DE19620332A1 - Wireless cursor remote control for multi-media system - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand-held unit emits light-signals in the form of geometric images and/or geometric signal images which are shifted according to the movement executed with the handheld unit. The signal image and its shift is received by a receiver, is analysed, and is converted in a signal processing device into a cursor movement to be executed. The geometric images and/or geometric signal images emitted by the handheld unit are produced through corresp design of a light or signal source.

Description

The invention relates to and relates to the field of computer and media technology in particular the control of a screen cursor (= display mark or position display icon) used in computer, multimedia and menu systems.

In the case of known technical solutions, the cursor control is implemented via the Movement achieved on a hand-operated unit such as a mouse, trackball, trackpad, joystick, etc. In recent years there has been an increased development of multimedia systems record. It can be assumed that in future multimedia systems only one Screen used for PC work, TV programs, multimedia applications and network services becomes. Systems that include computers and televisions are already on the market one device (e.g. Siemens FD 150, computer: AM 5 x 86 P75 processor with 133 MHz clock frequency, 4 MB RAM, 850 MB hard disk and full TV part with 40 cm Diagonal; the device is also offered with a mouse and multi-remote control). Also the Device manufacturer LOEWE Opta has launched the "multimedia terminal", an alternative consumer Terminal developed for television, digital video broadcasting DVB and multimedia services. By doing Terminal are the three components TV receiver, DVB decoder and PC combined. The device is controlled with a trackball remote control. Text and number input will be using a keyboard shown on the screen.

Regardless of the development of the technical standards for unifying device solutions the sharing of TV programs, PC programs, multimedia systems (such as information CD-ROMs), network services (e.g. Btx or online services) etc. with one device or with the help of a connecting device so far uncomfortable because the operation of the menus either only usual TV remote controls (hand part without movement relevance), several operating elements (e.g. for TV and PC separately) or with cable-based controls, what is possible is particularly uncomfortable if the operation of living room seating units (couch, Armchair, sofa or similar). It is therefore desirable to work comfortably Introduction of a remote control, the only remote control to perform the tasks of the usual TV remote controls and computer cursor control elements combined and wireless is working. In doing so, a screen menu-based control system and screen scales are used based setting based on the wireless remote control for cursor control is operated by the user.

The aim of the invention is to create the conditions for the introduction of menu and scale-based operation with just a single wireless remote control by one seen special signal transmission and signal conversion method, for which a special Arrangement is proposed.  

The principle of cursor control in computer systems is assumed.

In the vast majority of today's computer and multimedia systems, these are Operating elements (e.g. mouse, trackball, joystick etc.) with the main device or Computer system connected by cable. A few years ago became wireless Signal transmission method for controls such. B. developed the mouse that for example, transmit information based on infrared rays. Such wireless mice are already on the market today (e.g. SICOS infrared mouse).

Wireless mice also transmit their information on the basis of a radio link works, are offered, e.g. B. "MouseMan Cordless" from LOGITECH, the one Transmission frequency from 100 to 150 kHz uses. Wireless mice get the necessary Energy from a battery or via an infrared beam from the computer. Also Solutions that provide the necessary energy using an induction loop and a moving part provide are known.

With these wireless mice, the movement is based on the same principle as with cable-based solutions by converting a translational movement, only becomes a wireless optical or acoustic signal transmission method instead of the cable used.

The principle of the wireless "3D pointer" from Philips is different from that of translations movement of the mouse used to implement the movement. The device "in the form of a larger one Chicken egg "(quoted press release) can be freehand as well as on the table be used. The cursor is controlled by the movement of the wrist. The movement is transmitted to the computer by cable or by radio. A computer chip inside the "Wonder ice" creates a magnetic field. If the pointer is moved, the chip calculates from the Changes to the earth's magnetic field the movement to be performed. This development is resolved from the well-known mechanical movements like in mouse (Translations movement), trackball (flotation movement) or joystick (inclination movement).

A direct implementation of the hand movement in a cursor movement is from Movement principle as favorable for the task of a cursor control with a single Remote control considered. In addition, there is no direct hand movement Additional elements such as mouse pad (under-floor malls for mouse guidance). The Philips Proposed mechanical solution with electromagnetic coupling for development Movement implementation represents only one of the possible variants for direct Movement implementation. Trying out the Philips "3 D Pointer" shows that the cursor is maneuvered very slowly and imprecisely compared to min accustomed working speed and accuracy with the traditional mouse pad control.

The invention proposed here is based on another direct principle Movement conversion, namely on an optical signal transmission and signal conversion, in which a direct relationship is established between the signal source and the signal receiver.  

The essence of the present invention is to a signal source in the hand part of a remote control Generate signal images with a special geometric shape, with the movement of the Handset results in a shift of the signal image on the receiver part, from which one Cursor movement is derived, which is directly associated with the movement of the hand part.

The signals in the form of geometric images or contours can be based on different physical phenomena are obtained, e.g. B. by light waves in the invisible Area, with sharp contours or narrowly bundled by an optical device Rays of light are generated.

In the arrangement - as shown in Fig. 1 - the wireless cursor control is achieved in that signals with a certain geometric shape (z. B. in the form of concentric circles ( 2 )) are generated in the hand part ( 1 ) of the remote control, which can be sent wirelessly to the receiver unit ( 3 ) of the remote control, where the processor converts the signal into a cursor movement.

In the illustration in FIG. 1, signals in the form of concentric circles were used as an example, but the idea is not limited to this geometric shape, but also includes all geometric shapes suitable for signal imaging. Special rectangles are also conceivable, for example, as well as lattice patterns, scattered points (scatter), polygons or combined geometric shapes.

The method for converting a hand movement into a cursor movement, as also illustrated by FIG. 2, is characterized in that when the remote control part in the hand (also called hand part ( 1 ), FIG. 2) moves, there is an associated spatial displacement of the Hand part emitted signal image results. If, for example, a signal image in the form of a light cone of concentric circles is generated in the hand part, this light cone pivots when the hand is moved ( FIG. 2).

The specific signal conversion into a cursor movement on the receiver part is determined by the selected signal geometry specified. In embodiment 1, the derivative is a Cursor movement from the shifted image of an optical signal image using the example of a Signal image illustrated in the form of concentric circles.

Each receiver cell consists of a larger number of sensitive units, which result in a distinction between positive or negative (or logical size 0 or 1) or allow a three-fold distinction between full pulse, half pulse and subliminal signal (see also Fig. 5), whereby the 3 levels are separated from each other by threshold values. In principle, no number of recipient cells and their subdivision into a certain number of sensitive units is specified.

The direction determined by shifting the signal situation or the signal image corresponds to the direction of movement of the cursor movement to be executed. In the proposed device is a direct movement conversion, d. H. Hand gesture moving to the top left means moving the cursor to the top left. There are no intermediate sills like with the mouse, where the mouse movement to the top left only in corresponding role movements is implemented in order to then convert the roll movements into signals that are sent to the PC cause a cursor movement.

The proposed arrangement or the device enables on the basis of the selected Signal transmission method and the method for converting the signal image into a Cursor movement enables wireless operation and execution of menu operations multimedia systems, TV systems, network services and PC applications.

Another advantage of the proposed arrangement over existing developments for Cursor, menu and scale control is that for operating the menus from Network services (e.g. Btx or online services), multimedia systems (such as info CD-ROMs), TV Programs and menu-based TV settings, as well as for other PC applications only a single remote control (with signal source according to the invention) for the different Systems is needed.

The main focus is on an application for cursor control in multimedia systems.

It is advantageous that in the proposed arrangement a wireless control of Cursor movements without annoying cables and conveniently made possible by residence units. Compared to cable-based controls, wireless remote control is a distance more independent, the action group is no longer limited by the cable length but is only limited by the size of the room.

The proposed optical signal conversion method offers an alternative to mechanical or electromagnetic processes with direct movement conversion from one Hand movement in a cursor movement, which has a number of constructive advantages is promised. In addition to a very small and slim hand part of the remote control is a Energy-saving operation possible since it is not intended that the signal image be permanent is emitted, but rather it is provided that the signal image is only activated when a change of position of the cursor is intended.

The proposed wireless cursor remote control offers as an alternative to cable-based Cursor control systems the chance for a significant and innovative change in the Multimedia, PC, network services and TV. Based on the large number of users in Wireless cursor control has great market potential in this sector.

Embodiment 1 describes the cursor control with the aid of optical signals in the form of concentric circles. The device - as shown in Fig. 1 - consists of a hand part of the remote control ( 1 ), the signal image of concentric circles ( 2 ), the receiver cells ( 3 ) and a unit for signal conversion or signal processing. When activated accordingly, signals in the form of concentric circles are emitted by the hand part ( 1 ). The signals in the form of concentric circles can be obtained on the basis of various physical phenomena, e.g. B. by electromagnetic waves in the infrared range.

A simple solution for generating concentric circles can be achieved with the aid of an aperture (see also FIG. 3 or FIG. 4) attached between the signal source and the exit point. The cover ( 4 ) is housed at the front of the signal exit point in the handpiece ( 1 ). The diaphragm can be designed so that several circular light signals ( 5 ) are obtained through it. This can be implemented constructively, for example, in such a way that the diaphragm is formed from a plurality of circular-arc-shaped slots ( 6 ), the shutoff rings ( 7 ) being connected to one another by webs ( 8 ). The screen can be made of plastic material.

The signals in the form of concentric circles are not permanently emitted, but only when a change in the position of the cursor is desired, for which purpose the signal activation button ( 9 ) - see FIG. 3 - is held down on the hand part. If the change of position is carried out as desired, the signal activation button is relieved. This completes the cursor movement. If an option is to be selected or confirmed during menu work (ENTER), then the ENTER key ( 10 ) on the hand part - shown hidden in FIG. 3 - can be pressed. A signal assigned to the ENTER command is emitted at the second signal exit point ( 11 ). This signal should differ sufficiently from the primary signal of the concentric circles to rule out interference.

The energy for signal generation for both signal types is provided by a battery, which is arranged in the hand part under a cover ( 12 ).

The signal image is recorded in the receiver cells.

A characteristic feature of the circles or arcs is their curvature. There on the Receiver cells only ever a part or segment of a circle or an arc is the core idea of the signal conversion process, the one depicted Circular segment or arc characteristic geometric sizes such as curvature, Allocate curvature, perpendicular or gradient to define a direction. The use of a coordinate system and the derivation of a vector from the Coordinates are possible. The direction determined from the circle segment characteristics corresponds to the Direction of movement of the cursor movement to be executed.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate how the curvature of the signal situation and from center M _K (center of the concentric circles signal) can be derived from the illustrated shape of a circular segment. The fields shown in black symbolize a full impulse, the hatched fields symbolize a half impulse, whereas no impulse or only a subliminal impulse could be registered in the white (or light or unmarked) fields (subliminal means impulse below the threshold of the half impulse). From the signal pulse situation of adjacent fields (sensitive units) of the receiver cells or the local relationship to one another, characteristic algorithms such as curvature, curvature, vertical or gradient can be identified with the aid of an algorithm, from which the signal center M _{K is} calculated, for example, by a second algorithm. to define a direction from this, because with the help of the signal center and a reference point, an assigned movement can be derived from these two data (see also below).

Signal processing is made possible by a special arrangement of the receiver cells, different variants being possible for the special arrangement. An example of the arrangement of the receiver cells is shown in Fig. 7a and b. Fig. 7a, b shows the case in which only a single receiver cell is used, which in this case has a square shape and has a large number of sensitive units (shown as a box) ). The concrete in this image Fig. Figure situation b shown 7a, corresponding to a cursor movement to be executed to the left, since the signal center M _K (center of the concentric circles signal) is to the left from the center of the recipient cell M _Z. The operator has thus moved the hand part to the left in order to move the cursor to the left. The signal situation and the associated movement are shown again schematically below the large representation of the receiver cell in FIG. 7a ( FIG. 7b). Fig. 8 shows a schematic overview of several possible mapping situations of the signal arcs on the receiver cell and the assigned direction of movement in the case of a single receiver cell. The actual distance of the signal center from the receiver cell center does not play a superficial role, the position of the signal center is decisive (is calculated from a circular segment image ) in relation to the recipient cell center. Using a 2-dimensional coordinate system (xy coordinate system), for example, a vector can be calculated from this, to which a direction is assigned via the two points in the coordinate system M _K (x _K ; y _K ) and M _Z (0; 0). The coordinates X _K and Y _K can assume a negative value in the case of such a coordinate system.

The intensity of the signals decreases with increasing distance between the hand part of the remote control from the receiver part. This must be done accordingly via a threshold adapter for the Signal acquisition on the receiver part must be taken into account (problem: full pulse to half pulse and subliminal signal).

The calculation of the curvature situation and the center of the signal circle is carried out numerically iteratively with the information of the receiver cells in a processor or chip, where the center positions of M _K and M _{Z are also converted} into a vector or a direction is assigned. This direction is then the cursor movement to be carried out on the screen in front of the central device.

Embodiment 2 uses dot clusters or spot beams as the geometric signal shape. A larger number of point-shaped light signals ( 13 ) are generated at the signal source in the hand part of the remote control - see also ( 1 ) in FIG. 9.

A single point of light is actually sufficient to generate a full pulse signal on a sensitive unit (or a few sensitive units). In the vicinity of this sensitive unit where the full pulse occurs, u. U. also due to scatter still "half pulse". This situation is the concrete signal image on the receiver cell, which is shown as an example in FIG. 10 as a matrix diode ( 14 ).

When the handpiece moves, this signal image is shifted. The processor detects the change in coordinates. Another sensitive unit now has a full pulse, another half pulse. The signal evaluation detects the change in coordinates within a certain tent limit. The change of coordinates has a direction, a vector can be derived, this defines the direction of movement for the cursor movement to be carried out. This process is called signal trace generation. Fig. 11 schematically shows the signal trace generation by scatter signal points.

Scatter points are used because it is pretty single point the emitted motion signal would be difficult, probably even impossible, on one map small receiver. Even if with a steady hand and good target security the Point beam would aim and hit the receiver, leaving at minor Hand movement (and this is what is striven for in the "direct movement implementation") of the Signal point the receiver field.

With an enlarged signal range, the requirements for "aiming" decrease and when a depicted signal point leaves the receiver field due to a hand movement (e.g. above), new points appear below, for which a signal trace can be derived if the response time is limited accordingly - compare Fig. 11. The signal cone increases the work area and reduces the effort of the target exercises.

In order to generate the signal cone of the point beams or point clusters, for example, points can be generated individually via diverged optical fibers or optical waveguides (as shown in FIG. 12), or a single light source is illuminated with special optics, e.g. B. lenses or diaphragms, provided so that there is a point cluster (scatter).

The principle of the generation of spot beams by divergent optical fibers is shown schematically in FIG. 12. Starting from a light source ( 15 ), individual light beams are emitted in a bundle of divergent optical fibers ( 16 ). At the light exit point ( 17 ) located at the other end, the signal image point beams / point clusters can already be recognized. Due to the diverging of the optical waveguides, a light cone of point beams is sent into the room. This signal image is partially mapped onto the receiver cell ( 14 ). FIG. 13 illustrates the accommodation of the necessary optical arrangements in the handle of the remote control.

The signal form point cluster (scatter) is advantageous because not only a derivation of the Contour geometry must be done, but a directional movement directly from the Signal image can be derived.

Claims (6)

1. Wireless cursor remote control device for multimedia systems, PC applications, Network services and TV programs, whereby the wireless cursor control is achieved by that the optical or light signals emitted on the hand part of the remote control in the form geometric images or geometric signal images corresponding to that with the hand part completed movement and the signal image and its shift in one Receiving device is recorded and analyzed and in a signal processing Device is converted into a cursor movement to be carried out. 2. Wireless cursor remote control device with portable remote control handpiece, characterized in that the signals emitted on the hand part in the form of geometric Images or geometric signal images based on a light source or signal source can be obtained by appropriate design or by providing special optics. 3. Wireless cursor remote control device with a receiving device that works through a special arrangement of the receiver cells is characterized, the Receiver cells consist of several sensitive units, one on geometrical Shapes or shift of geometric shapes related evaluation of the received Enable signal. 4. Wireless cursor remote control device with signal processing device and Method for deriving a (movement) direction, a vector or a geometric Information from a shifted geometric image or geometric signal image and Conversion of the derived information into one of the executed hand part movements assigned cursor movement, whereby from the special signal reception situation at the Receiving device a relationship between the signal or pulse situation of neighboring sensitive units of the recipient cells is produced and by comparing the Signal situations information are derived through calculation processes, which are then in the cursor movement to be carried out is converted. 5. Wireless cursor remote control device with a special signal processing proceed on the basis of a signal image in the form of concentric circles and its displacement when executing a hand part movement with detection and analysis of the circular arc, Gradient and curvature situation of the shifted concentric circles on Receiver part, derivation of geometric information and implementation in a relationship to Signal circle center of the concentric circles and calculation of a vector or one Direction based on the data of a reference point in relation to the shift Center of the signal circle followed by the conversion of the vector information or Direction information in a cursor movement to be executed that of the executed Hand part movement is assigned. 6. Wireless cursor remote control device being used as information to control the Cursors signals are used in the form of point beams or point clusters, the Displacement is recorded and converted into directional information.