JP2006172227A - Electric apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric apparatus for enabling even a user unfamiliar with operation to easily use a function for describing a method and function for operating a button and a switch, etc., in the electric apparatus provided with many buttons or switches, etc., for allowing the user to select. <P>SOLUTION: A description information storing part 28 stores description information of buttons or switches, etc., a description button 17 is operated to set the apparatus in a description information outputting state, and the description information is configured to be outputted when a button or a switch, etc., other than the description button 17 is operated in the description information outputting state. In addition, the description button 17 is configured to alternately set or release the description information outputting state in accordance with depression, and a state display LED 18 is turned on in the description information outputting state mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric device having a function of explaining an operation method or an operation of a device when an operation is performed with respect to an operation unit such as a button or a switch, using an image, a moving image, a sound, or the like.

  Recent electrical equipment, for example, imaging devices that capture still images or moving images, communication devices such as telephones or facsimiles, video recorders that record TV programs on videotapes or DVD disks, air conditioning that cools and heats living spaces, etc. In devices, rice cookers, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, etc., new products are developed one after another and new functions are added. When the number of functions provided in electrical equipment increases, a complicated selection menu or multiple function buttons are required to select many functions, and the user can select which function and how to operate the equipment. There is a problem that it is difficult to understand whether it should be done or forgets the operation if it is not used continuously even if it is remembered once.

  A computer is provided with a help function that allows a keyword related to an operation to be entered and searched to display information related to the operation on a screen. In addition, in the case of a computer equipped with a GUI (Graphical User Interface), when a mouse cursor is overlaid on an icon or button displayed on the screen, a function description such as an icon or button is displayed in a pop-up display. The function to do is provided.

Also, in a business device that inputs data for a large number of items, when the cursor is placed on one item and a specific key is pressed, an explanation about the item on which the cursor is placed can be switched between screens or a dedicated sub A function capable of forming and displaying a screen has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-4-243420

  However, since the help function of the computer requires the user to input a keyword related to the operation, the alphabet, like means for inputting characters with a dozen or more keys used in a keyboard or a mobile communication device, etc. There is a problem that an advanced input means that can input hiragana and katakana and can perform kanji conversion in some cases is necessary, and it cannot be applied to an electrical device that does not have an advanced input means. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult for a user unaccustomed to the operation to use the help function itself.

  The function of displaying a description in a pop-up display of a computer having a GUI and the description function disclosed in Patent Document 1 are used to align the mouse cursor with an icon or button that requires explanation, or to place a cursor on an item that requires explanation. In addition, since the explanation can be displayed by pressing a specific key, there is no need for sophisticated input means, and there is an advantage that a user who is unfamiliar with the operation can easily display the explanation. However, since these explanation functions display explanations about icons, buttons, or items displayed on the display, they are applied to electrical devices that display menus on the display and allow the user to select functions. However, there is a problem in that it cannot be applied to an electric device that has a number of dedicated function buttons in the device and selects a function, or an electric device that does not have a display.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to set a device to a description information output state that accepts an output request for description information related to an operation unit such as a button or a switch by a setting unit. In the explanation information output state, when the operation unit is operated, the explanation information is output, so that the function is provided with many function-specific buttons or switches without displaying menus or icons on the display. Even when making a selection, the explanation function can be realized, and if the description information output state can be set with a simple operation, even a user unfamiliar with the operation can easily use the explanation function. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical device that can be used.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple configuration in which the setting and release of the explanation information output state are alternately performed according to the operation of the setting operation unit, so-called toggle operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric device that can easily use the explanation function even for a user unaccustomed to the above.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide status display means for displaying whether or not the description information output state is set by the setting means, so that it is possible to indicate the status of the device to the user, thereby causing an erroneous operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric device that can prevent the above-described problem.

  According to another object of the present invention, when the operation unit is operated, a state signal indicating the state is added to the operation signal corresponding to the operated operation unit and transmitted to the control unit. By adopting a configuration that determines the status from the status signal and outputs the description information, the device body having the control means and the operation unit are separated from each other, and the description function can be easily realized when performing remote operation. To provide electrical equipment.

  An electrical device according to the present invention, in an electrical device including a plurality of operation units, receives a storage unit that stores the description information of each of the operation units, an output unit that outputs the description information, and an output request for the description information Setting means for setting the description information output state, and when the operation unit is operated when the setting information is set to the description information output state, the description information about the operation unit is read from the storage unit. And control means for performing control to be output by the output means.

  In the present invention, the device is set by the setting means to a description information output state that accepts a description information output request from the operation unit, and the description information is output when the operation unit is operated in the description information output state. An explanation function is realized in a device that has a large number of dedicated buttons or switches and allows selection of the function, so that a user unfamiliar with the operation can easily use the explanation function.

  The electric device according to the present invention further includes a setting operation unit that accepts a setting request for the explanation information output state, and the setting unit sets or cancels the explanation information output state according to an operation of the setting operation unit. Are alternately performed.

  In the present invention, setting to the explanation information output state is performed by the setting operation unit. The setting operation unit has a simple configuration in which setting and canceling of the explanation information output state are alternately performed according to the operation so that a user unfamiliar with the operation can easily use the setting operation unit.

  In addition, the electrical device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising status display means for displaying whether or not the explanation information output state is set by the setting means.

  In the present invention, a status display means for displaying whether or not the status of the device is set to the explanation information output status by the setting means is provided to indicate the status of the device to the user, thereby preventing an erroneous operation by the user.

  In addition, the electrical device according to the present invention includes a creation unit that creates an operation signal when the operation unit is operated, and a status signal that indicates whether the explanation information output state is set by the setting unit. State signal adding means for adding to the operation signal and transmitting the operation signal to the control means, wherein the control means performs the control when the operation signal to which the state signal is added is received. Features.

  In the present invention, when the operation unit is operated, a state signal indicating whether or not the explanation information output state is set by the setting unit is added to the operation signal corresponding to the operated operation unit, and the control unit is added. As a configuration in which the control unit determines the state from the state signal and outputs the description information, the operation unit, the setting unit, and the apparatus main body having the control unit can be arranged separately.

  In the case of the present invention, the device is set to a description information output state that accepts an output request for description information related to the operation unit by the setting means, and the description information is output when the operation unit is operated in the description information output state. Even when selecting a function with many buttons or switches dedicated to the function without displaying menus or icons on the display, the explanation function can be realized, and the explanation information output state can be set. When it is possible to perform the operation with a simple operation, a user who is unfamiliar with the operation can easily use the explanation function.

  Also, in the case of the present invention, the setting to the explanation information output state is performed by the setting operation unit, and the setting operation unit has a simple configuration in which setting to the explanation information output state and release are alternately performed according to the operation. Even users who are unfamiliar with can easily use the explanation function.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the state display means for displaying whether or not the state of the device is set to the description information output state by the setting means is provided, the user can know the state of the device and prevent erroneous operation. can do.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the operation unit is operated, a state signal indicating the state is added to the operation signal corresponding to the operation unit and transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit determines the state from the state signal. Since it is configured to output the explanation information, the apparatus main body having the control means and the operation unit can be arranged separately, and the explanation function can be easily realized when performing remote operation.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the moving picture imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a moving image capturing unit, and the moving image capturing unit 1 is provided at the front of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. The moving image capturing unit 1 includes a lens 1a and an image sensor 1b. The lens 1a collects light from the subject, and an image formed by the lens 1a and formed into an image has an aspect ratio of 4/3. The element 1b converts it into an analog imaging signal. A display unit 3 having an aspect ratio of 4/3 is pivotally supported on the side surface of the housing 2, and switches and buttons for the user to operate each function of the imaging device on the side surface, back surface, and top surface of the housing 2. Etc. are provided. In addition, the side surface of the housing 2 is provided with a state display LED 18 that is turned on when the imaging apparatus is in a description information output state to be described later.

  The power switch 4, the standby button 5, the recording button 6, the playback button 7, the stop button 8, and the wide mode switch 9 are disposed on the back surface of the housing 2. The power switch 4 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the moving image pickup apparatus. When the standby button 5 is pressed, the moving image pickup apparatus switches to a power saving state that suppresses battery power consumption. When the standby button 5 is pressed in the power saving state, the moving image pickup apparatus returns to the imaging standby state in about 1.5 seconds. . In the power saving state, other buttons are locked to prevent malfunction.

  When the recording button 6 is pressed, recording of the captured moving image is started, and when the playback button 7 is pressed, the recorded moving image is played on the display unit 3. Both recording and playback of moving images are continued until the stop button 8 is pressed. The wide mode switch 9 is a switch for changing the aspect ratio of a moving image to be captured, and can switch between normal imaging with an aspect ratio of 4/3 and wide imaging with an aspect ratio of 16/9.

  The zoom switch 10 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 2. The zoom switch 10 is a switch for enlarging / reducing an image of a subject to be imaged. The image can be enlarged by operating the zoom switch 10 to the right in the rear view, and the image can be operated by operating the left side. Can be reduced.

  The cursor key 11, the setting button 12, the menu button 13, the imaging mode changeover switch 14, the flash emission button 15, the backlight lighting button 16, and the explanation button 17 are disposed on the side surface of the housing 2. The cursor key 11 is used when an item is selected from a menu displayed on the display unit 3 by pressing the setting button 12 or the menu button 13. When the setting button 12 is pressed, a menu for setting the imaging condition of the moving image is displayed on the display unit 3, and the brightness, focus, shutter speed, white balance, and the like can be set manually. In addition, by selecting a menu displayed on the display unit 3 by pressing the menu button 13, a function such as an after-recording function for adding a narration after capturing a moving image and a rendering function for capturing a moving image in sepia or monochrome is selected. Can do.

  The imaging mode switch 14 is a switch for switching between a moving image capturing state for capturing a moving image and a still image capturing state for capturing a still image. In the still image capturing state, the image when the recording button 6 is pressed is stopped. The image can be recorded on a memory card (not shown) attached to the moving picture recording apparatus main body. In addition, when the flash emission button 15 is pressed in the still image capturing state, a strobe flash (not shown) disposed on the front surface of the housing 2 is prepared, and the strobe flash is used when capturing a still image. Lights up. The backlight lighting button 16 is a button for lighting a backlight (not shown) provided in the display unit 3, and the user can take an image at night or in a dark place by lighting the backlight. It can be performed.

  The explanation button 17 is a button used to display information on the function and operation method of each button and switch on the display unit 3 when the user does not know the function and operation method of each button and switch. . When the explanation button 17 is pressed, the moving image capturing apparatus switches to the explanation information output state, and the user can see information on the operated button or switch by operating other buttons or switches in the explanation information output state. The explanation information output state is maintained until the explanation button 17 is pressed again. In the explanation information output state, information on the operated button or switch is displayed on the display unit 3 every time another button or switch is operated. The user can check the functions and operation methods of a plurality of buttons or switches. Further, in order to prevent erroneous operation, the normal operation described above is not performed even if each button and switch are operated in the explanation information output state.

  The status display LED 18 disposed on the side surface of the housing 2 is lit when the user presses the explanation button 17 and the moving image pickup apparatus enters the explanation information output state, and the explanation button 17 is pressed again. When the description information output state is canceled and the normal state is reached, the light is turned off.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the moving image capturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a control unit of the moving image capturing apparatus, and the control unit 21 controls each component described below. The analog image pickup signal converted by the image pickup device 1b of the moving image pickup unit 1 is supplied to the image pickup signal processing unit 22, and is converted into digital moving image data by the image pickup signal processing unit 22, and the converted moving image data is an image. This is given to the processing unit 23.

  The image processing unit 23 includes a work memory 24 for image processing. The work memory 24 is used to correct the brightness and saturation of the moving image data converted by the imaging signal processing unit 22, and to enlarge or Processing such as reduction is performed, and the processed moving image data is provided to the video codec unit 25. The processed moving image data is converted into a monitor output signal and supplied to the display unit 3.

  The video codec unit 25 has a function of compressing the moving image data processed by the image processing unit 23 by a compression / decompression method such as MPEG2 or Motion JPEG. The moving image data compressed by the video codec unit 25 is recorded and reproduced. To part 26. The recording / reproducing unit 26 records the moving image data compressed by the video codec unit 25 on a recording medium 27 such as a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory, or a DVD disk, and reproduces the moving image data recorded on the recording medium 27. have.

  The control unit 21 is connected to a plurality of operation units such as a power switch 4, a recording button 6, and an explanation button 17, and performs each process according to a user operation. When the user presses the explanation button 17, the control unit 21 shifts to the explanation information output state and turns on the state display LED 18. The explanatory information storage unit 28 connected to the control unit 21 is configured by a nonvolatile memory element such as a mask ROM or a flash memory, and stores explanatory information such as the function and operation method of each button and switch. When a switch or button other than the explanation button 17 is operated in the explanation information output state, the control unit 21 reads the explanation information from the explanation information storage unit 28 and transmits the explanation information to the display unit 3 via the image processing unit 23. Display. The explanation information displayed on the display unit 3 in the explanation information output state stores a plurality of pieces of information according to the operation status of the moving image pickup apparatus, and is most suitable for the operation status when the user presses the explanation button 17. The control unit 21 reads the data. For example, since the recording button 6 switches between capturing a still image or capturing a moving image by the imaging mode changeover switch 14, the information displayed on the display unit 3 depends on whether or not it is in a still image capturing state. It is. Further, when the explanation button 17 is pressed in the explanation information output state, the control unit 21 transitions to the normal state.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the control unit 21 when displaying the description information of the moving image capturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The control unit 21 checks whether or not the switch or button is operated (step S1). If the switch or button is not operated (S1: NO), the control unit 21 waits until the switch or button is operated. When the switch or button is operated (S1: YES), it is checked whether or not the operated switch or button is the explanation button 17 (step S2). When the operated button is the explanation button 17 (S2: YES), it is further checked whether or not the operation state of the control unit 21 is the explanation information output state (step S3). When the operation state of the control unit 21 is the explanation information output state (S3: YES), the operation state is changed to the normal state (step S4), and the state display LED 18 is turned off (step S5). When the operation state of the control unit 21 is not the explanation information output state (S3: NO), the operation state is changed to the explanation information output state (step S6), and the state display LED 18 is turned on (step S7).

  In step S2, if the operated switch or button is not the explanation button 17 (S2: NO), it is checked whether or not the operation state of the control unit 21 is the explanation information output state (step S8). When the operation state of the control unit 21 is the explanatory information output state (S8: YES), the type of the operated switch or button is determined (step S9), and the operated state of the operated switch or button and the moving image capturing apparatus Accordingly, the explanation information is read from the explanation information storage unit 28 (step S10), and the read explanation information is given to the image processing unit 23 to be displayed on the display unit 3 (step S11). If the operation state of the control unit 21 is not the description information output state in step S8 (S8: NO), the control unit 21 performs a process for realizing a function corresponding to the operated switch or button (step S12). .

  In the moving image imaging apparatus configured as described above, when the user wants to know the function and operation method of the switch or button, the user first presses the explanation button 17 to put the moving image imaging apparatus into the explanation information output state. Whether or not the moving image pickup apparatus is in the description information output state can be determined by whether or not the state display LED 18 is lit. After the explanation button 17 is pressed to put the moving image pickup apparatus in the explanation information output state, the user operates the switch or button for which the user wants to know the function and the operation method, thereby displaying information on the operated switch or button on the display unit 3. Can be displayed with images or characters.

  When imaging is performed with the explanation information output state canceled, the user presses the explanation button 17 to change from the explanation information output state to the normal state. Since the description information output state and the normal state can be switched only by pressing the explanation button 17, even a user unfamiliar with the operation can easily know the function and operation method of the switch or button.

  In the present embodiment, the description of the functions and operation methods of the switches and buttons is displayed on the display unit 3 with images, characters, or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and audio description is output from the speaker. A configuration may be used, and a configuration using both images and sound may be used. In addition, the configuration of the imaging device that captures a moving image has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto, and the same configuration can be applied to an imaging device that captures only a still image, for example. Further, the functions and arrangements of the buttons shown in the present embodiment are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. The explanation information output state is set by the explanation button 17, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a setting switch may be provided to switch between the explanation information output state and the normal state. Moreover, although it was set as the structure which notifies a user by the status display LED18 whether it is a description information output state, it is not restricted to this, For example, it displays on the display part 3 that it is a description information output state, and notifies a user. It is good also as a structure.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a video deck and a remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as a remote controller) for operating the video deck according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes a remote controller for remotely controlling the video deck 100, and the remote controller 50 includes a light transmission unit 51, a plurality of operation buttons, and a status display LED 72. The light transmitter 51 converts the control information into an infrared signal in accordance with a user operation, and transmits the infrared signal to the light receiver 101 provided in the video deck 100. The video deck 100 receives and records a public television broadcast on a video tape, which is a detachable recording medium, reproduces the video recorded on the video tape, and is connected to the video deck 100 by a CRT television or liquid crystal. It has a function of displaying on a display device (not shown) such as a television.

  The remote controller 50 not only remotely controls the video deck 100 but also controls part or all of the functions of the display device when the display device connected to the video deck 100 has an infrared reception function. it can. A TV power button 52, an input switching button 53, an audio switching button 54, a channel button section 55, a volume button 56, and a TV channel selection button 57 of the remote controller 50 are buttons for controlling a display device connected to the VCR 100. is there. The TV power button 52 can control the power on / off of the TV, and the input switch button 53 can display either a video displayed on the display device, a TV broadcast received by the display device, or a video input from an external device. Can be selected. The volume button 56 can control the amount of sound output from the display device, and the sound switch button 54 can switch the sound output to either stereo or monaural. The 12 buttons of the channel button section 55 and the TV channel selection button 57 can switch the TV broadcast channel received by the display device.

  The video power button 58 of the remote controller 50 is a button for turning on / off the power of the video deck 100. The reservation button 59 is a button for starting the video deck 100 at a specified time to enter a recording standby state for recording a television broadcast. The recording time is set by pressing the reservation setting button 60 to set the video deck. This can be set in a reservation menu displayed on the screen of the display device connected to 100. Also, the video channel selection button 61 can switch the TV broadcast channel received by the video deck 100. By pressing the eject button 62, the video tape mounted in the video deck 100 can be ejected, and by pressing the slow button 63, the video playback speed can be lowered, and the recording mode switching button 64, the method of recording on the video tape can be selected from standard video recording or triple video recording in which the image quality is lowered for a long time.

  Also, by pressing the playback button 65, playback of the video recorded on the video tape can be started, and by pressing the rewind button 66, the video tape can be returned, and the fast forward button 67 is pressed. You can advance the videotape. Pressing the recording button 69 starts video recording on the video tape, and pressing the stop button 68 can stop processing such as video playback and recording. The pause button 70 can be pressed when playback or recording is being performed to temporarily stop the playback or recording process. When the playback or recording is paused, the pause button 70 is pressed. Thus, the reproduction or recording process is resumed.

  The explanation button 71 is used to display information on the function and operation method of each button on a display device connected to the video deck 100 when the user does not know the function and operation method of each button. Button. When the explanation button 71 is pressed, the remote controller 50 transitions to the explanation information output state, and the user can display information on the pressed button on the display device by pressing another button in the explanation information output state. . The explanation information output state is maintained until the explanation button 71 is pressed again. In the explanation information output state, each time another button is pressed, information on the pressed button is displayed on the display device. You can check the function and operation method of the button. Also, in order to prevent malfunctions, normal processing such as playback or recording is not performed even if each button is operated in the explanation information output state.

  The status display LED 72 is lit when the explanation button 71 is pressed and the remote controller 50 transitions to the explanation information output state, and the explanation button 71 is pushed when the explanation information output state is entered, and the remote controller 50 changes from the explanation information output state to the normal state. Turns off when transitioning.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of remote controller 50 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 80 denotes a control unit that controls the remote controller 50, and the control unit 80 is connected to a light transmission unit 51, a plurality of operation buttons, and a status display LED 72.

  By pressing the explanation button 71, the control unit 80 changes the explanation information output state in which the explanation information of the pressed button is displayed on the display device and the normal state in which the video deck 100 performs normal operations such as reproduction and recording. The state display LED 72 is turned on in the description information output state, and the state display LED 72 is turned off in the normal state.

  Further, the control unit 80 determines the button pressed by the user, and controls the button information indicating the determined button type to which an explanation flag indicating whether or not the remote controller 50 is in the explanation information output state is added. Information is given to the light transmission unit 51, and the light transmission unit 51 transmits the given control information to the video deck 100 by infrared rays. The explanation flag is 1-bit information, and a value of “1” is set when the remote controller 50 is in the explanation information output state, and a value of “0” is set in the normal state.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the video deck 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 111 denotes a control unit for controlling the video deck 100. The control unit 111 is connected to the light receiving unit 101, the image processing unit 114, the recording / reproducing unit 116, the operation unit 117, and the explanation information storage unit 118. Control these.

  The image processing unit 114 receives a video signal corresponding to the received television broadcast radio wave from the reception unit 113 that receives a public television broadcast radio wave, and performs processing such as amplification and filtering on the received signal. To the output unit 112 and the recording / reproducing unit 116. The output unit 112 includes a terminal for connecting an external display device, and displays an image on the connected display device. The recording / reproducing unit 116 is equipped with a removable recording medium 115, records the video signal given from the image processing unit 114 on the recording medium 115, and reads the video signal recorded on the recording medium 115. To the image processing unit 114. When the video signal is given from the recording / playback unit 116, the image processing unit 114 performs processing such as amplification and filtering on the given video signal, gives the output to the output unit 112, and a display connected to the output unit 112. Displayed on the device.

  The operation unit 117 of the video deck 100 is also provided with buttons such as a playback button and a recording button so that the video deck 100 can be operated without using the remote controller 50. The control unit 111 performs processing such as video recording and reproduction in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 117 or the control information from the remote controller 50 received by the light receiving unit 101. The explanation information storage unit 118 stores explanation information such as button functions and operation methods in association with a plurality of buttons provided in the remote controller 50. When the control information is received by the optical receiving unit 101, first, the explanation flag included in the control information is checked. If the value of the explanation flag is “0”, normal processing such as recording and reproduction is performed. If the value of the explanation flag is “1”, the explanation information associated with the button information included in the control information is read from the explanation information storage unit 118 without performing normal processing. The read explanation information is given to the image processing unit 114 and displayed on the display device connected to the output unit 112 via the output unit 112.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of the control unit 80 of the remote controller according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The control unit 80 checks whether or not the button has been pressed (step S41). If the button has not been pressed (S41: NO), it waits until the button is pressed. When the button is pressed (S41: YES), it is checked whether or not the pressed button is the explanation button 71 (step S42). When the pressed button is the explanation button 71 (S42: YES) Further, it is checked whether or not the remote controller 50 is in the description information output state (step S43). When the remote controller 50 is in the description information output state (S43: YES), the remote controller 50 is changed to the normal state (step S44), and the state display LED 72 is turned off (step S45). If the remote controller 50 is not in the explanation information output state (S43: NO), the remote controller 50 is shifted to the explanation information output state (step S46), and the status display LED 72 is turned on (step S47).

  If the pressed button is not the explanation button 71 (S42: NO), it is checked whether or not the remote controller 50 is in the explanation information output state (step S48), and if the remote controller 50 is in the explanation information output state (S48). : YES), the explanation flag is set to “1” and added to the button information to create control information (step S49). If the remote controller 50 is not in the explanation information output state (S48: NO), the explanation flag is set to '0' and added to the button information to create control information (step S50). In step S49 and step S50, an explanation flag is set and control information is created. Then, the control information is given to the light transmitter 51, and the control information is transmitted from the light transmitter 51 by infrared rays (step S51).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing performed when the control unit 111 of the video deck 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention receives control information from the remote controller 50. The control unit 111 checks whether or not the light receiving unit 101 has received control information from the remote controller 50 (step S61). If the control information has not been received (S61: NO), the control unit 111 continues to receive control information. stand by. When the optical receiver 101 receives control information (S61: YES), it is checked whether or not the value of the explanation flag included in the received control information is “1” (step S62). When the value of the explanation flag is “1” (S62: YES), the pressed button is determined from the button information of the received control information (step S63), and the explanation information associated with the pressed button is controlled. Reading from the information storage unit 118 (step S64), the read explanation information is given to the image processing unit 114, and displayed on the display device connected to the output unit 112 (step S65). If the value of the explanation flag of the received control information is “0” (S62: NO), processing for realizing the function of each button is performed according to the button information of the control information (step S66).

  In the remote controller 50 and the video deck 100 configured as described above, the user can control the operation of the video deck 100 by pressing each button of the remote controller 50. In order to know the function and operation method of each button, the user first presses the explanation button 71 to put the remote controller 50 into the explanation information output state. When the explanation button 71 is pressed, the control unit 80 causes the remote controller 50 to transition to the explanation information output state and turns on the state display LED 72. Whether or not the remote controller 50 is in the explanation information output state can be determined by whether or not the status display LED 72 is lit.

  After the explanation button 71 is pressed and the remote controller 50 is set in the explanation information output state, the user presses the button for which the user wants to know the function, the operation method, etc., and the information about the pressed button is sent to the output unit 112 of the video deck 100. It can be displayed on a connected display device. When a button other than the explanation button 71 is pressed in the explanation information output state, the control unit 80 sets the value of the explanation flag indicating whether or not the remote controller 50 is in the explanation information output state to the information of the pressed button. Control information is created by setting it to 'and added, and the control information is transmitted from the light transmitter 51. In the video deck 100 that has received the control information by the light receiving unit 101, when the control unit 111 determines the explanation flag included in the control information and the value is “1”, the control information is included in the control information from the explanation information storage unit 118. The explanation information about the button information to be read is read and displayed on the display device connected to the output unit 112. Since the description information output state and the normal state can be switched only by pressing the explanation button 71 provided on the remote controller 50, even the user unfamiliar with the operation can easily perform the function and operation method of each button. Can know.

  In the remote controller 50 according to the present embodiment, the explanation information of each button is displayed on the display device connected to the output unit 112 of the video deck 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the LCD is displayed on the video deck 100. It may be configured to display explanation information by providing a display unit such as a monitor or a liquid crystal monitor, or may be configured to output explanation information by means of a voice provided with means for outputting voice. In addition, the configuration of the remote controller 50 that remotely controls the video deck 100 is shown, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the same configuration can be applied to the remote controller of other devices such as a television, a DVD recorder, or a CD player. Further, the explanation function may be realized by the control using the explanation flag even when the operation main body is provided with the operation unit instead of the case where the remote control is used. Further, although the explanation button 71 is provided only on the remote controller 50, the explanation button 71 may be provided on the operation unit 117 of the video deck 100. Moreover, the function and arrangement of the buttons of the remote controller 50 shown in the present embodiment are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this. The explanation information output state is set by the explanation button 71. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a setting switch may be provided to switch between the explanation information output state and the normal state. Moreover, although it was set as the structure which notifies a user by status display LED72 whether it is a description information output state, it is not restricted to this, For example, it is a description information output state on the display apparatus connected to the output part 112 of the video deck 100. It is good also as a structure which displays to the effect and notifies a user.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the description has been given by taking the moving image pickup apparatus and the video deck remote controller as examples, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the user can also use a plurality of buttons or switches. Electrical equipment that is operated, such as a communication device such as a telephone or a facsimile, a video recorder that records a TV program on a video tape or DVD disc, an air conditioner that cools and heats a living space, a rice cooker, a vacuum cleaner, or a refrigerator The present invention can also be applied to the above.

1 is a rear perspective view of a moving image capturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the moving image imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control part in the case of displaying the description information of the moving image imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the remote control which operates the video deck and video deck which concern on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remote control which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the video deck which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the control part of the remote control which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed when the control part of the video deck which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention receives control information from a remote control.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Moving image pick-up part 3 Display part 17, 71 Explanation button 18, 72 Status display LED
21, 80, 111 Control unit 28, 118 Description information storage unit 50 Remote control 51 Optical transmission unit 100 Video deck 101 Optical reception unit 112 Output unit

Claims (4)

In an electric device including a plurality of operation units,
A storage unit for storing explanation information of each of the operation units;
Output means for outputting the explanation information;
Setting means for setting a description information output state for accepting an output request for the description information;
Control means for performing control to read out the explanation information related to the operation section from the storage section and to output it by the output means when the operation section is operated when the setting means is set to the explanation information output state An electrical device comprising: A setting operation unit for accepting a setting request to the explanation information output state;
The electric device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit alternately sets or cancels the explanation information output state in accordance with an operation of the setting operation unit.   The electrical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a state display unit that displays whether or not the description information output state is set by the setting unit. Creating means for creating an operation signal when the operation unit is operated;
A state signal adding means for adding to the operation signal a state signal indicating whether or not the setting information output state is set by the setting means, and transmitting to the control means,
The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the control when the operation signal to which the state signal is added is received.

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