JP5047684B2 - Signal output device, transmission / reception system, and control method of signal output device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal output device that can use, for example, infrared rays and radio waves, and a transmission / reception system.

  There is a system that transmits and receives information between a plurality of electronic devices using, for example, communication using infrared rays and / or wireless communication using radio waves. Communication using infrared rays is used between electronic devices such as televisions, videos, and personal computers, and a remote controller for operating these electronic devices. In this case, when the electronic device receives infrared light emitted from the remote controller, an operation on the remote controller can be reflected in the electronic device.

  However, this infrared ray, like light, is highly straight and does not pass through the object. Therefore, when there is a shield between the device that emits infrared light and the device that receives light, there is a high possibility that communication will fail without reaching the device that receives infrared light. In addition, since infrared rays have a narrow range of transmittable angles (directivity), it is necessary to hold the infrared light emitting device and the light receiving device so as to face each other during communication.

  On the other hand, in wireless communication using radio waves with wide directivity and transparency, communication can be performed even if a shielding object exists between electronic devices, and communication can be performed without causing electronic devices to face each other. Can do. Further, communication using infrared rays is unidirectional communication, whereas wireless communication using radio waves is bidirectional communication.

  Here, Patent Documents 1 to 7 disclose a communication system in which wireless communication using radio waves is incorporated in a communication system using infrared rays.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a remote control transmitter that transmits a remote command and a remote control receiver that returns a response result to the remote command receive one of infrared rays or radio waves as a transmission medium, and receive the other. A bidirectional remote control system configured as a medium is disclosed.

  According to this configuration, when the signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter is infrared, the signal transmitted from the remote control receiver is a radio wave. In this case, since the receiving posture of the remote control transmitter is free when receiving the response result from the remote control receiver, it is possible to perform reliable broadcast replies to a plurality of remote control transmitters. On the other hand, when the signal transmitted by the remote control receiver is a radio wave and the signal transmitted by the remote control receiver is infrared, the remote control transmitter can broadcast to multiple remote control receivers while receiving a specific remote control signal. A reply from the device can be selectively received.

  In Patent Document 2, an infrared transmitter using infrared rays and a high-frequency transmitter using radio waves are provided on the transmission and reception sides, respectively, and switching control for automatically switching to signal transmission using radio waves when signal transmission using infrared rays fails. A wireless remote control system having a circuit on the receiving side is disclosed.

  In this configuration, when signal transmission using highly reliable and directivity infrared rays fails due to problems such as obstacles and distance, a signal that uses non-directional radio waves with a long reach is used. Automatically switch to transmission. As a result, signal transmission can be performed using the excellent points of each method, and therefore, a highly reliable wireless remote control operation with a long transmission distance can be performed.

  Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a remote control device including an infrared remote control device that emits infrared light and a remote control adapter that includes a transmission unit that generates a radio wave signal based on the emitted infrared light.

  According to this configuration, radio signals can be generated even with an infrared remote control device, so the user can perform control operations on various devices without worrying about obstacles such as directivity and walls. Can do. In addition, since it is possible to decide whether or not to use the remote control adapter according to the usage environment, the user can use an optimal control method and can perform a reliable control operation.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a wireless / infrared conversion adapter that converts wireless communication data to infrared data and transfers the data. A system using this wireless / infrared conversion adapter between a device such as an electrical appliance having an infrared communication function and a wireless communication type remote control or the like is disclosed.

  According to this configuration, a wireless communication type remote control or the like can control an appliance or the like having an infrared communication function, and can exchange data between a wireless communication type device and a device having an infrared communication function. Thereby, it is possible to perform communication using the advantages of wireless communication without facing these devices, without approaching to a close range, and without being affected by an obstruction.

  As described above, in wireless communication using radio waves with wide directivity and transparency, even if there is a shield between electronic devices that perform communication, even if these electronic devices do not face each other, Communication can be performed without bringing the device close to a short distance. However, in the case of wireless communication using radio waves, for example, when it is desired to operate an arbitrary television with a wireless remote controller, there is a possibility that an electronic device other than the television or an electronic device in a neighboring house may malfunction. For this reason, Patent Documents 5 and 6 disclose techniques for avoiding such malfunction caused by wireless communication.

  Specifically, in Patent Document 5, the remote controller and the controlled device are associated with each other by communication using infrared rays, and each controlled device is associated, and the remote controller is associated with the remote controller by communication using radio waves. A group communication method for calling a controlled device is disclosed.

  According to this configuration, the controlled devices are grouped by associating with a plurality of controlled devices by communication using infrared rays, and when the remote control uses radio waves, the related controlled devices are controlled. After confirming the devices, data communication can be performed with these controlled devices. As a result, various devices can be controlled by a single remote controller, and trouble and mistakes in user operations can be eliminated.

  In Patent Document 6, in a server device and a client device that can communicate via a wireless transmission path, the server device transmits an encryption key signal using infrared communication, and the client device receives the encryption key signal. A home network system is disclosed.

  According to this configuration, since only the client device in the vicinity of the server device can receive the encryption key signal, it is possible to avoid the client device that does not want to be grouped outside from receiving the encryption key signal by mistake. Yes, security can be protected.

  In addition, in a communication system using infrared rays and radio waves, a technique has been disclosed in which power consumption is reduced by selecting which of these communications is used by a user according to the usage status. Specifically, in Patent Document 7, as shown in FIG. 6, an infrared transmission circuit 122 that transmits an infrared signal, a radio wave transmission circuit 124 that transmits a radio signal, and any of these circuits include a controlled device 118. There is disclosed a wireless remote control transmitter 100 including a switching unit 120 that supplies control information for controlling the control.

  Specifically, the signal control unit 116 supplies control information for controlling the controlled device 118 to the switching unit 120 according to the operation of the operation unit 114. The switching unit 120 performs switching control of whether the control information is supplied to the infrared transmission circuit 122 or the radio wave transmission circuit 124 by operating a specific key or the like of the operation unit 114. This control information is transmitted from the infrared transmission circuit 122 or the radio wave transmission circuit 124 to the controlled device 118. Note that the control information supplied to the infrared transmission circuit 122 is transmitted to the controlled device 118 via the infrared light emitting element 126, and the control information supplied to the radio wave transmission circuit 124 is controlled via the antenna 128. Sent to.

According to this configuration, control information is supplied only to one of the infrared transmission circuit 122 and the radio wave transmission circuit 124 depending on whether noise resistance is important or the reach of the remote control signal is important. . As a result, control information can be transmitted to the controlled device 118 in a state optimal for the usage environment, and power consumption can be reduced because both circuits are not used simultaneously.
Japanese Utility Model Publication 1-177680 (published on December 19, 1989) JP 4-132396 A (published May 6, 1992) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-86384 (published July 27, 1992) JP 2004-31999 A (published January 29, 2004) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-215064 (published on August 15, 1997) JP 2006-339806 A (released on December 14, 2006) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-1676 (published on January 10, 1995)

  However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 7, when communication using infrared rays is performed, the infrared light emission output (that is, transmission intensity) is constant or in several stages (for example, high output or low output). It can only be adjusted. In addition, when performing the adjustment in several steps, it is necessary for a user who uses a device that emits infrared rays, such as a remote controller, to manually perform setting.

  That is, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 7, when communication using an infrared ray cannot be performed depending on the use environment between electronic devices performing communication, for example, there is a shield between the electronic devices performing communication, The user needs to bring the electronic device closer to the other electronic device or manually change the transmission intensity setting.

  In the technique of Patent Document 7, only one of communication using infrared rays or radio waves is selectively used. In other words, this technology only reduces power consumption by controlling so that the other communication is not performed while one communication is being performed. It is not intended to reduce power consumption.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a signal output device, a transmission / reception system, and a signal output device control method capable of automatically controlling the transmission intensity of an output signal. There is.

  In order to solve the above problems, a signal output device according to the present invention is a signal output device including first transmission means for transmitting an output signal to an electronic device via a first communication line, the first communication line. And receiving means for receiving reception status information indicating the reception status of the output signal in the electronic device from the electronic device via a second communication line different from the transmission line, and transmitting the output signal based on the reception status information. And a signal strength control means for controlling the strength.

  In addition, a signal output device control method according to the present invention is a signal output device control method including first transmission means for transmitting an output signal to an electronic device via a first communication line in order to solve the above problem. A reception step of receiving from the electronic device reception status information indicating the reception status of the output signal in the electronic device via a second communication line different from the first communication line; and the reception status information And a signal strength control step for controlling the transmission strength of the output signal.

  According to the above configuration, the first transmission means transmits the output signal via the first communication line, and the reception means receives the output signal in the electronic device via the second communication line different from the first communication line. Reception status information indicating is received. Then, the signal strength control unit controls the transmission strength of the output signal transmitted from the first transmission unit based on the reception status information.

  Thereby, the signal strength control means automatically controls the transmission strength of the output signal by receiving the reception status information from the electronic device that has received the output signal, so that the user can transmit the output signal according to the usage status. There is no need to control the intensity. In other words, the output signal can be transmitted to the electronic device while optimizing the transmission intensity of the output signal without bothering the user.

  Further, in the signal output device according to the present invention, the reception status information indicates an excess of the reception strength of the output signal in the electronic device from the weakest minimum reception strength that can be received by the electronic device, The signal strength control means may instruct the first transmission means to lower the transmission strength of the output signal based on the excess indicated in the reception status information.

  According to the above configuration, the signal strength control means decreases the transmission strength of the output signal based on the excess of the reception strength of the output signal in the electronic device from the weakest minimum reception strength that can be received by the electronic device. Instructs the first transmission means.

  As a result, the transmission strength of the output signal can be reduced without bothering the user, so that the power consumption in the signal output device can be reduced and the first transmission means can respond to the excess of the reception strength. Since the transmission strength of the output signal can be lowered, it is possible to further optimize the transmission strength of the output signal.

  Furthermore, in the signal output device according to the present invention, when the signal strength control means indicates that the reception status information indicates that the output signal is not received in the electronic device, the transmission strength of the output signal You may instruct | indicate to the said 1st transmission means so that it may raise.

  According to the above configuration, the signal strength control unit instructs the first transmission unit to increase the transmission strength of the output signal when the output signal is not received in the electronic device. Thereby, since the signal output device can automatically increase the transmission strength of the output signal, the transmission strength of the output signal can be optimized without bothering the user.

  Furthermore, the signal output device according to the present invention further includes second transmission means for transmitting a confirmation signal for requesting the reception status information to the electronic device via a third communication line different from the first communication line. The reception unit may receive the reception status information transmitted from the electronic device in response to the confirmation signal transmitted from the second transmission unit.

  According to the above configuration, the second transmission unit transmits the confirmation signal requesting the reception status information to the electronic device via the third communication line different from the first communication line. And a receiving means receives the reception status information transmitted from the electronic device with respect to this confirmation signal. Thereby, the signal output apparatus itself can inquire the electronic device about the reception status of the output signal in the electronic device. Although the second communication line and the third communication line are different lines, they may be the same line.

  Furthermore, in the signal output device according to the present invention, the first communication line may perform communication using one-way radio.

  According to the above configuration, the reception status information can be received from the second communication line even if the output signal transmitted from the signal output device is communication using one-way radio.

  Furthermore, when the transmission / reception system according to the present invention receives the signal output device described above and the output signal transmitted from the signal output device via the first communication line, the reception status information is transmitted to the second communication. And an electronic device that transmits to the signal output device via a line.

  According to the above configuration, the output signal can be transmitted to the electronic device while optimizing the transmission intensity of the output signal without bothering the user.

  As described above, the signal output apparatus according to the present invention transmits reception status information indicating the reception status of the output signal from the electronic device via the second communication line different from the first communication line. A receiving means for receiving and a signal strength control means for controlling the transmission strength of the output signal based on the reception status information.

  In addition, the signal output device control method according to the present invention provides reception status information indicating the reception status of the output signal in the electronic device from the electronic device via a second communication line different from the first communication line. A reception step of receiving, and a signal strength control step of controlling the transmission strength of the output signal based on the reception status information.

  Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to transmit the output signal to the electronic device while optimizing the transmission intensity of the output signal without bothering the user.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Outline of transmission / reception system example]
First, the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of the transmission / reception system 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission / reception system 1 includes a remote controller (signal output device) 2, a TV unit (electronic device) 4, and a PC unit (electronic device) 5. In the transmission / reception system 1, the remote controller 2 transmits an operation command to the TV (television) unit 4 by an IR (Infrared Ray, for example, IrSimple) signal. In addition, the remote controller 2 and the PC (personal computer) unit 5 perform transmission / reception with an RF (radio frequency) signal. Further, the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5 are connected.

  Here, in this embodiment, a line through which an IR signal is transmitted from the remote controller 2 to the TV unit 4 is a first communication line. Further, a line through which the remote controller 2 receives an RF signal from the PC unit 5 is a second communication line, and a line through which the RF signal is transmitted from the remote controller 2 to the PC unit 5 is a third communication line. In the present embodiment, the second communication line and the third communication line indicate the same line through which RF signals are transmitted and received.

  The TV unit 4 includes a monitor 45 and is connected to an antenna. The TV unit 4 receives a TV broadcast via this antenna, and displays the broadcast content on the monitor 45. Further, the TV unit 4 can perform an operation based on the content of an operation command (for example, channel switching) designated by the user using the remote controller 2 by receiving the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2. That is, the TV unit 4 has a general TV function, and can control various TV functions based on data transmitted from the remote controller 2.

  Further, the PC unit 5 outputs the processing content based on the data transmitted from the remote controller 2 to the TV unit 4. Specifically, since the remote control 2 and the PC unit 5 are provided with RF transmission / reception units 30 and 51, respectively, for example, data from the remote control 2 can be received. Then, the TV unit 4 displays the processing content based on the data transmitted from the PC unit 5 on the monitor 45. In this case, an icon, a cursor, etc. are displayed on the monitor 45, for example.

  Therefore, in the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment, since the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5 are connected, the user can use the remote controller 2 to view the TV broadcast while operating the PC.

  In the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment, the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5 are connected. However, any connection method that can transmit and receive data bidirectionally may be wired or wireless. Good. Examples of the wireless that transmits and receives data in both directions include RF, ZigBee (registered trademark), UWB (ultra wide band), Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (local area network), and wireless. In the transmission / reception system 1, the remote controller 2 and the PC unit 5 perform bidirectional communication using an RF signal. The wireless communication can also be used in this bidirectional communication. Note that the remote controller 2 and the PC unit 5 need only perform two-way communication, and thus may be wired as well as wireless.

  In the transmission / reception system 1, the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be integrally formed. Furthermore, the TV unit 4 is configured to receive an IR signal from the remote controller 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, by providing an IR receiver unit in the remote controller 2 and an IR transmitter unit in the TV unit 4. Alternatively, bidirectional communication may be performed between the remote controller 2 and the TV unit 4.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 2 includes a touch pad 21 and function keys 22 on the upper surface (the surface on which the user of the remote controller 2 operates). In addition, the remote controller 2 includes an IR transmitter 28 and an RF transmitter / receiver 30 on the surface facing the TV unit 4 when the normal remote controller 2 is operated.

  When the finger touches the surface of the touch pad 21 (the surface exposed to the outside of the remote controller 2), the touch pad 21 detects which position on the touch pad 21 is touched. Examples of the touch pad 21 include a capacitance type touch panel or a resistive touch panel. Here, the capacitive touch pad detects that the amount of internal charges changes when the finger touches the surface of the touch pad 21, thereby detecting the movement of the finger on the touch pad 21. In addition, the resistive film type touch pad is a method in which a conductive thin film is attached to the surface of the touch pad 21 and a film attached to the surface at a slight interval, and detection is made as to whether or not electricity has passed through the thin film. To do.

  As described above, the remote controller 2 can perform coordinate input by touching the touchpad 21 with a finger, so that the PC unit 5 performs processing such as moving the cursor displayed on the monitor 45 of the TV unit 4, for example. Can be made.

  A push SW (switch) 23 is provided below the touch pad 21 (inside the remote controller 2). The touch pad 21 is movable in the direction of the push SW 23, and the push SW 23 is pressed in conjunction with the pressing of the touch pad 21. That is, when the touch pad 21 is pressed, the push SW 23 is pressed. When the touch pad 21 is not pressed, the push SW 23 is not pressed. The pressed state of the push SW 23 is detected by a function key control unit 25 described later as a key state signal. When the push SW 23 is pressed, operation commands such as a click operation and a drag operation are transmitted to the PC unit 5.

  As described above, in the remote controller 2, the user can input coordinates by placing a finger on the touch pad 21 and moving it, and can perform a click operation by pressing the touch pad 21.

  Furthermore, the function key 22 shown in FIG. 2 is for transmitting a specific operation command to the TV unit 4 or the PC unit 5 when pressed by a user operating the remote controller 2. An example of the function key 22 is a channel switching key 22A. The specific operation command includes an operation command for switching power on / off, switching between a PC mode and a TV mode, switching each channel such as a TV broadcast, or setting an image quality. .

[Configuration of TV section and PC section]
Next, the configuration of the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote controller 2, the TV unit 4, and the PC unit 5 in the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment. First, the TV unit 4 includes an IR receiving unit 41, an IR control unit 42, a LAN I / F (interface) 43, a TV control unit 44, a monitor 45, and a TV tuner 46, as shown in FIG. The description of the monitor 45 described above is omitted.

  The LAN I / F 43 is connected to the LAN I / F 53 of the PC unit 5 and enables data transmission / reception between the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5. The TV tuner 46 converts TV radio waves received by the antenna into a video signal that can be viewed by the user on the monitor 45. The converted video signal is transmitted to the TV control unit 44.

  The IR receiver 41 receives the IR signal transmitted from the IR transmitter 28 of the remote controller 2 and transmits this IR signal to the IR controller 42. Note that an IR signal is used for communication from the IR transmission unit 28 of the remote control 2 to the IR reception unit 41 of the TV unit 4, but the IR signal is not limited to this, and the remote control 2 sends the TV unit 4 one way. Any signal may be used as long as communication is possible.

  The IR control unit 42 converts the IR signal transmitted from the IR receiving unit 41 into a signal that can be processed by the TV unit 4, and transmits the converted signal to the TV control unit 44. The IR control unit 42 measures the reception intensity of the IR signal received by the IR reception unit 41 and stores this reception intensity.

  The TV control unit 44 controls the display content of the monitor 45 based on the content of signals from the IR control unit 42 and the TV tuner 46. Further, the TV control unit 44 controls the display content of the monitor 45 based on the content of data of the PC unit 5 received via the LAN I / F 43.

  Further, the TV control unit 44 includes a reception intensity detection unit 441 and a reception intensity calculation unit 442. When the reception intensity detection unit 441 receives a confirmation signal (described later) transmitted from the remote controller 2 via the PC unit 5, the reception intensity information indicating the reception intensity of the IR signal transmitted to the TV unit 4 is received from the IR control unit 42. To detect. Then, the reception intensity detection unit 441 transmits the detected reception intensity information to the PC control unit 54 described later.

  The reception intensity detection unit 441 receives an IR signal from the remote controller 2, but if the TV unit 4 cannot receive the IR signal, the reception intensity detection unit 441 receives the confirmation signal transmitted from the PC unit 5. Intensity information cannot be detected. In this case, when receiving the confirmation signal, the reception intensity detection unit 441 generates reception intensity information indicating 0 and transmits the reception intensity information to the PC control unit 54.

  When receiving a calculation instruction signal from the PC control unit 54 (to be described later), the reception strength calculation unit 442 uses the reception strength information and a predetermined minimum reception strength of the TV unit 4 (the weakest reception strength that can be received). The excess strength is obtained as a percentage. Then, the received intensity calculation unit 442 transmits a value indicating the obtained excessive intensity as an excessive intensity signal to the PC control unit 54 described later.

  Next, the PC unit 5 includes an RF transmission / reception unit 51, an RF control unit 52, a LAN I / F 53, a PC control unit 54, an HD (Hard Disk) 55, and a WAN (Wide Area Network) I / F 56.

  The RF transmitter / receiver 51 transmits the RF signal transmitted from the RF controller 52 to the remote controller 2, while transmitting the RF signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 to the RF controller 52. When receiving a signal from the PC control unit 54, the RF control unit 52 converts this signal into an RF signal and transmits it to the RF transmission / reception unit 51. On the other hand, when the RF signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 is received via the RF transmission / reception unit 51, the RF signal is converted into a signal that can be processed by the PC unit 5.

  The LAN I / F 53 has the same function as the LAN I / F 43 described above, and is connected to the LAN I / F 43 of the TV unit 4 to enable data transmission / reception between the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5. ing.

  The HD 55 stores data or programs used by the PC control unit 54. The WAN I / F 56 is connected to a data communication dedicated line or a telephone line connecting two specific points, and enables transmission / reception of data to / from a computer such as a PC at a geographically distant point. .

  When the PC control unit 54 receives a signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 from the RF control unit 52, the PC control unit 54 controls the PC unit 5 based on the content of the signal, and transmits a signal for controlling the TV unit 4 to the LAN I / F 53. Is transmitted to the TV section 4 via. Further, the PC control unit 54 is connected to the HD 55 and the WAN I / F 56, and also performs these controls.

  Further, when receiving the reception intensity information transmitted from the reception intensity detection unit 441, the PC control unit 54 determines whether or not the reception intensity information indicates 0. When the received strength information indicates a value other than 0, the PC control unit 54 transmits a calculation instruction signal to the received strength calculating unit 442. Then, when the value indicating the excessive intensity obtained by the reception intensity calculating unit 442 is received as an excessive intensity signal, the excessive intensity signal is transmitted to the RF control unit 52. On the other hand, when the reception intensity information transmitted from the reception intensity detection unit 441 indicates 0, the PC control unit 54 transmits this value to the RF control unit 52 as an excessive intensity signal.

[Remote control configuration]
Next, a more detailed configuration of the remote controller 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote controller 2, the TV unit 4, and the PC unit 5 in the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the remote controller 2 includes a touch pad 21, a channel switching key 22A, a push SW 23, a touch pad control unit 24, a function key control unit 25, a signal control unit (signal control unit) 26, and an IR control unit (transmission unit). 27, an IR transmission unit 28, an RF control unit 29, an RF transmission / reception unit 30, a reception status determination unit 31, a signal strength control unit (signal strength control means) 32, and a storage unit 33. The description of the touch pad 21 and the push SW 23 described above is omitted. Further, the channel switching key 22A is an example of the function key 22 described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

  When the touch pad control unit 24 detects that the touch pad 21 has some input on the surface thereof, the touch pad control unit 24 converts the detection result into coordinate data, and transmits the coordinate data to the signal control unit 26. Further, when the function key control unit 25 detects that the function key 22 is operated, the function key control unit 25 converts the detection result into a key state signal and transmits the key state signal to the signal control unit 26.

  When the signal control unit 26 receives the coordinate data transmitted from the touch pad control unit 24 or the key state signal transmitted from the function key control unit 25, the signal control unit 26 transmits this signal to the IR control unit 27 or the RF control unit 29. .

  That is, for example, when the signal indicates that an operation command for generating an operation command to be processed by the TV unit 4 is performed, such as a channel switching operation using the channel switching key 22A, the signal control unit 26 performs IR control on the signal. To the unit 27. On the other hand, in the case of a signal indicating that an operation for generating an operation command to be processed by the PC unit 5, such as a coordinate input operation on the touch pad 21, is performed, the signal control unit 26 transmits this signal to the RF control unit. 29.

  Further, when the signal control unit 26 determines that the received key state signal is a signal to be transmitted to the IR control unit 27 (when it is determined that it is an operation command of the TV unit 4), the IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4. A confirmation signal for confirming whether or not the arrival has been reached is generated. Then, the signal control unit 26 transmits this confirmation signal to the RF control unit 29.

  The signal control unit 26 transmits the key state signal to the IR control unit 27, but is not limited to this, and the coordinate data transmitted from the touch pad control unit 24 is transmitted to the IR control unit 27. May be. In this case, in the remote controller 2, for example, a specific combination of coordinate data is set as an operation command for the TV unit 4.

  When receiving the key state signal transmitted from the signal control unit 26, the IR control unit 27 converts this signal into an IR signal and transmits this IR signal to the IR transmission unit 28. When receiving the IR signal from the IR control unit 27, the IR transmission unit 28 transmits the IR signal to the IR reception unit 41 of the TV unit 4. At this time, the IR control unit 27 measures and stores the transmission intensity of the IR signal transmitted from the IR transmission unit 28.

  Further, the IR control unit 27 converts the key state signal by using the transmission intensity reduction range transmitted from the signal intensity control unit 32 described later, and reduces the transmission intensity of the IR signal to be transmitted to the TV unit 4 from now on. . On the other hand, the IR control unit 27 converts the key state signal using the increase amount of the IR signal transmission intensity stored in the IR control unit 27 based on the determination result in the signal strength control unit 32 described later. The transmission intensity of the IR signal to be transmitted to the TV unit 4 or the IR signal already transmitted to the TV unit 4 is increased.

  The RF control unit 29 has the same function as the RF control unit 52 of the PC unit 5. That is, when coordinate data, a key state signal, or a confirmation signal transmitted from the signal control unit 26 is received, this signal is converted into an RF signal, and the converted signal is transmitted to the RF transmitting / receiving unit 30. On the other hand, when the RF signal transmitted from the PC unit 5 is received via the RF transmitting / receiving unit 30, the RF signal is converted into a signal that can be processed by the remote controller 2.

  The RF transmission / reception unit 30 has the same function as the RF transmission / reception unit 30 of the PC unit 5, and transmits the RF signal transmitted from the RF control unit 29 to the PC unit 5, while being transmitted from the PC unit 5. The RF signal is transmitted to the RF control unit 29.

  The reception status determination unit 31 determines whether the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 has reached the TV unit 4 based on the excessive intensity signal transmitted from the PC unit 5. Then, the determination result is transmitted to the signal strength control unit 32. In addition, when the reception status determination unit 31 determines that the IR signal has reached the TV unit 4, the reception status determination unit 31 transmits the excessive intensity signal transmitted from the PC unit 5 to the signal strength control unit 32.

  The signal strength control unit 32 converts the key state signal based on the determination result of the reception status determination unit 31 to reduce or increase the transmission strength of the IR signal to be transmitted to the TV unit 4 from now on. To instruct. Further, the signal strength control unit 32 instructs the IR control unit 27 to increase the transmission strength of the IR signal already transmitted to the TV unit 4.

  Further, the signal strength control unit 32 determines whether or not the IR signal transmitted to the TV unit 4 is the first transmission in order to appropriately control the transmission strength of the IR signal, or whether the transmission strength of the transmitted IR signal is the maximum. It is determined whether or not. Furthermore, the signal strength control unit 32 determines whether or not the number of times of increasing the IR signal transmission strength and transmitting the IR signal to the TV unit 4 again matches a predetermined limit number. The signal intensity control unit 32 also manages the number of times to transmit the IR signal.

  The storage unit 33 stores the maximum transmission intensity of the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2, the current number of retransmissions and the maximum value of the number of retransmissions (limit number), and a table or calculation formula for obtaining a decrease in transmission intensity. Yes. The maximum transmission strength, the current number of retransmissions, and the limit number will be described later. In addition, the storage unit 33 stores data or a program used by each control unit of the remote controller 2.

  As described above, in the remote controller 2, the reception status determination unit 31 determines whether the IR signal has reached the TV unit 4 based on the excessive intensity signal transmitted from the PC unit 5. Then, the signal strength control unit 32 instructs the IR control unit 27 to control the transmission strength of the IR signal based on the determination result. Thereby, the IR control unit 27 can transmit an IR signal having an optimal transmission strength to the TV unit 4. That is, the IR signal can be transmitted to the TV unit 4 while optimizing the transmission intensity of the IR signal without bothering the user.

  In the present embodiment, the remote controller 2 performs the determination of the IR signal reception status in the TV unit 4 and the control of the transmission intensity of the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The above determination and control may be performed by the PC unit 5, for example. In the present embodiment, the detection and calculation of the IR signal reception intensity is performed by the TV unit 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection and calculation may be performed by the PC unit 5, for example.

[Flow of IR signal transmission intensity control]
Next, the flow of control processing for the transmission intensity of the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control processing of the transmission intensity of the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2.

  When the signal control unit 26 receives the key state signal transmitted from the function key control unit 25, the signal control unit 26 determines whether the key state signal is a signal transmitted to the IR control unit 27. If the signal control unit 26 determines that the key state signal is a signal transmitted to the IR control unit 27, the signal control unit 26 transmits the key state signal to the IR control unit 27. The IR control unit 27 converts the key control signal into an IR signal, and transmits this IR signal to the TV unit 4 via the IR transmission unit 28 (S1). When the IR receiving unit 41 of the TV unit 4 receives this IR signal, the IR control unit 42 measures the reception intensity of this IR signal.

  Next, the signal control unit 26 generates a confirmation signal for confirming whether the IR signal has reached the TV unit 4, and transmits this confirmation signal to the RF control unit 29. The RF control unit 29 converts this confirmation signal into an RF signal, and transmits this RF signal to the PC unit 5 via the RF transmission / reception unit 30 (S2).

  In the remote controller 2 according to the present embodiment, when an IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4, a confirmation signal is generated in the signal control unit 26, and this confirmation signal is transmitted to the PC unit 5. That is, in the remote controller 2, a confirmation signal is always transmitted to the PC unit 5 when an IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the confirmation signal is transmitted to the PC unit 5 after the IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4 several times may be employed.

  When receiving the RF signal (confirmation signal) via the RF transmitting / receiving unit 51, the RF control unit 52 of the PC unit 5 converts the signal into a signal that can be controlled by the PC control unit 54, and transmits the signal to the PC control unit 54. The PC control unit 54 transmits this signal, that is, the confirmation signal to the reception intensity detection unit 441 of the TV unit 4 via the LAN I / F 53.

  When receiving the confirmation signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 via the PC unit 5, the reception intensity detection unit 441 detects reception intensity information indicating the reception intensity of the IR signal transmitted to the TV unit 4 from the IR control unit 42. . Then, the reception intensity detection unit 441 transmits the detected reception intensity information to the PC control unit 54.

  When receiving the reception intensity information from the reception intensity detection unit 441, the PC control unit 54 determines whether or not the reception intensity information indicates 0. Here, since the reception intensity information can be detected from the IR control unit 42 from the reception intensity detection unit 441, it is determined that the reception intensity information does not indicate 0. That is, it is determined that the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 has reached the TV unit 4. The PC control unit 54 transmits the determination result to the reception intensity calculation unit 442 as a calculation instruction signal. At this time, the PC control unit 54 transmits the reception intensity information transmitted from the reception intensity detection unit 441 together with the calculation instruction signal. The reception strength information may be acquired directly from the reception strength detection unit 441 when the reception strength calculation unit 442 receives a calculation instruction signal.

  When receiving the calculation instruction signal from the PC control unit 54, the reception strength calculation unit 442 determines the strength from this reception strength information and the predetermined minimum reception strength (the weakest reception strength that can be received) of the TV unit 4. Find the excess as a percentage. For example, assuming that the minimum reception strength value of the TV unit 4 is 10 and the reception strength value indicated by the reception strength information of the received IR signal is 15, the value obtained by the reception strength calculation unit 442 is 1.5.

  The reception intensity calculation unit 442 transmits a value indicating the obtained excessive intensity as an excessive intensity signal to the PC control unit 54 of the PC unit 5 via the LAN I / F 43. The excessive intensity signal received by the PC control unit 54 is converted into an RF signal by the RF control unit 52 and then transmitted to the RF transmission / reception unit 30 of the remote controller 2 via the RF transmission / reception unit 51.

  On the other hand, when the IR signal is transmitted from the remote controller 2 but the TV unit 4 cannot receive the IR signal, the reception intensity detection unit 441 cannot detect the reception intensity information from the IR control unit 42. That is, even if the reception intensity detection unit 441 receives the confirmation signal transmitted from the PC unit 5, there is no reception intensity information to be detected. In this case, when receiving the confirmation signal, the reception intensity detection unit 441 generates reception intensity information indicating 0 and transmits the reception intensity information to the PC control unit 54.

  That is, when the PC control unit 54 receives reception intensity information indicating a value other than 0, the PC control unit 54 receives an excess intensity calculated by the reception intensity calculation unit 442 as an excess intensity signal and transmits it to the remote controller 2. . On the other hand, when the PC control unit 54 receives the reception intensity information indicating 0, the PC control unit 54 does not need to calculate the excess intensity in the reception intensity calculation unit 442, and thus this reception intensity information is used as an excess intensity signal. Transmit to the remote control 2. That is, an excessive intensity signal indicating 0 is transmitted to the remote controller 2.

  In the above description, the flow of transmission / reception between the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5 differs depending on whether or not the TV unit 4 can receive the IR signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The flow of the unit 4 and the PC unit 5 may be the same.

  That is, when the TV unit 4 cannot receive the IR signal, when the reception intensity detection unit 441 receives the confirmation signal, the reception intensity information indicating 0 is generated, and the reception intensity information indicating 0 is calculated as the reception intensity. You may transmit to the part 442. In this case, the reception strength calculation unit 442 obtains an excess intensity from the reception intensity information indicating 0 and the minimum reception intensity of the TV unit 4, but the obtained excess intensity of course indicates 0. Then, the received intensity calculation unit 442 transmits an excessive intensity signal indicating 0 to the PC control unit 54.

  When the RF control unit 29 of the remote controller 2 receives an RF signal indicating an excessive intensity signal via the RF transmission / reception unit 30, the RF control unit 29 converts the signal into a signal that can be controlled by the remote control 2, and then transmits the signal to the reception status determination unit 31 (S3).

  When receiving the excessive intensity signal, the reception status determination unit 31 determines whether the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 in S1 has reached the TV section 4 based on the excessive intensity signal (S4). Specifically, the reception status determination unit 31 determines that the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 has not reached the TV unit 4 when the value indicated by the received excessive intensity signal is 0. If it is other than 0, it is determined that the IR signal has reached the TV section 4. Then, the reception status determination unit 31 transmits this determination result to the signal strength control unit 32.

  When the reception status determination unit 31 determines that the IR signal has reached the TV unit 4 (YES in S4), the reception status determination unit 31 transmits this determination result to the signal strength control unit 32 as an arrival confirmation signal. To do. At this time, the reception status determination unit 31 transmits an overstrength signal indicating the value obtained by the reception strength calculation unit 442 to the signal strength control unit 32 together with the arrival confirmation signal.

  When the signal strength control unit 32 receives the excess strength signal and the arrival confirmation signal, the signal strength control unit 32 determines whether or not the transmission of the IR signal to the TV unit 4 is the first transmission (S5). Here, the first transmission refers to transmission when a touch pad or a function key is operated by the user. That is, the signal strength control unit 32 determines that all IR signals transmitted each time the channel switching key 22A is pressed, for example, are the first transmissions.

  When the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the transmission of the IR signal to the TV unit 4 is the first transmission (YES in S5), the signal strength control unit 32 next time according to the excess reception strength. The IR control unit 27 is instructed to lower the transmission intensity of the IR signal transmitted to the TV unit 4 (S6), and the transmission intensity control process is terminated. The IR signal transmitted to the TV unit 4 next time refers to an IR signal that is converted when the IR control unit 27 receives the key state signal transmitted from the signal control unit 26 again.

  Specifically, the signal strength control unit 32 determines the transmission strength reduction amount corresponding to this value from the value of the excessive strength signal received from the reception status determination unit 31. The reduction amount of the transmission intensity is determined by referring to a table or a calculation formula stored in the storage unit 33, and indicates the value of the excessive intensity signal (that is, the excess intensity obtained by the received intensity calculation unit 442). The ratio is set to increase as the ratio increases.

  Then, the signal strength control unit 32 transmits the value indicated by the decrease amount of the transmission strength to the IR control unit 27 as a transmission strength control signal. When receiving the transmission strength control signal, the IR control unit 27 temporarily stores a reduction amount of the transmission strength indicated by the transmission strength control signal.

  Here, FIG. 4 shows an example of a graph used when the signal strength control unit 32 determines the reduction amount of the transmission strength. In this graph, the horizontal axis indicates the value of the excessive signal strength (the ratio of the excessive signal), and the vertical axis indicates the decrease in transmission strength. Graph A shows a case where the signal strength control unit 32 can set the reduction amount of the transmission strength of the IR signal steplessly in accordance with the value indicated by the excessive strength signal. On the other hand, the graph B shows a case where the signal intensity control unit 32 can set the above-described reduction amount in several steps corresponding to the value indicated by the excessive intensity signal. Note that the amount of decrease in transmission strength on the vertical axis is determined for each minimum reception strength of the TV unit 4.

  When the IR control unit 27 receives the key status signal from the signal control unit 26 again, the IR control unit 27 converts the key status signal into an IR signal, and uses the temporarily stored transmission intensity reduction amount to transmit the IR signal. Reduce strength. The IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4 with the transmission intensity set by the IR control unit 27.

  Accordingly, when the transmission strength of the IR signal transmitted in S1 (reception strength in the TV unit 4) is larger than the minimum reception strength of the TV unit 4, the IR control unit 27 lowers the transmission strength of the IR signal transmitted next time. be able to. Thereby, the remote controller 2 can transmit the IR signal to the TV unit 4 while optimizing the transmission intensity of the IR signal without bothering the user. Further, since the signal strength control unit 32 instructs to reduce the transmission strength of the IR signal, the transmission strength of the IR signal transmitted from the IR control unit 27 can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the remote controller 2.

  When the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the transmission of the IR signal to the TV unit 4 is not the first transmission (NO in S5), the signal strength control unit 32 sets the IR signal transmission strength. The transmission intensity control process is terminated while keeping the state as it is.

  When the reception status determination unit 31 determines that the IR signal has not reached the TV unit 4 (NO in S4), the reception status determination unit 31 uses the determination result as a non-arrival confirmation signal and the signal strength control unit 32. Send to. When receiving the non-reaching confirmation signal, the signal strength control unit 32 acquires the transmission strength of the IR signal measured by the IR control unit 27.

  Then, the signal strength control unit 32 determines whether or not the measured transmission strength of the IR signal is maximum (S7). Specifically, the signal strength control unit 32 reads out a predetermined maximum transmission strength of the IR signal from the storage unit 33, and determines whether or not the transmission strength of the IR signal matches the maximum transmission strength. To do. Here, the maximum transmission strength of the IR signal indicates the maximum value of the transmission strength of the IR signal transmitted from the remote controller 2.

  When the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the IR signal transmission strength measured by the IR control unit 27 is the maximum, that is, when it is determined that the IR signal transmission strength and the maximum transmission strength match. (YES in S7), since the transmission intensity cannot be increased any more, the transmission intensity control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the IR signal transmission strength measured by the IR control unit 27 is not the maximum, that is, when the IR signal transmission strength and the maximum transmission strength do not match ( The signal strength control unit 32 determines whether or not the retransmission number limit has been exceeded (S8). Specifically, when the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the transmission strength of the IR signal is not maximum, the signal strength control unit 32 reads the limit number and the current number of retransmissions stored in the storage unit 33, and the limit number and the current retransmission number. Check if the number of times matches.

  Here, the number of retransmissions indicates the number of times that the IR control unit 27 increases the transmission intensity and transmits the IR signal to the TV unit 4 again in S10 described later when the IR signal does not reach the TV unit 4. Yes. The limit number indicates the maximum value of the number of retransmissions stored in the storage unit 33 in advance, and is set to a number other than zero.

  The current number of retransmissions is counted every time the IR signal is transmitted zero times in S1 and the IR signal is retransmitted to the TV unit 4 in S10 described later. When the IR signal is retransmitted in S10 to be described later, the signal strength control unit 32 causes the storage unit 33 to store the counted number of retransmissions.

  When receiving the key state signal from the signal control unit 26, the IR control unit 27 determines that the touch pad 21 or the function key 22 has been operated, and transmits a retransmission count reset signal to the signal strength control unit 32. When the signal strength control unit 32 receives the retransmission number reset signal, the signal strength control unit 32 sets the current number of retransmissions stored in the storage unit 33 to zero.

  When the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the retransmission number limit has been exceeded, that is, when the limit number and the current number of retransmissions match (YES in S8), the signal strength control unit 32 is transmitted to the TV unit 4 next time. The IR control unit 27 is instructed to increase the transmission intensity of the IR signal (S6), and the transmission intensity control process is terminated. At this time, the signal strength control unit 32 sets the current number of retransmissions stored in the storage unit to zero.

  Specifically, when the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the limit number and the current number of retransmissions match, the signal strength control unit 32 transmits the determination result to the IR control unit 27. When receiving the determination result, the IR control unit 27 increases the transmission intensity of the IR signal and transmits it to the TV unit 4 when transmitting the next IR signal. The increase in the IR signal transmission intensity is a fixed value that is arbitrarily determined and is stored in the IR control unit 27 in advance.

  When the IR control unit 27 receives the key state signal from the signal control unit 26 again, the IR control unit 27 converts this signal into an IR signal, and this IR signal is only a value indicating the increase in transmission intensity stored in the IR control unit 27 in advance. Increase the transmission strength. The IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4 with the transmission intensity set by the IR control unit 27.

  When the signal strength control unit 32 determines that the retransmission number limit has not been exceeded, that is, when the limit number does not match the current number of retransmissions (NO in S8), the signal strength control unit 32 determines this determination. The result is transmitted to the IR control unit 27. When receiving the determination result, the IR control unit 27 increases the transmission intensity of the IR signal and retransmits the IR signal to the TV unit 4 via the IR transmission unit 28 (S10). The increase amount of the transmission strength of the IR signal used at this time is the same value as the increase amount of the transmission strength stored in the IR control unit 27 in advance. When the IR signal is retransmitted to the TV unit 4 by the IR control unit 27, the process returns to S2.

  As described above, in the remote controller 2, even when the IR signal does not reach the TV unit 4, the IR control unit 27 transmits the IR signal by the reception status determining unit 31 determining the excessive intensity signal. The intensity is increased and the IR signal is retransmitted until the IR signal reaches the TV unit 4. That is, in the remote controller 2, even in the above case, since the IR signal transmission intensity is gradually increased and the IR signal is retransmitted, the optimum IR signal transmission intensity can be obtained without bothering the user. The IR signal can be transmitted while achieving the conversion.

  Further, in the remote controller 2, when the limit number stored in the storage unit 33 matches the current number of retransmissions, the signal strength control unit 32 instructs to increase the transmission strength of the next IR signal. As a result, if the remote control 2 does not reach the TV unit 4 even after repeated IR signal retransmissions to some extent, the transmission intensity control process is terminated, so that the remote control 2 is prevented from consuming unnecessary power. However, it is possible to optimize the transmission intensity of the IR signal.

[Timing chart of transmission / reception system]
Next, in the transmission / reception system 1 in the processing of S1 to S3 in FIG. 3 (processing from when the remote controller 2 transmits an IR signal to the TV unit 4 until receiving an RF signal indicating an excessive intensity signal from the PC unit 5). The transmission timing of various signals will be described. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the transmission timing of various signals in the transmission / reception system 1 in the processing of S1 to S3 in FIG.

  First, the IR control unit 27 of the remote controller 2 converts the received key state signal into an IR signal, and transmits this IR signal to the TV unit 4 via the IR transmission unit 28 (S21).

  Next, the signal control unit 26 generates a confirmation signal for confirming whether or not this IR signal has reached the TV unit 4, and transmits this confirmation signal to the RF control unit 29. Then, the RF control unit 29 converts this confirmation signal into an RF signal, and transmits this RF signal to the PC unit 5 via the RF transmission / reception unit 30 (S22).

  The timing at which the confirmation signal generated by the signal control unit 26 is transmitted to the PC unit 5 as an RF signal may be immediately after the IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4, but the IR signal is transmitted to the TV unit 4. It may be at the same time.

  When the RF transmission / reception unit 51 of the PC unit 5 receives the RF signal, the RF control unit 52 converts the RF signal into a signal (confirmation signal) that can be processed by the PC unit 5 and transmits the signal to the PC control unit 54. The PC control unit 54 transmits this confirmation signal to the TV unit 4 via the LAN I / F 53 (S23).

  In the TV unit 4, this confirmation signal is transmitted to the reception intensity detection unit 441 via the LAN I / F 43. When receiving the confirmation signal, the reception intensity detection unit 441 detects reception intensity information from the IR control unit 42 and transmits the reception intensity information to the PC unit 5 via the LAN I / F 43 (S24).

  In the PC unit 5, this received intensity information is transmitted to the PC control unit 54 via the LAN I / F 53. The PC control unit 54 determines whether or not the reception intensity information indicates 0. When the PC control unit 54 determines that the reception intensity information is not 0, the PC control unit 54 transmits a calculation instruction signal to the TV unit 4 via the LAN I / F 53 (S25).

  In the TV unit 4, a calculation instruction signal is transmitted to the reception intensity calculation unit 442 via the LAN I / F 43. When receiving the calculation instruction signal, the reception intensity calculation unit 442 obtains an excess intensity from the reception intensity information detected by the reception intensity detection unit 441 and a predetermined minimum reception intensity. Then, the received intensity calculating unit 442 transmits an excessive intensity signal indicating the obtained excessive intensity to the PC unit 5 via the LAN I / F 43 (S26).

  In the PC unit 5, this excessive intensity signal is transmitted to the PC control unit 54 via the LAN I / F 53. This excessive intensity signal is transmitted from the PC control unit 54 to the RF control unit 52, and is converted into an RF signal by the RF control unit 52. Then, the RF control unit 52 transmits an RF signal indicating this excessive intensity signal to the remote controller 2 via the RF transmission / reception unit 51 (S27).

  When the PC control unit 54 determines that the received intensity signal indicates 0, the PC control unit 54 transmits the received intensity information indicating 0 to the remote controller 2 as an excessive intensity signal. That is, if the PC control unit 54 receives the reception intensity signal from the TV unit 4 in S24 and determines that the reception intensity signal indicates 0, the PC control unit 54 does not perform the processes of S25 and S26, and proceeds to the process of S27. To do.

[Supplement]
Finally, each block of the remote controller 2, the TV unit 4, and the PC unit 5 according to the present embodiment, in particular, the reception status determination unit 31, the signal strength control unit 32, the reception strength detection unit 441, and the reception strength calculation unit 442 includes hardware You may comprise by a logic and may implement | achieve by software using CPU as follows.

  That is, the remote controller 2, the TV unit 4, and the PC unit 5 according to the present embodiment include a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, A RAM (random access memory) for expanding the program, a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data, and the like are provided. The object of the present invention is to enable the computer to read the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program for the remote controller 2, the TV unit 4 and the PC unit 5, which are software for realizing the functions described above. This can also be achieved by supplying the recording medium recorded in the above to the remote control 2, the TV section 4 and the PC section 5, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) reads and executes the program code recorded on the recording medium. It is.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the remote controller 2, the TV unit 4, and the PC unit 5 according to this embodiment may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Since the signal output device according to the present invention can automatically control the transmission intensity of the output signal, it can be effectively used for a remote controller that can use infrared rays and radio waves, for example. Further, the present invention is not limited to a remote controller, and can be applied to various devices that can use infrared rays and radio waves, such as a TV or a PC.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a remote control, TV part, and PC part in the transmission / reception system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the transmission / reception system provided with the remote control, TV part, and PC part which are shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of control processing of the transmission strength of IR signal transmitted from the remote control shown in FIG. 6 shows an example of a graph used when a signal strength control unit determines a reduction amount of IR signal transmission strength. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of transmission timings of various signals in the transmission / reception system in the processes of S1 to S3 in FIG. 3. It is a block diagram which shows a prior art and shows an example of the conventional transmission / reception system.

Explanation of symbols

2 Remote control (signal output device)
4 TV section (electronic equipment)
5 PC section (electronic equipment)
26 Signal control unit (signal control means)
27 IR control unit (first transmission means)
29 RF control unit (reception means, second transmission means)
32 Signal strength control unit (Signal strength control means)

Claims (6)

A signal output device including first transmission means for transmitting an output signal to an electronic device via a first communication line that performs communication using an IR signal ,
After the first transmission means transmits the output signal, the reception status of the output signal in the electronic device is determined via a third communication line that performs communication using an RF signal, which is different from the first communication line. Second transmission means for transmitting a confirmation signal requesting reception status information to the electronic device;
The reception status information transmitted from the electronic device in response to the confirmation signal transmitted from the second transmission unit via a second communication line that performs communication using an RF signal, which is different from the first communication line. Receiving means for receiving from the electronic device;
And a signal strength control means for controlling the transmission strength of the output signal based on the reception status information. The reception status information indicates an excess of the reception strength of the output signal in the electronic device from the weakest minimum reception strength that the electronic device can receive,
The signal strength control means instructs the first transmission means to lower the transmission strength of the output signal based on the excess indicated in the reception status information. Signal output device.   The signal strength control means instructs the first transmission means to increase the transmission strength of the output signal when the reception status information indicates that the output signal is not received in the electronic device. The signal output device according to claim 1. A signal output device according to claim 1;
An electronic device that receives the output signal transmitted from the signal output device via the first communication line and transmits the reception status information to the signal output device via the second communication line. system. The electronic device includes a TV unit and a PC unit,
The TV unit receives the output signal transmitted from the signal output device via the first communication line, and receives the confirmation signal via the PC unit, and also receives the reception signal. Send status information,
The PC unit receives the confirmation signal transmitted from the signal output device via the third communication line, and receives the reception status information transmitted from the TV unit via the second communication line. The transmission / reception system according to claim 4, wherein the transmission / reception system transmits the signal to a signal output device. A control method for a signal output device comprising a first transmission means for transmitting an output signal to an electronic device via a first communication line for performing communication using an IR signal ,
After transmitting the output signal, request reception status information indicating the reception status of the output signal in the electronic device through a third communication line that performs communication using an RF signal, which is different from the first communication line. Transmitting a confirmation signal to the electronic device;
Reception for receiving the reception status information transmitted from the electronic device in response to the confirmation signal from the electronic device via a second communication line that performs communication using an RF signal, which is different from the first communication line. Steps,
And a signal strength control step of controlling the transmission strength of the output signal based on the reception status information.

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