KR101105146B1 - Apparatus and method for remote control using bidirectional wireless communication - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic device and the remote control to which the remote control apparatus and method using the two-way wireless communication according to the present invention are applied, for example, perform two-way wireless communication using Bluetooth, and in the electronic device, In a remote control that transmits suitable menu data, for example, as XML data, and receives it, the electronic device may be displayed on a display screen of a touch screen as a menu item of a graphical user interface (GUI). Even if a new function is added to the device or a complicated function is provided, the user can select a menu item displayed on the display screen of the remote controller to remotely perform function selection and operation control of various electronic devices.

Description

Apparatus and method for remote control using bidirectional wireless communication}

The present invention, for example, a remote control device using a two-way wireless communication applied to various types of electronic devices and remote control (Remocon), such as a television (TV), a set-top box (STB), and a media player (Media Player), etc. And to a method.

In general, various types of electronic devices such as televisions, set-top boxes, and media players include an infrared receiver module for receiving an infrared (IR) remote control signal.

In addition, the remote control for remote control of the electronic devices, the infrared transmission module for transmitting the infrared remote control signal is configured, in recent years, the user, using a single remote control, a plurality of electronic devices to remote Multi type remote controllers for controlling can be widely used.

Further, many more functions are newly added to electronic devices such as the television, the set-top box, and the media player. For example, various functions newly added to the electronic device can be remotely controlled from the remote controller. In order to be able to do so, a corresponding key button and a unique control key value must be pre-assigned and set in the remote controller.

On the other hand, the relevant company that manufactures and sells the electronic device and the remote control, for example, when developing and launching an electronic device with a new function added, develop a new remote control corresponding to the same, or provide it to the user, or previously used The software program in the remote control is updated and provided to the user.

However, in order to develop and provide a new remote control to a user as described above, or to update a software program in the remote control and provide the user with a large amount of time and money inefficiently, an efficient solution for this problem is required. In particular, there is an urgent need for an efficient solution to be applied to a multi-type remote controller for remotely controlling a plurality of electronic devices with new functions or complicated functions.

The present invention, for example, between the electronic device and the remote control to perform a two-way wireless communication using Bluetooth, and in the electronic device, menu data suitable for the remote control, for example, XML (XML) In the remote control that transmits data and receives the data, the remote controller can display a menu item of a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display screen of the touch screen, so that the user can easily perform the function selection and operation control of various electronic devices remotely. To provide a remote control device and a method using two-way wireless communication to provide.

Remote control apparatus using two-way wireless communication according to the present invention, the communication unit for performing a two-way wireless communication with the electronic device; A decoding unit for decoding the data received through the communication unit; A generation unit for generating a graphic user interface image corresponding to the decoded data; A display unit for displaying a menu screen of the graphic user interface image; And a controller for performing a remote control operation of the electronic device according to a key value of a user input through the menu screen.

The controller may be configured to automatically switch the communication unit from the enabled state to the disabled state when there is no bidirectional wireless communication and user key input for a predetermined time.

The data may be XML data corresponding to a menu screen of a graphic user interface image.

The apparatus may further include a storage unit for storing the graphical user interface image or the XLM data, wherein the unique type information assigned to any electronic device is assigned to the graphical user interface image or the XLM data stored in the storage unit. And at least one of and an address value are linked and stored.

In addition, the electronic device may store and manage menu data for selecting functions and operations that may be provided by the electronic device in an XML database, and in the XML database, based on remote controller identification information. XM data corresponding to the main menu and the sub menu are cooperatively stored, and each of the operation mode information is cooperatively stored in the XML data.

In addition, the remote control method using the two-way wireless communication according to the present invention, the first step of decoding the data received through the two-way wireless communication with the electronic device; Generating a graphic user interface image corresponding to the decoded data and displaying a menu screen; And three steps of performing a remote control operation of the electronic device according to a key value of the user input through the menu screen.

In addition, an RF module of Bluetooth is used for the two-way wireless communication, and the menu screen is displayed on the display module of the touch screen, and if the two-way wireless communication and the user key input are not performed for a predetermined time, And automatically switching the RF module from the enabled state to the disabled state.

The data may be XML data corresponding to a menu screen of a graphic user interface image.

The method may further include storing the decoded XML data or the generated graphic user interface image, wherein the stored XML data or graphic user interface image is a unique type assigned to any electronic device. At least one of information and an address value may be linked and stored.

In addition, the electronic device may store and manage menu data for selecting functions and operations that may be provided by the electronic device in an XML database, and in the XML database, based on remote controller identification information. XM data corresponding to the main menu and the sub menu are cooperatively stored, and the operation mode information is cooperatively stored in the XML data.

The electronic device and the remote control to which the remote control apparatus and method using the two-way wireless communication according to the present invention are applied, for example, perform two-way wireless communication using Bluetooth, and in the electronic device, In a remote control that transmits suitable menu data, for example, as XML data, and receives it, a plurality of items can be displayed as a menu item of a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display screen of a touch screen. , Even if a new function is added to the electronics of the electronics or complicated functions, the user can select a menu item displayed on the display screen of the remote control to easily perform the function selection and operation control of various electronic devices remotely do.

1 illustrates an embodiment in which an RF module is provided to a remote controller and an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a remote control packet of Bluetooth to which the present invention is applied,
Figure 3 shows the configuration of an embodiment of a remote control and a set-top box to which the present invention is applied,
4 illustrates an embodiment of an XML database stored and managed according to the present invention.
5 illustrates an embodiment of XML data transmitted according to the present invention.
6 to 14 illustrate embodiments of various menu screens displayed on a display of a remote controller to which the present invention is applied.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a remote control apparatus and method using two-way wireless communication according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the remote control apparatus and method using two-way wireless communication according to the present invention, for example, as shown in Figure 1, a remote control 100 and a plurality of electronic devices each provided with an RF module for two-way wireless communication (Devices 1,2,3 ..), for example, may be applied to a television 200, a set-top box 300, a media player 400, and the like provided with an RF module.

Meanwhile, various types of wireless RF communication technologies may be applied to the RF module provided in the remote controller 100 and the electronic devices, for example, Bluetooth which is widely used as a bidirectional short range wireless data communication method. Can be applied.

The data transmitted and received between the remote controller 100 and the electronic devices through the RF module to which the Bluetooth is applied is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, 1 byte of a header and 18 bytes. It can be transmitted and received in a Bluetooth Remote Control Packet (Payload) consisting of a Payload, and 2 bytes of the Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC).

On the other hand, in the payload, for example, the type and unique address information of the remote controller are registered in the set-top box STB, or the set-top box STB. Extensible Markup Language (XML) data for registering the Type and the unique address information of the DRM may be recorded in the remote controller.

For example, the XML data, as is widely known, is a multipurpose markup language that can be applied to describe various kinds of data using simple grammar, format, and text. Because it is a very simple language that is not needed, it has the advantage of being compatible with all operating systems that recognize Unicode.

On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the data transmitted and received between the remote control and the electronic device is encoded as XML data (XML), it is transmitted and received in a remote control packet of Bluetooth.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller type Remocon Type = 0x1 transmitted as the XML data has a display and touch function and all functions (All Remote control address Address = 0x05EB32AA indicates a unique address value for communication with the set-top box, and the remote control type and the unique address value are registered and stored in the set-top box that receives it. Managed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the set-top box type STB Type = 0x1 and the address Address = 0x03F51234 transmitted as the XL data are similarly registered and stored and managed in the remote controller that receives the same. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the remote controller 100 includes an RF module 10, an XML codec 11, a graphical user interface (GUI) generator 12, a controller 13, a keypad 14, A timer 15, a memory 16, and a display module 17 of a touch screen are included. The XML codec 11 is divided into an XML decoder and an XML encoder. Can be configured.

The set top box 300 includes, for example, an RF module 30, an XML codec 31, a storage 32, a controller 33, a memory 34, a timer 35, and a keypad 36. And an operation module 37, and the operation module 37 includes a tuner module for receiving digital broadcasts. For example, in the case of a television, broadcast reception is performed. And a tuner module for displaying and a display module for displaying an image.

In addition, the storage 32 of the set-top box may be used, for example, non-volatile storage such as a flash memory or a hard disk (HDD), it is also possible to select a variety of functions that can be provided in the set-top box and Menu data for operation control may be stored and managed in an XML database (eg, XML DB).

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the XML database includes a main menu, a sub menu, XML data, and an operation mode based on a remote controller type. Mode) and the like can be stored in association.

The operation mode is a unique code value corresponding to all functions and operations that can be provided in the set-top box, and the XML data is menu data for displaying a unique sub-menu screen corresponding to each operation mode. For example, the operation mode may not be separately recorded in the XML data corresponding to the main menu screen such as the initial screen.

On the other hand, in the controller 13 of the remote controller, when the key button provided on the keypad 14 or the key button displayed on the touch screen of the display module 17 is pushed by the user, the RF module 10 Control operation from the disabled state to the enabled state.

That is, since the remote controller 100 uses a limited amount of battery power, the user's key is not input for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), or wireless communication with the set-top box 300 is for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the RF module 10 is automatically disabled to prevent wasting of battery power.

Then, when a user's key is input, the RF module 10 is enabled to perform bidirectional communication with the set top box, and then no signal is received from the set top box 300 for a predetermined time. In the unsuccessful state, if there is no key input by the user, the RF module 10 is automatically disabled, thereby inefficiently wasting battery power as the RF module 10 always checks whether a signal is received. Prevent.

In addition, in the controller 13 of the remote controller, when the user's key is input while the RF module 10 is enabled, the XML codec 11 and the RF module 10 are operated to control the user. After encoding the XML data corresponding to the key value, it is recorded in the remote control packet of Bluetooth and transmitted to the set-top box 300. For example, power on / off, volume up / down, channel up / down XML data of basic user key values, such as the like, may be stored and managed in advance in the memory 16.

On the other hand, when the controller 33 of the set top box receives and confirms the XML data recorded and transmitted in the remote control packet of Bluetooth as described above through the RF module 30 and the XML codec 31 of the set top box. The operation corresponding to the XML data is performed.

For example, when the operation corresponding to the checked XML data is a request for transmitting <input> menu data for inputting numbers, characters, and the like, the controller 33 of the set-top box is connected to the storage 32. In the storage-managed XML database, as shown in FIG. 5, the XML data (eg, see FIG. 5) recorded in association with the operation mode <Input> is retrieved.

The XML codec 31 and the RF module 30 are operated to read, encode and read XML data of the operation mode <Input>, and then record them in a Bluetooth remote control packet and transmit them to the remote controller 100. Done.

On the other hand, when the controller 13 of the remote controller receives and confirms the XML data of the operation mode <Input> through the RF module 10 and the XML codec 11, the RF module 10 operates. Control to transmit a pre-set response command (e.g., ACK) to the set-top box, and to control the GUI generator 12 to control XML data of the operation mode <Input>. GUI) menu image.

In addition, a menu image of the graphical user interface (GUI) is displayed on the display module 17. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a numeric button () is displayed on the touch screen of the display module. 0 ~ 9) and special symbol buttons (*, #) and input modes such as numbers (e.g. num), Korean (e.g. a), English (e.g. A), special characters (e.g. special) Since the menu items are displayed, the user can input a desired number and letter through the touch screen.

On the other hand, the controller 13 of the remote control, the GUI to store the XML data of the <Input> received through a series of steps as described above in the memory 16, or corresponding to the XML data of the <Input> A menu image may be stored in the memory 16 so that the XML data of the <Input> is no longer unnecessarily transmitted or received. In this case, the XML data or the GUI menu of the <Input> stored in the memory In the image, unique type information, an address, and the like allocated to the set-top box are stored in association.

The controller 13 of the remote controller controls the XML codec 11 and the RF module 10 to encode XML data corresponding to numbers and letters input by the user through the touch screen, It is recorded in the remote control packet of and transmitted to the set-top box.

In addition, the controller 33 of the set-top box, after receiving and confirming the XML data through the RF module 30 and the XML codec 31, performs an operation corresponding to the corresponding numbers and letters, etc. For example, in a broadcast program selection mode, when a letter and a number corresponding to 'KBS 9 o'clock news' are input, the tuner module included in the operation module 37 is operated to tune the corresponding broadcast program. You will perform a series of actions.

On the other hand, in the remote control 100, as described above, the key buttons and GUI screens commonly used by the user, independently on the touch screen without performing the two-way wireless communication operation as described above Can also be displayed.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in the remote controller, power, device search, input, home, set, mute, and search ( Common key buttons such as Search, Exit, etc. and basic menu items such as Volume Up / Down, Menu, Channel Up / Down, etc. It may be displayed on the touch screen independently without performing a wireless communication operation.

In the controller 13 of the remote controller, for example, when the user pushes the key button of the device search, as described above with reference to FIG. Two-way wireless communication with the devices will be performed.

On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, while performing two-way wireless communication, the search screen is displayed on the touch screen, and when the device search operation is completed, for example, FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 3, menu items of a list of electronic devices installed in the surroundings are displayed.

10 to 14 illustrate embodiments of various menu screens displayed on a touch screen of a remote controller according to the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 shows a setting button menu screen and FIG. 11 shows an item selection. 12 shows a media menu button menu screen, FIG. 13 shows a media music button menu screen, and FIG. 14 shows a game button menu screen.

On the other hand, the remote control according to an embodiment of the present invention, as well as a dedicated remote control manufactured for remote control of electronic devices, as well as various types of portable devices such as a mobile phone (PDA) or the like with a remote control function (PDA) Can be applied to

Or more, preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, for the purpose of illustration, those skilled in the art, within the technical spirit and the technical scope of the present invention disclosed in the appended claims below, to further improve various other embodiments Changes, substitutions or additions will be possible.

100: remote control 200: television
300: set-top box 400: media player
10: RF Module 11: XML Codec
12: GUI Generator 13: Controller
14: keypad 15: timer
16: memory 17: display module
30: RF Module 31: XML Codec
32: storage 33: controller
34: memory 35: timer
36: keypad 37: operation module

Claims (10)

A communication unit for performing two-way wireless communication with the electronic device;
An encoding and decoding unit for encoding and decoding XML data transmitted / received through the communication unit;
A generation unit for generating a graphic user interface image corresponding to the decoded XML data;
A display unit for displaying a menu screen of the graphic user interface image; And
According to the user's key value input through the menu screen, including a control unit for performing a remote control operation of the electronic device,
In the electronic device, menu data for selecting functions and operations that can be provided by the electronic device are stored and managed in an XML database, and in the XML database, main menus and submenus for each remote control are based on remote control identification information. XML data is stored in association with each operation mode information,
The electronic device checks the remote control identification information in the XML data received from the remote control, and then searches the XML database for XML data of the main menu or submenu of any one operation mode based on the remote control identification information. Remote control device using a two-way wireless communication, characterized in that for transmitting to the remote control. The method of claim 1,
The controller, when there is no bidirectional wireless communication and user key input for a predetermined time, automatically switches the communication unit from the enabled state to the disabled state. Remote control unit. delete The method of claim 1,
It further comprises a storage unit for storing the graphical user interface image or XML data,
The graphic user interface image or the XML data stored in the storage unit, one or more of the unique type information and address values assigned to any electronic device is stored in association with the remote control device using two-way wireless communication. delete Encoding and decoding XML data transmitted and received through two-way wireless communication with the electronic device;
Generating a graphic user interface image corresponding to the decoded XML data and displaying a menu screen; And
In accordance with the user's key value input through the menu screen, including the step of performing a remote control operation of the electronic device,
In the electronic device, menu data for selecting functions and operations that can be provided by the electronic device are stored and managed in an XML database, and in the XML database, main menus and submenus for each remote control are based on remote control identification information. XML data is stored in association with each operation mode information,
The electronic device checks the remote control identification information in the XML data received from the remote control, and then searches the XML database for XML data of the main menu or submenu of any one operation mode based on the remote control identification information. And transmitting to the remote controller by using the two-way wireless communication. The method of claim 6,
In the bidirectional wireless communication, an RF module of Bluetooth is used,
The menu screen is displayed on the display module of the touch screen,
And automatically switching the RF module of the Bluetooth from the enabled state to the disabled state if the bidirectional wireless communication and the user key input are not performed for a predetermined time. Remote control method using two-way wireless communication. delete The method of claim 6,
The method may further include storing the decoded XML data or the generated graphic user interface image.
The stored XML data or graphic user interface image, the one or more of the unique type information and address values assigned to any electronic device is stored in the remote control method using a two-way wireless communication, characterized in that. delete

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