JP4692222B2 - Remote control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device that controls a controlled device that sequentially switches and sets a plurality of control states with a single command.

  In general homes, a multi-zone audio system has been put into practical use in which a plurality of audio devices are installed in one room and different sources (CD, DVD, FM broadcast, etc.) can be simultaneously reproduced in a plurality of rooms (zones). Yes. In this audio system, it is possible to independently control a source to be reproduced in each zone using a remote control device installed in each zone. This remote control device is not an individual audio device, but a general-purpose remote controller for switching the control state of each audio device in cooperation. Such a coordinated control form of a multi-zone audio system is called custom installation and is widely spread in the United States.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a house where a custom-installed audio system is introduced, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a main configuration of the audio system.
This audio system is a system that distributes audio and video to a main zone 101 such as a living room and distributes audio to a subzone (Zone 2) 102 such as a bedroom.
In the main zone 101, an audio component 12, an IR receiver 11, a display 17 such as a TV device, and speakers 18A to 18D are provided, and a remote control device 10 having a macro control function is disposed.
The audio component 12 is an aggregate in which the IR distributor 13, the VCR device 14, the DVD players 15 </ b> A and 15 </ b> B, the multi-zone receiver 16, and the like are connected by cables and cannot be seen from the living room in the main zone 101. It is stored on the wall surface or stored in an indoor rack so as not to stand out. The multi-zone receiver 16 includes an FM tuner circuit and a multi-channel audio amplifier. The multi-zone receiver 16 reproduces a multi-channel audio signal in the main zone 101 or two channels in each of the main zone 101 and the sub-zone 102. An audio signal can be reproduced.

  The TV as the display 17 is arranged along the front wall of the living room (the wall in the direction in which the sofa faces). The speakers 18A and 18B are embedded in the wall surface on which the display 17 is arranged. The speakers 18C and 18D are installed embedded in the back wall of the living room. The IR receiver 11 is a device that receives an infrared signal from the remote control device 10 and is disposed on the display 17.

  In the subzone 102, an IR receiver 21 and speakers 22A and 22B are provided, and a remote control device 20 having a macro control function is disposed. The speakers 22A and 22B are embedded in one wall surface of the room, and the IR receiver 21 is embedded in the ceiling of the room with only the light receiving surface exposed. The remote control device 20 is placed in a state where it can be carried, for example, on a bedside table.

In such an audio system, audio and video are distributed as follows.
When the user performs an operation for instructing playback of the DVD player 15A using the remote control device 10 in the main zone 101, a command (code signal for controlling the operation of the audio device) based on this operation is transmitted from the remote control device 10 to infrared (IR). Sent by. The IR receiver 11 receives this command and outputs it to the IR distributor 13. The IR distributor 13 distributes the input command to the VCR device 14, the DVD players 15 </ b> A and 15 </ b> B, and the multi-zone receiver 16. Each audio device determines whether the input command is destined for its own device, executes the corresponding operation if it is destined for its own device, and ignores otherwise. When the DVD player 15A receives a playback instruction command, the DVD player 15A performs a DVD playback operation according to the instruction, and outputs an audio signal and a video signal. The multi-zone receiver 16 performs predetermined signal processing on the input audio signal and video signal, outputs the video signal to the display 17, and outputs the audio signal to a predetermined speaker among the speakers 18A to 18D.

  On the other hand, when the user performs an operation for instructing reception of FM broadcast using the remote control device 20 in the subzone 102, a command based on this operation is transmitted by IR. The IR receiver 21 receives this command and outputs it to the IR distributor 13. The IR distributor 13 distributes the input command to the VCR device 14, the DVD players 15 </ b> A and 15 </ b> B, and the multi-zone receiver 16. In the case of a command instructing reception of FM broadcast, the multi-zone receiver 16 executes an operation corresponding to this command. The multi-zone receiver 16 receives a predetermined (preset) FM broadcast and outputs the audio signal to the speakers 22A and 22B of the subzone 102.

  As described above, in the multi-zone audio system, it is possible to control the apparatus independently in a plurality of zones and instruct the reproduction of different sources. For example, as described above, it is possible to watch a DVD in the main zone 101 and listen to an FM broadcast in the subzone 102 in parallel.

  On the other hand, in this multi-zone audio system, the audio component 12 is installed in a place where it cannot be seen by the user or inconspicuous, and an operation by the remote control device is also accepted from the subzone 102 which is a separate room. Therefore, the user operates the remote control device without knowing the operating state of each audio device at that time. For example, even when viewing an AV source in the main zone 101, a user in the subzone 102 who does not know the AV source tries to turn on the audio component 12 and start viewing the audio source. Here, the multi-zone audio system is designed so that the audio equipment for each zone is controlled while maintaining a non-competing state. And the power control of the device for each zone has no influence on other zones. However, in such an audio system, it is necessary to complete a desired sound output by one operation of the remote control device, and the power must be reliably turned on in any state.

  However, audio devices such as DVD players that are currently widely used use a single power on / off command and are designed to perform a toggle operation that reverses the power on / off each time this command is received. There are many things that have been done. Here, the toggle operation refers to an operation of changing a plurality of control states by rotation every time a single command is received. In the case of two-state control such as power on / off, the operation is reversed.

When a command is transmitted to such an audio device that performs a toggle operation with a single command without knowing the control state at that time, the audio component 12 may operate unexpectedly by the user.
That is, when a power-on command (actually a power-on / off inversion command) is further input to the audio component 12 in a state where the power of the audio component 12 has already been turned on, the audio that has been operating until then. The component 12 is turned off, resulting in a problem that the expected operation is not achieved.

  In order to solve such a problem of toggle control, it is solved if the audio device has commands corresponding to all control states. In other words, if the power-on command and the power-off command are different, the audio component 12 will continue to power on even if the power-on command is received repeatedly while the power is on. Does not occur.

  However, it is not practical to give independent commands to many control states of each audio device of the audio component 12 because the command code resource with limited code length is insufficient, and the command is not practical. When the number is increased, there are many problems such as an increase in the number of buttons of the remote control device and a burden on the control unit, so that it is not adopted in a particularly inexpensive device.

Therefore, a remote control device having a function of changing a command to be transmitted according to the control state of the audio device (a function of canceling the command transmission according to the case) has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote control device that inquires about the status of a controlled device such as a DVD player and changes the content of a command to each controlled device in response to a response from the controlled device. .
JP-A-5-14976

  However, in the device and system of Patent Document 1, a signal indicating the state of the controlled device must be returned to the remote control device, and the controlled device requires a transmission unit that transmits a signal to the remote control device. The apparatus requires a receiving unit that receives a signal from the controlled device.

  For this reason, a feedback system must be formed between the controlled device and the remote control device, which is not general-purpose and has a problem that the device is expensive. Furthermore, the remote control device has to assemble the macro control signal every time in response to an answer from the controlled device, and there is a problem that the control becomes complicated.

  By improving the command transmission function of the remote controller, the present invention allows a controlled device that performs a toggle operation with a single command to perform an accurate operation without confirming the control state at that time. The purpose is to control a remote control system that can be used.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, every time a command is input, the control state alternately transits to the first state and the second state, and the command insensitive period when the transition from the first state to the second state is t1 and second A remote control device for controlling a controlled device whose command insensitive period is t2 (> t1) when transitioning from a state to a first state, and after outputting the command, an interval of Td1 (t1 <Td1 <t2) A second state setting means for outputting the command again after a gap, and after outputting the command, the command is output again at an interval of Td1 (t1 <Td1 <t2), and further Td2 (> t2) First state setting means for outputting the command again at an interval.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that one of the first state and the second state is a power-on state and the other is a power-off state.

  In the above invention, when the first command is input from the remote control device to the controlled device, the controlled device changes from the current control state (first or second) to the other control state (second or first). Transition control state to. At this time, the controlled device does not accept the command only during the command insensitive period of t1 or t2 after receiving this command. Whether the command is ignored or valid is determined depending on whether or not the timing at which the remote control device outputs the second command is within the command insensitive period.

  That is, when the controlled device transitions from the first state to the second state by the first command, the command insensitive period t2 at that time is longer than the interval Td1, and the second command is ignored. The controlled device continues in the second state. On the other hand, when the controlled device transitions from the second state to the first state with the first command, the dead time t1 at this time is shorter than the interval Td1, and the second command is controlled. Effectively input to the device, the controlled device transitions from the first state to the second state.

  Therefore, by transmitting the command twice at the interval Td1, it is possible to set the control state after the command transmission to the second state regardless of whether the controlled device is in the first or second control state. It is. Furthermore, after that, by transmitting the command again at an interval Td2 longer than t2, the control state of the controlled device can be reliably shifted to the first state. Specific examples of this operation control include power on / off control of various audio devices.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, every time a command is input, the control state sequentially shifts to the n control states from the first state to the nth state, and when the transition from the nth state to the first state, A remote control device for controlling a controlled device having a command insensitive period, the first state setting means for continuously outputting the command n times at an interval of time Td5 where Td5 × (n−1) <t3. It is characterized by having.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, after the command is output n times by the first state setting means, the command is output m−1 (m ≦ n) times continuously after waiting for Td6 (> t3). An m state setting means is provided.

  In the above invention, since the command insensitive period t3 when transitioning from the nth state to the first state is longer than Td5 × (n−1), which is the n command transmission time, the controlled device is moved from the nth state to the first state. Commands after the command that caused the transition to the 1 state are ignored in this command insensitive period. Thus, the control state of the controlled device can be reliably set to the first state by n command transmissions.

  Furthermore, the control state can be reliably set to the mth state by transmitting m−1 commands to the controlled device set to the first state in this way.

  According to the present invention, even when controlling a control device that performs a toggle operation that sequentially shifts a plurality of control states with a single command, it is possible to reliably perform specific control without providing a special function for the control device. The state can be set.

  A multi-zone audio system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The overall configuration of the multi-zone audio system is the same as that shown in FIG. 11, and the overall configuration and operation will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the audio devices such as the VCR device 14, the DVD players 15A and 15B, the multi-zone receiver 16, and the display 17 correspond to controlled devices of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the multi-zone audio system of the embodiment is a system that distributes audio and video to the main zone 101 and distributes audio to the subzone 102, and the main part of the remote control system is installed in the main zone 101. Has been. It is also possible to distribute video to the subzone 102, and these distribution specifications can be set as appropriate.

  This multi-zone audio system includes a remote control device for custom installation. The custom installation remote control device has a function of transmitting a plurality of commands to the audio component 12 with a single button operation. This command includes a control sequence (described later) for reliably setting a control state such as a power on / off state and an operation mode of each audio device as a controlled device to a specific state.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the custom installation remote control device. Here, the remote controller 10 provided in the main zone 101 will be described as an example, but the remote controller 20 provided in the subzone 102 has the same configuration.
The remote control device 10 includes an operation input unit 111, a transmission unit 112, a display unit 113, a control unit 110, and a memory 114. The operation input unit 111 includes operation elements such as operation buttons provided on the upper surface of the remote control device 10. The transmission unit 112 converts the command input from the control unit 110 into an IR signal and transmits the IR signal to the outside. The display unit 113 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays operation content, operation control content, and the like. Note that the display unit 113 and the operation unit 111 can be integrated by forming the display unit 113 with a touch panel. The control unit 110 controls the entire operation of the remote control device 10, reads out a command stored in the memory 114 based on the operation instruction operation input by the operation unit 111, and gives the command to the transmission unit 113.

  The operation input unit 111 has a single control button (plurality) 111A and a macro control button (plurality) 111B. The single control button 111A is a button switch for transmitting a single command to a single device, for example, raising / lowering the volume of the multi-zone receiver 16 or stopping the reproduction operation of the DVD player 15A. On the other hand, the macro control button 111B is a button switch for continuously transmitting a plurality of commands for macro control for performing a plurality of operation controls on one or a plurality of audio devices by one button operation. The macro control includes, for example, a series of operation control from the power-on of the audio component 12 to the start of DVD playback.

  For example, a command sequence for macro control for performing a series of operation control from the power-on of the audio component 12 to the start of DVD playback is as follows.

(1) DVD player 15A, main zone corresponding part of multi-zone receiver 16, power-on command for display 17,
(2) a command for setting the DVD player 15A to select the main zone 101 of the multi-zone receiver 16;
(3) External input selection command for the display 17,
(4) DVD Playback Command for DVD Player 15A Here, the power-on command is actually a power-on / off inversion command, and each audio device performs a power-on / off toggle operation according to this command. For this reason, this command (power on / off inversion command) is transmitted at intervals in the manner described later, so that the audio device can be turned on when the power is turned off and remains unchanged when the power is turned on. The power is turned on in one direction. Details will be described later.

  The memory 114 stores a plurality of commands for controlling each audio device of the audio component 12, and includes a single control button table in which one of the commands is associated with the single control button 111A, and a macro control button. A macro control button table in which 111B is associated with a plurality of command sequences is stored.

  When the single control button 111A is turned on, the control unit 110 reads one command corresponding to this button from the memory 114 and supplies the command to the transmission unit 112. When the macro control button 111B is turned on, the control unit 110 sequentially reads out a plurality of commands and supplies them to the transmission unit 112 based on the sequence stored in the table.

  In FIG. 11, the IR receiver 11 receives the IR signal transmitted by the remote control device 10 and inputs it to the IR distributor 13. The IR distributor 13 amplifies and shapes the input macro operation control command, and then transfers the entire macro operation command as it is to each audio device, that is, the VCR device 14, the DVD players 15A and 15B, and the multi-zone receiver 16. This transfer is performed by turning on an IR transmission unit (infrared LED) installed in the vicinity of the IR light receiving unit of each audio device. The IR distributor 13 also transmits the input control command to the display 17.

  As described above, the command is simultaneously transmitted to all of the VCR device 14, the DVD players 15A and 15B, the multi-zone receiver 16, and the display 17. Each device executes processing corresponding to this command when the received command has a readable format and is addressed to itself.

  Next, one-way control of power-on by the above-described power-on / off inversion command and one-way control of power-off that is the reverse control will be described. This one-way control of power on / off is not limited to the DVD player 15A, but can be applied to any device as long as the power on / off toggles with a single command. . Further, the present invention is not limited to the operation state control of power on / off, and can be applied to any one that can be switched by a toggle operation with a single command.

  This one-way control is based on the fact that the controlled device has a dead period for the command for a certain time after receiving the command, and this dead period is different between when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. is there. This dead time period is provided as a time for analyzing and executing a received command, or as a time for ignoring continuous sending of the same command multiple times due to chattering of the remote control device. There is a case.

  This one-way control consists of a sequence in which a power on / off inversion command is transmitted a plurality of times at a predetermined time interval. Each transmission command is transmitted in the order of transmission, the first power control command, the second power control command, the third This is called a power control command.

(A) When dead time Tcon1 at the time of power-on in the controlled device is shorter than dead time Toff1 at the time of power-off (A-1) Power-on control sequence FIG. 2 (A) shows a power-on control sequence in the remote control device. It is a figure which shows a structure, and the remote control apparatus of this embodiment performs this sequence in an order from an upper stage as a power-on command.

That is, after transmitting the first power control command, the second power control command is transmitted after waiting for Td1, and after waiting for Td2, the third power control command is transmitted. The waiting times Td1 and Td2 are respectively
Tcon1 <Td1 <Tcoff1, Td2> Tcoff1
Set to.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the controlled device that has received the command in accordance with the power-on control sequence shown in FIG. 2A in time series. FIG. 3A shows the state from the power-on state of the controlled device. FIG. 5B shows a transition from the power-off state of the controlled device.

(A-1-1) Transition from the power-on state of the controlled device When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives the command. Since the controlled device is in the power-on state at this point, a process for turning off the power is executed in accordance with the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device has a dead period during which the command from the remote control device is not accepted for a time Tcoff1 from the reception timing of the first power control command.

  Next, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td1 that is longer than the dead period Tcon1 when the power is turned on and shorter than the dead period Tcoff1 when the power is turned off, and transmits the second power control command. At this time, since the controlled device is within the dead period Toff1, the second power control command is not accepted, and the power supply off state does not reverse to the on state.

  Next, after transmitting the second power supply control command, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td2 longer than the dead time Tcoff1 when the power is turned off and transmits the third power supply control command. Since the dead time period has ended at this time, the controlled device receives this third power control command and executes a process for turning on the power. Accordingly, the power of the controlled device is turned on by this sequence.

(A-1-2) Transition of the controlled device from the power-off state When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives the command. Since the controlled device is in the power-off state at this point, a process for turning on the power is executed according to the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period in which the command from the remote control device is not accepted for the time Tcon1 from the reception timing of the first power control command.

  Next, the remote control apparatus waits for an interval time Td1 that is longer than the dead period Tcon1 of the power-on control and shorter than the dead period Tcoff1 of the power-off control, and transmits the second power control command. At this time, the controlled device ends the dead period and is in a power-on state, and therefore performs a process for turning off the power according to the received second power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period in which the command from the remote control device is not accepted for the time Tcoff1 from the reception timing of the second power control command.

  Next, after transmitting the second power supply control command, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td2 longer than the dead time Tcoff1 when the power is turned off and transmits the third power supply control command. Since the transmission time interval Td2 between the second power control command and the third power control command is longer than the power-off control dead period Toff1, when the third power control command is received, the controlled device already has a dead period. The power is off. Therefore, the controlled device receives the third power control command and executes a power-on process. Accordingly, the power of the controlled device is turned on by this sequence.

(A-2) Power-off control sequence FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the configuration of the power-off control sequence in the remote control device. The remote control device of this embodiment executes this sequence in order from the top as a power-off command. To do.

  That is, after the first power control command is transmitted, the second power control command is transmitted after waiting for Td1. The waiting time Td1 is set to Tcon1 <Td1 <Tcoff1.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the controlled device that has received the command in accordance with the power-off control sequence shown in FIG. 2B in chronological order. FIG. 4A shows the state from the power-on state of the controlled device. FIG. 5B shows a transition from the power-off state of the controlled device.

(A-2-1) Transition from the power-on state of the controlled device When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives it. Since the controlled device is in the power-on state at this point, a process for turning off the power is executed in accordance with the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device has a dead period during which the command from the remote control device is not accepted for a time Tcoff1 from the reception timing of the first power control command.

  Next, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td1 that is longer than the dead period Tcon1 when the power is turned on and shorter than the dead period Tcoff1 when the power is turned off, and transmits the second power control command. At this time, since the controlled device is within the dead period Toff1, the second power control command is not accepted, and the power supply off state does not reverse to the on state. Thereby, the power supply of the controlled device is turned off by this sequence.

(A-2-2) Transition of controlled device from power-off state When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives the command. Since the controlled device is in the power-off state at this point, a process for turning on the power is executed according to the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period in which a command from the remote control device is not accepted for a time Tcon1 from the reception timing of the first power control command.

  Next, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td1 that is longer than the dead period Tcon1 when the power is turned on and shorter than the dead period Tcoff1 when the power is turned off, and transmits the second power control command. Since the transmission time interval Td1 between the second power control command and the third power control command is longer than the power-on control dead period Tcon1, when the second power control command is received, the controlled device already has a dead period. The power is on. For this reason, the controlled device receives the second power control command and executes a power-off process. Thereby, the power supply of the controlled device is turned off by this sequence.

(B) When dead time Tcon2 at the time of power-on control in the controlled device is longer than dead time Toff2 at the time of power-off control (B-1) Power-on control sequence FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of a sequence, and the remote control apparatus of this embodiment performs this sequence in an order from an upper stage as a power-off command.

  That is, after transmitting the first power control command, it waits for Td3 and transmits the second power control command. The standby time Td3 is set to Tcon2 <Td3 <Tcoff2.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the controlled device that has received the command according to the power-on control sequence shown in FIG. 5A in time series. FIG. 6A shows the state from the power-on state of the controlled device. FIG. 5B shows a transition from the power-off state of the controlled device.

(B-1-1) Transition from the power-on state of the controlled device When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives the command. Since the controlled device is in the power-on state at this point, a process for turning on the power is executed in accordance with the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period in which a command from the remote control device is not accepted for a time Tcoff2 from the reception timing of the first power control command.

  Next, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td3 that is longer than the dead time period Tcoff2 when the power is turned off and shorter than the dead time period Tcon2 when the power is turned on, and transmits the second power supply control command. Since the transmission time interval Td3 between the second power control command and the third power control command is longer than the dead time period Toff2 when the power is turned off, the controlled device already has a dead time period when receiving the second power control command. The power is off. For this reason, the controlled device receives this second power control command and executes a power-on process. Accordingly, the power of the controlled device is turned on by this sequence.

(B-1-2) Transition from the power-off state of the controlled device When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives the command. Since the controlled device is in the power-off state at this point, a process for turning on the power is executed according to the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period in which a command from the remote control device is not accepted for a period of Tcon2 from the reception timing of the first power supply control command.

  Next, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td3 that is longer than the dead time period Tcoff2 when the power is turned off and shorter than the dead time period Tcon2 when the power is turned on, and transmits the second power supply control command. Since the controlled device is in the dead period Tcon2 at this time, the second power supply control command is not accepted, and there is no inversion from the power-on state to the off state. Accordingly, the power of the controlled device is turned on by this sequence.

(B-2) Power OFF Control Sequence FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the configuration of the power OFF control sequence in the remote control device. The remote control device of this embodiment executes this sequence in order from the top as a power ON command. To do.

That is, after transmitting the first power control command, the second power control command is transmitted after waiting for Td3, and after waiting for Td4, the third power control command is transmitted. The waiting times Td3 and Td4 are respectively
Tcoff2 <Td3 <Tcon2, Td4> Tcon2
Set to.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation of the controlled device that has received the command in accordance with the power-off control sequence shown in FIG. 5B in time series. FIG. 7A shows the state from the power-on state of the controlled device. FIG. 5B shows a transition from the power-off state of the controlled device.

(B-2-1) Transition from the power-on state of the controlled device When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives the command. Since the controlled device is in the power-on state at this point, a process for turning off the power is executed in accordance with the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period in which the command from the remote control device is not accepted for the time Tcoff2 from the reception timing of the first power supply control command.

  Next, the remote control apparatus waits for an interval time Td3 that is longer than the power-off control dead time Tcoff2 and shorter than the power-on control dead time Tcon2, and transmits the second power control command. Since the dead time period ends at this time and the controlled device is in a power-off state, the controlled device executes a process for turning on the power according to the received second power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period during which the command from the remote control device is not accepted for the time Tcon2 from the reception timing of the second power control command.

  Next, after transmitting the second power supply control command, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td2 longer than the dead period Tcon2 when the power is turned on and transmits the third power supply control command. Since this interval time Td2 is longer than the dead period Tcon2 when the power is turned on, when receiving the third power control command, the controlled device is already in the power-on state where the dead period has ended. Therefore, the controlled device receives the third power control command and executes a power-off process. Thereby, the power supply of the controlled device is turned off by this sequence.

(B-2-2) Transition of the controlled device from the power-off state When the remote control device transmits the first power control command, the controlled device receives the command. Since the controlled device is in the power-off state at this point, a process for turning on the power is executed according to the received power control command. At this time, the controlled device enters a dead period in which a command from the remote control device is not accepted for a time Tcon2 from the reception timing of the first power control command.

  Next, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td3 that is longer than the dead time period Tcoff2 when the power is turned off and shorter than the dead time period Tcon2 when the power is turned on, and transmits the second power supply control command. Since the controlled device is within the dead period Tcon2 at this time, the second power supply control command is not accepted and the power supply off state does not reverse to the on state.

  Next, after transmitting the second power control command, the remote control device waits for an interval time Td4 longer than the dead period Tcon2 when the power is turned on and transmits the third power control command. At this time, since the dead period has ended, the controlled device receives this third power control command and executes a process of turning off the power. Thereby, the power supply of the controlled device is turned off by this sequence.

  In the above description, the two-state toggle operation is described by taking the power on / off as an example. However, the two-state toggle operation controlled by the present invention is not limited to the power on / off.

  In the above description, the case where two state transitions are controlled by the toggle control command, specifically, the case where the on / off state of the power supply is controlled has been described. However, the toggle control command for transitioning three or more states is described. The above-described configuration and processing method can also be applied.

≪Control for 3-state toggle operation≫
FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining a sequence for instructing a specific control state using the single command to a controlled device that sequentially changes the three control states by a single command. is there. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows a playback mode in a DVD playback apparatus in which a playback mode is switched to a normal playback mode (Normal), a repeat playback mode (Repeat), and a random playback mode (Random) in order by a playback mode switching command. Is a diagram showing a sequence for setting the playback mode to the normal playback mode, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sequence for setting the playback mode to the repeat playback mode or the random playback mode.

  Here, every time the controlled device (DVD player) receives a playback mode switching command, it switches the playback mode from normal playback mode → repeat playback mode → random playback mode → normal playback mode. When the next playback mode switching command (switching the mode to the normal playback mode) is received, there is a dead time period Tnr for a certain period from that point, and during this period, reception of the playback mode switching command is not accepted. Yes. Or, the controlled device normally operates in a state where commands can always be received without a dead period, and when the contractor turns on the hidden switch for custom installation, the controlled device operates so as to toggle the dead period. It may be changed.

  Here, it is assumed that the dead time period Tnr is a time during which a playback mode switching command can be inserted a plurality of times (“number of states n−1” times; in this embodiment, twice).

In this normal playback mode setting sequence, a playback mode switching command is transmitted n times (in this embodiment, 3 times) at intervals of the interval time Td5. Here, the interval time Td5 is
Td5 × (n−1) <Tnr
Set to be.

With this setting, when a command is input in the above sequence in the normal playback mode shown in FIG. 8A, the playback mode is cycled by three playback mode switching commands and the normal playback mode is maintained.
Also, if a command is input in the above sequence in the repeat playback mode of FIG. 5B, the playback mode switching command for the third time is insensitive after the playback mode is set to the normal playback mode by the second playback mode switching command. This is ignored depending on the period, and the playback mode is switched to the normal playback mode.

  In addition, when a command is input in the above sequence in the random playback mode of FIG. 10C, the playback mode is switched to the normal playback mode by one playback mode switching command, and then the second and third playback mode switching. The command is ignored depending on the dead period, thereby switching the playback mode to the normal playback mode.

  Further, after that, when the controlled device is set to the repeat playback mode or the random playback mode, the controlled device is set to the normal playback mode as shown in FIGS. After the elapse of time, that is, after the third reproduction mode switching command is output, the reproduction mode switching command may be transmitted once or twice again after waiting for the interval time Td6 (> Tnr).

  If it is transmitted once again, the repeat reproduction mode is set as shown in FIG. 9A, and if it is transmitted again twice, the random reproduction mode is set as shown in FIG. 9B.

  By performing such a configuration and processing, it is possible to set a desired state (control state) with a single command even for a device that performs a toggle operation of three states or more.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the remote control apparatus used for the multi-zone audio system which is embodiment of this invention The figure explaining the power-on control sequence and power-off control sequence in the same remote control device The figure which shows operation | movement of the controlled apparatus which received the command in the power-on control sequence of FIG. 2 in time series The figure which shows operation | movement of the controlled apparatus which received the command in the power-off control sequence of FIG. 2 in time series. The figure explaining the other example of the power-on control sequence and power-off control sequence in the said remote control apparatus The figure which shows operation | movement of the controlled apparatus which received the command in the power-on control sequence of FIG. 5 in time series. The figure which shows operation | movement of the controlled apparatus which received the command in the power-off control sequence of FIG. 5 in time series. The figure which shows operation of controlled equipment in time series when controlling three state transitions The figure which shows operation of controlled equipment in time series when controlling three state transitions Schematic diagram of the house where the audio system where the custom installation is performed is installed Configuration diagram showing the main configuration of a multi-zone audio system

Explanation of symbols

10, 20-remote control device, 110-control unit, 111-operation input unit, 112-transmission unit, 113-display unit, 114-memory, 11, 21-IR receiver, 12-audio component, 13-IR distributor, 14 -VCR device, 15A, 15B-DVD player, 16-multi-zone receiver, 17-display, 18A-18D, 22A, 22B-speaker, 101-main zone, 102-subzone, Td1-Td7-command transmission interval, Tcon1, Tcon2-dead time during power-on control, Tcoff1, Tcoff2-dead time during power-off control, Tnr-dead time

Claims (4)

Each time a command is input, the control state alternately changes from the first state to the second state, the command insensitive period when changing from the first state to the second state is t1, and from the second state to the first state A remote control device for controlling a controlled device whose command dead time at the time of transition is t2 (> t1),
Second state setting means for outputting the command again after an interval of Td1 (t1 <Td1 <t2) after outputting the command;
First state setting means for outputting the command again after an interval of Td1 (t1 <Td1 <t2) and outputting the command again at an interval of Td2 (> t2) after outputting the command; ,
A remote control device characterized by comprising:   2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein one of the first state and the second state is a power-on state and the other is a power-off state. Each time a command is input, the control state sequentially changes to the n control states from the first state to the nth state in the rotation number, and the controlled state having a command insensitive period of t3 when changing from the nth state to the first state. A remote control device for controlling the device,
A remote control device comprising a first state setting means for continuously outputting the command n times at an interval of time Td5 where Td5 × (n−1) <t3.   After the command is output n times by the first state setting means, m-th state setting means for outputting the command continuously m−1 (m ≦ n) times after waiting for Td6 (> t3) is provided. The remote control device according to claim 3.

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