JPH0879847A - Information system, AV equipment and remote control operating device constituting the system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To facilitate remote control operation of a plurality of AV devices and hardware connection between the devices. [Structure] AV remote control operation device 6000 operation panel 6
By touching the device icon 6210 displayed on 010 with a finger and moving the device icon 6210, the connection relationship between the AV devices 1000 to 5000 can be controlled.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information device such as a television receiver (TV), a video tape recorder (VTR) or an audiovisual (AV) device such as a video disc player (VDP) and a remote controller (remote control). The present invention relates to an information system configured by combining devices and AV devices and remote control devices thereof, and particularly to a control technology for a plurality of AV devices by one remote control operation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, there are various AV devices such as TVs and VTRs in the home. Although recent AV equipment is configured to be able to perform remote control operations using a remote control device even from a remote place, the remote control operation device has a one-to-one correspondence with each AV equipment. Since the number of remote control operation devices corresponding to the number of devices is required, the remote control operation is complicated. For example, when playing back a video tape, the remote control operating device of the TV is operated to operate the TV, the image signal input of the TV is switched to the input from the VTR, and the VT is input.
It is necessary to operate the VTR by using the remote control operation device of R to reproduce the video tape, and select one corresponding to the device to be used from many remote control operation devices and operate each device separately. There is a problem that it must be. In order to solve a part of this problem, the functions of a plurality of remote control operating devices are combined into one remote control operating device, and the one remote control operating device can control and operate a plurality of AV devices. An operating device has been proposed.

Further, as an information system using infrared rays as a communication medium used in ordinary remote control operation, information is exchanged by constructing a wireless communication network between a computer / factory process controller and a handy terminal. JP-A-2-257731 discloses communication, maintenance, diagnosis, and the like.

[0004]

However, the conventional educational remote control device is basically a simple assembly of a plurality of remote control devices, and the remote control device is operated by operating a push button switch or a dial. TV device
The remote control operation function of the VTR and the remote control operation function of the VTR are simply switched to, and consideration for mutual connection operation of related AV devices is lacking.

An object of the present invention is to perform comprehensive group management for a plurality of information devices such as AV devices, including mutual connection operations between the devices, so that a user can easily operate the device group. To provide a user interface that can be selectively used in.

[0006]

One of the features of the present invention is as follows.
In an information system including a plurality of information devices capable of remote control operation and a remote control operation device for generating a remote control operation signal for each information device, remote control operation for selectively connecting input / output terminals of each information device is possible An operation panel having touch panel input means superimposed on a display screen, a device icon displayed on the display screen corresponding to each information device, and touch panel input means from the touch panel input means. This is because the display control means for displaying the connection relation information between the respective device icons on the display screen according to the operation input and the operation signal generation means for giving the remote control operation signal to the selective connection means according to the connection relation information are provided. Corresponds to a TV and other AV equipment as the information equipment.

Another feature of the present invention is that, in an AV device for displaying a video signal input from an input terminal on a monitor, an input selection means for selecting a first video signal input from a plurality of first input terminals, An external output terminal for outputting the first video signal selected by the input selection means to the outside, an external input terminal for inputting the externally processed second video signal, and the first
Alternatively, there is provided a display selecting means for selectively displaying the second video signal on the monitor.

Still another feature of the present invention is VTR or VDP.
An AV device that stores an image signal output from an AV device such as a still image and prints it or processes it so that it can be easily viewed on a TV screen and outputs the still image, is connected to a plurality of AV devices that output the image signal. Is provided with an AV selector for selecting an image signal input from the AV device. Specifically, the AV device corresponds to a video printer.

Still another feature of the present invention is a remote control operation device for generating a remote control operation signal for operating a plurality of remote controllable information devices, the operation panel having touch panel input means superimposed on a display screen, A device icon corresponding to each information device and display control means for displaying information on the connection between the device icons and an operation switch group icon of the information device on the display screen according to the operation input from the touch panel input means, and the connection relation information. Further, there is provided an operation signal generating means for outputting a connection operation control signal between the respective information devices and a device operation signal according to an operation input to the operation switch group icon.

Specifically, the control communication protocol for remote-controlling each information device is selected from the control communication protocols stored in advance according to the main, type and model number of the information device and stored, or the information communication device is selected. A means for inputting and storing an operation signal from a remote control operating device attached to the device is provided, and the control communication protocol stored in advance includes an updating means for updating via a telephone line.

Further, the display control means has a function of displaying an operation switch group icon of the information device corresponding to the specified device icon and a function of scrolling the display screen.

[0012]

The selective connecting means selectively connects information devices such as AV devices such as TV, VTR and VDP in response to an operation signal from the remote controller. Then, the remote control operation device displays the device icon of each information device on the operation panel, moves the device icon according to the touch operation input, and obtains the connection relation information of the information device corresponding to the device icon from the overlapped device icon. To generate a connection operation signal for remote-controlling the selective connecting means. Further, the operation switch group icon of the information device corresponding to the specified device icon is displayed, and the device operation signal corresponding to the operated operation switch is generated.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an AV system in which an AV remote controller according to the present invention and an AV device are combined. TV 10
00 is an accessory AV device of 4 systems (VHS type VTR200
It is combined with a 0.8 mm type VTR 3000, VDP 4000 and video printer 5000) and is connected so as to be interconnected by an AV selector (described later) incorporated therein. The video printer 5000 is the TV 10
It is also possible to connect to an effector terminal (a signal terminal for taking out a video signal to the outside of the TV, applying a necessary effect, and then returning it to the TV) provided in the internal circuit of 00.

The AV remote controller operating device 600 according to the present invention.
In 0, the operation panel 6010 in which the touch panel switch and the liquid crystal display are superposed serves as a user interface. On the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 6010, an icon corresponding to each AV device, that is, the TV 100 is displayed.
Icon 6210 corresponding to 0, VHS type VTR 200
Icons 6220, 8 corresponding to VTR1 corresponding to 0
Below the area for displaying an icon 6230 corresponding to the VTR 2 corresponding to the mm type VTR 3000 and an icon 6240 corresponding to the VDP 4000, and below the icon, for example, the icon 6230 of the VTR 2, the operation of the VTR 2 to be operated is performed. Switch group icon 62
An area for opening 31, etc. is provided.

Also, this AV remote controller operating device 6000
Is an infrared ray which is equipped with an IC card interface to enable the insertion of an IC card 6020 such as a memory or a modem, and which transmits and receives an infrared signal 6031 which is a transmission medium of remote control operation signals and other information signals for each AV device and AV selector. A transceiver 6030 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing the internal structure of the AV remote controller operating device 6000 according to the present invention. ROM 610 containing a system program connected by a bus 6102 centering on the CPU 6101
3. Working RAM 610 for program execution
4, an IC card interface 6105, a non-volatile auxiliary memory 6106 for storing connection information of each AV device and a control communication protocol for remote control operation for various AV devices in the device, a touch panel switch unit 6011 in the operation panel 6010. A touch panel interface 6107 that mediates the transmission and reception of signals to and from the device, an infrared remote control operation that transmits operation signals to each AV device, and a signal transmission medium for optical communication that transmits communication signals to other information devices (computer, telephone, etc.). A remote control LED driver 6108 that mediates the transmission of a remote control operation signal to an LED (light emitting diode) 6032 of the transceiver 6030 that outputs an infrared signal 6031 and an optical communication interface LED driver 6109 that mediates the transmission of a communication signal. Light for receiving an optical communication signal from another information device or for receiving an information signal to be stored for remote control of another device, amplifying an input signal from the photodiode 6033 of the transceiver 6030 and converting it into a bus signal. Communication interface sensor amplifier 6110,
Liquid crystal display unit 601 in operation panel 6010
A display driver 6111 for driving the display device 2 is provided.

Information on the connection relationship between the respective AV devices is stored in the auxiliary memory 6106 when the AV remote controller 6000 is programmed, and the backup RAM 6 via the IC card interface 6105 as necessary.
112 and a backup RAM 6113 with a modem for copying and saving, or transfer to another AV remote controller operating device. Regarding the manufacturer, model name and control communication protocol of each AV device, the latest information is transmitted to the AV remote controller operating device 6000 by the modem card 6114 or the backup RAM 6113 with the modem or optical communication and stored in the auxiliary memory 6106 and the IC card 6020. To do.

In this embodiment, a modem or an optical communication interface via the IC card interface 6105 is used as an interface with the outside, but this is used for a dedicated interface, for example, a parallel interface such as bidirectional Centronics, or a computer. RS
You may make it wired by serial interface, such as 232C. The operation signal to each AV device is L
The infrared ray 6031 output from the ED 6032 is transmitted as a medium, but in the case of a special AV device operated by a wired remote control operation, the IC card interface 61
It is also possible to connect the AV remote controller operating device and the AV equipment by wire via 05 via a dedicated IC card (not shown).

The liquid crystal display unit 6012 of the operation panel 6010 has a display in which tactile pins (Braille etc.) are arranged so that a display pattern can be read by a tentacle in order to facilitate remote control operation input by a visually impaired person. It would be more convenient to be able to use the device.

FIG. 3 shows an external AV selector 700.
This is an example of an AV device system configured to selectively connect a plurality of AV devices by using 0. This external type A
The V selector 7000 mediates the connection between one input terminal of the TV 1000 and the input / output terminals of the plurality of attached AV devices 2000 to 5000. Attached AV that can be combined even if the TV1000 has an AV selector
If the number of devices exceeds the number of input / output terminals of the built-in AV selector, use the external AV selector 7000 having a large number of input / output terminals (for example, 6 input terminals, 6 output outputs, etc.). Then, an AV device system in which all AV devices are combined is constructed, and the AV according to the present invention is realized.
The remote control operation device 6000 enables free remote control operation including switching of the mutual connection relationship.

FIG. 4 shows an external AV selector 7000.
2 is a block diagram of an AV device system configured by combining the respective AV devices 1000 to 5000 according to
The configuration of the selector 7000 is described in detail. In the case of the built-in AV selector, the AV selector having such a configuration is built in the TV 1000.

This external type AV selector 7000 is
The output signal selection switch 7110, the input signal selection switch 7120, the monitor signal selection switch 7130, the bypass switch 7140, the controller 7150, the infrared sensor 7160, the demodulation circuit 7170, and the input / output terminal group 718.
Equipped with 0.

Output signal selection switch 7110, input signal selection switch 7120, monitor signal selection switch 713
0 and the signal line connection switching operation by the bypass switch 7140 are controlled by the controller 7150.

The output contacts of the switches 7111 to 7113 in the output signal selection switch 7110 are output terminals 7181, 7183, 71 in the input / output terminal group 7180.
85, the input contacts are commonly connected to the output contacts of the input signal selection switch 7120. Each switch 712 in the input signal selection switch 7120
The input contacts 1 to 7123 are connected to the input terminals 7182, 7184, and 7186 in the input / output terminal group 7180, and the output contacts are commonly used for the output signal selection switch 71.
Commonly connected to each of the 10 input contacts. The output signal selection switch 7110 and the input signal selection switch 7120 connected in this manner select the output terminal of a certain AV device, select another AV device that outputs the input signal, and input the signal. It functions to prevent the signal from flowing back to the input terminal of a certain AV device and causing an oscillation phenomenon.

In the monitor signal selection switch 7130, the input contacts of the switches 7131 to 7134 are the output contacts of the input signal selection switch 7120 and the input / output terminal group 71.
80 at the input terminals 7182, 7184, 718
6 and the output contacts are commonly connected to the internal input contact 7141 of the bypass switch 7140 and the output terminal 7187 of the input / output terminal group 7180 to output signals from AV equipment and the input signal selection switch 7
It functions to select the signal selected at 120 and supply it to the TV 1000 and the video printer 5000.

In the bypass switch 7140, the external input contact 7142 is the input terminal 7 in the input / output terminal group 7180.
188 and the output contact 7143 is connected to the output terminal 718.
9 is connected.

In this embodiment, the input / output terminals 7181 to 7186 in the input / output terminal group 7180 are terminals for connecting AV equipment having a function of storing and reproducing image signals, and the input / output terminals 7181 and 7182. VHS
Type VTR2000 input / output terminals are connected, input / output terminals 7183 and 7184 are connected to 8 mm type VTR3000 input / output terminals, and input terminal 7186 is VDP400.
The output terminal of 0 is connected. Input / output terminal 7187,
Reference numeral 7188 is a terminal for connecting an AV device having a function of processing an image signal or acquiring a still image, to which a video printer 5000 is connected. This video printer 5000 has a memory for acquiring and accumulating a still image signal for one frame or one field, a monitor output circuit for outputting the still image signal as a monitor image signal, and a visible image according to the still image signal. It incorporates a thermal transfer recording device for printing on paper, an inkjet recording device, and the like. The output terminal 7189 is for connecting an AV device having a monitor function, and is connected to the TV 1000.

The number of channels of the switches 7110 to 7140 and the input / output terminal group 7180 can be increased or decreased as necessary according to the same consideration as described above.

The infrared sensor 7160 is composed of a phototransistor, a photodiode, etc., and an infrared signal 6031 transmitted from the AV remote controller 6000.
Is received and converted into an electric signal. The demodulation circuit 4170 is
The carrier signal of the electric signal output from the infrared sensor 7160 is removed and bit array decoding processing is performed to demodulate into a digital control signal, and the control signal is output to the controller 71.
Give to fifty.

The controller 7150 is constructed by using a microcomputer, and has an AV remote controller operating device 600.
Output signal selection switch 7110 according to the control signal obtained by demodulating the infrared signal 6031 received from 0.
The intermittent operation of each contact of the input signal selection switch 7120, the monitor signal selection switch 7130, and the bypass switch 7140 is controlled. And the controller 7150
The intermittent operation state of each contact of the output signal selection switch 7110, the input signal selection switch 7120, the monitor signal selection switch 7130, and the bypass switch 7140 is stored, and modulation is performed by a modulation circuit (not shown) as necessary. A transmitter (not shown) is used to reply to the AV remote controller operating device 6000.

This AV selector 7000 shown in FIG.
Regarding the mutual connection relationship, the image signal reproduced by the 8 mm type VTR 3000 is recorded (dubbing) by the VHS type VTR 2000.
Meanwhile, the image signal reproduced by the VDP4000 is transmitted to the TV 10
It is controlled to be displayed and displayed as 00.

FIG. 5 shows a liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 6010 in the AV remote controller operation device 6000 according to the present invention. On the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 6010, each AV that constitutes the AV system is displayed.
A device icon corresponding to the device and a “set” icon for registering the device are displayed. In this example, as described above, the icon 6210, V corresponding to the TV 1000 is used.
Icon corresponding to VTR1 corresponding to HS type VTR2000, and V corresponding to 8mm type VTR3000
In addition to the icon 6230 corresponding to TR2 and the icon 6240 corresponding to VDP4000, BS tuner BS1
Icon corresponding to 6250 and BS tuner BS2
An icon 6260 corresponding to is displayed as an AV device combined with the AV system, and this information is
Indicates that the V remote control operating device 6000 is registered. The icon 6270 is a “set” icon for instructing new registration or change of AV equipment.
Note that a switch for instructing new registration or change of AV equipment can be provided outside the operation panel 6010, and in that case, the “set” icon 6270 becomes unnecessary.

6 and 7 are explanatory views showing a specific operation example of the AV remote controller operating device 6000 according to the present invention. In this operation example, the reproduced video signal of the VHS video tape reproduced by the VHS type VTR 2000 (icon 6220) is displayed on the TV 1000 (icon 6210), and B is displayed.
This is an example of a remote control operation in which a signal received by the S tuner BS1 (icon 6250) is recorded by the 8 mm VTR 3000 (icon 6230).

On the liquid crystal display screen displayed as shown in FIG. 5, first, the icon 6220 of the VTR 1 is displayed.
Touch the icon with your finger and slide the finger to the side to display the TV icon 62.
Stack on 10. Then, similarly, the icon 6250 of BS1 is touched with a finger to move so as to overlap the icon 6230 of VTR2. The contact operation by the finger and the operation of moving the contact point are converted into an electric signal by the touch panel switch unit 6011 superimposed on the liquid crystal display screen, and processed by the CPU 6101.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the CPU 6101 which executes information processing according to such an operation. C
In step A01, the PU 6101 monitors the electric signal from the touch panel switch unit 6011 to detect whether the finger touches the touch panel switch unit 6011. This detection can be performed not only by software but also by hardware.

When the contact is detected, in step A02, the coordinate of the contact point is calculated based on the electric signal output from the touch panel switch 6011 by the contact. This coordinate indexing is performed by reading the coordinates of the contact response switch (on contact) obtained from the touch panel interface 6107.

At step A03, the type (content) of the icon displayed at the coordinates of the contact point is determined. When the icon located at the contact point coordinates is within the operation switch group icon 6221 corresponding to the VHS type VTR 2000 corresponding to the VTR 1 displayed by the icon 6220, as shown in FIG. 7, the process moves from step A 04 to step A 05. , The transmitter / receiver 60 generates a control operation signal according to an operated switch in the icon 6221.
The LED 6032 in 30 is made to emit light, and the VHS type V
An infrared signal 6031 for operating the TR2000 is transmitted.

When the icon located at the coordinates of the contact point is an icon other than the operation switch group icon 6221, the process moves to step A06 and double tapped (continuously 2
Check if it was hit twice. If it is double-tapped, the process proceeds to step A10, and the process branches to processes A11 to A14 for displaying an operation switch group icon for the AV device corresponding to the double-tapped icon.

If not double tapped, the contact operation is for connection control between AV devices, and the process moves to step A07 to track the movement of the contact point and display the icon along the movement locus. Perform processing to move the position. For example, when the contact point of the finger touching the display coordinates of the VTR1 icon 6220 moves to the display coordinates of the TV icon 6210, as shown in FIG. 6, the VTR1 icon 6220 is moved to the position of the TV icon 6210 to partially It is displayed in a superposed (overlaid) state. Also, BS
When the contact point of the finger touching the display coordinate of the 1 icon 6250 moves to the display coordinate of the VTR2 icon 6230, the BS1 icon 6250 is set to the VTR2 icon 62.
It is moved to the position of 30 and displayed in a partially overlapped (upper) state. Then, the moved icons 6220, 6250
In the original display position of the icon, the original position icon 6220 ′,
Display as 50 '.

In step A08, a superimposed icon is detected, and in step A09, an operation signal for operating the AV selector 7000 to connect the AV devices corresponding to the superimposed icon is transmitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the VTR1 icon 6220 is displayed on the TV.
When overlapping on the icon 6210, the superimposed V
VHS type VTR20 corresponding to TR1 icon 6220
The AV selector 7000 is operated so as to configure a connection circuit for inputting the output signal of 00 to the TV 1000 corresponding to the overlapped TV icon 6210.

When the display coordinates of the device icon are double tapped while the AV system is in such a connected state, as described above, steps A06, A10 to A14 are executed.
Then, the operation switch group icon for the AV device corresponding to the icon double-tapped is displayed in the form of a submenu. For example, the VTR1 icon 6220
When the double-tap is detected, the operation switch group icon 622 for the VHS type VTR 2000 corresponding to the VTR1 icon 6220 is detected as shown in FIG.
1 is displayed in the form of a submenu of the VTR1 icon 6220. After that, the operation switch group icon 6221
When the touch operation is performed on the switch, an infrared signal that generates an operation signal according to the operated switch in step A05, causes the LED 6032 in the transceiver 6030 to emit light, and operates the VHS VTR 2000 according to the operated switch. The signal 6031 is transmitted.

An operation panel 6010 equipped with a display device provided with a sensing pin showing a display pattern for a visually impaired person.
In the above, in the remote control operation by the visually impaired person as described above, for example, the display position of the VTR1 icon 6220 can be tactilely detected by Braille or the like.
In order to search for the destination of the VTR1 icon 6220, that is, the TV icon 6210 by the tactile sense of the finger, the operation panel 6010
When touching again, when the TV icon 6210 is searched for, the TV icon 6210 is moved to a mode in which the VTR1 icon 6220 is out of the relation. Therefore, in the remote-control operation device 6000 for visually impaired persons, it is preferable to add a voice guide as a control algorithm for superimposing an icon that was previously single-tapped on an icon that is single-tapped next. For example, by searching for the VTR1 icon 6220 in Braille or the like and single tapping, the information is stored and the confirmation buzzer sound or "VT" is issued.
R1 has been selected ”. Next, by searching for the TV icon 6210 by tactile and single-tap, the V that was previously single-tapped
If the system program is organized so that the TR1 icon 6220 is displayed over the TV icon 6210,
It is possible to provide an AV remote control device that is extremely convenient for users with visual impairments. Furthermore, VTR12
000 playback signals will be displayed on the TV1000, and voice guidance such as "the image of VTR1 will be played back on the TV" will give the visually impaired a greater sense of security. Will be able to. It is convenient to perform the voice guidance not only in connection operation but also in channel selection, VTR playback switch operation, and the like.

Next, registration of a new AV device when incorporating a new AV device into this AV system will be described.

FIG. 9 is a liquid crystal display of the AV remote controller 6000 displaying icons 6210, 6220, 6240 corresponding to already registered AV equipment and a set icon 6270 for instructing registration of the AV equipment. It is a screen. When registering an AV device, the set icon 6270 is touched to shift to the device registration mode.

FIG. 10 is a liquid crystal display screen of the AV remote controller 6000 in which the device registration mode is entered and the device registration mode icon 6271 is displayed. In the device registration mode icon 6271, a "new" registration icon 62711 for instructing to newly install and register a new AV device, a model of the AV device already registered, and the contents of education of each operation switch are changed. A “change” registration icon 62712 for instructing that is displayed.

FIG. 11 shows a liquid crystal display screen of an operation panel 6010 for registering new AV equipment constituting the system in the AV remote controller operation device 6000 according to the present invention.

The display screen of FIG. 11A displays a menu screen 6272 for selecting a type of AV equipment to be newly registered, in a part thereof. This menu screen 62
The 72 scrolls upward or downward by touching the upward and downward arrows displayed on the right side thereof with a finger, and a wide variety of AV equipment (not necessarily AV equipment,
All equipment that can be operated by a remote control operation signal using infrared rays as a medium such as an air conditioner may be handled).

Here, the screen display and contact operation when newly registering one AV device (VTR) will be described. Touch the "VTR" icon displayed on the menu screen 6272 with your finger and move the finger to move the contact point to the menu screen 6272.
A new VTR incorporation is registered by dragging it to the outside of 72, and an icon 6220 corresponding to the VTR is registered.
Is displayed. The identification code of the icon is the VTR in the order of registration.
1, VTR2, but a unique name may be given by, for example, a handwritten character recognition device (not shown). When the square mark displayed on the upper part of the menu screen 6272 is touched, the new registration process is ended and the menu screen 6272 is erased.

FIG. 11B shows a liquid crystal display screen when a specific control communication protocol of the VTR 1 is selected and registered (educated) from the information stored in the auxiliary memory 6106 in advance. Here, a menu screen 6222 showing the manufacturers of various VTRs and a menu screen 6223 showing the model name are displayed. As in FIG. 11A, the menu screen is scrolled up and down by touching the upward or downward arrows on the right side of each. In most cases, the control communication protocol of AV equipment is determined by specifying the manufacturer's name, but some manufacturers have changed the protocol after a certain period of time so that reliable registration can be performed. In this embodiment, the maker name and the model name are registered. In this example, the newly registered VTR is manufactured by Hitachi, and the “H
It is a state in which the "ITACHI" icon is selected. Incidentally, the manufacturer names displayed on the menu screen 6222 are in random order, but it is desirable that they are arranged in the order of ABC or Iwayo. When the "HITACHI" icon is selected, a menu screen 6223 showing the model name of the manufacturer is displayed. Registration of a new AV device is completed by selecting the name of the AV device to be installed from this menu and touching it with a finger. This menu screen 622
The model name of item 3 is displayed according to the model number of the AV device, but the protocol may be changed at a specific time as described above, so the release time of the device to be registered may be used. You may register. However, it is basically desirable to select the model name because it is complicated to check the release date of the product. Further, the display order of the model names may be arranged in the order of ABC, in the order of aiowa, or in the order of release date, and a means for the user to set the order may be provided. Furthermore, in order to register an AV device for which information has not been prepared in advance, "OTHERS" (D0
001) is provided. This column is a menu selection item for directing instruction from the remote control operating device attached to the newly registered AV device,
When the item is selected, the mode shifts to an education mode described later with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

12 and 13 show the setting of the control communication protocol between the AV remote controller 6000 and the AV devices 1000 to 5000 by the maker name and model name as described with reference to FIG. 11 (b). Without performing, the present invention is realized from the remote control operating device attached to the AV device.
The method of inputting an instruction code signal by infrared rays to the V remote control operating device 6000 and performing it educationally is shown.

FIG. 12A shows a liquid crystal display screen in which a control panel 6224 for operating the VTR 1 corresponding to the icon 6220 is displayed as a registration screen.
The control panel screen for registration 6224 is for registering a protocol transmitted by the remote control operating device attached to the AV device to each switch in the panel screen. For example, when registering the command "STOP" of the VTR 1, by touching the "□" operation switch on the registration control panel screen 6224 of FIG. 12 (a) with a finger, the infrared ray shown in FIG. 12 (b) is displayed. Switch to the signal reception mode screen.

FIG. 12B shows an AV according to the present invention.
When the remote control operating device 6000 receives a signal from the remote control operating device attached to the AV equipment, the operation panel 6010
The operation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of is shown. When the "STOP" button is pressed on the display screen of FIG. 12 (a), the screen is switched as shown in FIG. 12 (b). Here, it is in the mode to receive the infrared operation signal corresponding to the operation switch marked with "□", and "REQUEST"
When key 6225 is pressed, a standby state for receiving an infrared remote control operation signal from the outside is entered. Next, as shown in FIG. 13, an infrared remote control operating device 8 attached to the AV equipment.
000 light emitting unit and the AV remote controller 6 according to the present invention
Face the light receiving unit of 000, and press the "STOP" button switch of the remote control operating device 8000 attached to the AV device. When the infrared operation signal is successfully read, the character string 6226 of "RECEIVING" is displayed, and if the type of the AV device and its manufacturing time, that is, the protocol can be analyzed from the read infrared operation signal, the message is displayed. The character string 6227 is displayed. If it fails, the above operation is repeated again. Finally, "D
By pressing the "ONE" key 6228, FIG. 12 (a) is displayed again.
Return to the menu screen of and move to the education input of the next operation switch.

In order to perform such an AV device registration operation, the CPU 610 in the AV remote controller operating device 6000.
The registration processing program executed by No. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

The registration processing program shown in FIG. 14 is activated when the "set" icon 6270 is touch-input in step B01. In this program, in step B02, the device registration mode icon 6271 is opened, the "new" registration icon 62711 and the "change" registration icon 62712 are displayed, and the selection input is awaited.

When there is a selection input, it is determined in step B03 whether the selection input is "new" or "changed". If the selected input is "new", the process proceeds to step B04, and FIG.
As shown in 1 (a), a menu screen for selecting the type of device to be registered is displayed, and the selection input is awaited.
If the selection input is “change”, the process proceeds to step B05, and as shown in FIG. 5, the icons of all the registered devices are displayed and the selection input is waited.

When there is a device selection input, the process proceeds to step B06, a menu screen for designating the manufacturer and model number is displayed as shown in FIG. 11B, and the selection input is awaited.

When the manufacturer and model number are selected, the process proceeds from step B07 to step B08, and a control communication protocol stored in advance is selected to register (educate) the control communication protocol of the device. When “OTHERS” is selected, the process moves from step B07 to step B09, the operation switch group icon 6224 of the registered device is displayed as shown in FIG. 12 (a), and the process goes to step B10 to move to FIG. 12 (b). Education (registration) processing of each operation switch as shown in is executed.

When the registration of the control communication protocol is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step B11 to perform connection processing between each device, and the registration of the device is completed at step B12.

In FIG. 15, as shown in FIG. 13, an infrared operation signal transmitted from an infrared remote controller 8000 attached to the newly registered device for teaching the operation switch group of the remote controller 6000 for the newly registered device. Is a registration processing program for receiving and performing. This registration processing program is based on the processing steps B09, B10.
Equivalent to.

Step C01 is a process corresponding to step B06, in which the manufacturer and model number selection menu screen is displayed and the selection input process is performed. Step C0
When "OTHERS" is selected and input in 2, the operation proceeds to step C03, and the operation switch group icon 6224 of the registered device is displayed as shown in FIG. 12 (a).

In step C04, it is confirmed whether or not the icon 6220 of the registered device is input. If the device icon 6220 is input, the process proceeds to step C05 to end the education process.

When one operation switch of the operation switch group icon 6224 is input in step C06, the process proceeds to step C07, and as shown in FIG. 12B, an educational mode screen for teaching infrared operation signals to the operation switch. Display.

The education of one operation switch according to FIG. 12B ends when the "DONE" icon 6228 is input in step C08.

In step C09, when the input of the "REQUEST" icon 6225 for education to the operation switch of the education object is detected, the process proceeds to step C10 to enter the infrared signal input waiting state.

In step C10, as shown in FIG. 13, when the photodiode 6033 receives an infrared operating signal from the remote controller operating device 8000 attached to the registered device, the photodiode 6033 analyzes the infrared operating signal to educate the infrared operating signal to the operating switch. Do.

At step C11, it is confirmed whether or not the received infrared operation signal has been analyzed normally. If the analysis is normal, the process proceeds to step C12, which indicates "RECEIVI" indicating that the operation switch has been properly taught.
The “NG” icon 6226 is displayed, and the process returns to step C08.

When performing re-education on the same operation switch, by inputting the "REQUEST" icon 6225, the process returns from step C09 to step C10.

FIGS. 16A to 16D show the present invention A
The operation panel 6010 is used when programming the mutual connection relationship of each AV device registered in the V remote controller operation device 6000.
It is a liquid crystal display screen to be displayed on. The AV remote controller operating device 6000 according to the present invention controls the connection between AV devices as described with reference to FIG. 6 and the operation of each AV device as described with reference to FIG. 7. Operation and is required. Specifically, it is necessary to control a connection switch built in an external AV selector installed in the TV or attached to the outside. For that, the A
The V remote controller operating device 6000 is an AV selector 700.
It is necessary to know in detail which terminal of which AV device is connected to which terminal of 0. This example is
An example of programming this interconnection relationship is shown.

FIG. 16A shows the display screen when "VTR1" is newly defined. That is, this is a state in which the icon of "VTR" is taken out from the parts box of the menu screen 6272 and is displayed as the VTR1 icon 6220, which is the same state as FIG.

FIG. 16B shows the next screen on which the definition (maker name, model number) of VTR1 has been set. At that time, the TV1 icon 6210, the VTR1 icon 6220, and the TV2 icon 6280 which are already registered. And VDP
All the input / output terminals included in the device are drawn from the 1 icon 6240 and displayed. The “Video2” terminal 62102, which is one of the terminals of the TV1 icon 6210, has a “Vi” output terminal of the VDP1 icon 6240.
The "deo" terminal 62401 is connected. Input / output terminal “Video1” terminal 62101, which is not connected,
The “Video3” terminal 62103 and the “Effect” terminal 52104 are shown by solid lines, while the already connected “Video2” terminal 62102 is shown by dotted lines. However, "V which is an input / output terminal of the VDP1 icon 6240
The "video" terminal 62401 is an output terminal only,
1 icon 6210 “Video 2” terminal 62102
Since only the input terminal is used and the output terminal is vacant, the "Video 2" terminal 62102 is partially (rightmost box) shown by a solid line. Also, VDP1 icon 6
The "Video" terminal 62401 of 240 is an output terminal only, and the connecting terminals are all used, so the whole terminal is shown in a broken line.

FIG. 16C shows the VTR 1 (icon 62).
20) input / output terminal ("Video" terminal 62201)
Shows a procedure for connecting the TV 1 (icon 6210) to the "Video 1" terminal 62101. By touching the "Video" terminal 62201 with a finger and shifting the contact point to above the "Video1" terminal 62101 by the same method as the connection by overlapping the icons described with reference to FIG. A connection between 62101 and 62201 is defined. At this point, a window 6290 showing the connection status between the two opens from the icon, and in this window 6290, "Vi" of the TV1 icon 6210 is displayed.
"deo1" terminal 62101 and VTR1 icon 622
The “Video” terminal 62201 of 0 is enlarged and displayed. This enlarged view shows the input / output terminals 62101 and 6220.
1 is displayed in detail, the output terminal 62101a and the input terminal 62101b are derived from the terminal 62101 on the TV1 side, and the output terminal 62101 is output from the terminal 62201 on the VTR1 side.
201a and the input terminal 62201b are derived. In the case of an output-only device such as a VDP or CS tuner, only the output terminal will be displayed.

FIG. 16D shows an operation example when connecting the input / output terminals shown in FIG. 16C. Put your finger on the output terminal 62201a of the VTR 1 and touch it,
Move the contact point by pulling it to the left. There is an input terminal of the TV 1 in the moving direction of this contact point, and an output terminal 622
01a extends in the moving direction of the contact point to be in a state of being connected to the input terminal 62101b. The output terminal 62101a of the TV1 and the input terminal 62201b of the VTR1 are in a state when the connection operation is completed in this way. In this way, the connection relationship of each AV device is
By programming in the same manner as the connection of the V device, the connection between the respective AV devices as described with reference to FIG. 6 is performed by the AV selector 7000 which is built in the TV or externally attached by the instruction operation of the AV remote controller operation device 6000. You will be able to do it.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a connection processing program executed by the CPU 6101 of the AV remote controller operating device 6000 for such inter-device connection.

When a new AV equipment connection setting mode D01 is entered, first, in step D02, model selection processing is performed. This process corresponds to the registration operation of the AV device described with reference to FIG. 11. As will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 18, first, in step D021, the presence or absence of a finger contact point is detected, and in step D022. The coordinates of the contact point are calculated, and the type of the icon displayed at the contact point coordinate is determined in step D023.

When the type of the icon displayed at the contact point is found, the process moves to step D03, for example, FIG. 16 (b).
A corresponding icon 6220 and its input / output terminal 62201 are displayed as shown in FIG.

Next, in step D04, the terminal moving process is performed. This processing corresponds to the connection operation described with reference to FIG. 16C, and as described in detail in FIG. 19, the contact point of the finger is detected in step D041,
In step D042, the coordinates of the contact point are calculated,
In step D043, the movement of the contact point of the finger is tracked until it is detected that the finger is released and the contact point disappears (step D044), and the display position of the device icon or the terminal is moved following the movement of the contact point. Yes (Step D04
5).

Then, the process proceeds to step D05 to check the overlap of the input / output terminals (terminals to be connected). this is,
This is equivalent to the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16C, and is an input / output terminal of the VTR 1 (icon 6220) (“V
This is a process for confirming the overlap of the "Video 1" terminal 62101 of the TV 1 (icon 6210) with the "video" terminal 62201). When it is confirmed that they overlap, the process moves to step D06 and a window 6290 for enlarging and displaying the both terminals in detail is opened.

In step D07, similarly to the processing in step D04, the movement of the contact point is detected and the terminal located at the contact point is extended in the moving direction of the contact point. This corresponds to the connection operation example described with reference to FIG. 16D, and the output terminal 6220 of the input / output terminal (“Video” terminal 62201) of the VTR 1 (icon 6220).
1a to the input / output terminal ("V
input terminal 62101b of "video1" terminal 62101)
Grow toward.

At step D08, the overlap of the input / output terminals (terminals to be connected) is confirmed similarly to the processing at step D05. When the overlapping of the input / output terminals is confirmed, the process proceeds to step D09 to store the connection control information for connecting the overlapping terminals.

FIG. 20 is a liquid crystal display screen of an operation panel 6010 showing an example of use of the AV remote controller operation device 6000 according to the present invention.

On the liquid crystal display screen shown in FIG. 20A, the TV1 icon 6210 and the VTR1 icon 62 are displayed.
20 is overlaid, and a satellite broadcast tuner BS1 icon 6250 is overlaid and displayed on the VTR1 icon 6220. The AV remote controller operating device 6000 programmed as described above is used in the satellite broadcasting tuner BS1.
Output signal of VTR1 is input to the VTR1, and the output signal of VTR1 is input to the TV1 to transmit the operation signal 6031 to the AV selector 7000 so as to establish a connected state.

The liquid crystal display screen shown in FIG. 20B shows the TV1 icon 6210 to the TVR1 icon 62.
20 and the BS1 icon 6250 are separated from each other. This disconnection is VTR1 icon 6220
Touch the display position of with your finger and move the contact point. By doing so, the TV 1000 corresponding to the TV1 icon 6210 automatically switches from the video input state to the output mode from the built-in tuner. The opposite is true when the icons are overlaid and connected.
The input of the TV 1000 is automatically disconnected from the built-in tuner. The same applies to VTR1 and BS1.

FIG. 21 shows an example in which the function display of the AV remote controller operating device 6000 according to the present invention is realized without using the TV icon 6210 displayed independently. On the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 6010, icons of various registered AV devices are displayed, but TV icons are not displayed. Instead, VDP icon 62
40 is displayed in a double-lined frame. With this, VDP40
00 indicates that the monitor output (that is, the output signal of the VDP 4000 is input to the TV 1000 and displayed on the monitor) is displayed. When the output signal of the VHS type VTR 2000 is input to the TV 1000 for monitor output, the VTR1 icon 6220 is displayed in a double-line frame.

As described above, an operation for connecting an AV device such as a VTR or VDP to a TV to bring it into a monitor display state can be performed by lightly touching the icon with a finger. Then, by lightly double-tapping (correspondingly, double-clicking the mouse of the computer twice) the corresponding icon, a window 6221 displaying the operation panel of the AV device is opened as shown in FIG. 7 ( Display the operation switch group icon).

22A to 22D show the present invention A
9 is a liquid crystal display screen in an example in which the V remote controller operating device 6000 can be easily operated with only one hand. For example, as shown in FIG. 22A, when the TV1 icon 6210 and the VTR1 icon 6220 are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen, these icon display positions are in the one-handed operation state with the AV remote controller operating device 6000. If it is too high to touch with, it is necessary to hold the remote controller operating device 6000 with the left hand and operate it with the finger of the right hand. However, in this embodiment, the display screen is scrolled by stroking the liquid crystal display screen in the downward direction (arrow direction) with a finger. FIG. 22B shows a state in which the display positions of the TV1 icon 6210 and the VTR1 icon 6220 are lowered by this scrolling and moved to a position where the finger can reach.

In the scrolling by stroking the liquid crystal display screen with a finger, if the target icon does not move to the desired position by one stroking, the stroking operation is repeated. It is convenient to provide control means for increasing the scroll sensitivity so that the entire display range can be scrolled by a single operation amount (stroking amount). This is similar to controlling the large movement of the cursor by a small movement of the mouse by changing the relationship between the movement distance of the mouse of the computer and the movement amount of the cursor on the screen.

FIG. 22C shows a VTR approaching the fingertip.
1 shows a state in which the 1 icon 6220 is pressed with a finger. Then, by moving the contact point of the finger so as to push the VTR1 icon 6220 in the direction of the TV1 icon 6210 with the finger, as shown in FIG.
The icon 6220 is moved so as to overlap the TV1 icon 6210.

This embodiment has the advantage of allowing one-handed operation with the AV remote controller operating device 6000 equipped with the operation panel 6010 having a large liquid crystal display screen.

FIG. 23 shows an AV remote control operating device 600 for scrolling the liquid crystal display screen in this way.
10 is a flowchart of a scroll processing program executed by the CPU 6101 of 0.

The screen scroll processing E01 detects the presence / absence of a finger contact point on the liquid crystal display screen in step E02, and confirms in step E03 whether or not the contact point is on the icon. If it is on the icon, the process proceeds to step E04 to perform icon selection processing, and performs icon movement processing and the like as described with reference to FIG. If it is not on the icon, the process moves to step E05 to check whether the finger is separated. If the contact is continued, the process moves to step E06 to track the movement of the contact point of the finger, and at step E06, the movement of the contact point is performed. Scroll the display screen according to the direction and movement amount. This screen scroll processing continues until the finger is released.

AV remote controller operation device 600 according to the present invention
A case of an AV device system including a video printer 5000 as an AV device controlled by 0 will be described. The video printer 5000, unlike other AV equipment, captures the image displayed on the monitor screen into the digital memory on the spot,
Has the function of printing. The AV remote controller operating device 6000 in such an AV system originally has, for example, a VTR1 icon overlaid on a video printer icon,
Further, it is necessary to perform a complicated operation such as connecting the devices by superimposing these two icons on the TV icon, but the image displayed on the TV screen can be easily displayed without performing such a complicated operation. It is desirable to be able to print on the video printer 5000. Such an AV system can be realized by always connecting the video printer 5000 to the final stage of the monitor input system of the TV 1000 and the final stage of the CRT signal output system after the tuner built in the TV.

FIG. 24 shows a liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 6010 of the AV remote controller operation device 6000 in the AV system thus constructed. Instead of the video printer icon, operation buttons (operation switch group icons) of the video printer 5000 are displayed side by side at the lowermost position of the liquid crystal display screen so that the video printer 5000 can always be operated by remote control. "FREEZE" switch icon 6273
Is an operation switch for giving an instruction to take in the TV image signal displayed on the TV screen to the digital memory of the video printer 5000, and it also functions like a shutter button of the camera. The video printer 5000 returns the original TV video signal display after displaying the video (still image) signal captured in the digital memory on the TV screen for a fixed time.

The "MONITOR / MEMORY" switch icon 6274 has a function of giving an instruction to alternately switch between the output of the TV video signal and the output of the still image signal fetched in the digital memory each time it is pressed, and the "PRINT" switch. The icon 6275 has a function of instructing the video printer 5000 to perform a printing operation and instructing to print the still image signal captured in the digital memory.

FIG. 25 is a connection example of an AV equipment system that effectively utilizes the video printer 5000. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the VHS VTR 2000, the 8 mm VTR 3000, the VDP 4000 and the video printer 5000 are connected to the AV selector built in the TV 1000. However, when these are directly connected to the AV selector of the TV 1000, the video input And a video printer 5000 having only one output terminal, for example, a VHS type VTR200
0 and a TV 1000, the video printer 5000 is connected to another 8 mm type VTR 3000 or VDP 400.
It cannot be used for printing a reproduced image of 0.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the video printer 5000 is provided with a plurality of input / output terminals so that the video printer 5000 functions in the same manner as the AV selector. Therefore, the TV 1000 in this embodiment does not need to have a function of an AV selector built therein, and only needs to have one system of input terminals. In the case of TV1000 with multiple input / output terminals,
Only one of them is used.

In FIG. 26, a TV 1000 provided with an "Effect" terminal is used to connect a video printer 5000, a digital memory and an enhancer for adjusting image quality and special effects to the final stage of each AV device. It is an example of configuring an AV system. This embodiment is an example of the internal configuration of the TV 1000 in the AV system shown in FIG. TV1000 has VHS inside
Type VTR2000, 8mm type VTR3000, VDP4
The AV selector 1010 that switches so as to selectively input the signal from 000 is built in. The selection contact 1011 of the AV selector 1010 is provided with input terminals 1001, 1002 from three AV devices 2000 to 4000.
One of the input signals applied to the input contacts 1012 to 1014 via 1003 is selected and applied to the CRT monitor 1020. This AV selector 1010 is a CRT monitor 1
The AV selector, which is the simplest in terms of image signal selection for monitoring at 020, is shown. However, in reality, parallel processing (for example, a reproduction signal of a VHS type VTR2000 can
The AV selector 1010 is provided with a larger number of contact groups like the AV selector shown in FIG. (Illustration is omitted).

An effect selection switch 1030 is provided in the middle of the system for sending the video signal selected by the AV selector 1010 to the CRT monitor 1020. The effect selection switch 1030 includes an input contact 1031 to which the video signal selected by the AV selector 1010 is directly applied, and the video signal from the video printer 5 via external terminals 1004 and 1005.
Input contact 103 given by re-input via 000
2 and a selection contact 1033 that selectively connects the two input contacts 1031 and 1032 to the CRT monitor 1020. The video printer 5000 outputs the video signal selectively input from three types of AV equipment (VHS type VTR, 8 mm type VTR, VDP) as it is, or stores it in a digital memory as a still image. And outputs the read video signal.

The video signal selected by the AV selector 1010 is always sent via the external terminals 1004 and 1005 to the CRT.
The external terminals 1004 and 1005 may be connected so as to be given to the monitor 1020, and the external terminals 1004 and 1005 may be short-circuited when the AV equipment is not connected to the external terminals 1004 and 1005. In this way, the effect selection switch 1030 can be omitted, and the effect selection switch 1030 can be removed from the front panel of the TV 1000 or the remote control operation device 6000.
Since an external switch for giving a command to operate 30 can be omitted, it can greatly contribute to cost reduction.

FIG. 27 shows an example in which the latest information regarding the remote controller operation control communication protocol of the latest model of each AV equipment described with reference to FIG. 11B is loaded into the AV remote controller 6000 using a telephone line. Shows. AV
The remote control operation device 6000 has an IC card modem 6 in the IC card slot of the IC card interface 6105.
114 is inserted, and the connection line 6115 from the telephone line and the connection line 6116 to the ordinary telephone 9000 are connected to the IC card modem 6114. If you do this, this A
The V remote controller operating device 6000 can load the latest information from an external network through a general telephone line in the same manner as personal computer communication. The relationship between the IC card slot, the IC card modem, and the AV remote controller 6000 is as described with reference to FIG. 2. However, in some cases, a nonvolatile memory is provided in the IC card modem and the nonvolatile memory is used as a backup. A to sex memory
It is also possible to store the latest information on the control communication protocol of the V device.

In FIG. 28, an infrared communication means 9001 is provided in the telephone 9000, and infrared rays 603 are exchanged with the infrared communication (transmission / reception) means 6030 of the AV remote controller operation device 6000.
1 shows an embodiment in which communication is performed by using No. 1 as a signal medium and the latest information of the protocol of the AV device is loaded. By combining this infrared communication function with the infrared communication function of the AV remote controller 6000, the telephone 9000 having the infrared communication function can obtain the latest AV device control communication protocol from an external network with the same function as a modem. It is also possible to load the AV remote controller operating device 6000. Further, this infrared communication function is a combination of the infrared communication function of an arbitrary AV device and the infrared communication function of the telephone 9000, for example, a necessary command (for example, a recording instruction or the like) to the AV device at home from the outside. It is also possible to do.

The hardware configuration is as described with reference to FIG. 2, and the LED 6 of the remote control operating device 6000 is used.
An LED driver for transmission is installed in parallel with 032.
As described with reference to FIG. 3, the data received through the receiving circuit using the sensor (photodiode or the like) for receiving the remote control operation signal is transmitted to the CPU 6101.

FIG. 29 shows a specific operation example when the latest control communication protocol of AV equipment is loaded using the telephone line as described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG. 29A shows that the operation panel 6 is automatically switched when, for example, the IC card modem 6114 is inserted, or when an operation switch for communication is selected and input on a menu screen (not shown).
10 is a display image first displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 010. "CALL" is displayed on the LCD screen.
Switch icon 6301 and "MEMORY → CAR
“D” switch icon 6302 and “CARD → MEM”
"ORY" switch icon 6303 and auxiliary memory 61
Control communication protocol and IC of AV equipment stored in 06
A character string 6304 of the version of the communication protocol of the AV device stored in the card 6112 is displayed. here,
Comparing the data version of the auxiliary memory 6106 and the data version of the IC card 6112, the data version of the IC card 6112 is newer. By pressing the “CARD → MEMORY” switch icon 6303 in such a state, the control communication protocol of the AV device stored in the auxiliary memory 6106 is rewritten to the latest one stored in the IC card 6112.

As described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, data is input from the remote control operating device 8000 of the AV equipment to the AV remote control operating device 6000 according to the present invention, and a corresponding name is given to the auxiliary memory. When stored in the 6106, in order to back up the auxiliary memory 6106 with the IC card 6112, “CARD → M
When the "EMORY" switch icon 6302 is pressed, the contents of the auxiliary memory 6106 are stored in the IC card 6112.
To be transmitted to. Furthermore, the content to be transmitted is the latest AV.
Not only the device protocol but also the connection information of each AV device described with reference to FIG.
So that it can be transmitted and stored.

A personal computer communication network (not shown) capable of transmitting the latest version of the control communication protocol of the AV equipment prepared by each manufacturer is installed at the end of the telephone line connected via the modem 6114. When connecting to this network, "CALL" switch icon 6
Pressing 301 causes the phone 9000 to automatically connect to the network. Fig. 29 (b)
Shows the liquid crystal display screen after the communication line is connected to the network. Since the “CALL” switch icon 6301 ′ is already in the connected state, it is displayed in a broken line form. Then, the “HOST → CARD” switch icon 6305 is displayed, and at the same time, the version number character string 6306 of the communication protocol of the AV device registered in the network (HOST) is displayed. HOS
If the version number of T is new, "HOST → C"
By pressing the "ARD" switch icon 6305,
The latest AV equipment communication protocol is
The C card 6112 is loaded.

Further, in order to transmit the latest control communication protocol of the AV equipment loaded in the IC card 6112 to the auxiliary memory 6106 of the AV remote controller 6000,
"CARD → MEMORY" switch icon 6303
When is pressed, the latest AV device control communication protocol stored in the IC card 6112 is stored in the auxiliary memory 6106.
To be transferred to.

30 is similar to FIG. 29, the auxiliary memory 6106 of the AV remote controller operating device 6000 and the installed I memory.
This is an example of a method of performing communication between the C card 6112 and a communication network installed further ahead of a telephone line by data transmission by overlapping icons. In FIG. 30A, the TV1 icon 6210 is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 6010.
AV device icons up to TV2 icon 6280 are displayed, and the device can be used as a normal remote controller. At the bottom, as in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 29, the "CALL" switch icon 63 is displayed.
01 is displayed, and when the “CALL” switch icon 6301 is pressed, the AV remote control operating device 6 is displayed.
000 and the communication network installed at the end of the telephone line are connected.

FIG. 30B shows the AV remote controller operating device 6.
000 is connected to the communication network via the telephone line, and the “CALL” switch icon 630 is displayed.
1'is displayed in the form of a broken line. In this state, each memory and its stored contents are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen.

[0109] The "HOST" icon 6307 displays the version registered in the network, and the "MEMS" icon is displayed.
The “ORY” icon 6308 displays the version stored in the auxiliary memory 6106, and “CARD BAN” is displayed.
The “K1” icon 6309 displays the version stored in the IC card slot or bank 1 in the IC card, and the “CARD BANK 2” icon 6310 displays the version stored in the IC card slot or bank 2 in the IC card. To do.

When data is transmitted between these memories, the corresponding icon is pushed with a finger and other icons are pressed in the same manner as the image data transmission connection operation procedure of the AV equipment described with reference to FIG. Operate so as to overlap. Specifically, for example, network data is transferred to the auxiliary memory 6
When transmitting to 106, the “HOST” icon 63
07 is touched with a finger, and while moving the contact point, the "HO
The “ST” icon 6307 is replaced with the “MEMORY” icon 6
By overlaying on 308, the auxiliary memory 6 from the network
Data is transmitted to 106.

As described above, the latest data transfer to the memory
Although the transmission example of the control communication protocol data of the V device has been described, the connection relation data of each AV device stored in the auxiliary memory 6106 can be backed up in the IC card 6112 in the same manner. In addition, by transmitting this connection relationship to a network prepared by the manufacturer through a communication line, it can be used so that the manufacturer can point out any deficiencies or problems in the connection relationship of the AV system configured by the user. Further, even in the event of a failure, the connection relationship of the AV equipment can be notified to the shop in advance via a telephone line, which can be utilized for maintenance work.

[0112]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention includes a plurality of A's constituting the system.
Since it is possible to control and manage the V devices including the hardware connection relationship between the devices by the icon operation on the remote control operating device, even a user who does not have the technical knowledge for hardware connection between the devices is complicated. AV equipment can be operated freely.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an AV device system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an internal configuration of an AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view showing a modified example of the AV system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an AV equipment system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, in which registered AV device icons are displayed.

FIG. 6 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, which shows an operation example of inter-device connection.

FIG. 7 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, in which operation switch group icons for operating AV equipment are displayed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an information processing program for remote control operation executed by the CPU of the remote control operating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, in which a screen for instructing registration of AV equipment is displayed.

FIG. 10 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, in which a registration mode selection icon is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, which shows an example of registration of new AV equipment and setting of control communication protocol.

FIG. 12 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, which shows a modified example of the control communication protocol setting when registering a new AV device.

13 is a perspective view showing a relative relationship between the infrared remote controller operating device attached to the AV device and the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention in the control communication protocol setting state shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a CPU of an AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention.
5 is a flow chart of a registration processing program executed by.

15 is a flowchart of a processing unit using the infrared remote control operating device attached to the AV device in the registration processing program shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, where each registered AV
It is an operation example which sets the connection between apparatuses of a device.

FIG. 17 is a CPU of an AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention.
17 is a flowchart of an inter-device connection processing program executed to perform inter-device connection shown in FIG.

18 is a detailed flowchart of model selection processing in the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of a terminal moving process in the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, showing an inter-device connection operation.

FIG. 21 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, showing a modification of the inter-device manual operation shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows an example of one-handed operation of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention.

23 is a flowchart of a screen scroll processing program executed by the CPU to realize the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention, showing an example in which a video printer is connected to an object to be controlled.

FIG. 25 is an external view showing a modified example of the AV equipment system according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the AV equipment system according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the latest information regarding the remote controller operation control communication protocol of the latest model of each AV device is fetched into the AV remote controller operating device according to the present invention via a telephone line.

FIG. 28 is an external perspective view showing a modified example in which the latest information about the latest remote control operation control communication protocol of each AV device is loaded into the AV remote control operating device according to the present invention via a telephone line.

FIG. 29 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote control operating device according to the present invention, which is a specific operation example for loading the latest control communication protocol of AV equipment through a telephone line.

FIG. 30 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen in the AV remote control operating device according to the present invention, which is a specific operation example for loading the latest control communication protocol of AV equipment through a telephone line.

[Explanation of symbols]

1000 ... Television receiver (TV), 2000 ... V
HS type video tape recorder (VTR) 3000 ... 8
mm type video tape recorder (VTR), 4000 ... video desk player (VDP), 5000 ... video printer, 60000 ... AV remote controller, 6010
... Operation panel, 6210-6240 ... Device icon, 6
231 ... Operation switch group icon.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tatsu Yokozawa 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. An information system comprising: a plurality of information devices that can be operated by remote control; and a remote control operation device that generates a remote control operation signal for each of the information devices. The remote control operating device is provided with a selection connecting means capable of operating a remote control to be connected, the remote control operating device includes an operation panel having touch panel input means superimposed on a display screen, and a device icon displayed on the display screen corresponding to each information device. Display control means for displaying connection relation information of each device icon on a display screen according to operation input from the touch panel input means, and operation signal generation means for giving a remote control operation signal to the selective connection means according to the connection relation information. Information system characterized by. 2. An information system comprising a remote-controllable TV, a plurality of other AV equipments, and a remote control operation device for generating a remote control operation signal for the TVs and other AV equipments, wherein an input terminal of the TV is provided. The remote control operating device is provided with a selective connecting means capable of operating a remote controller to selectively connect between output terminals of other AV equipment, and the remote control operating device includes an operation panel having touch panel input means superimposed on a display screen, and the TV.
And display control means for displaying the connection relation information between the device icons on the display screen in accordance with the equipment icon displayed on the display screen corresponding to the other AV equipment and the operation input from the touch panel input means, and according to the connection relation information. An information system comprising an operation signal generating means for giving a remote control operation signal to the selective connecting means. 3. In an AV device for displaying a video signal input from an input terminal on a monitor, an input selection means for selecting a first video signal input from a plurality of first input terminals, and selection by the input selection means. Done first
An external output terminal for externally outputting the video signal, an external input terminal for inputting the externally processed second video signal, and a display selection means for selectively displaying the first or second video signal on a monitor. AV equipment characterized by being provided. 4. An image signal output from an AV device such as a VTR or VDP is stored as a still image for printing or T
In an AV device that processes and outputs the image for easy viewing on a V screen, an AV selector that is connected to a plurality of AV devices that outputs image signals and that selects an image signal input from these AV devices is provided. AV equipment to do. 5. The AV device according to claim 4, wherein the AV device is a video printer. 6. A remote control operation device for generating a remote control operation signal for operating a plurality of information devices capable of remote control operation, an operation panel having touch panel input means superimposed on a display screen, and a device corresponding to each of the information devices. Between the icon and the touch panel input means, the display control means for displaying the connection relation information of each equipment icon and the operation switch group icon of the information equipment on the display screen, and the information equipment according to the connection relation information. A remote controller operating device comprising an operation signal generating means for outputting a device operation signal according to an operation input to a connection operation control signal and an operation switch group icon. 7. The control communication protocol for each information device operated by remote control according to claim 6, wherein the type or model number of the information device is selected and input on a menu screen when the information device is registered in the remote control operating device. A remote controller operating device characterized by being set by. 8. A remote controller operating device according to claim 6, further comprising a storage unit for storing connection relationship information between the respective information devices. 9. The remote controller operating device according to claim 7, further comprising a storage unit that stores a control communication protocol for each of the information devices. 10. The display control means according to claim 6, wherein the device icon located at the contact point of the touch panel input means is moved following the movement of the contact point, and the device icon and another device icon are moved. A remote controller operating device having an information processing function of detecting overlap and obtaining connection-related information. 11. The display control means according to claim 10, wherein the output signal of the information device corresponding to the device icon moved following the movement of the contact point corresponds to another device icon superposed by the device icon. A remote controller operating device having an information processing function for generating connection-related information to be input to an information device. 12. The remote control operation device according to claim 6, wherein the display control means scrolls the display screen in accordance with movement information of a contact point in a region where the device icon is not displayed. 13. The remote controller operating device according to claim 6, wherein the display control means displays an operation switch group icon of the information device corresponding to the specified device icon. 14. The remote control operating device according to claim 6, wherein the display control means stores the relationship between the manufacturer and type of the information equipment and the control communication protocol in an updatable state. 15. The display control means according to claim 6, further comprising a control communication protocol information updating means for acquiring the relationship between the manufacturer and type of the information equipment and the control communication protocol via a telephone line. Remote control operation device. 16. The display control means according to claim 6, wherein the display control means inputs an operation signal of a remote controller operating device attached to an information device operated by a remote controller and stores control communication protocol information for the information device. Remote control operation device. 17. The remote controller operating device according to claim 6, wherein the information device is an AV device.