JP2006350672A - Photodetector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that an apparatus using a keyboard as an input means lacks convenience because a wireless keyboard having 106 or 109 buttons must be used to input characters from a remote place, due to the absence of a method of receiving a signal of a remote controller as a signal for character input. <P>SOLUTION: A remote control system comprising the remote controller and a remote control signal receiver is provided. The remote control signal receiver receives a hardware control signal for directly controlling hardware other than the keyboard, which is outputted from the remote controller, and converts the received hardware control signal to a keyboard signal. The receiver outputs the converted keyboard signal to fulfill the role of an input device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a remote control system having a remote control signal receiving device that outputs a keyboard signal.

  Currently, PCs (Personal Computers) are connected to various cables, including cables that connect keyboards and PCs, cables that connect monitors and mice, and cables that connect to LANs (Local Area Networks). . For this reason, since the desk top becomes complicated and each device can be extended only to the distance of the cable, it has been impossible to input characters from a remote position. For this reason, cordless keyboards that have been abolished with cables using infrared rays have been developed.

  However, the cordless keyboard is just a keyboard with no cables, and after all it is a keyboard with 106 or 109 buttons, so the user needs to remember the keyboard layout in order to input characters quickly. was there. For this reason, it is difficult for a user unfamiliar with the PC.

  On the other hand, in recent years, cellular phones have rapidly spread and electronic mails and the like are frequently transmitted using a character input function installed in cellular phones and the like. For this reason, it is easier for some users to input characters using a device that can input characters using only the thumb, such as a mobile phone, rather than using the keyboard. More users can do it.

Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a television receiver that can be operated by a remote controller and that can be input by a user and can be input by a pointing device such as a mouse. In the invention of Patent Document 1, the television receiving device has an input switching means, and by switching between a signal for switching a television channel and a signal for character input, a sense of resistance to the use of the keyboard is obtained. The content that it is possible for a person who can easily input characters is disclosed.
JP 2002-199244 A

  However, the invention of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the television receiver must have both a function of switching channels and a function of performing character conversion and the like, and the versatility is poor. In addition, in a device such as a PC that uses a keyboard as a constant input means, there is no means for receiving a signal from the remote control device as a signal for inputting characters. There is a problem that it is difficult to use a wireless keyboard having 106 or 109 buttons. Also, when it becomes necessary to operate the PC while sitting on a sofa or the like and watching TV, it is necessary to operate the keyboard near the PC, and it is impossible to live a comfortable life.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is intended to provide a remote control system that is convenient for input by making it possible to use a remote control device that is used to the user as it is as an input device. Objective.

  Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a remote control system including a remote control device and a remote control signal receiving device.

  The remote control signal receiving device includes a receiving unit that receives a hardware control signal that directly controls hardware other than the keyboard that is output from the remote control device, and a conversion unit that converts the received hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. And an output unit for outputting the converted keyboard signal. The conversion unit includes a server identification information recognition unit that recognizes the hardware control signal as server identification information, a URL information acquisition unit that acquires predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information, Keyboard signal generation means for generating a keyboard signal based on the URL information.

  The remote control device may include a code reading unit and a hardware control signal output unit that outputs a hardware control signal based on the code read by the code reading unit. The code reading unit has holding means for holding the read code, and the hardware control signal output unit outputs a hardware control signal using the code held by the holding means. A holding code utilizing hardware control signal output means may be provided.

  According to the present invention, keyboard input can be performed from a remote location without a cable. In addition, since it is possible to input characters using a remote control device that is familiar to users, an improvement in convenience can be expected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of each invention will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The relationship between the following embodiments and the claims is as follows.
The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1, 5, 6 and the like.
The second embodiment will mainly describe claims 2, 5, and 7.
In the third embodiment, claims 3 and 8 will be mainly described.
In the fourth embodiment, claims 4 and 9 will be mainly described.

<< Embodiment 1 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 1>
The present embodiment relates to a remote control system having a remote control signal receiving device that converts a hardware control signal output from a remote control device into a keyboard signal and outputs the keyboard signal.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the first embodiment. A hardware control signal is output from the remote control device (0101) to the remote control signal receiving device (0102). Then, the converted keyboard signal is output from the remote control signal receiving device (0102) to the computer device (0104) via the USB cable (0103). The computer device (0104) performs key input processing based on the received keyboard signal, and displays the processing result and the like on the monitor device (0105).

<Configuration of Embodiment 1>
FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the remote control system in the present embodiment. The “remote control system” (0200) shown in FIG. 2 includes a “remote control device” (0201) and a “remote control signal receiving device” (0202). The remote control signal receiving device (0202) includes a “receiving unit” (0203), a “conversion unit” (0204), and an “output unit” (0205).

<Description of Configuration of Embodiment 1>
Each unit, which is a component of the present invention, is configured by either hardware, software, or both hardware and software. For example, as an example for realizing these, when a computer is used, hardware composed of a CPU, a memory, a bus, an interface, a peripheral device, and the like, and software executable on these hardware are listed. be able to. Specifically, the functions of each part are realized by processing, storing, and outputting data on the memory and data input via the interface by sequentially executing the program expanded on the memory (this book) The same applies throughout the specification).

  The “remote control device” (0201) is a remote control device, and is a device that outputs a signal for controlling hardware. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote control device. The remote control device outputs a signal for controlling the hardware using infrared rays or radio waves. A specific example of the remote control device is a TV remote control, but is not limited thereto. For example, the remote control device according to the present embodiment is a device that outputs predetermined infrared rays or radio waves, such as a remote control device for controlling an air conditioner device or a remote control device for controlling a video recording device such as a video or a DVD. 0201). Furthermore, the remote control device (0201) may be a mobile phone that supports infrared communication. This is because a mobile phone that supports infrared communication can transmit infrared signals for controlling hardware such as a television by using a corresponding application. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile phone that supports infrared communication.

  In addition, when the remote control signal receiving device described later has a function of absorbing signal differences between manufacturers, the remote control device may be compatible with any hardware, A remote control device may be used. However, the remote control device described in the present embodiment does not output a hardware control signal for controlling a keyboard as hardware as will be described later.

  Next, each configuration of the “remote control signal receiving device” (0202) will be described.

  The “reception unit” (0203) receives a hardware control signal for directly controlling hardware other than the keyboard output from the remote control device (0201). “Hardware other than a keyboard” is intended to exclude wireless keyboards. “Direct control of hardware” means that when a hardware control signal is output to the hardware, the hardware can also be controlled naturally. . The “hardware” includes devices such as a television, a video, a DVD, and an air conditioner, or an electronic circuit and peripheral devices constituting each device. The receiving unit (0203) may include a light receiving element for receiving a hardware control signal using infrared rays or the like, and may include a demodulation circuit for demodulating the received signal.

  The “conversion unit” (0204) is for converting the hardware control signal received by the reception unit (0203) into a keyboard signal. The “keyboard signal” is a signal output when each button of the keyboard is pressed, for example, and is a signal indicating a keyboard code corresponding to each key called a key code.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key code. As shown in FIG. 5, each keyboard is assigned a key code. For example, when a button marked “A” is pressed, a button with a key code “63” is pressed from the keyboard. A signal will be output. Further, like the key code “40”, not only the keys relating to characters but also the cursor keys have key codes. The remote control signal receiving device (0202) of this embodiment can replace an input device such as a PC by converting a hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. Note that the conversion unit (0204) may have information regarding a predetermined rule for converting a hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. For example, the hardware control signal may be converted into a keyboard signal by using a conversion rule used in character input using a numeric keypad such as a cellular phone.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rule for converting a hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. Here, the conversion unit (0204) may have a rule of switching the character input mode when a predetermined hardware control signal is output. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the button “2” of the remote control device (0201) is pressed, in the numeric mode, it is converted into a keyboard signal corresponding to the character “2”. In the case of the alphabet mode, when the button “2” of the remote control device (0201) is continuously pressed twice, it is converted into a keyboard signal “B”. As an operation in this case, for example, when “2” is pressed for the first time, the letter “A” is output once, and when the same button “2” is subsequently pressed, In order to cancel the character “A” output as the keyboard signal, a backspace keyboard signal is output, and then a keyboard signal corresponding to the character “B” is output. When inputting the character “ka” by kana character conversion, as shown in FIG. 7, a keyboard signal indicating “k” and “a” as roman characters may be output to a PC or the like together. Alternatively, a keyboard signal corresponding to “K” for inputting kana characters (the marking shown on the keyboard is “T”) may be output.

  The “output unit” (0205) outputs the keyboard signal converted by the conversion unit (0204). The output destination of the keyboard signal is a device having a keyboard interface such as a PC. When outputting a keyboard signal, the keyboard signal may be output to a PC or the like via a USB cable, for example. Thus, since the hardware control signal received by the remote control signal receiving device (0202) can be converted into a keyboard signal and output, the remote control signal receiving device (0202) can function as an input device. , You can easily enter characters from a remote location.

<Processing flow of Embodiment 1>
FIG. 8 shows an example of the flow of processing in this embodiment. The processing in the present embodiment includes the following steps. Note that the processing flow shown below can be implemented as a program to be executed by a computer or a readable recording medium on which the program is recorded (hereinafter, the same applies to the description of the processing flow in this specification). is there).

  First, a hardware signal output from the remote control device is received (S0801 reception step). Next, the hardware control signal received in step S0801 is converted into a keyboard signal (S0802 conversion step). Next, the keyboard signal converted in step S0802 is output (S0803 output step). By performing the above processing, a keyboard signal can be output to a PC or the like.

<Effect of Embodiment 1>
The remote control system according to the present embodiment has a remote control signal receiving device that converts a hardware control signal from the remote control device into a keyboard signal and outputs the keyboard signal, thereby realizing character input from the remote control device. For this reason, since keyboard input can be performed using a remote control device such as a TV remote controller or a mobile phone that is usually used, keyboard input can be performed remotely from a place away from a PC or the like. In addition, users who are used to TV channel switching and cell phone character input can perform character input at a higher speed than when using a keyboard. Furthermore, even for a user who is injured with one hand, the user can quickly perform an input operation by inputting characters using a device that can be handled with one hand such as a mobile phone.

<< Embodiment 2 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 2>
The present embodiment relates to a remote control system that can easily access a server by recognizing a signal from a remote control device as server identification information, acquiring predetermined URL information, and generating a keyboard signal. It is.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the concept of the present embodiment. The remote control device (0901) outputs a hardware control signal to the remote control signal receiving device (0902). The remote control signal receiving device (0902) recognizes a predetermined hardware control signal as server identification information, generates a keyboard signal indicating the URL (http://www.quixun.co.jp) of the server, The keyboard signal is output to the computer device (0904). The computer apparatus (0904) starts a predetermined browser and accesses the server. Then, the information on the server is displayed on the monitor device (0905).

<Configuration of Embodiment 2>
FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the remote control system in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the “remote control system” (1000) in the present embodiment is composed of a “remote control device” (1001) and a “remote control signal receiving device” (1002). The “remote control signal receiving device” (1002) includes a “reception unit” (1003), a “conversion unit” (1004), and an “output unit” (1005). The conversion unit (1004) includes a “server identification information recognition unit” (1006), a “URL information acquisition unit” (1007), and a “keyboard signal generation unit” (1008). The components other than the “server identification information recognition unit” (1006), the “URL information acquisition unit” (1007), and the “keyboard signal generation unit” (1008) are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description here is omitted.

<Description of Configuration of Embodiment 2>
The “server identification information recognition unit” (1006) recognizes the hardware control signal as server identification information. The server identification information includes information for identifying a web server on the Internet, for example. An example of recognizing a hardware control signal as server identification information is to recognize a hardware control signal output when a predetermined button such as a remote controller is pressed as server identification information.

  "URL information acquisition means" (1007) acquires predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information. The “recognized server identification information” is server identification information recognized by the server identification information recognition means (1006). “URL information” is information related to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the address of a web server on the Internet. Note that the URL information acquisition unit (1007) may have a table in which predetermined hardware control signals are associated with predetermined URL information.

  The “keyboard signal generation means” (1008) generates a keyboard signal based on the acquired predetermined URL information. The generated keyboard signal is output as a keyboard signal from the output unit (1005).

  An example of generating a keyboard signal using server recognition information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11A shows an example of generating a keyboard signal based on predetermined URL information acquired based on server identification information. The URL information acquisition unit acquires, for example, URL information C (http://www.quixun.co.jp/) held by itself based on the server identification information A recognized by the server identification information recognition unit. To do. And a keyboard signal production | generation means produces | generates a keyboard signal based on the acquired URL information.

  When the keyboard signal is generated based on the URL information, for example, a predetermined keyboard signal necessary for starting up the browser may be generated, or an execution key for executing the input URL information. May be generated together with a keyboard signal corresponding to. A specific example will be described based on the case where the OS (Operating System) of the PC to which the keyboard signal is output is Windows (registered trademark). First, the Windows (registered trademark) key for opening the start menu is pressed, and then the keyboard signal output when the “R” key is pressed to perform “Start by executing file name” is displayed as a URL. Append before information. Then, after generating a keyboard signal of URL information, a keyboard signal that is output when an execution key is pressed is generated. The browser can be started by outputting these keyboard signals to the PC.

  Next, another example will be described with reference to FIG. Based on the server identification information B, the URL information acquisition unit acquires URL information D (http://www.quixun.co.jp/1844). This is an example of a case where the server identification information B includes, for example, a code (1844) to be accessed under the server in addition to information for identifying the server. Even in such a case, the keyboard signal generation means (1008) generates a keyboard signal based on the URL information D in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. In the case of FIG. 11B, when the destination indicated by the URL information D is a transfer server, a predetermined server can be freely accessed.

<Processing flow of Embodiment 2>
FIG. 12 shows an example of the flow of processing in this embodiment. Step S1201 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. In step S1202, it is determined whether the hardware control signal received in step S1201 has been recognized as server identification information (server identification information recognition step). If the server identification information is recognized in step S1202, predetermined URL information is acquired based on the server identification information (S1203 URL information acquisition step). Then, a keyboard signal is generated based on the predetermined URL information acquired in step S1203 (S1204 keyboard signal generation step). On the other hand, if the server identification information is not recognized in step S1202, the hardware control signal is converted into a keyboard signal as described in the first embodiment (S1205). In step S1206, the keyboard signal generated in step S1204 or the keyboard signal converted in step S1205 is output.

<Effect of Embodiment 2>
In this embodiment, it is possible to easily access a predetermined server by recognizing the hardware control signal as server identification information and acquiring URL information. In addition, when the URL information is information indicating a URL of a transfer server or the like, it is possible to access any server via the transfer server.

<< Embodiment 3 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 3>
The present embodiment relates to a remote control system in which a remote control device has a function of reading a code, and outputs a hardware control signal based on the read code.

<Configuration of Embodiment 3>
FIG. 13 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the remote control system in the present embodiment. The “remote control system” (1300) shown in FIG. 13 includes a “remote control device” (1301) and a “remote control signal receiving device” (1302). The remote control device (1301) includes a “code reading unit” (1306) and a “hardware control signal output unit” (1307). The remote control signal receiving device (1302) includes a “reception unit” (1303), a “conversion unit” (1304), and an “output unit” (1305). Each configuration except the “code reading unit” (1306) and the “hardware control signal output unit” (1307) is the same as that described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a common configuration can be adopted except for the “code reading unit” (1306) and the “hardware control signal output unit” (1307).

<Description of Configuration of Embodiment 3>
The “code reading unit” (1306) has a function of reading a code. The “code” is a symbol or sign for expressing information. Specifically, a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark) can be used. Further, it may be a simple address used for a mobile phone, for example. A simple address is, for example, a code related to a link destination acquired from a home page for a mobile phone when the remote control device is a mobile phone. By reading various codes by the code reading unit (1306), a signal corresponding to the code can be output. In addition, it is good also considering the number, the character, etc. which are printed on the button surface of the remote control device (1301) as a code. That is, the code may be read according to the number of times the user has pressed the button on the remote control device. Note that the code reading unit (1306) may include an image sensor for reading a code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a web browsing unit for acquiring a URL from a site for a mobile phone, or the like. May be included.

  The “hardware control signal output unit” (1307) outputs a hardware control signal based on the code read by the code reading unit (1306). “Based on code” means that, for example, a hardware control signal corresponding to the read code may be output, or a predetermined information is attached to the read code and a hardware control signal is output. It is also good. As an example, as described in the second embodiment, a hardware control signal as server identification information is output to the remote control signal receiving device (1302). For example, when the code read from the QR code (registered trademark) is “1844”, the code may be added to the server identification information and output as shown in FIG. As a result, the URL information D in FIG. 11B may be acquired in the remote control signal receiving device (1302). In this way, since it is possible to read a code and output a hardware control signal based on the code, the user can access a predetermined server device without having to remember a complicated URL. It becomes.

<Processing flow of Embodiment 3>
FIG. 14 shows an example of the processing flow of the remote control device in this embodiment. The remote control device of this embodiment first reads a code (S1401 code reading step). Then, a hardware control signal is output based on the code read in step S1401 (S1402 hardware control signal output step). The hardware control signal output in step S1402 is output to the remote control signal receiving device.

<Effect of Embodiment 3>
In the present embodiment, by having a remote control device that can read a code and output a hardware control signal based on the read code, it can be easily used in magazines, advertisements, televisions, and the like. Arbitrary hardware control signals can be output using a typical code. Therefore, the user can easily access any server without memorizing complicated URLs.

<< Embodiment 4 >>
<Outline of Embodiment 4>
The remote control system in the present embodiment is characterized by having a remote control device capable of holding a code read by the remote control device.

<Configuration of Embodiment 4>
FIG. 15 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the remote control system in the present embodiment. A “remote control system” (1500) shown in FIG. 15 includes a “remote control device” (1501) and a “remote control signal receiving device” (1502). The remote control device (1501) includes a “code reading unit” (1506) and a “hardware control signal output unit” (1507). The code reading unit (1507) includes a “holding unit” (1508). The hardware control signal output unit (1508) includes a “holding code using hardware control signal output unit” (1509). The remote control signal receiving device (1502) includes a “reception unit” (1503), a “conversion unit” (1504), and an “output unit” (1505). Each configuration excluding the “holding means” (1508) and the hardware control signal output unit (1508) is the same as that described in the third embodiment.

<Description of Configuration of Embodiment 4>
The “holding means” (1508) holds the read code. Specific examples of the holding means include a memory and a hard disk. By holding the read code, various usage modes can be realized. A case where the remote control device (1501) is a mobile phone will be described as an example. When a user who has viewed a mobile phone site on a train such as when commuting to view the detailed contents of the site using a PC or the like, a search engine or the like for the site after starting the PC There was a need to access. However, for example, by reading and holding a code indicating the site from the mobile site, and transmitting the read code to the remote control signal receiving device (1502) when returning home, the corresponding server device is immediately transmitted. It becomes possible to access. By temporarily holding the read code in this way, the user can use the code even if it has elapsed since the user read the code. be able to.

  "Holding code using hardware control signal output means" (1509) outputs a hardware control signal using the code held by the holding means (1508).

<Processing Flow of Embodiment 4>
FIG. 16 shows an example of the processing flow of the remote control device in this embodiment. The remote controller shown in FIG. 16 first reads a code (S1601). Then, the code read in step S1601 is held (S1602). Thereafter, a hardware control signal is output based on the code held in step S1602 (S1603 holding code using hardware control signal output step). The hardware control signal output in step S1603 is output to the remote control signal receiving device.

<Effect of Embodiment 4>
In this embodiment, since the read code can be held, even if the user reads the code using the remote control device in a place where he / she goes out, the hardware is read using the read code after returning home. Since it is possible to output a wear control signal, it is possible to easily access a predetermined server or the like, and convenience is enhanced.

Conceptual diagram for explaining the first embodiment Functional block diagram for explaining the first embodiment The figure which shows an example of a remote control device The figure which shows an example in case a remote control apparatus is a mobile telephone Illustration for explaining keyboard signals Illustration for explaining character conversion Diagram for explaining Kana character conversion The figure explaining the flow of processing of the remote control signal receiver of Embodiment 1. Conceptual diagram for explaining the second embodiment Functional block diagram for explaining the second embodiment The figure for demonstrating server identification information and URL information The figure explaining the flow of processing of the remote control signal receiver of Embodiment 2. Functional block diagram for explaining the third embodiment The figure explaining the flow of processing of the remote control apparatus of Embodiment 3. Functional block diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment The figure explaining the flow of processing of the remote control apparatus of Embodiment 4.

Explanation of symbols

0200 Remote control system 0201 Remote control device 0202 Remote control signal receiving device 0203 Reception unit 0204 Conversion unit 0205 Output unit

Claims (9)

A remote control device;
A receiving unit for receiving a hardware control signal for directly controlling hardware other than the keyboard output from the remote control device;
A conversion unit for converting the hardware control signal received by the reception unit into a keyboard signal;
An output unit for outputting the keyboard signal converted by the conversion unit;
A remote control signal receiving device comprising:
A remote control system consisting of The converter is
Server identification information recognition means for recognizing the hardware control signal as server identification information;
URL information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information;
Keyboard signal generation means for generating a keyboard signal based on the acquired predetermined URL information;
The remote control system according to claim 1, comprising: The remote control device includes a code reading unit,
A hardware control signal output unit that outputs a hardware control signal based on the code read by the code reading unit;
The remote control system according to claim 1, comprising: The code reading unit has holding means for holding the read code,
4. The remote control system according to claim 3, wherein the hardware control signal output unit includes a retained code using hardware control signal output unit that outputs a hardware control signal using a code retained by the retaining unit.   The remote control signal receiver according to claim 1 or 2. A reception step of receiving a hardware control signal for directly controlling hardware other than the keyboard output from the remote control device;
A conversion step for converting the hardware control signal received in the reception step into a keyboard signal;
An output step for outputting the keyboard signal converted in the conversion step;
A remote control signal receiving method. The converting step includes
A server identification information recognition step for recognizing a hardware control signal as server identification information;
URL information acquisition step for acquiring predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information;
A keyboard signal generation step for generating a keyboard signal based on the acquired predetermined URL information;
A remote control signal receiving method according to claim 6, comprising: The operation method of the remote control device according to claim 6 or 7,
A code reading step;
A hardware control signal output step for outputting a hardware control signal based on the code read in the code reading step;
A method for operating a remote control device.   9. The hardware control signal output step according to claim 8, wherein the hardware control signal output step includes a retained code using hardware control signal output step for outputting a hardware control signal using the code read and retained in the code reading step. The operation method of the remote control device.

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