KEY INPUT DEVICE FOR REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS, KEY INPUT METHOD USING KEY INPUT DEVICE FOR REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

摘要

Provided is a key input device for a remote control apparatus, which is easy to use even by the aged. For a plurality of keys (101 to 502) used for operating an equipment (1) to be operated, a plurality of light emission units (26) are provided, respectively.  A first control unit (21) outputs a light emission signal to a light emission control unit (22).  The light emission signal is used for sequentially illuminating the light emission units (26) for each predetermined group (A to E) for a predetermined period, respectively.  On the basis of a signal outputted from a first selection unit (2) and used for selecting a group and the signal outputted from the first control unit (21), a first comparison determination unit (24) outputs the group, as a determined group, in which the light emission units (26) are illuminated when the group is selected.  A second control unit (21) outputs a light emission signal used for sequentially illuminating the light emission units (26) included in the determined group for a predetermined period, respectively.  On the basis of the signal outputted from the second control unit (21) and a signal outputted from a second selection unit (2) and used for selecting a key, a second comparison determination unit (24) determines the key, as a determined key, which corresponds to the light emission unit which is illuminated when the key is selected.