JP4638318B2 - Remote control system and device used in remote control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control system and an apparatus used in the remote control system.

  An AV (Audio-Visual) device such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) recorder and a digital broadcast compatible television is generally operated using a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”) or an interface displayed on a display.

In recent years, these AV devices have become highly functional, the number of buttons included in the remote controller has increased, the buttons themselves have become smaller, and the display indicating the functions associated with the individual buttons has also become smaller. In addition, the interface displayed on the screen is complicated and detailed. For example, with the start of digital broadcasting, buttons for using electronic program guides and interactive services are increasing. Along with this, an increasing number of remote controllers have more than 30 buttons. Along with such complicated operations, a system for controlling AV equipment using a plurality of remote controllers has also been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-354561 A

  AV devices such as those described above are required to have operability and visibility suitable for various users, from users who are not good at operating devices to users who are good at it. In other words, AV equipment is required to be highly visible and easy to operate for the elderly and users who only need conventional simple functions, and at the same time, there is a desire for users who want to make full use of high functions. Is also required to meet.

  In order to use a remote control with a large number of buttons and a small number of buttons so that beginners and the elderly can easily use it instead of a remote control having complicated functions, such a remote control is purchased separately from the AV device. There was a need. Further, in order to be able to use the purchased remote controller, the user himself / herself has to set the state of the remote controller and the AV device. Further, in order to make the interface displayed on the screen easy to use, it is necessary for the user himself to set the state of the AV device.

  Further, in the conventional AV device, even if the remote controller to be used is changed during the interface operation, the display state of the interface (for example, the size of the displayed interface) is not automatically changed with the change of the remote controller. After the display of the interface is terminated, it is necessary to reset the display state of the interface by the user's own operation, and complicated operation and time are required for that purpose.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible for each of a plurality of users to perform operations such as a remote control and an interface suitable for each user without having to set AV equipment or a remote control by the user himself / herself. An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system that can be used and a device used in the remote control system.

  The apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus capable of operating based on instructions from a plurality of control devices, and the plurality of control devices include a first control device and a second control device, The control device outputs a first control signal to the device to cause the device to execute a predetermined operation, and the second control device outputs a second control signal to cause the device to execute the predetermined operation. Output to the device, the device receiving the first control signal and the second control signal, when the receiving unit receives the first control signal, and when the receiving unit is the An image control unit configured to change a size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed when the second control signal is received.

  In one embodiment, the first control device includes a first button, and outputs the first control signal when the first button is pressed, and the second control device includes a second button, When the second button is pressed, the second control signal is output, the size of the first button is larger than the size of the second button, and the image control unit is configured such that the receiving unit outputs the second control signal. The size of the predetermined image when the reception unit receives the first control signal is set larger than the size of the predetermined image when received.

  In one embodiment, the first control device includes a first button, and outputs the first control signal when the first button is pressed, and the second control device includes a second button, When the second button is pressed, the second control signal is output, and the first control device has a description of the predetermined operation associated with the first button, and the second control device. The description of the predetermined operation is described in association with the second button, and the size of the description of the predetermined operation described in the first control device is described in the second control device. The image control unit is larger than the size of the predetermined operation when the receiving unit receives the second control signal. The size of the predetermined image when a signal is received It is set to be large.

  In one embodiment, the first control device includes a first button, and outputs the first control signal when the first button is pressed, and the second control device includes a second button, When the second button is pressed, the second control signal is output, the total number of buttons included in the first control device is less than the total number of buttons included in the second control device, and the image control unit The size of the predetermined image when the receiving unit receives the first control signal is set larger than the size of the predetermined image when the receiving unit receives the second control signal.

  In one embodiment, the image control unit changes the size of the predetermined image while maintaining the operation state being executed before changing the size of the predetermined image.

  In one embodiment, the first control device and the second control device are remote controllers, and the device is one of a display device, a playback device, a recording device, a recording / playback device, and an image editing device.

  In one embodiment, the image control unit displays an interface for connecting a user and a support center when the receiving unit receives the first control signal.

  In one embodiment, the image control unit does not display the interface when the receiving unit receives the second control signal.

  The device of the present invention is a device that operates based on an instruction from a control device, and the control device includes a first button, and executes a predetermined operation on the device when the first button is pressed. The control device includes a second button, and when the second button is pressed, the control device outputs a second control signal for causing the device to execute the predetermined operation. The apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives the first control signal and the second control signal, a case where the receiving unit receives the first control signal, and a case where the receiving unit receives the second control signal. And an image control unit that changes a size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed.

  In one embodiment, the size of the first button is larger than the size of the second button, and the image control unit is larger than the size of the predetermined image when the receiving unit receives the second control signal. The predetermined size of the predetermined image when the receiving unit receives the first control signal is set large.

  In one embodiment, the control device includes a description of the predetermined operation associated with each of the first button and the second button, and the description of the predetermined operation associated with the first button. The size of the description of the predetermined operation is larger than the size of the description of the predetermined operation described in association with the second button, and the image control unit has received the second control signal by the receiving unit. The size of the predetermined image when the receiving unit receives the first control signal is set larger than the size of the predetermined image at that time.

  The remote control system of the present invention is a remote control system including a plurality of control devices and a device that operates based on instructions from the plurality of control devices, wherein the plurality of control devices are first control devices. And a second control device, wherein the first control device outputs a first control signal to the device to cause the device to perform a predetermined operation, and the second control device outputs the predetermined control signal to the device. A second control signal is output to the device to execute the operation of the first control signal, the device includes a receiving unit for receiving the first control signal and the second control signal, and the receiving unit is configured to receive the first control signal. An image control unit configured to change a size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed when the signal is received and when the reception unit receives the second control signal. Features and That.

  The remote control system of the present invention is a remote control system including a control device and a device that operates based on an instruction from the control device, wherein the control device includes a first button, and the first button is When pressed, the device outputs a first control signal for causing the device to execute a predetermined operation. The control device includes a second button, and when the second button is pressed, the device is The apparatus outputs a second control signal for executing a predetermined operation, and the device receives the first control signal and the second control signal, and the receiver receives the first control signal. And an image control unit that changes a size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed depending on whether the reception unit receives the second control signal.

  The apparatus according to the present invention performs a predetermined operation (recording, playback, editing, setting) depending on which control device the control signal received is a control signal output from among a plurality of control devices (such as a remote controller). The size of a predetermined image (a character, a symbol, a picture, an interface, etc.) to be displayed at the time of execution is changed. The device automatically changes the size of those images according to the change of the control device to be used, so that an image of a size suitable for each user can be obtained without setting the control device and device by the user himself / herself. Can be displayed.

  In another embodiment, the device of the present invention performs a predetermined operation according to which button of a plurality of buttons associated with the same predetermined operation included in one control device is pressed. The size of a predetermined image displayed when executing is changed. The device side automatically changes the size of the image according to the button to be used, and displays an image of a size suitable for each user without setting the control device and device by the user himself / herself. I can do it.

  The functions of the apparatus and the control device of the present invention are set in advance at the time of product shipment. According to the present invention, the user can easily and intuitively change the visibility and operability of an image such as an interface, so that a user who wants to use a complicated function and a user who wants to use only a simple function. The same AV device can be easily shared.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the remote control system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a remote control system 100. The remote control system 100 includes remote controls 11 and 12, a device 2 that operates based on instructions from the remote controls 11 and 12, and a display unit 3 that displays an image based on an image signal output from the device 2.

  The remote controllers 11 and 12 are control devices for controlling the operation of the device 2, and output control signals 11 a and 12 a for controlling the operation of the device 2 to the device 2. The device 2 is any AV device among a playback device, a recording device, a recording / playback device, an image editing device, and the like. The apparatus 2 reproduces information recorded on an optical disk medium such as a DVD and / or records information on the optical disk medium, for example. The device 2 may be a display device such as a television. In this case, the display unit 3 is included in the device 2.

  The remote controls 11 and 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). FIG. 2A is a diagram schematically showing the remote controller 11, and FIG. 2B is a diagram schematically showing the remote controller 12.

  The remote control 11 includes a plurality of buttons including buttons 111, 112 and 113. The remote control 12 includes a plurality of buttons including buttons 121, 122 and 123. Each of the buttons provided on the remote controllers 11 and 12 has a description of the corresponding operation associated with the button. The description of the corresponding operation is represented by characters, symbols, pictures, etc., and is printed on, for example, the corresponding button surface or its periphery.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, “SETTING” is printed on the surfaces of the buttons 111 and 121, and “STOP” is printed on the surfaces of the buttons 112 and 122. “Play” is printed on the surfaces of the buttons 113 and 123. When the user presses a button with a desired action, the remote controllers 11 and 12 output to the apparatus 2 a control signal for causing the apparatus 2 to execute an action corresponding to the pressed button.

  The size of the button provided on the remote control 11 is larger than the size of the button provided on the remote control 12, and the size of the operation description (function display) written on the remote control 11 is the size of the description of the operation written on the remote control 12. Bigger than. The sizes of these buttons and function notations are usually different so that the difference can be recognized instantly. Further, the total number of buttons included in the remote controller 11 is smaller than the total number of buttons included in the remote controller 12. With these features, the remote controller 11 is highly visible and easy to operate, and is suitable for users who want to use only simple functions. On the other hand, although the remote control 12 is inferior in visibility and operability, it is suitable for a user who wants to use a complicated function by providing many buttons and enabling many complicated operations.

  The remote controls 11 and 12 include buttons corresponding to some common functions. For example, the setting buttons 111 and 121 are buttons for causing the apparatus 2 to execute the same operation of displaying a setting menu on the display unit 3. The setting button 111 is larger in size and function display than the setting button 121. When the setting buttons 111 and 121 are pressed, the remote controllers 11 and 12 output control signals. When the apparatus 2 executes the same operation of displaying the setting menu, the information indicated by the control signal output from the remote controller 11 is different from the information indicated by the control signal output from the remote controller 12 (details will be described later). To do). These control signals are infrared rays, for example. For example, when the user presses the setting button 111, an icon 301 or the like is displayed on the display unit 3 as a setting menu.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the device 2 receives a control signal output from the remote controllers 11 and 12, and generates an image signal indicating an image to be displayed on the display unit 3 based on the received control signal. An image control unit 210. The image control unit 210 includes a remote control code analysis unit 202, a display switching unit 203, an operation state holding memory 204, and a display generation unit 205. The image control unit 210 displays the display unit when performing the same predetermined operation when the receiving unit 201 receives the control signal output from the remote controller 11 and when the receiving unit 201 receives the control signal output from the remote control 12. 3 changes the size of a predetermined image to be displayed.

  FIG. 3A shows a graphical user interface (GUI) 31 as an example of an image displayed on the display unit 3 when the setting button 111 of the remote controller 11 is pressed. FIG. 3B illustrates a GUI 32 as an example of an image displayed on the display unit 3 when the setting button 121 of the remote controller 12 is pressed. The GUI 31 includes icons 301, 302, 303 and 311. The GUI 32 includes icons 321, 322, 323, 324 and 325.

  Referring to FIG. 3A, in GUI 31, icon 301 corresponds to the features of remote control 11 suitable for a user who wants to use only a simple function (the size of buttons and function display is large and the total number of buttons is small). The sizes of .about.303 and 311 and the displayed font size are also large, and the number of icons displayed is also small. Due to these features, the GUI 31 is highly visible and easy to operate, and is suitable for users who want to use only simple functions. The sizes of the icons 301 to 303 and 311 are larger than the sizes of the icons 321 to 325, and the font size of the GUI 31 is larger than the font size of the GUI 32.

  Referring to FIG. 3B, the GUI 32 corresponds to the feature of the remote controller 12 suitable for a user who wants to use a complicated function (the size of buttons and function display is small, but the total number of buttons is correspondingly large). The size of the icons 321 to 325 and the displayed font size are small, but the number of icons displayed is large. Due to such features, the GUI 32 is inferior in visibility and operability, but includes many icons, enables many complicated operations, and is suitable for users who want to use complex functions.

  The receiving unit 201 converts the received control signal into a remote control code, and outputs the remote control code to the remote control code analyzing unit 202. This remote control code is represented by, for example, a two-digit number, and an independent remote control code is assigned to each button of the remote controls 11 and 12.

  The remote control code analyzing unit 202 analyzes the received remote control code with reference to a previously stored remote control code table. A remote control code table 206 stored in the remote control code analysis unit 202 is shown in FIG. In remote control code table 206, a remote control code assigned to each button is associated with screen display mode designation data and operation instruction data. The screen display mode designation data and operation instruction data are digital data represented by an array of 0 and 1, for example. The screen display mode designation data is data for designating the state of the image to be displayed on the display unit 3 (characters, symbols, picture size, number of icons, etc.), and the operation instruction data indicates an operation to be executed by the apparatus 2. It is data.

  For example, the remote control code “00” is associated with the setting button 111, and the remote control code analysis unit 202 converts the remote control code “00” into screen display mode designation data “00” and operation instruction data “00000100”. To do. Also, the remote control code “50” is associated with the setting button 121, and the remote control code analysis unit 202 converts the remote control code “50” into screen display mode designation data “01” and operation instruction data “00000100”. To do. Remote control code analysis unit 202 outputs screen display mode designation data and operation instruction data to display switching unit 203.

  The display switching unit 203 stores a plurality of screen display programs corresponding to each screen display mode designation data in advance. In the screen display program, the state of the image to be displayed on the display unit 3 (the size of characters, symbols and pictures, the number of icons, etc.) is set.

  When the display switching unit 203 receives the screen display mode designation data and the operation instruction data, the display switching unit 203 determines whether the currently executed screen display program corresponds to the received screen display mode designation data. If it is compatible, do not change the screen display program. If not, the currently displayed screen display program is switched to the screen display program corresponding to the received screen display mode designation data. In this case, the display switching unit 203 first stores data indicating the current operation state of the device 2 (that is, the operation state immediately before receiving the latest control signal) in the operation state holding memory 204. The operation state holding memory 204 is, for example, a DRAM or a flash memory. The data indicating the current operation state includes various information related to the operation of the apparatus 2, such as setting, playback, recording, fast forward speed, rewind speed, TV channel, screen display mode, and the like. Yes. Note that when the next display data is generated without being based on the current screen display mode, the screen display mode may not be included in the stored data.

  Next, the display switching unit 203 reads a screen display program corresponding to the received screen display mode designation data, and switches the currently executed screen display program to the newly read screen display program. Next, the display switching unit 203 reads the data indicating the operation state stored in the operation state holding memory 204, and displays an image corresponding to the operation state and the operation instruction data on the display unit 3. Data is generated and output to the display generation unit 205. When the screen display program is switched, the state of the image displayed on the display unit 3 (the size of characters, symbols and pictures, the number of icons, etc.) is switched according to the newly executed screen display program. The display generation unit 205 converts the received image data into an image signal suitable for the display unit 3 and outputs the image signal to the display unit 3, thereby displaying an image on the display unit 3.

  Next, the operation of the remote control system 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote control system 100. Here, when the user uses the remote controller 11 and the GUI 31 shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the display unit 3, the remote controller used is changed to the remote controller 12 for reasons such as the user switching, An operation when the setting button 121 is pressed will be described.

  In STEP 2001, the receiving unit 201 receives a control signal output from the remote controller 12 when the setting button 121 is pressed. The receiving unit 201 converts the received control signal into a remote control code “50”, and outputs the remote control code “50” to the remote control code analyzing unit 202.

  In STEP 2002, the remote control code analysis unit 202 refers to the remote control code table 206 (FIG. 4) and converts the remote control code “50” into screen display mode designation data “01” and operation instruction data “00000100”. Data is output to the display switching unit 203.

  In STEP 2003, the display switching unit 203 determines whether or not the currently executed screen display program corresponds to the received screen display mode designation data “01”. If it is compatible, the screen display program does not need to be changed, and the operation procedure proceeds to STEPS 2007. If not, the screen display program must be changed, and the operation procedure proceeds to STEPS 2004. In this example, the currently executed screen display program is a program corresponding to the screen display mode designation data “00”, and the screen display program must be changed. Therefore, the operation procedure proceeds to STEPS 2004.

  In STEP 2004, data indicating the current operation state of the apparatus 2 (in this example, the setting menu display state) is saved in the operation state holding memory 204 for saving.

  In STEP 2005, the display switching unit 203 reads the screen display program corresponding to the screen display mode designation data “01”, switches the currently executed screen display program to the newly read screen display program, and executes it. .

  In STEP 2006, the display switching unit 203 reads the data indicating the operation state stored in the operation state holding memory 204, and holds the operation state (in this example, the setting menu display state).

  In STEP 2007, the display switching unit 203 uses the newly executed screen display program to display image data for displaying on the display unit 3 data corresponding to the read operation state and the operation instruction data “00000100”. Is output to the display generation unit 205. In this example, the state of the image displayed on the display unit 3 (the size of characters, symbols and pictures, the number of icons, etc.) is switched while the operation state which is the “setting menu display state” is maintained.

  In STEP 2008, the display generation unit 205 converts the image data into an image signal suitable for the display unit 3 and outputs the image signal to the display unit 3, whereby the image is displayed on the display unit 3. In this example, the image displayed on the display unit 3 is switched from the GUI 31 (FIG. 3A) to the GUI 32 (FIG. 3B).

  As described above, when the remote controller 11 is operated, the display such as the GUI 31 with high visibility and easy operation is performed in cooperation with the remote controller 11. In addition, when the remote controller 12 is operated, a display such as a GUI 32 that allows selection of more functions is performed although the visibility is inferior. In this way, the device 2 side automatically changes the size of the display image according to the change of the remote controller to be used, so that the user can set each of the remote controllers 11 and 12 and the device 2 without the user himself / herself. An image such as a GUI suitable for the image can be displayed.

  Note that the interface displayed in conjunction with the operation of the remote controller 11 suitable for beginners or users who are not good at operation includes an icon for using the HELP function such as the icon 311 shown in FIG. Also good. The HELP icon 311 is displayed on a device setting screen, a program recording reservation setting screen, or the like. Thereby, an interface more suitable for beginners and the like can be realized. Note that such a HELP icon 311 is unnecessary for a user who is good at operation, and therefore the HELP icon 311 does not have to be displayed when the GUI 32 is displayed.

  The HELP icon 311 may be an interface for connecting a user and a support center. For example, when the device 2 is provided with a telephone line modem (not shown) and the user selects the HELP icon 311, the device 2 starts telephone communication with the support center, and follows the advice of the support center operator. May operate the apparatus 2.

  In addition, when the remote controller to be used is switched, the operation state before the switching is stored in the operation state holding memory 204 (FIG. 1), and when the use of the original remote controller is resumed, the stored switching state is stored. The operation may be resumed. Thereby, the convenience of sharing the apparatus 2 can be improved. For example, when an editing operation using a remote control 12 by a user is interrupted and another user performs a playback operation using the remote control 11, the first user resumes the editing operation using the remote control 12 again. The operation can be resumed from the editing state immediately before the interruption.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), all buttons have different sizes between the remote controllers 11 and 12, but only some buttons have different sizes. However, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  In addition, even if the buttons are approximately the same size between the remote controllers 11 and 12, the same effect as described above can be obtained if the number of buttons is different from each other. Moreover, between the remote controls 11 and 12, the size and design of the remote control itself may be different from each other.

  In addition, a single remote controller has a plurality of buttons associated with the same operation, and a GUI with few selectable functions is displayed when a highly visible button among the plurality of buttons is pressed. When is pressed, a GUI having many selectable functions may be displayed. This makes it easy for beginners and the like to select functions, and furthermore, very advanced functions can be hidden.

  In the present embodiment, the number of remote controllers is two, but the same effect as described above can be obtained even if the number of remote controllers is three or more.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the visibility and operability of the image of the interface or the like is changed with the operation state of the apparatus 2 being maintained in accordance with the change of the remote controller to be used. Since the visibility and operability of the image can be changed simply by changing the remote controller to be used, the same device 2 can be easily shared by a user who wants to use complex functions and a user who wants to use only simple functions. Can do.

(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment, the remote control system 100 (FIG. 1) includes a remote controller 13 shown in FIG. 6 instead of the remote controllers 11 and 12. That is, one remote controller is used. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the remote controller 13.

  The remote controller 13 includes a plurality of buttons including buttons 131 to 136. Each button has a description of the corresponding action associated with the button. The description of the corresponding operation is represented by characters, symbols, pictures, etc., and is printed on, for example, the corresponding button surface or its periphery. The size of the buttons 134 to 136 is larger than the size of the buttons 131 to 133, and the size of the operation description (function display) indicated on the buttons 134 to 136 is the description of the operation indicated on the buttons 131 to 133. Larger than the size of. The sizes of these buttons and function notations are usually different so that the difference can be recognized instantly.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the same operation “play” is associated with the buttons 131 and 134, the same operation “stop” is associated with the buttons 132 and 135, and the buttons 133 and 136 are associated with each other. Are associated with the same operation “setting”.

  Here, the buttons 133 and 136 will be described in more detail. Buttons 133 and 136 are buttons for displaying a setting menu on the display unit 3. The setting button 136 is larger in size and function display than the setting button 133. When the setting buttons 133 and 136 are pressed, the remote controller 13 outputs a control signal for causing the display unit 3 to display a setting menu. The information indicated by the control signal output from the remote controller 13 when the setting button 133 is pressed is different from the information indicated by the control signal output from the remote controller 13 when the setting button 136 is pressed.

  The image control unit 210 receives a control signal output from the remote controller 13 when the setting button 133 is pressed, and receives a control signal output from the remote control 13 when the setting button 136 is pressed. Then, the size of the image displayed on the display unit 3 is changed when the setting operation is executed. When the button 136 is pressed, the GUI 31 (the size of the icon and the font size to be displayed is large and the number of icons to be displayed is small) corresponding to the feature of the button 136 (the size of the button and the function display is large). Is displayed. When the button 133 is pressed, the GUI 32 (the size of the icon and the font size to be displayed is small and the number of icons to be displayed is large) corresponding to the feature of the button 133 (the size of the button and the function display is small). Is displayed.

  With these features, the buttons 134 to 136 are highly visible and easy to operate, and are suitable for users who want to use only simple functions. On the other hand, although the buttons 131 to 133 are inferior in visibility and operability, they can perform many complicated operations and are suitable for users who want to use complex functions.

  Since the operation of the device 2 in this embodiment is basically the same as the operation of the device 2 shown in the description of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. As a difference from the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the remote control code analysis unit 202 uses the remote control code table 207 shown in FIG. 7 instead of the remote control code table 206 (FIG. 4), and the remote control output from the reception unit 201. Analyze the code. In remote control code table 207, the remote control code assigned to each button of remote control 13 is associated with screen display mode designation data and operation instruction data.

  For example, the setting button 136 is associated with the remote control code “02”, and the remote control code analysis unit 202 converts the remote control code “02” into screen display mode designation data “00” and operation instruction data “00000100”. To do. Further, the remote control code “05” is associated with the setting button 133, and the remote control code analysis unit 202 converts the remote control code “05” into the screen display mode designation data “01” and the operation instruction data “00000100”. To do. Remote control code analysis unit 202 outputs screen display mode designation data and operation instruction data to display switching unit 203. As in the first embodiment, the display switching unit 203 generates image data based on the screen display mode designation data and the operation instruction data, whereby the display unit 3 displays the GUI 31 or the GUI 32.

  One or both of the buttons associated with the same operation may be hidden by a lid or the like. For example, the visibility of the buttons 134 to 136 can be further increased because the buttons 131 to 133 are hidden by the lid. When the buttons 131 to 133 are required, the buttons 131 to 133 can be exposed by opening the lid.

  In the present embodiment, the number of buttons associated with the same operation is two, but the same effect can be obtained even when the number is three or more.

  In the present embodiment, the visibility and operability of the image of the interface or the like is changed with the operation state of the apparatus 2 being maintained in accordance with the change of the button to be used. Since the visibility and operability of the image can be changed simply by changing the button to be used, the same device 2 can be easily shared by users who want to use complex functions and users who want to use only simple functions. Can do.

(Embodiment 3)
At least a part of the operation of the device 2 described in the first and second embodiments may be realized by a program executable by a computer. An apparatus that operates using such a program will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the apparatus 2a of the present embodiment. The operation performed by the device 2a is substantially the same as that of the device 2.

  The device 2a is, for example, a DVD recorder provided with a hard disk drive 805b. A DVD 805a is mounted on the device 2a.

  The device 2a includes a receiving unit 201 and an image control unit 210a. The image control unit 210a performs substantially the same operation as the operation executed by the image control unit 210 (FIG. 1) using a program. The image control unit 210 a includes a graphic control unit 807, a memory 808, a DA converter 809, an EEPROM 810, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 811, and a RAM 812.

  The apparatus 2a further includes a tuner 801, an AD converter 802, an MPEG-2 (Moving Picture Experts Group-2) encoder 803, a PS (Postscript) processing unit 804, an MPEG-2 decoder 806, a display tube 814, A modem 815. Data transmission / reception between the components of the apparatus 2 a is performed via the bus 813.

  Image and audio information included in the broadcast wave is converted into a digital signal via a tuner 801 and an AD converter 802, and an MPEG-2 encoder 803 encodes the digital signal. The PS processing unit 804 records the encoded image and audio information on the hard disk drive 805b or the DVD 805a. Further, the PS processing unit 804 reads the encoded information from the hard disk drive 805b or the DVD 805a and outputs it to the MPEG-2 decoder 806. The MPEG-2 decoder 806 decodes the encoded information and outputs it to the graphic control unit 807. The display tube 814 displays the operation state and time of the device 2a. The modem 815 is an interface for connecting the HELP icon 311 (FIG. 3A) to the user and the support center, and executes telephone communication between the user and the support center when the HELP icon 311 is selected. .

  An EEPROM 810 that is a nonvolatile memory stores a control program for operating the CPU 811 and the graphic control unit 207, a remote control code table, a screen display program, and the like. When the device 2a is activated, the CPU 811 and the graphic control unit 807 read the control program from the EEPROM 810 and execute it. The CPU 811 further reads the remote control code table from the EEPROM 810. Further, the graphic control unit 807 further reads the screen display program. The CPU 811 controls the overall operation of the apparatus 2a and executes substantially the same operation as the remote control code analysis unit 202 (FIG. 1). The graphic control unit 807 and the memory 808 perform substantially the same operation as the display switching unit 203 and the operation state holding memory 204. In addition, the DA converter 809 performs substantially the same operation as the display generation unit 205.

  The receiving unit 201 receives the control signal output from the remote controllers 11 to 13, converts it into a remote control code, and outputs the remote control code to the CPU 811. The CPU 811 refers to the remote control code table, converts the received remote control code into screen display mode designation data and operation instruction data, and stores it in the RAM 812. Furthermore, the CPU 811 changes the operation state of the device 2a according to the content of the operation instruction data (for example, changes from the stop state to the recording state).

  The graphic control unit 807 reads from the RAM 812 from screen display mode designation data and operation instruction data. The graphic control unit 807 generates image data corresponding to the operation instruction data and the screen display mode designation data using a screen display program. When the screen display program is switched, the state of the image displayed on the display unit 3 (the size of characters, symbols and pictures, the number of icons, etc.) is switched according to the newly executed screen display program. The DA converter 809 converts the image data into an analog image signal suitable for the display unit 3 and outputs the analog image signal to the display unit 3, thereby displaying an image on the display unit 3.

  As described above, since the device 2a performs substantially the same operation as the device 2 using a program, the same effects as the effects of the present invention described in the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

  The present invention is particularly effective in the field of AV equipment using control equipment such as a remote controller.

It is a figure which shows the remote control system by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the remote control by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the interface by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the remote control code table by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the remote control system by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the remote control by Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the remote control code table by Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 shows an apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 device 3 display unit 11, 12, 13 remote control 31, 32 interface 100 remote control system 201 reception unit 202 remote control code analysis unit 203 display switching unit 204 operation state holding memory 205 display generation unit 206, 207 remote control code table 210, 210a image Control unit 807 Graphic control unit 808 Memory 809 DA converter 810 EEPROM
811 CPU
812 RAM

Claims (7)

A device capable of operating based on instructions from a plurality of control devices,
The plurality of control devices include a first control device and a second control device,
Before Symbol device,
A first control signal output from the first control device to cause the device to execute a predetermined operation, and a second control signal output from the second control device to cause the device to execute the predetermined operation A receiver for receiving the signal ;
The size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed is changed between the case where the receiving unit receives the first control signal and the case where the receiving unit receives the second control signal. An apparatus comprising: an image control unit.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image control unit changes the size of the predetermined image while maintaining an operation state being executed before changing the size of the predetermined image.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image control unit displays an interface for connecting a user and a support center when the receiving unit receives the first control signal. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the image control unit does not display the interface when the receiving unit receives the second control signal. A device that operates based on instructions from a control device,
Before Symbol device,
When the first button of the control device is pressed, the first control signal output from the control device to cause the device to perform a predetermined operation and when the second button of the control device is pressed A receiving unit for receiving a second control signal output from the control device in order to cause the apparatus to execute the predetermined operation ;
The size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed is changed between the case where the receiving unit receives the first control signal and the case where the receiving unit receives the second control signal. An apparatus comprising: an image control unit. Multiple control devices,
A remote control system comprising: a device that operates based on instructions from the plurality of control devices;
The plurality of control devices include a first control device and a second control device,
The first control device outputs a first control signal to the device to cause the device to perform a predetermined operation,
The second control device outputs a second control signal to the device to cause the device to execute the predetermined operation,
The device is
A receiving unit for receiving the first control signal and the second control signal;
The size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed is changed depending on whether the receiving unit receives the first control signal or the receiving unit receives the second control signal. A remote control system comprising an image control unit. Control equipment,
A remote control system comprising a device that operates based on an instruction from the control device,
The control device includes a first button, and when the first button is pressed, outputs a first control signal for causing the apparatus to perform a predetermined operation;
The control device includes a second button, and when the second button is pressed, outputs a second control signal for causing the device to execute the predetermined operation,
The device is
A receiver for receiving the first control signal and the second control signal;
The size of a predetermined image to be displayed when the predetermined operation is executed is changed depending on whether the receiving unit receives the first control signal or the receiving unit receives the second control signal. A remote control system comprising an image control unit.

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