CN1123213C

CN1123213C - System and method for automatically selecting remote control code set

Info

Publication number: CN1123213C
Application number: CN97197189A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丹尼尔·S·克沃
Original assignee: Index Systems LLC
Current assignee: Adeia Guides Inc
Priority date: 1996-07-09
Filing date: 1997-07-09
Publication date: 2003-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-09
Also published as: EP0910919A1; CA2260249A1; WO1998001993A1; EP0910919A4; AU3727497A; CN1227692A

Abstract

A system and method for automatically selecting a remote control code set, wherein a television tuner (10) controller has a memory (22) storing sets of remote control codes for controlling the television tuner (10), such as a junction box. When the television tuner receives a set of channel remote control commands indicating a particular channel, it changes tuning from the current channel to the specified channel. The tuner (10) controller is capable of detecting a tuned channel whenever the television (14) tunes to a predetermined reference channel.

Description

Be used for selecting automatically the system and the method thereof of remote controller code collection

Technical field

The present invention relates to be used for select automatically the automated programming of the system and the method thereof, particularly a kind of controller of remote controller code collection, can make this controller by another device of infrared signal remote control.

Background technology

Because TV, video cassette recorder and other apparatus for household use are more and more general, so can also have been increased by the number of the device of remote control.Most these devices use an Infrared Projector (combining with a receiver that is connected to this device itself) as " remote control ".Usually, the manufacturer of device is integrated this remote controller and device.Certainly, this remote controller can have been controlled its relevant apparatus.Yet, because different manufacturers uses different infrared code collection, so the remote controller of a manufacturer can not be controlled the device of another manufacturer usually.Increase along with the number of the remote-controlled device of user household makes the number of remote controller increase.Most users feel that this problem is horrible, and make us feeling chaotic sometimes.

At a solution of this problem is that " using remote control " universal remote control of having proposed is one and can controls the device of plurality of devices at a distance by using a plurality of infrared code collection.A common example is to control to long distance the remote controller of TV and video cassette recorder.Universal remote control is to realize this function by programmability.The user can import various numbers so that be chosen in the process of controlling this device to use which infrared code collection.

The programmable universal remote control usually makes a mistake and many users have felt that this is the task of a difficulty.Determine that one of correct infrared code collection simple and more automatic method will be the progress on present technique.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of system and method, can correctly select the remote controller code collection automatically.

According to one aspect of the invention, a kind of system is characterized in that comprising:

TV tuner, be used for a tuning channel from a plurality of channel inputs, comprise a receiver of remote-control sytem, respond one and channel instruction is set and a channel increases progressively order, tuner tuning channel change to a channel of regulation in channel instruction is set, when this remote controller receiver receives channel when increasing progressively order, be used for the tuning channel of tuner change to this tuner the next channel of tuning channel order;

Be used to store the memory of a plurality of remote controller code collection of controlling TV tuner;

The tuner controller comprises:

Be used to detect the device of tuning channel, when this TV tuner be tuned to during at least one predetermined benchmark channel, be used to detect by this TV tuner tuning channel;

Telecontrol transmitter is used for increasing progressively order and sending to TV tuner channel commands and channel are set; With

The Automatic Code testing apparatus comprises:

Be used for automatically carrying out successively the automatic conveying device of function, its function comprises: (1) is transmitted into this tuner to the channel instruction that is provided with of the channel that is used to be scheduled to, whether (2) detect by the tuning channel of television receiver is first function of benchmark channel, (3) channel is increased progressively order and send to this tuner, whether (4) detect by the tuning channel of television receiver is second function of benchmark channel, (5) whether be three function of benchmark channel the channel command retransmission that is provided with to predetermined channel if delivering to that this tuner and (6) detect by this tuning channel of this television receiver;

Be used for repeatedly operating the device of this automatic conveying device, be used for each of a plurality of remote control mode collection that store at memory; With

Analytical equipment comprises:

Checkout gear is used to detect the appearance of first condition and second condition, and TV tuner is tuning not to go out the benchmark channel to first condition for first function that detects does not detect; Second condition goes out the benchmark channel for first Function detection that detects to TV tuner is tuning, and second function of detection does not detect that TV tuner is tuning to go out the benchmark channel, and the 3rd Function detection of detection goes out the benchmark channel to TV tuner is tuning;

End testing apparatus, when checkout gear detects the appearance of first condition or second condition, be used to stop the operation of automatic conveying device;

Recognition device is used for when this termination testing apparatus stops the operation of automatic conveying device, and the remote controller code collection that identification is used by automatic conveying device is as suitable remote controller code collection.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a kind of method, be used for such system, this system comprises: TV tuner, be used for a tuning channel from a plurality of channel inputs, comprise receiver of remote-control sytem, response is provided with the channel instruction, tuner tuning channel change to the channel that regulation in the channel instruction is set at this, increase progressively order with response channel, when this remote controller receiver receives channel when increasing progressively order, be used for the tuning channel of tuner change to this tuner the next channel of tuning channel order; With, a tuner controller comprises device, when this TV tuner be tuned to during at least one predetermined benchmark channel, be used to detect by this TV tuner tuning channel; And telecontrol transmitter, be used for increasing progressively order and sending to TV tuner channel commands and channel are set;

It is characterized in that the method comprising the steps of:

(a) repeatedly carry out for each of a plurality of collection that are stored in the remote control mode in the memory and automatically perform step (b).

(b) execution in step in order automatically:

(b1) the channel instruction that is provided with of predetermined channel is transmitted into tuner,

Whether (b2) detect by the tuning channel of television receiver is the benchmark channel,

(b3) channel is increased progressively order and sends to tuner,

Whether (b4) detect by the tuning channel of television receiver is the benchmark channel,

(b5) to predetermined channel the channel command retransmission is set to tuner,

Whether (b6) detect by the tuning channel of television receiver is the benchmark channel,

(b7) detect the appearance of first condition and second condition, TV tuner is tuning not to go out the benchmark channel to first condition for the first step that detects (b2) does not detect; TV tuner is tuning to go out the benchmark channel to second condition for the first step that detects (b2) detects, second step that detects (b4) does not detect that TV tuner is tuning to go out the benchmark channel, and the third step that detects (b6) detects that TV tuner is tuning to go out the benchmark channel;

(b8) when in step (b7), detecting the appearance of first condition or second condition, stop step (a) execution and

(b9) when described termination testing apparatus stops the operation of automatic conveying device, the remote controller code collection that identification is used by automatic conveying device is as suitable remote controller code collection.

One embodiment of the invention is to be used for the method for programming from the controller of an IR code set of a plurality of infrared (IR) code set selection, is used for controlling subsequently and video-unit, such as the communication of video cassette recorder (CR) row IR signal.At video-unit is in the situation of cassette tape VCR, and each IR code set is the communication that is used for a different corresponding VCR.For this purpose, each VCR has a tuner, when be tuned to during the channel of reality of a broadcast video signal, the vision signal that this tuner will obtain from the channel of reality offers its video output.Use a selected IR code set that a predetermined series of signal is provided to VCR, this code set is to select from the IR code set that provides.At the prearranged signal condition, monitor the video output of this VCR.Select the IR code set to be used for subsequently and signal communication VCR then.Selecteed IR code set is an IR code set that produces this prearranged signal condition.Scheme whereby can automatically be identified for the suitable IR code set that communicates, and almost need not user intervention between the VCR of remote controller and any number.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the calcspar of a system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a kind of method flow diagram according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a truth table, and the logic analysis of being used by one embodiment of the present of invention is described.

Embodiment

The invention describes and be used for automatically selecting to be suitable for concrete video-unit of long distance ground control, such as a system of an IR code set of a terminal box from for example being stored in a plurality of IR code sets of VCR.This system uses the test I R code set of a selection that a series of orders are sent to this concrete video-unit, and comes from the result of these orders of video signal monitor of this video-unit by inspection.These results are analyzed, successfully controlled this video-unit so that determine whether this test I R code set.If this test I R code set is not successfully controlled this video-unit, this system IR code sets that will circulate and all store then are as test I R code set, till an IR code set of successfully controlling this video-unit is found.

Fig. 1 has described one embodiment of the present of invention, and wherein tuner 10 is from the external source received television signal and the vision signal output that obtains the TV signal from these tuner 10 place channels.This tuner 10 can manually be provided with by input 12 by the user, perhaps is provided with by receiver 14 a long distances ground.This vision signal is sent to television indicator 16 and is sent to an XDS decoder 18.

Xds signal is that vertical blanking period (BI) branch in vision signal is sent by the broadcasting information source, and comprises digital information, comprises the information relevant with the vision signal that wherein comprises.The vision signal that these XDS decoder 18 filtering come self-tuner 10 is so that xds signal is separated, if this xds signal exists.By this xds signal is analyzed, DS decoder 18 can draw the various information of relevant this vision signal, such as other channel identifiers of channel or tuner 10 place channels.In another embodiment, use is at the VBI decoder of the different piece of the VBI of the data-signal except that xds signal.Under any circumstance, this VBI decoder is set to a part of decoded video signal, can draw channel or the channel identifier that is used for the set channel of tuner 10 from this vision signal.Operable other embodiment do not use the VBI decoder, as long as controller 20 can receive the information of the channel set up of sign tuner 10 at special time.

This XDS decoder 18 sends this xds signal information to controller 20.Controller 20 is connected to memory 22, and memory 22 can store xds signal information, comparative result or any other information.Controller 20 also is connected to memory 24, can the previous IR code set that stores of access from this memory 24.Memory 24 can be any data storage device, but preferably a ROM or other nonvolatile memories.Use is from an IR code set of memory 24, and controller can be so that reflector 26 sends suitable IR signal to this receiver 14, so that remote tuner 10.The process that utilization is described below, controller 20 send some instruct tuner 10 and in memory 22 this result of storage.After various xds signals and comparative result storage, controller is analyzed these information so that determine whether current IR code set is the IR code set that is set correctly to this tuner 10 of remote control.This makes controller automatically select to be used for the correct IR code set of remote tuner 10.

Among the embodiment who describes among Fig. 1 in the above, system's utilization such as be described below and in sequence of operations shown in Figure 2, can be identified for the correct IR code set of the remote control of this video-unit.

At first in program block 100, the user manually imports a predetermined channel in tuner 10 by importing 12.This channel is that " benchmark channel " benchmark channel must be a channel can being confirmed by controller, such as the channel that comprises xds signal in VBI.The channel that is used for public broadcasting station (PBS) in the user area is the channel that is used for the first-selection of benchmark channel, because within U.S.'s scope, and the present xds signal of PBS TV station broadcast in VBI.

In program block 110, the controller retrieval is from first test I R code set of memory 24, so that test.Utilize XDS decoder 18, in program block 105, controller 20 determines to belong to the xds signal information of the current video signal that is the benchmark channel, and stores this information in memory 22.This is that " reference signal " controller sends the IR signal to receiver 14 by reflector 26 then in program block 115, and this IR signal is suitable for the IR code set when Pretesting, so that the channel of tuner 10 is adjusted to certain predetermined channel.This predetermined channel is " an examination channel "

And in program block 115, controller 20 utilizes XDS decoder 18 to determine the xds signal information of current channels, and this xds signal information storage in memory 22.To be " test 1 " controller 20 compare test 1 this result with this reference signal.If they are different, show that then the channel of tuner 10 is successfully changed, then this current IR code set is correct setting.If test 1 identically,, then must further analyze as what discuss in more detail below with reference signal.The comparative result of test 1 and reference signal is stored in the memory 22.

In program block 120, controller 20 sends to receiver 14 to the IR signal that is suitable for current I R code set by reflector 26, so that increase progressively the channel of tuner 10.Utilize XDS decoder 18, controller 20 determine the xds signal information of current channels and this information storage in memory 22.This result be " result 2 " then, controller 20 test 2 and reference signal relatively and this information storage in memory 22.Be similar to result 1, as with what be discussed below, whether " result 2 " are that the correct coding collection does not play decisive factor for current test I R code set.

In program block 125, controller 20 sends to receiver 14 to the IR signal that is suitable for current I R code set by reflector 26, so that again the channel of tuner 10 is set to testing channel subsequently.Utilize XDS decoder 18, controller 20 is determined the xds signal information of current channel, and this signal message is stored in the memory 22.This result is " test 3 ".20 of controllers test 3 and reference signal relatively and result storage relatively in memory 22.This result is " result 3 ".This moment, as explanation below, as a result 1, result 2 and result's 3 combination is whether current test I R code set is the decisive factor of correct coding setting.

In program block 130, the controller analysis is between test 1 and the reference signal (result 1), in the result of these three comparisons between test 2 and the reference signal (result 2), between test 3 and reference signal (result 3).As be described below and as shown in Fig. 3, be different from reference signal if test 1, then current I R code set is that correct setting and this analysis finishes.In this case, take Yes path and this processing procedure to finish from program block 135 at program block 140.If test 1 identically, then should analyze and to continue with reference signal.Be different from reference signal and test 3 identically with reference signal if test 2, then current I R code set is that correct setting and this analysis finishes.In this case, take Yes path and this processing procedure to finish from program block 135 once more at program block 140.It is not correct IR code set that current I R code set is all indicated in any other combination of result.

After finishing this analysis,, then take the No path from program block 135 if current I R code set is incorrect.But if necessary, this controller 20 will at first reset to the benchmark channel to tuner 10.This IR code set is incorrect (situation 3 in Fig. 3 or situation 6) if tuner 10 is successfully increased progressively, and then tuner 10 is set to certain channel except that the benchmark channel.For tuner 10 is adjusted to the benchmark channel, controller 20 sends to receiver 14 to an IR signal by reflector 26, and this IR signal tuner 10 that will successively decrease is set up channel.This will turn back to the benchmark channel to tuner 10.

Take the No path from program block 135 then, and this controller 20 will turn back to program block 110 and select next IR code set from memory 24.Then, by utilizing XDS decoder 18, controller 20 will begin processing procedure again, determine the i.e. XDS of benchmark channel this moment of current channel again, and these are stored in the memory 22 as reference signal.As in the past, processing procedure continues to continue from this point, and storage test 1, test 2, test 3, result 1, result 2 and result 3 are so that determine whether new IR code set is correct IR code set.

Fig. 3 has described a truth table, illustrates to make logic analysis used in this invention.In order to determine whether current I R code set is correct IR code set, and three orders (SETCHANNEL-CHANNELUP-SETCHANNEL) all are necessary.Because there are several known variables, so an order is not enough.Specifically some TV tuner correctly responds identical channel-up commands, but can not respond the identical channel commands that is provided with.When the user was set to the benchmark channel to tuner 10, the number that is used for the local channel of benchmark channel can be identical with the number of the testing channel of being scheduled to.If the channel of tuner 10 being adjusted to the result of the single order of testing channel is reliably, then may select incorrect IR code set.Because the input of user's channel may provide this illusion by the benchmark channel identical with testing channel, the order of promptly adjusting the channel of tuner 10 is successful.

In addition, even this current IR code set is incorrect IR code set, some that also can appear between the correct IR code set of incorrect IR code set and this video-unit is overlapping.This be because the signal that some IR code sets uses identical IR sign indicating number to indicate is used for " channel-up " (this order tuner set to channel increase progressively 1) and be used for the signal of " channel downward modulation ", even other yard is not corresponding.The result is that it may be of no avail that " channel-up " signal is sent to tuner.Perhaps, this IR code set is not the correct IR code set that is used for VCR, still " channel-up " signal may be identical and this channel will be incremented.By utilizing this two orders, " channel is set " order and " channel-up " order, can realize one unique and be decisive result.

In these complete logic analyses, there are six possible situations, as shown in Figure 3.CASE1 is that wherein benchmark channel and IR code set identical with testing channel is the situation of correct IR code set.CASE2 is that wherein but the identical IR code set with testing channel of benchmark channel is incorrect for video-unit and does not order to be effective situation.CASE3 is that wherein benchmark channel, IR code set identical with testing channel is incorrect, " channel-up " order effective situation still still.CASE4 is that wherein benchmark channel and IR code set different with testing channel is the situation of correct IR code set.CASE5 be wherein the benchmark channel different with testing channel, for video-unit the IR code set incorrect and not order be effective situation.CASE6 is that wherein the benchmark channel is different with testing channel, the IR code set is incorrect, " channel-up " order effective situation still still.By the IR code set that utilizes a series of orders can be identified for the both of these case of video-unit is correct (CASE1 and CASE4).

After the signal that transmission is provided with tuner 10 determines also that to testing channel the channel of tuner 10 does not change, whether this channel does not change will be unknown, because the IR code set is incorrect, though or because the correct testing channel of IR code set is identical with the benchmark channel.After transmission was adjusted to testing channel to this channel, if channel changes really, it was complete then analyzing.Wherein, unique is that benchmark channel and IR code set different with testing channel is that correct possibility is CASE4.Remain five possibilities, CASE1, CASE2, CASE3, CASE5 and CASE6.Send " channel-up " signal and xds signal information and reference signal relatively after, if this channel is successfully changed, then CASE2 and CASE5 are eliminated.Yet it is as broad as long between CASE1, CASE3 and CASE6.Last step is to send signal channel is adjusted to testing channel once more.If successfully being set to the channel of testing channel and tuner 10, the channel of tuner 10 successfully increased progressively in advance, it is different with reference signal and test 3 identically with reference signal to test 2 signals in other words, and then this current IR code set is correct for this video-unit.

Except the situation in CASE4, each the result who tests these comparisons of 1 pair of reference signal, the 2 pairs of reference signals of test, 3 pairs of reference signals of test (and be stored as a result of 1, result 2, result 3) is necessary.In CASE2 and CASE5, the channel of tuner 10 will never change, this video-unit because the IR code set does not conform to fully.The result be 1 pair of reference signal of test comparison indication they be identical and test 3 pairs of reference signals the comparison indication they be identical.For CASE2 and CASE5 and CASE1 difference are come, need the comparison of 2 pairs of reference signals of test.In CASE1, test 2 is different and in CASE2 and CASE5 with reference signal, and test 2 is identical with reference signal.Similarly, CASE1, CASE3 and CASE6 have the identical result from two tests of beginning (test 1 is identical with reference signal, and testing 2 is different with reference signal).In order to distinguish CASE1, must want last " channel an is set " order.In CASE1, channel is successfully returned benchmark channel (test 3 is identical with reference signal), and in CASE3 and CASE6, channel will not change (still being different from reference signal so test 3), because " channel is set " order is not worked.These comparisons realize the affirmation of correct IR code set.

Present embodiment of describing and processing procedure show that just the logic analysis of description is an example that how to be used to determine correct IR code set.Modification for present embodiment is possible, as long as utilize the identical logic analysis of command in combination so that obtain correct IR code set.

Claims

1. A system characterized in that it comprises:

Television tuner for tuning a channel from multiple channel inputs, comprising a remote control receiver responsive to a set channel command and a channel increment command to change the channel tuned by the tuner to the one specified in the set channel command channel, when the remote control receiver receives a channel increment command, it is used to change the channel tuned by the tuner to the next channel in the order of the channel tuned by the tuner;

memory for storing multiple sets of remote control codes for controlling the television tuner;

Tuner controller, including:

means for detecting a channel tuned to by the television tuner when the television tuner is tuned to at least one predetermined reference channel;

a remote control transmitter for sending set channel commands and channel up commands to the television tuner; and

Automatic code testing device, including:

An automatic transmission device for automatically performing functions in sequence, and its functions include: (1) transmitting a channel setting command for a predetermined channel to the tuner, (2) detecting whether the channel tuned by the television receiver is a reference channel The first function of (3) sending the channel increment command to the tuner, (4) detecting whether the channel tuned by the TV receiver is the second function of the reference channel, (5) sending the set channel instruction to the predetermined channel resend to the tuner, and (6) detect whether the channel tuned by the television receiver is a third function of the reference channel;

means for repeatedly operating the automatic transmission device for each of a plurality of remote control code sets stored in memory; and

Analytical devices, including:

The detection device is used to detect the occurrence of the first condition and the second condition. The first condition is that the first function of detection does not detect that the TV tuner has tuned out the reference channel; the second condition is that the first function of detection detects that the TV tuner The reference channel is tuned out, the second function of detection does not detect that the TV tuner has tuned out the reference channel, and the third function of detection detects that the TV tuner has tuned out the reference channel;

abort test means for stopping the operation of the automatic transfer means when the detection means detects the occurrence of the first condition or the second condition;

Identification means for identifying the remote control code set used by the automatic transmission device as an appropriate remote control code set when the suspension test means stops the operation of the automatic transmission device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the tuner controller further comprises a means for storing in memory the remote control code used by the automatic transmission device when the abort test means stops the operation of the automatic transmission device Set ID.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said television tuner is included in one of a junction box, a satellite receiver, a wireless junction box, a television receiver and a video recorder.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tuner controller is included in one of a junction box, a satellite receiver, a wireless junction box, a television receiver, a video recorder and a hand-held remote control.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for detecting the tuned channel comprises a vertical blanking interval (VBI) decoder.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for detecting the tuned channel comprises an Extended Data Service (XDS) decoder.

7. A method for a system comprising: a television tuner for tuning a channel from a plurality of channel inputs, comprising a remote control receiver responsive to a set channel command for changing the channel tuned by the tuner to A channel specified in the setting channel command, and a response channel increment command, when the remote control receiver receives the channel increment command, is used to change the channel tuned by the tuner to the next channel tuned by the tuner a channel; and, a tuner controller comprising means for detecting the channel tuned by the television tuner when the television tuner is tuned to at least one predetermined reference channel; and a remote control transmitter for Set channel command and channel increment command are sent to TV tuner;

It is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:

(a) performing the automatic execution step (b) repeatedly for each of the plurality of sets of remote control codes stored in the memory.

(b) automatically execute the steps in sequence:

(b1) transmitting a channel setting instruction of a predetermined channel to the tuner,

(b2) detecting whether the channel tuned by the television receiver is a reference channel,

(b3) send the channel increment command to the tuner,

(b4) detecting whether the channel tuned by the television receiver is a reference channel,

(b5) retransmitting the setting channel instruction to the predetermined channel to the tuner,

(b6) detecting whether the channel tuned by the television receiver is a reference channel,

(b7) Detect the occurrence of the first condition and the second condition, the first condition is that the first step of detecting (b2) does not detect that the TV tuner tunes out the reference channel; the second condition is the first step of detecting (b2) The step detects that the TV tuner has tuned out the reference channel, and the second step of detecting (b4) does not detect that the TV tuner has tuned out the reference channel, and the third step of detecting (b6) detects that the TV tuner has tuned out the reference channel;

(b8) stopping the execution of step (a) when the occurrence of the first condition or the second condition is detected in step (b7), and

(b9) identifying a remote controller code set used by the automatic transfer device as an appropriate remote controller code set when the suspension test means stops the operation of the automatic transfer device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that it also includes a storage step, which is used to store the remote control code set used in the step (b) in the memory when the execution of the step (a) is terminated logo.

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a channel is tuned out of a plurality of channel inputs using a television tuner included in a junction box, satellite receiver, wireless junction box, In one of the television receivers and VCRs.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a tuner controller is used to send a channel setting command and a channel increment command, and the tuner controller is included in a junction box, a satellite receiver, a wireless junction box, In one of the television receivers, video recorders, and hand-held remote controls.

11. A method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a vertical blanking interval (VBI) decoder is used to detect the tuned channel.

12. A method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the tuned channel is detected using an Extended Data Service (XDS) decoder.