CN100508554C - Remote control system, remote commander, and remote control server - Google Patents

Abstract

It is possible to perform a remote control operation by using a communication medium having little constriction concerning the IP network directivity and the communication-enabled range. Since bi-directional communication can be performed between a remote controller and an operation object, it is possible to perform a reliable communication by a transmission check, handle a complicated command system using the GUI operation, and transmit a large-capacity data such as the moving picture streaming by using a comparatively wide band. A television receiver as a remote control object delivers moving picture data such as a child screen via an IP network to an IP remote controller, so that viewing can be enabled at the IP remote controller side.

Description

Remote control system, remote commander and remote control server

Technical field

The present invention relates to remote control system, remote commander and the remote control server of usefulness remote commander remote operation television receiver and DVD player, other various AV equipment and CE equipment, information equipment etc., realized not being subjected to remote commander to the directive property of operand equipment and tele-control system, remote commander and the remote control server of the constraint of the restrictive condition on the transmission range but relate to especially.

More specifically, the present invention relates to utilize network such as TCP/IP can two-way communication between remote commander and operand equipment remote control system, remote commander and remote control server, but particularly about from for directive property and transmission range without limits condition a plurality of equipment, be remote control system, remote commander and the remote control server that operand carries out straighforward operation with the equipment in face of the user.

Background technology

Current, television receiver or program recording and reproducing device, various information household appliances equipment such as audio and video equipment are developed and create, and extensively popularize in general family and other living spaces.Generally the basic operation mode of these information equipments is, the user interface that is installed on the apparatus body by action button and volume switch etc. directly carries out the operation of equipment, but nearly all equipment can both carry out remote operation with remote controller recently.

For example the people of household appliances etc. the electric/electronic field of usefulness of living as the means that user operation commands remotely are input to equipment, has been developed and has been adopted " infrared remote control " of AM modulation system and obtained general.

Utilize over the horizon communication system to have that cost is low, consumed power is few and almost do not have advantages such as laws and regulations restriction in various countries.In addition, not needing to connect up just means the connector that need not to connect between cable, and cost also can reduce.Do not worry each connection yet or cut off the mechanical loss that plug-in connector brings.

, adopt over the horizon communication system to have the problem of directive property, if the light accepting part of receiver not in the angle of visual field of sender side, is communicated by letter and just can not be created, this has constituted to use goes up big restriction (for example, referring to patent documentation 1).In addition, because over the horizon communication system is essentially one-way communication, the transmission source can not receive the response from the other side, and existence can not be sent to the problem of affirmation.

Certainly, if the both sides' that communicate equipment is equipped with infrared sending function and infrared receiving function, just can carry out two-way communication.But owing to there is the problem of directive property in the infrared communication, both sides' user must be mutually comes transmit operation to main the other side's equipment, and is not too convenient.

For example, a kind of communication equipment has been proposed, this equipment can send infrared operation signal relaying from remote commander to electronic equipment, thus operation is located at the directly electronic equipment of arrival place (for example, referring to patent documentation 2) of infrared operation signal that dedicated remote control sends.This communicator is extracted the impulse waveform component out after the infrared operation signal that is received by remote commander is removed carrier component, and this impulse waveform component transmitted via network, send to electronic equipment with impulse waveform component modulated infrared light carrier wave simultaneously as operand.

And, the remote operating system (for example, referring to patent documentation 3) that has proposed not use the simple apparatus structure of repeater etc. to constitute.Control device will be represented to send to controlled device about the ability information of the ability of possible input operation, and in the scope of the ability information that the controlled device side is receiving, create and foldback in order to form the remote controller process information of attainable user interface.Then, control device utilizes the remote controller process information to form user interface.

But in the over the horizon communication system, because the restriction of its communication bandwidth, the Large Volume Data that is difficult to carry out as motion video or rest image exchanges, and this has limited the function of carrying out the terminal equipment of remote control.

And, the mobile phone remote system (for example, referring to patent documentation 4) that available handsets is carried out the reservation operation of home appliance etc. has been proposed.According to this system, remote control receives the signal from mobile phone, and with the form transmission of light controlled device is carried out the remote control signal of Long-distance Control according to the signal that receives.

But, utilize in the remote control system of network or mobile telephone network etc., though remote operation itself is possible, the final stage in the remote control adopts over the horizon communication system, therefore with the common the same restriction that is subjected to communication bandwidth of remote control system.

Patent documentation 1: the spy opens the 2002-165281 communique

Patent documentation 2: the spy opens the 2003-259464 communique

Patent documentation 3: the spy opens the 2003-143670 communique

Patent documentation 4: the spy opens flat 11-284757 communique

Summary of the invention

The problem that invention will solve

The object of the present invention is to provide remote control system, remote commander and the remote control server of superior performance, can utilize remote commander suitably remote operation television receiver and DVD player, other various AV equipment and CE equipment, information equipment etc.

A further object of the present invention provides remote control system, remote commander and the remote control server of superior performance, but can realize not being subjected to about from the Long-distance Control of remote commander to the constraint of the restrictive condition of the directive property of operand equipment and transmission range.

Remote control system, remote commander and remote control server that a further object of the present invention provides superior performance can utilize the two-way communication between remote commander and operand equipment of networks such as TCP/IP.

A further object of the present invention provides remote control system, remote commander and the remote control server of superior performance, carries out straighforward operation but can never exist about the equipment in face of the designated user in a plurality of equipment of the restrictive condition of directive property and transmission range as operand.

In order to solve the device of problem

The remote control system that the present invention forms, operates the controlling object equipment more than one with remote commander in view of above-mentioned problem design, it is characterized in that: above-mentioned remote commander and be provided with network communicating function to small part controlling object equipment, respond user's input of above-mentioned remote commander side, controlling object equipment is carried out command operation via network.

Whether said here " system " is meant the logically structure that forms of set of multiple arrangement (or realize specific function functional module), with each device or functional module irrelevant in single framework (down with).

In the remote control system of the present invention, above-mentioned controlling object equipment responds the order that above-mentioned remote commander sends via network via network.

And above-mentioned remote commander is to above-mentioned controlling object device request data, above-mentioned controlling object equipment with requested data via the network foldback.Then, above-mentioned remote commander will be from data decode, playback and the output of above-mentioned controlling object equipment reception.

Current, be widely used in the remote operation of equipment based on infrared communication mode.Utilize over the horizon communication system to have that cost is low, consumed power is few and almost do not have advantages such as laws and regulations restriction in various countries., use these communication modes of infrared light to have the problem of directive property, just can not create, constituted big restriction in the use if the light accepting part of receiver is not communicated by letter in the scope of the angle of visual field of sender side.And because over the horizon communication system is essentially one-way communication, the transmission source can not receive the response from the other side, therefore can not send to affirmation.

And in remote control system of the present invention, the communication medium that utilizes IP network etc. seldom to be restricted on directive property or communication possible range carries out straighforward operation.

Utilize the remote control system of such IP network between remote controller and operand equipment, to carry out two-way communication, therefore can communicate by letter reliably by sending to affirmation (response), can be written into order system and the enough technique effects that carries out Large Volume Datas such as the stream transmission transmission of motion video than big bandwidth of energy that to handle the complexity of operating based on GUI.For example, the motion video data that will have been made to receive the sprite handled etc. as the television receiver of the operand of remote controller send to the IP remote controller via IP network, thereby can watch sprite on the display screen of IP remote controller.

Here, controlling object equipment is during by the remote commander request msg, corresponding data content is transformed into and can stresses the form putting and export at remote commander, then via the network foldback.For example, to as the television receiver request of controlling object equipment when wanting the image output of the TV programme seen, or when having asked the AV output image of video recording equipments such as DVR, these view data are transformed into and can receive and the data format of the low bit rate reset at the IP remote controller side joint of MPEG4 etc., flow transmission via local area network (LAN).But the said conversion process that can stress the data format putting and export at remote commander that is transformed into is not limited in from the bit rate conversion of high bit rate to low bit rate among the present invention.

And, in the controlling object equipment, can comprise traditional IR equipment that can only pass through the infrared communication straighforward operation.This occasion can be provided with between IP remote controller and IR equipment and has network communicating function and will be transformed into the remote control server of the protocol conversion function of infrared command via the order that network receives.Remote control server just is transformed into infrared command with this order and transfers to IR equipment in case receive operational order to IR equipment via IP network from the IP remote controller, and therefore, the IP available remote controller is operated IR equipment.

Remote control server can take out to the data of IR device request remote commander from IR equipment, and is transformed into and can stresses the form putting and export at remote commander, is returned to remote commander via network then.For example, remote control server will be transformed into from the AV output image as the video recording equipment of IR equipment and can receive and the data format of the low bit rate reset at IP remote controller side joints such as MPEG4, and flow transmission via local area network (LAN).

If controlling object equipment is television receiver, then can from the broadcast wave that receives, takes out the EPG data and also be stored.At this moment, response is from the EPG request of data of above-mentioned remote commander, and the EPG data are via the network foldback.Then, above-mentioned remote commander shows the EPG data that receive and output.

The channel that remote commander can respond on the current EPG data displaying picture is specified, and sends channel switch request to the television receiver as controlling object equipment.

And at the television reception pusher side, the picture material that the channel that switches in the remote commander request can be received is transformed into and can stresses the form putting and export at remote commander, and spreads through the Internet and send.Then, above-mentioned remote commander is with the picture material decoding and the display image that receive.The user can watch sprite on remote commander.

And television receiver can switch display image the channel that the remote commander request is switched.This is that the display image on the remote commander is thrown (throw) operation to video screen.

And the TV programme that remote commander also can respond on advance notice EPG data displaying picture is specified, and sends the recording schedule request of this program to the video recording equipment as controlling object equipment.

Here, also can be arranged to allow remote control server get involved the recording schedule operation of remote commander to video recording equipment.When remote commander had received the recording schedule request, data conversion became infrared reservation data to remote control server based on EPG with this recording schedule request, to carrying out infrared transmission through the IR of infrared communication straighforward operation video recording equipment via network.Then, the IR video recording equipment is carried out recording schedule according to the infrared reservation data from remote control server.

And,, the picture material of this request is transformed into and can stresses the form of putting and exporting after transmitted by network flow at above-mentioned remote commander as the picture material request of the video recording equipment of controlling object equipment response from remote commander.Remote commander is decoded the picture material that receives and carry out image and shows.The user can not switched the display image of television set and the image confirming to record on remote commander.

Also can be arranged to allow remote control server get involved the operation of the video recording image on such remote commander.Remote control server when remote commander receives the picture material request, just is transformed into infrared command with this picture material request via network, and to carrying out infrared transmission by the IR video recording equipment of infrared communication straighforward operation.And the IR video recording equipment is exported picture material according to the infrared command from remote control server.Then, remote control server is transformed into the picture material of IR video recording equipment output can stress the form putting and export at remote commander, spreads through the Internet and delivers to remote commander.

And remote commander can switch to the picture material that himself shows with the image demonstration to the display unit request as controlling object equipment.Display unit responds this image and shows handoff request, with picture from television reception image switching for example to the output image of video recording equipment.This is that the display image on the remote commander is thrown (throw) operation to video screen.

And, remote commander can be when starting and other arbitrary timings to the controlling object equipment that is provided with network communicating function via the network requests facility information.Then, show the list of devices about controlling object equipment of this request being made the facility information response.Can there be the facility information response past and current controlling object equipment ashing on list of devices (grayed out) demonstration that does not have.And, can be with the controlling object equipment slave unit tabulation deletion of above no facility information response during certain.

Remote commander can be to the controlling object equipment transmit operation request of selecting on list of devices.Here, when the controlling object equipment that ashing shows on the list of devices is selected, can transmit operation request after request is with the power connection of this controlling object equipment.

In addition, remote control server can be registered the information of each IR equipment that can send infrared command in advance, and response is returned to remote commander from the request of remote commander with the IR facility information.

At this moment, remote commander shows the IR list of devices.Then, the operation requests to the IR equipment selected on the IR list of devices can send to remote control server via network.This is responded, and remote control server transfers to above-mentioned IR equipment after remote commander is transformed into infrared command to the operation requests of IR equipment.

The invention provides a kind of remote control system, it is characterized in that with the controlling object equipment of remote commander operation more than one:

Described remote commander and have network communicating function to small part controlling object equipment responds user's input of described remote commander side, via network controlling object equipment is carried out command operation,

Described remote commander is to described controlling object device request data, described controlling object equipment with requested data via the network foldback,

Described remote commander is data playback and the output that will receive from described controlling object equipment,

The data format that described controlling object equipment becomes low bit rate with the data conversion of described remote commander request is after by the network foldback,

Described remote commander to the controlling object device request facility information with network communicating function, and shows list of devices about the controlling object equipment of this request being made the facility information response via network,

Described remote commander had facility information response with the past and controlling object equipment ashing on described list of devices of current nothing response shows, or controlling object equipment that will above no facility information responds during certain is deleted from described list of devices.

The present invention also provides the remote commander of the more than one controlling object equipment of a kind of remote operation, it is characterized in that comprising:

Communicate the network service portion of action via network;

Reception is from user's input part of user's indication input; And

According to via described user's input part from user's indication input, the data processing division that the data that controlling object equipment sent and receives via network are handled,

Also be provided with the data playback efferent of data decode that will receive via network to reset and to export,

Via network to controlling object device request facility information with network communicating function,

Described data playback efferent shows the list of devices about the controlling object equipment of this request being made the facility information response,

Past there was the facility information response and controlling object equipment ashing demonstration on described list of devices of current nothing response, or the controlling object equipment of above no facility information response during certain was deleted from described list of devices.

The present invention also provides a kind of remote control server of working in the communication environment of remote commander via the controlling object equipment of network operation more than one, it is characterized in that,

Be provided with network service portion via described network executive communication action; And

To be transformed into the protocol conversion portion of infrared command via the order that described network receives,

Receive operational order from described remote commander via described network, transfer to described IR equipment after being transformed into infrared command IR equipment that can only be by the infrared communication straighforward operation,

Also be provided with the encoding and decoding handling part that encodes the data to the form that can on described remote commander, reset and export,

Described remote commander is taken out and is transformed into and can give described remote commander via described network foldback again behind the form that described remote commander stresses to put and export from described IR equipment to the data of described IR device request,

Be connected with television receiver or constitute one with television receiver,

Being provided with will be from receiving the EPG storage part of the EPG storage that broadcast wave separates,

Response from the EPG request of data of described remote commander and with the EPG data via described network foldback,

After the picture material that will receive at the channel that described remote commander request is switched is transformed into the data format of low bit rate, send with stream mode via network,

Described remote commander to the controlling object device request facility information with network communicating function, and shows list of devices about the controlling object equipment of this request being made the facility information response via network,

Described remote commander had facility information response with the past and controlling object equipment ashing on described list of devices of current nothing response shows, or controlling object equipment that will above no facility information responds during certain is deleted from described list of devices.

The effect of invention

According to the present invention, remote control system and remote control thereof, remote commander and the electronic equipment of superior performance can be provided, available remote commander is remote operation television receiver and DVD player, other various AV equipment and CE equipment, information equipment etc. suitably.

And, according to the present invention, remote control system, remote commander and remote control server that availability can be superior, but can realize not being subjected to the Long-distance Control of remote commander to the constraint of the directive property of operand equipment and the restrictive condition on the transmission range.

And, according to the present invention, remote control system, remote commander and remote control server that availability can be superior, can utilize network such as TCP/IP, the two-way communication between remote commander and operand equipment.

And, according to the present invention, availability can be superior remote control system, remote commander and remote control server, but can never be subjected to carry out straighforward operation as operand about the equipment in face of the designated user in a plurality of equipment of the restrictive condition constraint of directive property and transmission range.

By to detailed description, when other purposes of the present invention, feature and advantage are more in depth understood in meeting based on embodiments of the present invention described later and accompanying drawing.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of structure example of the remote control system of expression one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is the diagrammatic sketch of another embodiment of expression remote control system of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the diagrammatic sketch of hardware configuration example that expression can be used as the terminal equipment of IP remote controller.

Fig. 4 is the structural representation that expression can be used as the device of remote control server.

Fig. 5 represents that the IP remote controller obtains EPG (current) data that television set receives and the situation that shows on LCD 19.

Fig. 6 represents to be undertaken by the EPG that shows on the IP remote controller (current) picture the situation of television channel handover operation.

Fig. 7 represents that the IP remote controller obtains EPG (future) data that television set receives and the situation that shows on LCD 19.

Fig. 8 represents to be undertaken by the EPG that shows on the IP remote controller (future) picture the situation of the recording schedule operation of program.

Fig. 9 represents the operating sequence that shows for EPG (current) data on the IP remote controller.

Figure 10 is that expression is in order to show the flow chart of the processing procedure that EPG (current) data, IP remote controller are carried out.

Figure 11 represents that an example utilizes EPG (future) data to carry out the operating sequence of the recording schedule of program with the IP remote controller on video recording equipment.

Figure 12 represents that another example utilizes EPG (future) data to carry out the operating sequence of the recording schedule of program with the IP remote controller on video recording equipment.

Figure 13 represents that another example utilizes EPG (future) data to carry out the operating sequence of the recording schedule of program with the IP remote controller on video recording equipment.

Figure 14 is illustrated in the situation of the surface wave analog broadcasting of the machine reception that televiews on the IP remote controller.

Figure 15 carries out the situation of channel handover operation when being illustrated in the surface wave analog broadcasting that the machine that televiews on the IP remote controller receives.

Figure 16 carries out the situation of channel handover operation when being illustrated in the surface wave analog broadcasting that the machine that televiews on the IP remote controller receives.

Figure 17 represents that the channel with the TV pusher side switches to the situation of the TV programme that IP remote controller side watching.

Figure 19 represents to watch that from the IP remote controller state of the video recording content of preserving the video recording equipment changes to also the situation that can watch at television set.

Figure 18 is illustrated in the situation of watching the video recording content of preserving in the video recording equipment on the IP remote controller.

Figure 20 represents that an example spreads the operating sequence of delivering to the IP remote controller with the AV content from the IR video recording equipment.

Figure 21 represents that an example spreads the operating sequence of delivering to the IP remote controller with the AV content from DLNA equipment.

Figure 22 represents that an example is thrown into the content of the IR equipment watched on the IP remote controller operating sequence of television set.

Figure 23 represents that an example is thrown into the content of the DLNA equipment watched on the IP remote controller operating sequence of television set.

Symbol description

11...CPU

12... bus

13... storage arrangement

14... input switch matrix portion

15... network service portion

16... infrared communication portion

17... encoding and decoding handling part

18... graphical display processor

19... liquid crystal display part (LCD)

20... data input/output interface

31...CPU

32... bus

33... storage arrangement

34... cable LAN portion

35... infrared handling part

37... encoding and decoding handling part

38... hard disk drive

Embodiment

Below, with reference to accompanying drawing embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail.

The present invention relates to the remote control system of usefulness remote commander remote operation television receiver and DVD player, other various AV equipment and CE equipment, information equipment etc.

It is infrared remote control that over the horizon communication system is generally all adopted in the straighforward operation of equipment, but has the problem of directive property, if the light accepting part of receiver just can not created communication towards the angle of visual field scope of sender side, this becomes to use goes up big restriction.And because over the horizon communication system is essentially one-way communication, the transmission source can not receive the response from the other side, therefore can not send to affirmation.

Thereby it is that the remote control system of IP remote controller replaces infrared drive access that the present invention constructs the remote commander that utilizes IP based network.This IP remote controller can utilize the less communication medium that is subject to directive property or communication possible range to carry out straighforward operation.And can obtain such technique effect: can be in the two-way communication of carrying out on the IP network between remote controller and the operand equipment, therefore can communicate by letter reliably by means of sending to affirmation (response), can handle order system, and can enough bigger bandwidth carry out Large Volume Datas such as the stream transmission transmission of motion video based on the complexity of GUI operation.For example, as the television receiver of the operand of remote controller, the motion video data that are received the sprite etc. of processing can be sent to the IP remote controller via IP network, thereby can on the display screen of IP remote controller, watch sprite.

Therefore have, the IP remote controller non-directive to the equipment on the network is controlled promptly has permeability again, has the problem that can not aim at the particular device in face of the user and operate.Thereby, can utilize the TCP/IP network to carry out remote control control, but also can come designated equipment with the function of traditional Infrared remote controller simultaneously.

A. system configuration

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the structure example of the remote control system of one embodiment of the invention.Illustrated system carries out operation of equipment the IP remote controller of using and the controlling object device A and the B that become the operand of IP remote controller by the user and constitutes, controlling object device A and B are separately positioned on not chummery 1 and 2, and two equipment can not be in the coverage area of infrared light simultaneously.

Controlling object device A and B comprise for example television receiver and DVD player, other various AV equipment and CE equipment, information equipment etc., they have function and network interface that receive to handle infrared command separately, interconnect by the IP network (local area network (LAN)) of constructing based on IEEE802.3 (Ethernet (registered trade mark)) etc.

Home appliance according to DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is below to be also referred to as " DLNA equipment " from the IP remote controller via the example of network with the controlling object equipment of command operation.

The IP remote controller has by the user operates function and the radio network interface that sends infrared command, communicates via wireless network and the access point (AP) constructed based on IEEE802.11a/b etc.Because AP is connected to IP network, the IP remote controller can be crossed AP and carry out two-way communication with controlling object device A and B, sends guidance command via IP network, or receives data from controlling object device A and B.

And the IP remote controller also can be provided with the display of LCD etc., will be for example via IP network from controlling object device A and streamed motion video data playback of B and output (aftermentioned).

Fig. 2 represents other embodiment of remote control system of the present invention.And the main difference of system configuration shown in Figure 1 is that remote control server is got involved between IP remote controller and controlling object equipment.

Remote control server uses by being connected with DLNA equipment that for example television receiver etc. becomes the master control object of IP remote controller, perhaps constitutes one with this kind DLNA equipment.

Remote control server has the cable LAN communication function of Ethernet (registered trade mark) etc., is that local area network (LAN) receives the order from the IP remote controller via IP network, and to the order of IP control of remote controller object-based device transfer operations.Controlling object equipment also has local area network communication feature, and remote control server passes on the operational order that the IP remote controller receives via local area network (LAN).

And, for the controlling object equipment that does not have local area network communication feature, it can only carry out remote operation (this is also referred to as " IR equipment " below controlling object equipment) with infrared (IR) remote control mode of old (tradition), therefore will be transformed into the command format that infrared communication such as SIRCS is used via the operational order that local area network (LAN) receives from the IP remote controller, and carry out light and send.When sending infrared command, if become the IR equipment of controlling object be in the dead angle of remote control server or both be separated by long apart from the time, the extended line of available AV slide-mouse etc. sends at the light that carries out infrared command nearby of IR equipment.Have, the AV slide-mouse is opened the 2001-223955 communique in the applicant's spy and has been done record for example having transferred the possession of again.

And, if remote control server is connected to the source device of television receiver and other AV contents, perhaps constituting one, it also can be used as the send server that these AV contents (or other forms of content) is sent to the IP remote controller.

For example, when remote control server is connected with television receiver, the voice signal and the picture signal that receive are carried out AV encoding and decoding conversion, be transformed into and receive and the data format of the low bit rate reset at the IP remote controller side joint of MPEG4 etc., and transmit to IP remote controller stream via local area network (LAN).Perhaps, from take out video recording content via the DVR of local area network (LAN) connection with the high bit rate record of MPEG1 or MPEG2 etc., carry out AV encoding and decoding conversion and make it to become and to receive and the data format of the low bit rate reset at the IP remote controller side joint of MPEG4 etc., transmit to IP remote controller stream via local area network (LAN) again.But, as to the conversion process that can stress the data format putting and export, only be an example wherein from high bit rate to the conversion of the bit rate of low bit rate, not as limit at the IP remote controller.

Fig. 3 represents in the remote control system of present embodiment can be as the hardware configuration example of the terminal equipment of IP remote controller work.Illustrated terminal equipment also can be made as the special-purpose terminal of IP remote controller, but also can be designed to and other portable terminal device dual-purposes such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or game machine.

Illustrated IP remote controller 10 constitutes by CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 and carries out Comprehensive Control by 12 pairs of each several parts of bus.

CPU 11 possesses the storage arrangement of being made up of ROM or RAM 13, and the program code that it will be stored in ROM launches on RAM, and carries out predetermined process.Here said predetermined process is controlling object equipment to be carried out the transmission/reception of the command of control signal, controlling object equipment is carried out the remote operation of controlling object equipment such as transmission/reception, file transfer and the DLNA equipment of content or IR equipment etc. via network, carries out these processing according to the indication of user's input.Detailed content about every processing is described further below.

Input switch matrix portion 14 comprises the key operation portion of numerical key or sound adjusting key, image quality adjusting key, channel selection key etc., and the user is to the equipment input operation content that becomes remotely-controlled object.The controlling object operation of equipment of input sends via IP network from network service portion 15 with order in input switch matrix portion 14.

Network service portion 15 is provided with the network interface that communicates via wireless network of constructing based on for example IEEE802.11a/b etc. and access point (AP).Set intrinsic identifying information on the networks such as MAC Address or IP address in network service portion 15.In the present embodiment, network service portion 15 is arranged to the remote control request of the indication that will provide according to input switch matrix portion 14 and gives controlling object equipment via network transfers.

The equipment searching request that infrared communication portion 16 is arranged to have user's equipment in front of IP remote controller in order to appointment sends as infrared signal.It is SIRCS (Serial Infrared RemoteControl System) and send the function of common infrared command that infrared communication portion 16 also can have the widely used infrared communication standards such as remote controller that adopt generally by AV equipment concurrently.

Encoding and decoding handling part 17 carries out the Code And Decode of AV content to be handled.In the present embodiment, the AV content decoding of the MPEG4 that network service portion 15 can be received from controlling object equipment etc. is with sound and image replaying and output.For example, the motion video data that are received the sprite etc. of processing can be sent to the IP remote controller via IP network, on the display screen of IP remote controller, can watch sprite as the television receiver of the operand of remote controller.If do not send the AV content from the IP remote controller, the encoding function of encoding and decoding handling part 17 is just dispensable.

18 pairs of graphical display processors (GDP) output to graph data that liquid crystal display part (LCD) 19 shows and carry out and handle and LCD 19 is carried out drive controlling.For example, show and output from the picture of LCD 19 by GDP 18 through encoding and decoding handling part 17 decoded image signal.And, the facility information that is written into based on the controlling object equipment that connects from network, the user interface that this controlling object operation of equipment is used shows on LCD 19 and exports.

The interface 20 that the data input and output that the IP remote controller is provided with the wireline interface as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and the notch used by storage card etc. constitutes are used.The AV content of storing in AV content of passing on via USB interface or the storage card can be reset and dateout then by 17 decodings of encoding and decoding handling part.Perhaps, can be with the data handled on the IP remote controller at encoding and decoding handling part 17 codings, data are passed on or be written to the storage card from USB interface then.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates in the remote control system of present embodiment the structure as the device of remote control server work.Remote control server be connected to television receiver etc. for example become the IP remote controller the master control object AV equipment and use, perhaps constitute one with this kind AV equipment.

Illustrated remote control server 30 constitutes CPU 31 and carries out Comprehensive Control via 32 pairs of each several parts of bus.

CPU 31 possesses the storage arrangement of being made up of ROM or RAM 33, and it launches stored program code among the ROM on RAM, and carries out predetermined process.

Remote control server 30 is provided with Ethernet cable LAN Department of Communication Forces 34 such as (registered trade marks), receives order from the IP remote controller via local area network (LAN) and AP, and carries out the processing of this operational order.

And remote control server 30 is provided with infrared handling part 35.For the IR equipment that can only operate in traditional infrared remote control mode, will be transformed into the command format that the infrared communication of SIRCS etc. is used via the operational order that local area network (LAN) receives from the IP remote controller, carry out light with infrared light as medium and send.At this moment, if traditional controlling object equipment be in the dead range of remote control server or both be separated by long apart from the time, then carry out the output of AV slide-mouse, infrared command light being sent of traditional controlling object equipment nearby.

Encoding and decoding handling part 37 is carried out the Code And Decode of AV content and is handled.In the present embodiment, encoding and decoding handling part 37 is provided with the input terminal of voice signal and picture signal, to become the data format that to reset at the IP remote controller of MPEG4 etc. from the voice signal of input such as the controlling object equipment of television receiver or analog vtr etc. and image signal encoding, send to the IP remote controller via IP network again.Perhaps, the video recording content that will write down with the high bit rate of MPEG1 or MPEG2 etc. is taken out via local area network (LAN) from the DVR as controlling object equipment, be transformed into and receive and the data format of the low bit rate reset at the IP remote controller side joint of MPEG4 etc., flow transmission via local area network (LAN) again.

Remote control server 30 also can be provided with the mass storage device 38 of hard disk drive etc., in order to store encoded or decoded AV content, from receiving EPG data and other the huge data that broadcast wave separates.But hard disk drive 38 is not the essential inscape of remote control server 30.

The function of B remote control system

Utilize the remote control system of IP remote controller to be connected to IP remote controller and controlling object equipment, thereby can carry out communicating by letter of control signal, content and file transfer etc. with the controlling object equipment room at the IP remote controller via network.And, communicate by letter and realize basic function shown below by carrying out these.

(1) control signal (command)

The interactive operation environment is provided, just sends order and receive the demonstration etc. of its response (execution result) reflection remote control side to controlling object equipment by being arranged to, or induce next related action.

(2) transmission/reception of content

As the result of control, provide the playback that shows on content (motion video, the rest image) remote control screen at one's side on the network that to be expected etc.And realization utilizes the controlled function of the metamessage of content.For example, utilize the information of the EPG that shows to carry out channel selection (channel switching) or recording schedule etc. at one's side.

(3) file transfer

But IP remote controller side setting load memory spare or storage card etc. can plug the notch that medium are used, and the content reproduction apparatus that the content of IP remote controller side medium is transferred on the network is reset.For example, the photo in the medium of insertion remote controller is shown on the video screen on the network.

(4) remote operation

Even if the equipment that does not have at the moment as long as it is the equipment that is connected with network, all can be operated.Therefore, make the content browse the video tape recorder that is in chummery not etc. become possibility.And, remote controller is connected to oneself network from the place of going out, just can carry out the operation as staying at home.

(5) unification of remote controller

The feasible intercommunication mutually with controlling object equipment becomes possibility.Therefore,, can switch to the user interface that is suitable for each controlling object equipment, thereby will be unified into a kind of according to the remote controller miscellaneous of each equipment easily by from controlling object equipment loading equipment information.

As the pattern of IP remote controller, the remote controller that controlled function only is housed is arranged and on controlled function, added the remote controller two big classes of content playback function, can constitute the former cheap remote controller respectively and have the remote controller of high additive value.The IP remote controller and the latter shown in Figure 3 are suitable.

C. adopt the high additive value function of the remote control system of IP remote controller

This realizes with the basic function that illustrates in the preceding paragraph, below describes with regard to the high additive value function of remote control system.

The C-1.EPG function

Select the program guide of usefulness to be superimposed upon so-called electronic program guides (EPG:Electrical ProgramGuide) system that transmits on the picture signal and in the display unit of receiver side, show the program of television broadcasting, known.The system of VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval) mode and the system of the digital satellite mode that digital satellite broadcasting (DSS:Digital Satellite System (trade mark of HughesCommunication company)) is adopted are arranged in the EPG system.

Which kind of mode no matter, the EPG system is all pointed out the EPG picture that television set receives on screen, and the user can confirm to want the program seen according to the EPG picture, and carries out channel selection operation or program recording reservation operation via the EPG picture.Current, existing many broadcast service provide EPG.

According to the remote control system of present embodiment, the EPG data that television set receives can be used for the IP remote controller, can switch the channel of television set via the EPG picture that shows on the LCD 19 of IP remote controller, can also carry out the recording schedule operation.

Below the EPG function operations process that provides with regard to the remote control system of present embodiment, describe with reference to Fig. 5～Fig. 8.Be provided with television set and DVR in the supposing the system, as IP control of remote controller object-based device.Wherein, television set is the DLNA equipment with network communicating function of Ethernet (registered trade mark) etc., the IR equipment that just can carry out remote control with the over the horizon communication system based on SIRCS but DVR does not possess network communicating function.And, suppose that television set can be connected with remote control server (with reference to Fig. 4) or form as one, in a single day the IP remote controller is received via network by remote control server the operational order of DVR, just be carried out protocol conversion, transfers to DVR by over the horizon communication system then.And, suppose that also television receiver is connected by the AV input and output terminal with DVR.

Fig. 5 represents that the IP remote controller is written into EPG (current) data of television set reception and the situation that shows on LCD 19.

In IP remote controller side, via input switch matrix portion 14 inputs determining to the EPG demonstration.This is responded, and the IP remote controller is that television receiver sends EPG (current) request of data via network to DLNA equipment.

At the television reception pusher side,, and give the IP remote controller via network transfers with EPG (current) data separating that overlaps on the broadcast wave of reception.

The structrual description speech record that the EPG data wait with XML (eXtensible Markup Language) for example.In IP remote controller side, 11 couples of EPG that received of CPU (current) analyze, and create the EPG picture.Then, GDP 18 carries out the demonstration of EPG (current) picture to be handled, and shows on LCD 19 as shown in the figure and output EPG picture.

Fig. 6 represents to carry out via the EPG that shows on the IP remote controller (current) picture the situation of television channel handover operation.

In IP remote controller side, the user can select in the enterprising line frequency of EPG (current) display frame road by input switch matrix portion 14.Then, channel is in a single day selected, just sends channel switch request via network to television receiver.

At the television reception pusher side, be tuned to the specified channel of channel switch request that receives.Then, via network notice IP remote controller: the channel finishing switching.

Then, in IP remote controller side, in case receive channel finishing switching message, the display frame of LCD 19 just is returned to EPG (current) and shows.

Fig. 7 represents that the IP remote controller is written into EPG (future) data of television set reception and the situation that shows on LCD 19.

In IP remote controller side, via input switch matrix portion 14 inputs determining to the EPG demonstration.This is responded, and the IP remote controller sends EPG (future) request of data to the television receiver as controlling object equipment via network.

At the television reception pusher side, will with overlapping EPG (future) data separating of broadcast wave that receives, and give the IP remote controller via network transfers.

In IP remote controller side, CPU 11 is with EPG (future) data analysis that receives, and establishment EPG picture.Then, GDP 18 carries out the demonstration of EPG (future) picture and handles, and shows on LCD 19 as shown in the figure and output EPG picture.

EPG (current) data provide the programme information in each broadcasting station current broadcast, and EPG (future) data provide the information about the recording schedule of program.Fig. 8 represents to carry out with the EPG that shows on the IP remote controller (future) picture the situation of the recording schedule operation of program.

In IP remote controller side, the user can select to carry out the TV programme of recording schedule by input switch matrix portion 14 in EPG (future) display frame.Then, channel is in a single day selected, just sends the recording schedule request of selected TV programme to the television receiver that is connected with remote control server via network.

In the illustrated example, be the IR equipment that to operate by traditional infrared remote control mode as the DVR of controlling object equipment.Remote control server will be transformed into the command format that the infrared communication of SIRCS etc. is used via the operational order that network receives from the IP remote controller for DVR, and be that medium carry out light and send with the infrared light.At this moment, if IR equipment is in from dead angle that remote control server is seen or both long distances of being separated by, then carry out the output of AV slide-mouse, nearby infrared command light being sent of IR equipment.But, if DVR is positioned at the point blank of IP remote controller, thereby can be shone directly into infrared light, then the IP remote controller also can send the SIRCS order that the recording schedule request is used from infrared communication portion 16.

Fig. 9 represents the operating sequence of EPG (current) data in the IP remote controller displays.

The remote control server that is connected with television receiver with SI between week (Service Information) data as the EPG storage.And will with the overlapping current SI data separating of broadcast wave that receives, as the EPG storage.

In IP remote controller side, via input switch matrix portion 14 inputs determining to the EPG demonstration.This is responded, and the IP remote controller sends EPG (current) request of data via network to the television receiver as DLNA equipment.

Remote control server is given the IP remote controller with EPG (current) data via network transfers.In IP remote controller side, 11 couples of EPG that received of CPU (current) analyze, and create the EPG picture.Then, GDP18 carries out the demonstration of EPG (current) picture to be handled, and shows on LCD 19 and output EPG picture.

Figure 10 is expressed as the processing procedure that shows EPG (current) data and carried out by the IP remote controller in a flowchart.

During from 14 input EPG (current) the data demonstration requests of input switch matrix portion, at first obtain current time (step S1).

Set period then, and send EPG request of data (step S2) to remote control server.

In a single day the IP remote controller receives EPG data (step S3) from remote control server, CPU 11 just constructs the video data (step S4) of EPG picture based on these data.

Then, GDP 18 carries out picture output (step S5) with the video data that generates to LCD 19.

In addition, carry out the EPG request of data by specifying next period to replace current time, the IP remote controller can be written into EPG (future) data.As mentioned above, can carry out the recording schedule operation of TV programme by EPG (future) picture.Below, describe by the IP remote controller carries out the program recording reservation in video recording equipment action step with regard to utilizing EPG (future) data with some examples.But in arbitrary occasion, the video recording equipment of all supposing DVR etc. is not possess network communicating function and the IR equipment that can only carry out straighforward operation by over the horizon communication systems such as SIRCS.

Figure 11 represents that an example utilizes EPG (future) data to be carried out the operating sequence of program recording reservation by the IP remote controller on the IR video recording equipment.But, in illustrated example, suppose that tabulation manages remote control server to recording schedule.

The remote control server that is connected with television receiver with SI data between week as the EPG storage.Will with the overlapping current SI data separating of broadcast wave that receives, as the EPG storage.

On the other hand, suppose to be shown at IP remote controller side EPG (current) picture.Here, in case via input switch matrix portion 14 input to determining of showing of next period of EPG, the IP remote controller just responds to this and sends EPG (future) request of data to the remote control server that becomes one with television receiver via network.

Remote control server transfers to the IP remote controller via network with EPG (future) data.Then, in IP remote controller side, 11 couples of EPG that received of CPU (future) data are analyzed, and create the EPG picture.Then, GDP 18 carries out the demonstration of EPG (future) picture to be handled, and shows on LCD 19 and output EPG picture.

Then, in IP remote controller side, suppose that the user makes selection to the TV programme of carrying out recording schedule by input switch matrix portion 14 in EPG (future) display frame.This is responded, send recording schedule request and reservation data to remote control server via network.

Remote control server is analyzed the recording schedule request that receives, and checks the recording schedule whether same program is arranged and is repeated request.Here, when finding to have reservation to repeat, remote control server just will be preengage repeat mode and give the IP remote controller via the network foldback.Then, in IP remote controller side by LCD 19 demonstration that makes mistakes.

If the recording schedule request does not repeat, then the remote control server recording schedule that just recording schedule of management will be asked in tabulating in this device is as new registration.Then, will preengage the done state foldback via network and give the IP remote controller.Then, preengaging end in IP remote controller side by LCD 19 shows.

Afterwards, remote control server standby before the moment of recording schedule arrives.Then, recording schedule in case arrival just sends the SIRCS order that energized is used to the IR video recording equipment, makes the video recording action beginning of the TV programme of recording schedule constantly.

Then, in a single day the record setting time has been experienced, and remote control server just sends the SIRCS order that the video recording action stops usefulness to the IR video recording equipment, then sends the SIRCS mission that power supply stops usefulness, makes this time recording schedule move and is all over.

In the action example shown in Figure 11, at recording schedule constantly, remote control server and IR video recording equipment need energising simultaneously.

Figure 12 represents that another routine IP remote controller utilizes EPG (future) data to carrying out the operating sequence of the recording schedule of program in the video recording equipment.In illustrated example, suppose the tabulation of remote control server management recording schedule, and pass on reservation data to video recording equipment.

The remote control server that is connected with television receiver with SI data between week as the EPG storage.Separated with the current SI data that the broadcast wave that receives is overlapping, as the EPG storage.

On the other hand, in IP remote controller side, suppose that EPG (current) picture is shown.Here, in case imported determining of showing of next of EPG by input switch matrix portion 14, the IP remote controller just responds to this and sends EPG (future) request of data to the remote control server that becomes one with television receiver via network period.

Remote control server transfers to the IP remote controller via network with EPG (future) data.Then, in IP remote controller side, EPG (future) data of 11 pairs of receptions of CPU are made analysis, and create the EPG picture.Then, GDP18 carries out the demonstration of EPG (future) picture to be handled, and on LCD 19 the EPG picture is shown and output.

Then, in IP remote controller side, suppose that the user makes carry out the selection of the TV programme of recording schedule in EPG (future) display frame by input switch matrix portion 14.This is responded, send recording schedule request and reservation data to remote control server via network.

Remote control server is made analysis to the recording schedule request that receives, and checks the recording schedule whether same program is arranged and be repeated request.Here, if find to have reservation to repeat, remote control server just will be preengage repeat mode and give the IP remote controller via the network foldback.Then, in IP remote controller side by LCD 19 demonstration that makes mistakes.

If the recording schedule request does not repeat, the recording schedule that remote control server just will be asked in the tabulation of the recording schedule of management in this device is as new registration.Then, will preengage the done state foldback via network and give the IP remote controller.Preengaging end in IP remote controller side by LCD 19 shows.

Then, video recording equipment is can only be with the IR equipment of over the horizon communication system straighforward operation the time, and passing on the recording schedule request command that comes via IP network becomes the infrared communication order of SIRCS etc. through the IP/IR protocol conversion, and reservation data is transferred to video recording equipment.Suppose to comprise in the reservation data: the metamessage (meta-information) that the program names of the TV programme of recording schedule, video recording date, broadcasting station etc. are obtained from EPG.

In a single day video recording equipment receives the recording schedule data, and just the recording schedule that will ask in the tabulation of the recording schedule of management in this device is as new registration.Then, recording schedule is constantly in case arrival just with the power connection of this device, begins the video recording action of the TV programme of recording schedule.

Then, in a single day the record setting time has been experienced, and video recording equipment just stops the video recording action, stops power supply with that, makes the action of this time recording schedule be all over.

In the action example shown in Figure 12, constantly can be at recording schedule only to the video recording equipment energising, the power supply with remote control server after recording schedule finishes stops.

Figure 13 represents that another example utilizes EPG (future) data to be carried out the operating sequence of the recording schedule of program by the IP remote controller in video recording equipment.But, in the illustrated example, suppose that tabulation manages video recording equipment to recording schedule.

The remote control server that is connected with television receiver with SI data between week as the EPG storage.Separated with the current SI data that the broadcast wave that receives is overlapping, as the EPG storage.

On the other hand, in IP remote controller side, suppose that EPG (current) picture is shown.Here, in case imported determining of showing of next of EPG by input switch matrix portion 14, the IP remote controller just responds to this via network to remote control server transmission EPG (future) request of data that becomes one with television receiver period.

Remote control server transfers to the IP remote controller via network with EPG (future) data.Then, in IP remote controller side, EPG (future) data of 11 pairs of receptions of CPU are made analysis, and create the EPG picture.Then, GDP18 carries out the demonstration of EPG (future) picture to be handled, and the EPG picture shows and output on LCD 19.

Then, in IP remote controller side, suppose that the user makes selection to the TV programme of carrying out recording schedule by input switch matrix portion 14 in EPG (future) display frame.This is responded, send recording schedule request and reservation data to remote control server via network.

Video recording equipment is in the time of only can shaking the IR equipment of control operation with over the horizon communication system, remote control server will carry out the P/IR protocol conversion via the recording schedule request command that IP network is passed on, be transformed into the infrared communication order of SIRCS etc., and reservation data is transferred to video recording equipment.Suppose to comprise in the reservation data: the metamessage that the program names of the TV programme of recording schedule, video recording date, broadcasting station etc. are obtained from EPG.And remote control server is given the IP remote controller with the done state that passes on of recording schedule request via the network foldback.

In the video recording equipment side, in case receive reservation data, just these data are made analysis by infrared communication, and check the recording schedule whether same program is arranged be repeated the request.Here, if find to have reservation to repeat, demonstration just makes mistakes.If the recording schedule request do not occur, new registration of the recording schedule conduct that just in this device, will ask in the tabulation of the recording schedule of management, and preengage and finish demonstration.

Then, recording schedule is constantly in case arrive, and video recording equipment is just with the power connection of this device, makes the video recording action of program of recording schedule begin.

Then, in a single day the record setting time has been experienced, and video recording equipment just stops the video recording action, then stops power supply, and makes the action of this time recording schedule be all over.

C-2. motion video playback

As mentioned above, the IP remote controller of present embodiment has encoding and decoding processing capacity and graphical display function, can carry out motion video and reset.For example, will be from AV content decoding and output sound and the image that sends as the television receiver of controlling object equipment or remote control server etc.

At this moment, voice signal that remote control server etc. will receive as the analog broadcasting ripple and image signal encoding become the data format that can reset on the IP remote controller of MPEG4 etc., and send to the IP remote controller via IP network.Perhaps, will be written into video recording content with the high bit rate of MPEG1 or MPEG2 etc. record from DVR via local area network (LAN) and be transformed into, flow transmission via local area network (LAN) again receiving and the data format of the low bit rate reset at the IP remote controller side joint of MPEG4 etc.

The operating procedure of the motion video playback that realizes about the remote control system of present embodiment describes with reference to Figure 14～Figure 19.But, suppose to be provided with television set and DVR as IP control of remote controller object-based device.Wherein, television set is the DLNA equipment with network communicating function of Ethernet (registered trade mark) etc., and DVR is not possess network communicating function and can only carry out remote-operated IR equipment with the over the horizon communication system based on SIRCS.And, suppose that also television set is connected with remote control server (with reference to Fig. 4) or forms as one, in case remote control server receives the operational order of IP remote controller to DVR via network, just carry out protocol conversion and pass on to DVR by over the horizon communication system.And remote control server is connected by the AV input and output terminal with DVR.

Figure 14 represents the situation of the surface wave analog broadcasting that receives with the IP remote controller machine that televiews.

In IP remote controller side, select television set as operand by input switch matrix portion 14.The IP remote controller inserts request to sending power supply as the television receiver of controlling object equipment, this is responded and connects the power supply of television set.

Then,, carry out channel selection operation, determine to want the channel seen, so TV watching is just set by input switch matrix portion 14 in IP remote controller side.Then, the IP remote controller sends the motion video transfer request to television set.

At the TV pusher side, respond the motion video transfer request, determine the channel of watching with the reception of analog broadcasting ripple.Then, these analog images and voice signal are transformed into the data format that can handle in the IP remote controller side of MPEG4 etc., and spread and give IP remote controller.

In IP remote controller side, the motion video data decode that will pass on like this comes, and on LCD 19 display of television programmes.

Transmit the operation that image shows with the TV programme of watching on the television set or from the stream of video recording equipment on the IP remote controller, be also referred to as " extracting " in this manual (catch).

Carry out the situation of channel handover operation during surface wave analog broadcasting that Figure 15～Figure 16 represents to receive with the IP remote controller machine that televiews.Suppose that television set has the multiple tuber function that can receive simultaneously from the broadcast wave of 2 above channels.

As mentioned above, spread behind the broadcast program coding that the television set side joint is received and give IP remote controller, in IP remote controller side with its reception and decoding, and on LCD 19 display of television programmes.At this moment, show identical program on the LCD 19 of video screen and IP remote controller.

Here, in IP remote controller side, carry out the channel selection operation by input switch matrix portion 14.For example, if the IP remote controller is provided with user interface, then can select television set as the medium and the operation (not shown) of cursor position being aimed at the channel of wanting.

Then, in a single day the channel switching is determined, just send channel switch request from the IP remote controller to television set.

At the TV pusher side, the response channel handoff request receives the analog broadcasting ripple at the channel that is determined, is transformed into the data format that can handle in the IP remote controller side of MPEG4 etc. simultaneously, and spreads and give IP remote controller.

Because switch in the enterprising line frequency of IP remote controller road, the program that this machine of television set receives on original channel shows in the same old way.On the other hand, in IP remote controller side, the motion video data decode that comes of will passing on also shows on LCD 19, the TV programme after therefore can viewing channel switching.

Figure 17 represents the display image of TV pusher side is switched to the situation of the watching TV programme of IP remote controller side.

As shown in the figure, send about switching to the picture handoff request of the channel that IP remote controller side watching to television set.

At the TV pusher side, respond this request and switch to the channel of appointment, and the image of the TV programme of indicated channel after switching.Then, the analog image in receiving and voice signal are transformed into the data format that can handle in the IP remote controller side of MPEG4 etc., and spread and give IP remote controller.

In IP remote controller side, will pass on next motion video data decode like this, display of television programmes on LCD 19.As a result, show identical program on the LCD 19 of video screen and IP remote controller.

Forward TV programme or the stream transmission image watched on the IP remote controller to show on the TV operation, be also referred to as " throwing " in this manual (throw).

Figure 18～Figure 19 represents to watch on the IP remote controller situation of the video recording content of preserving in the video recording equipment.

In IP remote controller side, the user carries out the startup of video recording equipment of DVR etc. and the transmission of video recording content by input switch matrix portion 14 indication.These requests send to the remote control server that becomes one with television receiver via network.

In the illustrated example, be the IR equipment that to operate in the infrared remote control mode as the DVR of controlling object equipment.Remote control server to carrying out the IP/IR conversion via network from the operational order that the IP remote controller receives, makes it to become the command format that the infrared communication of SIRCS etc. is used for DVR, is that medium carry out light and send with the infrared light.At this moment,, then can carry out the output of AV slide-mouse, send at the light that nearby infrared command carried out of IR equipment if traditional controlling object equipment is in from dead angle that remote control server sends or the distance that both are separated by.But if DVR is positioned at the point blank of IP remote controller and can directly be irradiated to infrared light, then the IP remote controller also can be ordered from the SIRCS that the 16 output recording schedule requests of infrared communication portion are used.

DVR response SIRCS order and connect the power supply of this device, and the AV output image of the video recording content of appointment offered remote control server.

Remote control server is encoded into the data format that can reset with the AV output image of DVR on the IP remote controller of MPEG4 etc., send to the IP remote controller via IP network.Perhaps, be written into video recording content, be transformed into again and can receive and the data format of the low bit rate reset, flow transmission via local area network (LAN) at the IP remote controller side joint of MPEG4 etc. with the high bit rate of MPEG1 or MPEG2 etc. record from DVR.

In IP remote controller side, the motion video data decode that will pass on also shows on LCD 19, therefore can watch the video recording content.On the other hand, this machine of television set carries out the demonstration of the program that receives on the original channel in the same old way.

And, as shown in figure 19, can the channel of TV pusher side be switched to the video recording content that IP remote controller side is being watched by throwing operation (aforementioned).

At this moment, send in order to switch to the picture handoff request of the video recording content that IP remote controller side watching to television set.

At the TV pusher side, respond this request, will send to the IP remote controller from the AV output image coding back of DVR, also display frame is switched to this AV output image from television image simultaneously.

Figure 20 represents that an example is from carrying out the operating sequence of the IR video recording equipment of straighforward operation to IP remote controller stream transmission AV content with over the horizon communication system.

At this moment, be provided with and possess network connecting function and the remote control server of the protocol conversion function of infrared command.Remote control server is connected with for example television set or constitutes one.And, suppose that remote control server registered in advance about sending the information of the IR equipment of infrared command from this device.

IP remote controller one energized, just via network to the facility information of remote control server request about IR equipment.

Remote control server responds this facility information request, will give the IP remote controller via the network foldback about the information of IR equipment.

Show the list of devices that is received on the LCD 19 of IP remote controller.The user has been in case selected IR equipment on this picture, just will transmit the stream of the AV content of this IR equipment to begin to ask to send to remote control server via network.

In a single day remote control server receives stream and transmits and to begin request, just confirms whether energized and carrying out image output of requested IR equipment.If the power supply of this IR equipment does not insert, then insert power supply and make it to begin image output.

Then, remote control server will be encoded into the data format that can reset from the AV output image of IR equipment on the IP remote controller of MPEG4 etc., and transmit to IP remote controller stream via IP network.

In IP remote controller side, the motion video data decode that will pass on like this comes, and on LCD 19 display image.

And, even IP remote controller side transmit to show the also operation that can be undertaken IR equipment by input switch matrix portion 14 flowing.Here comprise the switching of output image or channel switching etc. in the said operation.

The IP remote controller sends to remote control server to the order of IR equipment via network.Remote control server will be transformed into the command format that the infrared communication of SIRCS etc. is used via the operational order that network receives from the IP remote controller, and be that medium carry out light and send with the infrared light.

IR equipment is carried out the order with infrared reception.Then, reflected that by remote control server the stream of the image of command execution results transmits.

As mentioned above, if the IR equipment of IP control of remote controller object-based device for carrying out straighforward operation with over the horizon communication system, then the remote control server of the protocol conversion of order is carried out in setting.And, just need not the intervention of remote control server, because the IP remote controller can carry out command operation via network if controlling object equipment itself is the DLNA equipment with network connecting function.

Figure 21 represents that an example spreads the operating sequence of delivering to the IP remote controller with the AV content from DLNA equipment.

IP remote controller one energized, just via network to DLNA device request facility information.

At this moment, the DLNA device responds of on power supply is given IP remote controller with facility information via the network foldback to the request of facility information.

On the picture of the LCD 19 of IP remote controller, show list of devices about the DLNA equipment of existing response.Past attempts had the DLNA equipment of facility information response to be shown by ashing.And, do not have the DLNA equipment of response to be judged as in the scheduled period and remove, slave unit tabulation deletion from network.

In case the user has selected the DLNA equipment on this picture, just confirm whether the power supply of this DLNA equipment inserts, and promptly whether facility information has response.If power supply is not access in, then sends power supply to this DLNA equipment and insert request via network.

Receive power supply and insert the DLNA equipment of request in case power supply is inserted, the notice that just will network foldback is given the IP remote controller.In IP remote controller side, make being enabled in of DLNA equipment obtain reflection in the list of devices, and be normal demonstration the ashing display change of this DLNA equipment.

And, if the power supply of selecteed DLNA equipment inserts, just via network to the available contents list of this DLNA device request.In response, DLNA equipment sends to the IP remote controller with contents list.For example, if DLNA equipment is the such video recording equipment of DVR, then contents list is the list of video recording content, if DLNA equipment is television set, then contents list is the tabulation of receivable channel.

On the picture of the LCD 19 of IP remote controller, show the contents list that is received.The user is in case selected institute to want the content of seeing on this picture, and just the stream transmission with this content begins to ask to send to remote control server via network.

DLNA equipment one receives stream and transmits and to begin request, just exports corresponding image, and this AV output image is encoded into the data format that can reset on the IP remote controller of MPEG4 etc., transmits to IP remote controller stream via IP network.

In IP remote controller side, the motion video data decode that will pass on like this comes, and on LCD 19 display image.

And, in IP remote controller side, show even flowing to transmit, also can carry out content operation by input switch matrix portion 14.Here said content operation comprises the switching of output image and channel switching etc.

The order that content operation is used sends to DLNA equipment from the IP remote controller via network.DLNA equipment is carried out the order that is received, and has reflected that the stream of the image of command execution results transmits.

According to operating sequence shown in Figure 20, can on the IP remote controller, watch the picture material of IR video recording equipment output.Figure 22 represents that an example is with the content " throwing " of the IR equipment watched on the IP remote controller operating sequence to the television set.Here, suppose that television set has carried the remote control server function.

The AV image is from the IR video recording equipment output of DVR and other video recording equipments etc.Then, television set utilizes the remote control server function that this AV output image is encoded into the data format that can reset on the IP remote controller of MPEG4 etc., and transmits to IP remote controller stream via IP network.In IP remote controller side, the motion video data decode that will pass on, display image on LCD 19.

Here, suppose to carry out the throwing operation by input switch matrix portion 14 in IP remote controller side.IP remote controller indication TV machine stops stream and transmits, and television set responds to this and stops the stream of IP remote controller is transmitted.

Then, IP remote controller indication TV machine carries out the playback of the content of IR equipment.At this moment, designated and the playback of content, and that the designation method of content has is multiple: such as the equipment that utilizes content providers and show the destination, utilize the AV input terminal name of television set and show the destination, and utilize the television function name and show destination etc.

At the TV pusher side, response contents is reset and is indicated, and will show from the AV output image of IR video recording equipment and output.

According to operating sequence shown in Figure 21, the picture material of DLNA equipment output directly can be watched on the IP remote controller.Figure 23 represents that an example is with the content " throwing " of the DLNA equipment watched on the IP remote controller operating sequence to the television set.

Be provided with the DLNA equipment of DVR and other recording functions, the AV output image is encoded into the data format that can reset on the IP remote controller of MPEG4 etc., and spread via IP network and to give IP remote controller.In IP remote controller side, motion video data decode display image on LCD 19 that will pass on.

Here, suppose to carry out the throwing operation by input switch matrix portion 14 in IP remote controller side.IP remote controller indication DLNA equipment stops to flow transmission to self.DLNA equipment responds to this, stops to transmit to the stream of IP remote controller.

Then, the IP remote controller sends the content playback indication via network.In this resets indication, given server, content name, playback starting point and demonstration destination.

This is responded, be designated as the television set that content is thrown the destination, send to spread to refer to DLNA equipment and ask.Then, DLNA equipment begins stream with the content of appointment from the playback starting point of appointment and transmits.The stream that television set will receive transmits image demonstration and output.

Utilizability on the industry

More than, done detailed description with reference to certain embodiments with regard to the present invention.But those skilled in the art can modify and replace these embodiment in the scope that does not deviate from main idea of the present invention, and this is self-evident.

In this specification, be that example is described as IP control of remote controller object-based device with video recording equipments such as television receiver or DVR, but scope of the present invention is not as limit.Home appliance or the information equipment handling other equipment of AV content or do not handle the AV content all can be used as IP control of remote controller object-based device, can construct remote control system of the present invention equally.Generally speaking, to of the present invention open, should not be construed as qualification with illustrative execution mode to the described content of this specification.Main idea of the present invention should be determined with reference to the scope of patent request.

Claims (30)

1. remote control system with the remote commander operation controlling object equipment more than one is characterized in that:

Described remote commander and have network communicating function to small part controlling object equipment responds user's input of described remote commander side, via network controlling object equipment is carried out command operation,

Described remote commander is to described controlling object device request data, described controlling object equipment with requested data via the network foldback,

Described remote commander is data playback and the output that will receive from described controlling object equipment,

The data format that described controlling object equipment becomes low bit rate with the data conversion of described remote commander request is after by the network foldback,

Described remote commander to the controlling object device request facility information with network communicating function, and shows list of devices about the controlling object equipment of this request being made the facility information response via network,

Described remote commander had facility information response with the past and controlling object equipment ashing on described list of devices of current nothing response shows, or controlling object equipment that will above no facility information responds during certain is deleted from described list of devices.

2. the described remote control system of claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described controlling object equipment responds via the order that network sends to described remote commander via network.

3. the described remote control system of claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described controlling object equipment comprises and can only carry out the IR equipment of straighforward operation and possess network communicating function and will be transformed into the remote control server of the protocol conversion function of infrared command via the order that net receives by infrared communication,

Described remote control server receives operational order to described IR equipment via network from described remote commander, transfers to described IR equipment after being transformed into infrared command.

4. the described remote control system of claim 3 is characterized in that,

Described remote control server takes out the data of described remote commander to described IR device request from described IR equipment, is transformed into to stress the form of putting and exporting after give described remote commander by the network foldback at described remote commander.

5. the described remote control system of claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described controlling object is provided with storage EPG data, responds from the EPG request of data of described remote commander and via network foldback EPG data,

Described remote commander shows the EPG data that received and output.

6. the described remote control system of claim 5 is characterized in that,

The channel that described remote commander response is done on current EPG data displaying picture is specified, and sends channel switch request to the television receiver as controlling object equipment.

7. the described remote control system of claim 6 is characterized in that,

The picture material that described controlling object equipment will receive at the channel that described remote commander request is switched is transformed into and can stresses the form of putting and exporting after sent with stream mode by network at described remote commander,

Described remote commander is with the picture material decoding and the display image that receive.

8. the described remote control system of claim 6 is characterized in that,

Television receiver as described controlling object equipment switches to the channel that described remote commander request is switched with display image.

9. the described remote control system of claim 5 is characterized in that,

The program that the response of described remote commander is done on following EPG data displaying picture is specified, and sends recording schedule request to this program to the video recording equipment as controlling object equipment.

10. the described remote control system of claim 3 is characterized in that,

When described remote commander received the recording schedule request, data conversion became infrared reservation data to described remote control server based on EPG with this recording schedule request via network, and to the infrared transmission of IR video recording equipment that can only carry out straighforward operation by infrared communication,

Described IR video recording equipment carries out recording schedule according to the infrared reservation data from described remote control server.

11. the described remote control system of claim 1 is characterized in that,

As the picture material request of the video recording equipment of described controlling object equipment response from described remote commander, the picture material of this request is transformed into and can stresses the form of putting and exporting after sent with stream mode by network at described remote commander,

Described remote commander is with the picture material decoding and the display image that are received.

12. the described remote control system of claim 3 is characterized in that,

Described remote control server when described remote commander receives the picture material request, is transformed into infrared command with this picture material request via network, and to the infrared transmission of IR video recording equipment that can only carry out straighforward operation by infrared communication,

Described IR video recording equipment is according to the infrared command output image content from described remote control server,

Described remote control server will be transformed into from the picture material of described IR video recording equipment output can be behind the form that described remote commander stresses to put and export, and sends to described remote commander via network with stream mode.

13. the described remote control system of each in claim 11 or 12 is characterized in that,

Described remote commander shows the image as the display unit request of the described controlling object equipment picture material in self shows and switches,

Described display unit responds this image and shows handoff request, and picture is switched to output image from described video recording equipment.

14. the described remote control system of claim 1 is characterized in that,

Described remote commander is to the controlling object equipment transmit operation request of selecting on described list of devices.

15. the described remote control system of claim 1 is characterized in that,

During controlling object equipment that described remote commander is selected to be shown by ashing on described list of devices, transmit operation request after request is with the power connection of this controlling object equipment.

16. the described remote control system of claim 3 is characterized in that,

The registration of described remote control server can send the information of each IR equipment of infrared command, and response gives described remote commander from the request of described remote commander with IR facility information foldback,

Described remote commander shows the IR list of devices.

17. the described remote control system of claim 16 is characterized in that,

Described remote commander will send to described remote control server via network to the operation requests of the IR equipment selected on the described IR list of devices,

Described remote control server will be transformed into infrared command and transfer to described IR equipment from the operation requests to described IR equipment of described remote commander.

18. the remote commander of the more than one controlling object equipment of remote operation is characterized in that comprising:

Communicate the network service portion of action via network;

Reception is from user's input part of user's indication input; And

According to via described user's input part from user's indication input, the data processing division that the data that controlling object equipment sent and receives via network are handled,

Also be provided with the data playback efferent of data decode that will receive via network to reset and to export,

Via network to controlling object device request facility information with network communicating function,

Described data playback efferent shows the list of devices about the controlling object equipment of this request being made the facility information response,

Past there was the facility information response and controlling object equipment ashing demonstration on described list of devices of current nothing response, or the controlling object equipment of above no facility information response during certain was deleted from described list of devices.

19. the described remote commander of claim 18 is characterized in that,

Described data processing division is handled the order transmission and the response reception of controlling object equipment via network.

20. the described remote commander of claim 18 is characterized in that,

Described data playback efferent shows the EPG data that receive and output.

21. the described remote commander of claim 20 is characterized in that,

The channel that response is done on current EPG data displaying picture is specified, and sends channel switch request to the television receiver as controlling object equipment.

22. the described remote commander of claim 18 is characterized in that,

Described data playback efferent shows the picture material decoding that receives to carry out image.

23. the described remote commander of claim 20 is characterized in that,

Program that response is done on following EPG data displaying picture is specified, and sends recording schedule request to this program to the video recording equipment as controlling object equipment.

24. the described remote commander of claim 18 is characterized in that,

To the controlling object equipment transmit operation request of on described list of devices, selecting.

25. the described remote commander of claim 18 is characterized in that,

When the controlling object equipment that is shown by ashing on the described list of devices is selected, transmit operation request behind the power supply of this controlling object equipment of request access.

26. a remote control server of working in the communication environment of remote commander via the controlling object equipment of network operation more than one is characterized in that,

Be provided with network service portion via described network executive communication action; And

To be transformed into the protocol conversion portion of infrared command via the order that described network receives,

Receive operational order from described remote commander via described network, transfer to described IR equipment after being transformed into infrared command IR equipment that can only be by the infrared communication straighforward operation,

Also be provided with the encoding and decoding handling part that encodes the data to the form that can on described remote commander, reset and export,

Described remote commander is taken out and is transformed into and can give described remote commander via described network foldback again behind the form that described remote commander stresses to put and export from described IR equipment to the data of described IR device request,

Be connected with television receiver or constitute one with television receiver,

Being provided with will be from receiving the EPG storage part of the EPG storage that broadcast wave separates,

Response from the EPG request of data of described remote commander and with the EPG data via described network foldback,

After the picture material that will receive at the channel that described remote commander request is switched is transformed into the data format of low bit rate, send with stream mode via network,

Described remote commander to the controlling object device request facility information with network communicating function, and shows list of devices about the controlling object equipment of this request being made the facility information response via network,

Described remote commander had facility information response with the past and controlling object equipment ashing on described list of devices of current nothing response shows, or controlling object equipment that will above no facility information responds during certain is deleted from described list of devices.

27. the described remote control server of claim 26 is characterized in that,

Display image is switched to described remote commander ask the channel that switches.

28. the described remote control server of claim 26 is characterized in that,

When described remote commander received the recording schedule request, data conversion became infrared reservation data based on EPG with this recording schedule request via described network, and to can only be by the infrared transmission of IR video recording equipment of infrared communication straighforward operation.

29. the described remote control server of claim 26 is characterized in that,

When described remote commander received the picture material request, this picture material request was transformed into infrared command via described network, and to can only be by the infrared transmission of IR video recording equipment of infrared communication straighforward operation; Simultaneously

Be transformed into and stress the form putting and export at described remote commander from the picture material of described IR video recording equipment output, provide and deliver to remote commander with stream mode via described network then.

30. the described remote control server of claim 26 is characterized in that,

Registration in advance can send the information of each IR equipment of infrared command, and response is given described remote commander from the request of described remote commander with IR facility information foldback.

Images