KR100739380B1 - Apparatus for controlling electronic appliances and method for controlling electronic appliances using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device controller and a method for controlling an electronic device by using the same are provided to allow a user to easily designate a desired electronic device by generating a designation signal and simply indicating the electronic device with a finger wearing a ring-type transmitter. An annular body(111) can be wore on a finger of a user. A command input unit(130) is manipulated by another finger of the user. A designation signal projection unit(150) projects a linearity signal in a certain limited direction. A transmission unit transmits an RF signal. A command processing unit determines an electrical signal from the command input unit(130) and drives the projection unit(150) and the transmission unit. A sensing unit(230) senses the linearity signal. A receiving unit receives the RF signal. A signal processing unit is connected with a driving circuit of an electronic device, activates the receiving unit when the sensing unit senses the linearity signal, and transfers an electrical signal corresponding to the received RF signal to the driving circuit.

Description

Apparatus for controlling electronic appliances and Method for controlling electronic appliances using the same}

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view illustrating a control concept of an electronic device control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmitter of the electronic device control device of FIG. 1.

4A to 4C are views showing various examples of command input means.

5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiver of the electronic device control device of FIG. 1.

6A to 6C are schematic cross-sectional views of a part of a receiver showing a designation signal sensing means.

7A to 7E are front views of the receiver showing examples of symbols that may be displayed on the display means of the receiver.

8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the receiver.

9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a transmitter.

10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the operation of the receiver.

11A to 11E are schematic diagrams showing an example of controlling an electronic device using the electronic device control device according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

10: electronic device control device 110: ring transmitter

111: ring body 130: command input means

160: designation signal projection means 200: receiver

210 receiver body 230 designation signal detection means

260: operating status display means

The present invention relates to a device for remotely controlling an electronic device, and more particularly, comprising a ring transmitter worn on a user's finger and a receiver assigned to a plurality of electronic devices to control the operation of the electronic device using a single transmitter. It relates to an electronic device control device that can be.

Typically, electronic devices such as televisions, audio sets, and air conditioners are equipped with various switches for controlling the operation of the equipment on one side of the main body, and also have a remote controller called a "remote control" to enable remote control. . The remote control is dedicated to each electronic device. Therefore, in order to control the operation of the electronic device desired by the user, since each remote control must be operated individually, when there are a plurality of electronic devices, it is troublesome to individually operate the remote control accordingly.

In addition, when the user operates the remote control, the user controls the operation of the electronic device through the operation of pressing the button with the thumb of the clasped hand while holding the entire body of the remote control with one or both hands, the user who is uncomfortable with the hand There is a problem that can not be easily operated.

In recent years, the "integrated remote control" has been used to integrate two or three remote control functions into one and control two or three electronic devices with only one remote control. However, the integrated remote controller is not only complicated, but also large enough to be inconvenient to carry. Therefore, in the case of the integrated remote controller, it is possible to control only the electronic device that has already been set, and thus cannot be applied to the new electronic device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the object of the present invention consists of a ring-type transmitter and a receiver connected to the internal circuit of the electronic device worn on the user's finger, the electronic device with a small hand movement at a distance easily It is to provide an electronic device control device that can be operated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device control device which can designate a desired electronic device among a plurality of electronic devices by simply pointing a finger, and can easily control the operation of the designated electronic device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device control method for designating an electronic device desired by a user among a plurality of electronic devices and controlling the designated electronic device.

In order to achieve the above object and other objects, the present invention is an electronic device control device comprising a transmitter and a receiver assigned to a plurality of electronic devices, respectively, the transmitter is wearable on one of the user's fingers Annular body; Command input means provided in the body to be operable by another one of the user's fingers; Projection means provided in the body to project a straight signal in a predetermined limited direction; Transmitting means for transmitting a radio frequency signal; And command processing means for determining the electrical signal from the command input means to drive the projection means and the transmission means, the receiver comprising: sensing means for sensing the linearity signal; Receiving means for receiving the radio frequency signal; And signal processing means connected to a driving circuit of an electronic device and activating the receiving means and transmitting an electrical signal corresponding to the received radio frequency signal to the driving circuit when the sensing means detects the linearity signal. .

Preferably, the command input means is positioned on the body to be manipulated by another one of the user's fingers, and configured to recognize pressing, rubbing, flipping or turning.

In addition, the projection means of the transmitter is preferably configured to project a laser or an ultrasonic wave.

In addition, the sensing means preferably includes a translucent screen provided on a surface of the receiver facing the transmitter, and a camera for detecting an image formed on the translucent screen by the laser.

In addition, the receiver preferably further comprises scattering means for scattering an incoming linear signal disposed in front of the sensing means.

Further, the command processing means is preferably configured to drive the projection means for a predetermined time.

Further, it is preferable that the projection means project a linear signal composed of pulse waves.

In this case, it is preferable that the electronic device controller includes a plurality of transmitters, and the plurality of transmitters are configured to transmit signals of different radio frequencies according to a form in which a user operates a command input means.

The receiver further comprises display means for being driven by the signal processing means and for indicating an operating state of the receiver.

In this case, the signal processing means preferably drives the display means when sensing the linearity signal or receiving the radio frequency signal, wherein the display means is a symbol that embodies an operation that a user applies to the command input means. It is more preferable to display.

The display means may be a transparent liquid crystal panel, and the sensing means may include a translucent screen disposed behind the transparent liquid crystal panel and a camera for detecting an image formed on the translucent screen by the linearity signal. Do.

In addition, the present invention is a ring-shaped wearable on the user's finger, manipulated by fingers other than the worn finger and configured to generate a radio frequency signal by the user's operation and project a straight signal in the direction indicated by the worn finger. A plurality of electronics using a transmitter and a receiver each assigned to be connected with the driving circuits of the plurality of electronic devices and configured to transmit electrical signals for operating the electronics to the driving circuits in response to signals generated by the transmitters A method of controlling a device, the method comprising: (a) manipulating the transmitter to project a straight signal; (b) moving a finger wearing the transmitter such that the straight signal reaches a receiver assigned to the electronic device to be controlled; Specifying a receiver by (c) the designated receiver detecting the linearity signal And (d) operating the transmitter to generate a radio frequency signal, and (e) the designated receiver in response to the radio frequency signal. It provides a control method of the electronic device comprising the step of transmitting the electrical signal to.

Here, the receiver is configured to display a result in response to the signal generated by the transmitter, and the control method is a result of the response to the signal received from the transmitter by the designated receiver after the steps (c) and (e). It further includes the step of displaying.

The control method may further include, after the step (e), receiving the radio frequency signal generated by the designated receiver by operating the transmitter. In this case, it is preferable that the transmitter generates a linear signal together with the radio frequency signal.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail with respect to the electronic device control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in the present application, a linear signal projected to designate an electronic device to be controlled by a user among a plurality of electronic devices is referred to as a "designated signal", and is a radio frequency signal transmitted to control the operation of the designated electronic device. The signal is referred to as the "control signal".

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device control apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the concept of controlling the electronic device using the electronic device control device 10.

The electronic device controller 10 receives a signal and a ring-shaped transmitter 100 that can be worn on any node of the user's finger and transmits a signal for designating the electronic device and controlling its operation. The receiver 200 is configured to control the operation of the designated electronic device.

The transmitter 100 has a ring body 111. The ring-shaped body 111, in appearance, the insertion portion 111a that can be inserted into one of the user's finger nodes, and the tip of the fingers other than the finger formed on the side of the insertion portion 111a and the insertion portion 111a is inserted It has a flat side surface (111b) that the parts can contact, and a receiving portion (111c) formed on one side of the insertion portion (111a), for example, on the upper side of the insertion portion (111a) and in which electronic components can be accommodated.

As shown, the insertion portion 111a is configured such that the two legs are concave bent toward each other so that the finger nodes can be inserted therein. Preferably, it can be made of a flexible material, such as a synthetic resin, so that any of the user's finger nodes can be fully inserted. Insertion portion 111a may be configured in the form of a cylinder.

End portions of fingers other than the finger into which the insertion portion 111a is inserted are in contact with the flat side surface 111b. On the flat side 111b, command input means 130 for inputting a command for designating an electronic device and controlling its operation is exposed. In the illustrated transmitter 100, the flat side 111b is formed on the right side when viewed from the front of the receiver 100, for example, configured for right-handed use, but may be formed on the left side for left-handed use.

The accommodating part 111c accommodates various electronic components necessary for the operation of the transmitter 100 therein. The electronic device 20 is placed on the front surface of the receiving portion 111c (that is, the surface of the receiving portion 111c facing the receiver 200 of the transmitter 100 when the transmitter 10 is worn on the user's finger). A portion of the designation signal projection means 150 for projecting the linearity signal for designation is exposed. The designated signal projecting means 150 may be positioned so as not to be exposed to the surface of the accommodating portion 111c. In addition, the designation signal projection means 150 is a designation signal perpendicular to the worn finger node when the ring-shaped body 111 is worn on the finger node, that is, upward from the ring-shaped body 111 as shown in the drawing. It can also be positioned to project light.

The receiver 200 is a receiver body 210 and a front surface of the body 210 which, in appearance, can receive receiver side electronics and rest on a portion of the electronic device or be fixed to any floor, wall or ceiling. (I.e., the designated signal detecting means 230 exposed to the user's surface of the body 210 and display means for displaying a predetermined symbol in response to the received signal exposed to the front surface of the body 210). 250).

The designation signal detecting means 230 detects the designation signal projected from the transmitter 100. The display means 250 may be composed of a liquid crystal display panel, a dot matrix display panel employing LEDs, a flexible numeric display (FND) panel, or the like, and may have a rectangular or square shape as well as a circle as shown. The display means 250 immediately displays a signal from the transmitter 100, that is, a designated signal or a control signal, so as to feed back a command input to the user.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user inputs a command for controlling the operation of the electronic device 20 by operating the command input means 130 while the transmitter 100 is worn on one of the finger nodes. The receiver 200 is fixedly installed at a part of the electronic device 20. If the receiver 200 is wired or wirelessly connected to a circuit inside the electronic device 20, the receiver 200 may be located a predetermined distance away from the electronic device 20.

The user wears the transmitter 100 on one of the nodes of his forefinger, for example, the middle node, and manipulates the command input means 130 using the tip of the thumb. The manner in which the transmitter 100 is worn by the user is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. For example, the transmitter 100 may be worn at the end or the first node of the index finger or at one of the nodes of the middle finger. In addition, the transmitter is worn at the end of the thumb, and the user can operate the command input means by using the end of the index finger.

While the transmitter 100 is worn on one of the fingertips (for example, the middle finger of the index finger), the command input means 130 is operated with the tip of the thumb to project a signal (designated signal) for designating the electronic device. . The designation signal is projected from the designation signal projection means 150 and goes straight. At this time, when the user points the desired electronic device 20 (more specifically, the receiver 200 connected with the desired electronic device 20) with his or her finger on which the transmitter 100 is worn, the receiver 200 designates By detecting the signal is ready to control the operation of the electronic device (20). Subsequently, when the user inputs a command for controlling the operation of the designated electronic device 20 through the command input means 130, the input command is transmitted through the transmitter 100, and the transmitted command is transmitted to the receiver 200. Received to control the operation of the specified electronic device (20).

3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the transmitter 100 of the electronic device control apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. The transmitter 100 determines a command input means 130 through which a user inputs a command using a finger and an electric signal of a command input through the command input means 130 so that a designated signal is projected or a control signal is transmitted. Command processing means 120, command signal processing means 120 driven by the command processing means 120, and designating signal projection means 150 for projecting the forwarding designation signal in front of the transmitter 100, and command processing means 120 It includes a control signal transmission means 140 for driving by and transmitting a control signal, and a power supply 160 for supplying power to the transmitter (100).

The input unit to which the user's finger of the command input unit 130 contacts is exposed on the flat side surface 111b of the ring-shaped body 111. The user inputs a command to the transmitter 100 to control the operation of the electronic device by manipulating the exposed input unit using a fingertip (eg, the tip of a thumb). The command input unit 130 is configured to recognize an operation that the user can perform with the fingertip, for example, a pressing operation, a rubbing operation, a flipping operation, a turning operation, and the like. The command input means 130 in this embodiment is in the form of a “joystick” as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The joystick command input unit 130 may recognize four directions of up, down, left, and right, pressing of the central part, and turning in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The user may input a plurality of commands through different actions of tilting the joystick command input means 130 once or twice in each direction, pressing the center part once, twice or long, or turning in any direction with the tip of the thumb. Can be.

When a user inputs a command for operating the electronic device through the command input means 130 to the transmitter 100, an electrical signal of the command input means 130 generated from each operation that the user applies to the command input means 130. Enters the command processing means 120. The command processing means 120 determines whether the electrical signal from the command input means 130 is a command for designating an electronic device or a command for controlling the operation of the designated electronic device, and the designation signal is projected by the transmitter 100. Or control signals are sent.

In the command processing means 120, a control signal to drive the designated signal projection means 150 or to be transmitted to the control signal transmission means 140 is stored or set in advance in response to various electrical signals from the command input means 130. That is, different electrical signals will be generated by each operation applied to the command input means 130 by the user, and the command processing means 120 determines the respective electric signals to drive the designated signal projection means 150. Or transmits a control signal to the control signal transmission means 140.

In the case of the designation signal, the command processing means 120 drives the designation signal projection means 150 so that the designation signal of the linearity is projected from the transmitter 100. The designation signal projection means 150 is preferably driven for a predetermined time so that the designation signal can reach the designation signal detection means 230 of the receiver 200 assigned to the electronic device that the user wants to control. In this case, the command processing means 120 is configured to drive the design signal projection means 150 for a predetermined time even if the design signal projection command by the user is recognized only once. Then, the user can project the designated signal from the transmitter 100 for a predetermined time through one operation, so that there is no inconvenience that the user must continuously operate the command input means 130 while projecting the designated signal.

As described above, the designation signal projection means 150 is configured to project a signal having straightness from the ring-shaped body 111 in a predetermined limited direction, that is, in a direction indicated by the user. The linearity signal projected by the designation signal projection means 150 is a signal having a focusing property that is hardly spread while being projected after being projected so that neighboring receivers are not designated but only desired receivers are designated in the situation where several receivers are arranged. It is preferable. For example, the designated signal projecting means 150 may be configured as an apparatus for projecting a laser or an apparatus for projecting an ultrasonic wave having high straightness with high frequency. In the former case, the laser being projected may be a visible laser with a red dot, such as a "laser pointer," or an infrared laser that is not recognized by the user's eyes. The projected laser goes straight in the direction indicated by the finger wearing the transmitter 100. Therefore, the user, while wearing the ring-shaped transmitter 100 in the middle node of his or her index finger, the laser beam projected on the designated signal detecting means 230 of the receiver 200 assigned to the electronic device that wants to control by moving the index finger arrives. By designating that the electronic device can be designated using a laser projected from the ring-shaped transmitter 100 as a signal for designating the electronic device.

On the other hand, if the command processing means 120 determines that the input command is a command for controlling the operation of the electronic device, the command processing means 120 drives the control signal transmission means 140 and transmits a control signal, The control signal transmitting means 140 transmits the received control signal toward the receiver 200. The control signal transmitted from the control signal transmission means 140 is preferably a signal of a radio frequency (radio frequency). The control signal transmitting means 140 transmits each control signal transmitted from the command processing means 120 to the receiver 200 as a signal of a radio frequency having a different frequency or a different amplitude. In addition, the control signal transmitting means 140 may transmit a signal of a radio frequency composed of, for example, a binary method in which on-off is combined in one unit.

The power supply 160 supplies power to various elements included in the transmitter 100. The power source 160 is formed in the form of a micro battery so that it can be accommodated in the receiving portion 111c of the ring-shaped body. The power source 160 may include a generator for using the operation of pushing the command input means 130 or the user shaking the finger while wearing the transmitter 100 and a storage battery for storing the generated electricity.

4A to 4C show various examples of the command input means 130.

The command input means 130 shown in FIG. 4A is in the form of a “touch pad” found in a notebook computer. In contact with the user's thumb tip on the touchpad command input means 130, press the top, bottom, left, or right center portion once or twice or continuously, drag in one direction, or rub in a circle. Different commands can be entered.

The command input means 130 shown in FIG. 4B is a structure that can be seen in the "optical mouse". The command input means 130 of FIG. 4B includes a light emitting element 131 and a light receiving sensor 132, and the thumb of the thumb in a state where the user covers both the light emitting element 131 and the light receiving sensor 132 with the tip of the thumb. Dragging the tip up, down, left, or right to rotate can enter different commands.

Command input means 130 shown in Figure 4c is five push buttons 131, respectively installed in the four directions up and down, left and right, and the center can be installed coaxially to the axis of the ring body in the rear or front of the ring body " Jog dial 132 ”. The user may input a specific command by pressing one of the five pushbuttons 131 with the tip of the thumb, or input a command that continuously changes by rotating the jog dial 132. The push button 131 may be provided in more than five as shown, the jog dial 132 may be provided to run on a flat surface.

5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiver 200 of the electronic device control apparatus of FIG. 1.

The receiver 200 includes designation signal detecting means 230 for detecting a designation signal projected from the transmitter 100, control signal receiving means 240 for receiving a control signal transmitted from the transmitter 100, and a receiver ( Display means 250 for displaying the operating state of the 200, and signal processing means 220 for controlling the means 230, 240, 250 and substantially controlling the operation of the electronic device based on the received control signal. And a power supply 260 for supplying power to the receiver 200. The power source 260 may be configured in the body 210 of the receiver 200 in the form of a small battery, or a power source of an electronic device to which the receiver 200 is allocated may be used as the power source 260.

The designation signal detecting means 230 detects the designation signal of the linearity projected by the designation signal projection means 150 of the transmitter 100, for example, designation signal of laser or ultrasonic wave. In detail, when the designated signal is a laser, a photosensitive sensor may be used as the designated signal detecting means 230. When the designated signal is an ultrasonic wave, the designated signal detecting means 230 may detect a high frequency of ultrasonic waves. Sensors can be employed.

6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the receiver 200 employing the photosensitive sensor 231 as an example of the designated signal detecting means. When the designated signal of the laser projected by the transmitter 100 reaches the photosensitive sensor 231 of the receiver 200 and is detected, the signal processing unit 220 activates the control signal receiving unit 240 to activate the receiver 200. Put it in the designated state (i.e. put the electronic device to which the receiver is assigned).

FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the receiver 200 configured to more efficiently detect a laser designation signal incident on the photosensitive sensor 231. The main body 210 of the receiver 200 is provided with scattering means 212 on the main body 210 in front of the photosensitive sensor 231 to scatter the laser designation signal incident to the front of the photosensitive sensor 231. .

It may be slightly difficult for a remote user to accurately enter the laser designation signal into the photosensitive sensor 231 of the receiver 200 by moving his / her finger while the laser designation signal is projected. In this case, when the laser designation signal incident near the photosensitive sensor 231 is scattered, the photosensitive sensor 231 may detect the laser designation signal even if the user does not correctly point to the photosensitive sensor 231.

The scattering means 212 is disposed to cover the photosensitive sensor 231 over a wide range, and has a hemispherical shape. The scattering means 212 has a structure in which two transparent hemispherical members 212a are in close contact with each other with a scattering medium 212b therebetween. As the scattering medium 212b, for example, oily paper or another film type member capable of scattering light may be used. Since the scattering means 212 is positioned widely around the photosensitive sensor 231, when the user reaches the surface of the scattering means 212, the photosensitive sensor 231 detects a laser designation signal, thereby causing the electronic device to stop. Can be specified. The scattering means may be arranged in the form of a plate rather than a hemisphere.

6C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a receiver 200 employing a camera 232a and a translucent screen 232b as an example of the designation signal sensing means 230.

Translucent screen 232b is widely provided on receiver body 210. The camera 232a is disposed inside the receiver 200 behind the translucent screen 232b and is configured to detect or recognize an image in real time. The camera 232a may be a camera employing a CCD or an image sensor having a CMOS structure.

When the user reaches a part of the translucent screen 232b by using the index finger wearing the transmitter 100 in a situation in which a designated signal is transmitted from the transmitter 100, for example, a laser, the image is transmitted on the translucent screen 232b. The image is formed by the laser which has entered. The camera 232a facing the translucent screen 232b detects an image formed on the translucent screen 232b by a laser. Since the detection of the image means that the receiver is designated through the laser designation signal, the signal processing means 220 activates the control signal receiving means 240 to prepare to receive the control signal of the radio frequency from the transmitter 100. do. Since the translucent screen 232b is widely positioned in front of the receiver body 210, the user is directed to the receiver by simply moving his or her finger to reach the translucent screen 232b without having to aim the laser accurately.

Referring back to FIG. 5, when a signal for designating an electronic device is detected through the designated signal detecting means 230 as described above, the receiver 200 is placed in the designated state by the signal processing means 220. This is achieved by the signal processing means 220 activating the control signal receiving means 240.

The control signal receiving unit 240 receives a control signal of a radio frequency transmitted from the transmitter 100. The received control signal is transmitted to the signal processing means 220.

The signal processing unit 220 receiving the control signal from the control signal receiving unit 240 controls the operation of the electronic device 20 to which the receiver 200 is assigned. The signal processing means 220 is connected to a circuit inside the electronic device 20 to which the receiver 200 is assigned. The control signal receiving unit 240 receives various control signals corresponding to a user's input command, and the signal processing unit 220 is connected to a circuit of the electronic device allocated to perform various operations of the electronic device for each received control signal. Send an electrical signal. The signal processing means 220 is mapped with the received control signal and the electrical signal sent to the circuit of the electronic device. This mapping is set differently for each electronic device to which the receiver 200 is assigned.

The receiver 200 of the present embodiment includes a means 250 for indicating an operation state of the receiver 200 to enable feedback by indicating to the user by indicating that the transmitter 100 is correctly received when the transmitter 100 sends a designated signal or a control signal. do. The display means 250 is installed to expose the display screen on the surface of the receiver main body 211 facing the user. When the receiver 200 receives the designated signal or the control signal, the signal processing means 220 drives the display means 250 to immediately display the corresponding signal, whereby the user operates the transmitter 100. You can see the result immediately.

On the display screen of the display means 250, a symbol which can be intuitively understood by the user is displayed, an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7E.

7A is an example of a symbol that can be displayed on the display screen of the display means 250 when a designated signal is input by pressing the center portion of the joystick 130 as an example of command input means. FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a symbol that may be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 250 when the joystick 130 is flipped upward and a control signal is input. 7C illustrates an example of a symbol that may be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 250 when the joystick 130 is turned to the right to input a control signal. 7D illustrates an example of a symbol that may be displayed on the screen of the display means 250 when a control signal is input by pressing the center portion of the joystick 130 for a long time. 7E is an example of a symbol that may be displayed on the display screen of the display means 250 when the joystick 130 is rotated clockwise to input a control signal.

8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the receiver. The receiver shown in FIG. 8 is arranged such that the display means and the designation signal sensing means are aligned with each other, so that the designation signal of the laser can be more easily detected.

Referring to FIG. 8, a camera 232a and a translucent screen 232b as shown in FIG. 6C are employed as the designation signal sensing means, and a transparent liquid crystal panel is employed as the display means 250. The translucent screen 232b has a surface area slightly larger than the surface area of the transparent liquid crystal panel 250, and is disposed in close contact with the transparent liquid crystal panel 250 or spaced slightly behind the transparent liquid crystal panel 250. The laser incident in front of the receiver 200 passes through the transparent liquid crystal panel 250 to reach the translucent screen 232b, and the camera 232a detects an image formed on the translucent screen 232b and is received by the user. It is determined that is specified. Since the translucent screen 232b is located directly behind the transparent liquid crystal panel 250, the user points the transparent liquid crystal panel 250 in a situation where a laser is projected on the transmitter 100 to locate a receiver assigned to an electronic device to be controlled. Can be specified. The transparent liquid crystal panel 250 may be provided in the receiver 200 to almost cover the front surface of the receiver body 210, if necessary, so that the camera can only be projected once the laser beam reaches one of the wide transparent liquid crystal panel 150. The arrival of the laser is detected by 232a to designate the receiver. Therefore, not only the task of designating the receiver assigned to the electronic device which the user wants to control with his finger is easier, but also the appearance configuration of the receiver becomes simpler.

Next, remote control of an electronic device using the electronic device control apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B. 9 illustrates a procedure performed at the transmitter 100 side, and FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a procedure performed at the receiver 200 side.

Remote control of an electronic device according to the present invention includes the steps of designating the electronic device and controlling the operation of the designated electronic device. The electronic device designation step is performed by pointing the receiver 200 assigned to the desired electronic device with a finger wearing the transmitter 100 while the user manipulates a command input means provided in the transmitter 100 to project a designated signal. The control step of the operation of the electronic device is made by the user again operating the command input means to input a desired command.

The user manipulates the electronic device, for example, while wearing the transmitter 100 in the middle section of his or her index finger. When the user inputs a command by operating the joystick command input means 130 of the transmitter 100 to control the operation of the electronic device (S101), the electrical signal of the input command enters the command processing means 120 and is processed. .

The command processing means 120 determines whether or not the command from the command input means 130 is a command for designating an electronic device (S102). The electrical signal corresponding to the command for designating the electronic device may be preset. For example, the electrical signal generated by pressing the same portion of the electrical signal from the command input means 130 for a predetermined time may be set as a designated command of the electronic device. When the command processing means 120 determines the designation command, the command processing means 120 drives the designation signal projection means 150 to project the designation signal from the transmitter 100 (S103). In a situation where the designation signal is being projected, the user points to the electronic device to which control is to be lifted (S104). Specifically, the index finger indicates that the designated signal projected on the designated signal detecting means 230 of the receiver 200 assigned to the desired electronic device is incident.

At this time, since the user operates the command input means 130 to designate the electronic device by lifting the index finger and projecting the designated signal, the designated signal detecting means 230 of the receiver may detect after the command input means 130 is manipulated. This may take some time. Therefore, it is preferable that the designated signal projecting means 150 is driven by the command processing means 120 to project the designated signal for a predetermined time, for example, for about 2 to 3 seconds. In addition, the command processing means 120 preferably drives the designated signal projection means 150 for a predetermined time in response to a user's one command input.

If the command processing means 120 determines that the command from the command input means 130 is not an electronic device designating command (S102), that is, as illustrated above, the electric signal from the command input means 130 is commanded. If the electrical signal other than the electrical signal generated by pressing a portion of the input means 130 for a predetermined time, the signal is a command issued by the user to control the operation of the specified electronic device, the command processing means 120 is a control signal By driving the transmitting means 140, the transmitter 100 transmits a control signal for controlling the operation of the designated electronic device (S105).

The designation signal sensing means 230 of the receiver 200 assigned to each of the plurality of electronic devices is preferably always in the on state. When the designated signal projected from the transmitter 100 by the user is detected through the designated signal detecting means 230 of the receiver assigned to the electronic device that the user wants to operate (S201), the signal processing means 220 displays the display means ( In step S202, the feedback signal is received through the designated signal. For example, the receiver 200 displays the symbol shown in FIG. 7A to indicate to the user that the desired electronic device is designated. Thereafter, the signal processing means 220 activates the control signal receiving means 240 to prepare to receive the control signal. Since the receiver 200 of the remaining electronic devices not designated by the user does not receive the designated signal, it does not show any change.

In a situation in which receivers of various electronic devices are placed, the projected designation signal may be directed to a receiver assigned to an unwanted electronic device while the user moves his arm and finger to designate the desired electronic device. Therefore, the signal processing means 220 of the receiver needs to activate the control signal receiving means 240 by setting the receiver to be designated only after the designated signal detecting means 230 detects the designated signal for a predetermined time. In this case, the time for the receiver to detect the designated signal is preferably set to about 0.5 seconds, for example.

If the command input by the user to the transmitter 100 is not a command for designating an electronic device (B of FIG. 9), one of several receivers may already be in a specified state, or none may be in a specified state. There is (S204). The receiver in an unspecified state ends the control procedure. Since the control signal receiving means 240 is already activated in the receiver in the designated state, the control signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 is received (S205).

The received control signal is sent to the signal processing means 220 and its type is determined (S206). If the received control signal is a release command, the signal processing means 220 displays the symbol as shown in FIG. 7A through the display means 250 (S207) and deactivates the control signal receiving means 240 (S208).

If it is determined that the received control signal is not a release command (S206), this is a signal for controlling the operation of the designated electronic device. Subsequently, the signal processing means 220 displays the received control signal, for example, the symbol shown in FIGS. 7B to 7E through the display means 250 and feeds it back to the user (S209). Control the operation of the device (S210).

Since the control signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 is transmitted as a signal of a different radio frequency for each operation in which the user manipulates the command input means 130, the signal processing means 220 receives control signals of different radio frequencies. The operation of the electronic device corresponding to each control signal can be realized.

In addition, in a situation where a plurality of receivers are installed, the user may want to operate other electronic devices simultaneously or sequentially while controlling the operation of one electronic device. At this time, if a specific command is designated again without giving a release command to designate a receiver of another electronic device, the control signal receiving means of another designated receiver is also activated. have. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, each time a user gives a designation command, it projects a designation signal for designation of a receiver and transmits a release command at a radio frequency, thereby deactivating the control signal reception means of the previously designated receiver. In addition, all of the target receivers may be configured to communicate with each other, and if one receiver is designated, all of the control signal receiving means of the remaining receivers may be configured to be deactivated.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control signal receiving means 240 is activated until the user gives a release command, but it is preferable that the deactivation of the control signal receiving means 240 is determined for more precise control. The control signal receiving means 240 may be driven by the signal processing means 220 to be deactivated immediately after receiving one control signal by a user's command or automatically deactivated after a predetermined time after the initial activation.

Up to now, a case where only one user operates an electronic device in a situation where one transmitter and several receivers are installed has been described. If necessary, two or more transmitters may be provided to control two or more electronic devices at the same time. That is, if each transmitter projects a different designation signal, the user transmits a control signal of different radio frequency according to the form of the user operating the command input means, and the receivers distinguish different designation signals, for example, two users It is possible to control a plurality of electronic devices at the same time by wearing a transmitter for projecting different designation signals. At this time, the signal processing means 220 of the receiver is configured to determine a control signal of different radio frequency containing the same command. In this way, two or more users can remotely control a plurality of electronic devices at the same time.

In order for the designation signal projection means to project different designation signals, the designation signal projection means can project a straightness signal having a different frequency or a straightness signal composed of pulse waves. For example, in the case of a laser designation signal, a method of including a pulse wave in the designation signal can be realized by intermittently projecting the laser. Specifically, one transmitter projects a laser blinking signal that blinks 1000 times per second, the other transmitter projects a laser blinking signal that blinks 500 times per second, and the signal processing means 220 of the receiver detects the blinking of the laser designation signal. Check and determine which transmitter is the designated signal projected from.

On the other hand, the display means may be configured to simply make a "beep" sound, rather than a configuration for displaying a symbol on the display screen in a simpler form.

The receiver may also be integrated into a surface facing the user of the body of the electronic device 20. For example, the receiver may be integrated in the main body of the electronic device 20 so that the designated signal detecting means and the display means, which are main components of the receiver, are exposed on the surface facing the user of the main body of the electronic device 20.

11A to 11E are views illustrating an example of controlling an electronic device using the electronic device control device according to the present invention.

11A illustrates a situation in which a plurality of electronic devices are placed and a user tries to control a desired electronic device among them. As an example of the electronic device which the user wants to control, the television 21, the audio set 22, the air conditioner 23, the lamp 24, etc. are provided, and the receiver 201, 202, 203, 204 is provided in each electronic device. Is assigned. The user is wearing the transmitter 100 in his middle index finger, and can operate the command input means 130 exposed on the side of the transmitter 100 with the tip of the thumb. The user inputs a command to cause the designated signal to be projected from the transmitter 100 by, for example, pressing the center portion P of the command input means 130 slightly longer. Then, the designated signal of the laser is projected from the designated signal projecting means 150, for example. At this time, since the projected laser designation signal is projected for a predetermined time, the user may operate the command input means 130 only once.

In the situation where the laser is projected, as shown in Fig. 11B, the laser projected to the designated signal sensing means of the receiver (e.g., the receiver 201 assigned to the television 21) assigned to the electronic device to be controlled arrives. The index finger is pointed at the receiver 201.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, the designation signal detecting means 230 of the transmitter 201 detects the designation signal that has entered and the designation signal is transmitted to the display screen of the display means 250 by the signal processing means, for example, in FIG. 7A. Indicated by the symbol shown, the control signal receiving means is activated. Therefore, the user only wants to control the place where a plurality of electronic devices are placed, for example, the electronic device (for example, the television 21) where his or her index finger points to the designated signal detecting means 230 of the receiver 201 assigned to the television. Can be specified simply. Once the receiver 201 is designated, the control signal receiving means is activated by the signal processing means in the receiver 201, so that the user does not need to point the receiver 201 with his or her index finger, and thus the hand wearing the transmitter 100. You can put it freely.

11D shows a situation of controlling the operation of the designated electronic device. With the television 21 designated, the user can operate the command input means 130 to control the operation of the television 21. For example, if the operation of the upper portion P of the command input means 130 is set to change the channel of the television 21 and the user operates the upper portion P of the command input means 130, the transmitter 100 The control signal for channel change is transmitted from the control signal transmission means by the command processing means.

Referring to Fig. 11E, the control signal receiving means is activated in the receiver 201 in the already designated state, and the transmitted control signal of the channel change is received through the control signal receiving means and transmitted to the signal processing means. The signal processing means of the receiver 201 visually displays the portion of the user's manipulation of the command input means 130 via the display means 250 to feed back to the user that it is normally received, and to control the operation of the television 21. Sends an electrical signal to the internal circuitry of the television 21 causing a channel change. In this way, the user can designate the electronic device 21 to be controlled and control its operation.

After the user operates the television 21 and wants to operate other electronic devices, the user inputs a release command through the command input means 130. The release command may be an operation of the command input means 130 in the same manner as the designated command, or may be set in another manner. For example, in the case where the input of the designated command is set to long press a part of the command input means 130, the receiver (201) can be released in detail by pressing the command input means 130 again for a long time. 20 may be set to deactivate the control signal receiving means.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic device control device comprising a ring-shaped transmitter and a receiver so as to selectively designate an electronic device to be manipulated among a plurality of electronic devices and to remotely control the designated electronic device.

In the state of wearing the ring-shaped transmitter, the electronic device to be controlled is generated by simply generating a designation signal and simply pointing with the worn finger, so that a plurality of electronic devices can be easily designated.

Since the electronic device can be controlled wirelessly by operating the command input means provided on the side of the ring transmitter with a finger, the user can perform basic control of the electronic device by moving his / her finger slightly and do not need to learn complicated operation methods. none.

Since the command input by the user is immediately displayed through the display means of the receiver, the user can intuitively know the operation performed by the user.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

An electronic device control apparatus comprising a transmitter and a receiver assigned to a plurality of electronic devices, respectively. The transmitter includes a ring-shaped body wearable on one of the user's fingers; Command input means provided in the body to be operable by another one of the user's fingers; Projection means provided in the body to project a straight signal in a predetermined limited direction; Transmitting means for transmitting a radio frequency signal; And command processing means for determining the electrical signal from the command input means to drive the projection means and the transmission means, The receiver includes sensing means for sensing the linearity signal; Receiving means for receiving the radio frequency signal; And signal processing means connected to a driving circuit of an electronic device and activating the receiving means and transferring an electrical signal corresponding to the received radio frequency signal to the driving circuit when the sensing means detects the linearity signal. Electronic device control. The method of claim 1, The command input means is located on the body to be operated by the other of the user's fingers, the electronic device control device, characterized in that configured to recognize the pressing, rubbing, flipping or turning. The method of claim 1, And the projection means of the transmitter is configured to project a laser. The method of claim 1, And the projection means of the transmitter is configured to project ultrasonic waves. The method of claim 3, wherein And a camera for detecting an image formed on said translucent screen by said laser, said sensing means being provided on a surface facing said transmitter of said receiver. The method of claim 1, And the receiver further comprises scattering means for scattering an incoming linear signal disposed in front of the sensing means. The method of claim 1, And said command processing means is configured to drive said projection means for a predetermined time. The method of claim 1, And said projection means projects a linear signal composed of pulse waves. The method of claim 8, The electronic device control device includes a plurality of transmitters, And the plurality of transmitters are configured to transmit signals of different radio frequencies according to a form in which a user manipulates command input means. The method of claim 1, And the receiver further comprises display means for being driven by the signal processing means and for indicating an operating state of the receiver. The method of claim 10, And the display means drives the display means when the signal processing means senses the linearity signal or receives the radio frequency signal. The method of claim 11, And the display means displays a symbol embodying an operation that a user applies to the command input means. The method of claim 10, The display means is a transparent liquid crystal panel, And the camera comprises a translucent screen disposed behind the transparent liquid crystal panel and a camera for detecting an image formed on the translucent screen by the linear signal. A ring-shaped transmitter which is wearable on a user's finger and operated by a finger other than the worn finger and configured to generate a radio frequency signal by the user's operation and project a straight signal in the direction indicated by the worn finger; A method of controlling a plurality of electronic devices using a receiver, each of which is allocated to a device and connected with the driving circuit, and configured to transmit an electrical signal for operating the electronic device to the driving circuit in response to a signal generated by the transmitter. In (a) manipulating the transmitter to project a straight signal; (b) designating a receiver by moving a finger wearing the transmitter such that the linear signal reaches a receiver assigned to the electronic device to be controlled; (c) the designated receiver is activated to detect the linearity signal and receive a radio frequency signal, (d) operating the transmitter to generate a radio frequency signal, and (e) the designated receiver transmitting the electrical signal to the driving circuit in response to the signal of the radio frequency; Control method of an electronic device comprising a. The method of claim 14, The receiver is configured to display a result in response to a signal generated at the transmitter, And displaying the result of the designated receiver responding to the signal received from the transmitter after the steps (c) and (e). The method of claim 14, And after the step (e), the designated receiver receives and deactivates a radio frequency signal generated by operating the transmitter. The method of claim 16, The transmitter is a control method of the electronic device, characterized in that for generating a linear signal with a signal of the radio frequency.

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