JPH09198177A - Input device and design supporting device for it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an input device a user interface by improving its operability in the input device used for various electric apparatuses. SOLUTION: The input part 101 receives the designation of two buttons to replace the functions of the buttons. An information storing part 102 stores the identification numbers of buttons and the functions at the time of being operated. At the time of receiving information on the replacing of the functions of the two buttons through an input processing part 103, an information changing part 104 rewrites the functions of the two buttons stored in the information storing part 102.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device and an input device design support device for selecting, adjusting and setting various functions in home electric appliances and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the increase in performance and multifunction of television receivers, the infrared remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote control") attached to the television receiver selects the function of the television receiver body. / The number of buttons for setting / adjusting is increasing, and the buttons are placed not only on the outside of the remote control but also inside the lid. Furthermore, the menu is displayed on the screen of the television receiver, and the menu is selected by a combination operation of specific buttons such as the cross key provided on the remote controller, and the selection / setting / setting of the function of the device main body according to the menu is performed. I am trying to prepare it.

As such a first input device, there is a widely available learning remote controller. This is to learn the function assigned to the remote control button by receiving infrared rays from another remote control. Further, as a second input device, there is an input device described in JP-A-1-57335. This is to change the menu structure by replacing and customizing menu items in the menu screen.

[0004]

By the way, the conventional first
With this input device, the learning remote controller is simply given the same function as the other remote controller, and the function corresponding to the operation of each button cannot be changed. Further, in the second conventional input device, only the menu items on the menu screen can be exchanged, and the function corresponding to the operation of each button of the remote control cannot be changed.

Therefore, in the conventional input device, the button and the function corresponding to the button operation are fixed, or only the specific function is assigned to the specific button. You cannot assign frequently used functions to buttons that are easy to operate, or assign buttons that you rarely use to the buttons in the lid. Therefore, the user may need time to operate the button or may make a mistake in operating the button.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an input device and an input device design support device which are user-friendly user interfaces according to the usage pattern of the user.

[0007]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention is an input device for accepting the operation of an operation button for selecting, adjusting or setting a function of a device body, and an identifier of the operation button. And an information storage unit for storing information including a set of a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button, and a change mode acceptance unit for accepting a change mode for changing the contents stored in the information storage unit. A plurality of operation buttons are arranged, and the operation storage unit stores the operation buttons received by the operation receiving unit according to the change mode received by the operation receiving unit and the change mode receiving unit. Changing means for changing the existing code, and the code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation accepting means is read from the information storing means. It is obtained by an input device and an outputting means for a control signal output to the apparatus main body in accordance with the code.

Thus, the function of the operation button arranged in the input device can be changed by changing the code of the function corresponding to the operation of the operation button stored in the information storage means, so that the input device is easy to use. Can be obtained.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 is an input device for accepting an operation of an operation button for selecting, adjusting or setting a function of a device main body, the identifier of the operation button and the operation button. Information storing means for storing information in combination with a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation, change mode receiving means for receiving a change mode for changing the stored contents stored in the information storing means, and a plurality of operations Change the code stored in the information storage means of the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance means according to the operation acceptance means for arranging the button and accepting the operation of the operation button and the modification mode accepted by the modification mode acceptance means Changing means and a code corresponding to the operation button received by the operation receiving means from the information storage means, and the code corresponding to the code is read. A control signal to the vessel main body is characterized by an output means for outputting to the device body.

With this configuration, the change mode receiving means is
A change mode for changing the stored content of the information storage means that stores information that is a combination of the identifier of the operation button and the code indicating the function corresponding to the operation of the operation button is received. The operation receiving means receives an operation of the operation button.
The changing unit changes the code stored in the information storage unit of the operation button received by the operation receiving unit according to the change mode received by the change mode receiving unit.
As a result, the function of the operation button arranged in the operation receiving means is changed. The output means reads a code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance means from the information storage means and outputs a control signal to the device body according to the code.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the change mode receiving means has a move button for designating a change mode and a delete button, and the change means receives the operation when the move button is operated. When a delete button is operated, a replacement unit that replaces the mutual code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storage means of the pair of operation buttons accepted by the operation accepting means is accepted by the operation acceptance means. And a deletion unit for deleting the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storage means of the operation button.

With this configuration, the replacement unit of the changing unit is stored in the information storing unit of the pair of operation buttons received by the operation receiving unit when the move button in the change mode receiving unit is operated. Replace the codes corresponding to the operation button identifiers. Similarly, when the delete button is operated, the deleting unit deletes the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storage unit of the operation button received by the operation receiving unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the change mode receiving means further includes a copy button for designating a change mode, and the changing means further stores the information storage means when the copy button is operated. A rewriting unit that rewrites the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received later among the two operation buttons received by the operation receiving unit stored in the above, to the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button first received. Is characterized by.

With this configuration, the rewriting section of the changing means has two operation buttons that are accepted by the operation accepting means stored in the information storage means when the copy button in the change mode accepting means is operated. Of these, the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received later is rewritten to the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received first.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the output means is
When the change mode accepting unit accepts the change mode, it is characterized by including a prohibition unit for prohibiting the output of the control signal to the device body of the code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation accepting unit. With this configuration, when the change mode receiving unit receives the change mode, the prohibiting unit of the output unit prohibits the output of the control signal to the device body of the code corresponding to the operation button received by the operation receiving unit. To do.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device comprising one input device for accepting an operation of an operation button for selecting, adjusting or setting a function of a device main body and another input device. The input device of 1 is stored in the first information storage means and first information storage means for storing information in which an identifier of the operation button and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button are stored as a set. A first change mode accepting means for accepting a change mode for changing the stored contents, a plurality of operation buttons arranged, a first operation accepting means for accepting an operation of the operation button, and the first change mode accepting means According to the change mode output from the other input device, the first operation button received by the first operation receiving unit or output from the other input device.
A changing unit for changing a code stored in the information storage unit or the other input device, and a code corresponding to the operation button received by the first operation receiving unit in the device body are read from the first information storage unit. And a first output means for outputting a control signal according to the code, and the other input device is a set of an identifier of the operation button and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button. Second information storage means for storing information, second change mode acceptance means for accepting a change mode for changing the stored contents stored in the second information storage means, a plurality of operation buttons are arranged, and operation buttons are arranged. Output signal corresponding to a second operation receiving unit that receives an operation, a change mode received by the second change mode receiving unit, and an operation button received by the second operation receiving unit Corresponding to processing means for converting and outputting to the changing means and changing the code stored in the second information storage means of the operation button according to the instruction from the changing means, and the operation button accepted by the operation accepting means. And a second output means for reading a control code from the second information storage means and outputting a control signal to the device body according to the code.

With this configuration, the first information storage means of one input device stores in advance information that is a set of the identifier of the operation button and the code indicating the function corresponding to the operation of the operation button. . The first change mode receiving means receives a change mode for changing the stored contents stored in the first information storage means. The first operation reception means receives an operation of the operation button. The changing unit stores the first information storage of the operation button received by the first operation receiving unit or output from another input device in accordance with the change mode received by the first change mode receiving unit or output from another input device. Modify the code stored in the means or other input device.
The first output means reads the code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the first operation acceptance means from the first information storage means, and outputs a control signal in accordance with the code in the device body. The second information storage means of the other input device stores in advance information which is a set of an identifier of the operation button and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button. The second change mode receiving unit receives a change mode for changing the storage content stored in the second information storage unit. The second operation receiving means receives an operation of the operation button. The processing means converts into an output signal corresponding to the change mode received by the second change mode receiving means and the operation button received by the second operation receiving means, outputs the output signal to the changing means, and according to the instruction from the changing means, The code stored in the second information storage means of the operation button is changed. The second output means reads a code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance means from the second information storage means and outputs a control signal to the device body according to the code.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first and second aspects are provided.
The change mode accepting unit has a move button and a delete button for designating a change mode, respectively, and the change unit receives the pair of pairs received by the first or second operation accepting unit when the move button is operated. When a delete button is operated, and a replacement unit that replaces a code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the first or second information storage means of the operation button, the first or second operation is performed. And a deletion unit that deletes the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the first or second information information storage unit of the operation button received by the reception unit.

With this configuration, the replacement unit of the changing unit stores in the first or second information storage unit of the pair of operation buttons received by the first or second operation receiving unit when the move button is operated. The codes corresponding to the stored operation button identifiers are replaced. As a result, the functions of the operation buttons of the two input devices are converted. When the delete button is operated, the delete unit is configured to operate the first or second
The code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the first or second information information storage means of the operation button received by the operation reception means is deleted. This removes unnecessary button functionality.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the first and second aspects are provided.
The change mode receiving means further has a copy button for designating a change mode, and the change means further includes the first or second information storage means stored when the copy button is operated. Among the two operation buttons accepted by the first or second operation accepting means, a rewriting unit is provided for rewriting the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button accepted later on to the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button accepted first. I am trying.

According to this structure, the rewriting section of the changing means receives the first or second operation receiving means stored in the first or second information storing means when the copy button is operated. Of the two operation buttons, the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received later is rewritten to the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received first. As a result, the functions of the operation buttons of the two input devices are copied.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device which receives an operation of an operation button for selecting, adjusting or setting a function of a device body, which corresponds to an identifier of the operation button and an operation of the operation button. An information storage unit that stores information in which a code indicating a function is stored, a plurality of operation buttons are arranged, an operation reception unit that receives an operation of the operation buttons, and a content stored in the information storage unit are changed. Change condition storing means for storing the condition for changing and the change content, determining means for determining whether or not the condition stored in the changing condition storing means, and determining that the determining means matches At this time, the change content stored in the change condition storage means is read out and the storage means of the information storage means is changed, and the operation button received by the operation receiving means. The corresponding code is characterized by an output means for outputting a control signal according to the code read from the information storage means to the device body.

With this configuration, the operation receiving means receives the operation of the operation button. The determination means determines whether or not the conditions for changing the content stored in the information storage means and the conditions of the change condition storage means storing the changed content are met. When the determining unit determines that the changing unit matches, the changing unit reads the changed content stored in the changing condition storing unit, and sets the information including the identifier of the operation button and the code indicating the function corresponding to the operation of the operation button as a set. The storage content of the information storage means storing is changed. The output means reads a code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the input acceptance means from the information storage means and outputs a control signal to the device body according to the code.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the change condition storage means has a tilt condition storage section for storing a condition using the tilt of the input device as a parameter, and the determination means detects the tilt of the input device. An inclination sensor and an instruction unit for instructing the changing unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit when the inclination sensor detects a predetermined inclination are characterized by being provided.

With this configuration, the tilt condition storage section of the change condition storage means stores in advance the condition using the tilt of the input device as a parameter. The tilt sensor of the determination means detects the tilt of the input device. The instructing unit instructs the changing unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit when the inclination sensor detects a predetermined inclination. The invention according to claim 10 is
The change condition storage means has a number-of-times condition storage unit that stores a condition with the number of operations of the operation button received by the operation reception unit as a parameter, and the determination unit has a storage unit that stores the number of operations of the operation button. And an instruction unit for instructing the changing unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit based on the number of times the operation button is stored in the storage unit after the elapse of a predetermined time and the condition of the number-of-times condition storage unit. It is characterized by having.

With this configuration, the number-of-times condition storage section of the change condition storage means stores in advance a condition with the number of operations of the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance means as a parameter. The storage unit of the determination means stores the number of times the operation button has been operated. The instructing unit instructs the changing unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit based on the number of times the operation button is stored in the storage unit and the condition of the number-of-times condition storage unit after a predetermined time has elapsed. This allows the operation buttons to be arranged according to the frequency of use.

In the invention according to claim 11, the change condition storage means has a distance condition storage portion for storing a condition having a distance between the input device and the device body as a parameter, and the determination means is the input device. And a main body of the device, and a distance sensor for measuring the distance between the main body and the device main body, and an instruction unit for instructing the change unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit when the distance sensor detects a predetermined distance. .

With this configuration, the distance condition storage unit of the change condition storage unit stores in advance a condition in which the distance between the input device and the device body is a parameter. The distance sensor of the determination means measures the distance between the input device and the device body. The instructing unit instructs the changing unit to change the contents stored in the information storing unit when the distance sensor detects a predetermined distance stored in the distance condition storing unit.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operation receiving means has a simultaneous operation button arranged to add a specific function, and the change condition storing means has a function when the simultaneous operation button is operated. And a change content storage unit that stores the change content of the storage content of the information storage unit corresponding to the condition, and the determination unit is configured to operate the operation button received by the operation receiving unit. When the condition stored in the change content storage unit is met, the change unit is provided with an instruction unit for instructing to change the storage content of the information storage unit.

With this configuration, the change content storage section of the change condition storage means stores in advance the condition when the simultaneous operation buttons are operated and the change content of the storage content of the information storage means corresponding to the condition. There is. The instruction unit of the determination unit instructs the change unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit when the operation of the operation button received by the operation reception unit matches the condition stored in the change content storage unit.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a device for displaying a menu consisting of menu items for selecting, adjusting or setting the function of the device and attribute values thereof, and selecting or adjusting the function of the device. Alternatively, the input device includes a first input device that receives an operation of an operation button for setting, and the device includes a menu item storage unit that stores a menu item and an identifier for identifying the menu item, An input / output unit that receives an information extraction / information rewriting instruction or a control signal from the first input device, and reads out information from the menu item storage unit based on the information extraction instruction and outputs the information to the first input device; The menu item rewriting means for rewriting the contents stored in the menu item storage means based on the information rewriting instruction received by the input / output means; And menu items stored in-menu item storage means, and menu generation means for generating a menu screen based on the control signal the output means receives,
Display control means for displaying the menu screen generated by the menu generation means on the display means,
The input device stores information in the information storage unit and / or the menu item storage unit, which stores information in which an identifier of the operation button and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button are combined. Change mode accepting means for accepting a change mode for changing the stored contents,
A plurality of operation buttons are arranged, and are stored in the information storage unit of the operation buttons received by the operation reception unit according to the operation reception unit that receives the operation of the operation buttons and the change mode received by the change mode reception unit. A changing unit that changes the code and gives an instruction to rewrite the information stored in the menu item storage unit based on the information output from the input / output unit, and a code corresponding to the operation button received by the operation receiving unit. It is characterized by comprising an output means for reading out from the information storage means and outputting a control signal to the device according to the code.

With this configuration, the input / output unit of the device receives the information extraction / information rewriting instruction or the control signal input from the first input device, and reads the information from the menu item storage unit based on the information extraction instruction. And outputs to the first input device. The menu item rewriting unit rewrites the contents stored in the menu item storing unit which stores the menu item and the identifier for identifying the menu item based on the information rewriting instruction received by the input / output unit. The menu generation means generates a menu screen based on the menu items stored in the menu item storage means and the control signal received by the input / output means. The display control means causes the display means to display the menu screen generated by the menu generation means. The change mode acceptance means of the first input device accepts a change mode for changing the storage contents stored in the information storage means and the information storage means and / or the menu item storage means. The operation receiving means receives an operation of the operation button. The changing means stores, in accordance with the change mode received by the change mode receiving means, information including a combination of an operation button identifier of the operation button received by the operation receiving means and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button. The code stored in the information storage means is changed, and the information stored in the menu item storage means is rewritten based on the information output from the input / output means. The output means reads a code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance means from the information storage means and outputs a control signal to the device according to the code.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the change mode receiving means has a move button for designating a change mode and a delete button, and the changing means receives the operation when the move button is operated. The code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storage means of the one operation button received by the means and the menu item storage means of the menu item selected on the menu screen displayed on the display means. And a replacement unit that replaces the menu item corresponding to the identifier of the menu item stored in, and the operation button accepted by the operation accepting unit when the delete button is operated, and is stored in the information storage unit. The code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button or stored in the menu item storage means of the menu item selected on the menu screen It is characterized in that it comprises a deletion unit for deleting a menu item corresponding to the identifier of the menu item are.

With this configuration, the replacement unit of the changing unit has a code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storing unit of the one operation button received by the operation receiving unit when the move button is operated. And the menu item corresponding to the identifier of the menu item stored in the menu item storage means of the menu item selected on the menu screen displayed on the display means. The deletion section
When the delete button is operated, the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storage means of the operation button received by the operation receiving means or the menu item storage of the menu item selected on the menu screen The menu item corresponding to the identifier of the menu item stored in the means is deleted. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, menu items and buttons for outputting a control signal for selecting, adjusting, or setting the function of the device body are displayed on the device body, and a menu screen having the selected menu item and the device are displayed. An input device design support device for supporting the assignment of the menu item and the button in an input device having a separated and operated button, the operation indicating the identifier of the button arranged in the input device and the content of the control signal. First operation item storage means for storing the item identifier as a set, and the menu item identifier and an operation item identifier indicating the content of the control signal when the menu item is selected are stored as a set. A second operation item storage means, all operation items and their identifiers stored in the first operation item storage means and the second operation item storage means The operation item information storage means stored in advance as work item information, the change designation receiving means for receiving a change designation of one button or menu item and the operation item, and the operation item identifier received by the change designation receiving means for the operation An identifier extracting means for searching and extracting the item information storing means; a first operation item determining means for determining whether the identifier extracted by the identifier extracting means is stored in the first operation item storing means; When it is determined that the second operation item determination unit that determines whether the identifier extracted by the identifier extraction unit is stored in the second operation item storage unit and the first operation item determination unit is stored, The identifier extracted by the identifier extracting means in association with the identifier of the one menu item received by the change designation receiving means stored in the second operation item storage means. The pre-overwrite operation stored in the first operation item storage means in correspondence with the identifier of the one menu item by overwriting the child and replacing the identifier stored in the first operation item storage means. When it is determined that the first allocation unit that writes the item identifier and the second operation item determination unit are stored, the change designation reception unit stored in the first operation item storage unit receives the one The one button is stored in the second operation item storage means in place of the identifier stored in the second operation item storage means by overwriting the identifier extracted by the identifier extraction means corresponding to the button identifier. It is determined that the second allocating means for writing the identifier of the operation item before overwriting stored corresponding to the identifier of the above, the first operation item determining means and the second operation item determining means are not stored. In response to the one button or menu item identifier received by the change designation receiving means, the identifier of the operation item received by the change designation receiving means is set to the first operation item storage means or the second operation item storage means. And a third allocating means for writing to the input device design support device.

With this configuration, the change designation receiving means receives the change designation of one button or menu item and the operation item. The identifier extracting unit stores the identifier of the operation item received by the change designation receiving unit in combination with the identifier of the button arranged on the input device and the identifier of the operation item indicating the content of the control signal as a set. And a second operation item storage means for storing the identifier of the menu item and the identifier of the operation item indicating the content of the control signal when the menu item is selected as a set, and all the operation items stored in An operation item information storage unit that stores the identifier and the operation item information in advance is searched and extracted.

The first operation item determination means determines whether or not the identifier extracted by the identifier extraction means is stored in the first operation item storage means. The second operation item determination means determines whether or not the identifier extracted by the identifier extraction means is stored in the second operation item storage means. The first allocating means, when judging that the first operation item judging means is stored, corresponds to the identifier of the one menu item received by the change designation receiving means stored in the second operation item storing means. The identifier extracted by the identifier extracting means is overwritten and replaced with the identifier stored in the first operation item storage means, and stored in the second operation item storage means in correspondence with the identifier of the one menu item. Write the identifier of the operation item before overwriting.

The second allocating means corresponds to the identifier of the one button received by the change designation receiving means stored in the first operation item storing means when it is determined that the second operation item determining means is stored. Then, the identifier extracted by the identifier extracting unit is overwritten, and the identifier stored in the second operation item storage unit is replaced with the identifier stored in the second operation item storage unit corresponding to the identifier of the one button. Write the identifier of the operation item before overwriting that had been performed.

The third allocating means corresponds to the one button or the identifier of the menu item accepted by the change designation accepting means when it is determined that the first operation item determining means and the second operation item determining means are not stored. Then, the identifier of the operation item received by the change designation receiving means is written in the first operation item storage means or the second operation item storage means. Accordingly, by replacing the identifier of the operation item with the operation item, the first operation item storage means and the second operation item storage means are the information storage means and the menu item storage means of the input device according to claim 13. And can be configured.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a movement designation receiving means for receiving one button and a movement designation to the menu screen, and the first operation corresponding to the identifier of the one button received by the movement designation receiving means. First operation item identifier extraction means for extracting the identifier of the operation item stored in the item storage means, and the unused menu item of the second operation item storage means for the identifier extracted by the first operation item identifier extraction means. Writing means corresponding to the identifier of the first operation item and deleting means for deleting the identifier of the operation item corresponding to the identifier of the one button stored in the first operation item storage means. There is.

With this configuration, the movement designation receiving means receives one button and the movement designation to the menu screen.
The first operation item identifier extracting means extracts the identifier of the operation item stored in the first operation item storing means corresponding to the identifier of the one button accepted by the movement designation accepting means.

The writing means writes the identifier extracted by the first operation item identifier extracting means in correspondence with the identifier of the unused menu item in the second operation item storing means. The means of deletion is
The identifier of the one button and the identifier of the corresponding operation item stored in the first operation item storage means are deleted. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of Embodiment 1 of an input device according to the present invention.

This input device includes an input unit 101, an information storage unit 102, an input processing unit 103, and an information changing unit 104.
The input processing unit 103 is connected to the device main body 105 via the infrared transmission path 106 and the like. 2 and 3
FIG. 3 is an external view of a remote controller 201 of a television receiver, which is an example of this input device. The remote controller 201 has a group of numeral buttons 202 of “1” to “12” for channel setting.
And a group of buttons 203 and 207 for selecting, adjusting or setting the function of the device body (hereinafter referred to as “setting”),
A power button 204 and a mode setting button group 205 are arranged. Button group 203 is a lid 206 that can be opened and closed.
When the lid 206 is on the upper side and the lid 206 is opened, as shown in FIG. 3, a button group 207 for setting the function of the device body is arranged inside.

The input unit 101 has a button group 202 of these buttons.
205 to 207, upon reception of a user's button pressing operation, the input processing unit 103 is notified of a number serving as an identifier for identifying the button. Button group 202-20
Identification (button) numbers are assigned to the buttons 5 and 207 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Information storage unit 102
Is the button number 40 that identifies the button as shown in FIG.
1 and the function 402 when the button is operated are stored as a set. Here, the function means a function to be set in the device main body in the button groups 202 to 204 and 207, and a change mode content in the mode setting button group 205. A function storage area 403 for storing the contents of the function 402 corresponding to each set.
have. For example, when the button number 401 is “00”, it indicates that the function is “power off”, and indicates the content of the control signal that is output when the power button 204 of the input unit 101 is pressed. ing.

When the input processing unit 103 is notified of the button number 401 from the input unit 101, it reads the function 402 corresponding to the number stored in the information storage unit 102, and that function is the mode setting button group 205. It is determined whether or not the contents are shown, and when the contents are shown, the contents are notified to the information changing unit 104. When it does not indicate the contents of the mode setting button group 205, the function saving area 403
If the content of is empty, a control signal corresponding to the read function 402 is output to the device body 105 via the infrared transmission path 106. When the content of the mode setting button group 205 is not indicated and the content of the function storage area 403 is not empty, the notified button number 401 and the content of the function 402 are notified to the information changing unit 104.

Upon receiving the notification indicating the contents of the mode setting button from the input processing unit 103, the information changing unit 104 determines whether the contents of the changing mode is "move", "copy" or "delete". To do. For example, when the move button of the input unit 101 is pressed, "move", which is the content of the change mode corresponding to the button number "50", is notified.
If it is determined to be "move", the function 402 shown in FIG.
Is written in the function storage area 403 corresponding to the button number 401, and “select source” is written in the function 402. As a result, the stored contents of the information storage unit 102 are as shown in FIG.

Further, the information changing unit 104 includes the input processing unit 1
When the notification of the button number 401 and the contents of the function 402 is received from 03, when the content of the output signal 402 is “select source”, the button number is stored as a variable S and the contents of the function 402 of the information storage unit 102 are stored. Is rewritten to "select destination" as shown in FIG. When the content of the notified function 402 is “select destination”, the button number is stored as the variable D and the information storage unit 10 is also stored.
The content stored in the second function storage area 403 is overwritten on the corresponding function 402, and the content stored in the function storage area 403 is deleted. Further, a function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 matching the variable S and the button number 401 matching the variable D stored in the information storage unit 102, respectively.
Read out the contents of the button number 401 that matches the variable S
Button number 4 that matches variable D to function 402 corresponding to
The content of the function 402 corresponding to 01 is overwritten (replaced) with the output signal 402 corresponding to the button number 401 corresponding to the variable D and the content of the function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 corresponding to the variable S.

For example, when the contents stored in the information storage unit 102 are as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the variable S stores “13” and the variable D stores “21”, the information storage unit 102 has
The storage content of is changed as shown in FIG. That is, the function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 “13” becomes “voice switching”, and the function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 “21” becomes “voice on / off”. As a result, the button group 2 arranged on the lid 206 of the remote controller 201
The button indicated by the identification number “13” of 03 becomes a button for setting the function of “voice switching (sound multi)”, and the lid 206
Identification number "21" of the button group 207 arranged inside the
The button indicated by is a button for setting the function of "voice on / off (MUTE)".

When the content of the mode setting button notified from the input processing unit 103 is “copy”, the information changing unit 104 assigns the content of the function 402 of the information storage unit 102 to the output signal storage area 403 and the button number 401. Correspondingly, writing is performed, and "copy source selection" is written in the function 402. When the notification of the button number 401 and the content of the function 402 is received from the input processing unit 103, when the content of the function 402 is “select copy source”, the button number 401 is stored as a variable S and the function of the information storage unit 102 is stored. 402 is rewritten (overwritten) to “select copy destination”. When the notified output signal 402 is “select copy destination”, the button number is stored as a variable D, and the content stored in the function storage area 403 of the information storage unit 102 is overwritten on the corresponding function 402. The stored contents of the function storage area 403 are deleted. Further, the variable D stored in the information storage unit 102
To the function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 matching the variable S
Read and rewrite the contents of. As a result, the function of the button whose button number is the variable D can be made the same as that of the button whose button number is the variable S.

Further, the information changing unit 104 includes the input processing unit 1
The content of the mode setting button notified from 03 is "Delete"
If it is, the contents of the function 402 of the information storage unit 102 are written in the function storage area 403 corresponding to the button number 401, and the output signal 402 is overwritten with “selection for deletion”. When receiving the notification of the button number 401 and the content of the output signal 402 from the input processing unit 103, when the content of the output signal is “selection to be deleted”, the button number 401 is stored as a variable S and the information storage unit 102 stores The function 40 corresponding to the contents stored in the function storage area 403
2 is overwritten, the stored content of the function storage area 403 is deleted, and the corresponding function 402 of the button number 401 that matches the variable S is deleted. By doing so, the button having an unnecessary function of the remote controller 201 identified by the button number 401 can be deleted (empty function).

The device body 105 inputs, via the infrared transmission path 106, a control signal from the input processing unit 103 according to the function 402 stored in the information storage unit 102 corresponding to the pressed button of the input unit 101. , Selects, adjusts or sets the function of the device body 105. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the input unit 101 waits for a user to press a button (S802), and notifies the input processing unit 103 of the button number. The input processing unit 103 determines whether or not the button number is “50” (movement mode) (S804). When the button number is “50”, the information changing unit 104 is notified of the mode “move”.

The information changing unit 104 determines whether or not the function storage area 403 stored in the information storage unit 102 is empty data (S806), and when it is empty data, the information storage unit 102 stores it. All the contents of the function 402 being written are written in the corresponding function storage area 403 (S80
8). Then, the function 402 of the information storage unit 102 is overwritten with "select source" (S810).

In S806, if the function storage area is not empty data, the operation has not ended (S812), S
Return to 802. In S804, the button number "50"
If not, the input processing unit 102 determines that the information changing unit 104
To the button number notified from the input unit 101 and the contents of the function 402 stored in the information storage unit 102.

The information changing unit 104 determines whether the content of the function 402 is "select source" (S814), and if it is "select source", the button number is input to the variable S (S816), The function of the information storage unit 102 is rewritten to "select destination" (S818). If the operation is not completed (S812), the process returns to S802. In step S <b> 814, the information changing unit 104 determines that the content of the function 402 is “select source”.
If not, it is determined whether or not it is "selection of destination" (S820), and if it is "selection of destination", the button number is input to the variable D (S822). Next, the function storage area 40 corresponding to the content of the function 402 of the information storage unit 102
It is rewritten to the contents stored in No. 3 (S824). Subsequently, the contents of the function storage area of the information storage unit 102 are deleted (S826), and the contents of the function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 of the variable D and the contents of the function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 of the variable S are replaced ( S828). By such processing, the functions of the two buttons in the button groups 202 to 204 and 207 arranged in the input unit 101 can be replaced.

If the operation is not completed (S812), S80
Return to 2. In S820, when the function is not the destination selection, the input processing unit 103 sends a control signal corresponding to the content of the function 402 corresponding to the button number 401 to the device main body 1.
05 through the infrared transmission path 106 (S83
0), if the operation is completed (S812), the process ends.

Although the above description is the operation of replacing the function between the two buttons when the "move" button is operated, the operation when the "copy" button or the "delete" button is also operated. Since almost the same processing is performed, only a unique part will be briefly described. When the "copy" button is operated, in step S804, the input processing unit 102
Determines whether the button number is "51".

The information changing unit 104, in S804,
"Copy source selection" is written in the contents of the function 402, and S81
In step 4, it is determined whether the function 402 is "copy source selection", and in step S818, the content of the function 402 is rewritten to "copy destination selection". Further, in S820, it is determined whether or not the content of the function 402 is “copy selection”, and S828
In, the contents of the function 402 corresponding to the button number of the variable D are updated and stored in the function 402 corresponding to the button number of the variable S. As a result, the function of the button operated later becomes the same as the function of the button operated earlier. Here, in copying, unlike the learning remote controller described in the conventional example, the functions of all buttons of the remote controller are not the same as those of another remote controller, but the function of one individual button is different. It has the same function as the button.

Next, when the "Delete" button is operated, in S804, the input processing unit 102 determines whether or not the button number is "52". Information change unit 10
4 writes "selection target for deletion" in the content of the function 402 in S804, and determines whether the content of function 402 is "selection for deletion" in S814. If not, move to S830, omit S818 to S822,
The process moves from S816 to S824. In S828, the contents of the function 402 corresponding to the button number of the variable S are deleted.

In the present embodiment, the operation button group 2
Since the buttons configuring 02 to 205 and 207 have been described as mechanical buttons, a button displaying a new function is displayed on a button whose function is replaced or a copied button, and a button displaying a new function is displayed. You may make it stick a sticker without. Alternatively, unlike the present embodiment, when the operation button is configured as a soft button and is displayed on a screen such as a liquid crystal display, the information of the display character string displayed on the operation button is stored in the information storage unit 102 in the button number 401. It may be stored correspondingly, and the display character string may be changed and displayed on the operation button as the information changing unit 104 changes the content of the function 401. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

This input device comprises a first input device 901 and a second input device 902, and the first input device 90
The first input device 902 and the second input device 902 are connected via an infrared transmission path 903. The first input device 901 includes a first input unit 904, a first information storage unit 905, a first input processing unit 906, and an information changing unit 907. The second input device 902 includes a second input unit 908, a second information storage unit 909, and a second input processing unit 910.

The first input device 901 of the present embodiment and the input device of the above first embodiment are composed of almost the same components. That is, the first input unit 904 and the input unit 101, the first
The information storage unit 905 and the information storage unit 102, the first input processing unit 906 and the input processing unit 103, and the information changing unit 907 and the information changing unit 104 perform substantially the same operation. The second input device 902 is composed of almost the same components except that the information changing unit 104 of the input device according to the first embodiment is omitted. That is, the second input unit 908 and the input unit 101, the second information storage unit 909 and the information storage unit 102, and the second input processing unit 910 and the input processing unit 103 perform substantially the same operation. Therefore, only the components unique to this embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the first input device 901
And the functions of the buttons included in the button group (not shown) arranged in the first input unit 904 and the second input unit 908 of the second input device 902, respectively, as in the first embodiment. “Move”, “copy” or “delete” between the devices 901 and 902. The information changing unit 907 has the following configuration in addition to the configuration of the information changing unit 104 of the first embodiment. When replacing the function of the button stored in the first information storage unit 905 identified by the button number notified from the first input processing unit 906 with the function of the button stored in the second information storage unit 909, that function Is read from the first information storage unit 905, converted into a corresponding signal, and output to the second input processing unit 910 via the infrared transmission path 903. In addition, the signal output from the second input processing unit 910 is received, converted into a corresponding function, and stored in the first information storage unit 905 as the function of the button to be replaced.

When copying the button arranged in the second input section 908 to the same function as the button arranged in the first input section 904, the function is read from the first information storage section 905 and the corresponding signal is read. And is output to the second input processing unit 910 via the infrared transmission path 903. The information changing unit 907 also plays the role of the information changing unit 104 of the first embodiment in the second input device 902. That is,
The second input processing unit 910 converts the content of the notification given by the information processing unit 103 of the first embodiment to the information changing unit 104 into an output signal, and the information changing unit 907 receives the infrared transmission path 903.
Output via. When the signal is received from the information changing unit 907, the contents are decoded and the contents stored in the second information storage unit 909 are changed.

In this embodiment, the information changing section 90
7 is provided in the first input device 901, but is provided in the device main body (not shown) so as to exchange signals with the first input processing unit 906 of the first input device 901 via the infrared transmission path. You may (Embodiment 3) FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an input device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

This input device includes an input section 1001, an information storage section 1002, an input processing section 1003, a condition storage section 1004, an information change request section 1005, and an information change section 1.
006 and the input processing unit 1002 includes the device main body 10
5 is connected via infrared transmission line 106 or the like. FIG. 11 is an external view of a remote controller 1101 of a television receiver which is an example of this input device. On the remote control 1101,
A button group 1102 is arranged.

The input section 1001 has a button group 11
02, the button processing unit 1002 notifies the input processing unit 1002 of a button number as an identifier for identifying the button when the user's button pressing operation is accepted. The information storage unit 1002 stores a button number 1201 and a corresponding function 1202 as a set as shown in FIG. 12 as an example.

When the input processing unit 1003 is notified of the button number 1201 from the input unit 1001, the information storage unit 10
The function 1202 corresponding to the button number 1201 stored in 02 is read, and a control signal corresponding to the function 1202 is output to the device body 105 via the infrared transmission path 106. The condition storage unit 1004 stores change condition information as shown in FIG. The change condition information is the predetermined button function 12 stored in the information storage unit 1002.
02 for changing 02, and operation information 1302 when the condition is met. Motion information 13
In 02, the function to be changed and the corresponding button number are recorded.

The information change requesting unit 1005 includes the condition storing unit 1
It is determined whether or not the condition 1301 of the change condition information stored in 004 is met, and when the one condition is met, all the operation information 1302 corresponding to the condition is read and stored, and at the same time, the information is changed. The unit 1006 is activated.
That is, when the condition 1301 of the modification condition information uses the inclination as a parameter as shown in FIG. 13, the information change requesting unit 1005 shows the inclination sensor 1 whose outline is shown in FIG.
Including 401. The tilt sensor 1401 is a closed container 140.
2 has an electrode 1403 and two electrodes 1404, 1405 and mercury 1406 which are arranged at predetermined positions so as to meet the condition 1301, and each electrode 1403, 1404, 1
Reference numeral 405 is connected to the outside by lead wires 1407, 1408, and 1409, respectively. Remote control 1101 shown in FIG.
In addition, the inclination sensor 14 is arranged in the left-right direction in FIG.
The center line 1410 of 01 is grounded. Remote control 1
When the user holds 101 and tilts it so that the left side of FIG. 11 is downward, the angle α becomes 1 as shown in FIG. 14B.
If the temperature exceeds 0 degrees, the electrodes 1403, 1404 will not reach the mercury 140
6 and the electrodes 1403 and 1404 are electrically connected. As a result, the information change request unit 1005 causes the condition storage unit 1 to
It is determined that the condition 2 out of the conditions 1301 stored in 004 is satisfied, and all the operations corresponding to the condition 2 are read out.

The information change unit 1006 is the information change request unit 1
When activated by 005, the initial value “1” is set in the counter N, the number of the operation information 1302 stored in the information change request unit is read out, and is substituted into the variable MAX.
When the value of the counter N does not exceed the value of the variable MAX,
The Nth operation information is read from the information change request unit 1005, and the button number is assigned to the variable A and the function is assigned to the variable B. Button number 1201 stored in the information storage unit 1002
Reads the content of the function 1202 that matches the variable A, and determines whether the content of the function 1202 matches the variable B. If they do not match, the content of the function 1202 in which the button number 1201 of the information storage unit 1002 matches the variable A is rewritten to the content input to the variable B, and "1" is added to the counter N value.

That is, when the change condition information shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the condition storage unit 1004, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, when the remote controller 1101 is tilted, the content of the information storage unit 1002 is changed as shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 based on the “condition 2” of the condition 1301. As a result, the remote controller 1101 shown in FIG.
Button group 1 indicated by button numbers "13" and "16"
The functions of 103 and the button group 1104 indicated by the button numbers “15” and “18” are respectively replaced.

Next, the operation for changing the button function of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The information change request unit 1005 detects the inclination of the remote controller 1101 and determines whether or not the condition 1301 stored in the condition storage unit 1004 is satisfied (S1602).
If it is determined that the conditions are met, the matching condition 1301
Corresponding operation information 1302 is read and stored.

The information changing unit 1006 sets "1" in the counter N (S1604), and inputs the number of the motion information 1302 in the variable MAX (S1606). Next, it is determined whether the value of the counter N exceeds the variable MAX (S160
8) If it exceeds, the process returns to S1602. If it does not exceed, the Nth motion information is acquired, the button number is input to the variable A, and the function is input to the variable B (S1610). The content of the function 1202 corresponding to the button number 1201 that matches the variable A currently stored in the information storage unit 1002 is acquired (S1612). Contents of variable B and acquired function 120
It is determined whether the contents of 2 match (S1614),
If they match, the process returns to S1602. If they do not match,
Function 1 corresponding to button number 1201 that matches variable A
The contents of 202 are rewritten to the variable B (S1616). "1" is added to the counter N (S1618), and the process returns to S1608. (Embodiment 4) FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of an input device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

This input device includes an input section 1701, an input processing section 1003, an information storage section 1702, a condition storage section 1703, an information change request section 1704, and an information change section 1.
705, and the input processing unit 1003 includes an infrared transmission path 1
It is tangentially connected to the device body via 06. Portions having the same configurations as those in the above-described first and third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and the unique portions of the present embodiment will be described.

18 and 19 are external views of a remote controller 1801 of a television receiver, which is an example of this input device.
A general-purpose button group 1802 is arranged in place of the mode setting button group 205 of the remote controller 201 of the first embodiment. This general-purpose button group 1802 is a remote controller 1801.
It is located in a place that is easy to operate. Input unit 1701
Is a group of buttons 1803 including a group of general-purpose buttons 1802. When a user's button press operation is accepted, the input processing unit 1 receives a button number as an identifier for identifying the button.
003 and the information change request unit 1704.

The information storage section 1702 stores a button number 2001 and a function 2002 corresponding to the button number 2001 as shown in FIG. At the initial stage when the information changing unit 1705 is not activated, the general-purpose button group 180
The fields 2003 and 2004 of the function 2002 corresponding to the button numbers “100” and “101” of No. 2 remain empty data.

The condition storage unit 1703 includes an information storage unit 17
A condition 2101 for setting a function corresponding to the 02 general-purpose button group 1802 and its operation information 2102 are stored. For example, it is stored that a button with the maximum button operation number m is found and the function corresponding to the button m is copied to the button number “100”.

The information change request unit 1704, as shown in FIG. 22, has a button number 2201 and a cumulative button operation count 220.
2 and an area for storing a timer, and a timer (not shown)
Built-in. When the button number is first notified from the input unit 1701, the timer is started to measure the time and "1" is stored in the cumulative button operation number corresponding to the button number. When the notification of the button number is sequentially received from the input unit 1701, similarly, the cumulative number of button operations is increased by "1", and when the timer notifies that a predetermined time, for example, one week has passed, the condition storage unit 17
Condition 2101 stored in 03 and its operation information 21
02 is read out, and as shown in FIG. 23, the currently stored cumulative number of button operations is referred to, and the button number 2201 that matches the condition 2101 is extracted. The maximum button number "21" of the extracted button operation number, the copy destination button number "100", the second button number "22" of the button operation number and the copy destination button number "101" are set in the information changing unit 1705. Notice. At the same time, the cumulative number of button operations is reset to "0" and the timer is reset. At this time, "0" is also stored in the button numbers "100" and "101" which were initially empty data as shown in FIG.

The information changing unit 1705 has an information storage unit 170.
The functions 2002 corresponding to the copy source button numbers "21" and "22" of No. 2 are read out and updated and stored in the copy destination button numbers "100" and "101", respectively. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24, the button number “10
The button function “tone” 2401 corresponding to “0” and the button function “off timer” 2402 corresponding to the button number “101” are newly stored.

As a result, when the button "A" of the general button group 1802 of the input unit 1701 is operated, the device body 105
A control signal corresponding to the function of voice multiplexing is output from the input processing unit 1003. In the present embodiment, the function of the button that has been used many times is arranged in an easy-to-operate place. However, as another embodiment, the function of the button that has not been used many times is placed inside the lid 1804. It may be arranged. (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram of a fifth embodiment of the input device according to the present invention. This input device has an input unit 2
501, an input processing unit 2502, and an information storage unit 2503
A condition storage unit 2504 and an information change request unit 2505
And an information changing unit 2506, and an input processing unit 2502.
Is connected to the device body 105 via the infrared transmission path 106. The external appearance of this input device is the remote controller 1 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 18 and 19 of each of the above-described embodiments.
It is almost the same as 801.

Input unit 2501 and input processing unit 2502
Has the same operation as the input unit 1003 and the input processing unit 2502 of the third embodiment. The information storage unit 2503
26. Similar to the information storage unit 102 of the first embodiment, FIG.
The information as shown in FIG. Button number 2601
Although the function 2602 of the corresponding button is stored in advance, the function storage area 2603 is empty data.

The condition storage unit 2504 stores a condition 2701 as shown in FIG. 27 and operation information 2702 for changing the stored contents of the information storage unit 2503 when the condition is met. The information change request unit 2505 has a distance sensor (not shown) and measures the distance between the device body 105 and the input device. It is determined which condition 2701 stored in the condition storage unit 2504 matches the measured distance, the content of the corresponding motion information 2702 is read, and the information change unit 2506 is notified.

For example, when the distance sensor measures a distance of 1 m from the main body of the device, the condition 1 is met. The information changing unit 2506 is notified of the operation information indicating that “the function is changed to“ viewing position change message display ””. The information changing unit 2506 has an information storage unit 2503.
If the contents shown in FIG. 26 are stored, the stored contents are changed and stored based on the operation information, as shown in FIG. 28.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Information change request unit 2505
Measures the distance between the device body 105 and the input device by the distance sensor (S2902), reads the condition stored in the condition storage unit 2504 (S2904), and determines which condition is met (S2906). The operation information corresponding to the matched condition is read out and notified to the information changing unit 2506 (S2908).

The information changing unit 2506 changes the contents stored in the information storage unit 2503 according to the notified operation information (S2910). If there is no change in the distance measured by the distance sensor, the process ends, and if there is a change, the process returns to S2904. As a result, for example, for a user who operates the remote controller (input device) at a position (1 m) extremely close to the device body 105, that is, a television receiver, to watch television,
Since the input processing unit 2502 sends a control signal according to the “viewing position change message display” to the device body 105, the “viewing position change” is displayed on the screen for a predetermined time to call attention. (Embodiment 6) Embodiment 6 of the input device according to the present invention
17 is almost the same as that of the fourth embodiment.
Unique parts of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the configuration diagram shown in FIG.

The layout of the button group of the input section 1701 is the same as that of the remote controller 201 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the first embodiment. The input unit 1701 allows the user to select one of the mode setting button groups 205 and the other button groups 203-2.
If one of the buttons 05 and 207 is pressed at the same time, those two button numbers are assigned to the information request changing unit 170.
Notify 4.

As shown in FIG. 30, the information storage section 1702 stores the button number 3001 and the corresponding function 3002, and the function storage area 3003 is in an empty data state. The condition storage unit 1703 stores a condition for changing the storage content of the information storage unit 1702 and its content. FIG. 31 shows the condition 3101 and the operation information 3102 which is the content thereof.

The information change request unit 1704 has an input unit 170.
Upon receiving the notification of one of the two button numbers, the condition 3101 stored in the condition storage unit 1703 is read out and it is determined which condition is met. If there is a matching condition, the corresponding operation information is read, and the information changing unit 1705 is instructed to change the storage content of the information storage unit 1702 according to the operation information.

For example, when the user presses the move button and the channel 1 button at the same time, the input unit 1701 notifies the information change requesting unit 1704 of the button number “50” and the button number “01”. The information change request unit 1704 determines that the condition 1 of the condition 3101 stored in the condition storage unit 1703 is met, and when the corresponding function storage area 3004 of the button number “01” is empty data, the button number “1” is displayed. The information change unit 1705 is instructed to write the function “01” in the function storage area 3004 and delete the content of the function.

The information change section 1705 is the information change request section 1
Based on the instruction from 704, it is read that the function save area 3004 corresponding to the button number “01” is empty data, and as shown in FIG. 32, the output save area 3003 functions corresponding to the button number “0”. “Channel 1”, which is the content of, is written, and the function 3201 is deleted to make it empty data.

With the above configuration, even if a certain button is pressed, a control signal is not output from the input processing unit 1003 to the device body 105, which is effective when it is desired to prohibit the use of a certain button. For example, in the case of a remote controller for children, it is possible to delete the function of a channel that the child does not want to see. In addition, the condition storage unit 1
The condition 2 of the condition 3101 of 703 stores the condition of returning the button whose function is once deleted.

Next, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described. The information storage unit 1702 stores information as shown in FIG. This information includes a button number 3301, a function 3302 corresponding to each button number, a function storage area 3303, and a rewrite prohibition flag 3304.
In the initial state, the contents of the rewrite prohibition flag 3304 are all “permitted”, which indicates that the functions of all the buttons can be rewritten.

As shown in FIG. 34, the condition storage unit 1703 has a condition 3401 for prohibiting or permitting rewriting of information in the information storage unit 1702 and its operation information 3402.
And remember. To describe a specific example, similarly to the above-described embodiment, when the user presses the power button (button number “00”) at the same time as the move button (button number “50”), Two button numbers are notified from the input unit 1701 to the information change requesting unit 1704. The information change request unit 1704 reads the condition 3401 of the condition storage unit 1703 and notifies the information change unit 1705 of the contents of the operation information 3402 corresponding to the matching condition 1 together with the button number. The information changing unit 1705 rewrites the rewrite prohibition flag 3304 stored in the information storage unit 1702 corresponding to the notified button number “00” other than the mode setting button group to “prohibit” as shown in FIG. 35.

After that, the information changing unit 1705 does not rewrite the function of the button when the content of the rewrite prohibition flag 3304 is "prohibited" even if the instruction to change the storage content of the information storage unit 1702 is notified. . This makes it impossible to change the function of the power button. By combining with the first embodiment, replaceable buttons can be limited.

Further, the rewrite prohibition flag 3304 is set to "prohibit".
The condition for returning to permission from is stored in the condition 2 of the condition storage unit 1703. In the present embodiment, the mode setting button group 205 is used to change the storage contents of the information storage unit 1702 by the combination of buttons, but the mode storage button group 205 of the condition storage unit 1703 can be changed by another combination of buttons. You may decide the conditions.

Next, the operation of the embodiment and modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the information change requesting unit 1704 is notified of the two button numbers by the input unit 1701 (S3602), it reads out the condition stored in the condition storing unit 1703 (S3604) and determines which condition is met ( S3606), the operation information corresponding to the matched condition is read. The read operation information and the button number are notified to the information changing unit 1705 (S
3608).

The information changing unit 1705 follows the operation information,
The storage content of the information storage unit 1702 is changed (S361
0), the process ends. As a result, the information storage unit 17
02 is changed, and the condition storage unit 170 is changed after the change.
The predetermined buttons stored in No. 3 are stored in the input unit 1 by the user.
Even if a button is operated from 701, since the content 3201 of the function of the information storage unit 1702 is empty data, the device main body 1
No control signal is output to 05. In addition, the button for which the content of the rewrite prohibition flag 3304 is "prohibited",
Even if the user operates one of the mode change button group 205, the function cannot be rewritten. (Embodiment 7) FIG. 37 is a block diagram of an input device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

This input device includes a first input device 3701 which is a remote controller 3801 whose appearance is shown in FIG.
A second input device 3702 built in the television receiver 3901 shown in FIG. 9 is connected by an infrared transmission line 3703. The first input device 3701 has an input unit 3704.
A first information storage unit 3705 and an input processing unit 3706.
And an information changing unit 3707. The second input device 3702 includes a second information storage unit 3708 and an input / output unit 37.
09, an information rewriting unit 3710, and a menu generation unit 371.
1 and a display control unit 3712, and an input / output unit 3709.
Is connected to the controller 3713.

The input section 3704 is a group of mode setting buttons 3802 arranged on the remote controller 3801 shown in FIG.
And button group 38 for setting the functions of the television receiver 3901
03 and a group of keys 3804 for operating the menu screen 3903 displayed on the screen 3902 of the television receiver 3901, and accepts a user's button press or key press operation. The input processing unit 3706 is notified of the accepted button group or key number.

The first information storage unit 3705 stores a button or key number 4001 and a function 4002 corresponding to the operation of the button (key) as shown in FIG. Further, it has a function storage area 4003 for temporarily storing the contents of the function 4002. The input processing unit 3706 is
It is determined whether or not the button number notified from the input unit 3704 belongs to the mode setting button group 3802, and if there is, the information change unit 3707 is notified of the button number.
Following the mode setting button group 3802, button group 380
When one of the three button numbers is notified, the button number is also notified to the information changing unit 3707. At the same time, via the infrared transmission path 3703, the input / output unit 3709 of the second input device 3702 is requested to notify the number for identifying the menu item (to be described later) currently selected and the menu item (function). When receiving the notification of the item number and its function from the input / output unit 3709, the information changing unit 3707 is notified of them. Also, from the information changing unit 3707 to the second information storage unit 3
Upon receiving a notification to give an instruction to rewrite the stored contents of 708, the infrared transmission path 3703 and the input / output unit 370 are provided to the information rewriting unit 3710 of the second input device 3702.
That is instructed via 9.

When a button or key number other than the mode setting button group 3802 is notified, the first information storage section 3
The corresponding function 400 of the button number 4001 of 705
2 is read and a control signal according to the content of the function is output to the input / output unit 3709. When the button number notified from the input processing unit 3706 is “50” (movement button), the information changing unit 3707 has empty data in the function storage area 4003 stored in the first information storage unit 3705. If it is empty data, the function 4002
Of the second input device 3 is written (stored) in the corresponding function storage area 4003, the content of the function 4002 is rewritten to “select source”, and the second input device 3
The storage contents of the second information storage unit 3708 of 702 are also notified to give a similar rewriting instruction. Subsequently, when the button number of the button group 3803 is notified from the input processing unit 3706, the function 4002 of the first information storage unit 3705.
When the content of is a "select source", the button number is substituted into the variable S. At the same time, the menu item number notified from the input / output unit 3709 of the second input device 3702 via the infrared transmission path 3703 and the input processing unit 3706 is assigned to the variable D. Next, the content stored in the function storage area 4003 is overwritten (returned) on the function 4002 to empty the function storage area 4003.

Further, the information changing unit 3707 reads the contents of the function 4002 corresponding to the button number 4001 of the variable S, and the input processing unit 3706 and the infrared transmission path 370.
3, the content of the function corresponding to the menu item number of the second information storage unit 3708 of the variable D is changed to the content of the corresponding function 4002 of the variable S of the variable S to the information rewriting unit 3710 via the input / output unit 3709. Instruct to rewrite. Also, the function of which the button number of the first information storage unit 3705 is the variable S is the function 4002 notified through the input / output unit 3709 and the input processing unit 3706 of the second input device 3702, that is, the menu item number is a variable. Rewrite the contents of the function of D.

The second information storage unit 3708 stores a menu item number 4101 corresponding to the menu item displayed on the menu screen 3903 and its function (menu item) 4102 as shown in FIG. It has a function storage area 4103 for temporarily storing the function 4102. When the input / output unit 3709 is requested by the input processing unit 3706 to notify the item number of the menu item selected on the menu screen 3903 displayed on the screen 3902 by the display control unit 3712 and the function thereof, the menu generation is performed. The menu item number and its function are read from the stored content of the menu of the unit 3711 and the stored content of the second information storage unit 3708, and the information change unit 3707 is notified via the infrared transmission path 3703 and the input processing unit 3706. Further, when a control signal is input from the input processing unit 3706, the control signal corresponding to the key operation is notified to the menu generation unit 3711, and when the control signal is the device main body, the control unit 3713 is notified.

The information rewriting section 3710 has an information changing section 370.
7 from the input processing unit 3706, the infrared transmission line 3703, and the input / output unit 3709, the second information storage unit 3708 is rewritten, and the contents of the second information storage unit 3708 are rewritten. The menu generation unit 3711 is shown in FIG.
When the notification of the pressing operation of the key number “24” is received from the input unit 3704 via the input processing unit 3706 and the input / output unit 3709, a menu is generated and the display control unit 3712 is activated. To do.

The menu information is the function (menu item) 4
201 and a display character string 4202 representing the menu item
And the attribute value 4203 of the menu item. The function 4201 includes a flag 42 for the currently selected function.
04 is turned on. Further, the attribute value 4203 also has a flag indicating the currently selected attribute value (the attribute value 42 in FIG.
03 underline).

When the storage contents of the second information storage unit 3708 are changed, new menu information is generated. When the display control unit 3712 is activated by the menu generation unit 3711, the menu generated by the menu generation unit is displayed on the screen 3902 as a menu screen 3903 as shown in FIG.
To be displayed.

The operation of the menu displayed on the menu screen 3903 will be described below.
The key numbers “20” and “22” of the 04 key group 3804 are used when selecting menu items, and the key number “2”
The 1 "and" 23 "keys are used to change the attribute value corresponding to the menu item. Now, on the menu screen 3903,
There are menu items "video AI", "audio multiplex", and "screen", and the attribute values are set to "on", "monaural", and "wide", respectively. As the menu item, "voice multiplex" is selected, for example,
When the user presses the key with the key number “22” on the remote controller 3801, the input unit 3704 to the input processing unit 37 are pressed.
The key number “22” is notified to 06, and the input processing unit 370
6 is a function 4 stored in the first information storage unit 3705.
002 “Move down menu item” is read, and the corresponding control signal is input via the input / output unit 3709 to the menu generation unit 3
It is output to 711. The menu generation unit 3711 changes the “screen” flag 4204 of the function 4201 of the stored menu information to “ON”. In response to this, the display control unit 3712 shifts the selection of the menu item on the menu screen 3903 to the “screen”. Here, when the user presses the key with the key number “21”, the control signal is output to the menu generation unit 3711 in the same manner, and the menu generation unit 3711 is output.
Is the attribute value 4203 of the "screen" of the menu item 4201.
Flag is changed from “wide” to “normal”, and the display control unit 3712 displays the changed menu screen on the screen 3902.
To be displayed.

Next, when the storage contents of the first information storage unit 3705 are shown in FIG. 40, the storage contents of the second information storage unit 3708 are shown in FIG. 41, and the menu screen 3903 is displayed, the remote controller is displayed. When the "move" button 3801 is pressed, the storage contents of the first information storage unit 3705 are as shown in FIG. 43, and the storage contents of the second information storage unit 3708 are as shown in FIG. 44. 3707
And the information rewriting unit 3710. Subsequently, when the "voice switching (MUTE)" button is pressed, the stored contents are rewritten as shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 46 in FIG. 43 and FIG. 46, respectively. Second information storage unit 3
Since the storage content of 708 is changed as shown in FIG. 46, the menu information of the menu generation unit 3711 is changed to that shown in FIG.
7, the menu screen 4801 is changed to that shown in FIG.
8 is displayed by the display control unit 3712.

Next, the operation peculiar to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the input unit 3
704 waits for a user's button or key operation (S49).
02). If it is the operation of the "move" button with the button number "50" (S4904), the input processing unit 3706 notifies the information changing unit 3707 that it is in the "move" mode.
The information changing unit 3707 includes a first information storage unit 370 and a second information storage unit 370.
It is determined whether the function storage areas 4003 and 4103 of 5, 3708 are empty (S4906), and when the function storage areas 4003 and 4103 are empty, the contents of the functions 4002 and 4102 are stored in the corresponding function storage areas. Note that the processing of the second information storage unit 3708 is instructed to the information rewriting unit 3710 (S4908).

Next, the information changing unit 3707 and the information rewriting unit 3710 are connected to the first and second information storage units 3705 and 3708.
The functions 4002 and 4102 of the above are rewritten to “select source” (S4910), and if the operation is not completed (S49
12) and returns to S4902. The input processing unit 3706 notifies the information changing unit 3707 of the button number input after the button number “50”. The information changing unit 3707 is a function 400 of the first and second information storage units 3705 and 3708.
It is determined whether or not 2 and 4102 are “select source” (S
4914), if the source is selected, the notified button number is input to the variable S (S4916), and the number of the currently selected menu item is input to the variable D (S491).
8). Next, the first and second information storage units 3705 and 3708
Functions 4002, 4102 of function storage areas 4003, 4
The contents stored in the function storage areas 4003 and 4103 of the first and second information storage units 3705 and 3708 are deleted (S4922).
The menu item (function) corresponding to the menu item number of the variable D and the function corresponding to the button number of the variable S are replaced (S4924), and if the operation is completed, the process is ended (S4912).

In S4914, the button number "50"
If it is not the notification of the button number following, that is, if the function is not the source selection, the input processing unit 3706 determines that the first
The content of the function 4002 corresponding to the button number 4001 of the information storage unit 3705 is read out, and the control signal according to the content is output to the input / output unit 3709. If the input / output unit 3709 corresponds to the key operation, the menu generation unit 371.
1 is notified, and if it is a control signal of the device body, the control unit 371.
3 is notified (S4926).

As a result, the functions listed as the menu items on the menu screen 3903 are used as the functions of the buttons of the button group 3803, and the functions listed as the functions of the buttons of the button group 3803 are displayed on the menu screen 3903.
Can be replaced with the menu item. This allows frequently used functions to be performed by operating buttons on the remote controller 3801.

Although the operation of the "move" button has been described in the present embodiment, the "copy" button and the "delete" button are used in the same manner as in the first embodiment as described in the first embodiment. It is also possible to copy between the menu item of the menu screen 3903 and the function of the button, and the menu item of the menu screen 3903 can be deleted. (Embodiment 8) FIG. 50 is a block diagram of an input device design support apparatus according to the present invention. This input device design support device includes a design unit 5001 and a first operation item storage unit 5002.
A second operation item storage unit 5003 and an input unit 5004
A display control unit 5005, a display unit 5006, and an operation item allocation unit 5007.

The designing section 5001 has a storage area and stores in advance operation item information for setting the function of the device main body which is the operation target of the input device. This operation item information is, as shown in FIG. 51, an operation item ID (identification number) 5101.
And the operation item (function) 5102 are associated with each other. The design unit 5001 receives the designer's input from the input unit 5004, and corresponds to the shape and size of the input device and the button numbers stored in the first operation item storage unit 5002 and the second operation item storage unit 5003. It stores the layout and shape of menu items identified by buttons and menu item numbers,
Upon receiving a display instruction from the input unit 5004, the display control unit 5005 is activated. Further, when a function corresponding to the operation of the button group 5407 of the remote controller 5402 (see FIG. 54) or an instruction to change the menu item on the menu screen 5405 is received from the input unit 5004, the operation item assigning unit 5007 is notified.

The first operation item storage unit 5002 stores information as shown in FIG. 52 in which the button number 5201 and the operation item ID 5202 of the operation item information stored in the design unit 5001 are associated with each other. This operation item ID52
If 02 is replaced with the operation item (function) 5102 of the operation item information of the design unit 5001, the first item of the seventh embodiment will be described.
The information stored in the information storage unit 3705 can be created.

The second operation item storage section 5003 stores the menu item number 5301 and the design section 500 as shown in FIG.
Operation item ID 530 of the operation item information stored in No. 1
The information in which 2 and 2 are associated is stored. This operation item I
By replacing D5302 with the operation item (menu item) 5102 of the operation item information of the design unit 5001, it is possible to create the information stored in the second information storage unit 3708 of the seventh embodiment.

When the input unit 5004 receives an input from the designer who designs the input device, such as the positions and shapes of the buttons and keys arranged on the input device, the input unit 5004 stores the inputs in the design unit 5001. Further, when an input for changing the operation item ID stored in the first operation item storage unit 5002 or the second operation item storage unit 5003 is received, the operation item allocation unit 5007 is notified via the design unit 5001. It should be noted that the input unit 5004 designates a screen of a display unit 5006, which will be described later, with a pointing device or the like, and receives an input from an operation button or the like.

When the display control unit 5005 is activated by the design unit 5001, as shown in FIG. 54, the display unit 5006.
Remote control 5402 which is an input device on the design screen 5401 of
A TV receiver 5403 and an operation item list 5404 are displayed. The remote controller 5402 has a shape, size, and first operation item storage unit 50 stored in the design unit 5001.
The layout and shape of the button corresponding to the button number 02 are read out, simulated, and displayed. The menu screen 5405 in the screen of the television receiver 5403 is also the second screen in the same manner.
The design unit 5 obtains a menu item corresponding to the menu item number stored in the operation item storage unit 5003 and its attribute value.
It is read from 001 and displayed. The operation item list 5404 reads out and displays the operation item information stored in the design unit 5001.

Note that the mode setting button group 5406, the button group 5407, and the key group 5408 displayed on the remote controller 5402 constitute the input section 5004 as they are, as designated by the pointing device. When the operation item assigning unit 5007 receives a notification of a change in the function or the like corresponding to the button number from the input unit 5004 via the designing unit 5001, the button number to be changed is assigned to the variable S, and the change setting function (operation Item) to the variable P. The operation item information of the design unit 5001 is searched to extract the operation item ID that matches the variable P and substitute it into the variable ID1. First operation item storage unit 5002 and second operation item storage unit 5003
Operation item IDs 5201 and 530 of information stored in
It is determined whether 1 has the same value as the variable ID1.
When there is the same one, the corresponding button number or menu item number is substituted into the variable S1. Also, the first operation item storage unit 5002 is searched to extract the operation item ID 5202 whose button number is the variable S, and substitute it into the variable ID2.

If the change notification from the input unit 5004 is not the button number but the menu item number, the second operation item storage unit 5003 is searched and the operation item whose menu item number is the variable S is searched. ID5202 is extracted and substituted for variable ID2. Operation item allocation section 5007
Is an operation item ID 5202 in which the button number or menu item number of the information stored in the first operation item storage unit 5002 or the second operation item storage unit 5003 is the variable S1.
The contents of 5302 are rewritten to the variable ID2. Further, the content of the operation item ID 5202 whose button number of the information stored in the first operation item storage unit 5002 is the variable S is set to the variable I.
Rewrite as D1. When there is no identical item, the button number of the first operation item storage unit 5002 is the variable S or the menu item number of the second operation item storage unit 5003 is the variable S.
The contents of the operation item ID 5202, which is the above, are simply rewritten to the variable ID 1. When the rewriting is completed, the design unit 50
01 to notify the display control unit 5005 of the update of the design screen 5401.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 54,
When the designer specifies the “move” button 5409, the button 5410 of the button number “13”, and the button 5411 of “sound” of the operation item list 5404, the operation item allocation unit 5007 sets S = 13, P. = "Sound switching" is notified. As a result, ID1 = 7, S1 = 31, ID2 =
The information stored in the first operation item storage unit 5002 and the second operation item storage unit 5003 is changed as shown in FIGS. 55 and 56, respectively. As a result, the design screen 5401 is displayed on the button 5 as shown in FIG.
701 and menu item 5702 are changed and displayed.

As described above, the designer only needs to specify the setting of "sound number switching" to update the setting of the "sound number" menu item. Next, as another specific example, when the button 5701 of the remote controller 5402 shown in FIG. 57 is deleted and the function is moved to the menu screen 5405, the designer has a “delete” button 5703 and a “move” button 5409. When the button 5410 is specified after specifying, the operation item allocation unit 5007 substitutes the button number “13” to be deleted into the variable R. The corresponding operation item ID “1” of the variable R (“13”) whose button number is in the first operation item storage unit 5002 is extracted and substituted into the variable T. Second operation item storage unit 5002
Information of the unused menu item number R1 ("3
3 ”) is acquired, and the variable T is set in the menu item number R1.
("1") is associated as the operation item ID and stored as shown in FIG. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 59, the button number R (“13”) and the operation item ID are T (“1”).
Delete the information that is.

As a result, the design screen 5401 shown in FIG.
Becomes the design screen 5401 shown in FIG.
The button arranged at the position 6001 of 402 is deleted, and a new menu item 600 is displayed on the menu screen 5405.
2 is added. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 61 and 62.

First, the input unit 5004 receives designation of a button number to be changed and an operation item to be newly set by the designer (S6102). The operation item allocation unit 5007 substitutes the button number to be changed into the variable S and substitutes the operation item to be set into the variable P (S6004). The operation item ID corresponding to the operation item P is acquired from the operation item list and assigned to the variable ID1 (S6106). It is determined whether or not the operation item ID “ID1” already exists in the first or second operation item storage unit 5002 or 5003 (S610).
8). If there is, the first or second operation item storage unit 500
The menu item number (button number) corresponding to the operation item ID found in 25003 is "ID1" is assigned to the variable SI (S6110). Next, the currently set operation item ID corresponding to the button number of which is the variable S is assigned to the variable ID2 (S6112). The variable ID2 is written in the information of the first or second operation item storage units 5002 and 5003 as the operation item ID corresponding to the one whose menu item number (button number) is the variable S1 (S6).
114). The variable I is the operation item ID corresponding to the button number of the first operation item storage unit 5002 being the variable S.
D1 is written (S6116), and the process ends.

Next, when the button of the remote controller 5402 is to be deleted, the designation of the button to move to the menu screen is accepted from the designer (S6202). Operation item allocation unit 50
07 substitutes the button number to be deleted into the variable R (S62
04), the operation item ID corresponding to the button number of the first operation item storage unit 5002 being the variable R is substituted into the variable T (S6206). An unused number as a menu item number in the second operation item storage unit 5003 is assigned to the variable R1 (S6208), and a combination of the menu item number variable R1 and the operation item ID variable T is stored in the second operation item storage unit 5003. It is additionally stored (S6210).

Finally, the set having the variable R as the button number and the variable T as the operation item ID is deleted from the first operation item storage unit 5002 (S6212), and the process is terminated. As described above, according to the present embodiment, when designing the input device, by simply associating the operation items with the button numbers and the like arranged on the input device, an input device in which the operation items do not overlap between the input devices can be provided. Can be designed. Further, the user interface can move the item of the assigned function between different input devices such as a button of a remote controller and a menu item.

Although not described in this embodiment, it is needless to say that the input device design support device is provided with normal editing functions such as addition, deletion, and duplication of buttons to be edited. Further, in the present embodiment, if the same operation item is set, the existing operation item is unconditionally replaced with another operation item. May be set.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movement from the button on the remote control to the menu screen has been described as a specific example, but conversely, the button on the remote control can be changed from the menu screen. Further, in the present embodiment, the designed result is used for the simulation. However, not only that, but a function for outputting the design result of the menu screen as data to be incorporated into the product is added to generate a program. You may use it.

[0128]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by changing the code of the function corresponding to the operation of the operation button stored in the information storage means, the operation button arranged at the easy-to-use position of the input device. Since the function of can be changed freely,
A user-friendly input device can be obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to replace the functions of the two buttons arranged in the input device or delete the buttons having unnecessary functions. According to the invention of claim 3, frequently used buttons can be provided at two positions of the input device. According to the invention of claim 4, when the function of the button is being changed, the control signal is not output to the device body, so that the device body does not malfunction.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the functions of the buttons can be changed between the two input devices, and an easier-to-use input device according to the use environment can be obtained. According to the invention of claim 6, the same effect as that of claim 2 can be obtained between the two input devices. According to the invention of claim 7, the same effect as that of claim 3 can be obtained between the two input devices.

According to the invention of claim 8, the function of the button arranged in the input device is changed according to the condition and the contents of the change stored in the change condition storage means, so that the input device of the user interface can be obtained more. You can Claim 9
According to the invention, since the tilt of the input device is detected and the functions of the buttons arranged on the input device are exchanged, an input device suitable for right-handed or left-handed users can be obtained.

According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to change the arrangement positions of the buttons which are frequently used and the buttons which are frequently used in the input device, so that the usability is further improved. Claim 1
According to the first aspect of the present invention, for example, a message can be given to the user of the input device according to the distance between the input device and the device body. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the function of the operated button can be changed by combining with a specific button.

According to the invention of claim 13, since the function can be changed between the menu item of the menu screen displayed on the device main body and the button of the first input device, the input device can be obtained more easily. be able to. Claim 1
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the function is exchanged between the menu item on the menu screen of the device body and the button of the first input device, or the button of the first input device is deleted, and the function is displayed on the menu screen menu. Can be added to the item.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, when designing the input device, the function of the button can be easily performed without having duplicated operation items between the menu screen of the device body and the input device separated from the device. An input device design support device that can be changed and set is obtained. According to the invention of claim 16, the function of the button of the input device can be easily transferred to the function of the menu item on the menu screen of the device body.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the input device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the input device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of an information storage unit of the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of contents stored in an information storage unit in a movement mode in the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of contents stored in an information storage unit in a movement mode in the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of an information storage unit in which a button function in the above embodiment is replaced.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of an input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an external view of the input device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of an information storage unit of the above embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of a condition storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a state in which the tilt sensor in the above embodiment is horizontal. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a state in which the tilt sensor in the above embodiment is tilted counterclockwise.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of the information storage unit after the change in the above embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the input device according to the invention.

FIG. 18 is an external view of the input device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an external view of the input device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of an information storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of a condition storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of an information change request unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing that the stored contents shown in FIG. 22 have changed after a lapse of a predetermined time.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of changed storage contents of the information storage unit of the above embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram of an input device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of contents stored in the information storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of a condition storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of the information storage unit after the change in the above embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of an information storage unit in the sixth embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of a condition storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of the information storage unit after the change in the above embodiment.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of an information storage unit in the modification of the above embodiment.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of a condition storage unit in the modification.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of storage contents of the information storage unit after the change in the modification.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a configuration diagram of an input device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is an external view of a remote controller which is the first input device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a menu screen displayed on the television receiver including the second input device according to the above embodiment.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of contents stored in the first information storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of storage contents of the second information storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram of menu information stored in the menu generation unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of contents stored in the first information storage unit when the “move” button is operated in the above embodiment.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram of contents stored in the second information storage unit when the “move” button is operated in the above embodiment.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of the first information storage unit after replacement in the above embodiment.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram of stored contents of the second information storage unit after replacement in the above embodiment.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram of menu information stored in the menu generation unit after replacement in the above embodiment.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram of a menu screen stored in the menu generation unit after replacement in the above embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above embodiment.

[Fig. 50] Fig. 50 is a configuration diagram of an eighth embodiment of an input device design support device according to the present invention.

FIG. 51 is operation item information stored in the design unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram of information stored in the first operation item storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram of information stored in a second operation item storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram of a design screen in the above embodiment.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram of changed storage contents of the first operation item storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram of changed storage contents of the second operation item storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram of a changed design screen in the above embodiment.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram of further changed information in the second operation item storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram of further changed information in the first operation item storage unit in the above embodiment.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram of a further modified design screen in the above embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart explaining the operation of the above embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 input unit 102 information storage unit 103 input processing unit 104 information changing unit 105 device main body 106 transmission path 201 remote control 202 button group 203 button group 204 power button 205 mode setting button group 207 button group 901 first input device 902 second Input device 903 Transmission path 904 First input unit 905 First information storage unit 906 First input processing unit 907 Information changing unit 908 Second input unit 909 Second information storage unit 910 Second input processing unit 1001 Input unit 1002 Information storage unit 1003 input processing unit 1004 condition storage unit 1005 information change request unit 1006 information change unit 1101 remote controller 1401 tilt sensor 1701 input unit 1702 information storage unit 1703 condition storage unit 1704 information change request unit 1705 information change unit 1801 remote controller 2501 Input unit 2502 Input processing unit 2503 Information storage unit 2504 Condition storage unit 2505 Information change request unit 2506 Information change unit 3701 First input device 3702 Second input device 3703 Transmission path 3704 Input unit 3705 First information storage unit 3706 Input processing unit 3707 Information changing unit 3708 Second information storage unit 3709 Input / output unit 3710 Information rewriting unit 3711 Menu generation unit 3712 Display control unit 5001 Design unit 5002 First operation item storage unit 5003 Second operation item storage unit 5004 Input unit 5005 Display control unit 5006 Display unit 5007 Operation item allocation unit

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An input device that receives an operation of an operation button for selecting, adjusting or setting a function of a device body, the identifier of the operation button, and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button. Information storage means for storing information as a set, change mode acceptance means for accepting a change mode for changing the stored content stored in the information storage means, and a plurality of operation buttons arranged to operate the operation buttons. An operation acceptance unit that accepts, a modification unit that modifies the code stored in the information storage unit of the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance unit according to the modification mode accepted by the modification mode acceptance unit, and the operation acceptance unit accepts A code corresponding to the operation button is read from the information storage means and a control signal is output to the device body according to the code. Input apparatus characterized by an output means. 2. The change mode acceptance means has a move button for designating a change mode and a delete button, and the change means includes a pair of operation buttons accepted by the operation acceptance means when the move button is operated. A replacement unit that replaces the mutual code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storage unit of the operation button, and the information of the operation button received by the operation receiving unit when the delete button is operated. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes a code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the storage unit. 3. The change mode receiving means further has a copy button for designating a change mode, and the change means further stores the information stored in the information storage means when the copy button is operated. Among the two operation buttons received by the operation receiving means, a rewriting unit is provided for rewriting a code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received later to a code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received first. The input device according to claim 1 or claim 2. 4. The prohibition for prohibiting the output of the control signal to the device main body of the code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance means when the change mode acceptance means accepts the change mode. The input device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a section. 5. An input device comprising one input device for accepting an operation of an operation button for selecting, adjusting or setting a function of a device body and another input device, wherein the one input device is the First information for storing a combination of an operation button identifier and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button
An information storage means, a first change mode reception means for receiving a change mode for changing the storage contents stored in the first information storage means, and a first operation for arranging a plurality of operation buttons and receiving an operation of the operation buttons An accepting means and an operation button accepted by the first operation accepting means or output from the other input device according to a change mode accepted by the first change mode accepting means or outputted by the other input device; Change means for changing a code stored in the first information storage means or in the other input device, and a code corresponding to an operation button accepted by the first operation acceptance means in the device body are stored in the first information storage. First output means for reading out from the means and outputting a control signal in accordance with the code, the other input device includes an identifier of the operation button, and the operation The storing information and a code set that indicates a function corresponding to the button operation 2
Information storage means, second change mode reception means for receiving a change mode for changing the stored contents stored in the second information storage means, and a second operation for arranging a plurality of operation buttons and for receiving operation of the operation buttons Receiving means, an output signal corresponding to the change mode received by the second change mode receiving means and the operation button received by the second operation receiving means, output to the changing means, and an instruction from the changing means In accordance with the above, the processing means for changing the code stored in the second information storage means of the operation button and the code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation acceptance means are read out from the second information storage means and the corresponding code is read. Second output means for outputting a control signal to the device body by means of the input device. 6. The first and second change mode accepting means each have a move button and a delete button for designating a change mode, and the change means includes the first and second change modes when the move button is operated. Alternatively, the delete button is operated by a replacement unit that replaces each other's code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the first or second information storage means of the pair of operation buttons received by the second operation reception means. And a deletion unit that deletes the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the first or second information information storage unit of the operation button received by the first or second operation reception unit. The input device according to claim 5, wherein: 7. The first and second change mode acceptance means further includes a copy button for designating a change mode, and the change means further includes the first and second change buttons when the copy button is operated. Of the two operation buttons received by the first or second operation receiving means stored in the information storage means, the code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button received later corresponds to the identifier of the operation button first received. The input device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a rewriting unit that rewrites the code. 8. An input device that receives an operation of an operation button for selecting, adjusting, or setting a function of a device body, the input device including an identifier of the operation button and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button. An information storage unit that stores a set of information, an operation reception unit that is provided with a plurality of operation buttons and that receives an operation of the operation buttons, a condition for changing the contents stored in the information storage unit, and the change Change condition storage means for storing the contents, determination means for determining whether or not the conditions stored in the change condition storage means are met, and the change condition when the determination means determines that they match The change content stored in the storage means is read and the change means for changing the storage content of the information storage means and the code corresponding to the operation button accepted by the operation accepting means are stored. An input device comprising: an output unit that reads out from the information storage unit and outputs a control signal to the device body according to the code. 9. The change condition storage unit includes a tilt condition storage unit that stores a condition using the tilt of the input device as a parameter, and the determination unit includes a tilt sensor that detects the tilt of the input device, and a tilt sensor. 9. The input device according to claim 8, further comprising: an instruction unit for instructing the changing unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit when the predetermined inclination is detected. 10. The change condition storage unit includes a number-of-times condition storage unit that stores a condition whose parameter is the number of times the operation button is operated by the operation reception unit, and the determination unit is operated by the determination unit. And a storage unit that stores the number of times the operation button is stored in the storage unit after a lapse of a predetermined time and a condition of the number-of-times condition storage unit, and instructs the changing unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit The input device according to claim 8, further comprising: 11. The change condition storage unit includes a distance condition storage unit that stores a condition having a distance between the input device and the device body as a parameter, and the determination unit includes a distance between the input device and the device body. A distance sensor for measuring the distance, and an instruction unit for instructing the changing unit to change the storage content of the information storage unit when the distance sensor detects a predetermined distance stored in the distance condition storage unit. 9. The input device according to claim 8, which is characterized in that. 12. The operation receiving means has a simultaneous operation button arranged to add a specific function, and the change condition storage means stores a condition and a condition when the simultaneous operation button is operated. The change content storage unit stores a corresponding change content of the stored content of the information storage unit, and the determination unit stores the operation of the operation button accepted by the operation accepting unit in the change content storage unit. 9. The input device according to claim 8, further comprising an instruction unit for instructing the changing unit to change the stored content of the information storage unit when the specified conditions are met. 13. A device for displaying a menu consisting of menu items for selecting, adjusting or setting the function of the device and its attribute value on the display means, and an operation for selecting, adjusting or setting the function of the device. An input device including a first input device that receives a button operation, wherein the device includes a menu item storage unit that stores a menu item and an identifier for identifying the menu item, and the device from the first input device. An input / output unit that receives an information extraction / information rewriting instruction or a control signal input, reads information from the menu item storage unit and outputs the information to the first input device based on the information extraction instruction, and the input / output unit. Menu item rewriting means for rewriting the contents stored in the menu item storing means based on the received information rewriting instruction; and the menu item storing means Menu generation means for generating a menu screen based on a stored menu item and a control signal received by the input / output means, and display control for displaying the menu screen generated by the menu generation means on the display means. The first input device, the first input device, information storage means for storing information that is a combination of the identifier of the operation button, and a code indicating a function corresponding to the operation of the operation button, the information storage means, and Alternatively, a change mode accepting means for accepting a change mode for changing the stored contents stored in the menu item storage means, an operation accepting means for arranging a plurality of operation buttons and accepting operation of the operation buttons, and the change mode accepting means The operation buttons received by the operation receiving unit are stored in the information storage unit according to the change mode received in Changing means for changing the mode and instructing to rewrite the information stored in the menu item storing means based on the information output from the input / output means, and a code corresponding to the operation button received by the operation receiving means. Is output from the information storage means and outputs a control signal to the device according to the code, the input device. 14. The change mode acceptance means has a move button for designating a change mode and a delete button, and the change means receives one of the operation accept means when the move button is operated. The code corresponding to the identifier of the operation button stored in the information storage means of the operation button and the menu stored in the menu item storage means of the menu item selected on the menu screen displayed on the display means A replacement unit that replaces the menu item corresponding to the item identifier, and the operation button identifier stored in the information storage unit of the operation button received by the operation receiving unit when the delete button is operated. Or the code of the menu item stored in the menu item storage means of the menu item selected on the menu screen. The input device according to claim 13, further comprising a deleting unit that deletes a menu item corresponding to the identifier. 15. A menu screen and a button for outputting a control signal for selecting, adjusting, or setting a function of the device body, and a menu screen having menu items displayed and selected on the device body and operated separately from the device. An input device design support device for supporting the assignment of the menu item and the button in an input device having a button, the identifier of the button arranged in the input device and the identifier of the operation item indicating the content of the control signal. The first to store and
Operation item storage means, second operation item storage means for storing the identifier of the menu item and the identifier of the operation item indicating the content of the control signal when the menu item is selected, as a set, and the first operation An operation item information storage unit that stores in advance all operation items and their identifiers stored in the item storage unit and the second operation item storage unit as operation item information; one button or menu item and operation item; A change designation receiving unit that receives a change designation, an identifier extracting unit that searches the operation item information storing unit and extracts an identifier of the operation item that the change designation receiving unit has received, and the identifier that the identifier extracting unit extracts A first operation item determination means for determining whether or not the first operation item storage means stores the second operation item, and the identifier extracted by the identifier extraction means. When it is determined that the second operation item determination unit that determines whether or not the first operation item determination unit is stored and the second operation item determination unit that is stored in the storage unit are stored in the second operation item storage unit. The identifier extracted by the identifier extracting means corresponding to the identifier of the one menu item accepted by the change designation accepting means is overwritten, and the identifier stored in the first operation item storing means is replaced with the identifier. It is determined that a first allocation means for writing the identifier of the operation item before overwriting stored in the one operation item storage means in association with the identifier of the one menu item and the second operation item determination means are stored. At this time, the identifier extracted by the identifier extracting unit corresponding to the identifier of the one button received by the change designation receiving unit stored in the first operation item storage unit is overwritten, Writing an identifier of an operation item before overwriting stored in the second operation item storage means in correspondence with the identifier of the one button, instead of the identifier stored in the second operation item storage means, When it is determined that the 20 allocation unit, the first operation item determination unit, and the second operation item determination unit are not stored, corresponding to the one button or the menu item identifier received by the change designation receiving unit, An input device design support apparatus, comprising: a third allocation unit that writes the identifier of the operation item received by the change designation receiving unit into the first operation item storage unit or the second operation item storage unit. 16. A move designation accepting means for accepting one button and a move designation to a menu screen, and the first operation item storing means corresponding to the identifier of the one button accepted by the move designation accepting means. The first operation item identifier extracting means for extracting the identifier of the operation item being operated, and the identifier extracted by the first operation item identifier extracting means in correspondence with the identifier of the unused menu item in the second operation item storing means. The writing means for writing, and the deleting means for deleting the identifier of the operation item corresponding to the identifier of the one button stored in the first operation item storing means are provided. Input device design support device.