Method for setting up a microcontroller

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for setting a microcontroller (35) of a remote control (2) configured for controlling a multimedia device with setting data via an intermediate memory (80), which can be operated with electrical energy both from an interface energy source that supplies a receiving interface (78) receiving the setting data with electrical energy, and from a remote control energy source (18) that supplies the microcontroller (35) with electrical energy, comprising: - Receiving the setting data via the receive interface (78) and storing it in the buffer (80), and - Retrieving and storing the setting data stored in the buffer (80) in the microcontroller (35) in an operating state in which the microcontroller (35) is supplied with electrical energy by the remote control power source (18).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for setting a microcontroller of a remote control set up for controlling a multimedia device with setting data, a control device for carrying out the method and a remote control with the device.

[0002] As is well known, remote controls for multimedia devices must be adapted to them. This is usually done by programming the remote control with suitable settings.

[0003] From DE 10 2007 060 808 A1, a method is known for providing at least one operating function of a remote control for operating a device, wherein the device has a memory area in which data containing information about this operating function is stored. Furthermore, a data connection is provided between the device and the remote control, via which data containing information about this operating function can be transferred from the device to the remote control. The remote control has a data processing unit that processes the information transferred from the device to the remote control and, depending on this information, provides at least one operating function via at least one control element of the remote control and / or assigns this operating function to a control element of the remote control.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved method for setting the microcontroller of a remote control used to control a multimedia device with setting data. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for setting a microcontroller of a remote control set up for controlling a multimedia device with setting data via an intermediate memory which can be powered by electrical energy both from an interface power source that supplies electrical energy to a receiving interface receiving the setting data and from an electrical power source supplying electrical energy to the microcontroller, comprises the steps: - Receiving the configuration data via the receiving interface and storing it in the cache, and - Retrieving and storing the setting data stored in the buffer in the microcontroller, in an operating state in which the microcontroller is supplied with electrical energy by the remote control power source.

[0006] A disadvantage of conventional methods for programming remote controls for multimedia devices is that they can often only be performed under specific conditions. Frequently, these methods require the remote control to be switched on or in a special programming mode, which can significantly increase the effort required for installation or customization. Furthermore, in many cases, physical access to the remote control is necessary to perform the programming, which is time-consuming and impractical, especially when a large number of devices, such as in a hotel, need to be reprogrammed. These limitations lead to inefficient handling and hinder quick on-site adjustments.

[0007] In contrast, the described method is based on the idea of ​​programming the microcontroller of a remote control used to operate a multimedia device independently of its current operating state and without physical intervention. The method utilizes a buffer, which can be powered by either the remote control's power source or an interface power source, to temporarily store setting data. This allows the setting data to be received via a receiver interface and stored in the buffer before being used for an update in an operating state of the microcontroller.

[0008] This implements the specified procedure by receiving the setting data via the receiver interface and storing it in the buffer, and then retrieving this data while the microcontroller is in its operating state and transferring it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller's operating state is achieved by supplying power from the remote control's power source, allowing the settings to be updated without requiring specific conditions on the remote control's state during data reception.

[0009] This offers the advantage that programming can be performed independently of the remote control's current state. There is no need to put the remote control into a special mode or physically manipulate it, reducing the effort required for programming and customization. Furthermore, the method allows for flexible and continuous updates of the settings, as the buffer receives new data, which is then transferred to the microcontroller at the next opportunity. This avoids operational interruptions, and adjustments can be made efficiently and without time-consuming interventions. The ability to store the setting data in the buffer and transfer it as needed increases flexibility and ensures that the remote control is always ready for an update, regardless of whether it is currently in active use or not.

[0010] The buffer can be a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage medium, which allows the settings data to be permanently stored even without a constant power supply. A non-volatile buffer offers several advantages. Because the data is permanently stored, it is retained even if the power supply is interrupted. This is particularly beneficial if the remote control remains without a power source for an extended period, as the settings data is not lost and can be used the next time the microcontroller is activated.

[0011] The receiver interface is used for wirelessly receiving configuration data and is powered by an interface power source. Such a receiver interface enables data transmission without physical contact between the configuration data source and the remote control. There are various ways to implement this wireless transmission, with the specific technology depending on the requirements for range, data transmission speed, and power supply.

[0012] Examples of such wireless receiving interfaces are based on near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, infrared (IR), Wi-Fi Direct, or similar technologies. Each of these technologies can be used to wirelessly and contactlessly transmit data to the remote control and temporarily store it there in any state of the remote control.

[0013] For the implementation of this method, a NFC-based receiving interface is expediently used, which is employed for transmitting data over short distances, typically up to 10 centimeters. NFC is based on inductive coupling and uses electromagnetic fields in the high-frequency range to exchange data between two devices. It has the advantage that communication can be both passive and active, with the energy from the carrier signal being used as the interface energy source when the remote control's microcontroller is inactive.

[0014] This technology makes it possible to store the setting data in the buffer without the remote control being directly connected to a power source, which increases flexibility in programming.

[0015] As an alternative to NFC, RFID technology could also be considered, which functions similarly but is generally designed for longer ranges and smaller data volumes. Both technologies use inductive coupling for data transmission and power supply, with the main difference lying in bandwidth and range.

[0016] In a further development of the described method, the microcontroller retrieves the setting data based on a predetermined event. This could be, for example, an IRQ signal sent by the receiver interface or the microcontroller's boot process. Other events can also be considered, such as a specific time interval, pressing a particular button on the remote control, an external signal via the receiver interface, a change in the power state, such as inserting or removing batteries, or reaching a specific operating mode in which the remote control activates special functions.

[0017] Event-driven retrieval of settings data offers the advantage that programming or updating settings can be performed at a specific, appropriate time, without the need for continuous monitoring or manual triggering. This leads to more efficient use of system resources, as the microcontroller only becomes active when truly necessary. Furthermore, it allows for rapid adaptation of the remote control to changing conditions or user requirements without interrupting normal operation. Particularly in time-critical applications or when an immediate response to external changes is required, an event-driven approach improves the system's responsiveness and flexibility.

[0018] In a preferred refinement of the described method, the setting data is received from the receiver interface in a sleep state, in which the microcontroller is not powered by the remote control's power source. This allows the remote control to be programmed while still in its packaging, for example, directly at the checkout counter. A salesperson can configure the settings for the customer's multimedia device without having to open the packaging or check whether the remote control is switched on. This saves time and reduces effort, as programming can be done quickly and without additional steps.

[0019] Alternatively, imagine a scenario in a hotel where a technician needs to configure a large number of remote controls. In this case, there's no need to check each remote individually to ensure it's switched on or in the correct mode. The configuration data can simply be received and stored via the receiver interface while the remote is in standby mode, significantly reducing the time required and greatly increasing the efficiency of the programming tasks.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the described method, the microcontroller is booted when transitioning from a sleep state to an operating state. This boot process includes a check to see if any configuration data to be retrieved and stored is present in the buffer. This approach offers the advantage that the entire process of programming or customizing the remote control is fully automated, especially when programming is done at the point of sale.

[0021] If the remote control is configured by the salesperson at the counter, it can remain packaged, and the microcontroller checks for configuration data in its cache upon initial power-up. If such data is present, it is automatically transferred to the microcontroller without requiring any manual intervention from the end user. This minimizes the effort required from the end customer, as the remote control is correctly configured and ready for immediate use upon first power-up.

[0022] Similar advantages arise in a hotel scenario where a technician needs to program a large number of remote controls. Once the remotes are put into operation, the microcontroller automatically detects the settings stored in its cache during the boot process and updates itself accordingly. This saves time and eliminates the need to perform additional steps during the programming process, significantly increasing efficiency during installation or customization.

[0023] In another iteration of the described method, the carrier signal containing the received data is transmitted from a mobile phone. This offers the advantage that programming the remote control can be carried out particularly easily and in a standardized manner, even by personnel with limited training. The mobile phone essentially acts as a gateway for transmitting the setting data to the remote control's receiving interface.

[0024] Using a mobile phone makes programming accessible not only to technicians but also to non-specially trained personnel, as data can be transferred via a standardized app or a user-friendly interface on the phone. Settings can then be easily selected and sent to the remote control at the touch of a button, significantly simplifying the process. Since the mobile phone is already a ubiquitous and familiar tool, no additional training or special hardware is required to perform the programming.

[0025] In yet another further development of the specified procedure, the mobile phone is brought by a user into a local reception area of ​​the receiving interface in order to transmit the carrier signal.

[0026] This restriction is designed to prevent unintentional misprogramming of other nearby remote controls. By deliberately bringing the mobile phone into close proximity to the specific remote control, it is ensured that only that remote control is programmed, while other remote controls outside the reception range are not affected by the carrier signal.

[0027] This local limitation of the reception range ensures that programming is targeted and controlled, especially in environments with many remote controls, such as hotels or retail stores. The user thus has full control over the programming process, as only the remote control within the immediate reception range of the carrier signal receives and processes the setting data. This minimizes the risk of programming errors and ensures that the settings are applied correctly and exclusively to the intended remote control.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, a control device is provided to carry out one of the specified methods.

[0029] In a further development of the specified device, the device comprises a memory and a processor. The specified method is stored in the memory in the form of a computer program, and the processor is provided for executing the method when the computer program is loaded from memory into the processor.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program comprises program code means to perform all steps of the specified method when the computer program is executed on an electronic device or one of the specified devices.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program product includes program code that is stored on a computer-readable data carrier and that, when executed on a data processing device, performs the specified method.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a remote control for controlling a multimedia device comprises an input interface for inputting control commands for the multimedia device, a microcontroller for converting the control commands into a control signal, a transmit interface for sending the control signal to the multimedia device, a separate receive interface for receiving setting data for the microcontroller, and one of the aforementioned control devices for controlling the reception and storage of the setting data received via the receive interface.

[0033] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A perspective exploded view of a remote control, Fig. 2 ...,

[0034] The figures use identical technical elements with the same reference symbols and describe them only once. The figures are purely schematic and, above all, do not represent the actual geometric relationships.

[0035] The figures use identical technical elements with the same reference symbols and describe them only once. The figures are purely schematic and, above all, do not represent the actual geometric relationships.

[0036] It will be on Fig. Reference is made to Figure 1, which shows a remote control 2 in an exploded view.

[0037] The remote control 2 extends within a space defined by a longitudinal direction 4, a transverse direction 6 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 4, and a pressure direction 8 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 4 and perpendicular to the transverse direction 6. It is configured to control an electronic device (not shown) using a control signal 7. The background of the pressure direction 8 will be discussed in more detail later. The control signal 7 can be transmitted between the remote control 2 and the electronic device in any way, i.e., wired or wirelessly, and according to any standard, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, Wireless LAN, or the like. This is not relevant for further discussion.

[0038] Viewed from the opposite direction of pressure 8, the remote control 2 comprises a transparent cover plate 10 on its upper side, to the underside of which a position sensor 12 is mounted. The transparent position sensor 12 is placed on a circuit board 16, to the underside of which two energy storage devices 18 and a pressure sensor 20 are mounted. The assembly described above, together with a cage element 22, is inserted into a frame element 24, which, viewed from the opposite side in the direction of pressure 8, is closed by a lower shell 26. The frame element 24, together with the cover plate 10, therefore forms an upper shell, which, together with the lower shell 26, forms a housing in which the functional components of the remote control 2 are enclosed.

[0039] The cover plate 10 extends in the longitudinal direction 4 and in the transverse direction 6 and is made of a transparent plastic.

[0040] This plastic can be selected analogously to the disclosure in publications WO 2024 / 124065A1, WO 2010 / 039498A2, or CN 209708099U. On the top side, as seen in the printing direction 8, the cover plate 10 is relief-formed and has raised areas that are not visible from the outside, modeled on conventional pushbuttons on a remote control in their unactivated state.

[0041] The position sensor 12 has a sensor area 30 extending in the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6, which is surrounded by a conductor system 32. The sensor area 30 detects a change in capacitance at a specific point in the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6 by the positioning of a user's finger on the top of the cover plate 10 and activates a specific individual conductor, not visible further in the conductor system 32, which leads to a sensor processor 34. The sensor processor 34, in turn, detects the activated conductor and calculates the coordinates of the finger's position in the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6 and outputs these coordinates as a sensor signal at a sensor interface 36.

[0042] The circuit board 16 comprises an electrical circuit (not shown in detail in the figures) with a microcontroller 35, which receives the position signal from the sensor interface 36 and generates the control signal 7. A position signal interface 42 is provided on the circuit board 16 for receiving the position signal, while a transformer 44 is arranged on the circuit board 16 for transmitting the control signal 7. The microcontroller 35 receives the position signal from the position signal interface 42, converts it into the control signal 7 using internally stored software, and then outputs it via the transformer 44. A near-field communication interface 48 is provided for configuring the microcontroller 35's software. This interface can receive and output configuration data for the microcontroller 35's software in a manner to be described later.

[0043] The frame element 24 has a frame 64 enclosing a through-opening 66, with a collar extending in the pressure direction 8 and not further referenced. This collar delimits the frame element 24 on its outer side as seen in the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6, and defines an insertion space. Positioning bores 72 are formed at the through-opening 66.

[0044] To assemble the remote control 2, the top plate 10, with the circuit board 16 held between them, is inserted into the frame element 24 and glued to it. Finally, the frame element 24 is closed with the bottom shell 26. For this purpose, retaining holes 74 are formed on the rear side of the frame element 24 (viewed in the longitudinal direction 4), and guide openings 76 are formed in the front area (viewed in the longitudinal direction 4). The bottom shell 26 is designed so that it can completely cover the frame element 24 in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6. At the corresponding locations of the retaining holes 74 and in the front area of ​​the bottom shell 26 (viewed in the longitudinal direction 4), retaining pins are formed that are not visible, while at the corresponding locations of the guide openings 76, further guide hooks are formed on the bottom shell 26 that are not visible.Between the guide hooks, a release pin, not visible from the outside, is also formed for triggering the pressure switch 20. To close the frame element 24 from the underside as seen in the pressure direction 8, the retaining pins are inserted into the retaining bores 74, while the guide hooks are inserted into the guide openings 76.

[0045] The connection between retaining pins and retaining bores 74 positions the lower shell 26 in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6, allowing the lower shell 24 to pivot to a certain degree around this connection in the transverse direction 6. The guide hooks extend through the guide openings 76 and engage with the upper surface of the retaining frame 24 as viewed in the pressure direction 8. However, the guide hooks are designed with a length that allows the aforementioned pivoting around the connection between the retaining pins and retaining bores 74 to be carried out. Viewed in the pressure direction 8, the movement is limited by the convergence of the retaining frame 24 and the lower shell 26. Contrary to the pressure direction 8, undercuts on the guide hooks, which are not further referenced, limit the movement. In this way, the possible path of movement of the lower shell 26 relative to the retaining frame 24 is defined.

[0046] The release pin is positioned below the pressure switch 20 in the plane defined by the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6, as viewed in the direction of pressure 8. The user can thus grasp the remote control 2 with their fingers and place their thumb on one of the raised areas on the upper surface of the cover plate 10, as viewed in the direction of pressure 8, to define a specific function for the device to be controlled. They then use their remaining fingers to press the lower shell 26 upwards in the direction of pressure 8 against their palm, thereby pressing the lower shell 26 against the rest of the remote control 2. This presses the release pin against the pressure switch 20, which signals the electrical circuit on the circuit board 16 to generate the control signal 7 corresponding to the position where the user's thumb is located on the upper surface of the cover plate 10.

[0047] It will be on Fig. 2 Reference is made to an example of a near field communication interface 48.

[0048] This interface has an antenna 78, a buffer 80, and a transmit interface 82, which allows data to be sent from the near-field communication interface 48 to the microcontroller 35. The near-field communication interface 48 can be supplied with electrical energy via the electrical energy storage devices 18 and has a supply voltage connection 84 and a ground connection 86 for this purpose. The near-field communication interface 48 can also send event signals to the microcontroller 35 via an event control connection 88.

[0049] The remote control 2 with the near-field communication interface 48 can be programmed in a retail store before being handed to the customer. In this case, the remote control 2 can remain packaged. A salesperson simply needs to bring a mobile phone within range of the near-field communication interface 48 to transmit a carrier signal containing the required configuration data. The near-field communication interface 48 receives the configuration data via the antenna 78 and stores it in the buffer 80. The carrier signal transmitted by the mobile phone also serves as the interface power source, supplying the near-field communication interface 48 with electrical energy. This allows the data to be received even when the remote control 2 is switched off and the microcontroller 35 is not receiving power from the remote control's power source.

[0050] After the configuration data is stored in buffer 80, the remote control 2 remains packaged. As soon as the customer switches on the remote control 2 at home, the microcontroller 35 transitions from sleep mode to operating mode and performs a boot process. During this boot process, the microcontroller 35 checks whether configuration data is present in buffer 80. If such data is found, it is automatically retrieved via the transmit interface 82 and stored in the internal memory of the microcontroller 35 to configure the control software accordingly. In this way, the remote control 2 is ready for use immediately after unpacking, without the customer having to take any additional steps.

[0051] To ensure that the transmitting interface 82 is supplied with sufficient power to reliably perform even complex data transmissions, it is implemented as an I2C interface in this example. The I2C interface enables serial communication between the buffer 80 and the microcontroller 35, allowing the configuration data to be transmitted in a structured format. To ensure the power supply of the transmitting interface 82 during operation, the supply voltage is provided by the electrical energy storage devices 18, which constitute the remote control power source.

[0052] The electrical energy from the energy storage devices 18 enables the transmitting interface 82 to operate at a higher power during the operation of the microcontroller 35, thus ensuring stable and fast transmission of the setting data. After the setting data has been successfully transferred from the buffer 80 to the internal memory of the microcontroller 35, the corresponding parameters of the control software are automatically adjusted. This ensures that the remote control 2 is ready for use without any further manual intervention as soon as it is switched on.

[0053] The combination of the near field communication interface 48, the intermediate memory 80 and the transmit interface 82 implemented as I2C thus provides a reliable way to program and automatically configure the remote control 2 in its packaged state, without requiring any additional steps by the end user.

[0054] Another example of the use of the previously described remote control 2 is in a hotel where many remote controls for the rooms need to be programmed. A technician can use a mobile phone as a programming device and successively move the mobile phone antenna into the local reception range of the near-field communication interfaces 48 of the respective remote controls. The near-field communication interface 48 receives the setting data sent by the mobile phone, and the antenna 78 forwards it to the buffer 80.

[0055] As in the previous example, the carrier signal can also serve as a power source here, allowing the remote controls 2 to remain in standby mode while receiving data. Once the remote controls 2 are switched on in the hotel rooms, the microcontroller 35 performs a boot process, checking whether any configuration data is present in the buffer 80. If such data is found, it is retrieved, and the software settings of the microcontroller 35 are automatically adjusted. This automatic adjustment ensures that the remote controls are ready for use immediately after being switched on, without requiring any further action from the technician. This allows the technician to perform the programming quickly and without unpacking the remote controls 2, significantly reducing workload and greatly increasing installation efficiency.

[0056] However, if remote control 2 is not in standby mode during programming, event control port 88 comes into play. This port allows the near-field communication interface 48 to send signals to the microcontroller 35, informing it of newly received setting data. This enables the remote control to be reprogrammed even while in operation, allowing it to be reconfigured regardless of its current state – whether it is in standby or already in operation. This provides a flexible way to adapt the remote controls at any time, which is particularly advantageous in a hotel setting where changes need to be made quickly without interrupting operations.

[0057] The event control port 88 can send events in the form of an interrupt request signal called an IRQ. An IRQ is a signal used to alert the microcontroller to a specific event and cause it to perform a particular action or start a specific routine.

[0058] In the context of the near-field communication interface 48, the IRQ would be sent to the microcontroller 35 via the event control port 88 as soon as new configuration data has been received and is available in the buffer 80. The IRQ interrupts the microcontroller's normal operation and indicates that a task, in this case retrieving and processing the new configuration data, needs to be performed. The microcontroller can then start a corresponding routine to retrieve the data stored in the buffer 80 and adjust the software settings.

[0059] By using an IRQ signal via the event control port 88, the remote control can flexibly respond to newly received data, regardless of whether it is in standby or active operating mode. This enables efficient and timely adaptation of the control software, which is particularly advantageous in environments with changing requirements, such as the described hotel application.

Claims

[1] Method for setting a microcontroller (35) of a remote control (2) configured to control a multimedia device with setting data via an intermediate memory (80) which can be powered by electrical energy both from an interface power source that supplies electrical energy to a receiving interface (78) receiving the setting data and from an electrical power source (18) that supplies electrical energy to the microcontroller (35), comprising: - Receiving the setting data via the receive interface (78) and storing it in the buffer (80), and - Retrieving and storing the setting data stored in the buffer (80) in the microcontroller (35) in an operating state in which the microcontroller (35) is supplied with electrical energy by the remote control power source (18). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (35) retrieves the setting data based on a predetermined event. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting data is received by the receiving interface (78) in a sleep state in which the microcontroller (35) is not supplied with electrical energy by the remote control power source (18). [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the microcontroller (35) is booted when transitioning from the sleep state to the operating state and wherein the boot process includes a check to see if there is setting data to be retrieved and stored in the intermediate memory (80). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving interface (78) is a near field communication interface called an NFC interface, which is set up, wherein the interface energy source is the carrier signal carrying the received data. [6] Method according to claim 5, wherein the carrier signal is sent with the received data from a mobile phone. [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the mobile phone is brought by a user into a local reception area of ​​the receiving interface (78) for the purpose of transmitting the carrier signal. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the remote control (2) is packed in a transport container in such a way as to be inaccessible from the outside when sending the carrier signal. [9] Control device (48) configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims. [10] Remote control (2) for controlling a multimedia device comprising an input interface for inputting control commands for the multimedia device, a microcontroller (35) for converting the control commands into a control signal, a transmit interface (82) for sending the control signal to the multimedia device, a receive interface (78) separate from the transmit interface (82) for receiving setting data for the microcontroller (35) and a control device (48) according to claim 9 for controlling the reception and storage of the setting data received via the receive interface (48).

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