JPH04282999A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize the bus system with convenience of use. CONSTITUTION:An electronic device is connected to the controller via a bus line 5. The device is operated in response to a remote control signal SRM from a commander. At setup, when a setup request and a device address are transferred from the electronic device, the transfer request for a function code or the like with the device address added thereto is transferred to the electronic device. Then the function code or the like transferred from the electronic device is stored to an area corresponding to the device address in a RAM 1d. The function code is read from the RAM 1d corresponding to the remote control signal SRM and the device address corresponding thereto is added and transferred to the electronic device to control the operation of the electronic device. The function code or the like of the electronic device is automatically stored in the RAM 1d and it is not required for the user to set the data manually and the bus system offering convenience of use is realized.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a controller suitable for use in a bus system.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system called a home bus system (HBS) has been proposed. That is, a plurality of devices are connected to a home bus line, and each device can be controlled in relation to each other via this bus line.

[0003] The AV system, which is one of the home bus systems, includes a television receiver (TV), a video tape recorder (VTR), and a video disc player (VDP).
) etc. are connected to the bus line.

0004

[Problem to be solved by the invention] In a home bus system where devices from multiple manufacturers coexist, each manufacturer has a different control code.
Multiple commanders are required to operate the system, but the commanders from each manufacturer do not have a uniform shape or key arrangement, making them difficult to use and difficult to understand.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to operate with one commander. In this case, the device serving as the controller needs to recognize the functions of each device, but to do so, the user needs to manually set and memorize these data. Furthermore, this process must be repeated every time a device to be connected to the controller is added or changed, which is extremely troublesome.

For example, consider the case of an AV system. In this case, if a learning commander or a preprogrammable commander is used, operation can be performed with one commander. However, in the former case, it is necessary to memorize the control codes one by one before use. Furthermore, as the number increases, the possibility of forgetting which key is assigned to what increases. On the other hand, the latter requires a considerably large capacity ROM since it is necessary to store a plurality of control codes in advance. This leads to an increase in the size and cost of the commander, and furthermore, it cannot cope with the increase in functions.

Furthermore, in the home bus system, it is difficult to check the connection status of each device and the operating status of each device through the controller.

For example, consider the case of an AV system in which a TV is used as a controller and various AV devices are connected to its plurality of input/output terminals. When trying to view the picture on a VTR connected to the home bus line, the TV input is connected to the VTR.
It is necessary to switch to . However, if you don't remember which terminals are connected, you have to switch inputs one by one or trace the cables, which is a very tedious task. In addition, in many cases, only the user who made the connection knows the connection status.
It's also not easy to use.

[0009] Furthermore, even in the case of a system that includes only devices from the same manufacturer, if there are several devices of the same type, it is necessary to assign a separate category code to each device, and the user must remember this. Must be.

For example, in the case of an AV system, if several VTRs of the same type are to be connected, it is necessary to assign corresponding category codes to the main bodies of the VTRs and the commanders used for these operations.

In view of the above points, the present invention provides a controller for realizing an easy-to-use bus system.

0012

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention recognizes a device address transferred from an electronic device, transfers a code transfer request to the electronic device, and matches the control code transferred from the electronic device to the device address in memory. The control code stored in the memory is transferred to the electronic device to control its operation.

[0013]

[Operation] By transmitting a code transfer request, the control code transferred from the electronic device is automatically stored in the memory, so the user does not need to manually store the control code. Furthermore, by using the control codes stored in the memory, it is possible to display a list of the functions of each electronic device.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This example is an example applied to an AV system.

FIG. 1 shows the entire AV system of this example, where 1 is a television receiver (TV) and 2 to 4 are video tape recorders (VTR). The video/audio input/output terminals of the VTRs 2 to 4 are respectively connected to the three systems of video/audio input/output terminals of the TV 1 via signal lines.

Furthermore, a home bus line (HB line) 5 is connected between the TV 1 and the VTRs 2-4. VTR
TV1 is incorporated as a controller for VTRs 2 to 4, and the operations of VTRs 2 to 4 are controlled via TV1.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a commander, and a remote control signal (infrared signal) SRM from the commander 6 is supplied to the light receiving section 1a of the TV 1, thereby controlling the operations of the TV 1 and VTRs 2 to 4.

In order to control the operations of the VTRs 2 to 4 via the TV 1, the manufacturer name, model name, and operable function code data are transferred from the VTRs 2 to 4 to the RAM of the TV 1 based on the operations of the commander 6. is stored.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the TV 1 related to this data storage operation (hereinafter referred to as "setup operation"). In the figure, an output signal from a light receiving section 1a to which a remote control signal SRM is supplied is supplied to a controller 1b including a microcomputer.

Further, the HB line 5 is connected to the RAM 1d and the controller 1b via a bus interface (bus I/F) 1c. Writing and reading of RAM 1d is controlled by controller 1b.

Further, the operation of the display circuit 1e is controlled by the controller 1b, and a predetermined display is displayed on the picture tube 1f.

FIG. 3 shows the VTR 2 related to setup operation.
-4 configurations are shown. In the same figure, HB line 5
is connected to a controller 2a including a RAM 2c and a microcomputer via a bus I/F 2b. RAM2c
Writing and reading are controlled by the controller 2a.

[0023] Data of a manufacturer name, a model name, and an operable function code are stored in advance in the RAM 2c.

FIG. 4 shows some of the operation keys on the commander 6. For setup operation, press power key 6
This is done by pressing the setup key 6b after turning on the power of the TV 1 by pressing the button a.

Here, 6c is a slide switch for selecting a category, 6d is a function key for displaying a function in the category code selected by the slide switch 6c, and 6e is a display switching key for switching the display state of the picture tube 1f. , 6f are other operation keys.

The setup operation will be explained using FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 shows the operation on the TV 1 side. In the figure, when the power key 6a of the commander 6 is pressed and the TV 1 is turned on, in step 101,
It is determined whether the setup key 6b of the commander 6 has been pressed. If setup key 6b is not pressed,
At step 102, normal processing other than setup operations is performed.

When the setup key 6b is pressed,
In step 103, the display circuit 1e is controlled by the controller 1b, and the words "START!" are displayed on the picture tube 1f. After that, in step 104, the display circuit 1e is controlled by the controller 1b, and the TV1 and VT
Connection of HB line 5 between R2-4 and VTR2
A display prompting the user to turn on the power in steps 4 to 4 is displayed on the picture tube 1f. In other words, the HB between TV1 and VTRs 2 to 4 in FIG.
Connection of line 5 is made after this display.

Next, in step 105, it is determined whether or not a setup request is transferred from the VTRs 2 to 4 via the HB line 5. When a setup request is transferred, the device address added to the setup request and transferred is recognized in step 106, and this device address is stored in the address area of the RAM 1d. in this case,
The category code used by the commander 6 and the device address are stored in association with each other.

Next, in step 107, the function request is transferred to the VTR (device) that made the setup request. That is, step 106
After the device address stored in is added, it is transferred via the HB line 5.

Next, in step 108, it is determined whether data such as manufacturer name, model name, function code, etc. is to be transferred. When data is to be transferred, in step 109 the data is stored in the function area of the RAM 1d and in the area corresponding to the device address stored in step 106.

Next, in step 110, step 106
TV1 for the VTR related to the device address stored in
After the input/output terminals have been assigned, step 10
Return to 5.

Then, the above steps 105 to 110 are repeated, and the device addresses, function codes, etc. of the VTRs 2 to 4 are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1d.

If it is determined in step 105 that no setup request has been transferred, it is determined in step 111 whether a predetermined period of time, for example 30 seconds, has elapsed. If the time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 105. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, in step 112, the display circuit 1e is controlled by the controller 1b, and the picture tube 1f is displayed with "FINISH".
ED! ” will be displayed.

Then, in step 113, the display circuit 1e is controlled by the controller 1b, and the picture tube 1f is
After the connection status is displayed as shown in FIG. 7A, the process returns to step 101. AA-△△, AA-XX, BB in Figure 7A
-○○ are the model names of VTRs 2 to 4, respectively. Connection of signal lines between the input/output terminals of TV 1 and the input/output terminals of VTRs 2 to 4 in FIG. 1 is performed while observing this connection state.

Note that when the display switching key 6e of the commander 6 is pressed in the display state of FIG. 7A, the correspondence between the category code of the commander 6 and the model name is displayed as shown in FIG. 7B. Then, each time the display switching key 6e is pressed,
Alternatively, the display state can be toggled to display state B.

FIG. 6 shows the operation of the VTRs 2-4. In the figure, when the power is turned on based on the display at step 104 on the TV 1 side, it is determined at step 201 whether or not it is connected to the bus line. When connected to a bus line, in step 202, its own device address is determined. This device address is stored in the address area of RAM 2c.

[0038] In this case, 00H, 01H, 02H,...
・Add the address (hexadecimal number) and write HB
A response request is sent to line 5 and the response thereto is checked. If there is no response, the device recognizes the address as a free address and uses it as its own device address. Note that for VTRs 2 to 4, after the device address is determined,
When the own device address is transferred via the HB line 5, a response is sent to the HB line 5.

Next, in step 203, a setup request is transferred via the HB line 5. A device address is added to this setup request.

Next, in step 204, it is determined whether there is a function request for itself. Whether it is your own or not is determined by the device address added to the function request.

[0041] When it is determined in step 204 that the function request has been transferred, in step 205, R
Data stored in advance in the function area of the AM2c, such as the manufacturer name, model name, and operable function code, are read out and transferred via the HB line 5.

[0042] When this data transfer is completed, a normal processing state is entered in step 206. In step 201,
Even when not connected to the bus line, step 206
The process will proceed to the normal processing state.

Further, if it is determined in step 204 that there is no function request, it is determined in step 207 whether a predetermined period of time, for example 30 seconds, has elapsed. If the time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 204. When the time has elapsed, the process advances to step 206 and the normal processing state is entered.

In this way, the operations on the TV 1 side in FIG. 5 and the operations on the VTRs 2 to 4 in FIG. 6 are performed in conjunction with each other, and a setup operation is executed.

[0045] Also when adding or changing equipment connected to the TV 1, the setup operation is executed in the same procedure as described above. That is, when the setup key 6b of the commander 6 is pressed and a message prompting bus line connection and power-on is displayed on the screen of the picture tube 1f, the device to be added or changed is connected to the HB line 5 and the power is turned on.

In this way, by the setup operation, T
Since the function codes that allow the VTRs 2 to 4 to operate are stored in the RAM 1d of the V1, it becomes possible to control the operations of the VTRs 2 to 4 using the TV 1 as a controller.

For example, a case will be explained in which a reproduced image from the VTR 2 is displayed on the TV 1.

First, referring to the category code and model name display in FIG. 7B, the slide switch 6c of the commander 6 is switched to the category code assigned to the VTR 2.

Next, press the PLAY key on the commander 6.

At this time, the commander 6 sends a remote control signal SR indicating a play operation to which a category code has been added.
M is output and supplied to the controller 1b via the light receiving section 1a of the TV 1.

In the controller 1b, the remote control signal SR
The corresponding device address (device address of VTR 2) is recognized from the category code added to M. and,
The function code corresponding to the play operation is read from the function area of the RAM 1d corresponding to this device address, the device address is added, and the HB line 5 is read out.
Served on.

[0052]The controller 2a of the VTR 2 is
Recognize that the device address added to the function code is its own device address. Therefore, the controller 2a puts the VTR 2 into a playback state based on the transferred function code.

[0053] The video signal and audio signal reproduced by the VTR2 are supplied to the TV1. In the TV 1, the signal line is switched based on the category code added to the remote control signal SRM. Therefore, an image based on the video signal reproduced by the VTR 2 is displayed on the picture tube 1f, and a sound based on the audio signal reproduced by the VTR 2 is output from a speaker (not shown).

Next, another usage example of the data stored in the RAM 1d of the TV 1 will be explained. [Usage example 1] Check the system status (connection status, correspondence between category code and model name).

When the display switching key 6e of the commander 6 is pressed,
On the picture tube 1f, the connection state and the correspondence between the category code and the model name are displayed in a toggle manner. Figure 8A,B
shows an example of how the connection status is displayed. FIGS. 9A and 9B show display examples of the correspondence between category codes and model names. [Usage example 2] Display a list of functions for each device.

When the function key 6d of the commander 6 is pressed, a list of functions for the device with the category code (device address) selected by the slide switch 6c is displayed on the picture tube 1f. 10A, B, and C are display examples of a list of functions.

When a list of functions can be displayed in this manner, a function can be selected and executed using a cursor or the like on the screen. Figure 11 shows
It is a diagram in which a function is selected using a cursor 8 on the screen.

For example, a case will be explained in which a reproduced image from the VTR 2 is displayed on the TV 1.

First, slide switch 6c of commander 6
to the category code assigned to VTR2.

[0060] By pressing the function key 6d, a list of functions of the VTR 2 is displayed on the picture tube 1f. After moving the cursor 8 to the PLAY position using the up and down keys, the user presses the execution key.

[0061] As a result, the commander 6 outputs the remote control signal SR indicating the play operation to which the category code has been added.
M is output and supplied to the controller 1b via the light receiving section 1a of the TV 1.

The following operation is the same as when the play key of the commander 6 described above is pressed, the VTR 2 enters the playback state, and a playback screen is displayed on the picture tube 1f of the TV 1.

In this case, the system can be operated only by moving the cursor 8 up and down and executing, so in addition to the power key 6a, the menu key 6g, execution key 6h,
A simple commander 6 equipped with a roller 6i for moving the cursor 8 up and down can also be used.

Here, the role of the menu key 6g is, for example, one of the following (a) and (b).

(a) Every time you press menu key 6g,
Displays a toggle list of functions for each device.

(b) Press the menu key 6g to display a menu screen as shown in FIG. By selecting a device from this menu screen with the cursor, a list of functions will be displayed.

[0067] By allowing the operation to be performed only by moving the cursor on the screen, the operation can be performed while looking at the screen, making the operation easier. Note that instead of operating by moving the cursor, a touch panel can be placed on the screen and operations can be performed by pressing the corresponding position on the screen. [Usage Example 3] A series of actions can be set by freely combining stored functions.

For example, as a series of operations when dubbing from VTR2 to VTR3, the following steps 1 to 2 can be considered.

■Power on VTR2■ VTR
Power on 3 ■ Rewind the VTR 2 ■ Rewind the VTR 3 ■ Record the VTR 3 ■ Play the VTR 2 This series of operations is set by operating the commander 6 as follows. For this operation, an edit key, an execution key, a numeric keypad, and a cursor movement key are used, although they are not shown in FIG.

(1) After pressing the edit key on commander 6,
Press the "1" key. At this time, the picture tube 1f has the image shown in FIG.
The screen shown in A is displayed.

(2) With the slide switch 6c, the VTR2
After selecting the category code corresponding to , press the function key 6d. At this time, the picture tube 1f has the image shown in FIG.
The screen shown in B is displayed.

(3) Move the cursor to “O” using the cursor movement keys.
Move to the "N" position.

(4) Press the execution key to confirm. At this time, a screen shown in FIG. 14C is displayed on the picture tube 1f.

(5) Repeat the operations (2) to (4) above to set ■ to ■. When setting (2), the screen shown in FIG. 14D is displayed on the picture tube 1f.

(6) Press the execution key to complete the setting. At this time, a screen shown in FIG. 14E is displayed on the picture tube 1f. This display disappears by pressing the execution key.

The series of operations set in this way is as follows:
It is written into the program area of RAM1d of TV1. To execute the program, press the program key (not shown in FIG. 4) of the commander 6 and then press the numeric key "1". As a result, under the control of the controller 1b,
Each function is executed sequentially, and from VTR2 to VT
Dubbing to R3 is performed.

Note that multiple settings can be made as a series of operations, and after pressing the edit key, number keys 2, 3, etc.
・You can set the settings sequentially by pressing . The set contents are sequentially displayed on the picture tube 1f by pressing the edit key and then the program key.

[0078] According to this example, the RA of TV1 can be set up simply by operating the commander 6 to perform the setup operation.
Data such as device addresses and function codes of VTRs 2 to 4 are automatically transferred and stored in M1d. Therefore, users no longer need to manually set these data.

[0079] Also, in the RAM 1d of TV1, VTR2~
VTRs 2 to 4 can be operated individually by simply supplying a remote control signal with a category code added from the commander 6 to the TV 1. In other words, with just one commander 6, T
Can operate V1 and VTRs 2-4. Unlike a learning commander, there is no need to memorize control codes one by one, and unlike a preprogrammable commander, there is no need to have a large-capacity ROM in which control codes are recorded in advance.

[0080] Also, VTRs 2 to 4 are stored in RAM 1d of TV1.
Since device addresses and function code data are stored, it is possible to set and execute a series of operations that combine function codes for each device.

[0081] Also, VTRs 2 to 4 are stored in RAM 1d of TV1.
Since data such as device addresses and function codes are stored, the connection status of each device and a list of functions can be displayed on the picture tube 1f by operating the commander 6. This makes it possible to improve the usability of the system, such as by selecting each function using a cursor on the screen.

Furthermore, since different device addresses are automatically set for each of the VTRs 2 to 4 during the setup operation, the user does not have to manually set the device addresses one by one.

[0083] In the above embodiment, TV1 was assembled as a controller, but VTR2~
4 may be assembled as a controller. In that case, data such as device addresses and function codes of other devices will be automatically stored in the device serving as the controller.

Further, in the above embodiment, the TV 1 is used as the controller, but the controller may be a controller that does not have the functions of a television receiver, a video tape recorder, or the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, VTRs 2 to 4 are shown as devices connected to the TV 1, but other devices such as a video disc player (VDP) may be used.

Furthermore, although the above-mentioned embodiment is applied to an AV system, it can be similarly applied to a general home bus system including other home appliances as equipment.

[0087]

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the control code transferred from the electronic device is automatically stored in the memory by transferring a code transfer request, so the user does not have to manually store this control code. It disappears. Furthermore, since control codes for electronic devices are stored in the memory, each device can be operated by one commander. Further, there is no need to set control codes for each device in the commander, and expensive commanders such as learning commanders and preprogrammable commanders are not required. Furthermore, since the control code for the electronic device is stored in the memory, a series of operations for the electronic device can be set and executed. Furthermore, a list of functions of each electronic device can be displayed using the control code stored in the memory.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an AV system.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of main parts of a television receiver.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of main parts of a video tape recorder.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a commander.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing on the television receiver side.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing on the video tape recorder side.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen display during a setup operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen display of a connection state.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen display of a category code and a model name.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen display of a list of functions.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining selection using a cursor.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a commander.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining menu display.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen display when continuous operation is set.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Television receiver 1a Light receiving part 1b Controller 1c Bus interface 1d RAM 1e Display circuit 1f picture tube 2-4 Video tape recorder 2a Controller 2b Bus interface 2c RAM 5 Home bus line 6 Commander 6a Power key 6b Setup key 6c Slide switch 6d Function key 6e Display switching key

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: Recognizing a device address transferred from an electronic device, transferring a code transfer request to the electronic device, and storing a control code transferred from the electronic device in an area of memory corresponding to the device address. , a controller that controls the operation of the electronic device by transmitting a control code stored in the memory to the electronic device.