JP2001119495A - Set-top box - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a cordless telephone set for a simple wireless remote commander for a set-top box(STB) so as to remotely control the STB. SOLUTION: A modem 12 built in the set-top box(STB) and a master set 17 of a general cordless telephone system are connected via an internal channel switching circuit 16. The modem 12 calls the cordless telephone system via the channel switching circuit 16 and a user receives the call by a slave set 18 of the cordless telephone system. Then a signal tone (voice) generating circuit 14 and a signal tone (voice) recognition circuit 15 are active to receive a signal tone (voice) from the slave set 18 and the slave set 18 remotely controls the STB as a control instruction signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a set-top box, and more particularly to a set-top box having connection means for a public line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a set-top box (hereinafter referred to as an STB) has a structure in which a modem or the like is built in and connected to a telephone line. It is possible to operate. The following are known methods for remotely controlling devices using a telephone line or a telephone.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-14129 discloses a technique for easily performing a recording reservation of a VTR from a remote place. According to this, via a telephone line, a VTR
A technique has been disclosed which receives recording reservation program information (so-called G code), converts the information into an infrared remote control signal to a VTR, and enables recording reservation from a remote place.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 6-86361 discloses a technique for adding a remote control function to a cordless telephone handset. According to this, a handset of a cordless telephone is provided with a switch for switching between a TEL mode and an RC mode, and operates as a normal telephone in the TEL mode. Techniques are disclosed.

A conventional STB based on the above technology
FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 22 denotes a modem, and 23 denotes an ST.
The B function realizing circuit 21 is a system control circuit. Here, the STB function realizing circuit 23 is a tuner for receiving / selecting a TV broadcast, a signal processing circuit for decoding / demodulating a video / audio signal of a received signal, and a video / audio decoded / demodulated. It comprises a circuit for converting a signal into a predetermined output signal format and the like, and a control microcomputer for integrally controlling these circuits. The control of the control microcomputer and the like controls the STB function realizing circuit 23. .

In the thus configured STB, the modem 22 and the public line are always connected, various control signals of the STB are received through the public line, and the STB function realizing circuit 23 and the like are controlled based on the control signals. Then, a predetermined operation is performed.

[0008]

However, in the technology which enables recording reservation from a remote place as in the above-described apparatus, a public line must be used, and a remote control is used instead of the infrared remote control. Has the problem that it is difficult.

In addition, in order to equip the remote unit of the cordless telephone with the remote control mode, a dedicated cordless telephone must be prepared.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and uses a general cordless telephone that is widely used in homes to remove an STB device from another room where an infrared remote controller cannot be used. Can be remotely controlled wirelessly.

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has taken the following means to solve these problems.

That is, the present invention relates to a set-top box having signal processing means for receiving at least one kind of broadcast / communication service and processing a signal of the reception service, and connection means for connecting to a public line, A connection unit for connecting to the public line, an external public line connection device, a line switching unit for switching and controlling each connection to the public line, and the external public line connection device when connected to the external public line connection device. A signal generating means for creating a signal to be transmitted to, and a signal recognizing means for recognizing a signal transmitted from an external public line connection device in accordance with a signal from the signal generating means,
And control means for controlling the signal processing means based on the result of recognition by the signal recognition means.

Here, it is preferable that the control means further transmits arbitrary data from the signal processing means to the external public line connection device in accordance with an instruction from the external public line connection device. .

[0014] The line switching means may further switch the connection upon recognizing a signal from the external public line connection device and / or a public line.

It is preferable that the external public line connection device is a cordless telephone.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an STB according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram around a public line connection unit in an STB according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a system control circuit,
12 is a modem, 13 is an STB function realizing circuit, 14 is a signal tone (voice) generation circuit, 15 is a signal tone (voice) recognition circuit,
16 is a line switching circuit, 17 is a telephone base unit, and 18 is a telephone sub unit.

Here, the telephone base unit 17 and the telephone slave unit 18
Uses common cordless phones already in the home. The configuration of the STB function realizing circuit 13 is the same as that of the STB function realizing circuit 13 shown in FIG.
This is the same as the B function realizing circuit 23.

The operation of the STB configured as described above will be described below.

First, FIG. 2 shows an aspect of the STB according to the present invention during normal modem operation. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

When the dialing from the modem 12 to the center or the access point is started, the line switching circuit 16
Detects the dial from the modem 12, and connects the modem 12 and the telephone line to the public network internally. Here, the connection line between the modem 12 and the telephone base unit 17 is not connected, and only the modem 12 can access the public line network.

This is equivalent to a case where a conventional STB modem 22 is directly connected to a public line network as shown in a block diagram of the configuration of a conventional device in FIG. The STB's original functions, such as access to a satellite broadcast reception center and Internet connection, are realized and normal operation is performed.

Next, FIG. 3 shows an aspect of the STB according to the present invention during normal operation of the telephone. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

When a telephone call comes from the public line network, the line switching circuit 16 detects a dial from the public line network and internally sets a telephone line from the public line network and a line to the telephone base unit 17 inside. Connecting.

In this case, the connection line between the public line network and the modem 12 is not connected, and only the telephone base unit 17 is connected to the public line network, so that a normal outside call can be received by the telephone.

Conversely, when a normal call is originated from a cordless telephone, as shown in FIG.
Detects the dial from the telephone base unit 17 and internally connects the telephone base unit 17 and the telephone line to the public line network. Also in this case, the connection line between the telephone base unit 17 and the modem 12 is not connected, and only the telephone base unit 17 is connected to the public line network, and normal outgoing calls can be made from the telephone.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a mode of controlling the STB according to the present invention using a telephone, and FIG. 5 shows an operation procedure (flowchart) thereof. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, a first embodiment will be described.

In the first embodiment, when the wireless remote control mode is started (step S61), the modem 12 dials the designated exclusive number (step S61).
62). Here, the designated number is, for example, "# 88
This is an internal number such as "8", which can be distinguished from a dial to an outside line, and can be predetermined by the line switching circuit 16.

The dial of the modem 12 is connected to the line switching circuit 1
6, the line switching circuit 16 recognizes the internal dedicated number, not the outgoing line to the public line network, and
2 and the line to the telephone base unit 17 are internally connected (step S63).

When the connection line between the modem 12 and the telephone base unit 17 is connected, a call from the modem 12 causes a ringing sound of the cordless telephone. Therefore, the user calls the telephone with the telephone slave unit 18 of the cordless telephone. (Step S64).

Thus, communication between the STB and the telephone is enabled, and the use of the telephone handset 18 of the cordless telephone as a simple wireless remote control is started by a signal sound (voice) (step S65).

When the telephone side receives the call, the STB device transmits a dial tone for indicating the wireless remote control mode using the signal tone (voice) generation circuit 14. The user hears this from the handset and confirms that the wireless remote control mode has been started. The start sound may be, for example, a melody of an electronic sound or an electronic sound announcement.

Thereafter, the user plays the determined signal sound,
When a call is made from the telephone, the signal tone (voice) recognition circuit 15 is used to control the STB device. For example,
When the push sound of “# 001” is transmitted from the telephone,
The signal sound (voice) recognition circuit 15 of the STB device recognizes the
The channel of the receiving tuner of the TB function implementing circuit 13 is changed to “1”.

As for the signal sound to be controlled in this way, the push sound, the voice of the user, and the like can be made to correspond to the functions of the STB device, and the control sound can be freely set by the STB device. It is possible and is not specifically defined in the present invention. When terminating the wireless remote control mode, the user ends the telephone call using the telephone handset 18 (step S66).

The line switching circuit 16 detects that the communication between the telephone base unit 17 and the modem 12 has been disconnected, and disconnects the internal connection line (step S67).

Thus, the wireless remote control mode ends (step S68).

As described above, remote control can be performed using a cordless telephone handset from another room where a normal infrared remote control cannot be used.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when operating in the simple wireless remote control mode, the STB function realizing circuit 13 and the signal sound (voice) generating circuit 14 The control circuit 11 makes it possible to operate in cooperation. For example, when adjusting the direction of the antenna connected to the receiver, the user holds the cordless telephone handset 18 and adjusts the antenna at a position away from the receiver. At this time, the signal sound (voice) generating circuit 14 is adjusted in accordance with the level of the signal received by the receiver.
Operates, and a signal tone (voice) is emitted from the cordless telephone handset 18, and the user can adjust the antenna while listening to the tone.

As another example, for example, when the user enters "#
When the push sound of “100” is transmitted, the signal sound (voice) recognition circuit 15 recognizes the push sound and outputs the signal sound (voice) generation circuit 1.
4 operates to transmit the sound of the broadcast received by the STB function implementing circuit 13 to the telephone. In this way, it is possible to hear the sound being processed by the STB function realizing circuit 13 even in a place remote from the STB device.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described together with the operation procedure (flow chart) shown in FIG.

In the third embodiment, while the STB is in the standby mode in the wireless remote control mode (step S71), the user calls the STB with the telephone handset 18 of the cordless telephone (step S72).

The call here uses an internal designated number such as "# 999" instead of calling an outside line to a public line. This can be determined in advance by the line switching circuit 16 as in the first embodiment. The line switching circuit 16 detects the call of the modem 12 from the cordless telephone, and connects the telephone base unit 17 and the line of the modem 12 internally (step S73).

Thereafter, the modem 12 receives a call from the telephone (step S74).

In this way, communication between the cordless handset 18 and the modem 12 becomes possible, and the handset 18 can be used as a simple wireless remote controller, as in the first embodiment. (Step S7
5).

As in the case of the first embodiment, when terminating the wireless remote control mode, the user disconnects the telephone using the telephone handset 18 (step S76).

Then, the line switching circuit 16 detects that the call between the cordless telephone and the modem 12 has been disconnected, and disconnects the internal connection line (step S77).

Thus, the wireless remote control mode ends (step S78).

As described above, it is possible to perform a remote operation or confirm a situation by voice using a cordless telephone handset from another room where a normal infrared remote control cannot be used. .

[0052]

According to the present invention, since a general cordless telephone can be used as a simple wireless remote controller, unlike a remote controller using infrared rays, a remote place, a place where it is hard to see, and another room , Remote control of the STB from outside or the like becomes possible.

Further, it is possible to confirm the sound of a broadcast program or the like received by the STB at a remote place through a general cordless telephone.

Further, the STB operation can be started from a remote place using a general cordless telephone, and two-way communication between the STB and the cordless telephone becomes possible.

Further, according to the present invention, since the STB is directly connected to the cordless telephone set in the home without connecting to the public line, the conventional technology for controlling devices through the public line is used. In comparison, it is economical with no telephone charges.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an STB according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a normal operation mode of the STB according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a normal telephone operation mode of the STB according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an operation mode of a wireless remote control mode of the STB according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a first flowchart of an STB according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a second flowchart of the STB according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional STB.

[Description of Signs] 11 System control circuit 12 Modem 13 STB function realization circuit 14 Signal tone (voice) generation circuit 15 Signal tone (voice) recognition circuit 16 Line switching circuit 17 Cordless telephone base station 18 Cordless telephone handset 21 System control circuit 22 Modem 23 STB Function Realization Circuit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A set-top box having signal processing means for receiving at least one kind of broadcast / communication service and processing a signal of the reception service, and connection means for connecting to a public line, Connection means, an external public line connection device, and line switching means for switching and controlling respective connections to the public line. When connected to the external public line connection device, transmission to the external public line connection device is performed. A signal generating means for generating a signal to be transmitted, a signal recognizing means for recognizing a signal transmitted from an external public line connection device in response to a signal from the signal generating means, A set-top box, comprising: control means for controlling a signal processing means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further transmits arbitrary data from the signal processing unit to the external public line connection device in accordance with an instruction from the external public line connection device. 2. The set-top box according to 1. 3. The line switching unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a connection unit that recognizes a signal from the external public line connection device and / or a public line to switch the connection. Set-top box. 4. The external public line connection device is a cordless telephone.
The set-top box according to any one of the above.