KR20050082233A - Remote control device and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a remote controller and a control method thereof, wherein the remote controller according to the present invention includes one or more input keys, and includes a key input unit for outputting a key signal of an operated input key, and the same key signal is received by a predetermined threshold value. A microcomputer that measures the number of consecutive inputs within a time interval and selects a code corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of a key signal, a code storage unit that stores code information corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal, and a microcomputer. And a signal output unit for outputting a control signal according to the code selected by the method.

According to the invention it is possible to increase the utilization of the front portion of the remote control and to reduce the weight of the remote control.

Description

Remote control and method for controlling the same

The present invention relates to a remote control, and more particularly, to a remote control that can reduce the number of number buttons by using two buttons to indicate two or more numbers.

In general, an infrared signal wireless remote controller is used to remotely control home appliances, and initially, it is limited to TVs, VCRs, A / V devices, etc., but as its convenience is recognized, its range of application includes air conditioners and fans.

Since the remote controller is provided separately for each product, there is an inconvenience of using a plurality of remote controllers to operate various home appliances. In order to alleviate this inconvenience, each home appliance manufacturer has provided an integrated remote controller capable of manipulating each device in a mutually coupled device such as a TV, a VTR, and a DVD player.

1 is a view showing a remote control having a plurality of input keys (buttons) according to the prior art. In general, an input key of a remote controller includes a power key for supplying or cutting off power of an electronic device, a numeric key indicating a number such as a channel or volume, and various other function keys for controlling an electronic device.

Such a conventional remote control requires a large number of input keys corresponding to the various functions of the electronic device. In particular, in the case of an integrated remote controller for controlling several electronic devices with a single remote controller, the number of input keys required for controlling each electronic device increases. In addition, when a new function is added in the control target device due to the development of electronic devices, a corresponding function key may be further added to the remote controller.

However, the number of input keys that can be installed in the front space of the remote control is limited. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology capable of controlling various functions with as few input keys as possible using the remote control input keys more efficiently.

In particular, 10 numbers are assigned from 0 to 9 on the remote control, and only 10 numbers are needed to indicate the number you want for channel selection or volume adjustment. Of course, the user can select these values in a variety of ways provided by the remote control using the arrow keys on the remote control, rotatable wheel buttons or other function keys. However, the most basic method is to enter the desired value directly using the numeric keys on the remote control, and these numeric keys have always been installed in a fixed number of ten.

Therefore, in order to increase the use of the front space of the remote control or to reduce the weight of the remote control, the necessity of reducing the number of input keys while maintaining the functions of the remote control has been raised.

The present invention has the object of increasing the efficiency of using the front space of the remote control by reducing the number of input keys of the remote control to enable the control of home appliances with a small number of input keys as in the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the weight of the remote control by reducing the number of remote control input keys.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the remote control according to the embodiment of the present invention includes one or more input keys, a key input unit for outputting a key signal of the manipulated input key, the same key signal by receiving the key signal is a predetermined threshold A microcomputer for measuring the number of consecutive inputs at a time interval within a value and selecting a code corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of the key signal, a code storage unit for storing code information corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal; And a signal output unit configured to output a control signal according to the selected code.

In order to achieve the above object, the remote control control method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of inputting a key signal, measuring the number of times the key signal is continuously input at a time interval within a predetermined threshold value, the key Selecting a code corresponding to the number of continuous inputs of the signal, and outputting a control signal according to the selected code.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated remote controller receives a key signal of a numeric key input unit 210 composed of one or more numeric keys and a numeric key operated by a user, and searches for a code corresponding to the numeric code in the code storage unit 240 to output a signal 230. Outputs a control signal including information on the microcomputer 220 for transmitting to the microcomputer 220, the code storage unit 240 for storing the numeric codes corresponding to various key signals, and the numeric code received from the microcomputer 220 to the controlled device. It includes a signal output unit 240 to.

The numeric key input unit 210 may be composed of one or more numeric keys, and when a user presses any numeric key, the numeric key input unit 210 outputs a key signal of the corresponding numeric key to the microcomputer 220. According to the present invention, one number key may be set to indicate one or more numbers.

The microcomputer 220 searches for the numeric code corresponding to the key signal received from the numeric key input unit 210 in the code storage unit 240 and sends the retrieved numeric code to the signal output unit 230. In this case, the microcomputer 220 stores the code corresponding to each numeric code corresponding to the key signal of the same numeric key continuously according to whether or not the key signal of the same numeric key is continuously input within a time interval (hereinafter, referred to as a continuous input time interval). Search at 240. In general, if the waiting time from pressing one number key to the next number key becomes long, the use of the remote controller may be rather inconvenient. Therefore, the threshold value is preferably set within 1 second. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the user may freely adjust the threshold through the menu function of the remote controller. Accordingly, the user may indicate one or more numbers with one number key.

For example, when the first number key of the number keys constituting the numeric key input unit 210 is pressed once, the remote controller indicates the number 1, and when the first number key is pressed twice consecutively within the continuous input time interval, the remote control is It can be set to indicate the number 2. That is, when the user presses the first numeric key once, the key signal of the first numeric key is input to the microcomputer 220 once, and the microcomputer 220 inputs the numeric code corresponding to the first input of the first numeric key key signal. Search in the code storage unit 240. At this time, the numeric code may be a code indicating the number 1.

When the user presses the first numeric key twice in succession, the key signal of the first numeric key is input to the microcomputer 220 twice in succession. At this time, the microcomputer determines whether the input time interval of the continuously input key signal is within the continuous input time interval. If the key signal of the first numeric key is input two times consecutively at a continuous input time interval, the microcomputer 220 stores the code corresponding to the number code corresponding to the case where the key signal of the first numeric key is input two times consecutively. 240). At this time, the numeric code may be a code indicating the number 2. Therefore, when the user wants to indicate the number 1 through the remote controller, the user presses the first number key once, and when the user wants to indicate the number 2, the user presses the first number key twice in succession at a continuous input time interval.

In the above example, if the user presses the first numeric key twice in succession with the continuous input time interval and then presses the same numeric key again within the continuous input time interval, this may be set to indicate the number 1 again. Therefore, when the key signal is input, the microcomputer 220 waits for the continuous input time interval, and corresponds to the previously inputted key signal when the same key signal is not re-input or another key signal is input within the continuous input time interval. You can also search for a numeric code.

If the key signal input time interval of the first numeric key that is continuously input is equal to or greater than the continuous input time interval, the microcomputer 220 generates a key code corresponding to one time input of the key signal of the first numeric key code storage unit 240. Select twice in. In this case, the number indicated by the user is 11.

The signal output unit 230 outputs a control signal including code information input from the microcomputer 220 to the controlled device.

The code storage unit 240 stores a numeric code corresponding to each key signal. When the key input unit of the remote controller includes a character or a special function key other than the numeric keys, the control code corresponding to the key signal of each input key may be stored.

3 is a view showing a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated numeric key input unit includes five numeric keys. In the present embodiment, the first numeric key 310 indicates the numbers 1 and 2, the second numeric key 320 indicates the numbers 3 and 4, and the third numeric key 330 indicates the numbers 5 and 6. The fourth numeric key 340 indicates numbers 7 and 8, and the fifth numeric key 350 is configured to indicate numbers 9 and 0. FIG. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number indicated by each numeric key may be configured in various ways. For example, the first numeric key 310 may be set to indicate the numbers 0 and 1, and accordingly, the other numeric keys may also be set to indicate other numbers. Therefore, even if the number or type of numbers that can be indicated by each numeric key should be interpreted as an embodiment of the present invention.

When the user presses the numeric key, the key signal of the corresponding numeric key is input to the microcomputer 220. At this time, the microcomputer 220 selects a key code corresponding to the same key signal according to whether the same key signal is continuously input at a continuous input time interval. An example of the number corresponding to the input of the key signal is shown in FIG. 4, and the illustrated information may be stored in the code storage unit 240.

If the user selects one of the number keys shown and presses it once, the remote control indicates the odd number among the numbers assigned to the pressed number key.If the user presses the same number key twice in succession input intervals, the remote control is pressed. It may indicate an even number among the numbers assigned to the numeric keys (in the present invention, the number 0 will be regarded as an even number).

For example, when the user wants to select TV channel 7, the control signal corresponding to the number 7 may be output by pressing the fourth number key 340 of the remote controller once. On the other hand, when the fourth numeric key 340 is pressed twice in a row within a continuous input time interval, the remote controller may output a control signal corresponding to the number 8. When the user operates the remaining number keys in the same way, the control signals of numbers 0 to 9 can be output.

If the user wants to indicate the number 44 through the remote controller, the second numeric key 320 of the remote controller is pressed twice in a continuous input time interval, and then the second numeric key 320 is pressed again in the continuous input time interval. By pressing twice in succession, the control signal corresponding to the number 44 can be output.

5 is a view showing a remote controller according to another embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated numeric key input unit includes four numeric keys. In the present embodiment, the numbers 1 to 3 are assigned to the first number key 410, the numbers 4 to 6 are assigned to the second number key 420, and the numbers 7 to 9 are assigned to the third number key 430. The number 0 is assigned to the fourth numeric key 440. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number indicated by each numeric key may be configured in various ways. For example, the first number keys 410 may be set to be assigned numbers 0 to 2, and thus, other number keys may also be assigned different numbers. Therefore, even if the number or type of numbers that can be indicated by each numeric key should be interpreted as an embodiment of the present invention.

The method for indicating each number is similar to the embodiment of FIG. For example, if the user wants to indicate the number 3 with the remote control, the user can execute this by pressing the first number key 410 three times in succession. At this time, the time interval from the first press of the first numeric key 410 to the second press and the time interval from the second press to the third press of the first numeric key 410 must satisfy the continuous input time interval.

If the user wants to indicate the number 135, the user presses the first number key once (indicates number 1), waits for the continuous input time interval, and then presses the first number key three times in succession (indicates the number 3). Finally, you can press the second numeric key twice in succession (indicated the number 5). At this time, since the numbers 3 and 5 are controlled by different numeric keys, it is preferable that there is no time interval to wait for pressing the two numeric keys.

In the present invention, the continuous input time interval may be changed using a menu function set on the remote controller. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, the number of the number keys constituting the numeric key input unit of the remote control can be variously modified, according to the number of numbers that can be instructed by pressing each number key several times in succession Kinds can be modified in various ways, and such modifications should also be seen as embodiments of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, only the numeric keys are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the operation of the various function keys added to the remote controller may be performed according to the number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal input at the continuous input time interval as described above. In the case where the remote controller is set to output various control signals, it should be seen as an embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the integrated remote control that can control the integrated control of TV, DVD, and video, three function keys for selecting whether to control TV, DVD or video with the integrated remote control may be configured as one function key. . In this case, when the user presses the function key once, the integrated remote controller controls the TV. When the function key is pressed twice in successive input time intervals, the integrated remote controller controls the DVD. If you press it three times in succession, the integrated remote control can also control the VTR. Therefore, it is also an embodiment of the present invention to control two or more functions with one input key by continuously operating various input keys constituting the remote controller at a continuous input time interval.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a remote control control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the first user operates the input key of the remote control, the key signal output from the key input unit 110 is input to the microcomputer 220 (S110). At this time, the microcomputer 220 measures the number of times the same key signal is continuously input at a continuous input time interval (S120). The microcomputer searches for and selects a key code corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of the input key signal in the code storage unit (S130), and sends the selected code information to the signal output unit 230. The signal output unit 230 outputs a control signal loaded with code information received from the microcomputer 220 (S140) to control the controlled device.

When a user operates an input key of a remote controller, a key signal is output from the manipulated input keys to the microcomputer 220, and the user controls one or more functions using one input key by operating the same key of the remote controller several times in succession. can do. Detailed description thereof has been described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 5.

Although the present invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may variously modify the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Or it may be changed. Therefore, a simple change according to the embodiment of the present invention will not be able to deviate from the technology of the present invention.

According to the remote controller and the control method of the present invention as described above has one or more of the following effects.

First, while reducing the number of remote control input keys, it is possible to control the controlled device with the same number of input keys as in the prior art, thereby increasing the use efficiency of the front panel of the remote control and free space for installing additional function keys. This has the advantage of occurring.

Second, there is an advantage that can reduce the weight of the remote control by reducing the number of input keys of the remote control.

1 is a view showing a remote control having a plurality of input keys according to the prior art.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a view showing a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a number corresponding to the number of times of input of a key signal input at continuous input time intervals.

5 is a view showing a remote controller according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a remote control control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

210: numeric key input unit 220: micom

230: signal output unit 240: code storage unit

Claims (10)

A key input unit including one or more input keys and outputting a key signal of an operated input key; A microcomputer that receives the key signal, measures a number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal at a time interval within a predetermined threshold, and selects a code corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal; A code storage unit for storing a code corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal; And And a signal output unit configured to output a control signal according to the selected code. The method of claim 1, The key input unit may include five numeric keys for indicating two different numbers among the numbers 0 to 9. The method of claim 2, The five number keys indicate a first number key indicating numbers 1 and 2, a second number key indicating numbers 3 and 4, a third number key indicating numbers 5 and 6, and indicating numbers 7 and 8 And a fourth numeric key indicating a fourth numeric key and a numeral 9 and a zero. The method of claim 3, wherein The code selected by the microcomputer is a numeric code corresponding to an odd number among the numbers that each numeric key can indicate when the key signal outputted from the numeric keys is input to the microcomputer once. And when the key signal is input to the microcomputer twice at a time interval within the threshold, the numeric code corresponding to the even number among the numbers that each numeric key can indicate. The method of claim 1, And the threshold is changeable by a user. Inputting a key signal through a key input unit of a remote control; Measuring the number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal among the input key signals at a time interval within a predetermined threshold value; Selecting a code corresponding to the number of consecutive inputs of the same key signal; And And outputting a control signal according to the selected code. The method of claim 6, And the key input unit includes five numeric keys for indicating two different numbers from 0 to 9 numbers. The method of claim 7, wherein The five number keys indicate a first number key indicating numbers 1 and 2, a second number key indicating numbers 3 and 4, a third number key indicating numbers 5 and 6, and indicating numbers 7 and 8 And a fourth numeric key indicating a fourth numeric key and a numeral 9 and a zero. The method of claim 8, The selected code is a numeric code corresponding to an odd number among the numbers that each numeric key can indicate when a key signal outputted from each numeric key is input, and the same key signal among the key signals is the threshold. And a second code input to the microcomputer at a time interval within a value, the numeric code corresponding to an even number among the numbers indicated by the respective numeric keys. The method of claim 6, And the threshold value is changeable by a user.