KR20000027699A - Programmable universal remote controller and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A programmable universal remote controller and a method for controlling the same are disclosed to provide a variety of remote control patterns according to users' preference. CONSTITUTION: A programmable universal remote controller includes a CPU(1) for controlling each part using a predetermined program and a key pad(2) having a numerical button, a plurality of selection buttons, a program button for inputting preference channels. A receiver selecting switch(3) is provided to select a receiver to be controller by the remote controller. A display(4) is further provided to display an input state when preference channels are input. A ROM(5) stores code information and a program having an operation logic of the remote controller. A non-volatilization memory(7) maintains the storing state of the a plurality of preference channel groups and blend codes. An infrared transmitter is used to send a wave form from a remote controller to a receiver.

Description

Programmable Universal Remote Control and Control Method

The present invention relates to a programmable universal remote controller and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to invent and select a user's favorite channel sequentially using various selection buttons.

In other words, it offers a choice of groups, either individually (e.g. fathers, mothers, children, etc.) or by content (e.g. movies, sports, education, shopping, etc.) The present invention relates to a programmable universal remote controller and a method for controlling the same, wherein the preferred channel of the controller is stored in the remote controller and the selected channel can be easily selected.

Most remote controllers (also called remote controllers) in the related art simply select and press a button installed on the remote controller by appointment with various receivers (for example, TV receiver, CATV, VCR, and audio). The code is configured to perform the function of making a signal waveform and sending it to the receiver.

In addition, the receiver controlled by the remote controller is configured to perform a function corresponding to the code after analyzing the received signal from the remote controller through the central control unit built in the receiver itself.

In addition, since the receiver for processing the remote control signal is embedded in the TV itself, the CATV converter itself, or the VCR itself and the audio itself, and the remote controller is manufactured by different codes for different receiver manufacturers or models, the user can Each of the above receivers was inevitably controlled by a remote control manufactured for the receiver of the receiver.

Therefore, recently, some remote controllers have been developed and sold to integrate and control multi-brand receivers into a single remote controller. It stores the code data of the signal waveform corresponding to the button of -brand), and when the user manipulates the button, it produces the same signal as the remote control of the corresponding receiver.

However, in recent years, the number of channels that can be received in CATV and satellite broadcasting has increased to dozens or 100, and in the future, hundreds of channels are expected to be provided.In this case, the up / down buttons are pressed several times to find a channel to be received through the universal remote controller. In order to operate or move directly to the desired channel, it is inconvenient for a person to remember.

To solve this problem, some CATV converters provide a way to select a preferred channel and store it in the receiver so that the converter selects the preferred channel when the remote controller is operated.

However, even in this case, the preferred channels can be different for each individual, which is inconvenient to use, and the storage and selection of the preferred channels is performed by the converter, so that the receivers that have already been sold are not modified by the receiver. Can not be provided.

That is, in the related art, there is no remote controller that can input and select a preferred channel in itself, and there is no remote controller that can select and provide a plurality of preferred channel groups by individual or genre.

However, the same kind of programs, such as news, movies, sports, etc., may have different channels preferred by individuals, and general programs also have different channels that are preferred by individuals. Using them requires a way to accommodate each individual.

This method can provide the function in the receiver, but there is a problem that the already sold receiver cannot provide this function without modification of the receiver.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, the selection of multiple groups by individual (eg father, mother, children, etc.) or by content (eg movie, sports, education, shopping, etc.) The first object of the present invention is to provide a programmable universal remote controller and a control method thereof, by which multiple preferred channels can be stored in a remote controller and each channel can be easily selected.

The second object of the present invention is to provide the above functions to the remote control can be used without modifying the existing installed and used water receiver, and also to control the control of various types or different company brand (Multi-brand) products The present invention provides a programmable universal remote controller and a method of controlling the same.

The third object of the present invention, as mentioned in the newly developed receiver can be selected by making the preferred channels into a group of several groups, and select the prohibited channel for the channel that must selectively prevent reception, such as adult channels or movie channels The present invention provides a programmable universal remote controller and a control method thereof capable of receiving a channel by restricting the selection of the channel.

The fourth object of the present invention is a program that can be used in place of the existing remote control, and can be used as a product that additionally serves as a supplementary function by collecting frequently used functions from the existing remote control program for the user's convenience The present invention provides a universal remote controller and a method of controlling the same.

The object of the present invention described above is a known central control unit (CPU) for controlling the operation of each part through a predetermined program; Many selection buttons of the favorite channel group, program buttons for inputting multiple favorite channels, up / down buttons of the favorite channels, buttons for setting the corresponding brand among the multi-brands, number buttons, VTR operation buttons A keypad for generating a button signal operated by a user having a configuration in which the back is attached; A receiver selection switch for selecting a receiver to be operated by a remote controller; A display device for knowing the progress of the mode when inputting a favorite channel or setting a brand code of the receiver; A ROM for storing a program corresponding to an operation flow of the remote controller and code information corresponding to remote control buttons of a multi-brand; A known RAM in which predetermined data are temporarily stored when the CPU executes a program; A nonvolatile memory for maintaining a storage state of a plurality of preferred channel groups and a brand code of a receiver even when no power is supplied; It consists of a well-known infrared transmitter which sends a wave to be transmitted from the remote control to the receiver through infrared rays, and executes a predetermined program that allows the user to sequentially input and select a favorite channel by using various selection buttons on the CPU. Can be achieved.

Therefore, the user can select a group of favorite channels by individual or content and store them in the remote control, and can easily select and view and listen to the channels as needed, and can also use them without modifying the existing receiver. The control of Multi-brand products can be accommodated with a single remote control, it can be used instead of the existing remote control, and it can be used as a supplementary role by collecting frequently used functions among existing remote controls. It can be convenient.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of the entire remote control of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an embodiment of a keypad of the present invention remote control.

3 is a main flowchart for explaining the method of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart showing a brand code input subroutine in the method of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred channel program input subroutine in the method of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart showing a preferred channel group number selection subroutine in the method of the present invention.

7 is a flowchart showing a preferred channel up / down subroutine in the method of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on main parts of drawing

1: CPU 2: Keypad

3: Receiver selection switch 4: Display device

5: ROM 6: RAM

7: non-volatile memory 8: infrared transmitter

21: Number button 22: Preferred channel group selection button

23: favorite channel input program button 24: favorite channel up / down button

25: brand setting button

1 is a block diagram illustrating the entire block diagram of the remote controller of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an embodiment of a keypad of the remote controller according to the present invention. Accordingly, the remote controller of the present invention controls an operation of each part through a predetermined program. A known CPU 1;

The number corresponding to the existing number button 21, the multiple selection button 22 of the preferred channel group, the program button 23 for inputting a plurality of preferred channels, the up or down button 24 of the preferred channel, the brand corresponding to the multi-brand A keypad 2 having a configuration in which a button 25 for setting of a button, a VTR operation button, etc. are additionally installed, and a key signal corresponding to a button operated by a user;

A receiver selection switch 3 for selecting a receiver to be operated by a remote controller;

A display device (4) which makes it possible to know the progress of the mode when inputting a favorite channel or setting a brand code of the receiver;

A ROM 5 for storing a program corresponding to an operation flow of the remote controller and code information corresponding to remote control buttons of a multi-brand;

A known RAM (6) in which predetermined data are temporarily stored when the CPU (1) executes a predetermined program;

A nonvolatile memory 7 which maintains a storage state of several preferred channel groups and a brand code of a receiver even when no power is supplied;

It is characterized in that it comprises a known infrared transmitter 8 for sending a waveform to be transmitted from the remote control to the receiver through the infrared.

In addition, Figure 3 shows a main flow chart for explaining the method of the present invention, according to the process of continuing to detect whether there is a key input in the state of entering the sleep mode after initialization; If there is a key input, the brand code input subroutine and the preferred channel are sequentially detected by detecting whether the key is a key for inputting a brand code, a key for a program, a key for selecting a preferred channel group, or a preferred channel up / down key. Performing a subroutine corresponding to a corresponding key among a program input subroutine, a preferred channel group number selection subroutine, and a favorite channel up / down subroutine, and returning to an initial process; As a result of detecting the input key, if the key does not correspond to any of the above keys, a signal of a waveform corresponding to the corresponding code is transmitted and the process returns to the initial process.

4 is a flowchart showing a brand code input subroutine in the above-described method of the present invention, wherein the display device is turned on to indicate that the mode has started; Finding a selected receiver by reading a position corresponding to a receiver (for example, TV, VTR, STB, audio) to be set up; Waiting for input of a numeric code corresponding to a brand of a receiver to be set; Storing the brand code of the corresponding receiver in the nonvolatile memory 7 and then turning off the display device 4 when the input is completed and the enter key is input; If a valid code is entered without an enter key, the method returns to reading a code input corresponding to a desired brand, but an invalid code is entered without an enter key (that is, an input button). In the case where a button other than this number is inputted), the display device 4 is turned off and finished.

5 is a flowchart showing a preferred channel program input subroutine in the method of the present invention, in which the display device 4 is turned on to indicate that the mode has started, and a button corresponding to one of the preferred channel groups is inputted. Comparing and comparing with each other, waiting for input of a preferred channel, and if not, turning off the display device 4 and terminating it; When one preference channel is input and an enter key is input, sequentially storing the temporary preference in the RAM 6 which is a temporary storage location and waiting for a new preference channel number input; The program button indicating that the input is completed is compared again (toggled), and if so, all preferred channels stored in the temporary storage location RAM (6) are written to the nonvolatile memory (7) together with the selected group number and displayed. Turning off and terminating the device (4); If the program button is not input, it is determined whether the input button is valid. If the input button is not valid, the display device 4 is turned off and terminated. If the input button is a valid button number, a new favorite channel number input is read. It characterized in that the step consisting of returning to.

6 is a flowchart showing a preferred channel group number selection subroutine in the method of the present invention, and storing the input group number as the currently selected group number; And outputting a waveform corresponding to the code of the first stored channel number of the preferred channel corresponding to the currently selected group number.

7 is a flowchart showing a favorite channel up / down subroutine in the method of the present invention, comprising: detecting whether an input button is a favorite channel up button; If the detected result is the preferred channel upkey, bringing a code corresponding to the next channel number from the preferred channel of the currently selected group number stored in the nonvolatile memory 7 and outputting a corresponding waveform; If the result of the detection is not the favorite channel up key (i.e., if the input button is the favorite channel down button), the code corresponding to the previous channel number is taken from the preferred channel of the currently selected group number stored in the nonvolatile memory 7. Characterized in that the step consisting of exporting a waveform.

Referring to the operation state of the present invention as follows.

First, the CPU 1, which is a central control device, is a central part controlled by the center of the remote controller of the present invention, and controls each part according to the operation flow, and the keypad 2 controls an input button for operating the remote controller of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of selection buttons 22 of a preferred channel group, a program button 23 for inputting a plurality of preferred channels, an up or down button 24 of a preferred channel, and a multi-brand Including the button 25 for setting the corresponding brand, the number button 21 and the VTR operation button are installed like the existing remote control.

In addition, the receiver selection switch 3 is a switch for selecting a receiver to be operated by a remote controller, and there may be a TV, a VTR, a settop box for a cable, an audio device, etc., and implemented by a rotary switch or a general touch button. Can be.

In addition, when the display device 4 inputs a preferred channel to the remote controller of the present invention or sets a brand code of the receiver, the display device 4 can know the progress of the mode, and can be implemented by LED or LCD. Through the same display device 4, it is easy to know whether or not the remote control operation is a normal procedure. If a key button is not input for a predetermined time, the operation is considered to be abandoned and returned to normal mode.

The ROM 5, which is a read-only memory, stores a program corresponding to an operation flow of the remote controller and code information corresponding to buttons of a multi-brand remote controller, and the RAM 6, which is a temporary memory, allows the CPU 1 to execute a program. Used as a storage space needed in the middle of execution (i.e. when temporarily saving a channel value until the final save confirmation button is inputted when entering a favorite channel, the currently selected favorite group selection number and selection channel up / down). Used for the current favorite channel selected by down or preference group number selection).

In addition, the non-volatile memory (NV) memory 7 is intended to be used as a storage location for storing several preferred channel groups and brand codes of a receiver in a remote controller of the present invention, and power is supplied due to its characteristics. Even if the battery is not used up, the stored value remains, so even if the battery is exhausted, the value input to the favorite channel can be protected.

In other words, unlike RAM6, which is a temporary memory, the nonvolatile memory 7 is a device that is not erased even when all the power is consumed, and unlike ROM5, which is a read-only memory, data is changed and stored while operating a remote controller. As most of the existing remote controllers perform the simple function of generating only the code corresponding to the button when the button is operated, such a nonvolatile memory is not needed. It is sometimes used to learn and store the corresponding signal waveform.

However, the nonvolatile memory 7 used in the present invention stores and inputs a channel number for each user instead of a signal waveform, and then reads out a channel stored therein when selecting a desired channel among the preferred channels. In one embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 7 does not need to re-enter the channel number because the data stored therein is not erased even when the power is not supplied. Thus, the present invention is very different from the conventional remote control method. By (7) it is possible to control the various receivers already installed in the method intended in the present invention.

In addition, the infrared transmitter (IR) 8 emits a waveform to be transmitted from the remote controller through the infrared LED so that the light receiving element installed in the receiver can receive it.

On the other hand, in the CPU (1) of the remote control to which the method of the present invention is applied, after initial power is supplied, after initializing the system, it waits for the key button to be input, which is to minimize the power consumption when the button is not pressed. (1) is to enter the Sleep mode.

Thereafter, the CPU 1 continuously detects whether a predetermined key button is input from the keypad 2 and wakes up when a predetermined key signal is input, and compares whether the input button is intended to input a brand code. The brand code input subroutine is executed. Otherwise, the program button for the preference channel input is compared. If that is the case, the preference channel program subroutine is performed. If not, the button for the program is selected. Comparing whether it is one of the buttons to perform a corresponding channel group selection subroutine, and if it corresponds to this button or whether the channel is a favorite channel up or down button, and if it is corresponding to performs the preferred channel up / down subroutine.

Of course, even though the key buttons are sequentially identified as described above, if no key is present, the signal waveform of the code corresponding to the currently input key button input is immediately transmitted through the infrared transmitter 8, as well as the above. After all of the same process as described above, the CPU 1 enters the sleep mode again.

As described above, when the input key is a key for inputting a brand code, the brand code input subroutine first turns on the display device 4 to inform the user that the mode has been started, and then to set it. It reads the position corresponding to the receiver (for example, TV, VTR, STB, audio) to find out the selected receiver, and then waits for input of a numeric code corresponding to the brand of the receiver to be set.

Subsequently, when the user inputs an enter key together with a code corresponding to a desired brand and the brand input is completed, the CPU 1 stores the code corresponding to the brand of the receiver in the nonvolatile memory 7. When the display device 4 is turned off and the main subroutine is ended, and it is determined that the input button is not a number and another button is input, the display device 4 is turned off and the main subroutine is finished.

In addition, in the above preferred channel program subroutine, as shown in Fig. 5, when the input key is a key for inputting the preferred channel program, the CPU 1 first turns on the display device 4 to start the mode. Then, it compares whether the button corresponding to any one of the preferred channel groups is input, and if so, waits for input of the preferred channel, otherwise turns off the display device 4 and ends the subroutine.

As described above, when one preferred channel is input by the user while waiting for input of the preferred channel, the processes are sequentially stored in the RAM 6, which is a temporary storage location, and then the process of waiting for the next preferred channel is repeatedly performed. During the process, it continuously detects whether a program button indicating that the user's preferred channel input is completed is inputted (toggled), and if so, all the preferred channels stored in the RAM 6, which is a temporary storage location, together with the selected group number, are non-volatile. After writing to the memory 7, the display device 4 is turned off and this subroutine ends.

However, if the program button is not input as a result of detection by the CPU 1, check whether the input button is a valid button or an invalid button. If the button is not valid, the display device 4 is turned off and this subroutine is canceled. If the input button is a valid button number, the process returns to reading a new favorite channel number.

In the above-described preferred channel group number selection subroutine, as shown in FIG. 6, if the input key is the preferred channel group number as a result of the determination by the CPU 1, the first input group number is used as the currently selected group number. In the RAM 6 or the non-volatile memory 7, and then transmits the code waveform of the first stored channel number corresponding to the currently selected group number through the infrared transmitter 8 to recognize the corresponding channel. And select it.

In addition, the preferred channel up / down subroutine which is recognized as the preferred channel up / down key as a result of detecting the key input by the CPU 1 is performed as shown in FIG. 7. Or check whether it is a down button and if it is an up button, the waveform corresponding to the code of the next channel number is exported from the favorite channel of the currently selected group number.If the input button is a down channel, the previous channel from the favorite channel of the currently selected group number is selected. By exporting the waveform corresponding to the code of the number, the receiver's channel is automatically up or down, and the user's favorite channel is automatically selected.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to select several groups for individual users or program contents, and to store several preferred channels in the corresponding groups, as well as in the channels stored in the remote controller. Not only can you easily select and watch and listen to the channels you want, you can use it without modifying your existing receiver, and you can control multiple types or different multi-brand products. It can be accommodated with the remote control of the receiver, and it is also equipped with a newly developed receiver, and as mentioned, the preferred channels can be grouped and selected, and forbidden channels for channels such as adult channels or movie channels that need to be selectively prevented from receiving. You can receive by restricting the channel selection in the In addition, it can be used in place of the existing remote control, and can be used as a supplementary role by collecting the functions frequently used among the existing remote control to facilitate the user's convenience, such as a very useful inventor will be.

Claims (6)

A known CPU 1 for controlling the operation of each part through a predetermined program; The number corresponding to the existing number button 21, the multiple selection button 22 of the preferred channel group, the program button 23 for inputting a plurality of preferred channels, the up or down button 24 of the preferred channel, the brand corresponding to the multi-brand A keypad 2 having a configuration in which a button 25 for setting of a button, a VTR operation button, etc. are additionally installed, and a key signal corresponding to a button operated by a user; A receiver selection switch 3 for selecting a receiver to be operated by a remote controller; A display device (4) which makes it possible to know the progress of the mode when inputting a favorite channel or setting a brand code of the receiver; A well-known ROM 5 for storing a program corresponding to an operation flow of the remote controller and code information corresponding to a multi-brand remote controller button; A known RAM (6) in which predetermined data are temporarily stored when the CPU (1) executes a predetermined program; A nonvolatile memory 7 which maintains a storage state of several preferred channel groups and a brand code of a receiver even when no power is supplied; A programmable universal remote controller, comprising: a known infrared transmitter (8) for transmitting a waveform to be transmitted from a remote controller to a receiver in the air through infrared rays. Continually detecting whether there is a key input in the state of entering the sleep mode after initialization when power is supplied; If there is a key input, the brand code input subroutine and the preferred channel are sequentially detected by detecting whether the key is a key for inputting a brand code, a key for a program, a key for selecting a preferred channel group, or a preferred channel up / down key. Performing a subroutine corresponding to a corresponding key among a program input subroutine, a preferred channel group number selection subroutine, and a favorite channel up / down subroutine, and returning to an initial process; When the input key is detected and none of the above keys is applied, the control method of the programmable universal remote controller is characterized by transmitting a signal of a waveform corresponding to a corresponding code and returning to an initial process. . The method according to claim 2, wherein the brand code input subroutine comprises the steps of: turning on the display device (4) to indicate that the mode has started; Finding a selected receiver by reading a position corresponding to a receiver to be set; Waiting for input of a numeric code corresponding to a brand of a receiver to be set; Storing the brand code of the corresponding receiver in the nonvolatile memory 7 and then turning off the display device 4 when the input is completed and the enter key is input; If a valid code is input in the state where no enter key is input, the display returns to the step of reading a code input corresponding to a desired brand, but if an invalid code is input in the state in which no enter key is input, the display device 4 is turned on. Control method of a programmable universal remote control, characterized in that the step consisting of turning off and ending. The method according to claim 2, wherein the preferred channel program input subroutine turns on the display device (4) to indicate that the mode has started, and compares whether a button corresponding to one of the preferred channel groups is input, and if so, enters the preferred channel. Waiting for it to be turned off or turning off the display device 4; When one preference channel is input and an enter key is input, sequentially storing the temporary preference in the RAM 6 which is a temporary storage location and waiting for a new preference channel number input; The program button indicating that the input is completed is compared again (toggled), and if so, all preferred channels stored in the temporary storage location RAM (6) are written to the nonvolatile memory (7) together with the selected group number and displayed. Turning off and terminating the device (4); If the program button is not input, it is determined whether the input button is valid. If the input button is not valid, the display device 4 is turned off and terminated. If the input button is a valid button number, a new favorite channel number input is read. Control method of a programmable universal remote control, characterized in that consisting of a step back. The method of claim 2, wherein the preferred channel group number selection subroutine comprises: storing the input group number as the currently selected group number; And outputting a waveform corresponding to the code of the first stored channel number of the preferred channel corresponding to the currently selected group number. The method of claim 2, wherein the favorite channel up / down subroutine comprises: detecting whether an input button is a favorite channel up button; If the detected result is the preferred channel upkey, bringing a code corresponding to the next channel number from the preferred channel of the currently selected group number stored in the nonvolatile memory 7 and outputting a corresponding waveform; And if the preferred channel down key is detected as a result, the code corresponding to the previous channel number is taken from the preferred channel of the currently selected group number stored in the nonvolatile memory 7 and the corresponding waveform is outputted. Universal remote control method.