JP3815343B2 - Viewing device and text information output method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a viewing device such as a television receiver, and more particularly to a viewing device that is connected to an external device having a high information processing capability such as a personal computer and can be operated by a remote controller compatible with the viewing device. Further, the present invention relates to a method for outputting character information from a viewing device to an external device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the improvement of the infrastructure environment for broadband, video content provided mainly using a personal computer such as streaming video and DVD playback video distributed via the Internet has become a target for viewing at home and enterprises. It has become. There is a demand for viewing such video content not only using a monitor of a personal computer but also using a viewing device such as a large-screen television receiver. There is also a desire to execute various application software that is normally activated in a personal computer, such as transmission / reception of electronic mail, using a viewing device such as a television receiver.
[0003]
In order to view video content and execute application software as described above using a viewing device such as a television receiver, first, the viewing device itself has an Internet connection function, a DVD playback function, and the like. It is conceivable to incorporate a device to be realized, and secondly, to connect a dedicated terminal such as a game machine having various functions to the viewing device.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the above-described measures are taken, the cost increases, and there is a possibility that the functions that can be realized by the devices and the dedicated terminals incorporated in the viewing device are limited as compared with the personal computer. There is a problem that the process cannot always be executed.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be connected to an external device having a high information processing capability, such as a personal computer, and can implement various functions of the external device. From the viewpoint of a user interface intended to realize a viewing device and to ensure usability, an object is to obtain a viewing device that can easily operate an external device using a remote controller compatible with the viewing device. .
[0006]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a character information output method that can output character information from a viewing device to an external device by a simple remote controller operation for character input using a remote controller that is particularly important for a user interface. And
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The viewing device according to the present invention is based on display means for performing video display, control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal from a remote controller, and a control signal received from the remote controller., To operate external devicesA control means for generating a command, a general-purpose serial interface corresponding to a general-purpose serial bus, and at leastFrom external equipmentAn input interface unit that enables input of a video signal,When a control signal corresponding to pressing of a predetermined key of the remote controller is received by the control signal receiving means, the control means selects a character specified according to the number of times the key is continuously pressed corresponding to the general-purpose serial bus. When inputting using the keyboard, a key code string corresponding to one or more keys pressed on the keyboard is output as a command via the general-purpose serial interface unit.It is what I did.
[0008]
  The viewing device according to the present invention is:It further comprises storage means for storing, for each command, a key code string corresponding to one or a plurality of keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting a command using the keyboard, and the control means comprises a remote controller The key code string stored in the storage means is read out based on the control signal received from, and the read key code string is output as a command via the general-purpose serial interface unit.It is what I did.
[0009]
  The viewing device according to the present invention provides, for a macro command that causes an external device to sequentially execute two or more commands in which a key code string is stored in the storage means, a code that indicates a command that is sequentially executed corresponding to the macro command. A command string arranged in order is stored in the storage means for each macro command.
[0010]
  In the viewing device according to the present invention, the display means assigns each key and the character assigned to the key or the key to one or more keys on the remote controller to which one or more characters are assigned. In addition, a screen showing the attributes that comprehensively indicate the characteristics of a plurality of characters in association with each other is displayed.
[0011]
  The character information output method according to the present invention includes:When a control signal corresponding to pressing a predetermined key of the remote controller is received by the control signal receiving means, a character specified according to the number of times the key is continuously pressed is used using a keyboard corresponding to a general-purpose serial bus. A step of outputting a key code sequence corresponding to one or a plurality of keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting as a command via the general-purpose serial interface unit is provided.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, in order to clarify the corresponding relationship between each element of the embodiment described in the embodiment of the present invention and each element of the invention described in the claims, the embodiment is described. Each element of the invention described in the scope of claims corresponding to each of the above elements is appropriately indicated by parentheses in the description according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0013]
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a viewing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a television receiver (viewing device), 2 is a remote controller that transmits a control signal to the television receiver 1 by infrared rays or the like, and 3 is a personal computer (external device) (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer). ) 4 is a system bus, 5 is an infrared light receiving unit (control signal receiving means) that receives infrared rays and detects a control signal output from the remote controller 2, 6 is a CPU (control means), 7 is an arithmetic process performed by the CPU 6 A RAM used as a work area when performing the operation, 8 is an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) (storage means) that stores a command code key sequence, a command sequence corresponding to a macro command, and the like. US which converts the command generated by CPU 6 into a signal corresponding to USB bus (general-purpose serial bus) and outputs it Interface circuit (general-purpose serial interface unit), 10 is an input interface circuit (input interface unit) to which video signals and audio signals output from external devices such as a personal computer 3 are input, and 11 is a video signal processing circuit (display means). , 12 is a display unit (display means), 13 is an audio signal processing circuit, and 14 is a speaker. Note that FIG. 1 shows components necessary for operating the personal computer 3 as an external device by a control signal transmitted from the remote controller 2, and viewing of a tuner circuit, a video detection circuit, a signal amplification circuit, and the like. Other components inherent to the device are omitted for ease of explanation.
[0014]
The EEPROM 8 stores a key code sequence corresponding to keys that are sequentially pressed on the keyboard when inputting the command using a USB bus compatible keyboard for each command for operating the personal computer 3. For example, when a command for starting Internet Explore (Microsoft Internet browser) is input to a personal computer 3 using Windows (registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation) as an operating system, the [Windows] key and [ By sequentially or simultaneously pressing the [R] key, a Windows standard software called “execution by designating a file name” is started, and “IEXPLORE”, which is an execution file name of application software (hereinafter referred to as an application), is started there. Enter it, and then press the [Enter] key. By using such a command input method, the application can be activated regardless of which drive the application to be activated is installed on, and no special setting or addition of software is required. For commands such as those described above, keys that are pressed sequentially, that is, {[Windows] key, [R] key, [I] key, [E] key, [X] key, [P] key, [L] A key code string formed by sequentially arranging key codes corresponding to the keys, [O] key, [R] key, [E] key, and [Enter] key} is stored for each command in the EEPROM 8. The In the following description, the keys on the remote controller 2 and the keys on the USB bus-compatible keyboard are clearly distinguished by enclosing them in parentheses so that the description can be easily understood. At the same time, the keys on the USB bus-compatible keyboard are clearly enclosed in []. Further, in this specification, the “key code string” is given as a term representing a set of key-related codes arranged in order, but even if the number of codes included in the set is one, The set is referred to as a key code string.
[0015]
In addition, in the EEPROM 8, for each macro command, a macro command for executing an operation to be executed on the personal computer 3 by sequentially executing two or more commands each storing a key code string for each macro command. A command sequence configured by sequentially arranging codes indicating respective commands executed sequentially corresponding to the macro command is stored. For example, each command may be represented by text data, and the command data may be configured by listing the text data in the order of execution. Note that the above key code string and command string can be registered by a user by appropriately editing, for example, text data using the remote controller 2 or the like. It is possible to easily add functions to the John receiver 1.
[0016]
Next, the operation will be described.
The infrared light receiving unit 5 receives infrared light output from the remote controller 2 and detects a control signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 based on a user operation. The CPU 6 generates a command based on the detected control signal by using a work area, a register, or the like set in the RAM 7, for example. Commands for operating external devices such as the personal computer 3 are classified into mouse target commands that should be input using a normal mouse, keyboard target commands that should be input using a normal keyboard, and the like. The signal is output according to the above. As for the mouse target command, the CPU 6 sends the mouse target command corresponding to, for example, the left click and right click of the mouse, the vertical movement amount of the mouse built-in ball, the horizontal movement amount, etc. according to the generated command. Output to 9. The USB interface circuit 9 converts the input mouse target command into a USB code signal and outputs it to the personal computer 3. Thereby, a virtual mouse operation environment equivalent to operating a general-purpose personal computer equipped with a USB terminal with a mouse can be constructed.
[0017]
As for the keyboard target command, the key code string corresponding to the command is read as described above, and the code is sequentially output to the USB interface circuit 9. The USB interface circuit 9 converts the input keyboard target command into a USB code signal and outputs it to the personal computer 3. Thereby, a virtual keyboard operating environment equivalent to operating a general-purpose personal computer equipped with a USB terminal with a keyboard can be constructed. If the keyboard target command is a macro command, commands are sequentially read from the corresponding command sequence as described above, and a predetermined code sequence is output to the USB interface circuit 9 for each command.
[0018]
The personal computer 3 inputs the USB code signal output from the USB interface circuit 9 and performs a designated process, and also relates to a video signal related to a video to be displayed and a sound to be output according to the process. The audio signal is output to the input interface circuit 10 of the television receiver 1. The video signal processing circuit 11 converts the video signal input to the television receiver 1 into a video signal that can be displayed on the display unit 12 and outputs the video signal to the display unit 12. The audio signal processing circuit 13 converts the audio signal input to the television receiver 1 into an audio signal that can be output by the speaker 14 and outputs the audio signal to the speaker 14.
[0019]
Next, a method for operating the personal computer 3 using the remote controller 2 compatible with the television receiver 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transition state between information input modes when a personal computer is controlled by a remote controller. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, by pressing a predetermined key on the remote controller 2, the television receiver 1 shifts from a normal mode for viewing a broadcast program or the like to a personal computer operation mode for operating the personal computer 3. The PC operation mode is a cursor mode that provides an operating environment equivalent to operating the mouse, such as moving, clicking, scrolling, etc., the cursor on the display screen of the display unit 12; It has a menu mode for executing commands such as activation and a key input mode for executing character input.
[0020]
By the way, if a predetermined application is not activated on the personal computer 3 side, the IME is not turned on on the personal computer 3 side even if, for example, a key code for turning on the IME given as Japanese language conversion software is output. The status shifts between the television receiver 1 side and the personal computer 3 side. For this reason, when shifting to the personal computer operation mode, settings are made so as not to shift to the key input mode first. In addition, when an application is activated in the menu mode, the status related to IME changes independently on the personal computer 3 side, and there is a possibility that the status is shifted between the television receiver 1 side and the personal computer 3 side. For this reason, settings are made so that the menu mode cannot be shifted to the key input mode.
[0021]
Next, each personal computer operation mode will be described. In each personal computer operation mode, for each status that can be obtained in each personal computer operation mode, one or more keys arranged on the remote controller 2 are pressed down on the television receiver 1 side. It is necessary to change the allocation of information to be interpreted (hereinafter, input target information). Examples of such input target information include commands and characters. When a plurality of characters are assigned to one key, information to be interpreted on the television receiver 1 side is distinguished based on the number of continuous presses related to the key as described later. In the present invention, in order to allow the user to recognize the input target information assigned to the key on the remote controller 2 for each status, the television can be operated by pressing the key that can be operated in each status and the key. A command help screen showing the input target information to be interpreted on the receiver 1 side is displayed in the display screen of the display unit 12. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the command help screen in the cursor mode. As shown in FIG. 3, in the cursor mode, for example, the “→” key corresponds to a command for moving the cursor in the right direction, and the “decision” key corresponds to a command for performing a left click of the mouse. As described above, in the cursor mode, an information input environment equivalent to that of a mouse is provided by appropriately pressing a key that can be operated with reference to a command help screen corresponding to each status.
[0022]
In the menu mode, in addition to the command help screen described above, a menu screen showing applications, commands, etc. that can be operated in accordance with the status is displayed in the display screen of the display unit 12. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the menu screen in the menu mode. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, by operating a cross key on the remote controller 2 with reference to the menu screen for a user-desired application such as Internet browser activation or mail software activation shown on the menu screen. You can choose. In the menu screen shown in FIG. 4, selectable applications and the like are represented as character information. However, each application is displayed using an icon having a predetermined form so as to remind the user of each application. The menu screen may be configured so that it can be identified.
[0023]
If an application or the like is selected in the menu mode, as described above, the CPU 6 reads the key code string stored in the EEPROM 8 so as to correspond to the command for starting the selected application, and the USB interface circuit 9. The USB code signal is output to the personal computer 3 via. The personal computer 3 performs processing corresponding to the input command, and outputs video (image) information, audio information, and the like related to the processing result. The television receiver 1 performs video display on the display unit 12, audio output from the speaker 14, and the like based on video information, audio information, and the like input from the personal computer 3.
[0024]
Next, the key input mode will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing input processing in the key input mode. In the personal computer operation mode, character input is started by pressing a predetermined key to enter the key input mode (step ST1). Next, by pressing any of the keys that can be operated in this status, the character input mode is set to one of the hiragana input mode, the katakana input mode, the English input mode, or the numeric input mode (step ST2). ).
[0025]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a key code string output when setting each character input mode. Regarding the setting of such a character input mode, a key code string corresponding to a command for executing the setting of the character input mode is stored in the EEPROM 8 as in the case of starting the application. For example, as to the setting of the hiragana input mode, as shown in FIG. 6, a key code string for giving a command similar to that in which the [Conversion] key and the [Hiragana] key are sequentially pressed on the keyboard is stored. It should be noted that the Japanese character conversion software (for example, IME) operating on the personal computer 3 to be operated is surely set to the character input mode intended by the user operating the remote controller 2 regardless of the character input mode. Therefore, for example, a key code not directly related to a desired character input mode, such as a [conversion] key and a [Hiragana] key in the English input mode, is output as appropriate.
[0026]
If any character input mode is set, hiragana input processing is performed in hiragana input mode (step ST3a), katakana input processing is performed in katakana input mode (step ST3b), and in English input mode. An English input process is performed (step ST3c), and in the number input mode, a number input process is performed (step ST3d). When the character input process in the selected character input mode is completed, whether or not to continue the character input process by switching to another character input mode is selected by pressing a predetermined key (step ST4). If the mode is not switched to another character input mode, the character input process is terminated and the mode is shifted to another personal computer operation mode (step ST5).
[0027]
Next, processing in each character input mode will be described. Here, explanation will be given taking the hiragana input mode as an example. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the command help screen in the hiragana input mode. As shown in FIG. 7, on the remote controller 2, for example, the “1” key corresponds to {A line}, and the “2” key corresponds to {A line}. When the status is changed according to each character input mode as in the case of entering the hiragana input mode, each of the one or more keys on the remote controller 2 that can be operated in each status is displayed. By executing the step of assigning one or more characters every time, it is possible to obtain a command help screen showing the correspondence between keys and characters as shown in FIG.
[0028]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing input processing in the hiragana input mode. In the key input mode, pressing a predetermined key on the remote controller 2 shifts to the hiragana input mode and starts the hiragana input process (step ST11). In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, since the numeric keys “1” to “10” need to correspond to the five characters in each row, the key is continuously pressed for each numeric key. A variable (hereinafter, referred to as a pressing variable) indicating the number of times of being set is set, and a key code to be output according to the pressing variable is changed in five ways for each numeric key, that is, for each row.
[0029]
When hiragana character input is started, it is determined whether or not the key pressed on the remote controller 2 is a numeric key from “1” to “10” given as a hiragana input key (step ST12). If “Yes” is determined in step ST12, a character input process described later is performed (step ST13). If “No” is determined in step ST12, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is the “11” key given as a symbol input key (step ST14). If “Yes” is determined in step ST14, symbol toggle processing is performed (step ST15). In this symbol toggle processing, for example, a symbol given as input target information by continuously pressing the “11” key is {. } → {,} → {−} → {. } Is changed by the toggle method.
[0030]
If “No” is determined in step ST14, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a “decision” key given as a line feed key (step ST16). If “Yes” is determined in step ST16, a key code corresponding to the [Enter] key is output (step ST17). Thereby, the character string being edited can be broken. If “No” is determined in step ST16, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a “12” key given as a clear key (step ST18). If “Yes” is determined in step ST18, a key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key is output (step ST19). Thereby, the last character of the character string being edited can be erased. If “No” is determined in step ST18, and following the processing in steps ST13, ST15, ST17, and ST19, is the input processing in the hiragana input mode terminated based on the next pressed key? It is determined whether or not (step ST20). For example, if the next pressed key is a key corresponding to an instruction to shift to the menu mode, the input process is terminated.
[0031]
If “Yes” is determined in step ST20, it is determined whether or not a conversion flag or a lowercase / muddy sound flag, which will be described later, is on (step ST21). If “No” is determined in step ST20, the process returns to step ST12. If “Yes” is determined in step ST21, a key code corresponding to the [Enter] key is output (step ST22). As a result, the character string to be converted can be determined before switching to another character input mode such as the English character input mode. Next, the conversion flag and the lowercase / turbid sound flag are turned off (step ST23). Next, when executing character input in the hiragana input mode next time, initialization is performed so that all the pressing variables related to each line become zero so that the characters of each line can be selected from the top (step ST24). Is terminated (step ST25).
[0032]
Next, the character input process in step ST13 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing character input processing in the hiragana input mode. When the character input process is started (step ST31), it is first determined which of the numeric keys “1” to “10” is pressed on the remote controller 2 (step ST32). Next, based on the number of the determined number key, a toggle process relating to each line described later is executed (step ST33). For example, if the numeric key is “1” key, the toggle processing related to that row is executed (step ST33a), and if the numeric key is “2” key, the toggle processing related to that row is executed (step ST33a). Step ST33b) When the numeric key is the “10” key, the toggle processing related to the row is executed (step ST33j). When the toggle processing for each row is completed, it is determined whether or not the next pressed key on the remote controller 2 is a numeric key from “1” to “10” (step ST34). If "Yes" is determined in step ST34, the process returns to step ST32.
[0033]
If "No" is determined in step ST34, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is the "11" key given as a symbol input key (step ST35). If it is determined as “Yes” in step ST35, lower case / turbidization processing described later is executed (step ST36). If “No” is determined in step ST35, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a cross key given as a conversion key (step ST37). If “Yes” is determined in step ST37, the key code corresponding to the [conversion] key on the keyboard is output and the conversion flag is turned on (step ST38). Thereby, the conversion candidate concerning a conversion object character string comes to be displayed. If “No” is determined in step ST37, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is a “decision” key (step ST39). If “Yes” is determined in step ST39, the key code corresponding to the [Enter] key is output, the conversion flag is turned off, and the pressed variables for each line are all set to zero and initialized (step ST40). As a result, it is possible to confirm the character or character string currently selected from the conversion candidates or to confirm all the character strings to be converted as hiragana, and at the next time to execute character input in the hiragana input mode , You will be able to select from the first character of each line.
[0034]
If “No” is determined in step ST39, it is determined whether or not the pressed key is the “12” key given as the clear key (step ST41). If "Yes" is determined in step ST41, the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key is output and the conversion flag is turned off (step ST42). As a result, the character string to be converted can be returned from the character string indicating the conversion candidate to the hiragana character string before conversion. If “No” is determined in step ST41, and following the processing in steps ST36, ST38, ST40, and ST42, whether or not to end the character input processing in the hiragana input mode with reference to the conversion flag Is determined (step ST43). If “Yes” is determined in step ST43, the character input process is terminated (step ST44). If it is determined as “No” in step ST43, the process returns to step ST34.
[0035]
Next, the toggle processing relating to each row in step ST33 will be described. Here, a toggle process related to the row will be described as an example. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the toggle processing related to the row. As is apparent from FIG. 9, when the “1” key is pressed, the toggle processing related to the row is started (step ST51). When the toggle processing is started, the lowercase / turbid sound flag is turned off (step ST52). This prevents the characters to be input from becoming lowercase letters or muddy sounds. Next, it is determined whether or not the conversion flag is off (step ST53). If "No" is determined in step ST53, the key code corresponding to the [Enter] key is output and the conversion flag is turned off (step ST54). Thereby, the conversion target character string positioned in front of the character to be input is determined. If “Yes” is determined in step ST53, and following the processing of step ST54, it is determined which value of 0 to 5 the pressing variable associated with that line takes (step ST55).
[0036]
If the pressed variable is 0, the key code corresponding to the [A] key is output (step ST56), all the pressed variables associated with each line are initialized to zero (step ST57), and only the pressed variable associated with that line is output. Is set to 1 (step ST58). As a result, the hiragana character “a” is entered at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 1, the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key and the key code corresponding to the [I] key are sequentially output (step ST59), and the pressed variable associated with that line is set to 2. (Step ST60). As a result, the hiragana character “I” is input to overwrite the hiragana character “A” at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 2, the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key and the key code corresponding to the [U] key are sequentially output (step ST61), and the pressed variable associated with that line is set to 3. (Step ST62). As a result, the hiragana character “U” is input to be overwritten in place of the hiragana character “I” at the end of the character string being edited. When the pressing variable is 3, the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key and the key code corresponding to [E] are sequentially output (step ST63), and the pressing variable related to the row is set to 4 ( Step ST64). As a result, the hiragana character “e” is input to be overwritten in place of the hiragana character “u” at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 4, the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key and the key code corresponding to [O] are sequentially output (step ST65), and the pressed variable associated with that row is set to 5 ( Step ST66). As a result, the hiragana character “o” is input to overwrite the hiragana character “e” at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 5, the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key and the key code corresponding to [A] are sequentially output (step ST67), and the pressed variable associated with that line is set to 1 ( Step ST68). As a result, the hiragana character “a” is input to overwrite the hiragana character “o” at the end of the character string being edited. When the processing of step ST58, step ST60, step ST62, step ST64, step ST66 or step ST68 is completed, the toggle processing related to that row is terminated (step ST69). As described above, by executing the toggle processing related to the line, by continuously pressing the “1” key on the remote controller 2 in the hiragana input mode, the character to be input is {a → i → It becomes possible to change by the toggle method like U → E → O → A}.
[0037]
Next, the lowercase / turbidization process in step ST36 will be described. Here, description will be made by taking the lowercase processing of that line as an example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the lowercase processing related to the line. During character input processing in the hiragana input mode, when the character input of the line by the toggle method is executed as described above, if the “11” key given as the symbol input key is pressed, the lowercase character of the line Is started (step ST71). When the lowercase process is started, it is determined which of the values 1 to 5 the pressing variable related to the above-mentioned line takes (step ST72). If the pressed variable is 1, key codes corresponding to the [Back Space] key, [X] key, and [A] key are sequentially output (step ST73). As a result, the hiragana lowercase character “a” is input so that it is overwritten in place of the hiragana character “a” at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 2, the key code corresponding to each of the [Back Space] key, [X] key and [I] key is sequentially output (step ST74). As a result, the hiragana lowercase letter “i” is input so that it is overwritten in place of the hiragana character “i” at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 3, key codes corresponding to the [Back Space] key, [X] key, and [U] key are sequentially output (step ST75). As a result, the hiragana lowercase letter “ぅ” is input so that it is overwritten in place of the hiragana character “u” at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 4, the key codes respectively corresponding to the [Back Space] key, [X] key, and [E] key are sequentially output (step ST76). As a result, the hiragana lowercase letter “e” is input so as to overwrite the hiragana character “e” at the end of the character string being edited. If the pressed variable is 5, the key codes corresponding to the [Back Space] key, [X] key, and [O] key are sequentially output (step ST77). As a result, the hiragana lowercase letter “ぉ” is input to overwrite the hiragana character “o” at the end of the character string being edited. When the processing of step ST73, step ST74, step ST75, step ST76 or step ST77 is completed, the pressing variable associated with that line is set to zero (step ST78), and the lowercase processing for that line is terminated (step ST79). . As a result, the next character can be selected from the first character in each line when executing the hiragana character input.
[0038]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, for each command, one or a plurality of commands targeting the personal computer 3 generated by the CPU 6 based on the control signal output from the infrared light receiving unit 5 are provided. Since the key code string corresponding to the keys that are sequentially pressed on the keyboard when the command is input using the USB bus compatible keyboard is stored in the EEPROM 8, it is connected via the USB interface circuit 9. Even if a command for operating the personal computer 3 is generated, a key code string corresponding to the command is read from the EEPROM 8 and converted to a USB code via the USB interface circuit 9 and output to the personal computer 3 so that the personal computer 3 has a desired one. So that the external device such as the PC 3 Without performing any special settings etc. In connection, an effect that it is possible to easily operate the computer 3 using the television set 1 corresponding remote controller.
[0039]
In addition, for each macro command, the macro command corresponding to the macro command for executing the operation to be executed on the personal computer 3 by sequentially executing two or more commands each storing the key code string is supported. Since the command sequence configured by sequentially arranging the codes indicating the commands to be sequentially executed is stored in the EEPROM 8, when the macro command is selected by appropriately operating the remote controller 2, the CPU 6 The command sequence corresponding to the macro command is sequentially detected to detect the commands constituting the command sequence, and a predetermined code sequence is output by referring to the key code sequence corresponding to each detected command. 3 can perform a desired complicated operation, An effect that a complex operation to the personal computer 3 by performing a simple operation using the revision receiver 1 corresponding remote controller 2 can be performed.
[0040]
In each character input mode, for each key that can be operated on the remote controller 2, for example, a step of assigning a plurality of characters such as characters in each line of hiragana, and keys on the remote controller 2 When the key is pressed, referring to the pressing variable that indicates the number of times the key has been continuously pressed before that, the pressing variable is set for the character specified according to the pressing variable among the assigned characters. In the case of 0, a key code corresponding to a key pressed on the keyboard when inputting the character using a USB bus compatible keyboard is output (step ST56). Key that is pressed on the keyboard when inputting the character using the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key and the keyboard (Step ST59, step ST61, step ST63, step ST65, step ST67), so that any one key on the remote controller 2 is continuously pressed down. Thus, it is possible to input to the personal computer 3 side so that the character information related to the character assigned to the key is sequentially overwritten. 2 can be used to easily output character information to the personal computer 3.
[0041]
If the pressed variable is equal to the number of characters assigned to the pressed key, the key code corresponding to the [Back Space] key on the USB bus compatible keyboard and the pressed variable 0 are specified. A key code corresponding to a key pressed on the keyboard when inputting a character is output (step ST67), and the pressing variable is set to 1 (step ST68). If the key is pressed again after outputting the character information related to the last character assigned to the character, the character information related to the assigned first character will be overwritten. Can be changed by the toggle method, and the operability of the remote controller for character information output can be improved. There is an effect.
[0042]
Further, in each input mode, for each key on the remote controller 2 to which a character is assigned, a comprehensive indicator of the characteristics of each key and the character assigned to the key or a plurality of characters assigned to the key. Since the command help screen showing the attributes to be associated with each other (for example, A row, Ka row, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 12 of the television receiver 1, each key on the remote controller 2 is currently displayed. Since the user can clearly recognize characters that can be output by operating the, the operability of the remote controller 2 related to character information output can be improved.
[0043]
The viewing device and the character information output method described in the first embodiment are not intended to limit the present invention, but are disclosed for the purpose of illustration. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the description of the scope of claims, and various design changes can be made within the technical scope described in the scope of claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the viewing device provided as the television receiver 1 is configured to include the display unit 12 that performs video display integrally with the main body, but the main body and the display unit are provided separately. The present invention is also applied to a viewing apparatus having a configuration. Further, the connection form between the viewing device of the present invention and the external device such as the personal computer 3 is not necessarily limited to the connection form using the USB bus, but a general-purpose serial bus conforming to other standards such as IEEE 1394 is used. It is possible to adopt a connection form. Further, as an external device connected to the viewing device of the present invention via a general-purpose serial bus, a game machine equipped with a general-purpose serial interface in addition to a personal computer can be considered. Furthermore, the storage means for storing the key code string is not limited to the EEPROM, and non-volatile memories having various other forms can be used.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
  According to this invention,When the control means receives a control signal corresponding to pressing a predetermined key of the remote controller by the control signal receiving means, the character specified according to the number of times the key is continuously pressed Since the key code string corresponding to one or a plurality of keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting using the keyboard is output as a command via the general-purpose serial interface unit, the remote controller corresponding to the viewing device For one or more of the above keys, it is possible to output the character information related to the characters assigned to the key by continuously pressing one of the keys. Without using a remote controller compatible with the viewing device. An effect that the information output can be easily carried out.
[0045]
  According to this invention,It further has a storage means for storing a key code string corresponding to one or a plurality of keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting the command using the keyboard, and the control means receives from the remote controller. Based on the control signal, the key code string stored in the storage means is read out, and the read key code string is output as a command via the general-purpose serial interface unit. There is an effect that an external device can be easily operated using a remote controller compatible with the viewing device without performing setting or the like.
[0046]
  According to this invention,For a macro command that causes an external device to sequentially execute two or more commands in which a key code sequence is stored in the storage means, a command sequence configured by sequentially arranging codes that indicate commands that are sequentially executed corresponding to the macro command Is stored in the storage means for each macro command. When a macro command is selected by appropriately operating the remote controller, the control means refers to the command string corresponding to the macro command Since a predetermined code string is output with reference to a key code string corresponding to each detected command in turn and the commands constituting the device, it is possible to cause the external device to perform a desired complicated operation. Complicated to external devices by performing simple operations using a remote controller compatible with viewing devices An effect that the operation can be performed.
[0047]
  According to this invention,The display means includes, for one or more keys on the remote controller to which one or more characters are assigned, the characteristics of each key and the characters assigned to the key or the characters assigned to the key. Since the screen is displayed in association with the attribute to be indexed, the user can clearly recognize the characters that can be output by operating each key on the remote controller at the present time. As a result, the operability of the remote controller for outputting character information can be improved.
[0048]
  According to this invention,When a control signal corresponding to pressing of a predetermined key of the remote controller is received by the control signal receiving means, the control means selects a character specified according to the number of times the key is continuously pressed corresponding to the general-purpose serial bus. Since a key code string corresponding to one or a plurality of keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting using the keyboard is output as a command via the general-purpose serial interface unit, the remote controller corresponding to the viewing device For one or a plurality of keys, it is possible to output character information related to the characters assigned to the key by successively pressing one of the keys. Without setting, etc., text information for external devices using a remote controller compatible with the viewing device. An effect that it is possible to easily implement the output.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a viewing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transition state between information input modes when a personal computer is controlled by a remote controller.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a command help screen in a cursor mode.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a command help screen in a menu mode.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing input processing in a key input mode.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a key code string output when setting each character input mode.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a command help screen in the hiragana input mode.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing input processing in a hiragana input mode.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing character input processing in a hiragana input mode.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a toggle process related to a row.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing lowercase processing related to the line;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Television receiver (viewing apparatus), 2 Remote controller, 3 Personal computer (External device), 4 System bus, 5 Infrared light-receiving part (control signal receiving means), 6 CPU (control means), 7 RAM, 8 EEPROM ( Storage unit), 9 USB interface circuit (general-purpose serial interface unit), 10 input interface circuit (input interface unit), 11 video signal processing circuit (display unit), 12 display unit (display unit), 13 audio signal processing circuit, 14 Speaker

Claims (5)

Display means for performing video display;
Control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal from a remote controller;
Based on a control signal received from the remote controller, control means for generating a command for operating an external device ;
A general-purpose serial interface compatible with a general-purpose serial bus;
And an input interface unit that enables input of a video signal from the external device ,
The control means, when the control signal receiving means receives a control signal corresponding to the pressing of a predetermined key of the remote controller, the character specified according to the number of times the key is continuously pressed is A key code string corresponding to one or a plurality of keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting using a keyboard compatible with a general-purpose serial bus is output as the command via the general-purpose serial interface unit. Viewing device. Storage means for storing a key code string corresponding to one or a plurality of keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting the command using the keyboard for each command.
And further comprising
The control unit reads the key code string stored in the storage unit based on a control signal received from the remote controller, and uses the read key code string as the command via the general-purpose serial interface unit. Output
The viewing device according to claim 1. For macro command sequentially to execute two or more of the commands that the key code string in said storage means is stored in said external device, in order to code that indicates the command to be executed sequentially in response to the macro command The viewing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a command string configured side by side is stored in the storage unit for each macro command . The display means includes, for one or more keys on the remote controller to which one or more characters are assigned, the characteristics of the respective keys and the characters assigned to the keys or the characters assigned to the keys. Display a screen showing the attributes that comprehensively index
The viewing device according to claim 1. Display means for performing video display;
Control signal receiving means for receiving a control signal from a remote controller;
Based on a control signal received from the remote controller, control means for generating a command for operating an external device ;
A general-purpose serial interface compatible with a general-purpose serial bus;
A character information output method for outputting text information to the external device in the viewing device configured to have at least the input interface unit that enables input of a video signal from an external device,
The control means, when the control signal receiving means receives a control signal corresponding to the pressing of a predetermined key of the remote controller, the character specified according to the number of times the key is continuously pressed is A step of outputting, via the general-purpose serial interface unit, a key code string corresponding to one or more keys pressed on the keyboard when inputting using a general-purpose serial bus-compatible keyboard; Character information output method.

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