JP2003162368A - Remote control device, remote control system, control method for them, and input field presentation card - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set a plurality of input field presentation cards, which can present an operation surface (input field) that controls a basic operation surface and various controlled objects with an easy configuration without using a liquid crystal display part in the input part of a touch panel of a remote control device. <P>SOLUTION: When each of the selected first to the third icon is operated (pushed) in such a manner that, when the first input field presentation card 21 among a plurality of input field presentation cards inserted to the remote control device can be seen from a clear touch panel, an icon, which is presented by printing in the first card, can be operated, and when the second input field presentation card 22 can be seen, an icon, which is presented by printing in the second card, can be operated; and when the third input field indicating card 35 can be seen, an icon, which is presented by printing in the third card, can be operated, and control signal is created and transmitted based on control data stored in a storing part corresponding to each icon. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device, a remote control system, a control method therefor, an input area presentation card, a control program, and a storage medium, for example, a home internet terminal such as a set top box. The present invention relates to a remote control device, a remote control system and their control methods, an input area presentation card, a control program, and a storage medium, which are used to control the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A remote control device is widely used as a device for remotely controlling a home Internet terminal such as a set top box. In particular, since remote control devices used for Internet terminals and the like have a wide range of operation targets such as reading and writing e-mail and browsing homepages, they are not remote control devices with buttons arranged in the past, but remote control devices that can easily operate various control targets. Is required.

To meet this requirement, for example, in a remote controller (remote commander) proposed in Japanese Patent No. 3085471 shown in FIG. 13, a touch panel 10, a liquid crystal display section 12, and an operation card storage section 16 are arranged in order. Then
When the operation card storage unit 16 is not loaded with an operation card, the operation screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 12, and when the operation card storage unit 16 is loaded with an operation card, the liquid crystal display unit is displayed. By switching 12 to transparent and presenting the operating surface printed on the operating card to the operator, control is performed so that the operator can operate while sequentially switching between two different operating surfaces (control objects).

As an apparatus using the operation card, a liquid crystal display section is arranged on the lower surface side of the touch panel, and a main body is provided in the liquid crystal display section, like an electronic notebook described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-158881. By displaying a screen showing an input area transmitted from the IC card mounted on the CPU and pressing a predetermined area on the touch panel, the program stored in the input area on the screen corresponding to the predetermined area on the touch panel is executed by the CPU. The method of making it known is also known.

Further, there is a case where a remote control device having a function of utilizing a display function of a liquid crystal display section or the like and dynamically changing an operation menu of the remote control in accordance with a change in a state of an operation target is used. As for the method of changing the operation menu, a method of previously storing the operation menu corresponding to the change in the state of the operation target, or JP-A-7-
There is a method of communicating with an operation target and receiving and displaying operation menu information according to a state change from the operation target as in the remote control device proposed in Japanese Patent No. 135689.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned patent No. 3
In the remote control device proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 085471 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-158881, since the liquid crystal display unit is used to display the basic operation screen (default menu) of the remote control device, There is a problem in that the configuration of the remote control device becomes complicated because an electric circuit for driving the liquid crystal is required. Further, in Japanese Patent No. 3085471, if the liquid crystal display is omitted, there is a problem that the basic operation screen of the remote control device cannot be displayed and the remote control device does not function.

The present invention has been made in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to use a conventional liquid crystal display unit as an input unit such as a touch panel of a remote control device. Remote control device that can mount multiple input area presentation cards that can present a basic operation surface (input area) and an operation surface (input area) for controlling various control objects with a simple configuration, remote control A system, a control method thereof, and an input area presentation card.

[0008]

A remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a remote control device for transmitting a control signal to an information processing device, a touch panel for inputting the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device, and an input area presentation card having a plurality of visually identified input areas. A container capable of arranging a plurality of sheets on the touch panel,
Card detection means for detecting a card adjacent to the touch panel among the input area presentation cards, and when an input to the predetermined area of the touch panel is detected, it is associated with the input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area. Generating means for generating the control signal based on the information obtained,
It is characterized by including.

Here, for example, the detection means is adjacent to the touch panel based on the position information output according to the arranged position when the input area presentation card is arranged in the container. It is characterized by detecting a card that does.

Here, for example, the input area presentation card preferably has a storage means for storing control data corresponding to the plurality of input areas.

Here, for example, the information associated with the input area is preferably control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means corresponding to the plurality of input areas.

Here, for example, the generation means reads the control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means in association with an input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area, and controls the control. Generating a signal is preferred.

A remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration.
That is, the information processing including the remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a control unit that performs a predetermined control corresponding to the control signal when a control signal from the remote control device is received. And a device.

An input area presentation card according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, the remote control device is a detachable input area presentation card, and is provided with a plurality of visually identified input areas and storage means for storing control data corresponding to the plurality of input areas. Is characterized by.

A control method for a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a remote control device control method for transmitting a control signal to an information processing device, wherein the remote control device comprises:
A touch panel for inputting the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device; and a container capable of arranging a plurality of input area presentation cards having a plurality of visually identified input areas on the touch panel, A card detection step of detecting a card adjacent to the touch panel among the input area presentation cards, and when an input to the predetermined area of the touch panel is detected, the card is associated with the input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area. A generation step of generating the control signal based on information.

Here, for example, in the detecting step, when the input area presentation card is placed in the container, it is adjacent to the touch panel based on position information output according to the placed position. It is characterized by detecting a card that does.

Here, for example, the input area presentation card preferably has a storage means for storing control data corresponding to the plurality of input areas.

Here, for example, the information associated with the input area is preferably control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means corresponding to the plurality of input areas.

Here, for example, in the generating step, the control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means in association with an input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area is read and the control is performed. Generating a signal is preferred.

A control method for a remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, the control method of the remote control device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, and a control step of performing a predetermined control corresponding to the control signal when a control signal from the remote control device is received. And a method for controlling an information processing apparatus including.

A control program according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a control program for controlling a remote control device that transmits a control signal to an information processing device, wherein the remote control device is visually identified as a touch panel that inputs the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device. A container capable of arranging a plurality of input area presentation cards having a plurality of input areas on the touch panel, and the control program detects a card adjacent to the touch panel among the input area presentation cards. A code of a card detection step and a code of a generation step of detecting the input to the predetermined area of the touch panel, and generating the control signal based on information associated with the input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area. And are provided.

A computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for controlling a remote control device that transmits a control signal to an information processing device, wherein the remote control device comprises:
A touch panel for inputting the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device; and a container capable of arranging a plurality of input area presentation cards having a plurality of visually identified input areas on the touch panel, The control program, a code of a card detection step of detecting a card adjacent to the touch panel in the input area presentation card,
A code of a generation step of generating the control signal based on information associated with an input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area when detecting an input to the predetermined area of the touch panel. And

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A remote control system comprising an information processing apparatus and a remote control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a remote control device is used as a remote control device, and a home Internet terminal such as a set top box is used as an information processing device.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a remote control device 1. FIG. 2 shows the remote control device 1 including first and second operation target presentation sections (first and second operation target presentation parts).
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view before mounting the input area presentation card, and FIG. 3 shows two operation target presentation units (first
And a second input area presentation card) is a perspective view showing the appearance.

[Configuration of Remote Control Device: FIGS. 1 to 3] First, the configuration of the remote control device 1 will be described.

In FIG. 1, the remote control device 1 is operated by an operator to remotely control a home Internet terminal (not shown) such as a set top box.

The transmitting unit 2 transmits the control data stored in the RAM 12 in order to remotely control the home Internet terminal, and is composed of an infrared light emitting unit and the like. The input unit 3 is a contact-type input unit that detects an input operation by pressing by an operator, and is composed of a transparent or near transparent touch panel or the like.

[Visual observation of the input area presentation card to be mounted] On the lower surface side of the input section 3 (touch panel), the first storage section 4 and the second storage section 7 are arranged, and the light passes through the input section 3 to The first mounted in the first storage section 4 and the second storage section 7.
The operation target presentation unit 21 (first input area presentation card) or the second operation target presentation unit 22 (second input area presentation card) can be visually confirmed.

[When one input area presentation card is mounted: FIG. 2] For example, although not shown, the first operation target presentation section 21 (first input area presentation card) is provided in the first storage section 4 of FIG. ) Is attached to the operator, the operator can visually confirm the first input area presentation card, and when the second input area presentation card is attached to the second storage section 7 in FIG. The second input area presentation card can be visually confirmed.

[When Two Input Area Presentation Cards are Installed: FIG. 3] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second input area presentation cards are respectively placed in the first storage section 4 and the second storage section 7. When is attached, the operator can visually confirm only the second input area presentation card adjacent to the input unit 3 (touch panel). In other words, the remote control device 1 allows the operator to select only the second input area presentation card at the upper part of the two input area presentation cards that are overlapped, out of the two installed input area presentation cards. Can be visually confirmed, and the second input area presentation card at the bottom cannot be visually confirmed.

The first storage section 4 is a mechanism for mounting the removable first operation target presentation section (first input area presentation card) 21, and is composed of a card slot or the like (FIG. 2).
reference). The first insertion state detection unit 5 is provided in the first storage unit 4 first.
It determines whether or not the operation target presentation unit 21 is attached, and is configured by a micro switch or the like.

The first operation target presentation unit 21 for the first storage unit 4
When the attachment of is detected, the first reading unit 6 reads the control reference data (control data) stored in the first reference data storage unit 21a of the first operation target presentation unit 21. The reference data stored in the first reference data storage unit 21a is composed of, for example, a barcode, and the first reading unit 6
For example, it is configured by a bar code reader or the like. The read data is stored in the RAM 12 as control data.

The first reference data storage unit is not limited to the bar code, but may be a non-volatile memory, for example. In this case, the first reading unit 6 may be any unit as long as it can read the reference data stored in the nonvolatile memory.

The second storage section 7 is a mechanism for mounting the removable second operation target presentation section (second input area presentation card) 22, and is composed of a card slot or the like. Second
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage section 7 is arranged so as to be located between the input section 3 and the first storage section 4. Therefore, the first
When the first operation target presentation unit 21 is attached to the storage unit 4 and the second operation target presentation unit 22 is attached to the second storage unit 7, as shown in FIG. Only the second operation target presentation unit 22 attached to the storage unit 7 can be visually confirmed,
The first operation target presentation unit 21 attached to the first storage unit 4 cannot be visually confirmed.

The second insertion state detecting section 8 includes the second storing section 7
In addition, it determines whether or not the second operation target presentation unit 22 is attached, and is configured by a micro switch or the like. When the attachment of the second operation target presentation unit 22 to the second storage unit 7 is detected, the second reading unit 9 stores the control data stored in the second reference data storage unit 22 a of the second operation target presentation unit 22. Reference data (control data) of is read. The reference data stored in the second reference data 22a is, for example, a barcode, and the second reading unit 9 is, for example, a barcode reader. The read data is stored in the RAM 12 as control data.

The second reference data storage unit is not limited to the bar code and may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. In this case, the second reading unit 9 may be any unit as long as it can read the reference data stored in the non-volatile memory.

Further, the remote control device 1 includes the CPU 10 and R
Having the OM 11 and the RAM 12, some or all of the various functions of the remote control device 1 are realized by the CPU 10 executing the programs stored in the ROM 11. R
The AM 12 is used as a storage area for the control reference data read from the first reading section 6 and the second reading section 9, and is also used as a work area or the like.

The first operation object presentation unit (first input area presentation card) 21 has an icon or the like as an operation object for remotely controlling a home Internet terminal (not shown) printed on its surface. The position information of the icon and the control reference data 21a corresponding to the icon are stored.

For example, the first operation target presentation unit 21 displays a basic operation screen (default menu) of the remote controller 1.
Card, for example, each icon such as "number", "arrow", "decision", "cancel" is printed on the surface, position information of each icon and reference data for control corresponding to each icon Is stored in each predetermined area of the first reference data storage unit 21a by a barcode or the like. As a result, by mounting the first operation target presentation unit 21 in the first storage unit 4 and pressing the position of each icon printed on the first operation target presentation unit 21 from the input unit 3, the respective icons are displayed. Correspondingly, the first reference data storage unit 21a
The control reference data stored in the predetermined area of the icon can be read to perform a desired operation included in each icon.

The second operation object presentation unit (second input area presentation card) 22 has an icon or the like as an operation object for controlling the home Internet terminal printed on its surface.
The position information of the icon and the reference data 22a for control corresponding to each icon are stored.

For example, the second operation target presentation unit 22 is configured as a homepage browsing operation card, and an icon representing a desired homepage screen such as an introduction screen of a product or a purchase screen is printed on the surface, and the position of each icon is displayed. Information and control reference data corresponding to each icon are stored in each predetermined area of the second reference data storage unit 22a by a bar code or the like. As a result, the second operation target presentation unit 22 is attached to the second storage unit 7, and the position of each icon printed on the second operation target presentation unit 22 is input to the input unit 3.
By pressing from the top, the reference data for control stored in a predetermined area of the second reference data storage unit 22a corresponding to each icon is read and an input for browsing a desired homepage provided for each icon. The operation can be performed.

In the above description, for convenience, the first storage unit 4
Although the first operation target presentation unit 21 to be mounted on the first operation target presentation unit 21 and the second operation target presentation unit 22 to be mounted on the second storage unit 7 have been described as different objects, the first operation target presentation unit 21 and the second operation target presentation It is the same as the section 22, and can be stored in either of the storage sections. Further, the operation target presentation units are not limited to the two types described above, and there may be three or more types of operation target presentation units having equivalent functions.

[Initialization processing when mounting the input area presentation card: FIG. 4] Next, when mounting the two operation target presentation sections 21 and 22 (first and second input area presentation cards) on the remote control device 1. The initialization process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the remote control device 1 is initialized, the flag 1 for storing "presence" and "absence" of the mounting of the first operation target presentation unit 21 and the "presence of the mounting of the second operation target presentation unit 22". The flag 2 for storing "absence" is set to "absence" (steps S401 and S402). The flag 1 and the flag 2 are provided in the RAM 12.

Next, the first insertion state detection unit 5 determines whether or not the first operation target presentation unit 21 is attached (step S403). If it is determined that the first operation target presentation unit 21 is attached, then, The state of flag 1 is determined (step S40
4) If the flag 1 is "absent", the first reading unit 6 reads the reference data stored in the first reference data storage unit 21a and stores it in the RAM 12 (step S40).
5), flag 1 is set to "present" (step S40)
6).

If it is determined in step S403 that the first operation subject presentation unit 21 is not attached by the first insertion state detection unit 5, the flag 1 is set to "none" (step S407), and the process proceeds to step S408. move on. If the flag 1 is not "absent" in step S404, the process proceeds to step S408.

The second insertion state detection unit 8 determines whether or not the second operation target presentation unit 22 is attached (step S408). If it is determined that the second operation target presentation unit 22 is attached, then the flag 2 is set. The state is determined (step S409), and if the flag 2 is “absent”, the second reading unit 9 reads the reference data stored in the second reference data storage unit 22a and stores it in the RAM 12 (step S410). , Flag 2 is set to “present” (step S411).

If it is determined in step S408 that the second operation subject presentation unit 22 is not attached by the second insertion state detection unit 8, the flag 2 is set to "none" (step S412) and step S403. Return to. If the flag 2 is not "none" in step S409, the process returns to step S403.

In this way, the flags 1 and 2 corresponding to whether or not the two operation target presentation units 21 and 22 (first and second input area presentation cards) as shown in FIG. The setting process of "present" / "absent" is completed.

[Input Processing from Touch Panel (Input Unit): FIG. 5] Next, the operation when operating the remote control device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the input section 3 is operated and an input signal is received from each input area (step S501), the state of the flag 2 for storing "presence" or "absence" of the attachment of the second operation target presentation section 22. (Step S502), flag 2
Is “present”, when the icon (each input area) of the input unit 3 such as the touch panel is pressed, the second reference data is generated based on the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the pressed icon. RAM1 read from the storage unit 22a
The control signal corresponding to the pressed icon is read from the control data stored in the predetermined area 2 corresponding to each icon, and the read signal is transmitted via the transmission unit 2 (step S503).

Next, in step S502, when the flag 2 is not "present", the state of the flag 1 for storing "presence" or "absence" of attachment of the first operation subject presentation unit 21 is determined ( If the flag 1 is “present” in step S504), when the icon (each input area) of the input unit 3 such as the touch panel is pressed, based on the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the pressed icon. Then, the control signal corresponding to the pressed icon is read out from the control data read from the first reference data storage unit 21a and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 12 corresponding to each icon, and the transmission unit 2 The read signal is transmitted via (step S505). If the flag 1 is not "present" in step S504, the process returns to step S501.

[Input Area Presentation Card Operable by Operator: FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a summary of the results of the processing shown in FIG. 5 described above. By the above-described processing, when a plurality of operation target presentation units (input area presentation cards) are attached to the remote control device 1, the operator can visually confirm through the input unit 3 such as a transparent touch panel. It is possible to operate the icon presented on the (input area presentation card).

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the operator
First input area presentation card (first operation target presentation unit 21)
When it is possible to visually check, it becomes possible to operate the icon presented on the first input area presentation card (first operation target presentation section 21), and the remote control device 1 operates the icon on the first input area presentation card. When (pressed), the first reference is made based on the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the pressed icon (input area) from the control data stored in the first reference data storage unit 21a. Data storage unit 21
a from the control data stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 12 corresponding to each icon.
The control signal corresponding to the pressed icon is read out, and this control signal is transmitted to the home Internet terminal such as the set top box via the transmission unit 2.

Similarly, when the operator can see the second input area presentation card (second operation object presentation section 22), the second input area presentation card (second operation object presentation section 22). When the icon of the second input area presentation card is operated (pressed), the remote control device 1 operates the icon presented on the control data stored in the second reference data storage unit 22a. R is read from the second reference data storage unit 22a based on the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the icon (input area) pressed from the inside R
A control signal corresponding to the pressed icon is read out from the control data stored corresponding to each icon in a predetermined area of the AM 12, and a home Internet terminal such as a set top box is transmitted via the transmission unit 2. This control signal is transmitted to.

<Second Embodiment> In the remote control device 1 of the first embodiment, the case where two operation target presentation units (first input area presentation card and second input area presentation card) are mounted has been described. .

However, if the remote control device has a structure in which three or more operation target presentation units can be mounted, it is possible to use more types of operation target presentation units (input area presentation cards).

Therefore, in the second embodiment described below, three or more operation target presentation units (input area presentation cards)
As an example of a remote control device that can be equipped with, a remote control device 31 that can be equipped with three operation target presentation units (first input area presentation card, second input area presentation card, third input area presentation card) will be described.

[Configuration of remote control device: FIGS. 7 to 9] FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remote control device 31,
FIG. 8 is an external perspective view before mounting the first to third operation target presentation units (first to third input area presentation cards) on the remote control device 31, and FIG. It is an appearance perspective view showing the state where a presentation part (the 1st-3rd input field presentation card) is attached.

FIG. 7 shows a remote control device 31 having three storage units capable of storing the three operation target presentation units according to this embodiment.
It is a configuration block diagram of.

The remote control device 31 has a configuration in which a third storage section 32, a third insertion state detection section 33, and a third reading section 34 are added to the configuration of the remote control apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. Has become. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the same components as those of the remote controller 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication and only different portions will be described below.

The third storage section 32 is a mechanism for mounting the removable third operation target presentation section 35, and is composed of a card slot or the like. Third insertion state detection unit 33
Is a unit for determining whether or not the third operation target presentation unit 35 is attached to the third storage unit 32, and includes a micro switch or the like.

When the mounting of the third operation target presentation unit 35 in the third storage unit 32 is detected, the third reading unit 34 stores the control data stored in the third operation target presentation unit 35. Reference data 35a is read. The reference data 35a is composed of a bar code or the like, and the third reading unit 34 is composed of a bar code reader or the like. The read data is stored in the RAM 12 as control data.

For example, the third operation target presentation unit 35 is configured as an e-mail operation card, and icons of desired operation screens such as an e-mail reception screen and an e-mail creation screen are printed on the front surface of each icon. The position information and the control reference data corresponding to each icon are stored in a predetermined area of the third reference data storage unit 35a by a bar code or the like.

As a result, the third operation target presentation unit 35 is mounted in the third storage unit 32, and the position of the icon printed on the third operation target presentation unit 35 is pressed from the input unit 3 to thereby The control reference data stored in a predetermined area of the third reference data storage unit 35a corresponding to the icon can be read out to perform a desired e-mail operation corresponding to each icon.

In the above description, the first operation object presenting section 21, the second operation object presenting section 22, and the third operation object presenting section 35 are described as different things for convenience, but they are equivalent. It is possible to attach any operation target presentation unit to any storage unit. [Visual observation of input area presentation card to be mounted: FIGS. 8 and 9] First to third storage units 4, 7, and 32 are arranged on the lower surface side of the input unit 3 (touch panel), and the input unit 3 is transparent. The first to third storage parts 4, 7, 3
The 1st-3rd operation target presentation parts 21, 22, and 3 attached to 2
Any of the five (first to third input area presentation cards) can be visually confirmed.

[When One Input Area Presentation Card is Mounted: FIG. 8] For example, although not shown, the first operation target presentation section 21 (first input area presentation card) in the first storage section 4 in FIG. ) Is attached, the operator can visually confirm the first input area presentation card, and when the second input area presentation card is attached to the second storage section 7, the operator receives the second input area presentation card. When the area presentation card can be visually confirmed and only the third operation target presentation section 35 (third input area presentation card) is attached to the third storage section 32, the operator visually confirms the third input area presentation card. it can.

[When Two Input Area Presentation Cards are Installed: FIG. 8] Although not shown, for example, the first storage section 4 and the second storage section 7 shown in FIG. When the 2 input area presentation card is mounted, the operator can visually confirm only the second input area presentation card adjacent to the input unit 3 (touch panel), and the first storage unit 4 and the third storage unit shown in FIG. When the first and third input area presentation cards are attached to the unit 32, the operator can visually confirm only the third input area presentation card adjacent to the input unit 3 (touch panel). In other words, of the two input area presentation cards that are mounted, the operator can visually confirm only the upper input area presentation card of the two overlapping input area presentation cards and Some input area presentation cards cannot be visually confirmed.

[When Three Input Area Presentation Cards are Installed: FIG. 9] In addition, the first to third storage sections 4, 7 and 32 shown in FIG. When the input area presentation card is mounted, the operator can visually confirm only the third input area presentation card adjacent to the input unit 3 (touch panel). In other words, of the two input area presentation cards that are mounted, the operator can visually confirm only the uppermost input area presentation card among the three overlapping input area presentation cards, and The two input area presentation cards in can not be visually confirmed.

[Initialization Processing When Mounting Input Area Presentation Card: FIG. 10] Next, the operation when mounting the operation target presentation unit on the remote control device 31 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The processing from step S401 to step S412 in FIG. 10 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, in addition to the processing in the first embodiment, after the step of initializing the flag 2 to "absent" (step S402), "presence" and "absence" of the attachment of the third operation target presentation unit 35 are performed. The flag 3 for storing is set to "absent" (step S801).

Further, following the processing of steps S411 and S412, the third insertion state detection unit 33 determines whether or not the third operation target presentation unit 35 is attached (step S802), and it is attached. If so, then the state of the flag 3 is determined (step S803), and the flag 3 is set to "none".
If so, the third reading unit 34 reads the reference data stored in the third reference data storage unit 35a, and R
It is stored in the AM 12 (step S804), and the flag 3 is set to "present" (step S805). Step S8
If the operation target presentation unit is not attached in 02, the flag 3 is set to "none" (step S806),
It returns to step S403. If the flag 3 is not "none" in step S803, step S4
Return to 03. [Input Processing from Touch Panel (Input Unit): FIG. 11] Next, the operation of operating the remote control device 31 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11.

The processing from step S501 to step S505 in FIG. 11 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, in addition to the processing in the first embodiment, when the input unit 3 is operated (step S50
1), "Yes" and "No" for mounting the third operation target presentation unit 35
The state of flag 3 for storing (step S
901), if the flag 3 is “present”, when the icon (each input area) of the input unit 3 such as a touch panel is pressed, based on the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the pressed icon. , The control signal corresponding to the pressed icon is read from the control data that is read from the third reference data storage unit 352a and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 12 corresponding to each icon, and is transmitted via the transmission unit 2. The read signal is transmitted (step S9)
02). In step S901, flag 3 is “present”
If not, the process proceeds to step S502, and the subsequent process is the same as the process in the first embodiment.

As described above, even in the remote control device 31 having three storages for providing the operation target presentation unit, at the time of operation, the presence or absence of the operation target presentation unit is determined in the order closer to the input unit 3. The operator can operate the icon presented in the operation target presentation unit that can be visually confirmed through the input unit 3.

[Input Area Presentation Card Operable by Operator: FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a summary of the results of the processing shown in FIG. 11 described above. By the processing described above, when a plurality of operation target presentation units (input area presentation cards) are attached to the remote control device 311, the operator can visually confirm the operation target presentation unit through the input unit 3 such as a transparent touch panel. It is possible to operate the icon presented on the (input area presentation card).

That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the operator inputs the first input area presentation card (first operation target presentation unit 2
When 1) is visible, the operation of the icon presented on the first input area presentation card becomes possible, and the remote control device 1 operates (presses) the icon of the first input area presentation card. RA is read from the first reference data storage unit 21a based on the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the pressed icon (input area) from the control data stored in the first reference data storage unit 21a.
A control signal corresponding to the pressed icon is read out from the control data stored corresponding to each icon in a predetermined area of M12, and a home Internet terminal such as a set-top box is transmitted via the transmission unit 2. This control signal is transmitted to.

Similarly, when the operator can see the second input area presentation card (second operation target presentation section 22), he / she can operate the icon presented on the second input area presentation card. When the icon of the second input area presentation card is operated (pressed), the remote controller 1 displays the second
Based on the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the pressed icon (input area) from the control data stored in the reference data storage unit 22a, the RAM 12 is read from the second reference data storage unit 22a and predetermined in the RAM 12. The control signal corresponding to the pressed icon is read out from the control data stored in the area corresponding to each icon, and the control signal is sent to the home Internet terminal such as a set top box via the transmission unit 2. Send a signal.

Similarly, when the operator can visually see the third input area presentation card (third operation target presentation section 35), the operator can operate the icon presented on the third input area presentation card. When the icon of the third input area presentation card is operated (pressed), the remote control device 1 selects the icon (input area) pressed from the control data stored in the third reference data storage unit 35a. On the basis of the pressed position information signal generated corresponding to the pressed position information signal, the pressed icon is selected from the control data read from the third reference data storage unit 35a and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 12 corresponding to each icon. The control signal corresponding to is read out, and this control signal is transmitted to a home Internet terminal such as a set top box via the transmission unit 2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the remote control device 31 having three storage parts for providing the operation target presentation part has been described, but in the remote control device having four or more storage parts for providing the operation target presentation part. It is possible to easily perform the same configuration and processing.

By using the same operation target presentation unit as the second operation target presentation unit, the remote controller 31 need only be provided with a first storage unit equivalent to the second storage unit. It is possible to provide a remote control device 31 having a simpler structure than the remote control device provided with the liquid crystal presenting section.

Furthermore, by making the first to third operation object presentation units detachable, it becomes possible to correspond to various operation objects, and the second or third operation object presentation unit can be attached. If not, by using the first operation target presentation unit as a basic operation menu, it is possible to provide a remote control device that can easily operate various control targets.

As described above, in the remote control device of this embodiment, when a plurality of (for example, three) input area presentation cards are attached to the remote control device, the transparent touch panel, which is the input section of the remote control device, For example, when the first input area presentation card is visible, it is possible to operate the icon printed and presented on the first card, and when the second input area presentation card is visible, the second card is displayed. If the icon printed and presented on the third card can be operated and the third input area presentation card can be visually observed, control is performed so that the icon printed and presented on the third card can be operated.

That is, among the mounted first to third input area presentation cards, only the input area presentation card which is mounted closest to the touch panel (input section) and is visible can be selectively operated. When each icon of the selected input area presentation card is operated (pressed), a control signal is generated and transmitted based on the control data stored in the storage unit corresponding to each icon. .

Therefore, a plurality of input area presentation cards can be used.

[0085]

Other Embodiments The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (eg, host computer, interface device, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) recording a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer of the system or the apparatus ( Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the CPU or MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
By executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
Needless to say, this also includes the case where the above-mentioned processes perform part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, this also includes a case where a CPU or the like included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned storage medium, the storage medium has been described above (FIGS. 4, 5, 10, 11).
The program code corresponding to the flowchart will be stored.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention,
For example, without using a conventional liquid crystal display unit for an input unit such as a touch panel of a remote control device, a basic structure (input area) with a simple configuration and an operation surface for controlling various control objects ( It is possible to provide a remote control device capable of mounting a plurality of input area presentation cards capable of presenting an input area), a remote control system, a control method therefor, and an input area presentation card.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an input area presentation card is inserted in the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an initialization process when an input area presentation card is inserted into the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an input process when input is performed from the touch panel of the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the installed card and each flag when the input area presentation card is installed in the remote control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the operator can view the input area from the operator It is a figure explaining the relationship of various cards.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a remote control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a remote control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing a state in which an input area presentation card is inserted in the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an initialization process when an input area presentation card is inserted in the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an input process when input is performed from the touch panel of the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a relationship between a card and respective flags when an input area presentation card is attached to the remote control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the operator can see the input area from the operator. It is a figure explaining the relationship of various cards.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional remote control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Remote control 2 ... Transmitter 3 ... Input section 4 ... First storage section 5 ... The 1st insertion state detection part 6 ... First reading section 7 ... Second storage 8 Second insertion state detector 9… Second reading section 10 ... CPU 11 ... ROM 12 ... RAM 21 ... First operation target presentation unit 21a ... First reference data storage unit 22 ... Second operation target presentation unit 22a ... Second reference data storage unit 31 ... Remote control 32 ... Third storage section 33 ... Third insertion state detector 34 ... Third reading unit 35 ... Third operation target presentation unit 35a ... Third reference data storage unit

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A remote control device for transmitting a control signal to an information processing device, comprising: a touch panel for inputting the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device; and an input having a plurality of input regions visually identified. A container capable of arranging a plurality of area presentation cards on the touch panel, a card detection unit for detecting a card adjacent to the touch panel among the input area presentation cards, and an input to a predetermined area of the touch panel Then, a generation means for generating the control signal based on the information associated with the input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area, the remote control device. 2. The detection means, when the input area presentation card is arranged in the container, detects a card adjacent to the touch panel based on position information output according to the arranged position. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device detects. 3. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the input area presentation card has storage means for storing control data corresponding to the plurality of input areas. 4. The information associated with the input area is control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means corresponding to the plurality of input areas. The remote control device according to item 3. 5. The generation means reads the control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means in association with an input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area and generates the control signal. The remote control device according to claim 3, wherein: 6. A remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a control means for performing a predetermined control corresponding to the control signal when receiving a control signal from the remote control device. A remote control system comprising: an information processing device provided. 7. An input area presentation card that is attachable to and detachable from a remote control device, the plurality of input areas being visually identified, and storage means for storing control data corresponding to the plurality of input areas. An input area presentation card, comprising: 8. A method for controlling a remote control device for transmitting a control signal to an information processing device, wherein the remote control device visually identifies a touch panel for inputting the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device. And a container capable of arranging a plurality of input area presentation cards having a plurality of input areas on the touch panel, and a card detection step of detecting a card adjacent to the touch panel among the input area presentation cards, A generation step of generating the control signal based on information associated with an input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area when detecting an input to the predetermined area of the touch panel. Control method for remote control device. 9. The detecting step, when the input area presentation card is arranged in the container, detects a card adjacent to the touch panel based on position information output according to the arranged position. The method for controlling a remote control device according to claim 8, wherein the detection is performed. 10. The remote control device control according to claim 8, wherein the input area presentation card has a storage unit for storing control data corresponding to the plurality of input areas. Method. 11. The information associated with the input area is control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means in correspondence with the plurality of input areas. 10. The control method of the remote control device according to 10. 12. The generating step reads the control data stored in a predetermined area of the storage means in association with an input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area and generates the control signal. The method for controlling a remote control device according to claim 10, wherein: 13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.
And a control method for the information processing apparatus, the control method including performing a predetermined control corresponding to the control signal when a control signal from the remote control apparatus is received. A method for controlling a remote control system characterized. 14. A control program for controlling a remote control device for transmitting a control signal to an information processing device, wherein the remote control device includes a touch panel for inputting the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device, and And a container capable of arranging a plurality of input area presentation cards having a plurality of input areas identified on the touch panel, wherein the control program is a card adjacent to the touch panel among the input area presentation cards. A code of a card detection step for detecting the input, and an input to a predetermined area of the touch panel is detected, the control signal is generated based on information associated with the input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area. A control program comprising: a process code. 15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for controlling a remote control device that transmits a control signal to an information processing device, wherein the remote control device transmits the control signal to be transmitted to the information processing device. A touch panel for inputting; and a container capable of arranging a plurality of input area presentation cards having a plurality of visually identified input areas on the touch panel, wherein the control program is one of the input area presentation cards. In the code of the card detection step of detecting the card adjacent to the touch panel, and when detecting the input to the predetermined area of the touch panel, based on the information associated with the input area of the adjacent card corresponding to the predetermined area And a code of a generating step for generating the control signal, the computer-readable storage medium. .