JPH113102A - Remote control system with operation guide function and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control system with operation guide function and a control method therefor with which the operating mode of electronic equipment is always made coincident with a key guided by a remote control transmitter and the key to be next operated can be surely and exactly guided for an operator. SOLUTION: In the combination of electronic equipment 100 and a remote control transmitter 120 for remotely controlling the electronic equipment 100, the electronic equipment 100 is provided with an operating mode transmitting means 109 for transmitting an operating mode signal Rm showing the operating mode of electronic equipment 100, and the remote control transmitter 120 is provided with a control means 121 for receiving the operating mode signal Rm and controlling the operating mode of remote control transmitter 120 corresponding to the operating mode signal Rm.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control system for remotely controlling various electronic devices, and more particularly to a remote control system with an operation guide function having a function of guiding a predetermined key input operation and a control method thereof. .

[0001]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic devices have been equipped with multiple functions. For example, television receivers include a television receiver with a built-in satellite broadcast receiver and a television receiver with a built-in video cassette recorder. There are various composite forms of

Many such multifunctional electronic devices have a menu display function for displaying various operation settings on a display screen in a menu format.

For example, in a television receiver, operations such as video adjustment, audio adjustment, and channel initial setting are performed in a menu format.

The number of functions to be operated by remote control transmitters (hereinafter, referred to as remote control transmitters) for remotely controlling these electronic devices is increasing because various operation settings are also performed in a menu format.

[0005] Therefore, the conventional remote control transmitter has many keys, or has a small number of keys and is used as a multi-function key in which one key has a plurality of functions. It was difficult to understand and the operability was poor.

Conventionally, various remote control systems have been proposed for the purpose of improving operability.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-299695 discloses a prior art in which a key to be operated next is guided by an LED (light emitting diode) provided integrally with a key in a remote control transmitter of a television receiver. Is disclosed.

A conventional remote control transmitter will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional remote control transmitter, and FIG. 8 is an operation chart thereof.

In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a remote control transmitter, 21 denotes a remote control control unit, 22 denotes a key input unit, 23 denotes a display unit, 224
Is a remote control data transmission unit.

[0011] Remote control transmitter 2 of the conventional device example shown in FIG.
0, a remote control unit 21 for integrally controlling each unit of the remote control transmitter 20, a key input unit 22 composed of a plurality of keys, and transmitting information on which of the plurality of keys has been pressed to the remote control unit 21; A display unit 23 composed of a plurality of LEDs arranged adjacent to each of the plurality of keys and controlled by the remote control unit 21 to light each of the plurality of LEDs; and remote control data modulated and output from the remote control unit 21 A remote control data transmission unit 24 for converting the signal Sd1 into light and light and transmitting the converted signal as a remote control data infrared signal Rd.

Next, the operation of the remote control transmitter 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

When an operator presses a power key (not shown) of the remote control transmitter 20, the remote control control unit 21 detects the pressing of the power key and outputs a modulation signal S including a power-on instruction.
d1 is output to the remote control data transmission unit 24.

The remote control data transmitter 24 transmits a remote control data infrared signal Rd including power-on information to a television receiver (not shown) to turn on the power (step 1).

The remote control controller 21 of the remote control transmitter 20
Is a TV key (not shown) that constitutes the key input unit 21 and whose input operation is enabled after the power is turned on.
TV key guidance LE (not shown) that constitutes the display unit 23 and is arranged adjacent to the video 1 key and the video 2 key, respectively.
After the D / video 1 key / video 2 key is turned on, an input standby state is set (step 2).

The operator operates the key input unit 22 to operate a TV (not shown).
When the key is pressed, the remote control controller 21 transmits a remote control data infrared signal Rd for instructing the menu mode to the remote control data transmitter 24 and transmits it as the remote control data infrared signal Rd.

The television receiver (not shown) receives the remote control data infrared signal Rd for instructing the menu mode from the remote control transmitter 20, switches the operation mode from the "power-on mode" to the "TV mode", and displays a menu setting screen. Is displayed on a display screen (not shown) (step 3).

A remote control unit 21 includes a display unit 23 arranged corresponding to a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and audio main / sub keys (not shown) operable in a menu mode.
Power key guidance LED / channel key guidance LED / volume key guidance LED / voice main / sub key guidance LE not shown
D is turned on, and the remote control transmitter 20 enters an input standby state (step 4).

The conventional remote control transmitter 20 employs the above-described configuration means and control method, and guides the next operable key by the remote control transmitter alone.

[0020]

However, the conventional remote control system has the following disadvantages.

The first point is that the remote control transmitter 20 is operated without directing it to the television receiver (not shown) or that the remote control transmitter 20 is out of the reach of the remote control data infrared signal Rd from the remote control transmitter 20. Since the television receiver (not shown) cannot receive the remote control data infrared signal Rd, the operation mode is not switched and the operation mode is not matched.

Therefore, although the remote control transmitter 20 performs an operation relating to the "menu mode", the television receiver not shown recognizes the operation relating to the "normal mode", and the television receiver not shown operates the operation relating to the "normal mode". However, there is a disadvantage that the user performs an operation contrary to the intention of the user.

As a second point, deriving from the first point, the remote control transmitter cannot confirm that the operation mode of the television receiver (not shown) is in an inconsistent state. There is a drawback that the operable keys of the machine are not correctly guided and the reproducibility of the operation instruction by the operator is poor.

Third, the remote control transmitter 20 always lights a plurality of LEDs of the display unit 23 provided corresponding to the next operable key, even in an input standby state in which no operator operation is given. The battery life of the remote control transmitter 20 is shortened, the battery replacement work is frequently required, and the cost is poor.

Here, a first object of the present invention is to provide an operation mode in which the operation mode of the electronic device and the operation mode of the remote control transmitter are always matched, and an operator can be guided to a key to be operated next reliably and accurately. An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system with a guide function and a control method therefor.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an operation guide capable of always matching an operation mode of an electronic device with a key guided by a remote control transmitter and guiding an operator to a key to be operated next reliably and accurately. It is to provide a remote control system with a function and a control method thereof.

[0027] A third object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system with an operation guide function and a control method thereof, which can extend the life of a battery of a remote control transmitter.

[0028]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention employs the following novel characteristic means and methods.

That is, a first feature of the apparatus of the present invention is that, in a combination of an electronic device and a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the electronic device, the electronic device
An operation mode transmitting unit that transmits an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, wherein the remote control transmitter receives the operation mode signal and responds to the operation mode signal according to the operation mode signal. Is a remote control system with an operation guide function provided with control means for controlling the operation mode.

The second feature of the device of the present invention is that the electronic device includes:
In a combination with a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the electronic device, the electronic device generates an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, and an operation mode transmitting the operation mode signal. Transmitting means, the remote control transmitter comprising: an operation mode receiving means for receiving the operation mode signal; and a control means for guiding and controlling a key operation of the remote control transmitter according to the received operation mode signal. And a remote control system with an operation guide function.

The third feature of the device of the present invention is that the electronic device includes:
In combination with a remote control transmitter that remotely controls the electronic device, the electronic device receives a remote control signal that is transmitted from the remote control transmitter and that is a signal that controls a function of the electronic device. Means, controlling the function of the electronic device according to the remote control signal received by the remote control signal receiving means,
Control means for updating an operation mode of the electronic device to generate an operation mode signal indicating the updated operation mode of the electronic device, and an operation mode transmitting means for transmitting the operation mode signal; The control transmitter includes a plurality of input units to which an instruction from the operator is given, a plurality of display units provided corresponding to each of the plurality of input units, and an operation mode receiving unit for receiving the operation mode signal. And controlling the display of the plurality of display means provided corresponding to the plurality of input means operable in the current operation mode among the plurality of input means in accordance with the received operation mode signal. And a remote controller that generates and outputs a predetermined remote control signal in accordance with an operation given to the plurality of input units that can be operated in the current operation mode. And preparative control control unit, an operation guide remote control system with functions and a remote control data transmission unit that transmits the remote control signal to said control means.

A fourth feature of the present invention is that, in an electronic device remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter, the electronic device includes an operation mode transmitting means for transmitting an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device. This is a remote control system with an operation guide function provided.

A fifth feature of the apparatus of the present invention is that, in an electronic device remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter, the electronic device includes an operation mode generating means for generating an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device. , An operation mode transmitting means for transmitting the operation mode signal.

A sixth feature of the device of the present invention resides in an electronic device remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter.
The electronic device includes a remote control signal receiving unit that receives a remote control signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter and that controls a function of the electronic device, and a remote control signal that is received by the remote control signal receiving unit. Control means for controlling a function of the electronic device in accordance with the above, updating an operation mode of the electronic device to generate an operation mode signal indicating the updated operation mode of the electronic device, and transmitting the operation mode signal This is a remote control system with an operation guide function provided with an operation mode transmitting means.

A seventh feature of the apparatus according to the present invention is that in a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling an electronic device, the remote control transmitter receives an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, A remote control system with an operation guide function, comprising a control means for controlling an operation mode of the remote control transmitter in accordance with a signal.

According to an eighth feature of the present invention, in a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling an electronic device, the remote control transmitter receives an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device. And a control means for guiding and controlling key operation of the remote control transmitter in response to the received operation mode signal.

A ninth feature of the apparatus of the present invention is that in a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling an electronic device, the remote control transmitter comprises a plurality of input means to which an operator's instruction is given, and a plurality of input means. A plurality of display means provided corresponding to each of the means, an operation mode receiving means for receiving an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, and the plurality of display means according to the received operation mode signal. The display means controls the plurality of display means provided corresponding to the plurality of input means operable in the current operation mode among the input means, and the plurality of input means operable in the current operation mode. Remote control control means for generating and outputting a predetermined remote control signal in accordance with an operation given to the remote control; An operation guide remote control system with functions and a remote control data transmission unit which transmits a signal to the control means.

A tenth feature of the device of the present invention is that
The remote control system according to any one of the second, third, seventh, eighth, and ninth devices, wherein the remote control transmitter has an operation guide function including an operation determination unit that detects an operation state of an operator. It is.

A first feature of the method of the present invention is to transmit a remote control data signal from a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling an electronic device, and to receive the transmitted remote control data and receive the received remote control data. Updating the operation mode of the electronic device with data, transmitting the updated operation mode data signal, receiving the updated operation mode data signal, and performing the operation in the current operation mode of the electronic device. A method for controlling a remote control system with an operation guide function, comprising a step of controlling display of a plurality of keys operable by a remote control transmitter.

The second feature of the method of the present invention is that the electronic device includes:
Transmitting, in combination with a remote control transmitter for remotely operating the electronic device, a predetermined remote control data signal in accordance with an operation given to a plurality of input means of the remote control transmitter; and Updating an operation mode of the electronic device according to a remote control data signal; transmitting an operation mode data signal indicating the updated operation mode of the electronic device; and Controlling the display of a plurality of display means respectively arranged corresponding to the plurality of input means operable in the updated operation mode of the electronic device in response to the operation guide function. It is a control method.

A third feature of the method of the present invention is that the electronic device includes:
Transmitting, in combination with a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the electronic device, a predetermined remote control data signal in response to an operation given to a plurality of input means of the remote control transmitter; and Receiving a signal, updating an operation mode of the electronic device according to the received remote control data signal, and transmitting an operation mode data signal indicating the updated operation mode of the electronic device Receiving the operation mode data signal, and arranged corresponding to the plurality of input means operable in the updated operation mode in the electronic device according to the received operation mode data signal. Display system A method of controlling the operation guide function remote control system with that and a step of.

The fourth feature of the method of the present invention is the same as that of any one of the first, second and third methods,
An operation guide comprising: a step of confirming reception of the operation mode data; a step of transmitting a reception confirmation signal when the reception of the operation mode data is confirmed; and a step of receiving the reception confirmation signal. How to control a remote control system with functions.

A fifth feature of the apparatus according to the present invention is that the display control step in any one of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth methods is performed only when an operator operates. This is a method for controlling a remote control system with an operation guide function that enables the display control.

[0044]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a remote control system with an operation guide function according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote control system with an operation guide function according to a first apparatus example of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an operation chart at the time of normal operation in a control method of the remote control system with an operation guide function according to the first method example. FIG. 3 is an operation chart when reception of the remote control data infrared signal fails, and FIG. 4 is an operation chart when reception of the operation mode infrared signal fails.

In the figure, A is a remote control system with an operation guide function, 100 is a television receiver, 10
1 is a control unit, 101a is an operation mode data generation unit, 10
2 is a remote control data receiving unit, 103 is a power control unit, 10
4 is a video / audio control unit, 105 is a tuner unit, 106 is an input switching unit, 107 is a screen display control unit, 108 is a screen display unit, and 109 is an operation mode data transmission unit.

Reference numeral 120 is a remote control transmitter, 121 is a remote control control unit, 122 is a key input unit, 122c to 122x are keys, 123 is a display unit, 123c to 123x are LEDs,
Reference numeral 124 denotes a remote control data transmission unit, 125 denotes an operation mode data reception unit, and 126 denotes an operation mode data decoding unit.

The remote control system A with an operation guide function of the first device example shown in FIG. 1 includes a television receiver 100 which is a kind of electronic equipment, and a remote control transmitter 120 which remotely operates the television receiver 100. It is composed of

The television receiver 100 has a built-in operation mode data generation unit 101 that generates and holds operation mode information of the operation mode of the television receiver 100 as operation mode data. Station control unit 101, remote control data receiving unit 102 that receives and demodulates remote control data infrared signal Rd from remote control transmitter 120, and outputs it to remote control control unit 101 as remote control data signal Sd 2, generated from channel control unit 101 In response to the output power control signal Spw, the power control section 103 controls the power of the television receiver 100 and the video / audio control signal S generated and output from the channel selection control section 101.
In response to the PC, the brightness, hue, screen position adjustment, volume, sound quality, mute, bass enhancement,
Receiving and demodulating television broadcast radio waves of a predetermined channel in response to a video / audio control unit 104 for performing video / audio adjustment control such as surround / audio multiplex switching and a tuning signal Stn generated and output from the tuning control unit 101. The tuner unit 105 outputs a video signal, and any one video signal from the video signal output of the tuner 105 and the video signal output from various external signal inputs is input to the input signal selection signal Ssl from the tuning control unit 101. An input switching unit 106 for selectively outputting according to the following, a screen display control unit 107 for controlling display of a channel number, a menu screen, etc. on the screen display unit 108;
A screen display unit 108 connected to the screen display control unit 107 for displaying an image of a predetermined source, and an operation mode data signal Sm1 including operation mode information generated and output from the operation mode data generation unit 101a in the channel selection control unit 101 And an operation mode data transmission unit 109 for performing electrical-optical conversion on the data and transmitting the converted data.

The solid arrows indicate the control signal system, and the broken arrows indicate the video signal system.

The remote control transmitter 120 includes a remote control control unit 121 for integrally controlling each part of the remote control transmitter 120, a plurality of keys 122c to 122x, and a key input unit 122 which is input to the remote control control unit 121 in parallel. And a plurality of LEDs 123c to 123x arranged adjacent to the keys 122c to 122x, respectively.
And a remote control data transmitting section 124 for performing electro-optical conversion of the remote control data signal Sd1 generated and output from the remote control section 121 and transmitting it as a remote control data infrared signal Rd.
And

The plurality of keys 122c-122 here
Each of x is not limited to a single key, for example, the channel key 122c is composed of keys for 12 channels, the volume key 122v is composed of two keys for instructing up and down of the volume, and the cursor key 122c is up and down. It is composed of four keys for instructing movement in each of the left and right directions.

Each of the plurality of LEDs 123c to 123x has the same configuration corresponding to the plurality of keys 122c to 122x, respectively.

The operation of the remote control system with the operation guide function during normal operation shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

First, it is assumed that the power of the television receiver 100 is in a standby state.

The operator presses the power key 122p of the remote control transmitter 120 (step 101).

The remote controller control unit 121 controls the power key 12
2p is detected, a remote control data signal Sd1 including power-on information is output to the remote control data transmission unit 124,
The remote control data transmitting section 124 transmits the remote control data infrared signal Rd after the electrical-optical conversion (step 10).
2).

The remote control data receiving unit 102 of the television receiver 100 receives and demodulates the infrared light data Rd,
It is output to the tuning control unit 101 as a remote control data signal Sd2 including power-on data (step 103).

The tuning control unit 101 receives the remote control data signal 102 including the power-on data, and sends a power control signal Spw including the power-on information to the power control unit 103.
The power control unit 103 drives a power relay (not shown) to turn on the power of the television receiver 100 (step 104).

Next, in the "normal mode" immediately after the power is turned on, the operation mode data generation unit 101a of the television receiver 100 operates the next operable power key 122p, channel key 122c, volume key 122v, menu key 122m. -Input switch key 122i-Voice switch key 12
2x is converted into an operation mode data modulation signal Sm1 indicating that the 2x is operable and transmitted to the operation mode data transmission unit 109. The operation mode data transmission unit 109 performs electro-optical conversion on the operation mode data modulation signal Sm1 and performs operation. It is transmitted as a mode infrared signal Rm (step 105).

The operation mode receiving section 125 of the remote control transmitter 120 receives the remote control data infrared signal Rd from the television receiver 100 and receives the operation mode data decoding section 1.
26, and the operation mode data decoding unit 126 outputs
The operation mode data demodulation signal Sm2 in the "normal mode" is decoded and output (step 106).

The remote control unit 121 operates in the "normal mode".
Receiving the operation mode data demodulation signal Sm2, the power key 122p, the channel key 122h, the volume key 122v, the menu key 122m,
LEDs 123p, 123h, 123v arranged adjacent to the input switching key 122i and the voice switching key 122x, respectively.
Turn on 123m, 123i and 123x (step 107).

Remote control controller 121 transmits remote control data signal Sd1 modulated with reception confirmation data for notifying reception of operation mode data to remote control data transmitter 104.
And enters an input standby state. (Step 108) Remote control data receiving section 10 of television receiver 100
2 receives and demodulates the remote control data infrared signal Rd, outputs a remote control data demodulation signal Sd2 including reception confirmation data to the channel selection control unit 101, and enters an input standby state (step 109).

Next, when the operator presses menu key 122m (step 110), remote control controller 121 transmits remote control data infrared signal Rd including a menu mode switching instruction (step 111).

Remote control data receiving section 102 of television receiver 100 receives remote control data infrared signal Rd and outputs a remote control data demodulation signal including menu mode information (step 112).

The tuning control unit 101 outputs a menu screen display signal Sdp to the screen display control unit 107, and the screen display control unit 107 displays the menu screen on the screen display unit 108 (step 113).

The operation mode data generation unit 101a of the television receiver 100 includes a cursor key 122c and an input determination key 122e which can be operated next in the "menu mode".
Is generated and held, and an operation mode infrared signal Rm modulated with the operation mode data is transmitted from the operation mode data transmission unit 109 (step 114).

Operation mode data receiving section 125 of remote control transmitter 120 receives remote control data infrared signal Rd from television set 100 and outputs the signal to operation mode data decoding section 126.

The operation mode data decoding section 126
Decodes and outputs the operation mode data decode signal Sm2 of "menu mode" (step 115).

Receiving the "menu mode" decoded output signal Sdm2, remote control controller 121 switches the operation mode of remote control transmitter 120 from "normal mode" to "menu mode", and performs an input operation in the "menu mode". Cursor keys 122c (not shown) in which
LEDs arranged adjacent to the input determination key 122e
Lights 123c and 123e are turned on (step 116).

In order to notify the television receiver 100 of the reception confirmation of the operation mode infrared signal Rm, the remote control controller 121 transmits the remote control data infrared signal Rd modulated with the reception confirmation data to the television receiver 100 and waits for input. The state is reached (step 117).

After receiving the remote control data infrared signal Rd and demodulating the reception confirmation data, the remote control data receiving section 102 of the television receiver 100 enters an input standby state (step 118).

Next, the operation when reception of the remote control data infrared signal Rd shown in FIG. 3 has failed will be described.

(Step 101) to (Step 109)
Will be described from the operation immediately after.

When the operator depresses menu key 122m (step 210), remote control controller 121 controls remote control data infrared signal Rd including a menu mode switching instruction.
Is transmitted (step 211).

Here, the remote control data receiving section 102 of the television receiver 100 receives the remote control data infrared signal Rd.
Is not received, the television receiver 100
The operation mode data generation unit 101a of “1” maintains the “normal mode” (step 212).

Therefore, the remote control transmitter 120 has the channel key 122h, the volume key 122v, and the menu key 1
LED 123h that guides each input operation of 22m
The input standby state is maintained while 123v and 123m are turned on.

As described above, the operation mode of the television receiver 100 and the operation mode of the remote control transmitter 120 match.

Thereafter, the menu key 122 is re-input and the remote control data infrared signal Rd is transmitted to the television receiver 1.
The operation when 20 is normally received is the same as in FIG.

Next, the operation mode infrared signal R shown in FIG.
The operation at the time of failure in receiving m will be described.

(Step 101) to (Step 109)
Will be described from the operation immediately after.

When the operator presses menu key 122m (step 310), remote control controller 121 controls remote control data infrared signal Rd including a menu mode switching instruction.
Is transmitted (step 311).

Remote control data receiving section 102 of television receiver 100 receives remote control data infrared signal Rd and outputs a remote control data demodulation signal including menu mode information (step 312).

The tuning control unit 101 outputs the menu screen display signal Sdp to the screen display control unit 107, and the screen display control unit 107 displays the menu screen on the screen display unit 108 (step 313).

The operation mode data generation unit 101a in the channel selection control unit 101 holds the operation mode data of the "menu mode", and stores information of the cursor key 122c and the input determination key 122e which can be operated next in the "menu mode". Is converted into operation mode data, and the operation mode data
9, the operation mode data infrared signal Rm is transmitted (step 314).

Here, assuming that remote control transmitter 120 cannot receive operation mode infrared signal Rm from television receiver 100 (step 315), remote control transmitter 120 can be operated in the "normal mode". Power key 122p, channel key 122h, volume key 122
LEDs 123p, 123h, 123v, 123m, which are arranged adjacent to v, menu key 122m, input switch key 122i, and audio multiplex switch key 122x, respectively.
The lighting state of 123i and 123x is maintained.

Further, remote control transmitter 120 transmits remote control data infrared signal Rd including reception confirmation data for notifying the completion of reception of the operation mode data to television receiver 100.
Will not be sent to

The television receiver 100 cannot receive the remote control data infrared signal Rd including the reception confirmation data from the remote control transmitter 120 within a predetermined time (step 3).
16) In the case, the television receiver 100 retransmits the operation mode infrared signal Rm (Step 317).

The remote control transmitter 120 receives the operation mode infrared signal Rm from the television receiver 100, and the operation mode data decoding section 126 operates in the “menu mode”.
Is decoded and output (step 318).

The remote controller control section 121 includes LEDs 122c and 1 that are arranged adjacent to the cursor keys 122c and the input determination keys 122e which can be operated in the "menu mode".
22e is turned on (step 319).

The remote control controller 121 generates and outputs a remote control data modulated signal Sd1 modulated with the reception confirmation data, and the remote control data transmitter 124 transmits a remote control data infrared signal Rd (step 320).

After receiving the remote control data infrared signal Rd, the television receiver 100 enters an input standby state (step 321).

The operation mode is designed so that the operation mode infrared signal Rm from the television receiver 100 is longer than the remote control data infrared signal Rd from the remote control transmitter 120. The operation mode infrared signal Rm from the television receiver 100 can be received before the user operates the remote control transmitter 120.

The present example of the apparatus and the example of the present method adopt the above-described methods and means, so that the television receiver 1
00 operation mode Even when reception of the infrared signal Rm fails, the operation mode of the television receiver 100 and the key 122
Does not occur.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a remote control system with an operation guide function according to a second apparatus example of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an operation chart in a control method of the remote control system with an operation guide function according to a second method example.

In the figure, B is a remote control system with an operation guide function, 127 is an operation determination unit, 128 is a detection unit, and 130 is a remote control transmitter.

The same elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The remote control transmitter 130 in the remote control system B with an operation guide function of the second apparatus example of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 detects operation by detecting that the operator is in contact with a part of the remote control transmitter 120. Part 127
And a detection unit 128.

The other components are the same as those of the remote control transmitter 120 of the first device example.

The operation judging section 127 outputs a contact judging signal St in response to the operator touching the detecting section 128 or the like.

The detecting section 128 is formed of a metal electrode exposed at a predetermined portion of a casing (not shown) of the remote control transmitter 130. The skin comes into contact.

Next, a second example of the present invention will be described using this example of the apparatus.

First, it is assumed that the television receiver 100 is in the “normal mode”.

When the operator grips remote control transmitter 130 (step 401), the operator's skin comes into contact with detection unit 128, and operation determination unit 127 sends contact determination signal St to remote control control unit 121 (step 401). Step 402).

When the contact determination signal St is input, the remote control controller 121 operates the cursor keys 122 which can be operated in the current operation mode, that is, in the “menu mode” here.
After turning on the LEDs 123c and 123e arranged adjacent to each of the c. input determination key 122e, the input standby state is entered (step 403).

Next, when the operator presses menu key 122m (step 404), remote control controller 121 transmits remote control data infrared signal Rd including a menu mode switching instruction (step 405).

The remote control data receiving section 102 of the television receiver 100 receives the remote control data infrared signal Rd, and outputs a remote control data demodulation signal including menu mode information (step 406).

The tuning control unit 101 outputs a menu screen display signal Sdp to the screen display control unit 107, and the screen display control unit 107 displays the menu screen on the screen display unit 108 (step 407).

The operation mode data generation unit 101a of the television receiver 100 has a cursor key 122c and an input determination key 122e which can be operated next in the "menu mode".
Is generated and held, and an operation mode infrared signal Rm modulated with the operation mode data is transmitted from the operation mode data transmission unit 109 (step 408).

Operation mode data receiving section 125 of remote control transmitter 120 receives remote control data infrared signal Rd from television receiver 100 and outputs the signal to operation mode data decoding section 126.

The operation mode data decoding section 126
Decodes and outputs the operation mode data decode signal Sm2 of “menu mode” (step 409).

Receiving the decode output signal Sdm2 of the “menu mode”, the remote control controller 121 switches the operation mode of the remote control transmitter 120 from the “normal mode” to the “menu mode”, and performs an input operation in the “menu mode”. Cursor keys 122c (not shown) in which
LEDs arranged adjacent to the input determination key 122e
Lights 123c and 123e are turned on (step 410).

Operation Mode In order to notify the television receiver 100 of the reception confirmation of the infrared signal Rm, the remote control controller 121 transmits the remote control data infrared signal Rd modulated with the reception confirmation data to the television receiver 100, and waits for input. It becomes a state (step 411).

After receiving the remote control data infrared signal Rd and demodulating the reception confirmation data, the remote control data receiving section 102 of the television receiver 100 enters an input standby state (step 412).

When the operator removes his / her hand from remote controller transmitter 130 (step 413), contact of the operator's skin with detector 128 stops, and operation determiner 127 sends contact determination signal St to remote controller controller 121. (Step 414).

When the contact determination signal St is no longer input, the remote control controller 121 resets all of the LEDs 123c to 123c.
After turning off 123x, an input standby state is set (step 415).

The present example of the apparatus and the example of the present method adopt the above-described methods and means, and thus the television receiver 1
00 operation mode Even when reception of the infrared signal Rm fails, the operation mode of the television receiver 100 and the key 122 guided by the remote control
Does not occur, and key input is guided and displayed only when the operator operates the remote control transmitter 130.

In the first and second apparatus examples, the description has been given as having the two operation modes of the "normal mode" and the "menu mode".
-It may have many operation modes such as "menu mode" and "channel setting mode".

Further, for example, a “channel setting mode” and a “video adjustment mode” are further below the “menu mode” hierarchy.
-It may have an operation mode of a multi-layer structure such as a "voice adjustment mode".

Further, the LED arranged adjacent to the key is exemplified as the display device of the display unit 123. However, an LED or the like built in the key such as an irradiation type switch may be adopted, or a light bulb may be used instead of the LED. -Arbitrary display means such as a fluorescent tube, an LCD, an EL display panel, or a combination thereof can be adopted.

Furthermore, the remote control data infrared signal Rd and the operation mode infrared signal Rm have been described as the data transfer means of the television receiver 120 and the remote control transmitter 120. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to this. It is obvious that the present invention can be realized using visible light, ultrasonic waves, or any other wired or wireless communication means.

In addition, the operation determining section 127 and the detecting section 128
In the above description, the change in resistance caused by the operator's skin contact is detected. However, instead of this, a push switch, a reflection-type photo sensor, a pressure detection unit, and the like are provided as a casing (not shown) of the remote control transmitter 120. May be detected by the detection unit 128 disposed outward at a predetermined portion, and the operation determination unit 127 may output a contact determination signal St by detecting a contact of the operator with the detection unit 128, or any other detection. Techniques and means can be employed.

[0124]

As described above, the remote control system with the operation guide function of the present invention and the control method therefor have the following advantages.

The first point is that the operation mode transmitting means is provided in the electronic device and the operation mode receiving means is provided in the remote control transmitter to transmit the operation mode information to the remote control transmitter. There is an advantage that the operation modes of the transmitters can always be matched.

As a second point, the remote control transmitter confirms the operation mode of the television receiver, derived from the first point, so that the remote control transmitter can be operated in the current operation mode of the electronic device. The key can be accurately guided, the reproducibility of the operation instruction by the operator is excellent, and the erroneous operation of the key input and the unintended operation of the electronic device based on the operation can be prevented.

Third, after the remote control transmitter receives the operation mode data, the reception confirmation data is transmitted to the television receiver for confirmation, which has an advantage of high operation reliability.

As a fourth point, a means for detecting the presence or absence of an operation of the remote control transmitter by the operator is provided, and the display means for guiding the key operation only during the operation by the operator is turned on, so that the battery of the remote control transmitter is discharged. The wear can be reduced as much as possible, the service life of the power supply can be extended, and there is an advantage that economy is excellent.

The fifth point is that it can be realized only by adding a small number of parts to the electronic device and the remote control transmitter, and has advantages that the configuration is simple and economical.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote control system with an operation guide function of a first device example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation chart at the time of a normal operation in the control method of the remote control system with the operation guide function of the first method example.

FIG. 3 is an operation chart when reception of the remote control data infrared signal fails.

FIG. 4 is an operation chart when reception of an operation mode infrared signal fails in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a remote control system with an operation guide function of a second device example of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation chart in the control method of the remote control system with the operation guide function of the second method example.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional remote control transmitter.

FIG. 8 is an operation chart of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

A, B Remote control system with operation guide function 100 Television receiver 101 Control unit 101a Operation mode data generation unit 102 Remote control data reception unit 103 Power supply control unit 104 Video / audio control unit 105 Tuner unit 106 Input switching unit 107 Screen display control Unit 108 Screen display unit 109 Operation mode data transmission unit 120, 130, 20 Remote control transmitter 121, 21 Control unit 122, 22 Key input unit 122c Cursor key 122e Input determination key 122h Channel key 122i Input switch key 122m Menu key 122p Power key 122v Volume key 122x Voice multiplex switching key 123, 23 Display unit 123c Cursor key guidance LED 123e Input determination key guidance LED 123h Channel key guidance LED 123i Input Switch key 123m Menu key guide LED 123p Power key guide LED 123v Volume key guide LED 123x Voice multiplex switch key guide LED 124, 24 Remote control data transmission unit 125 Operation mode data reception unit 126 Operation mode data decoding unit 127 Operation determination unit 128 Detection unit

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A combination of an electronic device and a remote control transmitter that remotely controls the electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes an operation mode transmitting unit that transmits an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device. The remote control transmitter receives the operation mode signal, and has an operation guide function characterized by comprising control means for controlling an operation mode of the remote control transmitter according to the operation mode signal. Remote control system. 2. A combination of an electronic device and a remote control transmitter for remotely operating the electronic device, wherein the electronic device generates an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device; Operating mode transmitting means for transmitting the operating mode signal, the remote control transmitter comprising: an operating mode receiving means for receiving the operating mode signal; and the remote control transmitting apparatus according to the received operating mode signal. And a control means for guiding and controlling the key operation of the remote control system. 3. A combination of an electronic device and a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a remote control signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter and controlling a function of the electronic device. Remote control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal; controlling a function of the electronic device according to a remote control signal received by the remote control signal receiving means; updating an operation mode of the electronic device; Control means for generating an operation mode signal indicating the updated operation mode, and operation mode transmitting means for transmitting the operation mode signal, wherein the remote control transmitter is provided with an instruction from an operator. A plurality of input means, corresponding to each of the plurality of input means, A plurality of display means, an operation mode receiving means for receiving the operation mode signal, and the plurality of input means operable in a current operation mode in response to the received operation mode signal. While controlling the display of the plurality of display means provided corresponding to the respective input means, and transmitting a predetermined remote control signal to each of the plurality of input means operable in the current operation mode. A remote control system with an operation guide function, comprising: remote control control means for generating and outputting; and a remote control data transmission unit for transmitting the remote control signal to the control means. 4. An operation of an electronic device remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter, wherein the electronic device includes an operation mode transmitting unit that transmits an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device. Remote control system with guide function. 5. An electronic device remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter, wherein the electronic device generates an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, and transmits the operation mode signal. A remote control system with an operation guide function, comprising: 6. An electronic device remotely controlled by a remote control transmitter, wherein the electronic device receives a remote control signal transmitted from the remote control transmitter and controlling a function of the electronic device. A signal receiving unit, controlling a function of the electronic device according to a remote control signal received by the remote control signal receiving unit, updating an operation mode of the electronic device, and updating the operation mode of the electronic device. A remote control system with an operation guide function, comprising: control means for generating an operation mode signal indicating the following; and operation mode transmission means for transmitting the operation mode signal. 7. A remote control transmitter for remotely controlling an electronic device, wherein the remote control transmitter receives an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, and receives the remote control signal according to the operation mode signal. A remote control system with an operation guide function, comprising control means for controlling an operation mode of a transmitter. 8. A remote control transmitter for remotely controlling an electronic device, wherein the remote control transmitter receives an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, and the received operation mode signal. And a control means for guiding and controlling the key operation of the remote control transmitter in response to the command. 9. A remote control transmitter for remotely operating an electronic device, wherein the remote control transmitter is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of input means to which an instruction of an operator is given and the plurality of input means. A plurality of display means, an operation mode receiving means for receiving an operation mode signal indicating an operation mode of the electronic device, and a current operation mode among the plurality of input means according to the received operation mode signal. In addition to controlling the display of the plurality of display means provided in correspondence with the plurality of input means operable in, each of the plurality of input means operable in the current operation mode in response to application of operation to the plurality of input means Remote control control means for generating and outputting a predetermined remote control signal; and transmitting the remote control signal to the control means. A remote control system with an operation guide function, comprising: a remote control data transmission unit for transmitting. 10. The remote control transmitter,
10. The remote control system with an operation guide function according to claim 1, further comprising operation determination means for detecting an operation state of the operator. Transmitting a remote control data signal from a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the electronic device, receiving the transmitted remote control data, and operating the electronic device according to the received remote control data. Updating the operation mode data signal, receiving the updated operation mode data signal, and operating the remote control transmitter in the current operation mode of the electronic device. Controlling the display of a plurality of keys. A method for controlling a remote control system with an operation guide function. 12. A combination of an electronic device and a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the electronic device, wherein a predetermined remote control data signal is transmitted in accordance with an operation given to a plurality of input means of the remote control transmitter. Transmitting; and updating the operation mode of the electronic device according to the transmitted remote control data signal; and transmitting an operation mode data signal indicating the updated operation mode of the electronic device. Controlling the display of a plurality of display means arranged corresponding to the plurality of input means operable in the updated operation mode of the electronic device in response to the transmitted operation mode data signal. Remote control with operation guide function The method of Lumpur system. 13. A combination of an electronic device and a remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the electronic device, wherein a predetermined remote control data signal is transmitted in response to an operation given to a plurality of input means of the remote control transmitter. Transmitting; receiving the remote control data signal; updating an operation mode of the electronic device according to the received remote control data signal; and updating the updated operation mode of the electronic device. Transmitting the operation mode data signal, and receiving the operation mode data signal; and operable in the updated operation mode in the electronic device in response to the received operation mode data signal. Assigned to each input method Controlling the display of a plurality of display means disposed on the remote control system with an operation guide function. 14. A step of confirming that the operation mode data has been received, a step of transmitting a reception confirmation signal when the reception of the operation mode data has been confirmed, and a step of receiving the reception confirmation signal. 14. The control method for a remote control system with an operation guide function according to claim 11, further comprising steps. 15. In the step of controlling display,
15. The control method for a remote control system with an operation guide function according to claim 11, wherein the display control is enabled only when an operator operates.