JP2002101478A - Infrared controller with communication start notification function - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a notification so that a user can easily recognize whether or not communication can be started or restarted.
Provided is an infrared control device having a communication start notifying function that can prevent such notification. In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitting unit for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that communication can be started, a user is notified. A control means 8 for outputting a control command for performing the notification to the notification means 10 is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a remote control system in a two-way communication system using infrared rays.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a two-way communication system using infrared rays, when it is attempted to start communication between a control device and a controlled device, it is necessary to judge whether or not the communication is possible.
The two parties first recognize each other.

When the controlled device determines that it can communicate with each other based on the mutual recognition, it performs polling by transmitting a packet including a transmission / reception permission signal to the control device, and determines that bidirectional data communication is possible. Become.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a flow until a user can determine whether communication can be started when a game controller is a control device and a game machine is a controlled device as a conventional communication start procedure. . The operation is started from step sl, and an operation to signal the start of communication is performed in step s2.

[0005] As an example of this signal, a case where some button operation is performed is considered. In step s3, unique information is exchanged as mutual recognition between the game controller and the game machine. At this time, it is assumed that the game machine requests unique information such as descriptor information from the game controller.

[0006] The descriptor information is information used by a host device to recognize a peripheral device in a communication standard such as USB. The host device determines whether communication with the peripheral device is possible based on this information. If the communication of this descriptor information fails,
In the decision step s4, the procedure for starting communication ends.

When the communication of the descriptor information is successful,
Proceed to the next step s5. In step s5, the game machine compares the database of the unique information of the game controller that is supported, that is, the communicable game controller, with the unique information acquired in step s3. When it is determined in the determination step s6 that the game machine cannot support the game pad, the communication start procedure ends.

[0008] If it is determined that it can be supported, the process proceeds to step s7. In step s7, the game machine transmits a transmission / reception permission signal to the game controller and starts polling. If the input data from the game controller is not output to the television monitor in the determination step s8, the communication start procedure ends at this point.

[0009] On the other hand, if it is output to the monitor, a button input of the game controller is performed in step s9 to check the monitor. At a judgment step sl0, the output result is judged, and it is judged whether the game controller can be used or not (s11 to s13).

In step s3 of FIG. 1, when communication of unique information such as descriptor information is performed, when the positional relationship between the control device and the controlled device is as shown in FIG. If the light receiving unit 3b of the infrared transceiver 3 of the controlled device 2 is located outside the transmittable range of the light emitting unit 3a, the descriptor information cannot be normally communicated.

Assuming that the communication cannot be performed normally, the user cannot determine whether the communication cannot be performed due to the positional relationship, or whether the communication cannot be performed because the controlled device 2 does not support the control device 1. .

Accordingly, the user brings the control device 1 to a position where communication can be performed, and performs a communication start procedure again. When the user performs this operation in the two-way communication system using infrared rays, if there is no communication for a certain period of time while communication has already been started, the state is stopped.

When communication is resumed, the control device 1 and the controlled device 2 mutually recognize each other. When the controlled device 2 determines that the communication can be resumed based on the mutual recognition, the controlled device 2 transmits a packet including a transmission / reception permission signal to the control device 1 to perform polling, and the communication can be resumed. .

As a conventional communication restart procedure, the game controller is used as the control device 1 and the game machine is used as the controlled device 2.
FIG. 3 shows an example of the case where. The operation starts at step sl, and at step s2, the game controller performs an operation to signal communication restart. In this example, a button input to the game controller is a signal to restart.

In step s3, mutual recognition between the game controller and the game machine is performed. IDs for recognizing both parties are exchanged for the mutual recognition. If the exchange of the ID fails in the determination step s4, the communication restart procedure ends at that point.

At step s5, the ID information of the game controller capable of restarting the communication and the ID obtained at step s3
Compare with D. If there is no match in the ID in the determination step s6, it is determined that the communication cannot be restarted, and the communication restart procedure is terminated at this time.

In this case, the reason why communication cannot be performed is, for example, that a resource for performing communication of the game machine is allocated to another game controller while the communication is interrupted.

The 1-to-many infrared two-way communication system effectively uses limited resources on the controlled device 2 side. Therefore, when a new communication with the control device 1 is started, the control is interrupted. It has a function to preferentially remove the device 1 from communication targets.

If it is determined in step s6 that the game machine can resume communication with the game controller, a transmission / reception permission signal is transmitted and polling is started in step s7. When the data input from the game controller is reflected on the game in the judgment step s8, the user performs a button input of the game controller in a step s9 to check the game screen.

If the data input is not reflected in the judgment step sl0, the user judges that the communication cannot be restarted by the game controller (s11). Judgment step sl
If the button input is confirmed with 0, and the input data is correctly reflected on the monitor, the user determines that communication can be resumed with the game controller (s12).

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a conventional control device 6 and controlled device 1 for infrared two-way communication. Controlled device 1
Is composed of a control microcomputer 2, a nonvolatile memory 3, a timer 4, and an infrared transceiver 5. On the other hand, the control device 6 includes an infrared transceiver 7, a control microcomputer 8, and a key input unit 9. The control microcomputers 2 and 8 control the controlled device 1 and the control device 6. The non-volatile memory 3 stores a database including device information of the control device 6 supported by the controlled device 1.

An example of the device information is descriptor information. Timer 4 is controlled device 1 and control device 6
It is used to measure the communication time. The timer 4 measures the time during which communication between both parties is not performed, and when a certain time is reached, the controlled device 1 stops transmitting the transmission / reception permission signal used for boring of communication. Therefore, the communication state is stopped.

When the user performs a button operation on the key input unit 9 of the control device 6, the control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 detects the input. At this time, if the current communication state is the unstarted state or the stopped state, the control microcomputer 2 transfers a packet for performing mutual recognition with the controlled device 1 to the transceiver 7.

The control microcomputer 2 of the controlled device receives the mutual recognition packet via the transceiver 5 of the controlled device 1. The control microcomputer 2 transmits device information such as the status of the communication state that has not been started and the descriptor information to the control device 6.
From the control device 6 acquired from the non-volatile memory 3
With the device information database of And control equipment 6
If there is information in the table that matches the information in the above table, it is determined that communication is possible.

On the other hand, if the communication state is the stop state, the ID exchanged at the time of the mutual recognition is identified, and it is determined whether or not the communication can be resumed. When it is determined that communication with the control device 6 can be started or resumed, the transceiver 5 instructs the transceiver 5 to transmit a transmission / reception permission signal as a bowling packet, and subsequent communication becomes possible. The microcomputer 2 of the controlled device 1 uses the timer 4 for the time when there is no data transfer,
That is, the time during which communication is not performed is counted.
When the time reaches a certain time, the control microcomputer 2
Stops boring to the control device 6. That is, the communication state is set to the stop state.

[0026]

When communication start or restart processing is performed between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1,
When the situation of step s13 in FIG. 1 and step s13 in FIG. 3 falls, it cannot be determined whether or not the control device 6 can be used. By changing the shape of the connector, the user can be informed of which game machine is compatible with the control device 6 by changing the shape of the connector.

In the case of a game controller using a wireless system, since there is no connection with a cable or the like, there is a drawback that it is difficult for a user to determine whether the game controller can be used with the game machine. Also, in a directional communication system such as infrared rays, if there is an obstacle or the like, communication may not be performed normally.

The user cannot distinguish whether the game controller cannot be used because it is not supported by the game machine, or whether the game controller cannot be used due to a communication failure due to an obstacle or the like. It is a game controller corresponding to the game machine,
In addition, in a situation where communication is not hindered by an obstacle or the like, whether or not the game controller can be used is actually operated by a button, and it is determined that the operation can be used only after confirming that the operation is reflected on the game.

However, in some games, button operations are not reflected on the game. For example, there is a game in which the mode changes and starts when the button A and the button B of the game controller are pressed while the game title screen is displayed, and the button operation is completely reflected on the title screen in which the button input is performed. If it is not, the communication between the game machine and the game controller is confirmed to be normally started by checking that the mode of the game is correctly changed. However, if it is a game in which the difference between the modes is difficult to understand, it cannot be determined whether the communication has been started so that the button operation can be performed correctly.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances,
Infrared control device having a communication start notifying function capable of notifying the user that the user can easily recognize whether or not communication can be started, restarted, and the like, and not performing the notification. The purpose is to provide.

[0031]

According to the present invention, means for solving the above-mentioned problems are constituted as follows.

(1) In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitting section for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiving section for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that communication can be started, a user is notified. Control means for outputting a control command for performing the notification to the notification means is provided.

According to this configuration, by notifying the user that communication can be started or that communication cannot be started in the infrared communication system, the user can smoothly recognize the possibility of communication.

If there is no notification, it can be determined that communication cannot be started due to some kind of communication failure. Therefore, the positional relationship between the control device and the controlled device is corrected so that two-way communication is possible, and the communication is restarted. Appropriate measures can be taken to take the procedure for starting communication.

(2) In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiver for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that the suspended communication can be resumed, Control means for outputting a control command for notifying the user to the notifying means is provided.

According to this configuration, when restarting the stopped bidirectional communication, the user can be notified that communication can be restarted or cannot be restarted, so that the user can smoothly recognize the possibility of restarting communication. it can.

If there is no notification, it can be determined that communication cannot be resumed due to some kind of communication failure. Therefore, the positional relationship between the control device and the controlled device is corrected so that bidirectional communication can be performed, and the communication is restarted. Appropriate measures can be taken, such as taking communication restart procedures.

(3) In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiver for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that communication cannot be started, And a control means for outputting a control command for performing the notification to the notification means.

According to this configuration, the user is notified that the communication cannot be started, so that the user can immediately investigate the cause and take appropriate measures.

(4) In a bidirectional infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitting section for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiving section for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that restart of stopped communication is impossible. And a control means for outputting a control command for notifying the user to the notifying means.

According to this configuration, the user is notified that the communication cannot be restarted, so that the user can immediately investigate the cause and take appropriate measures.

(5) The notifying means includes a vibrating means for notifying the user by generating vibration.

According to this configuration, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By generating vibration of a specific frequency by the vibration means (for example, when it is not easy to determine with sound or light), an appropriate notification can be given to the user.

(6) The notifying means includes a light emitting means for notifying a user by emitting visible light.

According to this configuration, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By emitting visible light with the light emitting means (for example, when it is not easy to determine with sound or vibration), appropriate notification can be given to the user.

(7) The notifying means includes a sound generating means for notifying the user by sound output.

According to this configuration, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By generating a sound output by the sounding means (for example, when it is not easy to determine by vibration, light, or the like), an appropriate notification can be given to the user.

(8) The notifying means includes a display means for notifying the user on the display screen.

According to this configuration, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By providing a specific display on the display screen by the display means (for example, when it is not easy to determine with vibration, light, sound, etc.), an appropriate notification can be given to the user.

(9) In response to a selection input from the user,
Selecting means for selecting whether the notification operation of the notification means is valid or invalid.

According to this configuration, when the notification is not required, the selecting means is operated to deactivate the notifying means, thereby making it possible to avoid trouble caused by unnecessary notification operation.

(10) An input unit, a control microcomputer for outputting transmission data corresponding to data from the input unit and outputting vibration data corresponding to reception data, and transmitting and receiving transmission data as infrared signals. A transceiver that outputs the received infrared signal as reception data, and a vibration unit that inputs vibration data.

According to this configuration, the vibration unit provides
Change the vibration pattern according to the received data,
Based on the difference in the vibration patterns, the user can identify whether the control device is usable or unusable.

[0054]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An infrared control device having a communication start notification function according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 5 shows a block configuration in a case where a vibration technique is used as means for notifying the user. In the present embodiment, a controlled device (for example, a game machine) 1 including a control microcomputer 2, a nonvolatile memory 3, a timer 4, and an infrared transceiver (receiving unit) 5, an infrared transceiver (transmitting unit) 7, a control microcomputer (Control means) 8, key input unit 9,
And a control device (for example, a game controller) 6 including a vibration unit (notifying means) 10.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a circuit configuration between the control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 and the vibration unit 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart at the time of starting communication, and FIG. 8 shows a flowchart at the time of restarting communication. 7 and 8 show a case where the controlled device 1 is a game machine and the control device 6 is a game controller.

When communication between the controlled device 1 and the control device 6 is started, the controlled device 1 stores the device information database of the communicable control device 6 stored in the nonvolatile memory 3 in step s5 shown in FIG. And the device information of the control device 6 obtained in step s3.

If the device information does not exist in the database, it is determined that the device is not supported, that is, the control device 6 cannot start communication. In step s7, the control device 6 uses the infrared transceiver 5 to start communication with an infrared signal. Transmit infrared data containing information that is not possible.

The infrared transceiver 7 of the control device 6 receives the packet, and when the control microcomputer 8 recognizes the packet, transmits the vibration data to the vibration unit 10 and proceeds to step s.
At 9, the user is notified to the controlled device 1 that the controlled device 6 is not supported, that is, cannot be used.

At this time, the vibration data transmitted to the vibration unit 10 is transmitted only when the switch 11 shown in FIG. 6 is ON. When this switch is OFF,
Do not send vibration data. If the device information database of the communicable control device 6 stored in the non-volatile memory 3 in step s5 of FIG. 7 includes information that matches the device information of the control device 6 obtained in step s3, the controlled device 1 If the control device 6 supports the control device 6, that is, determines that the control device 6 can start communication, the infrared device 5 uses the infrared transceiver 5 for the control device 6 in step s 8 and transmits infrared data including information that can start communication by an infrared signal. Send.

The infrared transceiver 7 of the control device 6 receives the packet, and when the control microcomputer 8 recognizes the packet, transmits vibration data to the vibration unit. At step sl0, the control device 6 supports the controlled device 1 for the user. Notify that it has been used.

At this time, the vibration data transmitted to the vibration unit 10 is transmitted only when the switch 11 shown in FIG. 6 is ON. When this switch is OFF,
Do not send vibration data. The control microcomputer 8 realizes vibration data to be transmitted to the vibration unit 10 by pulse width modulation in order to make a difference between vibration when communication can be started and vibration when communication cannot be started. That is, the vibration unit 1
The vibration pattern is changed by giving a difference to the length of the pulse for turning 0 on.

For example, if communication can be started,
O for 3 times with ON state for 1 second and OFF state for 1 second
A pulse that repeats N and OFF is generated. On the other hand, when the communication cannot be started, the ON state is set to 0.1 second, and the OFF state is set to 0.1 second, and ON and OFF are performed 10 times.
Is generated. The user identifies whether the control device 6 can be used or cannot be used based on the difference in the vibration pattern.

In step s4, when infrared communication fails due to a communication failure such as an obstacle, the user recognizes that a communication failure has occurred because the control device 6 does not show any vibration. The positional relationship between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1 is improved so that a failure does not occur in the communication, and the communication start procedure is executed again.

When the communication between the controlled device 1 and the control device 6 is restarted, the controlled device 1 transmits the ID information of the communication target control device 6 stored in the non-volatile memory 3 in step s5 shown in FIG. Then, the ID information of the control device 6 obtained in step s3 is compared. When the ID does not exist in the ID information, when it is determined that the control device 6 has already been excluded from the communication target of the controlled device 1, that is, the control device 6 cannot resume communication, the control device 6 is determined in step s7.
On the other hand, the infrared transceiver 5 is used to transmit infrared data including information indicating that communication cannot be resumed using an infrared signal.

The infrared transceiver 7 of the control device 6 receives the packet, and when the control microcomputer 8 recognizes the packet, transmits the vibration data to the vibration unit 10 and proceeds to step s.
At 9, the control device 6 notifies the controlled device 1 that communication cannot be resumed, that is, the controlled device 1 cannot be used. At this time, the vibration data transmitted to the vibration unit 10 is transmitted only when the switch 11 shown in FIG. 6 is ON.

When this switch is in the OFF state, no vibration data is transmitted. If the ID information of the control device 6 to be communicated stored in the non-volatile memory 3 that matches the ID obtained in step s3 in step s5 of FIG. If it is determined that the control device 6 is within the communication target of the control device 1, that is, the control device 6 from which communication can be resumed, the control device 6 uses the infrared transceiver 5 to transmit information that can resume communication by an infrared signal in step s8. Send infrared data including.

The infrared transceiver 7 of the control device 6 receives the packet, and when the control microcomputer 8 recognizes the packet, transmits the vibration data to the vibration unit 10 and proceeds to step s.
At l0, the control device 6 notifies the controlled device 1 that communication can be resumed, that is, the controlled device 1 can be used.

At this time, the vibration data transmitted to the vibration unit 10 is transmitted only when the switch 11 shown in FIG. 6 is ON. When this switch is in the OFF state, no vibration data is transmitted. The control microcomputer 8 realizes vibration data to be transmitted to the vibration unit 10 by pulse width modulation in order to make a difference between vibration when communication can be resumed and vibration when communication cannot be resumed.

That is, the vibration pattern is changed by giving a difference to the length of the pulse for turning the vibration unit 10 on. The user identifies whether the control device 6 can be used or cannot be used based on the difference in the vibration pattern. If the infrared communication fails due to a communication failure such as an obstacle in step s4, the user recognizes that a communication failure has occurred because the control device 6 does not show any vibration, and the communication failure has occurred. The positional relationship between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1 is improved so as not to occur, and the communication restart procedure is executed again.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows a block configuration in the case of using visible light emission as a means for notifying the user, and FIG. 10 shows a circuit configuration. A visible light LED (Light e
(mitting diode) 13 and 14 are used. Parts corresponding to those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

The LEDs 13 and 14 are generally packaged two-color LEDs of red and green, and are driven by the control microcomputer 8. The control microcomputer 8 is an LED 13,
14 can be individually driven to perform red display and green display. If the two LEDs 13 and 14 are driven at the same time, an orange display can be performed.

Since the cathodes of the LEDs 13 and 14 are connected to the control microcomputer 8, the LEDs 13 and 14 are turned on only when the output driving terminal of the control microcomputer 8 has a low level output.

When a communication start procedure is performed between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1 and data from the controlled device 1 is received from the control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 which determines that communication can be started. In order to notify the user of this fact, the control microcomputer 8 switches the drive terminal of the LED 13 between a low level and a high level at one-second intervals and blinks the LED 13 for five seconds.

During the blinking, the driving terminal of the LED 14 is fixed at a high level and turned off. On the other hand, if data that is determined to be unable to start communication is received, L
The ED 14 is turned on, the LED 13 is turned off, and the user is notified. This notification operation is performed only when the switch 11 is in the ON state. No notification operation is performed in the OFF state.

When the communication restart procedure is performed between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1, and the control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 receives from the controlled device 1 data for which it is determined that the communication can be restarted. In order to notify the user of this fact, the control microcomputer 8 performs a drive operation in which, for example, the drive terminals of both the LEDs 13 and 14 are fixed at a low level for 5 seconds and turned on.
On the other hand, when receiving the data for which it is determined that the communication cannot be restarted, the drive terminals of the LEDs 13 and 14 are alternately flashed for 5 seconds at 1 second intervals to notify the user of this. This notification operation is performed only when the switch 11 is in the ON state. OF
In the F state, the notification operation is not performed.

FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 shows a block configuration in the case of using a sound generating means as a means for notifying the user, and FIG. 12 shows a circuit configuration. in this case,
The speaker 15 is used as a means for notifying the user. FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIG.

When a procedure for starting communication is performed between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1 and the control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 receives from the controlled device 1 data for which it is determined that communication can be started. The control microcomputer 8 drives the speaker 15 with a high pitch to notify the user of the fact. For example, 2
An audio output of 400 Hz is output continuously for a fixed time.

When receiving data for which it is determined that communication cannot be started, in order to drive the speaker 15 with a low tone, for example, a 600 Hz audio output is continuously output for a certain period of time. It is possible to determine whether communication can be started or not based on the pitch of the sound output as sound.

Similarly, when the communication restart procedure is performed between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1, the user is notified of the fact by adding a height difference to the output of the speaker.

The notification operation to be performed at the time of starting or resuming communication is performed only when the switch 11 is ON. No notification operation is performed in the OFF state.

FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
A liquid crystal display device (hereinafter referred to as “LC
D) 16).
FIG. 14 shows the circuit configuration. The control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 includes a liquid crystal drive circuit for driving the LCD 16. Portions corresponding to those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the emphasis is omitted.

When a procedure for starting communication is performed between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1, and the control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 receives data from the controlled device 1 for determining that communication can be started. The control microcomputer 8 displays a segment on the LCD 16 corresponding to the start of communication to notify the user of the fact.

For example, a mark “な ど” is displayed. When receiving data for which communication cannot be started, a segment corresponding to the case where communication cannot be started is displayed. For example, X mark display is performed. The user can determine from these displays whether communication can be started or not.

When a communication restart procedure is performed between the control device 6 and the controlled device 1, the control microcomputer 8 of the control device 6 receives from the controlled device 1 data for which it is determined that communication can be restarted. In this case, the control microcomputer 8 displays a segment of the LCD 16 corresponding to the communication resumable to notify the user of the fact.

For example, a blinking display of a circle is performed. Also, when receiving data that determines that communication cannot be resumed,
Displays the segment corresponding to the case where communication cannot be resumed. For example, blinking display of an X mark is performed. The user can determine from these displays whether communication can be resumed or not.

The user can select whether to use or not use the user interface using the LCD 16 and the input unit 9 for the notification operation when starting or resuming communication. The control microcomputer 8 performs the notification only when the use of the notification operation is selected. When not using the notification operation is selected, no notification is performed.

[0088]

The present invention has the following effects.

According to the first aspect, the user can smoothly recognize the possibility of communication by notifying the user that communication can be started or that communication cannot be started in the two-way communication system using infrared rays.

If there is no notification, it can be determined that communication cannot be started due to some kind of communication failure. Therefore, the positional relationship between the control device and the controlled device is corrected so that two-way communication is possible, and the communication is restarted. Appropriate measures can be taken to take the procedure for starting communication.

According to the second aspect, when restarting the stopped bidirectional communication, the user can be notified that communication can be restarted or cannot be restarted, so that the user can smoothly restart communication. Can be recognized.

If no notification is given, it can be determined that communication cannot be resumed due to some kind of communication failure. Therefore, the positional relationship between the control device and the controlled device is corrected so as to enable two-way communication, and the communication is restarted. Appropriate measures can be taken, such as taking communication restart procedures.

According to the third aspect, the user is notified that the communication cannot be started, so that the user can immediately investigate the cause and take appropriate measures.

According to the fourth aspect, the user is notified that the communication cannot be restarted, so that the user can immediately investigate the cause and take appropriate measures. .

According to claim 5, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By generating vibration of a specific frequency by the vibration means (for example, when it is not easy to determine with sound or light), an appropriate notification can be given to the user.

According to claim 6, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By emitting visible light with the light emitting means (for example, when it is not easy to determine with sound or vibration), appropriate notification can be given to the user.

According to claim 7, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By generating a sound output by the sounding means (for example, when it is not easy to determine by vibration, light, or the like), an appropriate notification can be given to the user.

According to claim 8, (according to the surrounding conditions,
By providing a specific display on the display screen by the display means (for example, when it is not easy to determine with vibration, light, sound, etc.), an appropriate notification can be given to the user.

According to the ninth aspect, when the notifying operation is not required, the selecting means is operated to deactivate the notifying means, thereby making it possible to avoid trouble caused by occurrence of unnecessary notifying operation. .

According to the tenth aspect, the vibration unit changes the vibration pattern in accordance with the received data, and depending on the difference in the vibration pattern, the user can use the control device or not use the control device. Whether it is possible or not can be identified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a conventional communication start procedure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a control device that cannot perform the communication and a controlled device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a communication restart procedure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control device and a controlled device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram when a vibration technique according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of the same.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the communication start procedure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the communication restart procedure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention when a visible light emitting method is used.

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the same.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention in which sound output means for outputting sound is used.

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of the same.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which display means for a display screen is used.

FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of the same.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5-reception unit, transceiver 7-transmission unit, transceiver 8-control unit 9-input unit 10-notification unit, vibration unit 13-notification unit, light-emitting unit 15-notification unit, sound generation unit 16-notification unit, display unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04B 10/00 H04B 9/00 P

Claims (10)

[Claims] In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitting unit for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that communication can be started, the user is notified of the request. An infrared control device having a communication start notification function, comprising: a control unit that outputs a control command for performing a notification to the notification unit. 2. In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitting unit for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that the suspended communication can be resumed, the user An infrared controller having a communication start notification function, further comprising control means for outputting a control command for notifying the notification to the notification means. 3. In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitting unit for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that communication cannot be started, a user is notified. An infrared control device having a communication start notification function, further comprising control means for outputting a control command for performing the notification to the notification means. 4. In a two-way infrared communication system equipped with both a transmitting unit for transmitting an infrared signal and a receiving unit for receiving an infrared signal, when it is determined that restart of stopped communication is impossible. An infrared control device having a communication start notification function, further comprising control means for outputting a control command for notifying the user to the notification means. 5. The infrared control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means includes a vibrating means for notifying a user by generating vibration. 6. The infrared control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means includes a light emitting means for notifying a user by emitting visible light. . 7. The infrared control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means includes a sound generating means for notifying a user by sound output. 8. The infrared control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means includes a display means for notifying a user on a display screen. 9. The communication according to claim 1, further comprising: selection means for selecting whether the notification operation of the notification means is enabled or disabled in response to a selection input from a user. Infrared control device with start notification function. 10. An input section, a control microcomputer for outputting transmission data corresponding to data from the input section and outputting vibration data corresponding to reception data, and transmitting and receiving the transmission data as an infrared signal. An infrared control device having a communication start notification function, comprising: a transceiver that outputs an infrared signal as reception data; and a vibration unit that inputs vibration data.