DE3404976A1 - Operating arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

So that two-digit numbers can also be input by means of a tens keypad with the digits from zero to nine in a remote control for television sets, a timing section is provided which can be switched on for a predetermined period of time in the case of multi-digit values for the number to be input in the case of ambiguous digit keys. In addition, a separate identification is in each case allocated to the numbers, the tens position of which is a 1, a 2, a 3 and so forth within the program memory. If the digit first input is, for example, a 2, it is first considered as the first digit of a possible two-digit number between 20 and 29. However, this automatic allocation only remains in existence during the predetermined period of time. If a further digit is input during this period of time, for example a 5, the number 25 is recognised. If, in contrast, no further digit is input, the above-mentioned allocation is cancelled and the digit first input is recognised as a single-digit number "2".

Description

_ 4 - ^R - ^{No 1804}

Instructions for use

The invention relates to an operating arrangement with an operating part having a ZJihnertastatur and an operating part the key actuation directly responding setting device with a control unit and a memory with η memory locations, of which m are occupied / in particular remote control for program selection on televisions.

When operating television or radio devices, as is well known, operating parts with a keyboard are used used, for example, to tune into a certain program or a desired station. The As is well known, setting immediately after pressing a button.

As the number of available programs increases, it can be seen that the per se advantageous Using a keyboard is becoming more and more confusing. Along with teletext and the possibility of In cable television there are already television sets with a control unit that allows for the possibility, e.g. 32 To save programs and to call up and set them by means of a remote control transmitter.

If you - as has been the norm up to now -

- ⁵ - R.Nr. 1804

gram on the keyboard assigns its own program key, 32 keys would be required in the example shown. Then there are the function keys for the setting the volume, the brightness, the color contrast, etc. A corresponding remote control transmitter would alone have unwieldy dimensions because of the space required for the many keys, so that this solution is ruled out got to.

The aim is therefore to use a numeric keypad that is familiar to the user with 10 keys to which the numbers "O" to "9" are assigned. In Fig. 1 of the drawing is for A remote control transmitter 10 with such a numeric keypad 12 is shown for a better understanding of the mode of operation.

As long as no more than nine programs are selected with the remote control transmitter 10 on a television set, not shown are to be, the program selection can be done in a simple manner by pressing one of the keys on the numeric keypad 12 take place. The program changeover is carried out immediately after pressing a key.

With more than nine programs, if the number of saved programs is a multi-digit number, however, it becomes more difficult to operate. It is then necessary to start with one of the three assumed here Decimal keys 14, 16, 18 to be operated. Will the

- 6 - R.Nr. 1804

For example, if users set program "17", the separate decimal key 14 must first be pressed. As a result, in the receiving part, not shown here, for the remote control transmitter 10, there is a switchover to a control unit in such a way that the decimal key 14 is recognized as the digit "1" of a two-digit number. Following the decimal key 14, the key "7" on the normal keyboard to be able to select program "17".

The program selection is done in a comparable way with a number between 20 and 29. So here the decimal key 16 must first be pressed. All in all 39 programs can thus be set or called up with the remote control transmitter 10 shown.

The necessity of the well-known decimal key basically depends on the one provided in the operating instructions Functionality together, after which immediately after pressing a key a command - here a program setting - is carried out. In other applications a numeric keypad - for example a pocket calculator is on the other hand, it is provided that a desired number is first entered via the keyboard, and that afterwards a separate "Enter key" (referred to in technical jargon as the "Enter key") is pressed. Surrender here

..νγ. , »Ρ * 04976

So there are no difficulties with assigning a digit to a decimal place, because only when the entire desired number has been entered via the individual keys and is therefore fixed, will the number is released for processing or recognition by pressing the Enter key.

In principle, such an input key could also be used in an operating arrangement for television sets provide, but for good reason one has to refrain from doing so taken because the user has got used to the fact that immediately after pressing a key the corresponding Command is executed without additionally pressing a separate key. That's why one is so far always endeavored to maintain this functionality that is familiar to the user and for the problem mentioned, which results when entering multi-digit numbers to look for other solutions.

The known operating arrangement already explained above with reference to FIG. 1 describes one such Solution, but this must be viewed as disadvantageous. In the case of multi-digit numbers, the operation is made more difficult by the fact that it must first be considered which decimal place the desired number has (for values between 10 and 19 are the "1"; for values between 20 and

- 8 - R.Nr.

the number "2" etc.) / and the corresponding decimal key must first be pressed. Only then can the second digit of the desired number can be entered using the normal keyboard.

The known Bedxenungsanordnung thus allows the use of a numeric keypad, the additional The decimal keys required still allow the remote control transmitter to have a handy size, but it works this advantage at the expense of difficult operation, which can easily lead to incorrect entries. Handling a The user is usually familiar with the numeric keypad, for example with a telephone - but it is with Multi-digit numbers previously required pressing a decimal key completely unusual.

In order to remedy this situation, the invention is based on the object, while maintaining the advantageous per se Numeric keypad to simplify the handling of an operating arrangement and to increase the ease of use raise.

This object is achieved in the case of the control arrangement mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 in that that a timing element is provided, which in the case of multi-digit values for m when actuating ambiguous

- 9 - R.Nr. 1804

Numeric keys can be switched on for a predetermined period of time is.

The invention provides the advantage that is important for an operator, the numeric keypad of the operating unit to be able to use in the way the user is used to. You can do it without Also multi-digit numbers can be entered by pressing the corresponding digits one after the other.

The timing element provided according to the invention has the effect that then if a two-digit number of programs is stored, the first digit entered as the first digit of a Decimal number is recognized. Accordingly, the second digit entered thereafter as the ones place becomes a evaluated two-digit number. Thus the operator can - without additional measures - two-digit numbers input. For example, when you select program number "23", you only need the keys with the digits one after the other "2" and "3" to be operated. The additional decimal keys mentioned above are no longer required, so that the operating arrangement is much clearer and easy to use.

According to an expedient embodiment of the invention, the timing element is activated by pressing a further digit

- 10 - R.Nr. 1804

key - preferably by the number key assigned to the "zero" - can be switched off prematurely. This ensures that even with single-digit numbers the program selection immediately after pressing the corresponding keys is performed if the user enters "0" beforehand. This created by the invention This advantageous solution accommodates the widespread habit of also using single-digit numbers as a two-digit sequence of digits to enter. For example, it is common to write the number "two" as "02".

In a further expedient embodiment of the invention, in the case of multi-digit values for m, each decimal has its own Identifier allocated in the memory. The well-known decimal keys described at the beginning work within the setting direction a switchover with the result that the assigned first digit is the tens of a two-digit Number is viewed, and of course care must also be taken with the operating arrangement according to the invention be that it is recognized within the setting device whether the digit assigned to an actuated key represent a one-digit number, or whether it is the first digit of a multi-digit number. The corresponding The decision criterion for this is taken directly from the memory in the invention. Namely, if in more than 9, 19, 29 etc. programs are stored in the memory

. , 80 * ^ 04976

the control unit receives corresponding information about this. With the help of this information or the assigned ID, the numeric keypad can also be used to enter multi-digit numbers without the operator having to consider whether a single or multi-digit number before pressing the keys Number is entered. Rather, this consideration is relieved of the user by the identifier according to the invention.

For example, it is assumed that a total of 19 programs are stored in the memory. Inside the store an identifier is then set or stored in a special memory location, and on the basis of this The control unit "knows" that programs with the numbers 1 to 19 are to be taken into account.

When a key with the number "8" is pressed, the control unit recognizes that it is exclusively a can act as a single-digit number, because the identifier only applies to two-digit numbers in the example described between "10" and "19". After pressing the key with the number "8", the corresponding program can be started immediately be switched on.

If, on the other hand, the program with the number "15" is selected should be, so if the first digit to be entered is "1"

- 12 - R.Nr. 1804

ambiguous and the timer is switched on, the control unit recognizes the first digit "1" entered as the first digit of a two-digit number. The successive actuation of the keys with, for example the numbers "1" and "5" lead to the setting of the program with the number "15". The in the underlying The identifier provided in the example for 19 programs has the consequence that whenever the first entered digit is a "1", this is assigned to the decimal place of a two-digit number.

However, the assignment only remains for a period of e.g. 2 seconds. obtain. If no If another number has been entered, the number 1 is evaluated as the ones place of a single-digit number, i.e. here than the number "1". This ensures that in addition to the two-digit numbers from ten to nineteen, each with begin with a "1", you can also enter the number "1" yourself.

The switchover to the program with the number "1" does not take place until after two seconds, but it does Restriction only with the one-digit number "1", while the switchover with the other one-digit numbers is immediate can be done after pressing the assigned keys.

- 13 - R.Nr. 1804

Other expedient refinements and developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. It demonstrate:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation

a known remote control transmitter,

Fig. 2 is a principle block diagram of a

operating arrangement according to the invention, and

3 shows a schematic representation

of a memory.

The remote control transmitter 10 according to FIG. 1 has already been explained in more detail at the beginning, so that a further description is possible unnecessary. It should be noted, however, that the decimal keys 14, 16 and 18 are not required in the invention are.

In Fig. 2, a remote control for a television set is based. The one not shown, with

- 14 - R.Nr. 1804

Infrared signals sent by a known ten-key keypad remote control transmitter are received by a receiving diode 20 of the remote control receiver 22. The latter is via.eine data bus line 32 with a memory and a control unit 24, which is still connected to a local control 36 located on the device. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control unit 24 comprises a microprocessor 26 and a timing element 28.

As shown schematically in FIG. 3, the memory 30 has a first data line 34 in which the Values for the volume L. for the brightness H., for the color F. etc. are stored as bit words. In the The individual programs are stored in further data lines 38.

As long as no more than nine programs are stored, the operating arrangement works in a manner known per se. After pressing a key on the numeric keypad of the remote control transmitter, the selected Program called up and set.

However, if more than nine programs are stored, the invention comes into play. With a two-digit number up to nineteen programs become 34 in the first line of data

- 15 - R.Nr. 1804

an identifier 1D is automatically set or saved. The control unit 24 or the microprocessor 26 "knows" now that whenever the first button pressed on the remote control unit is a "1", this "1" is the first digit of a two-digit number between "10" and "19" should be.

In order to enable the single-digit number "1" to be entered, the assignment of the number as described "1" as the first digit of a two-digit number by means of the timer 28 only for two see. maintain. If within these two see. another number - about the "5" - is entered, the selection of the program takes place with the number "15". If, however, within the two see. If no other key is pressed, the one entered will be used "1" is evaluated as the one-digit number one. The lag of two see. so only occurs with the number "1" while entering the single-digit numbers "2" to "9" can be used to switch programs immediately.

Of course, more than nineteen programs can be stored, and the following is assumed, that up to twenty-nine programs are desired. In In this case, in the first data line 34, next to the identifier 1D (for the numbers from ten to nineteen) a additional identifier 2D for the numbers from twenty to nine

- 16 - R.Nr. 1804

twenty - that is, for those numbers that begin with the digit "2".

In this case, if the first digit entered is a "2", the microprocessor 26 will assign that digit during the

\ dfis. Timing element "28"
Waiting time of two seconds as the first digit of a two-digit number between twenty and twenty-nine. If, for example, a "5" is entered as the next digit within the waiting time, the microprocessor recognizes the number "25". Otherwise - if no second digit is entered within the waiting time - the program is switched on with the single-digit number "2".

With up to twenty-nine stored programs, in addition to the single-digit number "1", the number "2" there is a slight time delay when switching the program.

On the basis of the preceding description it can be seen that the operating arrangement according to the invention in a simple way also to larger numbers up to 39 (then the identifier 3D is set in the first data line 34) , forty-nine, and so on. In either case, the operator can enter the desired number enter the numeric keypad in the usual way.

- ^Ί7 - R.Nr. 1804

In the event that the waiting time occurring in the specific cases described is perceived as annoying, an expedient embodiment of the invention provides that the timing element 26 can be switched ineffective, if an "O" is entered first via the numeric keypad.

If there are now 30 identifiers 1D, 2D, 3D within the memory, it is possible to use the single-digit program numbers Enter "1", "2" and "3" without the delay mentioned, for example by adding two consecutively for the number the keys "0" and "2" are pressed. The "0" makes the timer 28 ineffective, so that the following entered "2" is immediately recognized as a one-digit number.

Incidentally, this possibility created by the invention complies with the widespread custom, even single-digit ones Enter numbers as a two-digit sequence. For example, it is quite common to use the number "one" as "01" to write.

Claims (10)

3A0A976 BLAUPUNKT-WERKE GMBH R.Nr. 1804 claims 1. Operating arrangement with a numeric keypad and a setting device that responds directly to the key actuation with a control unit and a memory with η memory locations, of which m are occupied, in particular remote control for program selection on television sets, characterized by a timing element (28) which at multi-digit values for m can be switched on for a predetermined period of time when double-digit keys are pressed. 2. Operating arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the timing element (28) can be switched off prematurely by actuating a further number key. " ² - R. No. 1804 3. Operating arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the predetermined period of time is 2 seconds. amounts to. 4. Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the case of multi-digit values for m each decimal ("10" to "19";"20" to "29";"30" to "39" etc.) its own identifier (1D, 2D, 3D) is assigned. 5. Operating arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the identifier (1D, 2D, 3D) can be evaluated by the control unit (24), so that in the presence of an identifier (1D, 2D, 3D) the digit on the numeric keypad is pressed first When the timer (28) is switched on, the key is evaluated by the control unit (24) as the first digit of a two-digit number. 6. Operating arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the assignment of the first digit as a tens of a two-digit number is canceled after the timer (28) is switched off, so that the corresponding digit is then evaluated as a single-digit number by the control unit (24). 7. Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding - 3 - R.Nr. 1804 Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the identifiers (1D, 2D, 3D) are in separate memory locations in the memory
(30) are stored. 8. Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the numeric keypad is part of a remote control transmitter and
intended for program selection on a television set
is. 9. Operating arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the numeric keypad is part of a local control located on the device to be operated (36). 10. Operating arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the timing element (28) can be switched off by pressing the key of the numeric keypad assigned to the number "zero", so that when a key is subsequently pressed, the corresponding digit is sent directly as a single-digit number from the control unit ( 24) is evaluated.