JP4736283B2 - Information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program that select a channel to be received in response to an operation of a remote controller.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Personal computers equipped with tuner boards have come into common use. Such a personal computer can receive a broadcast, display a program image on a monitor, and output sound.
[0003]
In addition, a personal computer provided with a predetermined interface selects one device from a connected set-top box or VCR, and displays a program on the monitor based on a signal supplied from the selected device. Images can be displayed and audio can be output.
[0004]
Personal computers and devices such as set-top boxes or VCRs can select operations such as channel or playback of received programs by a remote controller.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method of selecting a channel of a program to be received by the remote controller includes a direct method in which one key corresponds to one channel, and a ten-key method in which a channel is selected by pressing the key for each channel digit. The method is fixed for each device, and the method cannot be changed.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to enable a remote controller to select a channel in a desired manner.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The information processing apparatus of the present invention receives a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor. plural Corresponding to the receiving device, by remote controller Either the numeric keypad method or the direct method Specific data that identifies the channel selection method And ID for identifying the receiving device Holding means for holding the signal, selection means for selecting one of the program signals supplied to each receiving device, and the channel transmitted from the remote controller Or channel and receiver The first command to select The Receive You Receive hand Step and Selection Selected by the selection means Number Receiver that outputs a set of signals Specified by specific data Interpreting means for interpreting the first command according to the channel selection method; Based on the first command interpreted by the notation interpreting means, the receiving apparatus that outputs the signal of the program selected by the selecting means or the receiving apparatus specified by the ID selects the second And transmitting means for transmitting a command, wherein the interpreting means is a predetermined one of the first commands when the number of digits of the first command exceeds a predetermined number of digits when the channel selection method is a numeric keypad method. When the numerical value exceeding the predetermined number of digits is used as the ID, and the numerical value equal to or smaller than the predetermined number of digits is used as the numerical value for selecting the channel. Is a numeric value for selecting a channel. .
[0010]
The information processing method of the present invention receives a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor. plural Corresponding to the receiving device, by remote controller Either the numeric keypad method or the direct method Specific data that identifies the channel selection method And ID for identifying the receiving device A holding processing step for holding a signal, a selection processing step for selecting one of program signals supplied to each receiving device, and a channel transmitted from the remote controller. Or channel and receiver Select First command The Receive You Receive place Management steps, Selection Selected by the processing of the selection processing step Number Receiver that outputs a set of signals Specified by specific data Depending on the channel selection method, First Interpretation processing steps to interpret the command and Based on the first command interpreted in the interpretation processing step, the receiving device that outputs the signal of the program selected in the selection processing step or the receiving device specified by the ID selects the second Send processing steps to send commands Including In the interpretation processing step, when the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method, when the number of digits of the first command exceeds the predetermined number of digits, the numerical value of the first command that exceeds the predetermined number of digits. Is used as a numerical value for selecting a channel, and when the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the channel is selected as the first command. For numeric value .
[0011]
The recording medium program of the present invention receives a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor. plural Corresponding to the receiving device, by remote controller Either the numeric keypad method or the direct method Specific data that identifies the channel selection method And ID for identifying the receiving device A holding processing step for holding a signal, a selection processing step for selecting one of program signals supplied to each receiving device, and a channel transmitted from the remote controller. Or channel and receiver Select First command The Receive You Receive place Management steps, Selection Selected by the processing of the selection processing step Number Receiver that outputs a set of signals Specified by specific data Depending on the channel selection method, First Interpretation processing steps to interpret the command and Based on the first command interpreted in the interpretation processing step, the receiving device that outputs the signal of the program selected in the selection processing step or the receiving device specified by the ID selects the second Send processing steps to send commands Including In the interpretation processing step, when the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method, when the number of digits of the first command exceeds the predetermined number of digits, the numerical value of the first command that exceeds the predetermined number of digits. Is used as a numerical value for selecting a channel, and when the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the channel is selected as the first command. For numeric value .
[0012]
The program of the present invention receives a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor. plural Corresponding to receiving device, by remote controller Either the numeric keypad method or the direct method Specific data that identifies the channel selection method And ID for identifying the receiving device A holding processing step for holding a signal, a selection processing step for selecting one of program signals supplied to each receiving device, and a channel transmitted from the remote controller. Or channel and receiver Select First command The Receive You Receive place Management steps, Selection Selected by the processing of the selection processing step Number Receiver that outputs a set of signals Specified by specific data Depending on the channel selection method, First Interpretation processing steps to interpret the command and Based on the first command interpreted in the interpretation processing step, the receiving device that outputs the signal of the program selected in the selection processing step or the receiving device specified by the ID selects the second Send processing steps to send commands That causes a computer to execute When the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method, the interpretation processing step exceeds the predetermined number of digits in the first command when the number of digits of the first command exceeds the predetermined number of digits. If the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the first command is assigned to the channel. Use a numeric value to select .
[0013]
In the information processing apparatus and method, the recording medium, and the program of the present invention, a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor is received. plural Corresponding to receiving device, by remote controller Either the numeric keypad method or the direct method Specific data that identifies the channel selection method And ID for identifying the receiving device , And one of the program signals supplied to each receiving device is selected and transmitted from the remote controller. Or channel and receiver Select First command But Receive Is , Selection Receiver that outputs selected program signal Specified by specific data Depending on the channel selection method, First Command is interpreted Based on the interpreted first command, the receiving device that outputs the signal of the selected program or the receiving device specified by the ID transmits a second command for selecting a channel. The When the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method, when the number of digits of the first command exceeds a predetermined number of digits, a numerical value exceeding the predetermined number of digits in the first command is set as an ID. A numerical value below a predetermined number of digits is a numerical value for selecting a channel, and when the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the first command is a numerical value for selecting a channel. Ru .
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a broadcasting system according to the present invention. The personal computer 1 inputs a signal supplied from the antenna 3 that has received the terrestrial wave transmitted from the program distributor 11-2, and based on the input signal, a predetermined image and sound (so-called program image and Sound) and record the image and sound.
[0015]
In addition, the personal computer 1 is an analog signal supplied from a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) 9, digital data supplied from a set top box 7 via a network such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394, or a set The image and sound corresponding to the analog signal supplied from the top box 10 are reproduced, and the image and sound are recorded.
[0016]
The personal computer 1 receives the received image or sound signal of the program, the image or sound signal of the program supplied from the set top box 7, the VCR 9, or the set top box 10, or the recorded image or sound signal. Supply to the monitor 2.
[0017]
The personal computer 1 causes the light receiving unit 4 to receive light such as infrared light emitted from the remote controller 5, and receives a command signal corresponding to the blinking pattern of the received light from the light receiving unit 4. When the personal computer 1 receives a command signal transmitted from the light receiving unit 4, the personal computer 1 executes command processing.
[0018]
The personal computer 1 supplies a signal corresponding to a command for operating the set top box 7, VCR 9, or set top box 10 to the light emitting unit 6 in response to an operation of the remote controller 5 or a keyboard to be described later by the user. To do.
[0019]
The monitor 2 displays an image based on the image signal supplied from the personal computer 1, and outputs sound based on the audio signal supplied from the personal computer 1.
[0020]
The antenna 3 receives a terrestrial wave transmitted from a predetermined television broadcasting station or the program distributor 11-2 and supplies a signal corresponding to the received radio wave to the personal computer 1.
[0021]
The light receiving unit 4 receives light such as infrared light emitted from the remote controller 5 and supplies a signal corresponding to the blinking pattern of the received light to the personal computer 1.
[0022]
The remote controller 5 emits light such as infrared light that flashes in a pattern corresponding to a command for operating the personal computer 1 in response to a user operation.
[0023]
The light emitting unit 6 emits light of a blinking pattern corresponding to a command based on a signal supplied from the personal computer 1 and corresponding to a command for operating the set top box 7, VCR 9, or set top box 10.
[0024]
The light receiving unit 4 and the light emitting unit 6 are connected to the personal computer 1 by a bus corresponding to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).
[0025]
The set-top box 7 inputs a signal supplied from an antenna 8 that has received a radio wave transmitted from the program distributor 11-1 via the artificial satellite 12, and receives image and audio signals of a predetermined program as the personal computer 1. To supply.
[0026]
When the set-top box 7 receives the light of the blinking pattern corresponding to the command of the set-top box 7 emitted from the light emitting unit 6, the set-top box 7 executes processing corresponding to the command. For example, when the set-top box 7 receives light of a blinking pattern corresponding to a channel selection command, the set-top box 7 performs a channel selection process.
[0027]
The antenna 8 receives a radio wave transmitted from a predetermined television broadcast station or program distributor 11-1 via the artificial satellite 12 and supplies a signal corresponding to the received radio wave to the set top box 7.
[0028]
The VCR 9 records image and sound signals of a predetermined program supplied from the personal computer 1 in a mounted video cassette or records a program image and sound recorded in a mounted video cassette. The reproduced image and audio signals of a predetermined program are supplied to the personal computer 1.
[0029]
When the VCR 9 receives the light of the pattern corresponding to the command of the VCR 9 emitted from the light emitting unit 6, the VCR 9 performs an operation corresponding to the command. For example, when the VCR 9 receives light having a blinking pattern corresponding to a playback command, the VCR 9 executes playback processing of image and audio of a program recorded in the attached video cassette.
[0030]
The set-top box 10 receives a signal transmitted from the program distributor 11-3 via a wire via the relay station 14, and supplies image and audio signals of a predetermined program to the personal computer 1.
[0031]
The set-top box 10 performs an operation corresponding to the command when receiving the light of the pattern corresponding to the command of the set-top box 10 emitted from the light emitting unit 6.
[0032]
For example, when the set-top box 10 receives light having a blinking pattern corresponding to a channel selection command, the set-top box 10 executes a channel selection process.
[0033]
The program distributor 11-1 distributes a program supplied from a broadcasting station (not shown) to the personal computer 1 via the artificial satellite 12.
[0034]
The program distributor 11-2 distributes a program supplied from a broadcast station (not shown) to the personal computer 1 via the broadcast antenna 12 by terrestrial waves.
[0035]
The program distributor 11-3 distributes a program supplied from a broadcast station (not shown) to the personal computer 1 via the relay station 14 in a wired manner.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the personal computer 1. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 actually executes application programs such as a control program, which will be described later, and a basic OS (Operating System). A ROM (Read-Only Memory) 32 generally stores basically fixed data among the programs used by the CPU 31 and calculation parameters. A RAM (Random-Access Memory) 33 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 31 and parameters that change as appropriate during the execution. These are connected to each other by a host bus 34 constituted by a CPU bus or a memory bus.
[0037]
The host bus 34 is connected to an external bus 36 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 35.
[0038]
The keyboard 38 is operated by the user when inputting various commands to the CPU 31. The mouse 39 is operated by the user when specifying or selecting a point on the screen of the monitor 40. The monitor 40 is composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display device, and displays various information as text and images. An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 41 and an FDD (Floppy (registered trademark) Disk Drive) 42 drive a hard disk or a floppy (registered trademark) disk, respectively, and record or reproduce programs and information executed by the CPU 31. The speaker 43 outputs a predetermined sound.
[0039]
The drive 44 reads a program or data recorded in the magnetic disk 46, the optical disk 47, the magneto-optical disk 48, or the semiconductor memory 49 that is mounted, and installs the program or data in the personal computer 1 or supplies it to the CPU 31 or the RAM 33. To do.
[0040]
The keyboard 38 to the drive 44, the light receiving unit 4, and the light emitting unit 6 are connected to an interface 37. The interface 37 is connected to the CPU 31 via an external bus 36, a bridge 35, and a host bus 34. .
[0041]
Under the control of the CPU 31, the image processing board 45 is a signal supplied from the antenna 3, an image or audio analog signal supplied from the VCR 9, an image or audio analog signal supplied from the set top box 10, or Based on the image or audio digital data supplied from the set top box 7, a predetermined image or audio data is generated and output to the HDD 41 via the external bus 36 and the interface 37.
[0042]
Under the control of the CPU 31, the image processing board 45 supplies the monitor 2 with the image or sound analog signal supplied from the VCR 9 or the image or sound analog signal supplied from the set top box 10 to the monitor 2. A predetermined image or audio analog signal is generated on the basis of the signal supplied from the antenna 3 or the image or audio digital data supplied from the set top box 7 and supplied to the monitor 2. .
[0043]
The image processing board 45 inputs image or sound data recorded in the HDD 41 via the external bus 36 and the interface 37, and generates an analog signal corresponding to the input image or sound data. , Supplied to the monitor 2 or the VCR 9.
[0044]
The image processing board 45 is connected to the CPU 31 via the external bus 36, the bridge 35, and the host bus 34.
[0045]
Next, the configuration of the image processing board 45 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image processing board 45. The 1394 interface 51 has a configuration corresponding to the IEEE1394 standard, and receives, for example, DVCR format image or audio digital data supplied from the set top box 7 based on a protocol corresponding to the IEEE1394 standard. The data is supplied to a DV (Digital Video) data interface 52.
[0046]
The 1394 interface 51 supplies the image or audio DVCR format digital data supplied from the DV data interface 52 to the set top box 7 based on a protocol corresponding to the IEEE1394 standard.
[0047]
The DV data interface 52 is DVCR format image or sound digital data supplied from the 1394 interface 51, or image or sound digital data supplied from the digital selector 57 (for example, so-called 4: 1: 1 compression). Uncompressed digital data, etc.) is output to the DV data compression / decompression circuit 53, DVCR format image or audio digital data supplied from the DV data compression / decompression circuit 53 is output to the 1394 interface 51, and the DV data compression / decompression circuit The digital data of image or sound (not compressed) supplied from the digital selector 57 supplied from 53 is output to the digital selector 57.
[0048]
The DV data compression / decompression circuit 53 decompresses the DVCR format image or sound digital data supplied from the DV data interface 52 into uncompressed image or sound digital data, and outputs the decompressed image or sound digital data to the DV data interface 52. Alternatively, uncompressed image or audio digital data supplied from the DV data interface 52 is compressed into DVCR format image or audio digital data and output to the DV data interface 52.
[0049]
The tuner 54 receives an RF (Radio Frequency) signal supplied from the antenna 3 and outputs an image and audio analog signal of a predetermined channel to the analog selector 55. The analog selector 55 selects either an image or audio analog signal supplied from the tuner 54, VCR 9, set top box 10, or D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion circuit 61, and performs A / D (Analog / Digital) is output to the conversion circuit 56, the monitor 2, or the VCR 9.
[0050]
The A / D conversion circuit 56 converts the image and audio analog signals supplied from the analog selector 55 into digital data (for example, image data such as so-called 4: 1: 1) and outputs the digital data to the digital selector 57. To do. The digital selector 57 inputs digital image and audio data output from the DV data interface 52, the A / D conversion circuit 56, or the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) decoder 60, and either digital image or audio data. Is output to the DV data interface 52, the MPEG encoder 58, or the D / A conversion circuit 61, and is output to the bridge 59, and information on the scene switching position is output to the bridge 59.
[0051]
The MPEG encoder 58 compresses the image and audio digital data supplied from the digital selector 57 into MPEG digital data and outputs the compressed data to the bridge 59. The MPEG encoder 58 converts the scene switching image into a still image and outputs the still image to the bridge 59.
[0052]
The bridge 59 receives the digital image and sound data (not compressed) supplied from the digital selector 57 via the PCI bus 36 and the interface 37 of the personal computer 1 on which the image processing board 45 is mounted. Output to. The bridge 59 outputs the MPEG image or audio digital data supplied from the MPEG encoder 58 to the HDD 41 or the CPU 31 via the PCI bus 36 of the personal computer 1 on which the image processing board 45 is mounted. Further, the bridge 59 receives MPEG image or audio digital data from the HDD 41 of the personal computer 1 via the PCI bus 36, and outputs it to the MPEG decoder 60.
[0053]
The MPEG decoder 60 decompresses the MPEG image or audio digital data supplied from the bridge 59 to generate uncompressed image or audio digital data, and outputs the digital data to the digital selector 57.
[0054]
The D / A conversion circuit 61 converts the image and audio digital data supplied from the digital selector 57 into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the analog selector 55.
[0055]
Note that the processing corresponding to the MPEG encoder 58 or the MPEG decoder 60 may be executed by the CPU 31 according to a predetermined program.
[0056]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a channel selection method setting window displayed on the monitor 40 by the CPU 31 executing the control program. The channel selection method setting window can set the channel selection method of the remote controller 5, that is, either the direct mode or the numeric keypad mode, for each of the program distributors 11-1 to 11-3.
[0057]
In the example shown in FIG. 4, the terrestrial wave displayed in the channel selection method setting window corresponds to the tuner 54 that receives a program via the terrestrial wave supplied from the program distributor 11-2. The tuner 54 corresponding to the ground wave displayed in the channel selection method setting window is set to select a channel in the direct mode.
[0058]
Accordingly, the user selects the program of the program distributor 11-2 by operating the remote controller 5 in the direct mode.
[0059]
In the example shown in FIG. 4, the satellite broadcast displayed in the channel selection method setting window is sent to the set-top box 7 that receives the program via the satellite 12 radio wave supplied from the program distributor 11-1. Correspond. The set top box 7 corresponding to the satellite broadcast displayed in the channel selection method setting window is set to select a channel in the numeric keypad mode.
[0060]
Therefore, the user selects the program of the program distributor 11-1 by operating the remote controller 5 in the numeric keypad mode.
[0061]
In the example shown in FIG. 4, a CATV (Cable Television System) displayed in the channel selection method setting window is displayed on the set-top box 10 that receives a wired program supplied from the program distributor 11-3. Correspond. The set top box 10 corresponding to CATV displayed in the channel selection method setting window is set to select a channel by the numeric keypad mode.
[0062]
Therefore, the user selects the program of the program distributor 11-3 by operating the remote controller 5 in the numeric keypad mode.
[0063]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a numeric keypad mode in which a channel is selected using a numeric keypad and an enter key. In the numeric keypad mode, the personal computer 1 has, for example, a key assigned 1 as a name of the remote controller 5, a key assigned 10 as a name corresponding to 0, and a key assigned a name as 12 corresponding to enter. When are sequentially pressed, channel 10 is selected.
[0064]
In the numeric keypad mode, when the key corresponding to any one of 0 and 1 to 9 is sequentially pressed, the personal computer 1 sets the numerical value corresponding to the pressed key as the numerical value of a predetermined digit of the selected channel, and When the key corresponding to is pressed, the channel selection process is executed based on the numerical value selected so far.
[0065]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a direct mode in which a channel is selected with one key. In the direct mode, the personal computer 1 selects channel 10 when, for example, a key named 10 of the remote controller 5 is pressed.
[0066]
In the direct mode, one key of the remote controller 5 corresponds to a command for selecting one channel.
[0067]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting data stored in the control program of the personal computer 1 based on an operation such as a channel selection method setting window.
[0068]
The setting data stored in the control program of the personal computer 1 is a source corresponding to a device that supplies a program signal or data, a name corresponding to the device, a setting of one of the direct mode and numeric keypad mode for each device, It consists of ID (Identification Data) that identifies the device, and input settings that identify the interface through which the program signal or data supplied from the device is input.
[0069]
The name included in the setting data, the setting for any one of the direct mode and the numeric keypad mode, the ID, and the input setting for specifying the interface are set by the user.
[0070]
For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the tuner arranged in the source corresponds to the tuner 54. In the data corresponding to the tuner 54 that receives a program via the terrestrial wave, the name is terrestrial, the direct mode is set, the ID that identifies the tuner 54 is 1, and the input setting is internal. .
[0071]
In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the set top box arranged in the second row of the source corresponds to the set top box 7. In the data corresponding to the set top box 7 that receives the program via the radio wave of the artificial satellite 12, the name is satellite broadcasting, the numeric keypad mode is set, the ID for identifying the set top box 7 is 2, and the input The setting is a digital input / output corresponding to the 1394 interface 51.
[0072]
In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the set top box arranged in the third row of the source corresponds to the set top box 10. In the data corresponding to the set top box 10 that receives a program via a cable, the name is CATV, the numeric keypad mode is set, the ID that identifies the set top box 10 is 3, and the input setting is an analog selector. The analog input 1 corresponds to 55 predetermined inputs.
[0073]
The personal computer 1 that executes the control program executes a command corresponding to an input from the remote controller 5 based on the setting data, and selects an input corresponding to the tuner 54, the set top box 7, or the set top box 10. be able to.
[0074]
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the setting process of the channel selection method of the personal computer 1 that executes the control program will be described.
[0075]
In step S11, for example, the control program causes the monitor 40 to display a channel selection method setting window as shown in FIG. 4, and the tuner 54, set by the user based on the operation on the displayed window. The selection of any one of the top box 7 and the set top box 10 is acquired.
[0076]
In step S12, the control program determines whether or not the direct mode is specified corresponding to the selected device based on the operation on the displayed window, and determines that the direct mode is specified. If YES in step S13, the flow advances to step S13 to set the direct mode corresponding to the selected device, and the procedure advances to step S14. The direct mode setting corresponding to the selected device in the process of step S13 is stored in the setting data.
[0077]
If it is determined in step S12 that the direct mode is not designated, the process of step S13 is skipped, and the procedure proceeds to step S14.
[0078]
In step S14, the control program determines whether or not the numeric keypad mode is designated corresponding to the selected device based on the operation on the displayed window, and judges that the numeric keypad mode is designated. If YES in step S15, the process advances to step S15 to set the numeric keypad mode corresponding to the selected device, and the process ends. The setting of the numeric keypad mode corresponding to the selected device in the process of step S15 is stored in the setting data.
[0079]
If it is determined in step S14 that the numeric keypad mode is not designated, the process of step S15 is skipped and the process ends.
[0080]
Thus, the personal computer 1 can set either the direct mode or the numeric keypad mode in correspondence with the device.
[0081]
Next, a channel selection process by the personal computer 1 that executes the control program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0082]
In step S31, the control program stores the device whose input is selected, that is, the device currently playing the program (for example, any one of the tuner 54, the set top box 7, and the set top box 10). The setting of the channel selection method is acquired from the setting data stored inside.
[0083]
In step S32, the control program determines whether or not the selection method is the numeric keypad mode based on the acquired data. If it is determined that the selection method is the numeric keypad mode, the control program proceeds to step S33, and the numeric keypad mode is selected. The channel is selected and the process ends.
[0084]
If it is determined in step S32 that the selection method is not the numeric keypad mode, the process proceeds to step S34, the channel is selected in the direct mode, and the process ends.
[0085]
As described above, the personal computer 1 can change the channel selection method for each device such as the tuner 54, the set top box 7, and the set top box 10 based on the setting data.
[0086]
By doing in this way, the operability can be matched with the personal computer 1 and other handheld AV devices, and the operability is improved.
[0087]
Although it has been described that the channel selection method is set for each device, the personal computer 1 includes all devices connected to the personal computer 1 such as the tuner 54, the set top box 7, and the set top box 10, for example. For example, the same channel selection method such as direct mode may be set. In this case, when the direct mode is set, the personal computer 1 stores the correspondence between the keys of the remote controller 5 and the channels of each device in the setting data, and selects the channel of each device based on the setting data.
[0088]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 14, a video source and channel selection process of the broadcasting system according to the present invention will be described.
[0089]
10 to 14, the AV device 81 controls the selection of the channels of the video sources 82-1 to 82-N, and receives image or audio signals supplied from the video sources 82-1 to 82-N. A device to be selected and input, for example, corresponding to the personal computer 1.
[0090]
Each of the video sources 82-1 to 82-N is a device that outputs an image or audio signal, and corresponds to any one of the tuner 54, the set top box 7, the VCR 9, and the set top box 10, for example. To do.
[0091]
For example, a video source 82-1 with an ID identifying a device of 1 corresponds to the tuner 54, and a video source 82-2 with an ID of 2 identifying a device corresponds to the set-top box 7, and The video source 82-3 whose ID to be identified corresponds to the set top box 10.
[0092]
As shown in FIG. 11, when the AV device 81 is inputting a channel 879 program of the video source 82-2, when a command for selecting the channel 312 from the remote controller 5 is input to the AV device 81, The AV device 81 keeps the input from the video source 82-2 selected, and causes the video source 82-2 to select the channel 312 as shown in FIG.
[0093]
That is, for example, when the personal computer 1 is inputting a channel 879 program from the set top box 7, a command for selecting the channel 312 from the remote controller 5 is input to the personal computer 1 via the light receiving unit 4. In this case, the personal computer 1 causes the light emitting unit 6 to emit light having a blinking pattern corresponding to a command for causing the set top box 7 to select the channel 312. The set top box 7 selects the channel 312 based on the command.
[0094]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when the AV device 81 is inputting the program of the channel 879 of the video source 82-2, a command for selecting the channel 3513 from the remote controller 5 is input to the AV device 81. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the AV device 81 switches the input so that the video source 32-3 having the ID corresponding to 3 in the fourth digit of the channel of the input command is input, and the video source 82 -3, the channel 513 corresponding to the lower third digit 513 of the channel of the input command is selected.
[0095]
That is, for example, when the personal computer 1 is inputting a channel 879 program from the set top box 7, a command for selecting the channel of the remote controller 5 to 3513 is input to the personal computer 1 via the light receiving unit 4. In this case, the personal computer 1 selects an input from the set top box 10 corresponding to the ID of 3, and causes the light emitting unit 6 to emit light of a blinking pattern corresponding to a command for causing the set top box 10 to select the channel 513. Make it emit light. The set top box 10 selects the channel 513 based on the command.
[0096]
In this way, simply by inputting the device ID together with the channel to the remote controller 5, the AV device 81 switches the input in accordance with the device ID and changes the channel to the device whose input is selected. Can do.
[0097]
When the return key of the remote controller 5 is pressed, the AV device 81 restores the input selection of any of the video sources 82-1 to 82-N and restores the channel selection.
[0098]
In this way, conventionally, the input selection command was input, and further the channel command was input. Therefore, even if the return key is pressed, the input selection or channel selection can be performed. Either one was only restored, but in the present invention, both the input selection and the channel selection can be quickly restored to the original state by simply pressing the return key. .
[0099]
Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the channel selection process of the personal computer 1 that executes the control program will be described.
[0100]
In step S <b> 51, the control program causes the light receiving unit 4 to receive the light emitted from the remote controller 5, and acquires a channel selection command corresponding to the operation of the remote controller 5.
[0101]
In step S52, the control program determines whether or not the number of digits of the acquired command channel exceeds three digits. If it is determined that the number of digits exceeds three digits, the process proceeds to step S53, where the command channel Extract numeric values with 4 or more digits. In step S54, the control program selects an input of a device corresponding to the numerical value extracted in the process of step S53 based on the setting data. For example, the control program switches the input based on the setting data so that the program is input from a device corresponding to the extracted numerical value and the same ID.
[0102]
In step S55, the control program extracts the lower three digits of the command channel. In step S56, the control program causes the device corresponding to the input selected in step S54 to select the channel corresponding to the numerical value extracted in step S55, and the process ends. For example, the control program causes the light emitting unit 6 to emit light having a pattern corresponding to the command of the device corresponding to the selected input, and causes the device corresponding to the selected input to select a channel corresponding to the extracted numerical value. .
[0103]
If it is determined in step S52 that the number does not exceed 3 digits, there is no need to switch the input, so the process proceeds to step S57, and the control program selects the channel corresponding to the command channel for the currently selected device. Then, the process ends. For example, the control program causes the light emitting unit 6 to emit light having a pattern corresponding to the command of the currently selected device, and causes the currently selected device to select a channel corresponding to the extracted numerical value.
[0104]
As described above, when the selection of the channel exceeding 4 digits is input from the remote controller 5, the personal computer 1 switches the input so that the signal is input from the device having the ID corresponding to the numerical value of 4 digits or more of the channel. At the same time, it allows the device whose input is selected to change the channel. Further, when the selection of a channel of 3 digits or less is input from the remote controller 5, the personal computer 1 causes the currently selected device to change the channel without changing the input.
[0105]
In the processing of step S52, it has been described that the control program determines whether or not the number of digits of the channel exceeds three digits. However, the present invention is limited by the number of digits serving as a reference for determining input switching. It may be any number of digits, such as 2 digits or 4 digits.
[0106]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, the processing of the personal computer 1 when the enter key is not pressed after several keys of the remote controller 5 are pressed in the numeric keypad mode will be described.
[0107]
As shown in FIG. 16, when the personal computer 1 is displaying a program of channel 38 on the monitor 2, 1 and 2 are input from the remote controller 5 to the personal computer 1 via the light receiving unit 4 in the numeric keypad mode. An example will be described.
[0108]
When the enter process is set in advance, when 1 and 2 are input from the remote controller 5 and a predetermined time-out period has elapsed, as shown in FIG. The channel is switched to 12.
[0109]
On the other hand, when cancellation processing is set in advance, when 1 and 2 are input from the remote controller 5 and a predetermined time-out time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. Cancel input from 5 and do not switch channels.
[0110]
Next, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 19, a description will be given of processing for setting input in the numeric keypad mode of the remote controller 5 by the personal computer 1 that executes the control program.
[0111]
In step S <b> 71, the control program acquires an input for setting a process corresponding to the user's operation when the time-out period has elapsed.
[0112]
In step S72, the control program determines whether or not enter processing is specified when the time-out time has elapsed. If it is determined that enter processing is specified, the control program proceeds to step S73 and enter. This process is set and the process ends.
[0113]
If it is determined in step S72 that the enter process is not designated, the process proceeds to step S74, the cancel process is set, and the process ends.
[0114]
As described above, either the enter process or the cancel process is set in the personal computer 1 as a process to be executed when the time-out period elapses in the numeric keypad mode. The setting of either the enter process or the cancel process is stored in the internal data of the control program.
[0115]
Next, processing for setting a timeout time by the personal computer 1 that executes the control program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0116]
In step S <b> 91, the control program calculates an average value of the time interval of the numeric keypad input of the remote controller 5 based on the data supplied from the light receiving unit 4. For example, the control program stores the input interval time of the numeric keypad of the remote controller 5 and calculates the average value of the stored 10 input interval times.
[0117]
In step S92, the control program multiplies the calculated average value by a predetermined value. For example, the control program obtains 10 times the calculated average value. A value to be multiplied by the average value can be stored in the personal computer 1 in advance. Further, the user may set a value to be multiplied by the average value in the control program.
[0118]
In step S93, the control program sets the calculated result as a timeout time, and the process ends.
[0119]
By doing in this way, the control program can set the time-out time corresponding to each user. The setting of the timeout time is stored in the internal data of the control program.
[0120]
Note that the control program may cause the user to input a time-out time and set the time-out time input by the user.
[0121]
Next, the numeric keypad input processing of the remote controller 5 by the personal computer 1 that executes the control program will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0122]
In step S101, the control program determines whether the set time-out time has elapsed since the value 0 to 1 was input from the remote controller 5 when the numeric keypad of the remote controller 5 was pressed based on the internal data. If it is determined that the time-out period has not elapsed, the process returns to step S101, and the determination process is repeated until the time-out period elapses.
[0123]
If it is determined in step S101 that the time-out period has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S102, and the control program acquires the setting of either enter processing or cancel processing from the internal data.
[0124]
In step S103, the control program determines whether or not the enter process is set. If it is determined that the enter process is set, the control program proceeds to step S104 to input the numeric keypad from the remote controller 5. Based on this, the process is executed and the process ends.
[0125]
For example, when the personal computer 1 selects an input from the set top box 7 and supplies a signal supplied from the set top box 7 to the monitor 2, the control program sends the light emitting unit 6 to the set top box 7. Light is emitted in a pattern corresponding to the enter command, and the set-top box 7 executes the enter process. Further, for example, when the personal computer 1 supplies a signal output from the tuner 54 to the monitor 2, the control program causes the tuner 54 to select a channel based on a numeric keypad input.
[0126]
If it is determined in step S103 that the enter process has not been set, the cancel process has been set, and thus the process proceeds to step S105, the input of the numeric keypad is discarded, and the process ends.
[0127]
For example, when the personal computer 1 selects an input from the set top box 7 and supplies a signal supplied from the set top box 7 to the monitor 2, the control program sends the light emitting unit 6 to the set top box 7. Light is emitted in a pattern corresponding to the cancel command, and the set-top box 7 performs a cancel process. For example, when the personal computer 1 supplies a signal output from the tuner 54 to the monitor 2, the control program discards the numeric keypad input.
[0128]
As described above, when the time-out time elapses in the ten-key input process of the remote controller 5, the personal computer 1 executes the process based on the ten-key input that has been pressed so far in accordance with the setting. , Or the input of the numeric keypad pressed so far is discarded.
[0129]
Therefore, for example, when the time-out period elapses, even if the set-top box 7 performs a cancel process and the set-top box 10 performs an enter process, the personal computer 1 When a predetermined time-out period elapses, the set top box 7 and the set top box 10 are caused to execute either a cancel process or an enter process based on the setting.
[0130]
In this way, the set top box 7 and the set top box 10 that execute different processes independently execute the same process of either the cancellation process or the enter process when a predetermined time-out period elapses. Therefore, the user can operate the set top box 7 and the set top box 10 without distinguishing them individually.
[0131]
Although it has been described that the user sets the time-out time and the setting of either the cancel process or the enter process, it is preliminarily stored in the registry or the like as a system default value of the personal computer 1. It may be. Further, the system of the personal computer 1 may change the setting of one of the time-out time and the canceling process and the enter process.
[0132]
The broadcasting system according to the present invention can handle only audio.
[0133]
In the broadcasting system, the personal computer 1 receives light from the remote controller 5 and executes processing corresponding to the received light pattern. However, the set-top provided with the light emitting unit is not limited to the personal computer. A box, VCR, or monitor may receive light from the remote controller 5 and execute processing corresponding to the received light pattern. The present invention is limited by the type or form of the apparatus. is not.
[0134]
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.
[0135]
As shown in FIG. 2, this recording medium includes a magnetic disk 46 (including a floppy (registered trademark) disk) on which a program is recorded and an optical disk distributed to provide a program to a user separately from a computer. 47 (including CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disc)), magneto-optical disc 48 (including MD (mini-disc) (trademark)), or semiconductor memory 49 In addition to being composed of media, it is composed of a ROM 32, an HDD 41, and the like that are provided to the user in a state of being pre-installed in a computer and in which a program is recorded.
[0136]
The program for executing the series of processes described above is installed in a computer via a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. You may be made to do.
[0137]
Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.
[0138]
In the present specification, the term “system” represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.
[0139]
【The invention's effect】
According to the information processing apparatus and method, the recording medium, and the program of the present invention, a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor is received. plural Corresponding to receiving device, by remote controller Either the numeric keypad method or the direct method Specific data that identifies the channel selection method And ID for identifying the receiving device And one of the program signals supplied to each receiving device is selected and the channel transmitted from the remote controller is selected. Or channel and receiver Select First command But Receive Is , Selection Receiver that outputs selected program signal Specified by specific data Depending on the channel selection method, First The command is interpreted, Based on the interpreted first command, a second command that causes the receiving device outputting the signal of the selected program or the receiving device specified by the ID to select a channel is transmitted. When the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method, when the number of digits of the first command exceeds a predetermined number of digits, a numerical value exceeding the predetermined number of digits in the first command is set as an ID. A numerical value below a predetermined number of digits is a numerical value for selecting a channel, and when the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the first command is a numerical value for selecting a channel. Ru As a result, the channel can be selected in a desired manner by the remote controller.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a broadcasting system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a personal computer 1;
3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing board 45. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window for setting a channel selection method.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a numeric keypad mode.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a direct mode.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting data.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing for setting a channel selection method.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for describing channel selection processing;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining video source and channel selection processing;
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining video source and channel selection processing;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a video source and channel selection process.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining video source and channel selection processing;
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining video source and channel selection processing;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for describing channel selection processing;
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating channel selection processing in the numeric keypad mode.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating channel selection processing in the numeric keypad mode.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating channel selection processing in the numeric keypad mode.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating input key mode setting processing;
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating processing for setting a timeout time.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining numeric keypad input processing;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Personal computer, 2 Monitor, 3 Antenna, 4 Light-receiving part, 5 Remote controller, 6 Light emission part, 7 Set top box, 8 Antenna, 9 VCR, 10 Set top box, 11-1 thru | or 11-3 Program delivery person, 12 Artificial satellite, 13 broadcast antenna, 14 relay station, 31 CPU, 32 ROM, 33 RAM, 41 HDD, 44 drive, 45 image processing board, 46 magnetic disk, 47 optical disk, 48 magneto-optical disk, 49 semiconductor memory, 51 1394 interface , 54 tuner, 55 analog selector, 81 AV equipment, 82-1 to 82-N video source

Claims (4)

Corresponding to a plurality of receiving devices that receive a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor, specific data for specifying a channel selection method of a ten-key method or a direct method by a remote controller, and the receiving device Holding means for holding the identified ID ;
Selection means for selecting one of the signal before Symbol programs supplied to each of the receiving device,
The sent from the remote controller, the receiving hands stage that will receive the channel or first command for selecting the channel and the receiving device,
By the channel selection method specified by the specific data of the receiving apparatus outputting the signal before Symbol program selected by the pre-Symbol selection means, and interpretation means for interpreting the first command,
Based on the first command interpreted by the interpreter, the channel is connected to the receiver that outputs the signal of the program selected by the selector, or to the receiver specified by the ID. look including a transmitting means for transmitting a second command to select,
When the channel selection method is the ten-key method, the interpretation means
When the number of digits of the first command exceeds a predetermined number of digits, a numerical value exceeding the predetermined number of digits in the first command is used as the ID, and a numerical value equal to or less than the predetermined number of digits. Is a numerical value for selecting the channel,
An information processing apparatus that uses the first command as a numerical value for selecting the channel when the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits . Corresponding to a plurality of receiving devices that receive a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor, specific data for specifying a channel selection method of a ten-key method or a direct method by a remote controller, and the receiving device A holding process step for holding the identified ID ;
A selection processing step of selecting one of the signals of the program supplied to each of the receiving devices;
The sent from the remote controller, a reception processing step that will receive the channel or first command for selecting the channel and the receiving device,
By the said channel selection method specified by the specific data before Symbol selection processing step of processing the output to which the receiving apparatus a signal before Symbol program selected by the interpretation processing for interpreting the first command Steps ,
Based on the first command interpreted in the interpretation processing step, the receiving device outputting the signal of the program selected in the selection processing step, or the receiving device specified by the ID look including a transmission processing step of transmitting a second command to select the channel,
In the interpretation processing step, when the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method,
When the number of digits of the first command exceeds a predetermined number of digits, a numerical value exceeding the predetermined number of digits in the first command is used as the ID, and a numerical value equal to or less than the predetermined number of digits. Is a numerical value for selecting the channel,
An information processing method in which when the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the first command is a numerical value for selecting the channel . Corresponding to a plurality of receiving devices that receive a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor, specific data for specifying a channel selection method of a ten-key method or a direct method by a remote controller, and the receiving device A holding process step for holding the identified ID ;
A selection processing step of selecting one of the signals of the program supplied to each of the receiving devices;
The sent from the remote controller, a reception processing step that will receive the channel or first command for selecting the channel and the receiving device,
By the said channel selection method specified by the specific data before Symbol selection processing step of processing the output to which the receiving apparatus a signal before Symbol program selected by the interpretation processing for interpreting the first command Steps ,
Based on the first command interpreted in the interpretation processing step, the receiving device outputting the signal of the program selected in the selection processing step, or the receiving device specified by the ID a program for executing information processing and a transmission processing step of transmitting a second command to select the channel to a computer,
In the interpretation processing step, when the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method,
When the number of digits of the first command exceeds a predetermined number of digits, a numerical value exceeding the predetermined number of digits in the first command is used as the ID, and a numerical value equal to or less than the predetermined number of digits. Is a numerical value for selecting the channel,
When the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the first command is a numerical value for selecting the channel.
A recording medium on which the program is recorded. Corresponding to a plurality of receiving devices that receive a program distributed from a predetermined program distributor, specific data for specifying a channel selection method of a ten-key method or a direct method by a remote controller, and the receiving device A holding process step for holding the identified ID ;
A selection processing step of selecting one of the signals of the program supplied to each of the receiving devices;
The sent from the remote controller, a reception processing step that will receive the channel, or a command for selecting the first command for selecting the channel and the receiving device,
By the said channel selection method specified by the specific data before Symbol selection processing step of processing the output to which the receiving apparatus a signal before Symbol program selected by the interpretation processing for interpreting the first command Steps ,
Based on the first command interpreted in the interpretation processing step, the receiving device outputting the signal of the program selected in the selection processing step, or the receiving device specified by the ID A program for causing a computer to execute a transmission processing step of transmitting a second command for selecting the channel ,
In the interpretation processing step, when the channel selection method is the numeric keypad method,
When the number of digits of the first command exceeds a predetermined number of digits, a numerical value exceeding the predetermined number of digits in the first command is used as the ID, and a numerical value equal to or less than the predetermined number of digits. Is a numerical value for selecting the channel,
When the number of digits of the first command does not exceed the predetermined number of digits, the first command is a numerical value for selecting the channel.
Program .

Images