WO2003051085A1

WO2003051085A1 - Method and apparatus for setting radio frequency for use in remote controller

Info

Publication number: WO2003051085A1
Application number: PCT/KR2001/002132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seongho Ko
Original assignee: Seongho Ko
Priority date: 2001-12-08
Filing date: 2001-12-08
Publication date: 2003-06-19
Also published as: AU2002222736A1

Abstract

Remote Controller for setting radio-frequency is disclosed. The remote controller comprises an operation panel (302) for manually selecting a value of frequency, a program memory (404) for storing a frequency data, a microprocessor (CPU) (406) for reading out from the program memory (404) the frequency data corresponding to the value of the frequency selected by the operation panel (302), a PLL circuit (402) for generating an oscillation signal with a voltage level in response to the frequency data provided from the microprocessor (CPU) (406), and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) (401) for generating a radio-frequency corresponding to the oscillation signal.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING RADIO FREQUENCY FOR USE IN

REMOTE CONTROLLER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for setting a radio frequency for use in a remote

controller; and more particularly, to a method and apparatus,

which employ a phase locked loop circuit in setting a radio frequency by using a remote controller for controlling a

model plane or a model car, so as to overcome inconvenience of setting a frequency for a communication signal using a

crystal replacement method in the conventional remote controller, and to enable a user to easily set a programmed use frequency by a key input operation^'.

Description of the Prior Art

In general, it has been popular for children and

adults to operate model planes, model boats or model cars. A user remotely controls the model planes, the model boats

or the model cars by using a technique v/hich transmits and

receives a radio frequency signal.

Fig. 1 is a view showing an external view of a

conventional remote controller.

The conventional remote controller 100 includes a

crystal 102, a band pass filter 104, a crystal terminal 106, a throttle controller 108, a steering controller 110, an antenna 112, and a power supply switch 114. The crystal 102

generates an oscillating signal. The band pass filter 104

determines a frequency band of a radio frequency signal. The crystal terminal 106 contributes to replace the crystal 102 and the band pass filter 104 with another, so that the

conventional remote controller 100 can operate in a signal

with a different frequency. A user may use the throttle controller 108 to input commands for moving a model car

forward or backward, and may use the steering controller 110

to input commands for moving the model car left or right.

The antenna 112 transmits the radio frequency signal.

Electric -power can be supplied by operating the power supply switch 114.

In the conventional remote controller 100, the throttle controller 108 has a form of a straight lever which

can be pushed forward or pulled backward. The steering

controller 110 also has a form of a straight lever which can

be pushed leftward or rightward.

Moving the model car forward by an operation of the

throttle controller 108 in the conventional remote controller 100 means moving the model car in a front

direction. Similarly, moving the model car backward means moving the model car to a direction opposite to the forward

direction of the model car, that is, to move the model car in a backward direction in relation to the model car.

In changing the direction of movement of the model car, a steering wheel of the model car can be turned to left by

operating the steering controller 110 to left. Also, the

steering wheel of the model car can be turned to right by operating the steering controller 110 to right.

When the user operates the throttle controller 108 and

the steering controller 110 of the conventional remote controller 100, a frequency signal corresponding to each

operation is generated, and is then -outputted as a radio frequency signal through the antenna 214. That is, when the

user pushes the throttle controller 108 forward, a radio frequency signal for moving the model car forward is

outputted through the antenna 112. In contrast, when the

user pulls the throttle controller 108 backward, a radio

frequency signal for moving the model car backward is outputted through the antenna 112.

In the same manner, when the user moves the steering controller 110 leftward, a radio frequency for moving the model car leftward ^■ is outputted through the antenna 112.

When the user moves the steering controller 110 rightward, a

radio frequency for moving the model car rightward is outputted through the antenna 112.

The conventional remote controller 100 includes the

crystal 102 and the band pass filter 104 for use in

generatng a signal having a frequency corresponding to each operation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the conventional remote controller

100 shown in FIG. 1.

The conventional remote controller 100 includes a crystal oscillator 202, a radio transmitter 204, an antenna

214, a program memory 216 and a microprocessor (CPU) 218.

The crystal oscillator 202 generates a frequency signal according to a voltage signal. The radio transmitter 204

eliminates noise included in the frequency signal from the crystal oscillator 202, and amplifies and outputs the

frequency signal from which the noise has been eliminated as

a radio frequency signal. The antenna 214 transmits the

radio frequency signal from the radio transmitter 204. The program memory 216 stores an operation program of the

conventional remote controller 100. The CPU 218 controls the steering function of the conventional remote controller

100 and outputs a voltage signal to the crystal oscillator

202 when it receives an input signal from either the throttle controller 108 or the steering controller 110.

The crystal oscillator 202 includes a crystal 102 and

a band pass filter 104. The crystal oscillator 202

generates a frequency signal by means of the crystal 102 in a frequency band determined by the band pass filter 104.

The radio transmitter 204 includes a first filter 206,

a first amplifier 208, a second filter 210, and a second

amplifier 212. The first filter 206 eliminates a noise

component included in the frequency signal from the oscillator 202. The first amplifier amplifies the frequency

signal filtered by the first filter 206. The second filter O 03/051085

210 eliminates a noise component included in the frequency

signal amplified by the first amplifier 208. The second

amplifier 212 amplifies the frequency signal filtered by the

second filter 210.

In an operation of the conventional remote controller

100 having the construction described above, when a user

operates the throttle controller 108 and the steering controller 110, a voltage signal according to the operation is provided to the CPU 218. The CPU 218 provides another

voltage signal corresponding to the voltage signal to the crystal oscillator 202. The crystal oscillator 202 generates a frequency signal according to the voltage signal

from the CPU 218. The first filter 206 and the second

filter 210 filter noise included in the frequency signal, and the first amplifier 208 and the second amplifier 212

amplify the frequency signal, so that a radio frequency signal is outputted through the antenna 214.

The radio frequency signal outputted from the remote controller 100 is provided for a model car having a receiver

therein. When the radio frequency signal received from the

remote controller 100 is a forward signal in a state that

the model car is turned on, a driving motor is rotated in a forward direction. The driving motor is connected to a

forward wheel. When the radio frequency signal received

from the remote controller 100 is a back signal in a state that the model car is turned on, a driving motor is rotated

in a backward direction. Accordingly, the model car moves

in forward/back directions .

In general, the remote controller 100 uses a frequency of 27 MHz band, a frequency of 40 MHz band, and a frequency

of 75 MHz band. In order to use one of these bands, the

crystal oscillator 202 has a band pass filter 104 which

enables a signal of a desired frequency band to be generated. Further, the band pass filter 104 is provided with a

separate crystal which enables use of a more detailed

frequency selected from the frequency band of the band pass

filter 104. For example, in a state that a -band pass filter of 27 MHz band is installed and a crystal for generating a frequency of 27.005 MHz is installed, in order to use a

frequency of 27.025 MHz, the crystal for generating a

frequency of 27.005 MHz should be replaced by a crystal for generating a frequency of 27.025 MHz.

However, when at least two users use the same

frequency in a remote controller for controlling a model car or a model plane, an electric wave interruption due to

mutual frequency interference occurs, causing erroneous operation of the model car or the model plane. In order to

prevent such erroneous operation of a model car or a model

plane, the remote controllers 100 should use band pass

filters 104 and crystals 102 having different frequency

bands or different frequencies.

Therefore, in the case of the conventional remote controller employing a replacement method for the crystals

102 as described above, a user must purchase a plurality of

crystals with different frequencies and use a crystal having a frequency different from, that of another crystal installed in a remote controller used by another person, according to

the situation. Furthermore, since the crystal is weak to shock, it can be easily broken. When the user replaces a crystal and sets a frequency at an outdoor place where the

model plane or the model car is operated, the size of the

crystal is small and thus the crystal is apt to be lost.

Therefore, it is necessarily very inconvenient for the user

to set a frequency of the remote controller using the crystal substitution method. Summary of the Invention

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the

present invention to provide a method and apparatus for setting a radio frequency for use in a remote controller for a model plane or a mode car, which employ a PLL circuit and

a frequency change program, so as to enable a user to easily view an LCD screen and change a radio frequency.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there

is provided apparatus for setting a radio frequency for use in a remote controller, and the apparatus programmatically

set a remote controller^" frequency according to a user's key

input, the apparatus comprising: an operation key panel including a plurality of operation keys for selecting a plurality of functions or setting a user frequency; a

program memory for storing frequency set data corresponding

to a frequency selected by a key input of the operation key panel and a frequency set operation program; a

microprocessor for reading frequency set data corresponding

to the key input of the operation key panel from the program memory according to the frequency set operation program

stored in the program memory 404, and providing the read

frequency set data to a phase locked loop circuit in order

to control a frequency setting operation; the phase locked loop circuit for generating a frequency oscillating signal

with a voltage level in response to the frequency data from the microprocessor; an oscillator for generating a frequency signal corresponding to the frequency oscillating signal

from the phase locked loop circuit; and an antenna for

transmitting the frequency signal from the oscillator as a

radio frequency signal.

There is also provided a method for setting a radio frequency for use in a remote controller, the method

comprising the steps of: (a) displaying mode contents set in

the remote controller on an initial screen; (b) executing a function mode having a use frequency setting; (c) selecting

a use frequency set function from the function mode; (d)

displaying a plurality of frequency lists for s-etting a use

frequency; (e) selecting a frequency to be set using the

operation key panel; (f) providing selected frequency set

data to the phase locked loop circuit; (g) generating a

frequency oscillating signal corresponding to the selected frequency set data by the phase locked loop circuit; and (h) providing the frequency oscillating signal generated by the phase locked loop circuit to the voltage controlled oscillator. Preferably, the frequency set data are stored in one area of the program memory in a form of binary data, and a frequency set operation program formed by a "C", "C++", a "JAVA", or assembly language are stored in the other area of the program memory. More preferably, the operation key panel includes a mode key for selecting an operation mode, an enter key for inputting selections of the operation key, a down key for downing selecting bars located in each menu, an up key for upping the selecting bars located in each menu, and a reducing key for reducing all kinds of numerical values necessary in a set operation, and an increasing key for increasing all kinds of the numerical values.

Most preferably, the phase locked loop circuit includes a reference counter and a programmable divider, and the phase locked loop circuit operates the reference counter and the programmable divider according to the frequency set data from the microprocessor to generate the frequency oscillating signal, and transmits the frequency oscillating signal to the oscillator . Also, the programmable divider

includes a 5 bit swallow counter, a 12 bit programmable

counter, and a 2 bit group code, and the programmable divider selectively includes a 14 bit option control counter .

In accordance with the present invention, the present

invention easily and programmatically set a use frequency according to a user' s key input by a phase locked loop

circuit in a remote controller which controls a model car or a model plane . It is unnecessary to install a plurality of

crystals for setting various radio -frequencies . An

inconvenience due to a crystal substitution manner is solved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The foregoing and other obj ects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more

apparent from the following detailed description when taken

in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which :

FIG . 1 is a view showing an external view structure of a conventional remote controller;

FIG . 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the conventional remote controller;

FIG. 3 is a view showing an external view

configuration of a remote controller according to an

embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal

configuration of the remote controller according to an

embodiment of the present invention;

FIGs. 5 and 6 are flow charts illustrating a method

for setting a radio frequency for use in a remote controller

according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an initial screen which is

displayed on an liquid crystal display;

FIG. 8 is a view- showing a screen which selects one of

a plurality of frequency lists;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a use frequency 27 MHz band

of a remote controller according to a region;

FIG. 10 is a view showing a configuration of a

reference counter which oscillates a frequency of a phase

locked loop circuit; and

FIG. 11 is a view showing a configuration of a

programmable divider v/hich oscillates a frequency of a phase

locked loop circuit. Detailed. Description of the Invention

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred

embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an external view configuration of a remote controller 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Some elements in FIG.

3, which are the same as those of FIG. 1, will be designated

by the same reference numerals, and repetition of the description about them will be omitted.

The ' remote controller 300 according to the present invention includes an operation key panel 302, a steering

stick 304, a throttle stick 306, a range angle dial 308, a

battery case 310, and a liquid crystal display device 312. The operation key panel 302 includes a plurality of

operation keys for selecting a plurality of functions or

setting a user frequency. The steering stick 304 enables a

user to steer a model car leftward or rightward. The throttle stick 306 enables a user to move the model car

forward or backward. The range angle dial 308 is- used to set a steering range of the steering stick 304. The battery

case 310 receives a charging battery (not shown) ^■ which

supplies electric pov/er necessary in an operation of the

remote controller 300. The liquid crystal display (LCD) device 312 displays an operation status of the remote

controller and a key input status for setting a frequency.

It is preferred that the battery housed in the battery

case 310 is a rechargeable battery. The electric power from the battery is supplied to each part of the remote

controller 300 through electric wires (not shown) . The

battery can be detachably assembled with a body of the remote controller 300.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal

configuration of the remote controller 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Some elements in FIG. 4, which are the same as those of FIGs. 1 through 3, are designated by the same reference

numerals and have been described already, and so repetition

of the description on these elements will be omitted.

The remote controller 300 ac'cording to the present embodiment includes an oscillator 401, a Phase Locked Loop

Integrated Circuit (PLL circuit) 402, a program memory 404, a microprocessor (CPU) 406, and a power supply section 408.

The oscillator 401 generates a frequency signal according to

a voltage signal. The PLL circuit 402 generates a frequency oscillating signal corresponding to frequency set data which

have been inputted through and supplied from the operation

key panel 302. The program memory 404 stores programs for

the operation of the remote controller 300 and the frequency setting operation. The microprocessor (CPU) 406 controls the control operation of the remote controller 300 according

to the key input signals for the control from the operation key panel 302, and controls the frequency setting operation by applying the frequency setting data, which have been

inputted through and supplied from the operation key panel

302, to the PLL circuit 402. The power supply section 408

supplies electric power to each element of the remote controller 300.

The operation key panel 302 includes a mode key 410

for a selection of an operation mode such as a control

function set mode or a frequency set mode, an enter key 412

for a final input of the selected operation key, a down key

414 for scrolling a selection bar down in each menu, an up

key 416 for scrolling a selection bar up in each menu, a reducing key 418 for reducing various numerical values

necessary for the setting operation, and an increasing key

420 for increasing various numerical values.

The program memory 404 has predetermined storage areas.

The frequency set data are stored in one area of the program

memory 404 in a form of binary data, and a frequency set operation program formed by a ^ΛC" or "C++" language are stored in the other area of the program memory 404. The

frequency set operation program formed by a "JAVA" or

assembly language is stored in the other area of the program memory 404.

When the operation key panel 302 processes a key input with respect to a frequency set, the CPU 406 reads frequency

set data stored in the program memory 404, and displays the

read frequency set data on the LCD device 312. When a function for a frequency set is selected by the operation

key panel 302 and predetermined frequency set data are

selected according to a key operation, the CPU 406 reads

binary data corresponding to the frequency set data from the

program memory 404 and transmits the read binary data to the

PLL circuit 402. The PLL circuit 402 generates a frequency

oscillating signal corresponding to the binary data from the PLL circuit 402 .

When the operation key panel 302 inputs a key input

with respect to a frequency set to the CPU 406, the CPU 406

provides a clock signal to the PLL circuit 402 at predetermined time intervals, and provides an enable signal

to the PLL circuit 402 to operate and activate the PLL

circuit 402. When the operation key panel 302 inputs the binary data corresponding to the frequency set data to the PLL circuit 402 through a data line Data, the PLL circuit

402 provides a frequency generation signal corresponding to

the binary data from the PLL circuit 402 to the oscillator 401 through a phase detecting line PDout .

The PLL circuit 402 operates by reading three kinds of

data, including a clock signal Clock, a data signal Data, and an enable signal Enable. The reference character "Clock" represents clock input lines of 19 bit shift

register and 16 bit shift register. The PLL circuit 402

reads the data at a rising edge of the clock signal. The reference character "Data" represents a serial data input

line according to a binary code and a final bit of data is

formed by a control bit. When the control bit is at a high

level, the PLL circuit 402 sends the data to 15 bit latch. When the control bit is at a low level, the PLL circuit 402

sends the data to 18 bit latch. The reference character

"Enable" represents a load enable input line. When the

"Enable" is at a high level, the PLL circuit 402 sends contents of a shift register to a latch.

Currently, the remote controller 300 employs a frequency band, one of 27 MHz band, 40 MHz band, 50 MHz band, and 75 MHz band. The program memory 404 stores frequency

data corresponding to a detailed frequency channel. FIG. 9

shows the 27 MHz frequency band from among such frequency

bands .

As shown in FIG. 9, it is known that the 27 MHz band

has different channel frequencies according to areas in Asia,

America, and Europe. The 27 MHz band uses an initial frequency of 26.975 MHz. A next channel of the initial

frequency has a frequency of 26,995 MHz. The other channels

subsequent to the next channel have intervals of 1.010 MHz.

The PLL circuit 402 includes a reference counter shown

in FIG. 10 and a programmable divider in FIG. 11 for setting

data. The PLL circuit 402 operates the reference counter and the programmable divider according to the frequency set

data from the microprocessor to generate a voltage signal corresponding to the frequency set data, that is, the

frequency oscillating signal, and transmits the frequency

oscillating signal to the oscillator 401.

In FIG. 10, the reference counter has a reference oscillating frequency fosc of 19.2 MHz and a reference

division ratio of a channel interval s having 12.5 MHz.

Accordingly, a set value R of the reference counter is a

hexadecimal value obtained by dividing a reference oscillating frequency of 19.2 MHz by a channel interval of

12.5 kHz and is expressed by the following equation 1.

[Equation 1]

_n fosc _^

R -- {Hex) s

When "1536" obtained in this manner is expressed as a

hexadecimal value, the set value R of the reference counter is "600". In order to transmit the set value R of the reference counter of "600" to 14 bit binary data of the

reference counter, when the set value R of the reference

counter is "600" is converted into binary data, the set

value R of the reference counter has a binary value of "00

1100 0000 0000". The set value R of the reference counter is allotted from LSB Rl of the reference counter having a binary value of "00000000001100" to MSB R14 every bit.

The programmable divider shown in FIG. 11 includes a 5 bit swallow counter, a 12 bit programmable counter, and a 2

bit group code. Selectively, the programmable divider may further include a 14 bit option control counter (not shown) .

In FIGs. 10 and 11, numerical reference "CN" notes a control

bit.

In order to obtain a binary value which -is allotted to

the 5 bit swallow count of the programmable divider, an N

division set value o^'f the 12 bit programmable counter should be obtained. The N division set value of the 12 bit programmable counter is a hexadecimal value of a value

obtained by dividing a frequency fvco of each channel,

namely, a frequency value to be set by a channel interval s, and is expressed by the following equation 2. [Equation 2]

For example, when setting the initial frequency of FIG.

9 to 26.975 MHz, the N division set value of the 12 bit

programmable counter obtains "2158" by dividing a set frequency fvco by a channel interval s of 12.5 kHz. When "2158" is expressed as a hexadecimal value, the N division set value of the 12 bit programmable counter is "86E". The N division set value of the 12 bit programmable counter is expressed as binary data of "1000 0110 1110". The N division set value of the 12 bit programmable counter is allotted from Nl of the 12 bit programmable counter having a binary value of "011101100001" to N12. The N division value obtained every set frequency in this manner is stored in the program memory 404 as the binary data. An A division value of the swallow counter is obtained by the following equation 3. In the present invention, a prescaler value P is set to "32". However, the prescaler value P may be set to "64" or other values. [Equation 3]

A =-* βco÷-)-P* N(Hex)

2 2

The A division ^' value of the swallow counter of a hexadecimal value is obtained by the equation 3 and is converted into binary data. The binary data is allotted to 5 bit swallow counter. The A division value of the swallow counter is stored in the program memory 404 by set channel frequencies in a binary data form. That is, a set value of a reference counter corresponding to a channel frequency

shown in FIG. 8, a swallow counter value of the programmable

divider, and a programmable counter value are stored in the

program memory 404 in a binary data form.

A 14 bit option control counter is selectively used.

The 14 bit option control counter has a binary bit with respect to an output abnormality check, a lock detection of

a PLL IC, a standby mode control, a lock detection output control, a filter switch control, and a charge pump output

abnormality check. A group code 2 bits Gl and G2 are binary bits indicating whether data are data of the reference counter, and data of the swallow counter, data of the option control counter.

Hereinafter, an operation of the remote controller 300

and a frequency setting operation in the remote controller

will be described with reference to FIGs. 5 and 6. For better understanding of the invention, it will be assumed

that the remote controller 300 according to the present

invention is a remote controller which controls a model car.

A user locates the model car at a wide place where he

or she can operate the model car and operates the model car

using the remote controller. At this time, the user grasps and carries the remote controller 300 in a comfortable

position for operating it.

When the user turns on a pov/er switch 114 of the

remote controller, power from the power supply section 408

is supplied to each element of the remote controller. The

CPU 406 becomes a standby status to control each function

(step S502) .

When the power is supplied to the remote controller 300, the CPU 406 displays an initial screen which has a

model number 602, a model name 604, a setting level 606, a source voltage 608, a use frequency 610, and a residual

amount 612 of a source voltage on the LCD device 312 as shown in FIG. 7 (step S504) .

In the initial of FIG. 7, a number is given every model car by corresponding a use frequency to each model car in using the remote controller 300. When a model car is

used, a number given to the model car is a model number 602

of the model car 602.

The model name 604 represents the model name of the model car which corresponds to each model number. The

setting level 606 represents one of basic, standard, and

expert, according to a user's operation ability level. The source voltage 608 represents a source voltage which is used

in the remote controller 300.

The residual amount 612 of a source voltage is

displayed so that the user confirms an available power supply. In the present invention, when the source voltage

becomes less than 8.7 V, an alarm sound and a power supply display bar are turned on and off. The user hears the alarm

sound or confirms an on/off status of the power supply display bar, and charges power in a battery by viewing the

residual amount 612 of a source voltage. Since a configuration which outputs the alarm sound is a general technique, it is not shown in a drawing.

The user changes the remote controller 300 to an

operation mode which the user wants to use, namely, a system mode, by using operation keys of the operation key panel 302 in the initial screen status. The CPU 408 judges whether a

key- input with respect to a system mode set is selected by

the operation key panel (step S506) .

The user pushes a mode key 410 among operation keys of the operation key panel 302 in the initial screen status and

pushes an enter key 412 to select a system mode. The CPU

406 recognizes inputs of the mode key 410 and the enter key 412 from the operation key panel 302, changes the remote

controller 300 to a system mode according to a program

stored in the program memory 404 based on the key inputs,

and displays a system set screen on the LCD device 312 (step S508) .

The system mode is set by simultaneously pushing the mode key 410 and the enter key 412. However, the system mode may be set by pushing other keys. The system mode is a mode

which sets the model name, a neutral location trim rate, a

frequency, a data copy, and an LCD screen light and dark

control. A system set screen provides a set selection menu with respect to the system mode. A name is given to a model car which the user wants to control. The model name is the

name given the model car. The user selects a model among an input model list.

When all ^' the lists are not outputted on a currently

displayed LCD device 312, the CPU 406 displays a scroll bar

on a right screen and controls the scroll bar so that the user views the list which is not displayed on a current screen by moving the scroll bar.

The neutral location trim rate set is a menu which

sets an unit of a data input for controlling a neutral location of a servo in a neutral location in which the

steering stick 304 and the throttle stick 306 are not

operated. The servo is installed in a model. When the data input is set to "1", each time the user pushes the reducing

key 418 or the increasing key 420 once, the data move one

unit by one unit. When data is set to "2~10", each time the user pushes the reducing key 418 or the increasing key

420 once, the number datum is changed by a number of units, from 2 to 10, matching the set number.

The data copy is menu which copies a model name of a

model car for receiving a radio frequency signal outputted from the remote controller. The data copy is to copy a

currently set model name and data related thereto to another

empty model number. The user locates a display bar at a "frequency set" menu in a system set screen displayed on the LCD device 312

by using the up key 416 or the down 414 of the operation key

panel 302 and inputs the enter key 412 in order to set a use

frequency of the remote controller which the user uses.

Referring to FIG. 6, when a frequency set menu is

selected and inputted from the operation key panel 302 (step

S51O), the CPU 406 output a frequency list based on frequency channel data stored in the program memory 404, and

displays a screen to select one of a plurality of frequency

lists on the LCD device 312 as shown in FIG. 7 (step S512) .

The user locates a selecting bar at a frequency which the user wants to set, for example, "26.995 MHz" using the

up key 416 or the down key 414, and inputs the enter key 412

to select the frequency.

After a plurality of the frequency lists are displayed, when the operation key panel 302 inputs a frequency

selection to the CPU 406 (step S514) , the CPU 406 provides

an enable signal and a clock signal to the phase locked loop circuit 402 (step S516) .

Then the CPU 406 reads binary data of a reference

counter value and a programmable divider value corresponding

to a set frequency inputted and selected by the operation key panel 302, for example, "26.995 MHz" from the program

memory 404, and provides the read binary data to the PLL

circuit 402 through a data line Data (step S518) . The data

line Data is connected to the PLL circuit 402.

The CPU 406 provides a clock pulse to a clock line of the PLL circuit 402 at predetermined intervals and transmits

frequency set binary data through the data line Data one byte by one byte at a rising edge of the clock pulse.

The PLL circuit 402 becomes an active status which

executes a phase locked function in response to the enable

signal from the CPU 406. The PLL circuit 402 generates and outputs a frequency oscillating signal corresponding to set

frequency data inputted through the data line Data to the oscillator 401. The frequency oscillating signal has a

predetermined voltage level.

In step S514, when the operation key panel 302 does

not input the frequency selection, the routine returns to step S512 and the CPU 406 continues to. output a screen which

selects one of a plurality of the frequency lists.

When a mode set key input other than a set key input

with respect to the system mode, for example, a key input which sets a pit mode which sets a function necessary in a

performance of a model car prior to operating the model car or a circuit mode which sets a function necessary during an

operation of the model car is selected by the operation key

panel 302 in step S506 (step S520) , the CPU 406 executes a

function for the other selected mode set (step S522) .

The pit mode is a mode which sets a model selection

function, a setting level selection function for a driving beginner, a servo direction selection function, and a sub

trim function. The model ^'selection function is a function

which sets a model of the model car. The servo direction selection function is a function which controls the model

car left or right or controls a direction or a speed of a

rotating car. The sub trim function is a function which

determines a neutral location of a servo.

The circuit mode is a mode which sets an end point adjustment function, a response function, a steering speed

function, and anti-lock brake system (ABS) function. The

end point adjustment function is a function which determines an available maximum operation location during an operation of the servo. The response function is a function v/hich

adjusts an operation angle reflecting ratio according to an operation of a steering wheel. The steering speed function

is a function which determines a servo operation speed v/ith respect to an operation speed of the steering wheel. The

ABS function is a function which improves a performance of a

brake by repeating grasping and leaving operations according to an input value when a servo sticks a brake pad to a

lining according to an operation of the brake during a

braking operation. The servo is moved left and right at an angle of a

maximum 30°. The servo is set to 25° or 20° at need using the end point adjustment function. When the steering wheel

is rotated at 10°in a standard setting, the servo is rotated

at 10°. When the steering wheel is set from 5°to 20°using the response function, an • operation sensitivity of the

steering wheel is precisely set. When the steering wheel is

rotated at a speed of 50°per second, the servo is rotated at

a speed of 50°per second at a value less than a standard value. The steering speed function is a function which

reduces the speed of the servo to 40°per second or 30°per second.

After a system set screen is displayed on the LCD

device 312, when the user inputs and selects a function

other than the frequency set function (step S524) , the CPU 406 provides a screen which sets the selected function and

sets the selected function according to selected and set

data (step S526) . The other functions include a function

for setting the model name of the model car, a neutral location input trim rate set function, a data copy function,

or an LCD screen bright and dark adjustment function. When

the other functions are not set in step S524, step S508 of FIG. 5 is executed through a tap B.

In accordance with the present invention, the PLL

circuit 402 is included in an internal circuit of the remote controller. The CPU 406 provides frequency set data to the PLL circuit 402 according to a user's frequency set key

input. The PLL circuit 402 provides a frequency oscillating signal corresponding to the frequency set data to the oscillator 401. Accordingly, a frequency signal

corresponding to data which the user selects and inputs is

generated to embody a method and apparatus for setting a

radio frequency for use in a remote controller.

Industrial Application

As can be seen from the foregoing, according to the

present invention, the method and apparatus for setting a

radio frequency for use- in a remote controller are used for

a remote controller which controls a model device such as a

model car, a model plane, and a model boat. The method and

apparatus for setting a radio frequency for use in a remote controller is used for a robot controller which is remotely

controlled. Therefore, the present invention is used to conveniently set a use frequency thereof,

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for programmatically setting a remote

controller frequency according to a user's key input, the apparatus comprising:

an operation key panel including a plurality of operation keys for selecting a plurality of functions or

setting a user frequency; a program memory for storing frequency set data

corresponding to a frequency selected by a key input of the operation key panel and a frequency set operation program;

a microprocessor for reading frequency set data corresponding to the key input of the operation key panel

from the program memory according to the frequency set operation program stored in the program memory, and

providing the read frequency set data to a phase locked loop

circuit in order to control a frequency setting operation;

a phase locked loop circuit for generating a frequency oscillating signal with a voltage level in response to the

frequency data from the microprocessor;

an oscillator for generating a frequency signal

corresponding to the frequency oscillating signal from the phase locked loop circuit; and

an antenna for transmitting the frequency signal from

the oscillator as a radio frequency signal.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further

comprising:

a liquid crystal display device for displaying an operation status of the remote controller and an operation

status of the key input by the operation key panel; and

a frequency transmitter for eliminating noise included

in the frequency signal from the oscillator, and for amplifying and transmitting the frequency signal from which

noise has been eliminated to the antenna.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frequency set data are stored in one area of the program

memory in a form of binary data, and a frequency set

operation program formed by a "C" or "C++" language are

stored in the other area of the program memory.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a

frequency set operation program formed by a "JAVA" or assembly language is stored in the program memory.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the

operation key panel includes a mode key for a selection of an operation mode, an enter key for a final input of the

selected operation key, a down key for scrolling down a

selection bar down in each menu, an up key for scrolling up the selection bar in each menu, a reducing key for reducing various numerical values necessary for the setting operation,

and an increasing key for increasing various numerical

values .

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the

phase locked loop circuit includes a reference counter and a

programmable divider, and the phase locked loop circuit operates the reference counter and the programmable divider

according to the frequency set data from the microprocessor

to generate the frequency oscillating signal, and transmits

the frequency oscillating signal to the oscillator.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the

frequency transmitter includes a first filter for eliminating a noise component included in the frequency

signal from the oscillator, a first amplifier for amplifying

the frequency signal filtered by the first filter, a second

filter for eliminating a noise component included in the frequency signal amplified by the first amplifier, and a

second amplifier for amplifying the frequency signal

filtered by the second filter.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the

programmable divider includes a 5 bit swallow counter, a 12

bit programmable counter, and a 2 bit group code, and the programmable divider includes a 14 bit option control counter .

9. A method for setting a radio frequency for use in a remote controller, the remote controller including an

operation key panel having a plurality of operation keys for

selecting a plurality of functions or setting a user

frequency, a liquid crystal display device for displaying an operation status of the remote controller and an operation

status of the key input by the operation key panel, a program memory for storing a frequency set operation program, a microprocessor for controlling a control operation of the

remote controller and a frequency setting operation, a phase

locked loop circuit for generating a frequency oscillating

signal with a voltage level in response to the frequency

data from the microprocessor, an oscillator for generating a

frequency signal corresponding to the frequency oscillating

^•signal from the phase locked loop circuit, and an antenna

for transmitting the frequency signal from the oscillator as

a radio frequency signal in order to set a use frequency

according to a user's key input by means of a program, the

method comprising the steps of:

(a) displaying mode contents set in the remote

controller on an initial screen;

(b) executing a function mode having a use frequency

setting;

(c) selecting a use frequency set function from the

function mode;

(d) displaying a plurality of frequency lists for

setting a use frequency;

(e) selecting a frequency to be set using the

operation key panel;

(f) providing selected frequency set data to the phase locked loop circuit;

(g) generating a frequency oscillating signal

corresponding to the selected frequency set data by the

phase locked loop circuit; and (h) providing the frequency oscillating signal

generated by the phase locked loop circuit to the oscillator.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a model

number, a model name, a setting level, a source voltage, a

use frequency, and a residual amount of a source voltage are displayed in step (a) .

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, in step

b, when the function mode does not include the use frequency setting, a pit mode which sets a function necessary in a

performance of a model car prior to operating the model car

or a circuit mode which sets a function necessary during an

operation of the model car is selectively executed.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein

displaying a scroll bar a right side of the screen, and moving the scroll bar in order to view frequency lists which

are not displayed on a current screen when all of the

frequency lists are not displayed on the liquid crystal

display device in step (d) .

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein in step

(e) , a user arranges a selecting bar at a frequency list

which the user wants to set using up and down keys, and the

user inputs an enter key to select the frequency to be set.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein in step

(f) , the microprocessor provides a clock signal to the phase

locked loop circuit at predetermined time intervals,

provides an enable signal to the phase locked loop circuit,

and provides binary data corresponding to the frequency set

data to the phase locked loop circuit during a rise of the

clock signal.