JP2004343183A - Infrared video image transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an infrared video image transmission system capable of cordlessly transmitting audio and video signals to passenger seats by using infrared rays in an airplane, a train or a bus etc. <P>SOLUTION: The infrared video image transmission system comprises a radiator controller 10 which generates broadcast signals in which video signals are mixed with audio signals for a plurality of channels; a radiator 20 which is driven by this radiator controller, and converts the broadcast signals for the plurality of channels into infrared signals and transmits the signals; a receiver 70 which demodulates the broadcast signal of any selected channel, and extracts the corresponding image signal and displays the extracted signal; a cordless receiver 80 which has a built-in power supply, receives the infrared ray signal, decodes the broadcast signal of the selected channel, extracts the audio signal, and drives an earphone; and a remote controller which transmits and receives a signal for synchronizing a channel selected by the video receiver with a channel selected by a receiver by an infrared transmitter built in either the receiver or the cordless receiver and an infrared receiver built in the other of them. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an infrared video transmission system used to provide video and television broadcast and other video and audio information providing services to passengers such as aircraft, trains, and buses.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a small display and a receiver are provided in a passenger seat of an aircraft, and provide information such as video and television broadcasting to passengers. Video signals and power are supplied by cables embedded in the chair back. The receiver is used by being connected to a connector provided on the armrest. The screen displayed on the display is switched by a remote controller embedded in the armrest. With such a device, passengers can watch a movie or receive various information such as operation status (see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-308906
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the conventional techniques as described above have the following problems to be solved.
Since a signal cable and a power cable for the video display and the receiver must be provided for each sheet, a very large number of cables are used. These constructions and maintenance costs a great deal of money. Further, these cables occupy a considerable weight as a whole, and it is required to reduce this weight in vehicles such as aircraft. Recently, wireless LANs (local area networks) have been widely adopted for cordless use. However, airplanes and the like operated by precision equipment do not readily transmit radio waves, and thus cannot be easily adopted.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an infrared video transmission system capable of transmitting audio and video signals to passenger seats of a passenger cordlessly using infrared rays.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention solves the above problem by the following configuration.
<Configuration 1>
A radiator controller for generating a broadcast signal composed of a video signal and an audio signal for a plurality of channels, a radiator driven by the radiator controller, converting the broadcast signal of the plurality of channels into an infrared signal, and transmitting the infrared signal; And a receiver for demodulating the broadcast signal of any of the selected channels, extracting a corresponding image signal and displaying the extracted image signal on a display, and the receiver separately provided and having a built-in power supply. Receiving the infrared signal, demodulating the broadcast signal of any selected channel, extracting the audio signal and driving an earphone, a cordless receiver, and one of the receiver and the cordless receiver An infrared transmitter built in the receiver and an infrared receiver built in the other make it possible for the receiver to select Transmitting and receiving tunnel selection and signal to synchronize the channel selecting of the receiver, an infrared video transmission system is characterized in that a remote controller.
[0007]
In this system, television images and the like of a plurality of channels are broadcast using infrared signals. The receiver and the cordless receiver are separate and independent from each other, and independently receive an infrared signal. The receiving channels are synchronized by a remote controller equipped with a transceiver. A method of generating a broadcast signal by combining a video signal and an audio signal may be an existing technique. Broadcast on multiple channels simultaneously. The receiver and the cordless receiver are separate and independent from each other, and do not require connection by a signal cable or the like. Since the receiver and the cordless receiver receive the broadcast independently, the reception channel is synchronized using a remote controller. With the above configuration, multi-channel broadcasting can be performed even in a place where transmission of radio waves is disliked, such as a cabin of an aircraft. Further, there is an effect that a signal cable becomes unnecessary.
[0008]
<Configuration 2>
In the infrared video transmission system according to Configuration 1, the receiver is supported by a backrest provided on a passenger seat, and the radiator is fixed to emit infrared light obliquely downward from a wall surface above the passenger seat. An infrared video transmission system characterized by:
[0009]
This is an embodiment in which an infrared video transmission system is attached to an aircraft, a railway train, a bus, or the like.
A receiver is in front of each passenger, and infrared rays for transmitting image and sound signals are emitted from a radiator arranged on the wall above the seat. Clear images and voices are always transmitted without interruption.
[0010]
<Configuration 3>
2. The infrared video transmission system according to Configuration 1, wherein the receiver includes a light receiving element that receives an infrared signal broadcast by the radiator, a demodulation unit that demodulates a broadcast signal of a selected channel, and a video signal based on the demodulated signal. A video signal extraction unit, a display that displays an image based on the extracted video signal, a remote controller transmitter that emits infrared light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the screen of the display, and transmits the channel selection information. The cordless receiver includes a light receiving element that receives an infrared signal broadcast by the radiator, a demodulation unit that demodulates a broadcast signal of a selected channel, and an audio signal extraction unit that extracts an audio signal from the demodulated signal. And an earphone for outputting sound based on the extracted sound signal, and receiving the infrared light and selecting the channel. The signal, an infrared video transmission system characterized by comprising a remote controller receiver for controlling the demodulator.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using specific examples.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the infrared video transmission system of the present invention.
In this system, a radiator controller 10 whose specific function will be described later controls a radiator 20 that transmits infrared rays, and transmits audio and video signals. A receiver 70 is fixed to a backrest 31 of a seat 30 of a vehicle such as an aircraft. The image receiver 70 is attached to the back of a chair in front of each passenger so that the angle can be adjusted. A power cord 16 is connected to the receiver 70 from a power source 15 for driving the receiver 70. This is the only cable used in this system, and all others are cordless. The headphones 80 are also cordless.
[0012]
The information supplied from the radiator controller 10 is, for example, information such as a video movie, a television broadcast, and operation status guidance. Therefore, for example, broadcasts of about 6 to 8 channels are multiplexed in the radiator controller 10. Since infrared transmission is used, the frequency may be multiplexed. The signal format may be, for example, the NTSC format generally used in analog television. This signal is FM-modulated and transmitted from the radiator 20. The receiver 70 demodulates the received signal, extracts an NTSC signal, and extracts only a video signal from the signal. Then, the contents are displayed. After receiving the signal in the same manner, the headphones 80 extract only the audio signal and drive the earphone.
[0013]
In this way, the headphone 80 does not require any cord. For this reason, the wiring is extremely simplified as compared with the conventional case, and the weight can be significantly reduced. It should be noted that, for the receiver 70, for example, by using a fuel cell, power supply during operation is not required, and wiring can be omitted. Further, infrared rays do not emit electromagnetic waves that would cause obstacles to electronic devices of an aircraft or the like. In addition, since it collides and reflects on the wall surface, it does not jump out of the vehicle. Therefore, for example, even when a train, a bus, or the like passes near various facilities, radio waves do not leak to the outside, and no radio interference occurs. The above is the outline of the apparatus, but the following configuration is specifically required to realize the above apparatus.
[0014]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the radiator controller 10, the receiver 70, and the headphones 80.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the radiator controller 10 includes a broadcast signal input unit 11, an NTSC conversion unit 12, an FM modulation unit 13, and a driver 14. The radiator 20 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the receiver 70 includes a light receiving element 71, a demodulator 72, a video signal extractor 73, a display 74, and a remote controller transmitter 75. The headphones 80 include a light receiving element 81, a demodulation unit 82, an audio signal extraction unit 83, an earphone 84, and a remote controller receiver 85, as shown in FIG.
[0015]
The broadcast signal input unit 11 provided in the radiator controller 10 includes various circuits and mechanisms for inputting information to be provided to a receiver or headphones. For example, it accepts input signals from VCRs, CD players, MD players, and various other devices. The NTSC conversion unit 12 has a function of converting signals of all channels to be broadcast into NTSC video signals. Each channel is separately converted and supplied to the FM modulator 13. The FM modulator 13 performs an FM modulation process for the required number of channels. The simplest method of multiplexing is to drive, for example, light-emitting diodes that emit light at different wavelengths for each channel.
[0016]
The driver 14 has a function of supplying a predetermined drive current to a light emitting diode provided in the radiator 20. The light emitting diode is driven using the output signal of the FM modulator 13. The radiator 20 is provided with, for example, light emitting diodes for the number of channels. Further, in order to emit infrared rays in various directions in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a large number of light emitting diodes may be mounted in various directions.
[0017]
The light receiving element 71 of the receiver converts the received infrared light into an electric signal. The demodulation unit 72 demodulates the signal of the channel selected by the remote controller transmitter 75. The video signal extracting unit 73 extracts only a video signal portion from the received signal. The display 74 is driven by this. The light receiving element 81 of the headphone 80 also converts the received infrared light into an electric signal. The demodulation unit 82 demodulates the signal of the channel specified by the remote controller receiver 85. The audio signal extraction unit 83 extracts only an audio signal from the demodulated signal. The earphone 84 is driven by this audio signal.
[0018]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the system as described above.
The radiator controller 10 is connected to a DVD player 18 and a VTR player 19 for showing a video movie or the like. In addition, the output of the video camera 1 for photographing the outside scenery is also supplied. Further, for example, a captain in the case of an airplane and a microphone 2 and a microphone amplifier 3 for transmitting guidance of a conductor in the case of a train are connected. Such information is multiplexed and transmitted from the infrared radiator 20. The infrared radiators 20 are attached to various places in the passenger compartment, and simultaneously transmit broadcasts having the same contents. The receiver 70 and the headphones 80 receive the broadcast.
[0019]
Here, in order to synchronize the channel received by the receiver 70 with the channel received by the headphones 80, the remote controller transmitter 75 and the remote controller receiver 85 described with reference to FIG. You. The receiver 70 is provided with a power switch 77, a remote controller beam transmitter 78, and the like. The headphones 80 are provided with a control box 87.
[0020]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the remote control function.
A remote controller transmitter 75 is provided inside the receiver 70, and under the control of the remote controller transmitter 75, the demodulator 72 switches the receiving channel. The passenger can use various operation screens displayed on the receiver 70 to touch a display screen of the receiver 70 with a finger using a well-known touch panel method to perform channel switching, volume control, and the like. ing. The operations of the demodulation unit 72 and the display 74 are as described above. For example, when the channel is switched, a signal to that effect is transmitted from the remote controller transmitter 75. At this time, the remote control beam transmitter 78 has a function of transmitting infrared light or the like.
[0021]
The headphone 80 has a structure in which the control box 87 is arranged below the chin when the headphone 80 is worn downward. The control box 87 incorporates a remote controller receiver 85, a demodulation unit 82, and the like. The remote controller receiver 85 receives the beam transmitted by the remote control beam transmitter 78 and recognizes the switched channel. By supplying the signal to the demodulator 82, the sound of the channel displayed on the receiver 70 is demodulated and can be heard with the earphone 84.
[0022]
Thus, when the channel is switched by operating the screen of the receiver 70, the image is switched, and at the same time, the audio signal received by the earphone 84 is also switched. By transmitting a beam for remote control from the receiver side to the headphone side and synchronizing the reception channels in this manner, the direction of the receiver 70 is fixed. The problem of simultaneously switching the reception channels of the passengers does not occur. In addition, if the control box having the built-in remote controller receiver is arranged below the chin, the remote controller receiver is not hidden by the hair and the channel can be switched smoothly.
[0023]
Note that a remote controller transmitter may be accommodated on the control box 87 side of the headphone 80 and a remote controller receiver may be provided on the image receiver 70 side. If the control box is arranged under the chin, when the passenger operates the remote controller while staring at the receiver 70, the control box 87 always faces the receiver 70. The problem that the beam hits the receiver at the next seat and the channel is switched hardly occurs.
[0024]
As described above, cordless headphones can be achieved. Note that the headphones can be driven by using a battery because of low power consumption. The use of rechargeable batteries also makes handling and management easier. For this purpose, it is preferable to provide a connectorless charging mechanism. This mechanism may use an existing mechanism. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a power supply 90 built in a control box 87 is provided with a rechargeable battery 94, a rectifier circuit 93, and a charging coil 91. The control box 87 is placed on the charging device 97 as shown in the dashed-dotted circle in the figure. In the charging device 97, an AC power supply 95 and a coil 92 are provided.
[0025]
The coil 92 functions as a primary coil of the transformer, and the coil 91 functions as a secondary coil of the transformer. Therefore, when power is supplied from the AC power supply 95, a predetermined voltage is induced in the coil 91 by the transformer mechanism. This is rectified by the rectifier 93 to charge the battery 94. With such a structure, the battery can be recharged simply by collecting the headphones 80 from the passenger and placing the headphones 80 on the charging device 97. By using such a closed cordless system, failures are reduced, and processing such as collection, disinfection, and packaging becomes easy.
[0026]
Further, an IC tag 97 can be attached to the control box 87. For example, the headphone 80 is handed over to the passenger during the boarding procedure, and the IC tag 97 records ticket information. Thereby, the ticket check at the boarding gate can be automatically performed. The headphones can also be used for announcements in the waiting room. The above charging mechanism may use, for example, a solar cell or the like. In any case, by completely reducing the cordlessness, each part can be hermetically sealed, and there is no possibility that a failure will occur during the disinfection processing before distribution to passengers.
[0027]
The above-described computer programs may be configured by combining independent program modules, or may be configured by an integrated program as a whole. All or some of the processes controlled by the computer program may be configured by hardware having equivalent functions. Further, the above-described computer program may be used by being incorporated into an existing application program. The computer program for realizing the present invention as described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and installed and used in an arbitrary information processing apparatus. In addition, it can be downloaded and used in the memory of any computer through a network.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of an infrared video transmission system according to the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show the configuration of components used in the infrared video transmission system according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a radiator controller, and FIG. FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a configuration, and FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of headphones.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a perspective view of a main part of the infrared video transmission system according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control function according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 radiator controller 15 power supply 16 cable 20 radiator 30 chair 31 backrest 70 receiver 80 cordless headphones

Claims (3)

A radiator controller for generating a broadcast signal obtained by combining a video signal and an audio signal for a plurality of channels;
A radiator driven by the radiator controller, converting the broadcast signals of the plurality of channels into infrared signals and transmitting the signals;
A receiver that receives the infrared signal, demodulates the broadcast signal of any of the selected channels, extracts a corresponding image signal, and displays the extracted image signal on a display.
The receiver is provided separately from the receiver, has a built-in power supply, receives the infrared signal, demodulates the broadcast signal of any selected channel, extracts the audio signal, and drives the earphone. Cordless receiver,
A signal for synchronizing a channel selected by the receiver and a channel selected by the receiver by an infrared transmitter incorporated in one of the receiver and the cordless receiver and an infrared receiver incorporated in the other. An infrared video transmission system comprising a remote controller for transmitting and receiving. The infrared video transmission system according to claim 1,
The infrared image transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is supported by a backrest provided on a passenger seat, and the radiator is fixed to emit infrared light obliquely downward from a wall surface above the passenger seat. The infrared video transmission system according to claim 1,
The receiver is a light receiving element that receives an infrared signal broadcast by the radiator, a demodulation unit that demodulates a broadcast signal of a selected channel, a video signal extraction unit that extracts a video signal from the demodulated signal, A display that displays an image by a video signal, and a remote controller transmitter that emits infrared light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the screen of the display and transmits the channel selection information,
The cordless receiver, a light receiving element for receiving an infrared signal broadcast by the radiator, a demodulator for demodulating a broadcast signal of a selected channel, an audio signal extractor for extracting an audio signal from the demodulated signal, An infrared video transmission system, comprising: an earphone that outputs audio by an audio signal; and a remote controller receiver that receives the infrared light and controls the demodulation unit according to the channel selection signal.

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