JPH0923487A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the setting of a function by learning the using frequency of each control function by each identified user and changing a display pattern so as to reduce operation keys. SOLUTION: CPU 5 calculates a coordinate from a coordinate signal from a touch panel control part 13 along with the pressing of a liquid crystal display panel 3a (touch sensor panel 3b) and specifies a user and a function from a relational table in ROM 7. Then, CPU 5 prepares a using frequency table for each function of each user within RAM 9, selects a display pattern number from the relational table in ROM 7 from the using frequency pattern, for each function and stores it in RAM 9. At the time of using next, CPU 5 reads the display pattern of the display pattern number from ROM 7 and displays it on a panel 3a through an LCD controller 11. At this time, CPU 5 specifies the coordinate of the panel 3b corresponding to the display pattern in ROM 7 and the relational table of the function.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device for controlling the operation of a video tape recorder (hereinafter referred to as a VTR), a television receiving device or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 shows an example of a conventional remote control device 101 and a device whose operation is controlled by the remote control device 101. In the example of FIG. 9, the VTR 103 is shown as a device to be controlled.

In the remote control device 101, V
There are as many key buttons as the functions that TR103 can realize. In the remote control device 101 of FIG. 9, power supply, reproduction, rewind, fast forward, pause, forward frame feed, reverse frame feed, stop, double speed playback, 1/4 slow playback, 1/10 slow playback, output volume adjustment, Video / TV output switching, audio output switching, recording, timer setting, channel switching, standard / 3 times, time adjustment, VI
A total of 24 functions such as SS are assigned to 24 key buttons. These functions are assigned when the remote control device 101 is designed.

As described above, the conventional remote control device 101 needs to have key buttons as many as the functions of the VTR 103 and the like. Then, as the VTR 103 and the like become more and more multifunctional, the remote control device 101 needs to have a huge number of key buttons. In addition, in the conventional remote control device 101, in most cases, a user (hereinafter referred to as a user) cannot reassign the function or cannot use the control for another device.

FIG. 10 shows another conventional remote control device 105 and this remote control device 105.
6 is another example of a device whose operation is controlled by. FIG.
The remote control device 101 of
For example, it controls the VTR 103.
The remote control device 105 is integrated with a function of controlling a plurality of devices, here, the VTR 103 and the television receiving device 107.

This remote control device 105 is also
As in the case of FIG. 9, as many key buttons as the number of VTRs 103 and the television receiver 107 to be controlled are provided to control all or part of the functions. In the remote control device 105 in FIG. 10, in addition to the buttons for the control function of the VTR 103, key buttons for functions such as channel switching, output volume adjustment, and input switching of the television receiving device 107 are added, resulting in a huge number. Key button is required.

An improvement of the remote control devices 101 and 105 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is a remote control device (not shown) called a so-called learning remote controller. This learning remote control fetches a function code from another remote control device. Therefore, this learning remote controller can control the functions of other devices in addition to the original device, but the problem of an increase in the number of key buttons remains.

FIG. 11 shows a conventional remote control device 109 which is one step more advanced. In this remote control device 109, a liquid crystal display panel and a touch sensor panel are combined. Then, the functions are hierarchized, and for example, only the target item (109a) of the control device is displayed as the initial screen. For example VTR10
When the item 3 is pressed, the symbol 109b of the function of the VTR 103 (playback, recording, stop, etc.) is displayed. Then, when the desired symbol is pressed, the VTR 103 executes its function. Further, when an item of the television receiving device 107 is pressed on the initial screen, a symbol 109c of the function of the television receiving device 107 (channel switching, output volume adjustment, input switching, etc.) is displayed this time. Then, if the desired symbol is pressed, the television receiver 1
07 performs that function.

With this remote control device 109, it is not necessary to simultaneously display the symbols of the functions of a plurality of devices. However, all or some of the functions are displayed for each device as in the conventional case, and if the device becomes multifunctional, the number of symbols will increase accordingly.

[0010]

In the conventional remote control device, the number of key buttons and symbols increases as the equipment to be controlled becomes multifunctional, and the user can select from among a huge number of key buttons and symbols. I had to search for the desired function, which was troublesome.

The present invention identifies a user, learns the frequency of use of each control function for each identified user, changes the display pattern on the display means according to the learning result, and selects the control function. An object is to provide a remote control device that facilitates the operation.

[0012]

SOLUTION: A user identification means, a plurality of display patterns obtained by combining symbol display of one or more control functions, an initial screen including all symbols of the control functions or the display pattern is displayed. In addition, by designating the display means for specifying the control function at the coordinates corresponding to the symbol and the symbol of the initial screen or the symbol of the display pattern displayed on the display means, Learning means for learning the frequency of use for each user identified by the user identifying means, wherein the learning means is based on the learning result of the user identified by the user identifying means, and A desired display pattern is selected from a plurality of display patterns and displayed on the display means.

[0013]

A touch sensor panel, for example, is also added to the display means. Then, by manually pushing the symbols on the initial screen of all the control functions or the symbols of the display patterns, the coordinates on the display means are specified, and the control functions are specified correspondingly.

The learning means learns and stores the frequency of use of each control function for each user identified by the user identification means.

When the remote control device is used next time, the learning means selects a display pattern corresponding to the frequency of use of the control function from the plurality of display patterns based on the learning result of the user, and displays the display pattern. Display on the means.

[0016]

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of a remote control device of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 indicates a remote control device. Reference numeral 3 includes a liquid crystal display panel 3a and a touch sensor panel 3b. In this embodiment, the control target is the VTR5.
It is one.

The ROM 7 stores the following. First, the function code table of the remote control device 1 is stored. Secondly, it stores a program executed by the CPU system controller (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 5. Third, a user (hereinafter referred to as a user) identification pattern shown in FIG. 6A, an initial screen pattern showing all the functions shown in FIG. 6B, or, for example, FIG. 6C to FIG. 6F. The display pattern shown is stored. Fourth,
The relationship table of the coordinates of the touch sensor panel and the user or the function for each of FIGS. 6A to 6F is stored. Fifth, it stores a relationship table between a usage pattern and a display pattern, which will be described later.

The RAM 9 stores the table shown in FIG. The LCD controller 11 draws the pattern read from the ROM 7 and displays it on the liquid crystal display panel 3a. The touch panel control unit 13 outputs the coordinate signal of the touch sensor panel 3b pressed by the user.

The operation of the remote control device of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the table shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, ST20
1 to ST211 indicate operation steps.

When power is turned on in ST201,
Shifting to ST202, the CPU 5 causes the ROM 7 to execute the operation shown in FIG.
The user pattern (1, 2, 3, 4) shown in (a) is read out and displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 3 a via the LCD controller 11. In ST203, the user presses a specific number on the liquid crystal display panel 3a to input it. The touch panel control unit 13 outputs the coordinate signal of the touch sensor panel 3b that has been pressed. CPU5
Calculates the coordinates from the coordinate signal from the touch panel control unit 13 and queries the ROM 7 to specify the user. Then, proceeding to ST204, the CPU 5 adds 1 to the existing value of the usage frequency of the user in FIG.

In ST205, the CPU 5 reads the usage frequency of the user from the RAM, and determines whether or not it exceeds the set value. If it is less than the set value, ST206
Proceed to. The CPU 5 reads the initial screen pattern shown in FIG. 6B from the ROM 7 and displays it on the liquid crystal display panel 3a via the LCD controller 11. And CPU
Reference numeral 5 selects from ROM 7 a relationship table of coordinates and functions of the touch sensor panel 3b in this pattern.

If it exceeds the set value, the process proceeds to ST207. The CPU 5 reads the display pattern stored in the display pattern NO column of the user of the table of the RAM 9 from the ROM 7 and displays it on the liquid crystal panel 3a via the LCD controller 11. This means that the display pattern is selected according to the frequency of use of each function until the last use. Specifically, FIG. 6C to FIG.
It is displayed as shown in (f). As can be seen from these figures, the display pattern changes depending on the user's tendency to use functions. That is, for a function that is frequently used in the display pattern, the symbol shape is displayed larger than that of other functions. Functions that have few usage points are not displayed.

Then, the CPU 5 selects from the ROM 7 a relationship table of the coordinates and functions of the touch sensor panel 3b in the display pattern. As a result, the function of a symbol having a large shape is specified by pressing anywhere in the shape. In addition, the function of a symbol having a small shape is specified even if the symbol is pushed slightly away from the shape. The symbol 31 is for forcibly changing the display pattern to the initial screen pattern shown in FIG. In FIG. 6B, the symbol 29 is used for returning from the initial screen pattern to the original display pattern.

6 (a) to 6 (f), channel switching symbols 21 and 23 and power on / off symbols 25 and 27 are displayed in common.

Next, the remote control function input of ST208 will be described. This ST208 is further subdivided into the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. The remote control function input will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. ST301 to ST305 indicate operation steps.

At ST301, a person presses a symbol of a desired function with his finger. Along with this, the touch panel controller 13 outputs coordinate signals. In ST302, the CPU 5 calculates coordinates from the coordinate signal. And ST303
Then, the CPU 5 queries the ROM 7 for the function corresponding to the coordinates. That is, the function is specified from the relationship table between the coordinates of the panel sensor 3b and the function.

At ST304, the CPU 5 causes the R shown in FIG.
Add 1 to the existing value of the corresponding function in the corresponding user column of the AM9 function table. Then, in ST305,
The CPU 5 stores the function code of the function specified by the finger in the ROM.
7, and sends it to the VTR 51 to be controlled.

The above operation is performed every time a function is designated (each time the touch sensor panel 3b is pressed).

Next, returning to FIG. 2, the use frequency learning operation of ST209 will be described. This ST209 is further subdivided into the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. The use frequency learning will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. ST40
Reference numerals 1 to 408 represent operation steps.

In ST401, the CPU 5 executes the R shown in FIG.
Refer to the AM5 function table. In ST402, the cumulative use frequency of each function is the first set value a (> 0).
Or not is determined. As for the function of the first set value a or less, as shown in ST403, the RAM 9 of FIG.
Do not set the usage flag in the flag table of. As for the function exceeding the first set value a, a use flag is set in the flag table of the RAM 9 as shown in ST404, but between the first set value a and the second set value b described later. It is subdivided and the position where the use flag is set is determined according to the frequency of use. This is because for a function that is frequently used, it is possible to select a display pattern in which the symbol of the function is large. The flag table is updated every learning.

In ST405, the CPU 5 determines the usage pattern from the distribution map of usage flags in the flag table of the RAM 9. In ST406, the CPU 5 determines whether or not the cumulative use frequency of each function exceeds the second set value b (> a). Even with one function, when the second set value b is exceeded, the CPU 5 identifies the display pattern corresponding to the usage pattern from the relationship table of the ROM 7 (the relationship table of the usage pattern and the display pattern), and displays the pattern NO in the RAM 9 It is stored in the pattern No column. Then, the function table and the flag table are all cleared. The display pattern NO determines the display pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 3a when the remote control device 1 is used next time. At the same time, the relationship table between the coordinates of the touch sensor panel 3b and the functions is specified. RAM9
Until all the function table and flag table of are cleared and the next usage pattern is determined, the CPU 5 stores the display pattern stored in the display pattern NO of the RAM 9 in the ROM.
Continue reading from 7.

If each function is less than or equal to the second set value b, ST
As indicated by 408, the CPU 5 identifies the display pattern corresponding to the usage pattern from the relationship table of the ROM (relation table of the usage pattern and the display pattern), and sets the pattern NO to R.
It is stored in the display pattern No. column of AM9. The display pattern NO determines the display pattern displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 3a when the remote control device 1 is used next time. At the same time, the relationship table between the coordinates of the touch sensor panel 3b and the functions is specified.

The function table and the flag table of the RAM 9 and the storage of the display pattern NO are created for each user as shown in FIG.

The above operation is repeated for each learning.

Next, returning to FIG. 2, in ST210, the operation is divided depending on whether or not the power is turned off. When the power is turned off, the operation of the remote control device 1 is stopped (ST211). If not powered off,
Return to ST208.

As described above, the liquid crystal display panel 3a displays the display pattern corresponding to the function usage tendency for each user. Symbols for features that are rarely used disappear. As a result, the number of symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 3a is reduced.

Further, since the shape of a symbol becomes large for a function that is frequently used and the shape of a symbol becomes small for a function that is rarely used, it becomes convenient to specify the function.

Although the user pattern shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 is a list of numbers, it is possible to store in the ROM 7 a symbol of a proper proper noun as shown in FIG. 7 instead. It is also possible to edit the user pattern. Further, the user identification means can be constituted by buttons instead of the liquid crystal display panel 3a and the touch sensor panel 3b.

Further, as the user identification means, it is also possible to use fingerprint identification to which a pattern recognition technique is applied as shown in FIG. In this case, the fingerprint of the user is registered as a unique one for the user, and the fingerprint is collated each time the remote control device 1 is used to identify the user.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use speech recognition techniques. In this case, the user's voice is registered as a user's unique voice, and the user is identified by performing voice verification each time the remote control device 1 is used.

Needless to say, the user identification means is not limited to the above example.

In the above embodiment, the example of the control of the VTR 51 is shown, but in addition to this, the remote control device 1 can be constructed so as to individually control the television receiving device, the personal computer device and the air conditioner device. Is. At this time, with the configuration as described in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to display a display pattern according to the function usage tendency for each user on the liquid crystal display panel 3a.

[0043]

According to the remote control device of the present invention, even if there are a plurality of users, a pattern corresponding to the user's tendency to use the function is displayed for each user, so that the user can easily specify the desired function. It becomes possible to do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a table stored in a RAM of the remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display panel of the remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a user pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display panel of the remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing user identification means (fingerprint identification) of the remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation unit of a conventional remote control device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation unit of a conventional remote control device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a functional pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display panel of a conventional remote control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Remote control device, 3a ... Liquid crystal display panel, 3b ... Touch sensor panel, 5 ... CPU system controller, 7 ... ROM, 9 ... RAM, 11 ... LCD
Controller, 13 ... Touch panel control unit.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A user identification means, a plurality of display patterns in which symbol display of one or more control functions is combined, an initial screen including all symbols of the control function or the display pattern is displayed, and Display means for specifying the control function at the coordinates corresponding to the symbol, by specifying the symbol of the initial screen or the symbol of the display pattern displayed on the display means, the frequency of use of each control function, Learning means for learning for each user identified by the user identification means, wherein the learning means is based on the learning result of the user identified by the user identification means, and the plurality of display patterns A remote control device, wherein a desired display pattern is selected from among the above, and is displayed on the display means. 2. The user identifying means comprises the display means for displaying one or more symbol names for identifying the user, and the user is identified by designating the coordinates corresponding to the symbol name. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the symbol name for identifying the user is initialized. 4. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the symbol name for identifying the user can be edited. 5. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the user identification means is composed of a plurality of buttons. 6. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the user identification means is a voice recognition means. 7. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the user identification means is a fingerprint recognition means. 8. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of control target devices are provided. 9. The control target device includes a video tape recorder, a television receiving device, a personal computer device, or an air conditioner device.
Remote control device described in.