CN1245802C - Universal remote control unit - Google Patents

Universal remote control unit Download PDF

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Publication number
CN1245802C
CN1245802C CNB008020450A CN00802045A CN1245802C CN 1245802 C CN1245802 C CN 1245802C CN B008020450 A CNB008020450 A CN B008020450A CN 00802045 A CN00802045 A CN 00802045A CN 1245802 C CN1245802 C CN 1245802C
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
data
equipment
user
remote control
control unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CNB008020450A
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Chinese (zh)
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CN1322407A (en
Inventor
M·弗雷曼
B·曹
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Philips NV
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Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
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Publication of CN1322407A publication Critical patent/CN1322407A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CN1245802C publication Critical patent/CN1245802C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04QSELECTING
    • H04Q9/00Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04BTRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/06Receivers
    • H04B1/16Circuits
    • H04B1/20Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
    • H04B1/202Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver by remote control

Abstract

A programmable remote control unit (104) is capable of initiating retrieval of a control configuration from a storage device (108) external to the unit. The unit (104) comprises a memory (116) to store the retrieved control configuration; a display (120) for display of icons representing the configuration; and a touch screen (120) for entering a selection based on the icons displayed. The storage device (108) is a component of a Consumer Electronic apparatus (102). By storing or backing-up the control configuration for a specific apparatus in the apparatus itself, the remote control unit (104) is made truly universally programmable.

Description

General remote-control unit
Invention field
The present invention relates to programmable handheld control or communication apparatus, be specifically related to a kind of programmable telemetry equipment.
Background technology
Present general remote-control unit (URCU) has various ways.The URCU that has can simulate a kind of remote control unit of particular device after programming, the URCU that has can simulate several different equipment after programming.These URCU need the user to programme according to the chart of a dated device type and manufacturer usually.Select a numeral and be input to URCU from this chart, then URCU works according to the remote control unit mode of concrete equipment.
These URCU usually have the button of fixed number, and each button has the function of a setting.Most this URCU does not comprise all buttons of the remote control unit of being simulated.So, expression be the most frequently used function.For example, the URCU of a simulated television remote control unit may not have the button of picture-in-picture, so the user can only use the front panel of TV or the remote control unit of TV self to carry out this function.
In order to address this problem, high-end URCU has a fixed-plus-variable press-key structure.It has the fixing button of a cover, and the built-in lcd screen that can be used for analogue-key.Marantz RC2000 is exactly the example of this URCU.All of the URCU that produces or most button all are variable recently.The Pronto of Royal Philips electronics, inc. for example.Pronto has the lcd screen and the touch-screen that is used to activate button that are used for display button.For so high-end URCU, the real estate of button requires the button of simulation to be slit into sheets.The whole screen of LCD can constitute one page.
The programmable features of portable equipment (for example general programmable remote control unit and mobile phone) allows the user to customize some function, such as its graphical interface of user of customization or personalized the control panel of organizing every page.Pronto has editting function so that the user programmed to its controlled attribute, for example tissue, the macrodefinition of the page in the tissue of button, the page hierarchical organization in the page, give the infrared coding of a certain button, or the like.Following patent literature relates to Pronto, is included with for referencial use at this:
Jan van Ee and Sung Choi are the 09/062nd in the sequence number of 4/17/98 application, No. 364 (attorney docket is PHA 23, related to a kind of touch-screen GUI in the U.S. Patent application 387), that theme as graphical user interface touch screen with zoom function, this GUI shows whole icons in proportion, the standalone feature of each icon can reconfigure, but, be difficult for seeing the further option of cleaning function because icon is too little.When the touch screen zone of holding icon was touched, amplified on screen in this zone, thereby the user can select the option of a hope.
Jan van Ee is the remote control equipment that has related to a kind of remote control home theater equipment in the U.S. Patent application the 09/128th, No. 839 (attorney docket is PHA23,469), that theme as the remote control unit with animation GUI in the sequence number of 8/4/98 application.This remote control unit adopts the display that has touch-screen to represent GUI.User's operation of GUI causes the change of its demonstration.Animation effect is adopted in this change.By showing a series of bitmaps, form the animation of skimulated motion.It is a level and smooth transition that animation makes the user feel to change.So just avoided showing the sensation of new captions loftyly.
Jan van Ee is the 09/129th in the sequence number of 8/5/98 application, No. 300 (attorney docket is PHA 23,470), theme as the remote control equipment that has related to a kind of home theater in can the U.S. Patent application of the macrodefined remote control unit GUI of friendly editor.This equipment has a touch-screen.This equipment has realized having authoring tool's macrodefinition making/edit pattern by remote control unit GUI.A kind of edit tool wherein can allow the user move up and down selected macrodefinition step intuitively in the list of steps of GUI, to change the order of step.
Jan van Ee is the 09/271st in the sequence number of 3/17/99 application, No. 200 (attorney docket is PHA 23, related to a kind of general programmable remote control equipment in the U.S. Patent application 607), that theme as full-function remote-control editing machine and simulator, the performance able to programme of this equipment makes the personalization that the end user can realize this equipment by editor or the programming to the controlled function of this equipment.Programming can realize by a PC.The control configuration that the last editing machine of PC generates can be downloaded in this equipment.Before downloading, the simulator software of PC can be tested its configuration.Owing to be the software layer that extracts from remote control unit hardware, the Control Software of simulator software and remote control unit is consistent.Like this, the software development phase in manufacturer, end user's simulator are the byproducts that does not almost have cost.
Joost Kemink is the 09/311st in the sequence number of 5/13/99 application, No. 128 (attorney docket is PHA 23,501), theme as the update service that relates to a kind of programmable control device based on the Internet in the U.S. Patent application based on the update service of the programmable control device of the Internet.Internet site comprises control and the option for features information that the equipment that depends on is pointed in link, can be used as graphic user interface (GUI) and is downloaded to Programmable Logic Controller.The user interface of website can make the user indicate target device easily, optionally downloads the interface and the control information of target device then.Internet site can also comprise the link of pointing to other configurations or macrodefinition supplier, the interface that provides of system integrator for example based on all user's controllable devices, and the useful configuration and the macrodefinition of its discovery that the fan shares, or the like.
Joost Kemink and Eugene Shteyn are the 09/210th in the sequence number of 12/11/98 application, related to a kind of user control interface that depends on the position that in home environment, provides in the U.S. Patent application No. 416 (attorney docket is PHA 23,522), that theme as remote control equipment with location dependent interface.The Control Parameter co-located of concrete applied environment is relevant, and user control interface is done personalization according to its residing operating position at concrete applied environment.The control interface comprises the expression of relevant information under the concrete applied environment, and the communication via this interface of associated user's order under the concrete applied environment.Determine that the position can adopt any technology commonly used, such as the infrared sensor and the activity mark that directly import, be used for to determine relative position, and such as traditional positioning equipments such as LORAN and GPS.In a preferred embodiment, this equipment is with the remote information source communication that phase related control information under the concrete applied environment is provided.This remote information source can be a home network server, an Internet Server, a public service network or other communication networks.
Summary of the invention
Pronto can use the programmability options of himself to realize programming, also can realize programming by an application software that comprises an editing machine and a simulator that operates on the PC.Owing to do not need to start PC and enter editing machine and simulator, using self programing function of Pronto is very easily.Yet, the different users of same user or the same family is to the frequent programming of Pronto, the user may cause remote control unit uncontrollably to progress into undesirable configuration status, to such an extent as to would rather return to a certain default configuration or the configuration of a certain preference of control option.In addition, the storage capacity of remote control unit self is quite limited.
So the present invention will provide a kind of remote control equipment exactly, this remote control equipment can start the predefined control configuration of extraction in warehousing.For example, back up a preference or default control model, just return to the preference configuration so the user always can not too require great effort.This default or preference pattern or be stored in the remote control unit by manufacturer or retailer, perhaps constitute a user program HRP-configured slave device and download in the external repository (as user's PC), obtain to start a communication process by remote control unit in desired time in the future.Another kind of possible alternative or auxiliary method are that controlled equipment plays a part equipment control configuration warehousing itself.Remote control unit is obtained configuration from this equipment in the time of if desired.In this mode, remote control unit is the high user close friend, and is real general, near the moving boundary of equipment playing a part.
The accompanying drawing summary
To and describe the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings by embodiment below:
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are system block diagram of the present invention.
In all objects, identical call number is represented similar or corresponding object.
Preferred embodiment
ProntoEdit (be referring to above-mentioned sequence number the 09/271st, No. 200 patent application (attorney docket is PHA 23,607)) is a software program that operates on the PC.Pronto can be simulated and dispose to this program, and from/to Pronto upload/download information.For from the Pronto upload information to the ProntoEdit program, between the PC of Pronto and operation ProntoEdit, must adopt serial cable to connect.Click specific icon on the tool bar of ProntoEdit, upload process begins to transmit information from Pronto to ProntoEdit.In this process, Pronto is relative, and the ProntoEdit program is passive.
In the present invention, a kind of general, programmable remote control unit can with such as information back-ups such as show states to PC for example.This remote control unit is initiatively herein, is controlling the message transmission between remote control unit and the PC.Transmission of Information is complete characteristics of remote control unit, rather than a part of configuration tool.Described message transmission can be started by instruction, also can start automatically in manipulating.Several members in the family can share a remote control unit, and everyone has his Preferences, and this setting then is the part of remote control unit internal processes.Yet the internal memory of remote control unit may be big inadequately, can not comprise all kinsfolks' configuration.Thereby the user can select his configuration, if should configuration exist, then will use this configuration.Otherwise remote control unit will be with the PC contact so that this user's configuration be transferred to remote control unit.This may comprise for to this configuration slot milling and with the existing configuration store in the remote control unit to PC.And this only occurs over just under the interior situation of configuration than the config update in the PC of remote control unit.If at a certain user, the configuration on the PC with remote control unit on consistent, then the space of remote control unit is repeated to use and needn't backup on the PC.Connected medium can be wired or wireless.Like this, the memory of PC is the part of the storage level structure of system, and the memory/storage of remote control unit is positioned at the top of hierarchical organization.This storage level structure can expand to the Internet/website.Like this, when the operating and remote controlling unit, information can a kind of mode automatic and self-management flow along this storage level structure; Branch page operations with virtual memory in the computer is very similar.
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of system 100 among the present invention.System 100 is made up of a workstation1 02 and a programmable telemetry unit 104.Workstation1 02 comprises a processor that is used to control 106, one is used for data cached internal storage 108, non-volatile memory device 110 (as being used to store hard disk drive or the flash memory that remote control unit control command and user preference are set), one be used for to/from the emitter/receiver 112 of remote control unit 104 transmission/reception data.Remote control unit 104 comprises a processor that is used to control 114, a memory 116 (as RAM or flash memory) that is used to store remote control unit control command, macrodefinition, user preference setting, 118, one of indicative control unit that are used to control the mixture 120 of display screen on the remote control unit 104 and touch-screen be used for to/from the emitter/receiver 122 of workstation1 02 transmission/reception data.
In system 100, the control information that remote control unit 104 is correlated with controllable electrical appliance with acquisition and storage alternately with workstation1 02.Several electrical equipment of remote control unit 104 may command and at specific user's personalization.Workstation1 02 can contain the remote control mode of several electrical equipment, and several users' Preferences.Workstation1 02 can be a PC for instance, in a plurality of electrical equipment one, and perhaps each electrical equipment can possess with the similar function of work station.
Although remote control unit 104 can be controlled a plurality of electrical equipment, its local storage 104 is limited, may not hold all control codes, macrodefinition, Preferences etc.So local storage 102 is slit into sheets workstation1 02.There is not required control code in the local storage 102 if user has selected to control an electrical equipment in the remote control unit 104, the processor 114 of remote control unit 104 sends an information by emitter/receiver 112 to workstation1 02 and notifies workstation1 02, to obtain this control code.Might be in order to give new control code slot milling, the content of latest update in the memory 116 (setting as user preference) is transferred to workstation1 02 possibly as backup, has so just reserved the space for new control code.In this case, the memory content of renewal will be accompanied by described message.
The receiver 112 of workstation1 02 obtains described message and it is stored in the local storage 108 of workstation1 02.106 pairs of these source codecs of the processor of workstation1 02 are also determined to return the concrete control code of giving remote control unit 104.If follow this message to have memory contents, these contents are stored in the non-volatile memory device 110 of workstation1 02.Obtained and be stored in temporarily from non-volatile memory device 110 of work station in the local storage 108 by the control code that this message is determined, 106 instruction reflectors 112 of processor send to remote control unit 104 with control code.The receiver 122 of remote control unit 104 receives control code and it is stored in the correct position of local storage 116.The user then can use the new electrical equipment of remote control unit 104 controls.
As mentioned above, workstation1 02 can be a PC, electrical equipment such as television receiver or top setting box, one can be moved the recording equipment (being also referred to as time-warp recorder) of (time-out, playback, slow motion), perhaps other the approaching intelligent storage equipment of same subscriber equipment to the live telecast time of doing.The control content of each remote control unit 104 is switched to next equipment, and remote control unit 104 is obtained control information from this equipment.Like this, just make remote control unit 104 automatically compatible any can be with the equipment of remote control unit communication.
Being used between remote control unit 104 and the workstation1 02 obtained the communication of control configuration information, preferably sends a request (for example via remote control unit 104 normal running after a while time use same passage) by remote control unit 104 to workstation1 02 and initiates.For example, remote control unit 104 sends a request to workstation1 02 in the infrared coding mode.When workstation1 02 receives this request, workstation1 02 uploads required control information with configuration remote control unit 104, so that latter's normal running.
Fig. 2 is the block diagram 200 of a plurality of equipment 202,204,206,208 and remote control unit 104.Each equipment of 202-208 all has user's optional function.Such as, equipment 202 is a television set; Equipment 204 is a DVD player; Equipment 206 is a time-warp recorder; Equipment 208 home security systems.Each equipment of 202-208 also comprises the function of workstation1 02 as described in Figure 1.Especially, each equipment of 202-208 has a memory with the storage control information, and this control information comprises the corresponding control command of user's optional function with relevant equipment.Each equipment of 202-208 has one and is used to receive the receiver of input information with the start-up control message transmission, and one is used for the reflector that sends control information to remote control unit 104.Receiver can also receive the selected a certain related command from remote control unit 104.This control information preferably includes pictorial information, in order to form graphic user interface on the demonstration/touch screen 120 of remote control unit 104.
Obtaining by for example aforesaid mode of control information starts.The control configuration is preferably carried out in the mode of segmentation (or being called paging).Control information is usually with the hierarchical organization tissue.For example, the first order is for selecting the options menu of concrete equipment; The second level is the options menu of selected device basic controlling; The third level is the more specifically control of the selected option of upper level, or the like.The 5th, 956, No. 025 patent of the U.S. that authorizes people such as Goulden of including as a reference for example referring to this paper.This patent relates to the remote control unit of a home entertainment system.Its remote control unit has the graphic user interface of touch screen function.The viewable portion of graphic user interface is organized a plurality of control hierarchies with hierarchical organization.All ranks have consistent subtitling format, are selectable items in the first area of primary importance, are the control operations of selected item at the second area of the second place, are with the relevant content-data of selected item in the 3rd zone of the 3rd position.Spatial relationship between these positions and the zone remains unchanged in all ranks.This graphic user interface provides good user's affinity for home entertainment system.
In scope of the present invention, the user makes one's options in a certain concrete rank, and when equipment was carried out other selection operation of the corresponding levels, other page of next stage was uploaded on the remote control unit.The mode of obtaining the control configuration of each one page has reduced required bandwidth in normal running is used.

Claims (8)

1. one kind comprises controllable device and the system that is used for the controller of the described equipment of remote control, and wherein said equipment has:
First device is used to store first data of representing first control command, and described first control command is controlled first user's optional function of described equipment;
Second device is used for sending described first data to described controller when described equipment is received request; With
The 3rd device is used to receive described first control command that realizes described control;
And wherein said controller has:
The 7th device is used to send a request that impels described equipment to transmit described first data;
The 4th device is used to receive described first data;
The 5th installs, and is used to store first data of described reception; With
The 6th device is used to handle first data of described reception, and is used for being used to control first user's optional function of described equipment according to sending the order that is associated with described first data selectively with the user interactions of the user interface of described controller.
2. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, described controling appliance is useful on data are obtained in startup from described equipment the 6th device.
3. according to the system of claim 1, wherein, second device is communicated by letter with wireless mode with the 4th device.
4. according to the system of claim 1, wherein,
Second data of second control command are represented in the first device storage, and described second control command is used to control second user's optional function of described equipment; With
Second device relies on execution first control command to send described second data.
5. equipment comprises:
First device is used to store the data of representing control command, and described control command is controlled user's optional function of described equipment;
Second device is used for receiving that at described equipment when request sends described data to the controller of described device external; With
The 3rd device is used to receive the described control command that realizes described control.
6. according to the equipment of claim 5, wherein, second device sends described data with wireless mode.
7. according to the equipment of claim 5, wherein,
The other data of the other control command of the first device storage representative, described other control command is used to control other user's optional function of described equipment; With
The order that second device relies on execution to mention for the first time sends described other data.
8. one kind is used for the remote control of controller carry out a to(for) equipment, and wherein said controller comprises:
The 7th device is used for sending to described equipment the request of data of a control command of user's optional function that is used for controlling described equipment for representative;
The 4th device is used to receive described data;
The 5th device is used to store the data that received;
The 6th device is used to handle the data that received, and is used for being used to control user's optional function of described equipment according to sending the order that is associated with described data selectively with the user interactions of the user interface of described controller.
CNB008020450A 1999-09-24 2000-09-15 Universal remote control unit Expired - Fee Related CN1245802C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15608799P 1999-09-24 1999-09-24
US60/156,087 1999-09-24
US43415599A 1999-11-04 1999-11-04
US09/434,155 1999-11-04

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CN1322407A CN1322407A (en) 2001-11-14
CN1245802C true CN1245802C (en) 2006-03-15

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EP (1) EP1133830A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2004500751A (en)
KR (1) KR100757343B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1245802C (en)
TW (1) TW479418B (en)
WO (1) WO2001024387A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
WO2001024387A1 (en) 2001-04-05
JP2004500751A (en) 2004-01-08
KR100757343B1 (en) 2007-09-11
TW479418B (en) 2002-03-11
KR20010090849A (en) 2001-10-19
CN1322407A (en) 2001-11-14
EP1133830A1 (en) 2001-09-19

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