JP2007104692A - Information processing system of separately installed type, information processing terminal, and personal computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to use programs and functions which operate in a main unit of a personal computer using a television receiver installed at a different place from the main unit of the personal computer. <P>SOLUTION: The information processing system of a separately installed type comprises a main unit of a personal computer, an information processing terminal, and a digital communication channel connecting them. The information processing terminal is provided with a screen configuration means of configuring display image data for displaying the data on a television receiver, based on digital image data sent from the main unit of the personal computer, and an image output means of outputting the display image data by converting to a video signal for displaying the data on the television receiver. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a divided installation type information processing apparatus in which a video / audio device such as a television receiver installed at a location distant from a personal computer main body is linked with the personal computer main body.

  Hard disk, DVD, disk drive for driving other large-capacity disks, central processing unit such as microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. Built-in personal computer screen with keyboard, mouse and other input means Some display on a television receiver instead of a monitor. In this method, a screen of a personal computer is converted into a video signal in a format that can be input to a television receiver, and the video signal is output and displayed on the television receiver. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost by omitting a monitor dedicated to the personal computer.

  In a personal computer, for example, a document creation operation is often accompanied by an input operation from a keyboard, a mouse or the like while viewing the screen display. However, in general, a television receiver is often installed in a place such as a living room, and in consideration of watching a TV program, there is a high possibility that the television receiver is installed at a position away from the place where the user sits. . Therefore, in the above-described configuration in which a television receiver is used instead of a dedicated monitor, the operation becomes difficult when operating software that involves input operations.

  There is also known a method in which a terminal device called a set-top box is connected to a television receiver and various information is displayed on the television receiver. Generally, the set top box includes a communication means such as a modem for communicating with the outside, acquires information through the communication means based on an instruction input from the user, and based on the acquired information. The created image is output to a television receiver.

At this time, if the set-top box is not equipped with a large-capacity storage means such as a hard disk, it takes a lot of time to obtain information via the communication means, and costs such as communication costs are acquired. There is a problem such as slow response until
In addition, providing a large-capacity storage means in a set-top box increases the cost burden, and for users using a personal computer equipped with a modem or hard disk, information processing by the set-top box is necessary. The hardware connected to the personal computer cannot be used, and the cost performance is further deteriorated.

  Input / output of video and audio signals to / from the personal computer and control of video and audio equipment in order to use personal computers in conjunction with video and audio equipment such as television receivers and video decks. I / O terminals are provided to control video / audio equipment with application programs that run on a personal computer, and to exchange video and audio data between the personal computer and video / audio equipment. .

  In this case, it is assumed that the personal computer and the video / audio device are installed close to each other, and the setting is made so that signals are transmitted and received by a simple connection cord or an infrared transmitter / receiver. For this reason, it is not possible to cope with the case where it is desired to install the personal computer and the video / audio equipment in separate rooms so that they can be used individually.

  A personal computer can use a wide variety of application programs. Some of these programs are suitable for use with a display and keyboard placed on a desk, which can be displayed on a large-screen television set in the living room and used by remote control. There is also a suitable program. However, the conventional personal computer can generally be used only at the place where the main body is installed. For example, the personal computer installed in the study cannot be used in the living room, and the personal computer installed in the living room is used. Can not be used in the study. In order to use personal computers in different rooms, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of personal computers, which is wasteful.

  In view of such a situation, the present invention provides a divided installation type information processing system in which one personal computer can be used at a plurality of locations in a home. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to use programs and functions that operate on the main body using a television receiver installed at a location different from the personal computer main body.

In addition, as a second problem of the present invention, an information processing terminal connected to a television receiver is used in a simple configuration and linked with a personal computer main body in order to efficiently provide a higher level of service. It is in.
The third object of the present invention is to provide a service linked with a video / audio device installed at a different location from the personal computer main body by a program operating on the personal computer main body.

A fourth problem of the present invention is to enable a personal computer main body and an information processing terminal to return to an operating state in response to a request from one when either or both are in a standby state.
The fifth object of the present invention is to provide moving image data and audio data obtained from a disk device such as a DVD drive or a hard disk, a television broadcast tuner, a network connection means or the like, which is built in the personal computer main body or connected externally. Is to be able to be viewed on a television receiver installed at a location distant from the personal computer.

  A divided installation type information processing system according to the present invention includes a personal computer main body capable of processing digital image data, an information processing terminal that generates a video signal that can be displayed on a television receiver, a personal computer main body, and an information processing terminal. Are connected to the digital communication path. Here, the personal computer main body has communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication via the digital communication path, and the information processing terminal is connected to communication path for performing bidirectional communication via the digital communication path. And means for configuring display image data for display on a television receiver based on digital image data transmitted from the personal computer main body via a digital communication path, and screen composition means Image output means for converting the display image data into a video signal for display on the television receiver and outputting; and an instruction acceptance means for accepting an instruction relating to the display image data displayed on the television receiver; Based on the instruction received by the instruction receiving means, the personal computer main body sends it to the information processing terminal. And transmitting the control data to digital image data to the personal computer.

Here, the personal computer main body is provided with an encoding means for compressing and encoding digital image data, and the information processing terminal receives the compressed and encoded digital image data transmitted from the personal computer main body and decodes it. It is possible to employ a configuration further comprising decoding means for converting the data into the decoding means.
The personal computer main body further includes a display image control unit that generates a display command related to display image data to be displayed on the television receiver, and the screen configuration means of the information processing terminal is a digital image transmitted from the personal computer main body. Display image data to be displayed on the television receiver can be configured based on the data and the display command.

Furthermore, the personal computer main body or the information processing terminal performs resolution conversion in an arbitrary range on bitmap data created at a resolution different from the resolution to be displayed on the television receiver via the information processing terminal. A resolution converting means for converting into bitmap data having a resolution to be displayed on the receiver can be further provided.
Application processing means for causing an information processing terminal to operate an application program for providing a service to a user, service request means for requesting the personal computer main body for data or service contents necessary for the operation of the application program, and a personal computer main body Service receiving means for receiving data or service contents transmitted from the personal computer, and the personal computer main body transmits data or service contents necessary for operation of the application program in response to a request from the service request means of the information processing terminal. Provided with data transmission means for transmitting to the information processing terminal, and provided the service to the user using the television receiver based on the data received from the personal computer or the contents of the service. It can be configured to so that.

  In addition, another divided installation type information processing system according to the present invention includes a personal computer main body on which an application program for providing a service linked to a video / audio device operates, and a video / audio device connected to the video / audio device. An information processing terminal that transmits and receives video signals, audio signals, or remote control signals, and a digital communication path that connects the personal computer body and the information processing terminal. The personal computer body communicates with the information processing terminal bidirectionally. A communication path connection means for performing communication, and an application processing means for operating an application program for providing a service linked with a video / audio device, and the information processing terminal performs bidirectional communication with the personal computer main body. Communication channel connection means and video / audio equipment. Supports video signals between video / audio signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving video / audio signals, infrared transmission means for transmitting remote control signals for controlling video / audio equipment, and application programs on the personal computer And audio / video data transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving audio data corresponding to the audio signal and control data corresponding to the remote control signal.

  Here, when the counterpart device connected by the digital communication path is in the standby state, the return command generating means for issuing a return command for returning from the standby state to the operating state includes the personal computer main body and the information processing terminal. Personal computer having a return control means for returning from the standby state to the operating state when a return command is received from a counterpart device connected by a digital communication path in one or both of them. It can be provided on the other or both of the main body and the information processing terminal.

  An information processing terminal according to the present invention is an information processing terminal capable of bidirectional communication via a digital communication path with a personal computer main body capable of processing digital image data. Communication path connection means for performing communication, and screen configuration means for configuring display image data for display on a television receiver based on digital image data transmitted from the personal computer main body via the digital communication path; , An image output means for converting the display image data constituted by the screen constituting means into a video signal for display on the television receiver, and an instruction for accepting an instruction relating to the display image data displayed on the television receiver Receiving means, and based on the instructions received by the instruction receiving means, Transmitting control data related to the digital image data to be sent to the information processing terminal from over data body to the personal computer.

  Here, an application processing means for operating an application program for providing a service to the user, a service request means for requesting data or service contents necessary for the operation of the application program to the personal computer main body, and transmission from the personal computer main body Service receiving means for receiving the contents of the data to be processed or the service.

  An information processing terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected via a digital communication path to a personal computer main body in which an application program for providing a service in cooperation with a video / audio device is operated. An information processing terminal that is connected to an audio device and transmits / receives a video signal, an audio signal, or a remote control signal to / from an audio / video device, a communication path connection means for bidirectional communication with the personal computer body, Between an audio / video signal transmitting / receiving unit connected to an audio device for transmitting / receiving an audio / video signal, an infrared transmission unit for transmitting a remote control signal for controlling the video / audio device, and an application program on the personal computer body Video data corresponding to the video signal, audio data corresponding to the audio signal, And a audio-video data transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving control data corresponding to the fine control signals.

  A personal computer according to the present invention configures display image data for display on a television receiver based on transmitted digital image data, and displays the display image data on the television receiver based on the display image data. It is converted to a video signal and output, and it is connected via a digital communication path to an information processing terminal that receives instructions related to display image data displayed on a television receiver and transmits control data related to digital image data. The digital image data to be sent to the information processing terminal via the route can be processed.

Here, the communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication with the information processing terminal, and the data or service contents necessary for the operation of the application program on the information processing terminal side in response to a request from the information processing terminal A data transmission means for transmitting to the terminal can be provided.
A personal computer according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected to an information processing terminal that transmits and receives a video signal, an audio signal, or a control signal with a video / audio device via a digital communication path. A personal computer on which an application program for providing a service linked to a device operates, and a communication path connection means for bidirectional communication with an information processing terminal, and a service linked to a video / audio device A communication path connecting means for performing two-way communication, an audio / video signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving an audio / video signal connected to an audio / video device, An infrared transmission means for transmitting a remote control signal for controlling the audio equipment; An information processing terminal comprising: video data corresponding to a video signal, audio data corresponding to an audio signal, and video / audio data transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving control data corresponding to a remote control signal to / from an application program on a computer main body Video data, audio data, and control data are transmitted and received between them.

  According to the present invention, in a television receiver installed at a location distant from the personal computer main body, the personal computer main body can be used, and the television receiver is provided with an apparatus having the same function as the personal computer main body. There is no need for installation, which is advantageous in terms of cost. In addition, since image data and the like are transmitted / received via a digital communication path, high-speed processing is possible.

  In addition, the audiovisual apparatus set on the television receiver side can be controlled by the personal computer main body, and a service linked to the audiovisual apparatus can be provided on the personal computer main body side.

An embodiment of a divided installation type information processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an example of a device configuration employed as the first embodiment of the present invention.
Here, the personal computer main body 100 and the television receiver 400 are installed in a remote place. For example, the personal computer main body 100 is installed in the study and the television receiver 400 is installed in the living room. Is assumed.

Connected to the personal computer main body 100 are an instruction input means 110 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a monitor 111 for displaying a screen such as when an application is executed.
The television receiver 400 is connected to a video deck 510 capable of recording / reproducing image data and audio data as other audiovisual equipment. The television receiver 400 is connected to an information processing terminal 200 that constitutes a screen displayed on the television receiver 400. In addition, an infrared transmission / reception device 421 is connected to the information processing terminal 200 so that an instruction from the remote controller 420 can be received. The remote controller 420 can be used in combination with a remote controller for inputting instructions to the television receiver 400, and may function alone. Further, the information processing terminal 200 may be connected to the video deck 510 as necessary.

  The information processing terminal 200 is connected to the personal computer main body 100 through a bidirectional digital communication path 300. The bidirectional digital communication path 300 can be configured by, for example, a digital bus based on the IEEE1394 standard, and the communication path is generally configured by a wire such as a metal wire or an optical fiber. However, it is also possible to configure by infrared or radio.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration in the first embodiment.
The personal computer main body 100 includes a processor 102, a memory 103, a disk device 104, and the like. The memory 103 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The disk device 104 is a hard disk (HD), compact disk (including CD (including CD-ROM, CD-R, etc.)), DVD (including DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO), etc. It is a drive device.

  The personal computer main body 100 includes a monitor image output unit 101, a terminal display data generation unit 105, an image compression encoding unit 106, a communication path connection unit 107, an external connection unit 108, and the like. The personal computer main body 100 is connected to an instruction input means 110 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a monitor 111 such as a CRT display and a liquid crystal display. The external connection means 108 includes a modem, a terminal adapter, a network adapter, a SCSI adapter, a tuner, and the like, and is used for exchanging data with the outside by an application program. This is the same as a conventional personal computer.

  The personal computer main body 100 is configured to run various application programs and server programs. The server program operates an application program on the personal computer main body 100 in response to a request from a client program operating on the information processing terminal 200, and sends a result of operating the application program to the information processing terminal 200. It is configured to automatically start when the personal computer main body 100 is started, or is manually started in advance. Further, the server program itself may not be activated in advance, but the server program may be activated when a program use request is received from the client program.

  The information processing terminal 200 includes a processor 202, a memory 203, a video / audio output unit 201, a display screen configuration unit 205, an image decoding unit 206, a communication path connection unit 207, a video / audio equipment connection unit 208, and an instruction input unit 210. ing. As the instruction input unit 210, the remote controller 420 and the infrared transmission / reception device 421 in FIG. 1 can be exemplified, and a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, and other input units can also be provided.

  Further, the information processing terminal 200 is configured such that a client program for using an application program that operates on the personal computer main body 100 operates, and the personal computer is based on an instruction input from the instruction input unit 210. Various requests are transmitted to the main body 100 and information corresponding to the request is received from the personal computer main body 100.

  The video / audio signal from the video / audio output means 201 of the information processing terminal 200 is input to the connected external television receiver 400. In addition, the audiovisual equipment connection unit 208 can provide an application program operating on the personal computer main body 100 or the information processing terminal 200 to provide a service linked to the audiovisual equipment 500 connected to the information processing terminal 200. To do. An example of the audiovisual apparatus 500 is the video deck 510 shown in FIG.

The communication path connection means 107 of the personal computer main body 100 and the communication path connection means 207 of the information processing terminal 200 are connected by a bidirectional digital communication path 300. As described above, the bidirectional digital communication path 300 can be configured by a digital bus based on the IEEE1394 standard.
Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

<Operation of information processing terminal>
The operation of the information processing terminal 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the information processing terminal 200 is turned on, various parameters and the like are reset and initial settings are made in step S10. In step S11, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction input from the user.

When using an application program that operates on the personal computer main body 100 on the screen of the television receiver 400, the user uses an instruction input unit 210 such as a remote controller 420 for inputting instructions to the information processing terminal 200. It is sufficient to input an instruction to that effect.
If it is determined in step S11 that an instruction has been input from the user, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the client program is started using the processor 202, the memory 203, and the like. If the client program is configured to automatically start when the information processing terminal 200 is turned on, step S12 can be omitted.

  In step S <b> 13, the client program transmits a usage request indicating that the application program on the personal computer main body 100 is to be used via the communication path connection unit 207. In step S14, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the personal computer main body 100. If it is determined in step S14 that there is no response from the personal computer main body 100, the process proceeds to step S17. Here, as a cause of no response from the personal computer main body 100, for example, the case where the main power source of the host computer main body 100 is not turned on or the like can be considered.

  In step S17, a response indicating that there is no response from the host is displayed on the screen of the television receiver 400, or a response from the personal computer 100 is sent to the user using a method such as generating a warning sound. It is informed that there is no message and waits for instructions from the user. In step S18, it is determined whether or not there is a next instruction from the user. If there is no instruction from the user, the process proceeds to step S17 and the instruction waiting state is further continued. If there is an instruction from the user, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, processing based on an instruction from the user is performed.

If there is a response from the personal computer main body 100 in step S14, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, communication with the personal computer main body 100 is performed based on an instruction from the user, and data for using an application program operating on the personal computer main body 100 is exchanged.
At this time, the information processing terminal 200 receives image data or a display command via the communication path connection unit 207 based on control by the client program, and when the image data is encoded, the image decoding unit 206 The screen data to be displayed on the television receiver 400 is configured using the display screen configuration unit 205.

  The configured screen data is converted into a video signal that can be input to the television receiver 400 by the video / audio output means 201 and output, and this is input to the television receiver 400 to display the screen. The user can input an instruction for the application program using the instruction input unit 210 while watching the screen displayed on the television receiver 400. The client program on the information processing terminal 200 transmits an instruction to the application program via the server program on the personal computer main body 100 based on an instruction input from the user.

When the use of the application program in step S15 is completed, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, other processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S11.
<Operation of the personal computer>
The operation of the personal computer main body 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When power is turned on in the personal computer main body 100, various parameters and the like are reset and initial settings are made in step S21. At this time, the server program can be activated at the same time.
In step S <b> 22, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction input from the user via the instruction input unit 110. When the user uses an application program on the screen of the monitor 111, an instruction is input from the instruction input unit 110. In this case, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the application program is operated by the processor 102, the memory 103, the disk device 104, etc., and the service is provided to the user. In this case, the screen generated by the operation of the program is converted into an image signal by the monitor image output means 101 and displayed on the monitor 111. An instruction from the user for the application program is input by the instruction input unit 110, and the application program is executed based on the input instruction, and the generated image is displayed on the monitor 111.

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not an application program use request is received from the information processing terminal 200. When there is a request for using an application program from a client program on the information processing terminal 200, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in a standby state. Whether or not the apparatus is in a standby state can be determined by the communication path connection means 107 when there is a request for using an application program from the information processing terminal 200. When the main power is turned on but the processor 102, the disk device 104, etc. are not operating, ie, in a so-called standby state, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the personal computer main body 100 is returned from the standby state to the operating state by the communication path connecting means 107.

In step S <b> 27, the server program running on the personal computer main body 100 accepts an application program use request from the information processing terminal 200.
In step S27, when the server program of the personal computer main body 100 accepts a program use request from the client program, in step S28, the server program communicates with the client program via the two-way digital communication path 300, and from the client program. Based on the instruction, the application program on the personal computer main body 100 is started and terminated, an instruction from the client program is transmitted to the application program, and data is received from the application program and transmitted to the client program.

  Based on the usage request from the client program, the application program controlled and operated by the server program on the personal computer main body 100 should be displayed on the information processing terminal 200 side using the terminal display data generation means 105. A display command for performing display processing in the image data or the information processing terminal 200 is generated. These image data or display commands are sent to the information processing terminal 200 via the communication path connection means 107 and the bidirectional digital communication path 300 based on control by the server program. At this time, if the image data to be sent can be compressed, the image data compressed and encoded by the image compression encoding means 106 is sent to the information processing terminal 200.

In step S28, when the use of the application program is terminated by an instruction from the information processing terminal 200, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, other processing is executed.
It is also possible to configure so that the server program is activated when there is a request to use the application program from the information processing terminal 200 without starting the server program at the initial setting in step S21. In this case, the server program may be activated in step S27, and the usage request from the information processing terminal 200 may be received by the activated server program.

As described above, the application program that operates on the personal computer main body 100 can be used on the screen of the television receiver 400 installed at a location distant from the personal computer main body 100.
In such an embodiment, the terminal display data generation unit 105 of the personal computer main body 100 or the display screen configuration unit 205 of the information processing terminal 200 can be subjected to resolution conversion in real time for an arbitrary range of image data. It is possible to have a function. In this case, it is possible to smoothly enlarge and reduce the display contents and perform so-called zoom display.

In such a first embodiment, when the personal computer main body 100 can receive an information service via the external connection means 108, the television receiver 400 can receive the same information service. Can be configured.
In this case, an application program that operates on the personal computer main body 100 transmits / receives information to / from the outside using the external connection unit 108 based on an instruction from a client program that operates on the information processing terminal 200, or a disk While storing data in the device 104 or reading data from the disk device 104, image data or a display command to be displayed on the information processing terminal 200 side is generated and sent to the information processing terminal 200. The information processing terminal 200 receives the image data or the display command, converts the display screen data configured based on the image data into a video signal, outputs the video signal to the television receiver 400, and displays it to display a disk device or an external device. It is possible to provide a service equivalent to or better than that of a single set-top box equipped with a connection device.

  When a single set-top box is connected to a television receiver, the set-top box must have external connection means such as a modem and a tuner in order to use the provision of information services from the outside. In order to provide a higher level of service, a disk device for storing a large amount of information is indispensable. On the other hand, the personal computer main body is generally provided with an external connection means such as a modem and a disk device as standard.

  By adopting the above-described configuration, a single set-top box provided with a disk device or an external connection device when it is desired to receive an information service with the vision receiver 400 installed at a location different from the personal computer main body 100. It is possible to receive a higher level of service at an additional cost that is lower than when purchasing and connecting to a television receiver.

In addition, application programs on the personal computer main body 100 can process moving image data compression-encoded by the MPEG2 system or the like obtained from a disk device such as a DVD drive or an external connection means such as a digital television broadcast tuner. In some cases, it can be used on the television receiver 400 side. In this case, the application program of the personal computer main body 100 is configured to send moving image data to the information processing terminal 200 via the communication path connection means 107 and the bidirectional digital communication path 300. The program on the information processing terminal 200 decodes the moving image data received through the communication path connection unit 207 by the image decoding unit 206, and if encoded audio data is attached, also Decrypt. The video / audio signal output means 201 converts the decoded moving image data and audio data into a video signal and an audio signal to be input to the television receiver 400, and outputs the video signal and the audio signal to the television receiver 400 for display. .
[Second Embodiment]
An application program running on the information processing terminal 200 can be configured to provide a service by itself. In this case, the application program operating on the information processing terminal 200 generates the screen to be displayed on the terminal itself. Further, if necessary, the server program on the personal computer main body 100 is requested to provide data or execute a task. On the other hand, the server program on the personal computer main body 100 operates the application program on the personal computer main body 100 if necessary in accordance with a request from the application program on the information processing terminal 200, and provides requested data or a task. Perform the execution.

  An example of such an application program is a WWW browser. The WWW browser program on the information processing terminal 200 requests necessary data from the server program on the personal computer main body 100 based on an instruction input from the user. The server program acquires necessary data using the disk device 104 or the external connection means 108 in cooperation with itself or another application program, and provides the acquired data to the WWW browser. The WWW browser on the information processing terminal 200 that has received the data generates screen data to be displayed, and the screen is output via the video / audio output means 201 and displayed on the television receiver 400.

  Further, the server program or the application program operating in cooperation with the server program not only provides the data acquired via the external connection means 108 to the WWW browser but also stores it in the disk device 104 as cache data. As a result, once the data requested by the WWW browser is needed again, it is not necessary to acquire it from the outside again while the data is stored in the disk device 104, but only read from the disk device 104. It's okay.

  Furthermore, the above server program or an application program that operates in cooperation with the server program is obtained not only when there is a request from the WWW browser but also through the external connection means 108 in advance by predicting data that may be necessary. It is also possible to configure to store in the disk device 104. As a result, when a WWW browser requests data, the data already exists in the disk device 104. In this case, the user only needs to read the data from the disk device 104 and provide it to the WWW browser. The response of the display content update to the instruction input from is greatly improved.

This second embodiment can be realized with a device configuration substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described above.
[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, an application program that runs on the personal computer main body 100 shows a configuration that can provide a service linked to video / audio equipment installed at a different location from the personal computer main body 100. . FIG. 5 shows an example of the device configuration. Here, a configuration is shown in which a video deck 510 and a tuner 520 are connected to the information processing terminal 200 as audiovisual equipment. The configurations of the personal computer main body 100 and the information processing terminal 200 can be substantially the same as the configurations of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The audio / video equipment connection means 208 of the information processing terminal 200 includes means for transmitting / receiving control signals to / from audio / video equipment such as a tuner and VTR, and means for transmitting / receiving video / audio signals. The means for transmitting and receiving the control signal can use a digital bus such as IEEE1394 standard, and can also be configured using an infrared transmission / reception device or other wire. As a means for transmitting and receiving video / audio signals, a digital bus may be used, or a connection method using analog video / audio signal lines may be employed. In the case of connection using an analog signal line, the audiovisual equipment connection unit 208 needs to include an A / D conversion unit and a D / A conversion unit. When an IEEE1394 standard digital bus is used as the audiovisual equipment connection means, a part of the hardware can be shared with the communication path connection means 207.

In this embodiment, unlike the above-described embodiment, a server program is operated on the information processing terminal 200. On the personal computer main body 100, an application program for operating in cooperation with the video / audio device on the information processing terminal 200 side is operated.
<Operation of the personal computer>
The operation of the personal computer main body 100 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power is turned on in the personal computer main body 100, various parameters and the like are reset and initial settings are made in step S31. In step S32, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction input from the user. For example, when the user instructs the start of the client program using the instruction input unit 110 and inputs an instruction to use a service in cooperation with the audiovisual equipment, it is determined that there is an instruction input based on the instruction. The process proceeds to S33.

  In step S33, the client program is activated using the processor 102, the memory 103, and the like, and the client program uses the service linked to the audiovisual equipment connected to the information processing terminal 200 via the communication path connection unit 107. Send a usage request for. In step S34, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the information processing terminal 200. If it is determined in step S34 that there is no response from the information processing terminal 200, the process proceeds to step S36. Here, as a cause of no response from the information processing terminal 200, for example, the case where the main power source of the information processing terminal 200 is not turned on or the like can be considered.

  In step S36, a response indicating that there is no response from the information processing terminal 200 is displayed on the screen of the monitor 111, or a response from the information processing terminal 200 is sent to the user using a method such as generating a warning sound. It is informed that there is no message and waits for instructions from the user. In step S37, it is determined whether or not there is a next instruction from the user. If there is no instruction from the user, the process proceeds to step S36 and the instruction waiting state is further continued. If there is an instruction from the user, the process proceeds to step S38. In step S38, processing based on an instruction from the user is performed.

  If there is a response from the information processing terminal 200 in step S34, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, an application program for operating in cooperation with the audiovisual apparatus on the information processing terminal 200 side is started, and communication with the information processing terminal 200 is performed based on an instruction from the user. Exchange data for At this time, on the basis of the user instruction input from the instruction input unit 110 of the personal computer main body 100 or by the automatic operation of the program itself, the audio / video device connection unit 208 is used via the server program to externally It exchanges control signals or video / audio signals with video / audio equipment, and provides linked services to users.

When the use of the service in cooperation with the audiovisual equipment in step S35 is completed, the process proceeds to step S39. In step S39, other processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S32.
<Operation of information processing terminal>
The operation of the information processing terminal 200 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

When the information processing terminal 200 is turned on, various parameters and the like are reset and initial settings are made in step S41. At this time, the server program can be activated at the same time.
In step S42, it is determined whether or not the personal computer main body 100 has requested use of a service linked to the audiovisual equipment. If the client program of the personal computer main body 100 requests use of a service linked to the audiovisual equipment, the process proceeds to step S43. In step S <b> 43, the server program operating on the information processing terminal 200 accepts a service use request in cooperation with the audiovisual equipment sent from the personal computer main body 100.

In step S44, the server program communicates with the application program of the personal computer main body 100 via the two-way digital communication path 300, and based on an instruction from the application program, the audiovisual apparatus connection means 208 is used to Control signals, video / audio signals, and the like are transmitted to the personal computer main body 100 to provide a linked service.
[Fourth Embodiment]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the schematic block diagram of FIG. However, components similar to those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In the fourth embodiment, a communication device 610 such as a modem or a terminal adapter is connected to the external connection means 108 of the personal computer main body 100. The external connection unit 108 can connect the information processing terminal 200 and the communication device 610 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300.
The information processing terminal 200 includes return means 211 that automatically returns to an operating state when the information processing terminal 200 is in a standby state when an incoming call is received from a telephone line. Further, when an incoming call is received from the telephone line, a program for performing a response and processing set in advance for the incoming call is operated.

  When there is an incoming call from the telephone line via the communication device 610, when the personal computer main body 100 is in a standby state, the external connection means 108 is configured to allow the information processing terminal 200 to receive this incoming call. In the information processing terminal 200, when there is an incoming call from the telephone line, the apparatus is returned to the operating state by the return means 211 if it is in a standby state. Thereafter, a response and processing set in advance for an incoming call are performed by a program running on the information processing terminal 200.

  While executing the preset response and processing, the return means 211 generates a return command and sends it to the personal computer main body 100 to return the personal computer main body 100 from the standby state. It is also possible to do. Further, an external connection means is provided on the information processing terminal 200 side, and a communication device such as a modem or a terminal adapter is connected to the external connection means so that the information processing terminal 200 side always receives incoming calls from a telephone line. It is also possible to do.

In general, the information processing terminal 200 has a smaller device configuration than the personal computer main body 100 and has a short time to return from the standby state to the operating state. Therefore, the above-described configuration enables a quick response to incoming telephone lines. It becomes.
[Fifth Embodiment]
An example in which a video recording / playback application is operated on a personal computer 100 and can be used from either the personal computer main body 100 or the information processing terminal 200 will be described as a fifth embodiment. A functional block diagram of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG.

  This embodiment includes a personal computer main body 100, an information processing terminal 200, and a bidirectional digital communication path 300 connecting them. A television receiver 400, a video deck 510, and the like are connected to the information processing terminal 200 for use. The object of this embodiment is to record a television broadcast program in the personal computer main body 100 and display the reproduced image on the television receiver 400. In addition, the video deck 510 connected to the information processing terminal 200 is controlled, and a video image recorded in the personal computer main body 100 is dubbed to a video tape, or a video image is taken from the video tape into the personal computer main body 100. And

The personal computer main body 100 stores a tuner 151 for receiving television broadcasting, an MPEG encoder 152 for compressing and encoding image data received by the tuner 151, and image data compressed and encoded by the MPEG encoder 152. A hard disk 153 is provided.
The personal computer main body 100 also includes a user interface screen generation unit 154 and an MPEG encoder 155 for compressing and encoding the screen generated by the user interface screen generation unit 154. Each part of the personal computer main body 100 is controlled by an installed video recording / playback application 161. The video recording / playback application 161 includes a video recording reservation setting program, a video recording control program, and a video playback control program.

  The information processing terminal 200 is decoded by the MPEG decoder 251 and the MPEG decoder 251 for decoding the image data read from the hard disk 153 by the user interface screen transmitted from the MPEG encoder 155 or the video recording / playback application 161. An output screen configuration unit 252 that performs screen configuration for partially enlarging / reducing image data or combining and outputting to the television receiver 400, and converting the screen configured by the output screen configuration unit 252 into a video signal. A video output unit 253 for outputting, and an audio output unit 254 for outputting audio data attached to the image data sent from the personal computer main body 100 side.

In addition, the information processing terminal 200 is input from the video input unit 255 to which image data from the video deck 510 is input, the audio input unit 256 to which audio data from the video deck 510 is input, and the video input unit 255. An MPEG encoder 257 that compresses and encodes image data and audio data input from the audio input unit 256 is provided.
Further, the information processing terminal 200 is provided with an input / output controller 261 that is connected to the infrared transmission / reception device 421 and receives an instruction input from the remote controller 420 and transmits a control signal to the video deck 510. The input / output controller 261 receives a control command from the video recording / playback application of the personal computer main body 100 to generate a control signal to the video deck 510, and an instruction from a user transmitted via the infrared transmission / reception device 421. The input is sent to the video recording / playback application of the personal computer main body 100.

<Recording reservation setting>
In this embodiment, when a reserved recording of a television program is performed on the hard disk 153 of the personal computer main body 100, a video recording reservation setting program is started in the video recording / playback application, and a recording reservation from the user is accepted. The recording reservation may be performed using the screen of the monitor 111 connected to the personal computer main body 100 and the instruction input unit 110, or the user interface screen displayed on the television receiver 400 connected to the information processing terminal 200. You may go through.

In the former case, the user may activate the video recording reservation setting program on the monitor 111 screen of the personal computer main body 100 and make a recording reservation as in the case of a general application program.
In the latter case, first, the user operates the remote controller 420 on the information processing terminal 200 side to give an instruction, and starts the video recording reservation setting program on the personal computer main body 100 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300. When the video recording reservation setting program is activated, this program instructs the user interface screen generation unit 154 to generate a user interface screen for program recording reservation. The generated user interface screen is encoded by the MPEG encoder 155 and sent to the information processing terminal 200 through the bidirectional digital communication path 300.

  In the information processing terminal 200, the user interface screen is restored by the MPEG decoder 251, reconstructed as a final output image by the output screen configuration unit 252, and output to the television receiver 400 through the video output unit 253. While viewing this screen, the user operates the remote controller 420 to make a recording reservation. The content of the instruction from the remote controller 420 is sent to the infrared transmission / reception device 421, is sent to the video recording reservation setting program via the input / output controller 261 and the bidirectional digital communication path 300, and video recording reservation setting processing is performed. Further, the video recording reservation setting program generates a new user interface screen based on the instruction content from the remote controller 420 and the current reservation status. The reservation process is performed by repeating the above.

As described above, the video recording reservation setting can be performed not only on the monitor 111 of the personal computer main body 100 but also on the screen of the television receiver 400 installed remotely.
Program recording based on the reserved content is executed as follows.
When the reserved time comes, the video recording control program controls the tuner 151 based on the reservation content and receives the program. The received program is encoded by the MPEG encoder 152 and stored in the hard disk 153. However, when the received program is MPEG digital broadcasting, encoding by the MPEG encoder 152 is unnecessary, and the received MPEG bit stream data may be stored in the hard disk 153 as it is.

<Video playback control>
Playback of the recorded program is performed as follows. The operation is shown as a flowchart in FIG.
When the video playback control program is activated, in step S51, an instruction is issued to the user interface screen generation unit 154 to generate a user interface screen for video playback. In step S52, the generated user interface screen is encoded by the MPEG encoder 155. In step S53, the information is transmitted to the information processing terminal 200 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300.

In step S54, the video playback control program sends a control signal to the information processing terminal 200, and causes the MPEG decoder 251 to decode the user interface screen. In step S55, the decoded user interface screen is configured as an image to be displayed on the television receiver 400 by the output screen configuration unit 252.
In step S56, the display image configured by the output screen configuration unit 252 is output via the video output unit 253. This display image is output to the television receiver 400 through the video output unit 253.

  In step S57, a user instruction input via the remote controller 420 is accepted. While viewing the user interface screen displayed on the television receiver 400, the user operates the remote controller 420 to instruct program playback. The instruction input input from the remote controller 420 is sent to the input / output controller 261 via the infrared transmission / reception device 421 and further sent to the video playback control program via the bidirectional digital communication path 300.

  In step S58, it is determined whether or not video playback processing needs to be controlled. When an instruction input by the user is generated or when a situation change occurs in the video playback process, the video playback control program performs a necessary process. For example, when an instruction input for video playback occurs, the video playback control program proceeds to step S59 and starts a video playback processing routine. If a playback stop instruction is input, the video playback process ends.

In step S60, other necessary processing is performed. In step S61, it is determined whether or not the program is to be terminated. A new user interface screen is generated and the above processing is repeated except when the program is terminated.
The video playback processing routine in step S59 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. While the reproduction is continued, MPEG data is continuously read from the hard disk 153 and sent to the information processing terminal 200 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300 in step S71. In step S 72, the MPEG data sent to the information processing terminal 200 side is decoded by the MPEG decoder 251. In step S73, the output screen configuration unit 252 combines the decoded video playback image with the separately transmitted user interface screen, or selectively outputs one of the images. In step S74, the video output unit 253 converts the image formed by the output screen configuration unit 252 into a video signal and outputs the video signal. At the same time, the audio output unit 254 converts audio data decoded from MPEG data into an audio signal and outputs the audio signal. In step S75, it is determined whether or not the reproduction is finished. If the reproduction is not finished, the process proceeds to step S71 and the same operation is repeated.

Thus, a video playback application is realized.
<Video dubbing between VCR and personal computer>
In this embodiment, by providing the information processing terminal 200 with the video input unit 255 and the audio input unit 256 and the MPEG encoder 257, video is transferred from the video deck 510 connected to the information processing terminal 200 to the hard disk 153 of the personal computer main body 100. Images can be dubbed.

  The video recording / playback control application can operate the video deck 510 by transmitting a signal for controlling the video deck 510 from the infrared transmitting / receiving device 421 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300 and the input / output controller 261. The dubbing can be performed by automatically synchronizing the video tape mounted on the video deck 510 and the hard disk 153 without manually operating the video deck 510 by the user.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the personal computer main body 100 installed remotely, the television receiver 400 and the video deck 510 are connected via the bidirectional digital communication path 300 and the information processing terminal 200, and the personal computer main body 200 is connected. The video image recorded on the hard disk 153 can be reproduced by an operation from the information processing terminal 200. In addition, while viewing the user interface screen displayed on the television receiver 400, it is possible to perform program reservation and video playback operations on the personal computer main body 100 on the information processing terminal 200 side. Furthermore, a video deck 510 can be connected to the information processing terminal 200 side and video images can be dubbed between the hard disk 153 and the video tape while the video deck 510 is automatically controlled by a remote control signal.

In the above embodiment, if the communication channel capacity is sufficient, the user interface screen can be transferred without using the MPEG encoder 155 and the MPEG decoder 251 when transferring the user interface screen. Is also possible.
[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 12 shows a functional block diagram of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In the fifth embodiment, the user interface screen generation unit 154 and the MPEG encoder 155 of the personal computer main body 100 are omitted, and the user interface screen generation unit 271 is provided on the information processing terminal 200 side in this sixth embodiment. .
The fifth embodiment described above is characterized in that the user interface screen is generated by the personal computer main body 100 and sent to the information processing terminal 200 through the bidirectional digital communication path 300. This eliminates the need to generate a user interface screen on the information processing terminal 200, thereby simplifying the configuration of the information processing terminal 200, but requires a large amount of bandwidth for screen transfer.

On the other hand, in the configuration of the sixth embodiment, a user interface screen is generated on the information processing terminal 200. For this reason, it is not necessary to transmit / receive the user interface screen, and the burden on the bidirectional digital communication path 300 is reduced.
[Seventh Embodiment]
FIG. 13 shows a functional block diagram of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the television receiver 400 connected to the information processing terminal 200 installed at a location distant from the personal computer main body 100 can be browsed by a WWW browser.

In this embodiment, for example, a personal computer main body 100 that operates Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) as an OS, an information processing terminal 200 that operates a non-Windows (registered trademark) OS, and a bidirectional digital that conforms to the IEEE1394 standard that connects them. The communication path 300 is used.
The personal computer main body 100 includes a network adapter 181 that can communicate with an external network via a line, a browser main module 182 that can display WWW content, and a plug-in module 183. The personal computer main body 100 includes a hard disk 153 capable of storing various data. Each module operates on a Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) OS.

  The information processing terminal 200 includes a user interface module 281 that operates on a non-Windows (registered trademark) OS, a page image buffer 282 that holds a page image sent from the browser main module 182 of the personal computer main body 100, and a television. The display screen configuration unit 283 that configures the display screen to be displayed on the receiver 400, the audio signal processing unit 284 that receives audio data transmitted from the browser main module 182, and the image data configured by the display screen configuration unit 283 are converted into video. A video output unit 285 that converts the signal into a signal and outputs it to the television receiver 400, an audio output unit 286 that outputs the audio signal from the audio signal processing unit 284 to the television receiver 400, and the like are provided. Further, the information processing terminal 200 is provided with an input controller 287 that is connected to the infrared transmission / reception device 421 and receives an instruction input from a user input from the remote controller 420.

  Currently, the expression format of WWW content is always expanded, and in order to be able to display the latest WWW content in a browser, it is necessary to upgrade the browser and add a plug-in module. Many of these version upgrades and plug-in modules are designed to run on Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) and PC / AT compatible machines. It cannot be run on a terminal.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the latest plug-in module and the browser main module are operated on the personal computer main body 100 on which Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) operates, and the information processing terminal 200 is operated on a non-Windows (registered trademark) OS. The user interface module 281 is operated so that the page image created on the personal computer side is sent to the information processing terminal 200 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300 so that the user interface module 281 is suitable for display on the television receiver 400. The image is converted at 281 and output to the television receiver 400.

The operation of this embodiment is shown as a flowchart in FIG.
First, when the user operates the remote controller 420, the user interface module 281 on the information processing terminal 200 side is activated in step S81. In step S <b> 82, the user interface module 281 checks the state of the personal computer main body 100 connected through the bidirectional digital communication path 300 and determines whether it is in the operating state or in the sleep state. Here, when the personal computer main body 100 is not in the operating state but in the sleep state, the process proceeds to step S83. In step S83, a wake-up command is issued to the personal computer main body 100 to place the personal computer main body 100 in an operating state. In step S84, the browser main module 182 on the personal computer main body 100 is activated.

In step S85, the user interface module 281 determines display contents to be output to the television receiver 400 and determines a WWW page necessary for display. In step S86, it is checked whether or not a page image obtained by rendering the necessary page is on the page image buffer 282 of the information processing terminal 200.
If the page image necessary for display is not on the page image buffer 282, the process proceeds to step S87, and the user interface module 281 requests the page image from the browser main module 182 of the personal computer main body 100. In step S88, the browser main module 182 checks whether the source of the requested page already exists on the hard disk 153. If the source of the requested page does not exist on the hard disk 153, the process proceeds to step S89, where it is acquired from the Internet and recorded on the hard disk 153. In step S90, a page image is generated based on a necessary page source. At this time, if necessary, a plug-in module is used. The generated page image is sent to the page image buffer 282 of the information processing terminal 200 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300.

When the page images necessary for creating the display screen are prepared in the page image buffer 282 of the information processing terminal 200, the user interface module 281 issues an instruction to the display screen configuration unit 283 in step S91, and the pages in the page image buffer 282 are displayed. A display screen is created using an image.
The display screen configuration unit 283 has a function of performing perspective transformation, affine transformation, zoom transformation, and the like on the page image, and a function of synthesizing a plurality of page images converted by such a function. Using this function, the user interface module 281 can continuously zoom and display page images, and can display a plurality of pages arranged three-dimensionally. These functions are effective in increasing the comfort when browsing the WWW with the television receiver 400 having a low resolution.

In step S92, the image created by the display screen configuration unit 283 is sent to the television receiver 400 via the video output unit 285 and displayed on the screen.
Further, in step S93, the user interface module 281 receives an instruction input from the remote controller 420, determines display contents again according to the instruction contents, acquires a necessary page image, and creates a display screen. repeat.

  In step S94, it is determined whether or not the browser end is instructed by the remote controller 420. When the browser end is instructed by the remote controller 420, the process proceeds to step S95. In step S95, the browser main module 182 and the user interface module 281 are terminated. In step S96, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to put the personal computer main body 100 to sleep. If there is an instruction to put the personal computer main body 100 to sleep, the process proceeds to step S97, a sleep signal is sent to the personal computer main body 100 via the bidirectional digital communication path 300, and the personal computer main body 100 is put into the sleep state. And the process ends.

As described above, a WWW browser using a television receiver screen can be realized.
[Eighth Embodiment]
In each of the embodiments described above, the bidirectional digital communication path 300 is realized by a digital bus based on the IEEE1394 standard, and a plurality of information processing terminals 200 and 200 or a plurality of personal computer main bodies 100 and 100 are provided on one communication path. It is also possible to connect and connect them to provide a service.
[Other Embodiments]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the bidirectional digital communication path 300 can be configured by any other bidirectional digital communication path instead of the IEEE1394 communication path.

  Also, the MPEG encoder and the MPEG decoder can be replaced with other arbitrary types of image encoders and image decoders.

  In the divided installation type information processing system according to the present invention, a personal computer main body can be used in a television receiver installed at a location distant from the personal computer main body, and the television receiver side overlaps with the personal computer main body. It is not necessary to install a device having the above functions, which is advantageous in terms of cost. In addition, since image data and the like are transmitted / received via a digital communication path, high-speed processing is possible.

  The audiovisual equipment set on the television receiver side can be controlled by the personal computer main body, and a service linked to the audiovisual equipment can be provided on the personal computer main body side.

Schematic which shows the apparatus structural example of the system by which 1st Embodiment of this invention is employ | adopted. The functional block diagram. The control flowchart. The control flowchart. Schematic which shows the apparatus structural example of the system by which 3rd Embodiment of this invention is employ | adopted. The control flowchart. The control flowchart. Schematic which shows the apparatus structural example of the system by which 4th Embodiment of this invention is employ | adopted. The functional block diagram of the system by which 5th Embodiment of this invention is employ | adopted. The control flowchart. The control flowchart. The functional block diagram of the system by which 6th Embodiment of this invention is employ | adopted. The functional block diagram of the system by which 7th Embodiment of this invention is employ | adopted. The control flowchart.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Personal computer main body 101 Monitor image output means 102 Processor 103 Memory 104 Disk apparatus 105 Terminal display data generation means 106 Image compression encoding means 107 Communication path connection means 108 External connection means 110 Instruction input means 111 Monitor 200 Information processing terminal 201 Video Audio signal output means 202 Processor 203 Memory 205 Display screen configuration means 206 Image decoding means 207 Communication path connection means 208 Audiovisual equipment connection means 210 Instruction input means 300 Bidirectional digital communication path 400 Television receiver 500 Audiovisual equipment

Claims (13)

A personal computer main body capable of processing digital image data;
An information processing terminal for generating a video signal that can be displayed on a television receiver;
A digital communication path connecting the personal computer main body and the information processing terminal;
With
The personal computer main body has communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication via the digital communication path,
The information processing terminal includes a communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication via the digital communication path, and a television based on digital image data transmitted from the personal computer main body via the digital communication path. Screen composition means for configuring display image data for display on the receiver, and image output for converting the display image data composed by the screen composition means into a video signal for display on the television receiver and outputting the video signal Means, and an instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction regarding display image data displayed on the television receiver,
A divided installation type information processing system, wherein control data relating to digital image data transmitted from the personal computer main body to the information processing terminal is transmitted to the personal computer based on an instruction received by the instruction receiving means. The personal computer main body includes encoding means for compressing and encoding digital image data,
2. The divided installation type according to claim 1, wherein the information processing terminal further includes decoding means for receiving and decoding the compressed and encoded digital image data transmitted from the personal computer main body. Information processing system. The personal computer main body further includes a display image control unit that generates a display command related to display image data to be displayed on the television receiver,
The screen configuration means of the information processing terminal configures display image data to be displayed on the television receiver based on digital image data and a display command transmitted from the personal computer main body. Split-type information processing system.   The personal computer body or the information processing terminal performs resolution conversion in an arbitrary range on bitmap data created at a resolution different from the resolution to be displayed on the television receiver via the information processing terminal, The divisional installation type information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising resolution conversion means for converting into bitmap data having a resolution to be displayed on the television receiver. The information processing terminal includes an application processing means for operating an application program for providing a service to a user, a service requesting means for requesting the main body of data or data necessary for the operation of the application program, Service receiving means for receiving data or service content transmitted from the personal computer main body,
The personal computer main body includes data sending means for sending data necessary for the operation of the application program or the contents of a service to the information processing terminal in response to a request from the service requesting means of the information processing terminal.
The divided installation type information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing terminal provides a service to a user using a television receiver based on data received from the personal computer or a service content. Video signals, audio signals, or remote control signals are sent and received between the personal computer itself, which runs application programs for providing services linked to video / audio equipment, and the video / audio equipment connected to the video / audio equipment An information processing terminal, and a digital communication path for connecting the personal computer main body and the information processing terminal,
The personal computer main body includes a communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication with the information processing terminal, and an application processing means for operating an application program for providing a service in cooperation with the video / audio equipment,
The information processing terminal includes communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication with the personal computer main body, video / audio signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving video / audio signals connected to the video / audio equipment, and the video Video data corresponding to the video signal, audio data corresponding to the audio signal, and remote control signal between the infrared transmission means for transmitting the remote control signal for controlling the audio equipment and the application program on the personal computer main body A split-installation type information processing system comprising audiovisual data transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving control data corresponding to. A return command generating means for issuing a return command for returning from a standby state to an operating state when a counterpart device connected by the digital communication path is in a standby state, the personal computer main body and the information processing terminal One or both of the
When in a standby state, when a return command is received from a counterpart device connected by the digital communication path, a return control means for returning from a standby state to an operating state is provided between the personal computer main body and the information processing terminal. The division installation type information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is provided on the other side or both sides. An information processing terminal capable of bidirectional communication via a digital communication path with a personal computer main body capable of processing digital image data,
A communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication via the digital communication path;
Screen configuration means for configuring display image data for display on a television receiver based on digital image data transmitted from the personal computer main body via the digital communication path;
Image output means for converting the display image data configured by the screen configuration means into a video signal for display on the television receiver, and outputting the video signal;
Instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction relating to display image data displayed on the television receiver;
An information processing terminal comprising: transmitting control data relating to digital image data transmitted from the personal computer body to the information processing terminal to the personal computer based on an instruction received by the instruction receiving means. Application processing means for operating an application program for providing a service to a user;
Service request means for requesting the main body of data or data necessary for the operation of the application program;
Service receiving means for receiving data or content of service transmitted from the personal computer main body;
The information processing terminal according to claim 8, further comprising: A personal computer main body on which an application program for providing a service linked with the video / audio equipment operates is connected via a digital communication path, and is connected to the video / audio equipment and between the video / audio equipment. An information processing terminal that transmits and receives video signals, audio signals, or remote control signals,
Communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication with the personal computer main body;
Video and audio signal transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving video and audio signals connected to the video and audio equipment;
Infrared transmission means for transmitting a remote control signal for controlling the video / audio equipment;
Video / audio data transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving video data corresponding to the video signal, audio data corresponding to the audio signal, and control data corresponding to the remote control signal to / from an application program on the personal computer body;
An information processing terminal comprising:   Based on the transmitted digital image data, display image data for display on the television receiver is constructed, and based on this, the display image data is converted into a video signal for display on the television receiver and output. And an information processing terminal that receives an instruction relating to display image data displayed on the television receiver and transmits control data relating to digital image data via a digital communication path, and the information processing terminal via the digital communication path. A personal computer capable of processing digital image data to be sent to a terminal. A communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication with the information processing terminal;
Data sending means for sending data or service content necessary for the operation of the application program on the information processing terminal to the information processing terminal in response to a request from the information processing terminal;
The personal computer according to claim 11, comprising: An application program is connected to an information processing terminal that transmits / receives video signals, audio signals, or control signals to / from video / audio equipment via a digital communication path and provides services linked to the video / audio equipment. A personal computer,
A communication path connection means for performing bidirectional communication with the information processing terminal;
Application processing means for operating an application program for providing a service in cooperation with the video / audio device;
With
A communication path connecting means for performing bidirectional communication, a video / audio signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving video / audio signals connected to the video / audio equipment, and a remote control signal for controlling the video / audio equipment are transmitted. Audio data for transmitting and receiving video data corresponding to the video signal, audio data corresponding to the audio signal, and control data corresponding to the remote control signal between the infrared transmission means for transmitting and the application program on the personal computer main body A personal computer that transmits and receives the video data, audio data, and control data to and from an information processing terminal that includes transmission and reception means.

Images