Remote control device

Abstract: A remote control device, in which the function error of the object controlled can be effectively avoided when various functions are assigned to an operation key during switching to another mode. Even in the case when the remote control signal is intercepted, the mode can be switched over with certainty, by detecting the time during which operation key is pressed and forming the remote control signal with the operation key code and this time information.

Description: This invention relates to a remote control device and is more particularly suitably to apply to an audio system for cars. In conventional audio systems set for cars, there are some systems which are capable of reproducing a plurality of compact discs selectively. For example, in this type of audio system, the plurality of compact discs are stored in the predetermined magazine, and the magazine is set in the compact disc player which is placed in the boot (trunk). Thus, regarding said audio system, the desired compact discs can be selected and reproduced remotely operating the compact disc player by operating the operation key on the dashboard. In regards to this type of car audio system, it is considered convenient if audio appliances, such as compact disc player, cassette tape recorder, and visual appliances, such as television receiver, can be connected freely as occasion demands. In such a case, if the overall function of the audio system can be remotely controlled by using remote commander, e.g., a fellow passenger on the back seat can operate the audio system, it is considered very convenient. However, if various audio and visual appliances are connected, the construction of remote commander becomes larger sized and the number of operation keys are increased. One solution to the above problem is that the pressing time of the operation key can be detected by detecting the running time of the remote control signals to be outputted from the remote commander and the function can be shifted according to said pressing time. Such arrangements are disclosed in JP-A-60-001916, DE-A-3404976 and US-A-4514732. Using this method, several shifting functions can be assigned to one operation key and the remote commander can be smaller sized accordingly. However, the responding speed is reduced since pressing time is detected by the receiving side. Further, in case of this method, the audio system can function erroneously if remote control signal to be transmitted from the remote commander is intercepted, e.g. by a passenger on the front seat, for a moment. FR 2533380 discloses a remote control arrangement in which a control bit which only changes state in response to operation of the buttons is provided (a toggle bit) to cope with interruptions to the signal. In view of the foregoing, an object of this invention is to provide an improved remote control device capable of solving the above problems. The present invention provides a remote control device for sending a remote control signal according to Claim 1. Further, the invention provides a remotely controlled unit according to claim 4, which receives the remote control signal (formed by the code data of the operation key and operation time information CTM, CTU of the operation key) outputted from the remote control unit, and shifts the function according to the code data and operation time information CTM, CTU. If the remote control signal is formed by adding pressing time information CTM, CTU, on the code of the operation keys pressed, after detecting in the remote controller the pressing time of operation keys and depending on the detected result, the function can be switched over according to cases in which one key is pressed for a long time or short time, and thus the number of operation keys can be decreased. Furthermore, if the function can be switched over according to the code data and time information CTM, CTU, on the receiving side, the function can be switched over without fail even if the remote control signal S1 is intercepted. The invention will be further described in the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are designated by like reference numerals or characters, and in which:- Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an audio system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view illustrating a front panel of the header unit; Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a header unit; Fig. 4 is a plane view illustrating a remote commander; Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a remote commander; Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating processing of the control circuit; Figs. 7A and 7B are signal waveform charts illustrating difference in remote control signals caused by pressing time; Figs. 8A and 8B are signal waveform charts illustrating a case of multiple pressing; Figs. 9A to 9C are signal waveform charts illustrating receiving signals; Figs. 10A and 10B are signal waveform charts illustrating remote control signals and receiving signals as the other embodiments; and Fig. 11 is a signal waveform chart illustrating remote control signals in case of detecting the pressing time in two steps. Preferred embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings: General Construction Designated generally at numeral 1 in Fig. 1 is a car audio system, and e.g., compact disc players 4, 6, 8 can be remotely operated by handling the header unit 2 placed in the console panel. In the audio system 1, compact disc players 4, 6, 8 and television tuner (TV tuner) 10 are placed in the trunk and video tape recorder (VTR) 12 and monitor unit 14 can be arranged in the console panel. Further, in the audio system 1, the compact disc players 4, 6, 8, television tuner 10 and header unit 2 are connected via the serial bus BUS and the function of compact disc players 4, 6, 8, television tuner 10, and video tape recorder 12 can be controlled by the header unit 2 transmitting the control data through the serial bus BUS. Moreover, in the audio system 1, the compact disc players 4, 6, 8, television tuner 10, video tape recorder 12 and the header unit 2 are connected each other via selectors 16 and 18, thus selection signals of the selectors 16 and 18 are inputted to the header unit 2. The control data can be inputted and outputted between each selector 16 and 18 and the header unit 2 via the serial bus BUS. Thus the function can be switched over according to said control data. In the audio system 1, visual signals of television tuner 10 and video tape recorder 12 can be monitored using the monitor unit 14 upon dealing the selection signals of selectors 16 and 18 by the header unit 2. Further, regarding the audio system 1, audio signals of television tuner 10 and video tape recorder 12 can be monitored using a speaker 20 and also the output signal of the compact disc players 4, 6 and 8 can be monitored by shifting selectors 16 and 18. Here each selector is capable of selecting and outputting 3 input signals. Thus, in the audio system 1, the maximum 10 terminal units can be connected by adding selectors and shifting connections. Therefore, users can enjoy music and television broadcasting by shifting connections of terminal units as they desire. In the compact disc players, 4, 6 and 8, compact discs 22A, 22B, ... 22J can be stored in the magazine, and the compact discs 22A to 22J can be reproduced selectively according to the control data COM to be inputted via the serial bus BUS. In the compact disc players 4, 6 and 8, the control data COM is inputted in the microcomputer constructed control circuit 24, and the control circuit 24 controls the reproduction unit 26 and the disc exchange unit 28. The disc exchange unit 28 shifts the function according to the output signal of the control unit 24, and carries the compact disc 22. Then the disc exchange unit 28 sets the compact disc 22 stored in the magazine selectively to the designated reproduction position, and stores in the designated storage position upon completion of reproduction of the compact disc 22. Reproduction unit 26, after the compact disc 22 is set on the reproduction position, reproduces the compact disc 22 by driving the optical pickup (not shown). Thus, said compact disc players 4, 6 and 8 are arranged to reproduce the desired compact disc 22 corresponding to the operation of header unit 2. Furthermore, each compact disc player 4, 6 or 8 outputs the recognition data of reproducing compact disc 22 and truck data via the serial bus BUS, and thus the function of each compact disc player 4, 6 or 8, can be recognized in the header unit 2. Also in the television tuner 10, a built-in control circuit receives the control data COM and the function is shifted in accordance with said control data COM. Thus, in the television tuner 10, the television broadcast which the user requests is chosen and the visual signal and audio signal of said television broadcast are outputted. Regarding the video tape recorder, the operation mode is shifted according to the control data COM to be inputted in the built-in control circuit and thus the video tape set by the user can be reproduced. Header Unit Construction As shown in Fig. 2, in the header unit 2, the display unit 31 is arranged on the front panel 30, and display of the display unit 31 can be shifted by operating the operation key for switching the display mode 32; e.g., the present time can be displayed. On the front panel 30, while the electric power switch 33 is placed on the left end, operation keys for sound volume 35A and 35B are set on the lower part and operation keys for the terminal appliances switching 34A to 34D are placed on the right side of the panel. Thus the usability can be outstandingly improved since the operation keys of the same category are placed together. Further, in the front panel 30, the operation keys for switching the operation mode 36A to 36J are placed over the sound volume operation keys 35A and 35B and overall operation mode of the audio system 1 can be switched by shifting the operation keys 36A to 36J. As shown in Fig. 3, the header unit 2 contains microcomputer constructed control circuit 40, and the control circuit 40 outputs control data corresponding to the operation of the operation keys 32 to 38. Then, the control circuit 40 outputs the control data to the signal processing circuit 42 when the sound volume operation keys 35A and 35B are operated and the function of said signal processing circuit 42 is switched over. Hence, the signal processing circuit 42 inputs the selective signal SEL to be inputted via selectors 16 and 18, and the signal function is shifted according to the kinds of the selective signal. In a case when said compact disc players 4, 6 and 8 are selected, the signal processing circuit 42, after amplifying the audio signal to be outputted from the compact disc players 4, 6 and 8, outputs to the speaker 20. At this moment, the signal processing circuit 42 shifts quality and volume of sound corresponding to the output data of the control circuit 40. On the other hand, when the television tuner 10 or video tape recorder 12 is selected, the signal processing circuit 42 outputs audio signal to be outputted from said television tuner 10 or video tape recorder 12 to the speaker 20, and also outputs to the monitor unit 14 a signal processed visual signal. Thus, the signal processing circuit 42 is able to monitor the audio signal and visual signal, on the condition the user desires. When the operation key 32 for switching display mode is operated, the control circuit 40 controls the display unit 31 by switching the display, and thus in said header unit 2, the present time can be recognized via the display unit 31. At this time, the control circuit 40 outputs the control data to the signal processing circuit 42 corresponding to the user's operation. And thus, the present time can be recognized via the monitor unit 14. Further, in the control circuit 40, if the operation keys for switching the terminal appliances 34A to 34D are operated, the control data COM is outputted to the serial bus BUS and thus the function of terminal appliances 4 to 18 connected to the serial bus BUS is switched. Further in the header unit 2, the overall functions of the said audio system can be switched and controlled by operating the remote commander 46. Viz., the header unit 2, after receiving the remote control signal of the remote commander 46 in the remote control receiver 44, outputs the receiving signal SRE to the control circuit 40. The control circuit 40 outputs the control data according to the said receiving signal SRE as well as the operation keys 32 to 38 are operated, and thus the overall functions can be switched over corresponding to the operation of the remote commander 46. Remote Commander As shown in Fig. 4, in the remote commander 46, operation keys 62 to 68 which are common to the front panel operation keys 32 to 38, are arranged, and thus in said audio system 1, the overall functions can be switched by operating the said remote commander 46 as well as the front panel. The electric power source operation key 63 is placed on top of the remote commander 46, and in said audio system 1, the electric power can be on/off controlled by operating the said operation key 63 or the front panel operation key 33. In the remote commander 46, the operation keys 65A to 65D for sound volume, etc. are arranged on the lower part of the operation key 63 and in the audio system 1, the function of signal processing circuit 42 can be switched over by operating said operation keys 65A to 65D or front panel operation keys 35A to 35D. Furthermore, on the right hand side of the remote commander 46, the operation keys 64A to 64D for switching terminal unit are placed corresponding to the front panel operation keys 34A to 34D. And the operation key 62 for switching display, and the file display operation key 68 are placed on the lower part corresponding to the front panel operation key 32 and the file display operation key 38. As shown in Fig. 5, in the remote commander 46 pressing operation of the operation keys 62 to 68 is detected via key matrix 70 at the control circuit 72, and the control circuit 72 gains access to the key code table 74 depending on the detected result thereof. Thus, regarding the remote commander 46, the prescribed key code is given to the transmitting unit corresponding to the pressed operation keys 62 to 68, and remote control signal S1 is outputted from said transmitting unit 76. At this time, in the control circuit 72, pressing time of the operation key is detected by carrying out the process as shown in Fig. 6 and depending on the detected result, the remote control signal S1 is formed. Viz., the control circuit 72 moves from step SP1 to step SP2 and judges whether the operation keys 62 to 68 are pressed or not, and if negative result is obtained, repeats step SP2. Then the control circuit 72 repeats step SP2 and when the operation keys 62 to 68 are pressed, moves to step SP3. Here the control circuit 72 detects the pressed operation keys 62 to 68 and depending on the detection result, refers to the key code table 74 and detects the key code of the operation key pressed. Then the control circuit 72 moves to step SP4, and here after resetting the built-in timer, moves to step SP5, and outputs key code detected to the transmitting unit 76. Hence after transmitting remote control signal S1 the control circuit 72 moves to step SP6 and judges whether pressing operation of the operation keys 62 to 68 is completed or not. In a case when the operation key 62 to 68 is left pressed, the control circuit 72 obtains negative result and moves to step SP7, and judges whether timer is passed over 2 [sec] or not. In this case the control circuit 72 moves to step SP5 if negative result is obtained, and outputs the key code detected to the transmitting unit again. As shown in Fig. 7, in the remote commander 46, the control circuit 72 repeats the looping LOOP1, step SP5 - SP6 - SP7 - SP5, and if the operation key 62 to 68 is pressed at the time point t0, outputs remote control signal S1 formed by the repetition of key code, until pressing time passes over 2 [sec] (Figs. 7A and 7B). On the other hand, if pressing operation of the operation keys 62 to 68 is completed within 2 [sec], the control circuit 72 obtains positive result at the step SP6, and moves toward the step SP8, and again judges whether pressing time is over 2 [sec] or not. And if negative result is obtained, moves to the step SP9. Hence, the control circuit 72 after outputting the code CTM, which shows the pressing time is under 2 [sec], to the transmitting unit 76 for the predetermined number of times, moves to the step SP10, and the process is completed. Thus, in the remote control signal S1, if pressing time is under 2 [sec], under 2 second code CTM continues after key code continues during the period T1, from a point of time t0 to a point of time t1, pressing of the operation key is completed (Fig. 7A). On the other hand, if pressing time passes over 2 [sec], the positive result can be obtained at the step SP7, then the control circuit 72 moves to the step SP11. Then, the control circuit 72 outputs the code to show the pressing time is over 2 [sec] (hereinafter referred to as over 2 [sec] code) CTU to the transmitting unit 74 and returns to the step SP6. Then in the control circuit 72, if pressing time passes over 2 [sec], the loop LOOP2 of step SP6 - SP7 - SP11 - SP6 is repeated in place of the loop LOOP1, and when pressing operation is completed, the positive result is obtained at the step SP6, and moves to the step SP8. And the control circuit 72, because of positive result, moves to the step SP10 directly and completes the procedure. Thus in the remote control signal S1, where the pressing time is over 2 [sec], after the key code continues for 2 [sec], over 2 [sec] code CTU is outputted continuously during the period from the time t2 to the time t3, pressing operation completed (Fig. 7B). Therefore, at the control circuit 40 on the receiving side, the operation key pressed according to the key code can be detected. On the other hand, the pressing time of operation key can be detected in accordance with the under 2 [sec] code CTM and/or over 2 [sec] code CTU marked on the key code. At this moment, in this embodiment, the control circuit 40 is able to detect repeatedly the same key code, and under 2 [sec] code STM and over 2 [sec] code CTU by repeating the loop LOOP1 and LOOP2. Therefore, in a case if the remote control signal S1 is intercepted and received intermittently, the operation key operated and operation time can be securely detected, and thus the function error of the audio system 1 can be avoided in advance. Similarly, in the control circuit 72, if one of the operation keys 62 to 68 is pressed, as shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the remote control signal S1 is outputted and thus the function can be shifted by operating 2 operation keys. For example, if one of the operation keys 62 to 68 is pressed at a point of time t4 and then one of the other operation keys 62 to 68 is pressed at a point of time t5, the control circuit 72 firstly outputs the key code of operation key 62 to 68 pressed during the period from a point of time t4 to a point of time t5 (Fig. 8A). If 2 operation keys are operated almost simultaneously and period of time from the time point t4 to time point t5 is short, the remote control circuit 72 outputs key codes of 2 operation keys 62 to 68 operated (the key codes of this case referred to as multiple code) from the time point t5 when the second operation key 62 to 68 is pressed. Under this condition, during the period in which 2 operation keys 62 to 68 are simultaneously pressed, the control circuit 72 outputs multiple code continuously, and when one key completes pressing operation, 2 [sec] code CTM is outputted, provided the period T2, 2 keys are pressed simultaneously, is under 2 [sec]. On the contrary, after 2 [sec], if two operation keys are still being pressed simultaneously, then after 2 [sec], over 2 [sec] code CTU is outputted converting multiple code. Thus the control circuit 40 of the receiving side, the function of the prescribed audio system 1 can be switched securely even if the remote control signal S1 is intercepted. Further, when operation keys of the remote commander 46 are operated simultaneously, and if one operation key is pressed earlier by mistake, the operation error of the audio system 1 can be avoided in advance. On the other hand, in a case when the second operation key is pressed after the elapse of prescribed period on condition that the first operation key is left pressed, the control circuit 72 outputs the key code of said operation key for 2 [sec] from the time point t4, and then outputs over 2 [sec] code CTU to the time point t8, the second operation key is pressed. (Fig. 8B). Further, the control circuit 72 outputs the multiple code from the time point t8 and if the period in which two operation keys 62 to 68 are being simultaneously pressed is under 2 [sec], outputs under 2 [sec] code CTM. And if the prescribed period is over 2 [sec], outputs over 2 [sec] code CTU after the elapse of 2 [sec]. Regarding the audio system 1, in a case when the motion is switched over by operating 2 operation keys simultaneously, function of the operation key can be switched over according to the pressing time. Regarding the remote commander 46, various controls can be executed with the limited number of operation keys 62 to 68, and thus the usability of the audio system can be advanced. As shown in Figs. 9A to 9C, in the control circuit 40, the key code received at first and the time information, i.e., over 2 [sec] code or under 2 [sec] code, received are detected (Fig. 9A), and output the control data COM as occasion demands. At this point, in the control circuit 40, as the result the remote signal S1 is intercepted, the receiving signal SRE is received to be intercepted on the way (Fig. 9B). In this case, one condition on which the operation key is pressed continuously and the other condition on which the next operation key is pressed, are considered. In this embodiment, the control circuit 40 judges as the remote control signal S1 is intercepted for some reason and outputs the control data COM corresponding to the key code and time information received when the time information is detected within 3 [sec] after key code rises (Fig. 9C). Thus, in the control circuit 40, even if the remote control signal S1 is intercepted, operation error can be avoided effectively. Further, in the control circuit 40, concerning the key code and time information to be transmitted repeatedly, if each one of these can be received, the content of the remote control signal S1 can be detected. Accordingly, the responding time can be effectively shortened, thus the usability of the audio system can be improved. Thus, in the control circuit 40, for example, when the key code and under 2 [sec] code are received, function of compact disc players 4, 6 and 8 are switched. On the other hand, when the key code and over 2 [sec] code are received, function of the audio system 1 is switched over to the mode which has comparatively low frequency in switching (consisting of modes, such as to register the title of compact disc). In the control circuit 40, if the multiple code is added, the function with lower frequency will be switched (such as switching of background color of display 31). Hence, in the control circuit 40, even if many operation keys 62 to 68 are not arranged in the remote commander 46, various functions can be switched over and thus the usability of said audio system 1 will be improved. Effects of the Embodiments According to the construction discussed above, even if the control signals are intercepted, the function can be switched over with certainty by marking operation time information on the key code of the operation key and forming remote control signals. Therefore, the function of each operation key can be switched over in accordance with operation time of the operation key, and the construction of remote commander can be simplified accordingly. Other Embodiments The embodiment discussed above has dealt with the case of transmitting information of pressing time after judgment has been made whether the operation key is pressed over 2 [sec] or not. The present invention is not, however, limited to this device. As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, by marking key OFF information CTO to show the operation of operation key is done at the end of key code, operation time information can be transmitted using this key OFF information CTO. Thus, when the receiving signal SRE is stopped on the receiving side, and if key code and time information are received within the designated time T4 (e.g., the period of several hundred [msec]), the function can be switched over judging the remote control signal S1 is intercepted for some reason and thus the function error of the audio system 1 can be effectively avoided. Furthermore, the embodiment discussed above has dealt with the case of judging whether the pressing time is over 2 [sec] or not. The present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 11, in addition to over 2 [sec] or not, time information can be outputted in accordance with the result of judgment if the key is pressed over 4 [sec] or not. Moreover, the embodiment discussed above has dealt with the case of judging the pressing time by dividing at 2 [sec] intervals. However, the present invention is not only limited to this device, but also applicable to the case of dividing at various time intervals. Further, the embodiment discussed above has dealt with the case of detecting the pressing time of operation key. The present invention is not, however, only limited to this, but also widely applicable to the cases of detecting the pressing time of operation key and outputting time information. Moreover, the embodiment discussed above has dealt with the case of connecting 3 sets of compact disc player, video tape recorder and television tuner. The present invention is not only limited to this, but also applicable widely to the cases of connecting several compact disc players, and also connecting cassette tape recorder and navigation systems as occasion demands. Further, the embodiment discussed above has dealt with the case or remotely controlling the audio systems placed in the car. The present invention is not, however, only limited to this device, but also applicable widely to the case of remotely controlling various electronic appliances. According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to attain the remote control device which is capable of controlling the control object by detecting the operation time of the operation key and forming the remote control signals with information of the operation key code and operation time, even if the remote control signals are intercepted. While there has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention, and it is aimed, therefore, to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims: A remote control device (46) for sending a remote control signal responsive to operations of operation keys (62-68), comprising: means (70,74) for detecting code signals corresponding to said keys being operated (62-68); characterized by:- means (72) for detecting the operating time of said operation keys (62-68); means (72) for generating a time information signal (CTU, CTM, CTO) representing the information of said operating time each time one of said keys is operated; and means (76) for transmitting said code signals added to said time information signal (CTU, CTM, CTO) as a remote control signal. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein said time information signal (CTU, CTM, CTO) is a signal representing that said operating time is over or under a predetermined time. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein said time information signal (CTU, CTM, CTO) is a coded signal and is sent after said code signal. A remotely controlled device which changes operation in response to a remote control signal transmitted from a remote control means (46), including control means (40) for controlling an operation according to a code signal representing a code of an operation key and operation time of said operation key, characterized in that the control means is adapted to detect a time information signal (CTU, CTM, CTO) added to each said code signal and representing an operation time of said operation key included in said remote control signal and to control the operation of the device according to said code signal and said time information signal A remotely controlled device according to claim 4, further comprising detecting means (40) for detecting whether said time information signal is received within a predetermined period after said code signal is received.

Inventors: TANAKA TAMIYA, YAMAMOTO HIROTAKA, TANAKA, TAMIYA, YAMAMOTO, HIROTAKA
Applicants: SONY CORP, SONY CORPORATION
Application year: 1992
Main classification: H03J1
IPC codes: H04B1, H03J1, H04Q9