端末から受信した設定条件を記憶部に格納した後、設定条件にしたがって録画開始の準備を行う。   In addition, when the user needs to immediately record on the go, when the user operates the information terminal and inputs setting conditions excluding the recording start time, the information terminal displays an operation instruction including the input setting conditions. Information is transmitted to the external device control means 15 of the external device control apparatus 10. After storing the setting conditions received from the information terminal in the storage unit, the external device control unit 15 prepares for the start of recording according to the setting conditions.

受像機器30は、各種放送を受信するためのチューナと、赤外線による信号を受信するための赤外線受光部と、赤外線受光部で受信する信号に対応して受像機器30の状態を切り換える制御部とを有する。チューナは外部機器制御装置10の映像入力手段12と接続され、チューナで受信した映像が映像入力手段12に送出される。   The image receiving device 30 includes a tuner for receiving various broadcasts, an infrared light receiving unit for receiving infrared signals, and a control unit that switches the state of the image receiving device 30 in response to signals received by the infrared light receiving unit. Have. The tuner is connected to the video input means 12 of the external device control apparatus 10, and the video received by the tuner is sent to the video input means 12.

次に、上述した構成の外部機器制御装置の動作手順を説明する。   Next, an operation procedure of the external device control apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described.

図2は外部機器制御装置の動作手順を示すフローチャートである。ここでは、外部機器となる受像機器30は予め電源が入った状態で待機しているものとする。   FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the external device control apparatus. Here, it is assumed that the image receiving device 30 serving as an external device is waiting in a state where the power is turned on in advance.

外部機器制御装置10の制御部13は、タイマー録画による設定条件の録画開始時刻になるか、またはユーザによりネットワークを介して録画開始の指示が入力されると、設定条件を記憶部から読み出す(ステップS1)。   The control unit 13 of the external device control apparatus 10 reads the setting condition from the storage unit when the recording start time of the setting condition by the timer recording comes or when an instruction to start recording is input via the network by the user (Step S13). S1).

続いて、制御部13は、受像機器30の電源のオン/オフ状態を切り換えるためのトグル信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して受像機器30に送信する(ステップS2)。受像機器30は、外部機器制御デバイス20から赤外線受光部を介してトグル信号を受信すると、電源をオン状態からオフ状態にする。   Subsequently, the control unit 13 transmits a toggle signal for switching the power ON / OFF state of the image receiving device 30 to the image receiving device 30 via the external device control device 20 (step S2). When receiving the toggle signal from the external device control device 20 via the infrared light receiving unit, the image receiving device 30 changes the power supply from the on state to the off state.

その後、映像判定手段14は、映像入力手段12から映像信号を受け取るか否かを判定し(ステップS3)、映像信号を受け取らないため、入力映像がない旨の情報を外部機器制御手段15に送出する。外部機器制御手段15は、入力映像がない旨の情報を映像判定手段14から受け取ると、受像機器30に電源が入っていないものと判定し(ステップS4)、ステップS2に戻って、受像機器30の電源のオン/オフ状態を切り換えるためのトグル信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して受像機器30に送信する。   Thereafter, the video determination unit 14 determines whether or not to receive a video signal from the video input unit 12 (step S3). Since no video signal is received, information indicating that there is no input video is sent to the external device control unit 15. To do. When the external device control unit 15 receives information indicating that there is no input video from the video determination unit 14, the external device control unit 15 determines that the image receiving device 30 is not turned on (step S4), returns to step S2, and returns to the image receiving device 30. A toggle signal for switching the on / off state of the power source is transmitted to the image receiving device 30 via the external device control device 20.

受像機器30は、外部機器制御デバイス20から赤外線受光部を介してトグル信号を受信すると、電源をオフ状態からオン状態にして映像を外部機器制御装置10の映像入力手段12に送信する。   When receiving the toggle signal from the external device control device 20 via the infrared light receiving unit, the image receiving device 30 turns the power supply from the off state to the on state and transmits the video to the video input unit 12 of the external device control apparatus 10.

その後、設定条件の「電源オン状態」以外の項目のうち、電源のオン/オフ切り換えと同様にトグル信号で状態を切り換えられる項目については、受像機器30から入力される映像が設定条件に合うように、ステップS2からステップS4を繰り返す。   After that, among the items other than the “power-on state” of the setting condition, for the item whose state can be switched by a toggle signal in the same manner as the power on / off switching, the video input from the image receiving device 30 meets the setting condition. Steps S2 to S4 are repeated.

一方、ステップS4で、制御部13は、受像機器30からの入力映像がトグル信号で制御可能な項目について設定条件どおりに設定すると、絶対的コマンドによる制御信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して受像機器30に送信する(ステップS5)。   On the other hand, in step S4, when the input video from the image receiving device 30 is set according to the setting condition for the items that can be controlled by the toggle signal, the control unit 13 receives the control signal based on the absolute command via the external device control device 20. It transmits to the apparatus 30 (step S5).

本発明では、外部機器の動作を開始させる際、外部機器が設定条件に合わなければ、状態を切り換えるための制御信号が外部機器に送信されるため、初めに外部機器がどのような状態であっても、外部機器を設定条件に合う状態にすることが可能となる。そのため、上述したように、タイマー録画で映像を録画する場合、録画開始時刻にトグル信号で外部機器の電源をオン状態からオフ状態にしてしまっても、外部機器の電源がオフしたことを認識し、外部機器の電源をオンさせる。タイマー録画開始前に外部機器がどのような状態であっても、映像を録画することができる。   In the present invention, when the operation of the external device is started, if the external device does not meet the setting conditions, a control signal for switching the state is transmitted to the external device. However, the external device can be brought into a state that meets the setting conditions. Therefore, as described above, when recording video with timer recording, even if the external device is turned off from the on state by the toggle signal at the recording start time, it is recognized that the external device is turned off. Turn on the external device. The video can be recorded regardless of the state of the external device before the timer recording starts.

さらに、受像機器の状態を変更するための制御信号に赤外線を用いることで、受像機器に設けられた、リモコン用の赤外線受光部をそのまま利用でき、受像機器の制御のための端子と、端子同士を接続するための信号配線を設ける必要がない。
(実施例2)
本実施例は、実施例1で説明した外部機器制御装置が録画機器の構成を備える代わりに受像機器の構成を備え、外部機器が録画機器の場合である。
Furthermore, by using infrared light as a control signal for changing the state of the image receiving device, the infrared light receiving unit for the remote control provided in the image receiving device can be used as it is, and a terminal for controlling the image receiving device There is no need to provide signal wiring for connecting the two.
(Example 2)
In the present embodiment, the external device control apparatus described in the first embodiment has a configuration of a receiving device instead of a configuration of a recording device, and the external device is a recording device.

本実施例の外部機器制御装置について説明する。   The external device control apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

図3は本実施例の外部機器制御装置の一構成例を示すブロック図である。なお、実施例1と同様な構成については同一の符号を付し、以下では、その詳細な説明を省略する。   FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the external device control apparatus according to the present embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to Example 1, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted below.

図3に示すように、外部機器制御装置40は、チューナにより受信した映像を映像出力部42から録画機器50に配線を介して送信する。また、録画機器50の録画映像を確認するための信号配線52が録画機器50と外部機器制御装置40の間に設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 3, the external device control device 40 transmits the video received by the tuner from the video output unit 42 to the recording device 50 via a wire. Further, a signal wiring 52 for confirming the recorded video of the recording device 50 is provided between the recording device 50 and the external device control device 40.

録画機器50は、赤外線による信号を受信するための赤外線受光部と、赤外線受光部で受信する信号に対応して録画機器50の状態を切り換える制御部とを有する。   The recording device 50 includes an infrared light receiving unit for receiving a signal by infrared rays, and a control unit that switches the state of the recording device 50 in response to a signal received by the infrared light receiving unit.

次に、本実施例の外部機器制御装置の動作について図2を参照しながら説明する。ここでは、録画機器50は電源が入っていない状態で待機しているものとする。   Next, the operation of the external device control apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the recording device 50 is on standby with no power.

本実施例では、図2のステップS1で、制御部13は、録画開始時刻になると、チューナを動作させて、チューナで受信した映像を映像出力部42を介して録画機器50に送信する。続いて、ステップS2で、制御部13は録画機器50の電源のオン/オフを切り換えるためのトグル信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して録画機器に送信する。録画機器50は、外部機器制御デバイス20から赤外線受光部を介してトグル信号を受信すると、電源をオフ状態からオン状態にして、外部機器制御装置40の映像出力部42から受信する映像を外部機器制御装置40の映像入力手段12に送信する。   In this embodiment, at step S1 in FIG. 2, when the recording start time is reached, the control unit 13 operates the tuner and transmits the video received by the tuner to the recording device 50 via the video output unit 42. Subsequently, in step S <b> 2, the control unit 13 transmits a toggle signal for switching on / off the power of the recording device 50 to the recording device via the external device control device 20. When the recording device 50 receives the toggle signal from the external device control device 20 via the infrared light receiving unit, the recording device 50 turns the power supply from the off state to the on state, and receives the video received from the video output unit 42 of the external device control device 40. It transmits to the video input means 12 of the control device 40.

その後、映像判定手段14は、映像入力手段12から映像が入力されるか否かを判定し(ステップS3)、入力映像があると、入力映像を外部機器制御手段15に送出する。外部機器制御手段15は、入力映像を映像判定手段14から受け取ると、録画機器50からの入力が所望の状態になっているか否かを判定する(ステップS4)。入力映像があることから、録画機器50に電源が入っていることを認識し、その他の項目についても設定条件と一致するかを調べる。一致しない項目があれば、ステップS4からステップS2に戻り、その状態を切り換えるためのトグル信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して録画機器50に送信する。   Thereafter, the video determination unit 14 determines whether or not a video is input from the video input unit 12 (step S3). If there is an input video, the video determination unit 14 sends the input video to the external device control unit 15. When the external device control unit 15 receives the input video from the video determination unit 14, the external device control unit 15 determines whether or not the input from the recording device 50 is in a desired state (step S4). Since there is an input video, it is recognized that the recording device 50 is turned on, and it is checked whether other items also match the setting conditions. If there is an item that does not match, the process returns from step S4 to step S2, and a toggle signal for switching the state is transmitted to the recording device 50 via the external device control device 20.

その後、実施例1と同様にして、ステップS5で、絶対的コマンドによる制御信号を外部機器制御デバイス20を介して録画機器50に送信する。   Thereafter, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, a control signal based on an absolute command is transmitted to the recording device 50 via the external device control device 20 in step S5.

本実施例では、上述したように、外部機器が録画機器で、外部機器制御装置が受像機器であってもよく、実施例1と同様な効果を得ることができる。   In the present embodiment, as described above, the external device may be a recording device and the external device control device may be an image receiving device, and the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

なお、上記実施例1および実施例2において、外部機器制御装置は、図2に示したフローチャートのステップS1の後にステップS3の処理を実行し、ステップS2の処理をステップS4で「No」になった場合に実行するようにしてもよい。   In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the external device control apparatus executes the process of step S3 after step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, and the process of step S2 becomes “No” in step S4. It may be executed if

また、操作者が録画のための設定条件を入力する際、上述した外部機器制御装置による外部機器の制御を行うようにしてもよい。この場合、操作者により入力される設定条件に外部機器の状態が合わなければ、状態を切り換えるための制御信号が外部機器制御装置から外部機器に送信される。   Further, when the operator inputs setting conditions for recording, the external device may be controlled by the above-described external device control apparatus. In this case, if the state of the external device does not match the setting condition input by the operator, a control signal for switching the state is transmitted from the external device control apparatus to the external device.

また、放送局のチャンネルの切り替えのための制御信号をトグル信号で行ってもよく、電源オン/オフの切り替えを絶対的コマンドの制御信号で行ってもよい。   Also, the control signal for switching the channel of the broadcasting station may be performed by a toggle signal, and the power on / off switching may be performed by a control signal of an absolute command.

また、外部機器制御装置は映像判定手段により外部機器の電源オン/オフの状態を判定するようにしたが、外部機器制御装置にアウトレット用電源とそのアウトレット用電源で消費される電流を検出するための電流検出部とを備え、アウトレット電源から外部機器に電源を供給する場合、電流検出部でその電流値の大きさを検出することで外部機器の電源オン/オフの状態を判定するようにしてもよい。   In addition, the external device control device determines the power on / off state of the external device by the video determination means, but the external device control device detects the current consumed by the outlet power source and the outlet power source. When the power is supplied from the outlet power supply to the external device, the current detection unit detects the magnitude of the current value to determine the power on / off state of the external device. Also good.

また、共通のコンセントから外部機器と外部機器装置が電源を得る場合には、以下のようにして、外部機器制御装置が電圧変動をモニタして外部機器の電源オン/オフの状態を判定するようにしてもよい。外部機器制御装置に電圧変動検出部を設け、制御部は、外部機器に電源が入ったときの電圧変動である基準変動値を電圧変動検出部に検出させてその基準変動値を予め記憶部に格納しておく。制御部は、外部機器に電源オンの制御信号を送信した際、電圧変動検出部が検出する電圧変動が基準変動値に一致するか否かで外部機器の電源オン/オフの状態を判定する。   When the external device and the external device device obtain power from a common outlet, the external device control device monitors the voltage fluctuation and determines the power on / off state of the external device as follows. It may be. A voltage fluctuation detection unit is provided in the external device control device, and the control unit causes the voltage fluctuation detection unit to detect a reference fluctuation value that is a voltage fluctuation when the external device is turned on, and the reference fluctuation value is stored in the storage unit in advance. Store it. When the control unit transmits a power-on control signal to the external device, the control unit determines the power-on / off state of the external device based on whether or not the voltage variation detected by the voltage variation detection unit matches the reference variation value.

さらに、外部機器制御装置の制御部は、外部機器から入力される映像に含まれる画像を解析し、解析により得られた情報が設定条件と一致するようにしてもよい。解析により得られる情報は、例えば、OSD(On Screen Display)により画面上に表示される内容であり、外部機器の電源オン/オフの状態のみならず、赤外線リモコン信号で制御可能であるが、トグル信号で動作を制御するために、状態を検知する必要のある制御項目(例えば、音声出力状態等)が含まれている。図4は外部機器の画面の一例を示す図である。外部機器60の画面62に、OSDによる「ステレオ」の文字が表示され、この表示は外部機器60の音声出力モードが「ステレオ」の状態であることを示す。   Further, the control unit of the external device control apparatus may analyze an image included in the video input from the external device, and information obtained by the analysis may match the setting condition. The information obtained by the analysis is, for example, the content displayed on the screen by OSD (On Screen Display) and can be controlled not only by the power on / off state of the external device but also by the infrared remote control signal. In order to control an operation with a signal, a control item (for example, an audio output state) that needs to be detected is included. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the external device. The character “stereo” by OSD is displayed on the screen 62 of the external device 60, and this display indicates that the audio output mode of the external device 60 is “stereo”.

本発明の外部機器制御装置の一構成例を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the external device control apparatus of this invention. 本発明の外部機器制御装置の動作手順を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the external apparatus control apparatus of this invention. 実施例2の外部機器制御装置の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the external apparatus control apparatus of Example 2. FIG. 外部機器の画面の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of an external apparatus.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10、40 外部機器制御装置
12 映像入力手段
13 制御部
14 映像判定手段
15 外部機器制御手段
20 外部機器制御デバイス
30 受像機器
50 録画機器
52 信号配線
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 40 External apparatus control apparatus 12 Image | video input means 13 Control part 14 Image | video determination means 15 External apparatus control means 20 External apparatus control device 30 Image receiving apparatus 50 Recording apparatus 52 Signal wiring

Claims (7)

リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号が入力され、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御装置であって、
前記外部機器に対する制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信するための赤外線発光部と、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件が格納された記憶部と、
前記設定条件に含まれる動作開始時刻になるか、または動作開始の指示が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して該外部機器に送信する判定動作および制御信号出力動作を行う制御部と、
を有する外部機器制御装置。
An external device control device for inputting a video signal from an external device having an infrared light receiving unit for remote control, and controlling the external device,
An infrared light emitting unit for transmitting a control signal for the external device to the external device by infrared;
A storage unit storing operation condition setting conditions of the external device;
When the operation start time included in the setting condition is reached or an operation start instruction is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit, Analyzing an image included in a video signal input from the external device, determining whether information obtained by the analysis matches the setting condition, and if the information obtained by the analysis is different from the setting condition A control unit for performing a determination operation and a control signal output operation for transmitting a control signal for switching to the state of the setting condition to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit;
An external device control device.
リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号が入力され、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御装置であって、
前記外部機器に対する制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信するための赤外線発光部と、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件を格納するための記憶部と、
前記設定条件が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して該外部機器に送信する判定動作および制御信号出力動作を行う制御部と、
を有する外部機器制御装置。
An external device control device for inputting a video signal from an external device having an infrared light receiving unit for remote control, and controlling the external device,
An infrared light emitting unit for transmitting a control signal for the external device to the external device by infrared;
A storage unit for storing operating condition setting conditions of the external device;
When the setting condition is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit, and an image included in the video signal input from the external device is analyzed. Then, it is determined whether or not the information obtained by the analysis matches the setting condition . If the information obtained by the analysis is different from the setting condition, a control signal for switching to the state of the setting condition is sent to the infrared ray. A control unit for performing a determination operation and a control signal output operation to be transmitted to the external device via the light emitting unit;
An external device control device.
前記制御部は、The controller is
前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、Analyzing the image included in the video signal input from the external device,
前記画像に含まれる文字情報を抽出し、文字情報が設定条件に対応するものであるか否かを判定することにより、解析により得られた情報が設定条件と一致するか否かを判定する、請求項1または2に記載の外部機器制御装置。Character information included in the image is extracted, and it is determined whether the information obtained by the analysis matches the setting condition by determining whether the character information corresponds to the setting condition; The external device control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
前記外部機器から入力される映像を録画する機能を備えた請求項1からのいずれか1項記載の外部機器制御装置。 External device control device according to any one of claims 1-3 having a function to record images input from the external device. チューナを備え、該チューナで受信した映像を前記外部機器に出力する請求項1からのいずれか1項記載の外部機器制御装置。 Comprising a tuner, an external device control device according to any one of the three video received by the tuner of claims 1 to be output to the external device. リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号を検出し、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御方法であって、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件を保存し、
前記設定条件に含まれる動作開始時刻になるか、または動作開始の指示が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、
前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信する外部機器制御方法。
An external device control method for detecting a video signal from an external device including an infrared light receiving unit for remote control and controlling the external device,
Save the setting condition of the operating state of the external device,
When the operation start time included in the setting condition is reached or an operation start instruction is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit,
Analyzing the image included in the video signal input from the external device ,
Determine whether the information obtained by the analysis matches the set conditions ,
An external device control method for transmitting a control signal for switching to the state of the setting condition to the external device by infrared if the information obtained by the analysis is different from the setting condition.
リモコン用赤外線受光部を備えた外部機器からの映像信号を検出し、該外部機器を制御するための外部機器制御方法であって、
前記外部機器の動作状態の設定条件が入力されると、前記外部機器の状態を切り換えるための制御信号を前記赤外線発光部を介して前記外部機器に送信し、
前記外部機器から入力される映像信号に含まれる画像を解析し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と一致するか否かを判定し、
解析により得られた情報が前記設定条件と異なれば、該設定条件の状態に切り換えるための制御信号を赤外線で該外部機器に送信する外部機器制御方法。
An external device control method for detecting a video signal from an external device including an infrared light receiving unit for remote control and controlling the external device,
When the setting condition of the operation state of the external device is input, a control signal for switching the state of the external device is transmitted to the external device via the infrared light emitting unit,
Analyzing the image included in the video signal input from the external device ,
Determine whether the information obtained by the analysis matches the set conditions ,
An external device control method for transmitting a control signal for switching to the state of the setting condition to the external device by infrared if the information obtained by the analysis is different from the setting condition.
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JP4579766B2 (en) * 2005-05-20 2010-11-10 株式会社ケイティーエス TV broadcast receiver
JP2007259329A (en) * 2006-03-24 2007-10-04 Fujifilm Corp Remote control apparatus, system and method
WO2008107980A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-12 Pioneer Corporation Equipment controller
WO2008107979A1 (en) * 2007-03-07 2008-09-12 Pioneer Corporation Equipment control system, equipment control server, and equipment control client
JP5609010B2 (en) * 2009-05-26 2014-10-22 ヤマハ株式会社 AV equipment control device
JP5223813B2 (en) * 2009-08-10 2013-06-26 ヤマハ株式会社 Electronics
JP2015095703A (en) * 2013-11-11 2015-05-18 株式会社トラフィック・シム Remote control system, program, recording medium

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