JPH1056676A - Remote controller provided, with voice reply, device to be controlled by remote controller and remote control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller capable of preventing complicated key operation and mis-operation resulting from a multi-functioned remote commander and capable of being simply and exactly operated through the use of a voice guidance. SOLUTION: When an optional key of an operation key 101 is operated, a 2-stage key entry detection section 102 detects an operated key and its manipulated amount. The manipulated amount is detected in two stages of half- depression of a key and complete depression. A transmission section 103 outputs a remote control signal 108 corresponding to the operated key when the key is completely depressed and sends the signal to a controlled device such as a television receiver or a VTR. A voice generation control section 104 reads voice data corresponding to the operated key when the key manipulated amount is it the 1st stage, that is, the key is depressed by half from a voice data storage section 105, expands, decodes and outputs the result from a voiced output section 106 as a voice signal. The voice data are such as guidance voice data explaining functions of keys.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to televisions, videos,
The present invention relates to a remote control device with voice / character / graphic guidance / response for remotely controlling devices such as an air conditioner, a remote controlled device, and a remote control system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional remote controller, a "remote controller with voice response" is known. For example,
61595 relates to such a remote control.

Hereinafter, a conventional remote control device with a voice response will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
Is a configuration diagram of a conventional remote control device. 11, reference numeral 111 denotes an operation key, 112 denotes a key input detection unit, 113 denotes a transmission unit, 114 denotes a sound generation control unit, 115 denotes a sound data storage unit, 116 denotes a sound output unit, 117 denotes a remote control signal,
Reference numeral 118 denotes a conventional remote controller.

A conventional remote controller 118 includes an operation key 111, a key input detection unit 112, a transmission unit 113, a voice generation control unit 114, a voice data storage unit 115, and a voice output unit 116. When the user of the remote control device performs an operation by pressing any of the operation keys 111,
A key input is detected by the key input detection unit 112, and a remote control signal 117 corresponding to the key is transmitted from the transmission unit 113. At the same time, the audio data corresponding to the key is read from the audio data storage unit 115, and the audio generation control unit 114
Is converted to an audio signal and output through an audio output unit 116. In this way, feedback of the operation content by voice is performed in response to the key operation.

[0005]

However, in the above-described configuration, only a voice response is made after a key operation is performed, and the result of the performed operation can be checked. Information was not obtained, and there was a problem that it was not effective in preventing erroneous operation. The output audio contents are also fixedly assigned to the keys, and a plurality of functions are mapped to one key, such as a cable TV, a remote control for a personal computer, and a learning remote control. There was a problem that it could not be effectively applied to a remote control device.

[0006] The present invention solves these problems and provides a remote control device capable of simple and reliable operation by realizing guidance of operation contents before operation and confirmation of operation results after operation. The purpose is to:

[0007]

In order to solve these problems, a remote control device according to the present invention comprises a key input detecting means for detecting a key input operation of an operation key, and a display data corresponding to each of the operation keys. Display data storage means for storing;
When a key input operation is detected, display data output means for reading display data corresponding to the operated key from the display data storage means and displaying the read data as voice, characters, or graphics is provided, or a key input operation of an operation key is provided. Key input detecting means for discriminating and detecting at least two steps in accordance with the key operation method or the operation amount, and operating the display data storage means when a key input operation of a specific step is detected. A display output means for reading and displaying display data corresponding to the key, or a receiving means for receiving a remote control signal including data designating specific display data among a plurality of display data; A display output unit that reads display data specified by the signal from the display data storage unit and displays the read data.

[0008] The remote controller of the present invention further comprises a receiving means for receiving a remote control signal including display data, and a display data storage control means for storing the received display data in the display data storage means. .

A remote control system according to the present invention includes a remote control device having the above remote control device and a remote control signal transmitting device for transmitting a remote control signal containing display data or a remote control signal containing data designating display data to the remote control device. It is configured.

[0010] The remote control device of the present invention further generates transmission data corresponding to the operated key when the key input operation is detected by the key input detecting means, and operates the detected key by an operation method or an operation amount. And transmitting means for adding the data indicating the step (1) and outputting it as a remote control signal.

A remote control system according to the present invention includes the above remote control device, a remote control signal from the remote control device, and data indicating a key operation method or an operation amount stage included in the received remote control signal and transmission data. A remote control controlled device having a display output means for displaying in accordance with transmission data when a key operation method or an operation amount is at a specific stage. It is.

[0012] The remote controller of the present invention is configured such that the remote controller includes a receiving means for receiving a remote control signal including display data, and a display output means for displaying the received display data. is there.

The remote control system of the present invention receives the remote control device and a remote control signal from the remote control device,
A receiving means for extracting data indicating a key operation method or an operation amount stage included in the received remote control signal and transmission data; and transmitting data when the key operation method or the operation amount is at a specific stage. The remote control controlled device includes a transmitting means for transmitting a remote control signal including corresponding display data to the remote control device.

The remote control system according to the present invention also includes a remote control device as described above, a receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from the remote control device and extracting transmission data included in the received remote control signal, and a remote control signal including the transmission data. A remote control controlled device having a transmission means for generating again and transmitting to another control target device; a reception means for receiving the remote control signal and extracting transmission data included in the received remote control signal; And a remote control controlled device provided with a display means for performing a display corresponding to.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a remote controller according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 101 is an operation key, 102 is a two-step key input detection unit, 103 is a transmission unit, 104 is an audio generation control unit, 105 is an audio data storage unit, 106 is an audio output unit, 107 is a remote control device, 1
08 is a remote control signal.

When an arbitrary key of the operation keys 101 on the remote controller 107 is operated by the user, the operated key and the amount of operation are detected by the two-step key input detection unit 102. The operation amount is detected in two stages, such as touching / pressing a key and pressing half the keystroke / pressing to the end. When the key is completely pressed, the transmission unit 103 outputs transmission data corresponding to the operated key as a remote control signal 108 and transmits the remote control signal 108 to a controlled device, such as a television or a video device, which is to be operated. . When the key operation amount is in the first stage, that is, when the key is touched or half-pressed, the voice generation control unit 104 converts the voice data corresponding to the operated key into voice data. After being read out from the storage unit 105 and subjected to processing such as decompression and decoding, it is output as an audio signal through an audio output unit 106 such as a speaker.
As the voice data, for example, a guide voice explaining the function of the key is suitable. Further, the key input detection is easily realized by commercially available components such as a button switch which can be pressed in two stages.

According to the present embodiment, the function of a key can be explained by voice by touching or lightly pressing the key. Therefore, even in a dark place or a place where the function notation of the key of the remote control device is difficult to see. The operation can be performed without error. In addition, you can operate without looking at the keys,
A so-called blind touch becomes possible.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 2, reference numerals 201 and 202 denote reception units, 203 denotes a reception data analysis unit, 204 denotes an apparatus main body and control unit, 205 denotes a transmission unit, 206 denotes an audio generation control unit, 207 denotes an audio data storage unit, and 208 denotes a remote controlled device. , 209 are remote control signals. FIG. 3 is an operation example of the remote control system according to the second embodiment.

In the remote control device according to the present embodiment, a remote control signal receiving unit 201 is provided in the remote control device according to the first embodiment, and audio data in audio data storage unit 207 can be externally rewritten by remote control signal 209. Things. The remote control controlled device 208 receives the remote control signal 108 transmitted from the remote control device 107 by the reception unit 202, analyzes the transmitted data by the reception data analysis unit 203, and compares the result with the device main body and the control unit 20.
4 to control the apparatus body. Also, the audio data output from the apparatus main body and the control unit 204 is transmitted to the transmission unit 20.
By converting the audio data into a remote control signal 209 via the remote controller 5 and sending it to the remote control device 107, the audio data stored in the audio data storage unit 207 in the remote control device 107 can be rewritten and added. The rewriting process is performed by the voice generation control unit 206.

According to the present embodiment, a cable television,
When operation items are diverse, such as a remote control device for a personal computer, and the key functions need to be dynamically changed, the effect is that the key functions can be changed by changing the voice data assigned to the keys. There is. In addition, since the function of the assigned key can be easily known through voice, it also helps to prevent erroneous operation. It is also suitable as a remote control device that can set and change a key function like a learning remote control from the outside.

Also, a remote control signal including data indicating the audio data to be reproduced is transmitted from the controlled device to the remote control device, and based on the instruction, a specific remote control signal is selected from the audio data stored on the remote control device side. It is also possible to configure so as to select and reproduce data. FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation. When the user operates the television by lightly touching the keys of the television remote control, the functions of the keys are voice-guided. In this example, the content of "Pressing this key will increase the channel" is provided by voice on the remote control device side. In addition, after the key operation, confirmation that "it has become 6 channels" is also performed. In this case, before the key operation, it is possible to know the function of the key and information such as what happens when the key is operated, and after the key operation, the operation confirmation information is obtained, so that the operability is improved. The benefits are great.

(Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a voice generation unit, and 402 denotes a key input detection unit.

In the remote controller according to the present embodiment, the storage means for the audio data is not provided in the remote controller, and the receiving unit 20 is not provided.
The audio data received in step 1 is directly converted into an audio signal by the audio generation unit 401 and output from the audio output unit 106.
The controlled device 208 transmits the audio data output by the device main body and the control unit 204 to the remote control device 107 via the transmission unit 205. As the content guided by voice,
In addition to the voice of the content corresponding to the key, confirmation information for the operation and the like can be considered. Remote control device 107 in this case
The key input detection unit 402 detects only which key has been operated.

In this embodiment, no memory is required in the remote control device, which is effective in cost reduction.

(Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a voice generation unit;
02 is an audio output unit. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a remote controlled device according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a display control unit, and 602 denotes a display unit. FIG. 7 is an operation example of the remote control system according to the fourth embodiment.

In this embodiment, when a key input is detected by the two-step key input detection unit 102, the transmission unit 103 stores the data of the operation amount, for example, the data of the operation amount, for example, in the transmission data corresponding to the operated key. Flag data for identifying whether the touch or the touch has been added is added and output as a remote control signal. On the controlled device 208 side, the receiver 202 controls the remote control signal 10
8 is received, and the reception data analysis unit 203 extracts the transmission data and the key operation amount flag data. The transmission data is used not only for controlling the apparatus main body, but also for controlling the generation and output of voice along with the key operation amount flag data. If the operation is only a touch of a key, the sound generation unit 501 generates sound data corresponding to the received transmission data, and outputs the sound data from the sound output unit 502 as a sound signal.

FIG. 6 shows a display of characters and graphics instead of voice. When the user touches the key lightly, the function of the key is displayed on the display unit 602 provided on the controlled device 208 side, for example, in the case of a television. Of course, not only key functions but also additional information can be displayed. The display is controlled by the display control unit 601 by the apparatus main body and the control unit 20.
Perform in conjunction with 4.

FIG. 7 shows an operation example in the present embodiment. When the user touches the key of the TV remote control lightly, the function of the key is voice-guided. In this example, information indicating "the channel is up key" and "news is being broadcast on the channel to which the channel has been uploaded" are provided on the television through audio and screen display. Further, after the key operation, sound for confirmation and screen display are performed.

According to the present embodiment, the function guidance of keys by voice, characters, and graphic display can be performed on the controlled device side, so that the remote control device does not need a display unit such as a receiving unit, a speaker, and a display. Since resources on the device side can be used, it is effective in terms of cost and reliability. In addition, there is a great advantage in terms of reducing power consumption on the remote controller side.

Also, as in the second embodiment, in the present embodiment, the system can also be configured such that the display means is on the remote control device side and the display data is transmitted from the controlled device side. The title display and the title names of the songs on the CD can be seen at hand.

(Fifth Embodiment) Finally, a fifth embodiment will be described. 8 and 9 are configuration diagrams of the remote control system according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a remote controlled device having no display means, 802 denotes a remote control retransmission signal, and 901 denotes a controlled device having a display means. FIG. 10 is an operation example of the remote control system according to the fifth embodiment.

This embodiment is an example in which the controlled device has no display means such as a speaker and a display. As shown in FIG. 8, upon receiving the remote control signal 108 from the remote control device 107, the remote controlled device 801 having no display means interprets the received data, uses the data for control of the device main body, and requires some display at the same time. If it is the data to be transmitted, the transmission unit 205 generates transmission data, and retransmits the remote control signal 802 from the transmission unit 205 to another controlled device 208 having a display unit. For example, if you want to operate lighting equipment, you can use a TV speaker or display to display key functions and check operations. Improvement can be achieved.

As shown in FIG. 9, a controlled device 901 having display means different from the controlled device 208 to be controlled is not transmitted from the remote controlled device 901 without retransmitting the remote control signal on the controlled device side. The same effect can be obtained by directly receiving and displaying the remote control signal. FIG. 10 shows an operation example in this case. In order for the user to operate the lighting,
Lightly touch the keys of the lighting remote control to send out the remote control signal. The television receives the remote control signal, reproduces the display data included in the received signal, and displays the data by voice and screen. In this case, the lighting apparatus ignores the remote control signal. If the key is pressed further, the lighting will now receive the remote control signal and the lighting will be brighter.

In the above description, audio has been mainly described. However, anything that can be displayed to the user, such as characters and graphics (including moving images, graphic displays, and icons), may be used. Absent. In addition, the media that carries the remote control signal are wireless such as infrared rays and radio waves, wired, etc.
There is no particular limitation on the type.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, an acknowledgment response to a remote control operation is provided on the controlled device side by displaying voice guidance, characters, graphics, or the like, or on the remote control device side by transmitting a signal from the controlled device. Since the operation can be performed, it is possible to confirm the operation, and the reliability of the operation can be increased.

The key operation is distinguished between the first-stage operation such as touching and lightly pressing and the second-stage operation of completely pressing the key operation. Necessary information is displayed in voice, characters, figures, etc., and in the second operation, necessary acknowledgment information is displayed after the operation. Operation can be performed without error. On the contrary, there is a merit that the operation can be performed by a blind touch without looking at the keys. Also,
Even when a variety of operation items such as a remote control device for a cable television and a personal computer are used and the key functions are dynamically changed, the operation contents can be guided, so that the operability is improved. Also, by changing the voice data assigned to the key, the function of the key can be changed to configure a multifunctional remote controller.

Also, since the discrimination signal of the first-stage operation and the second-stage operation is included in the remote control signal and transmitted, the controlled device displays the signals corresponding to the two stages of the operation, respectively. Becomes possible, and the remote control device does not require a display unit such as a receiving unit, a speaker, and a display.
It is effective in terms of cost and reliability. In addition, there is a great advantage in terms of reducing power consumption on the remote controller side.

Furthermore, not only a device to be operated but also a device having a display means such as a television or a personal computer can receive and display a remote control signal. However, the above advantage can be obtained without adding a function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation example of the remote control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a remote controlled device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation example of the remote control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation example of the remote control system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a conventional remote control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 operation key 102 step key input detection unit 103 transmission unit 104 audio generation control unit 105 audio data storage unit 106 audio output unit 107 remote control device 108 remote control signal 201 reception unit 202 reception unit 203 reception data analysis unit 204 device main unit and control unit 205 Transmitting unit 206 Voice generation control unit 207 Voice data storage unit 208 Remote controlled device 209 Remote control signal 401 Voice generation unit 402 Key input detection unit 501 Voice generation unit 502 Voice output unit 601 Display control unit 602 Display unit 801 No display means Remote control controlled device 802 Remote control retransmission signal 901 Controlled device having display means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshihiko Kurosaki 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. Receiving means for receiving a remote control signal including display data for generating and displaying voices, characters, and graphics, and display output means for generating and outputting voices, characters, and graphics from the received display data. Remote control device equipped with. 2. An operation key, comprising: key input detection means for detecting a key input operation of the operation key; and display data storage means for storing display data corresponding to each of the operation keys. And a display output unit that reads out display data corresponding to the operated key from the display data storage unit, generates a voice, a character, or a figure and outputs it when a key input operation is detected. 3. An operation key and a key input operation of the operation key at least two times in accordance with a key operation method or an operation amount.
Key input detecting means for discriminating and detecting in one of two stages, and display data storing means for storing display data corresponding to each of the operation keys, wherein a key input operation at a specific stage is detected by the key input detecting means. And a display output means for reading out display data corresponding to the operated key from said display data storage means, and generating and outputting voices, characters, and graphics. 4. A display data storing means for storing a plurality of display data, a receiving means for receiving a remote control signal including data designating a specific display data among the plurality of display data, and the received remote control signal Read out the display data specified in the display data storage means,
Or, a remote control device having a display output means for reproducing and outputting characters and graphics. 5. A display device according to claim 2, further comprising a receiving means for receiving a remote control signal including display data, and a display data storage control means for storing said received display data in said display data storage means. The remote control device as described in the above. 6. A remote control controlled device comprising a transmitting means for transmitting a remote control signal including display data to a remote control device. 7. A remote control system comprising the remote control device according to claim 1 or 5 and the remote control controlled device according to claim 6. 8. A remote-controlled device comprising a transmitting means for transmitting a remote-control signal including data designating display data to the remote-control device. 9. A remote control system comprising a remote control device according to claim 4 and a remote control controlled device according to claim 6. 10. An operation key, key input detecting means for detecting and detecting a key input operation of the operation key in at least two stages corresponding to a key operation method or an operation amount, and the key input detecting means. Transmission means for, when a key input operation is detected, generating transmission data corresponding to the operated key, adding data indicating the operation method or operation amount stage of the detected key, and outputting the data as a remote control signal Remote control device equipped with. 11. Receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from a remote control device, extracting data indicating a key operation method or an operation amount stage included in the received remote control signal and transmission data, and operating the key. When the method or the operation amount is at a specific stage, a remote-controlled device including a display output unit that generates and displays a voice, a character, or a figure according to the transmission data. 12. The remote control device according to claim 10 and claim 11.
Remote control system consisting of remote controlled devices. 13. The remote control device according to claim 10, further comprising: receiving means for receiving a remote control signal including display data; and display output means for generating and displaying a voice, a character, or a figure from the received display data. 14. Receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from a remote control device, extracting data indicating a key operation method or a stage of an operation amount included in the received remote control signal and transmission data, and operating the key. When the method or the operation amount is at a specific stage, a remote control controlled device including a transmission unit that transmits a remote control signal including display data corresponding to the transmission data to the remote control device. 15. The remote control device according to claim 13, and claim 14.
Remote control system consisting of remote controlled devices. 16. A receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from a remote control device and extracting transmission data included in the received remote control signal, and generating again a remote control signal including the transmission data to another controlled device. A remote controlled device provided with a transmitting means for transmitting. 17. Receiving means for receiving a remote control signal from a remote control device or another controlled device, and extracting transmission data included in the received remote control signal, and a voice or character corresponding to the transmission data. A remote controlled device having display means for generating and displaying graphics. 18. The remote control device according to claim 10, and claim 16.
A remote control system comprising the remote controlled device according to claim 17.