JP2004048554A - Information display system and portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information system by which information acquired from the Internet, etc. is easily confirmed by functioning a portable terminal as an input device and displaying the acquired information on a display device comparatively large in screen size. <P>SOLUTION: The portable terminal 5 functions as the input device in the case of specifying screen display in the display device 2. An input command inputted by the portable terminal 5 is transmitted to a server 1 via a radio base station 3. The server 1 transfers the input command to a display controller 2. The display controller 2 controls the display screen of the display device 4 based on the input command transferred from the server 1. Thus, confirmation of the acquired information is performed on a screen of the display device 4 and operability of a user is enhanced. In addition, since the information system is constituted so that an input operation in the portable terminal 5 is not performed by keys but performed by a touch panel, the input operation is smoothly performed as well. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information display system that switches screen display on a display device using a mobile terminal, and a mobile terminal used as an input device in the information display system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many users have selectively obtained and used information suitable for their taste from the Internet. In recent years, the number of users who are carrying mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs so that information can be acquired from the Internet even when they are out is increasing. Furthermore, with the spread of mobile terminals, hot spots have begun to be launched as commercial services in earnest. The hot spot is a place where a wireless LAN to which a portable terminal having a short-range wireless communication function such as IEEE802.11B or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be connected is established. Here, the portable terminal is connected to the Internet via the wireless LAN. Services that can be connected to users.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, for the portable terminal, a display having a small screen size is used in order to reduce the size and weight of the portable terminal. For this reason, in many cases, mobile terminals cannot display information obtained from the Internet at one time (on one screen), and require operations such as screen scrolling to check the obtained information. There was a problem that it was troublesome and operability was not good.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide an information display system in which a portable terminal functions as an input device and information acquired from the Internet or the like is displayed on a display device having a relatively large screen size so that the acquired information can be easily confirmed. It is in.
[0005]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal used as an input device in the information display system.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An information display system according to the present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.
[0007]
(1) a display control device that controls screen display on the display device;
For the display control device, a server device that instructs screen display on the display device, and a wireless base station provided in a network connected thereto,
A mobile terminal that accesses the wireless base station and transmits a cursor movement command displayed on the screen of the display device to the server device, and a screen selection command to be displayed on the display device,
The server device instructs the display control device to display a screen on the display device in accordance with the cursor movement command transmitted from the mobile terminal and the screen selection command,
The portable terminal transmits the cursor movement command and the screen selection command based on an operation on a touch panel provided on a display unit of the main body.
[0008]
In this configuration, the display control device controls the screen display on the display device, and the server device instructs the display control device to display the screen on the display device. The display control device and the server device are connected by a network, for example, a LAN. This network is a so-called wireless LAN to which a wireless base station is connected.
[0009]
The portable terminal can access this wireless base station by short-range wireless communication such as IEEE802.11B or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile terminal transmits a cursor movement command displayed on the screen of the display device and a screen selection command to be displayed on the display device based on an operation of a touch panel provided on a display unit of the main body. The data is transmitted to the server via the base station. The mobile terminal functions as an input device having both a function as a so-called pointing device and a character input function.
[0010]
Here, the cursor movement command is a command for instructing the movement of the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device, and the screen selection command is the designation of a URL indicating an access point on the Internet, or the designation of a display device. This is a command for selecting and specifying a link destination specified by the cursor displayed on the screen.
[0011]
The server device instructs the display control device to display a screen on the display device according to the cursor movement command or the screen selection command transmitted from the mobile terminal. For example, when a cursor movement command is transmitted from the mobile terminal, the display device is instructed to move the display position of the cursor according to the movement command transmitted this time, and when a selection command is transmitted, The display of the screen according to the selection command transmitted this time is instructed.
[0012]
As described above, since the mobile terminal functions as an input device for inputting an instruction to display a screen on the display device, information obtained from the Internet or the like by operating the mobile terminal is displayed on a small display provided on the main body of the mobile terminal. Instead, the information can be displayed on a display device having a relatively large screen to confirm the information. Therefore, the acquired information can be easily confirmed, and the operability can be improved.
[0013]
Further, since the input operation in the mobile terminal is performed using the touch panel instead of the keys, the input operation can be performed intuitively.
[0014]
(2) The mobile terminal transmits the cursor movement command according to a continuous change of the operation position on the touch panel.
[0015]
In this configuration, since a continuous change in the operation position of the touch panel is transmitted as the cursor movement command, the operation for moving the cursor can be realized by a smooth operation without a sense of incongruity.
[0016]
(3) The mobile terminal transmits the cursor movement command when the operation start position on the touch panel is in a predetermined area.
[0017]
In this configuration, by setting the operation start position in a predetermined area, the entire touch panel can be used as an operation range when the cursor is moved, and the input operation related to the movement of the cursor can be performed more smoothly.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an information display system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information display system according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, 1 is a server device, 2 is a display control device, and 3 is a wireless base station. The server device 1, the display control device 2, and the wireless base station 3 are connected to a LAN. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of display control devices 2 (five in FIG. 1) are connected to the LAN, and a display device 4 is connected to each display control device 2. The display device 4 has a relatively large screen, for example, 50 inches. Each display device 4 has a serial number (1 to 5). The display devices 4 are not collectively installed at one place, but are installed at remote places.
[0020]
The server device 1 includes a plurality of devices such as a video distribution server that transmits a video signal to the display control device 2 via a LAN, and a control server that controls devices connected to the LAN. The display control device 2 controls screen display on the connected display device 4. Specifically, the display control device 2 inputs a video signal based on information obtained via the LAN, for example, information obtained from the Internet (not shown) to an external input terminal of the display device 4. The display control device 2 also inputs an audio signal to the display device 4. The display device 4 includes a speaker, and outputs a sound based on a sound signal input to the main body from the speaker.
[0021]
Further, the display control device 2 may be provided with a decoder for decoding a video signal transmitted from the server device 1 via the LAN and inputting the video signal to the display device 4, for example, an MPEG decoder. , And the output of the decoder may be input from an external input terminal of the display device 4. In this case, the display control device 2 may be provided with a function of switching between a video to be displayed on the display device 4 and information obtained from the Internet or a video signal transmitted from the server device 1. . Specifically, a function of switching an external input terminal to be enabled in the display device 4 may be provided in the display control device 2.
[0022]
The display control device 2 has a function of connecting to the Internet via a LAN and acquiring designated information.
[0023]
Reference numeral 5 shown in FIG. 1 is a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone and a PDA. The mobile terminal 5 has a wireless communication function and can access the wireless base station 3 connected to the LAN. Wireless communication between the portable terminal 5 and the wireless base station 3 is performed by IEEE802.11B using the 2.4 GHz band or Bluetooth (registered trademark).
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal 5. The mobile terminal 5 includes a control unit 11 for controlling operation of the main body, a communication unit 12 for controlling wireless communication, a display unit 13, and an input unit 14 for performing an input operation on the main body. The communication unit 12 may be a function realized by a wireless card mounted on the main body, instead of a function built in the main body. The input unit 14 includes a touch panel 14a arranged on the screen of the display unit 13.
[0025]
Next, the operation of the information display system of this embodiment will be described.
[0026]
Appropriate video is displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 that is not used by the user. For example, the server device 1 transmits an appropriate video signal or audio signal to the display control device 2 (or decoder), and the display control device 2 (or decoder) converts the video signal and the audio signal transmitted from the server device 1. The decoded data is input to the display device 4. Further, a captured image of the vicinity of the installation location of the display device 4 may be input to the display device 4 and displayed by a camera (not shown).
[0027]
Further, by making the appropriate video into advertisements of companies and stores, information on parks and recreational facilities near the installation location of the display device 4, it is effective for an unspecified number of individuals around the display device 4. Information can be distributed.
[0028]
In the display device 4, the video to be displayed may be a moving image or a still image.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device in the information display system of this embodiment. The server device 1 is waiting for a use request to be transmitted for the display device 4 not currently used by the user (s1). The use request of the display device 4 is transmitted by a user who has the portable terminal 5 (a user who wants to use the display device 4). Specifically, the user accesses the wireless base station 3 by performing a predetermined operation on the mobile terminal 5, and transmits a use request of the display device 4 to the server device 1 via the connected wireless base station 3. This use request includes the serial number assigned to the display device 4 that the user wants to use. The use request also includes an identification code for identifying the mobile terminal 5.
[0030]
More specifically, the user displays the display screen shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 13 of the portable terminal 5 and inputs the number of the display device 4 desired to be used (when a plurality of display devices are connected to the LAN). ), Press the area where the connection icon is displayed. As described above, the display unit 13 of the mobile terminal 4 is provided with the touch panel 14a. When the mobile terminal 4 detects that the area displaying the connection icon is pressed, the mobile base station 4 to access. When the mobile terminal 4 succeeds in accessing the wireless base station 3, the mobile terminal 4 sends the use request including the serial number of the display device 4 desired by the user and the identification code of the mobile terminal 5 to the wireless base station 3. Via the LAN to the server device 1. Communication between the mobile terminal 5 and the wireless base station 3 is performed by IEEE802.11B or Bluetooth (registered trademark) as described above.
[0031]
Upon receiving the use request in s1, the server device 1 determines whether another user is currently using the display device 4 desired in the use request (s2). Here, if it is determined that another user is currently using the display device 4 desired this time, the fact is returned to the portable terminal 5 that transmitted the use request (s3), and the process returns to s1. .
[0032]
Conversely, when the server device 1 determines in s2 that the display device 4 requested this time is not currently used, the server device 1 permits the mobile terminal 5 that has transmitted the use request this time to use the display device 4 (s4). ), And return to s1. At this time, a message to the effect that the use of the display device 4 is permitted may be displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 to notify the user that the use of the display device 4 has been permitted.
[0033]
Further, the server device 1 executes the processing shown in FIG. 5 in parallel with the processing shown in FIG. This process is executed for each display device 4 whose use is permitted in the process shown in FIG.
[0034]
The server device 1 waits for an input command to be transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 that has permitted the use of the display device 4 in s4 or for a predetermined time to elapse (s11, s12). When a predetermined time elapses without an input command being transmitted, the server device 1 determines that the user has stopped using the display device 4 and manages the display device 4 as a display device 4 that is not currently used. (S14), this process ends. Conversely, when the input command is transmitted before the predetermined time has elapsed, the server device 1 transfers the input command to the display control device 2 (s13), and returns to s11.
[0035]
Here, input commands transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 to the server device 1 include:
(1) a URL command including a URL of information to be displayed on the display screen of the display device 4;
(2) a movement command for instructing movement of a cursor displayed on the display screen of the display device 4;
(3) a selection command for instructing a cursor displayed on the display screen of the display device 4 to move to a link specified by the cursor;
(4) an end command indicating the end of use of the display device 4,
There is.
[0036]
For example, the user who transmits the URL command to the server device 1 displays the character input screen shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 13 of the portable terminal 5, inputs a URL or the like on this screen, and transmits the URL or the like to the server device 1. . Further, the user who transmits the movement command to the server device 1 first presses the inside of the drag area shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6, and thereafter continuously changes the operation position (pressed position) of the touch panel. As a result, a command to move the cursor according to the change in the pressed position of the touch panel 14a is transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 to the server device 1. The transmission of the movement command is continued until the pressing of the touch panel 14a is stopped. At this time, the user can use the entire touch panel 14a as an operation area. Further, the user who transmits the selection command to the server device 1 presses the click area shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. Thereby, the selection command is transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 to the server device 1. Further, the user who sends the end command to the server device 1 presses the end area shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. Thereby, an end command is transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 to the server device 1.
[0037]
The server device 1 transfers the input command transmitted from the mobile terminal 5 to the display control device 2 without performing any processing as described above. As a result, the load on the server device 1 can be reduced. The display control device 2 controls the screen display on the display device 4 according to the input command transferred from the server device 1. Specifically, when the URL command is received, the information specified by the URL included in the URL command is obtained from the Internet, and the obtained information is displayed on the screen of the display device 4.
[0038]
Note that the display control device 2 can be connected to the Internet via a LAN.
[0039]
Further, when the movement command is transferred from the server device 1, the display control device 2 moves the position of the cursor on the display screen of the display device 4 based on the transferred movement command. Further, when the selection command is transferred from the server device 1, the display control device 2 obtains, from the Internet, information of the link destination designated by the cursor on the display screen of the display device 4, and transfers the information obtained here. It is displayed on the screen of the display device 4.
[0040]
Further, when the end command is transmitted from the server device 1, the display control device 2 returns the image on the display screen of the display device 4 to the image when it is not used.
[0041]
When the end command is transmitted from the mobile terminal 5, the display device 4 that is not used in the display control device 2 is managed as the currently used display device 4 in the server device 1. However, there is no particular problem since the server device 1 manages the display device 4 that is not currently used after a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0042]
Further, when an end command is transmitted from the mobile terminal 5, the server device 1 may transfer the end command to the display control device 2 and manage the end command as a display device 4 which is not currently used at this time. Good.
[0043]
As described above, in the information display system of this embodiment, the portable terminal 5 owned by the user is caused to function as an input device, and the information acquired based on the input operation on the portable terminal 5 is displayed on the relatively large screen display device 4. , The obtained information can be easily checked, and the operability for the user can be improved.
[0044]
In addition, since the input in the mobile terminal 5 is performed by the touch panel 14a, the input can be performed by a simple operation of pressing the screen of the display unit 13 of the mobile terminal 5, and the input is further displayed on the screen of the display device 4. When the user moves the cursor, the user first presses the drag area displayed on the display unit 13 and then continuously changes the operation position (pressed position) of the touch panel. The cursor displayed on the screen can be moved intuitively. In addition, since the entire touch panel 14a provided on the display unit 13 can be used as an operation area, operability can be further improved.
[0045]
Further, in the server device 1, the state of the display control device 2 or the display device 4, for example, the temperature of the main body, may be monitored, and control may be performed such as turning off the power when an abnormality occurs.
[0046]
The display control device 2 may be provided with a function of transferring the information displayed on the screen of the display device 4 to the mobile terminal 5. In this way, the information confirmed using the display device 4 can be stored in the portable terminal 5, and even after the user finishes using the display device 4, this information can be stored in the portable terminal 5 as needed. You can check with.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the mobile terminal is made to function as an input device, and the information obtained from the Internet or the like is displayed on the display device having a relatively large screen size, so that the obtained information can be easily confirmed. . Thereby, the operability of the user can be improved.
[0048]
In addition, since the input operation in the mobile terminal is performed using the touch panel instead of the keys, the input operation can be performed smoothly.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information display system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the server device in the information display system of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display unit of the mobile terminal in the information display system of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the server device in the information display system of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display unit of the mobile terminal in the information display system of the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1-server device 2-display control device 3-wireless base station 4-display device 5-portable terminal 14a-touch panel

Claims (4)

A display control device that controls screen display on the display device,
For the display control device, a server device that instructs screen display on the display device, and a wireless base station provided in a network connected thereto,
A mobile terminal that accesses the wireless base station and transmits a cursor movement command displayed on the screen of the display device to the server device, and a screen selection command to be displayed on the display device,
The server device instructs the display control device to display a screen on the display device in accordance with the cursor movement command transmitted from the mobile terminal and the screen selection command,
The information display system, wherein the mobile terminal transmits the cursor movement command and the screen selection command based on an operation on a touch panel provided on a display unit of the mobile terminal body. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal transmits the cursor movement command in accordance with a continuous change in an operation position on the touch panel. The information display system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile terminal transmits the cursor movement command when an operation start position on the touch panel is in a predetermined area. The server apparatus responds to the display control apparatus in response to a command for moving a cursor displayed on the screen of the display device and a command for selecting a screen to be displayed on the display device, transmitted through the wireless base station. A mobile terminal used as an input device in an information display system that instructs a display control device to display a screen on the display device,
Command transmission means for accessing the wireless base station and transmitting the cursor movement command and the screen selection command to the server device based on an operation of a touch panel provided on a display unit of the mobile terminal body. Equipped mobile terminal.

Images