JPH1169463A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller with improved convenience at the time of an operation. SOLUTION: In this remote controller 1, in addition to a normal remote controller operation part 4 provided with an operator 3 for remotely operating a television receiver 2, a transmission/reception part for transmitting video images or the like without a cord (by radio), a calling key 5 for selecting the calling function of the video image or the like and a display device 6 for displaying the called video image or the like are incorporated. The television receiver 2 opposing the remote controller 1 is provided with the transmission/ reception part for transmitting the video image or the like reproduced in the television receiver 2 without the cord in addition to the function of a normal television reception part 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device (hereinafter, simply referred to as "remote control device") used for a controlled device such as a video device or a television receiver, and more particularly, to a remote control device. The present invention relates to a remote control device having a built-in monitor device for improving convenience in operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, remote control devices have been used for air conditioners and lighting devices as well as AV devices such as video devices and television receivers, and user convenience has been improved. This remote control device is very convenient because it can switch channels away from controlled devices such as video equipment and television receivers.

On the other hand, a television receiver, which is an example of a controlled device, is being developed into multimedia and multi-channel due to the development of telecommunications technology and increasing user needs. Are also diverse.

When such a television receiver is selected using a remote controller, a television receiver displaying a single screen selects a desired channel while watching a single screen displayed. Multiple screens (multi-window)
In such a television receiver, a desired channel is selected while viewing a plurality of screens. Such a situation is the same in a video device.

[0005] However, the situation in which the screen changes rapidly at the time of selecting a television receiver or making a recording reservation of a video device not only causes viewers' eyestrain,
When there are a plurality of viewers, channel switching is refrained or other viewers are troubled, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if channel selection is performed while viewing a plurality of screens in a multi-window manner, one screen becomes smaller, so that the screen cannot be confirmed unless the user is close to the television receiver. is there. In any case, it is necessary to select a desired channel while watching a rapidly changing screen when selecting a television receiver.

[0006] Since the conventional remote control device does not have a function of viewing a plurality of channels at the same time, a viewer who desires such a viewing mode can select a multi-screen for channel selection displayed on a television receiver. Must be watched as it is. Also, as the number of types of electronic devices as controlled devices increases, the number of remote controls also increases, and it is necessary to select a remote control device according to the electronic device, which is inconvenient. Further, there is a remote control device that can operate a plurality of electronic devices, but the operation is complicated and does not improve the operability of the remote control device.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a problem with the conventional remote control device is that the operation is performed while watching a rapidly changing screen when selecting a television receiver or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device which eliminates the inconvenience that must be performed and enhances convenience when operating a remote controller.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the present invention, a remote control device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises at least video generation means for generating video information and a control signal for controlling the video generation means. Receiving means for receiving,
A controlled device (electronic device such as a television receiver) including a transmitting unit that transmits cordless video information controlled by a control signal; and a receiving unit that receives the cordlessly transmitted video information by the transmitting unit. Remote control device comprising: display means for displaying video information received by the receiving means; operating means for remotely operating the controlled device; and transmitting means for transmitting a control signal formed by the operating means. .

According to the remote control device of the first aspect of the invention, the remote control device for remotely controlling the television receiver or the like incorporates display means for displaying video information generated by the television receiver or the like, and Since the video information can be confirmed at the time of remote operation of the receiver or the like, the operation of the remote controller can be performed without depending on the display screen of the television receiver or the like at the time of operation using the remote controller.

The remote controller can be used not only at the time of channel selection but also for instantaneous confirmation of a counter program on a television receiver or the like, or for recording reservation in a video device or the like as a video generating means. Accordingly, the operation can be performed without bothering other viewers and without bothering the user to visually recognize the television receiver or the like. Furthermore, since the video information and the character information displayed on the display means of the remote control device can be confirmed at the viewer's hand, the present invention is effective not only for a television receiver capable of multi-screen display but also for a television receiver. The present invention is also effective when applied to a small-screen television receiver in which the screen is difficult to see when the screen is divided. In addition, a remote control device having excellent versatility can be constructed by incorporating a video information, which is most easily understood by humans and has excellent flexibility, into the remote control device. For example, even when operating a plurality of electronic devices using the same remote control device, the user can intuitively understand the operating electronic device by looking at the video information to be projected, thereby realizing a user-friendly interface. It becomes possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control device comprising: a video generating means for generating at least video information; a receiving means for receiving a control signal for controlling the video generating means; A controlled device (an electronic device such as a television receiver) including a transmission unit that transmits function list information (menus and operation buttons) cordlessly, and video information and function list information that are transmitted cordlessly by the transmission unit. Receiving means for receiving, display means for displaying video information and function list information received by the receiving means, and instruction input means (such as a touch panel) integrally formed on the display means for remotely operating the controlled device; Transmitting means for transmitting a control signal formed by the instruction input means, and a remote control device comprising: And wherein the Rukoto.

In the remote control device according to the second aspect of the invention, the display means is incorporated in the remote control device for remotely controlling the television receiver and the like, and the touch panel and the like are integrally formed on the display means. The convenience at the time of remote operation of the receiver and the like is improved, and the menu and operation buttons corresponding to the electronic device can be freely displayed on the display means, so that the versatility of the remote control device can be dramatically improved.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is directed to a television as a controlled device by incorporating a monitor device capable of displaying video information (including audio information, character information and function list information) in a remote control device. The present invention relates to a device capable of performing operations such as channel selection without depending on a screen of a receiver or the like. The present invention is effective when applied to all electronic devices using a remote control device. However, in the following description, a television receiver will be described as an example of a controlled device. Less than,
A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, an outline of a remote control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an outline of a remote control device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a remote controller of the present invention, and reference numeral 2 denotes a television receiver as an example of a controlled device. The remote control device 1 according to the present invention includes, in addition to a normal remote control operation unit 4 having an operation unit 3 for remotely controlling the television receiver 2, a feature of the present invention that transmits an image or the like cordlessly (wirelessly). It includes a transmitting / receiving unit (to be described in detail later), a calling key 5 for selecting a calling function of a video and the like, and a display device 6 composed of a liquid crystal display for displaying a called video and the like. On the other hand, the television receiver 2 incorporates the functions of a normal television reception unit 7 and includes a transmission / reception unit for transmitting images and the like cordlessly.

The remote control device 1 and the television receiver 2 of the present invention are installed so as to face each other, and the video reproduced (generated) by the television receiver 2 is transmitted to the remote control device 1 via a transmission / reception unit. The information is displayed on the display device 6. Of course, the display device 6 of the remote control device 1 is used as a monitor, and the control of the television receiver 2 using the operator 3 of the remote control device 1 is performed by a normal remote control signal as conventionally known.

Next, the circuit configuration of the remote control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of the remote control device according to the present invention. It is to be noted that the same parts as those described in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The configuration of the remote control device 1 according to the present invention reads the content of the operation of the operation element 3 by the viewer A, and executes a predetermined remote control signal format (PPM (Pulse Position Modulati).
on) method, etc. In addition to a processing unit including a microcomputer that encodes data and a normal remote control operation unit 4 composed of a light emitting diode for transmitting a normal remote control signal (both not shown), a call function for images and the like is selected. The input device 8 includes a transmitting device 9 connected to the input device 8, and a receiving device 10 for receiving a video signal from the television receiver 2.

The television receiver 2 includes a photodiode (not shown) for receiving an ordinary remote control signal, and a television tuner or a video device built in or connected to the television receiver 2 or a digital video disk DVD or the like. In addition to a normal television receiving unit 7 including the device 11, a transmitting device 12 for transmitting an image or the like generated by the image generating device 11, and a receiving device 13 for receiving an input signal from the transmitting device 9 of the remote control device 1 It is comprised including.

The circuit operation of the remote control device of the present invention having such a configuration will be described.

First, when the remote controller 1 is operated to call a picture or the like of the television receiver 2, a call function selection button (call key 5 or the like: see FIG. 1) provided on the input device 8 of the remote controller 1 is pressed. Press to select a call function such as video. The input signal input from the input device 8 is converted into an input code by the transmission device 9 and transmitted to the reception device 13 of the television receiver 2.

This input code is transmitted to the television receiver 2
Since the decryption is performed on the side, an arbitrary remote control code can be used by making an agreement between the parties in advance. That is, since the remote control device 1 basically only transmits the input code by the transmitting device 9 and receives the called video signal by the receiving device 13, the operation of understanding and processing the input code is as follows. This is because it is determined on the television receiver 2 side. For the same reason, by arranging an input code between the remote control device 1 and the electronic device in advance, the remote control device 1 can be generally used for a plurality of electronic devices.

Next, when the television receiver 2 is operated by the remote control device 1, for example, when the channel of the television receiver 2 is switched, the display image called on the display device 6 of the remote control device 1 is checked. Remote control device 1
Is operated by pressing the channel number of the operator 3 or the up / down key. In response to the pressing operation, the ordinary remote control operation unit 4 modulates a predetermined control code into a luminance signal and outputs it as an ordinary remote control signal. The ordinary television receiver 7 converts the channel of the television receiver 2 by receiving the remote control signal and performing predetermined processing.

The input device 8 of the remote control device 1 is provided with an enter button (not shown), and when the enter button is pressed, the selected contents of the video generating device 11 are the same as those of the display device 6 (for the television receiver 2). Channel is display device 6
(Same as the above), the selection operation of the television receiver 2 can be simplified. When the operator 3 is pressed while (or after) the predetermined button of the input device 8 is pressed, a channel to be called to the display device 6 can be selected by the operator 3 (the operator 3 and the input device 8).
The number of operation buttons provided on the remote control device 1 can be reduced.

As will be described later in detail, as another form of the remote control device 1, a touch panel is provided on the display device 6 so that the display device 6 itself can be provided with a function as a normal remote control operation section 4. In this case, the arrangement of the function list information (menus and operation buttons) to be displayed on the display device 6 can be appropriately changed according to the electronic device to be controlled, so that the remote control device 1 can have versatility.

The input code input in this way is recognized by the receiving device 13, and a video or the like generated by the video generating device 11 is selected. The image or the like selected by calling by the remote control device 1 is transmitted cordlessly from the transmission device 12 to the remote control device 1 as a video signal. The video signal transmitted cordlessly is transmitted to the receiving device 10 of the remote control device 1.
And is displayed on the display device 6. Thereby, the viewer A can visually recognize the video and the like projected on the display device 6. Although not described here, it is also possible to transmit an audio signal together with the video and listen to the audio together with the video using a headphone (not shown) connected to the remote control device 1.

As means for transmitting cordless video and audio data, so-called radio waves and infrared rays are used. That is, the video and audio generated by the video generation device 11 are frequency-mixed and luminance-modulated, and are emitted from the transmission device 12 as infrared light. In the receiving device 10 of the remote control device 1, the received video signal is separated into bands and demodulated, the video is displayed on the display device 6, and the sound is emitted to the headphones. The image displayed on the display device 6 is output as a monitor image output for secondary use of a video printer or the like. Note that the cordless transmission method for video and audio is based on the JPEG data communication standard (Ir
DA) is expected to be standardized in the future,
The present invention is applicable to all types of cordless transmission systems.

[0028]

Next, an embodiment in which a touch panel is attached to a display device of a remote control device and operation buttons of the remote control device are displayed on the display device and operated will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation procedure when a touch panel is provided on the display device of the remote control device of the present invention.

On the display screen 1, after the power of the remote controller 1 is turned on, the first projected image is set as a background image. This background video is the last video of the operation performed immediately before, which is reproduced by the last memory function. Alternatively, the background video may have been deleted to save power of the remote control device 1. When the viewer A touches the display device 6 of the remote control device 1 or operates the input device 8, the screen shifts to the display screen 2.

On the display screen 2, a menu of the remote controller 1 is displayed. Although this menu depends on the electronic device to be operated, in the present invention, since this menu is received from the television receiver 2 which is the controlled device, it is not necessary to hold the menu on the remote control device 1 side. Further, since the display screen includes the touch panel, the arrangement of the operation buttons can be freely set. Of course, if the menu does not fit on the display screen, scroll keys (arrows in the figure) are provided so that all menus can be displayed.

When the viewer A selects, for example, “change display channel” on the display screen 2 on the display screen 3, the position coordinates of the pressed touch panel are immediately transmitted to the television receiver 2. The television receiver 2 recognizes the function selected by the viewer A from the content of the currently displayed display screen and the transmitted position coordinates, generates a new operation button screen corresponding to the function, and generates a remote control button screen. Transmit to the device 1. This example shows an example in which selectable channel numbers and operation buttons for volume up / down are displayed. Originally, such operation buttons that are used on a daily basis may also be used as the controls 3 provided in the ordinary remote control operation unit 4. However, when the remote control device 1 is used for general purposes, such operation buttons are used. It can be operated by simple procedures.

Assuming that, for example, [Channel 8] on the display screen 3 is selected by the viewer A on the display screen 4, the television receiver 2 understands the control command, and
The 8-channel television program generated by the video generation device 11 is selected, and the 8-channel television program is transmitted to the remote control device 1. Thus, the television program of eight channels is displayed on the display device 6 of the remote control device 1. The viewer A confirms the eight-channel television program, and confirms the channel of the television receiver 2 by pressing a confirmation button (not shown).
Thus, the viewer A can perform the channel selection operation of the television receiver 2 without bothering other viewers and without bothering the user to view the screen of the television receiver 2.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
Various embodiments can be employed. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the television receiver has been described as an example of the controlled device to which the remote control device is applied. However, the present invention is applicable to any electronic device using the remote control device such as an in-vehicle electronic device or a karaoke device. It is possible, and the present invention is not limited to the type or system of the controlled device. In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be developed in various forms without being limited to the embodiment described above.

[0034]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the remote control device of the first invention, the video information generated by the television receiver or the like is transmitted to the remote control device for remotely operating the television receiver or the like. A monitor device for displaying is built in, and this monitor device can be used when selecting a television receiver or the like. This makes it possible to perform operations such as channel selection without depending on the screen of the television receiver or the like. Further, the remote control device of the present invention can be used not only at the time of selecting a channel but also when confirming a back program of a television receiver or the like for a moment, or for recording reservation in a video device or the like as a video generation unit. This will not disturb other viewers,
In addition, the operation can be performed without bothering the user with the television receiver or the like.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control device for remotely operating a television receiver or the like, the monitor device for displaying video information generated by the television receiver or the like. In addition to being built in, a touch panel and the like are integrally formed on the monitor device. Thereby, the video information of the monitor device can be confirmed at the time of remote control of the television receiver or the like, and the convenience at the time of remote control is improved, and a function list and operation buttons corresponding to various controlled devices are displayed on the display means. Since the display can be freely performed, the versatility of the remote control device is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an outline of a remote control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing a configuration of a remote control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation procedure when a touch panel is provided on the display device of the remote control device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Remote control device, 2 ... Television receiver, 3 ... Operator, 4 ... Normal remote control operation unit, 5 ... Call key, 6 ... Display device, 7 ... Normal television receiver unit, 8 ... Input device, 9 , 12 ... transmitting device, 10, 13 ... receiving device, 11
… Video generation device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: video generating means for generating video information; receiving means for receiving a control signal for controlling the video generating means; and transmitting means for cordlessly transmitting the video information controlled by the control signal. A controlled device, receiving means for receiving video information transmitted cordlessly by the transmitting means, display means for displaying the video information received by the receiving means, and operating means for remotely operating the controlled device. A remote control device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits a control signal formed by the operation unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said video information includes audio information, and said remote control device is provided with audio output means for outputting said audio information.
A remote control device according to item 1. 3. A video generator for generating video information, a receiver for receiving a control signal for controlling the video generator, and a transmitter for cordlessly transmitting video information and function list information controlled by the control signal. A controlled device comprising: a receiving unit that receives the video information and the function list information transmitted cordlessly by the transmitting unit; and a display unit that displays the video information and the function list information received by the receiving unit. A remote control device integrally formed with the display device, the remote control device including: an instruction input unit configured to remotely control the controlled device; and a transmission unit configured to transmit a control signal formed by the instruction input unit. Features a remote control device. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said video information includes audio information, and said remote control device includes audio output means for outputting said audio information.
A remote control device according to item 1.