KR20050091232A - Electronic device control device and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device control device and method, and more particularly, to an electronic device control device and method for controlling a predetermined electronic device by a control device having up, down, left, and right moving input devices.

An electronic device control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a rotating button portion consisting of a rotating portion rotatable in a predetermined direction and a click signal generating portion for generating a click signal in accordance with the rotation state of the rotating portion, and a predetermined electronic according to the click signal. And a control unit for generating a control signal for controlling the device.

Description

Electronic device control device and method

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device control apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an electronic device control apparatus and method for controlling a predetermined electronic device using a control device having an input device that is movable up, down, left, and right.

In general, an infrared signal type wireless remote controller is used to remotely control electronic devices, and initially limited to TVs, VCRs, A / V devices, etc., but the application range of air conditioners, fans, etc. is increasing as its convenience is recognized.

As the convenient functions of various devices increase due to the development of electronic technology, the method of using a remote controller for remote control of the corresponding device also becomes complicated, and it takes a considerable time for the user to understand all the functions.

Therefore, the user uses only the most basic functions of the remote controller.

In addition, even those who are fully familiar with the functions of the remote controller are not able to fully utilize them due to the inconvenience and complexity of the operation.

On the other hand, in a video household appliance, a user frequently needs to select a desired value from a sequentially listed list.

For example, you can select a channel you want to watch from dozens of TV channels, adjust the volume value between 0 and 100, or select the desired function from the setting menu.

 The user should select these values in various ways provided by the remote controller, but the conventional techniques have various inconveniences in the process of selecting a desired value as follows.

First, a case of a button-type remote control widely used as the remote control method will be described, for example. A method of increasing or decreasing a value desired by a user through a channel button or a volume button may be used.

Each button formed on the button-based remote controller is designated to perform various functions for operating a video home appliance, and by operating a mode switching button, different functions may be performed for the same button depending on the mode.

In this case, the button-based remote control must press the button several times (sometimes tens to hundreds of times) in order to move to a desired value.

By the way, while repeatedly pressing the button may be automatically inputted repeatedly, but the speed at which the button is automatically input can not be adjusted, so fast movement or fine movement is impossible.

In addition, the user can directly input a desired value by using the number buttons. However, there is a restriction that the item desired by the user must correspond to the number and the user must memorize the number for each item.

For example, if a user needs to know a specific broadcaster channel number that the user wants to watch, the user can quickly move through the number input.

In this way, a remote controller equipped with a joystick has been proposed to solve the inconvenience of the button type remote controller.

In the remote controller equipped with the joystick, as shown in FIG. 1, when the cursor is generally displayed on the screen to move the two-dimensional position of the cursor, the cursor must be moved using the joystick 10. It is mainly used to specify the direction to do.

In the case of the joystick remote controller, as with the button remote controller, when the joystick is operated, it is impossible to adjust how quickly the user moves in the desired direction.

In addition, since the joystick is basically used for positioning on a two-dimensional screen, it is not used for selecting a value in one-dimensional space such as a channel or volume control.

On the other hand, in addition to the joystick has been proposed a remote control equipped with a jog shuttle, the remote control equipped with a jog shuttle can be conveniently used when you want to adjust the playback speed of the video or DVD or to see the scene by one scene.

In general, when moving the TV channel can also be moved by rotating the jog shuttle.

However, the jog shuttle method has the advantage that the user can move by the desired speed by turning at the desired speed, but the maneuverability and sophistication are inferior because it must be rotated while moving in a two-dimensional plane.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a remote controller in which a button method is added to the jog shuttle method to solve the inconvenience of the jog shuttle method.

 As shown, the function mode switch 30 is mounted on a conventional remote controller equipped with only a plurality of buttons so as to slide along the long hole 20 so as to switch the function mode of the TV.

In addition, the multi-function key 31 and the jog shuttle dial 32 used in each function mode are installed in the function mode switch 30 so that various functions can be conveniently used.

However, such a method also has almost the inconvenience of the jog shuttle system remote control.

3 is a view showing a remote control having a display and a ball switch according to the prior art.

The remote control having the display and the ball switch enables the operation of all functions in the remote control by using the wheel switches 41 and 42 and the ball switch 50 to quickly control the apparatus, and The desired function can be selected by clicking a menu displayed on the display unit 60 formed at the position.

Like the jog shuttle, the remote controller having the display and the ball switch can be rotated while being clicked every time the user rotates by a predetermined angle, and unlike the jog shuttle, the remote control is operated while rotating the wheel up and down.

In addition, the ball switch 50 may have a two-dimensional movement effect.

However, in the present invention, since the wheel switches 41 and 42 can only move in one dimension, the wheel switches 41 and 42 may be equipped with a plurality of wheel switches in order to overcome this problem. There is a problem that free two-dimensional movement is difficult because of the inconvenience.

In addition, the ball switch is an effective two-dimensional movement, while the wheel switch or jog shuttle does not generate a click to give the amount of rotation by a certain angular size, such as when the user wants to search for the desired value There is a problem in that the amount of rotation cannot be easily determined.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device control apparatus and a method which enables a user to easily control an electronic device through an input device rotatable in up, down, left, and right directions.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects which are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotary button portion is composed of a rotation unit that can be rotated in a predetermined direction and a click signal generation unit for generating a click signal in accordance with the rotation state of the rotation unit; And a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling a predetermined electronic device according to the click signal.

Preferably, the rotating part is formed in a spherical shape that can be rotated in the up, down, left and right directions.

Preferably, the rotation button unit adjusts at least one or more of channel change, volume control, and screen scrolling of the electronic device according to the rotation direction of the rotation unit.

Preferably, the click signal generator includes a plurality of rollers for detecting a rotation state of the rotating unit, and a signal generator for generating the click signal according to the rotation state.

Preferably, the signal generator generates the click signal corresponding to the rotation distance of the rotating unit.

Preferably, the roller is formed in a circular shape with a plurality of grooves formed around the signal generator, and the signal generator generates the click signal every time the respective grooves are detected when the roller is rotated.

Preferably, the roller is formed of a gear having teeth, and the signal generator generates the click signal every time the teeth are detected when the roller is rotated.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a general button unit including at least one predetermined keypad and a matrix circuit unit for generating a predetermined signal according to an operation of the keypad.

Preferably, the general button unit may include a first general button unit for selecting a desired item from a menu or a graphic user interface that can control a controlled device, and a second general button for calling the menu or graphic user interface. Contains wealth.

Preferably, the cursor or highlight is moved to an item adjacent to a predetermined item listed in the menu or graphic user interface when the click signal is generated.

Preferably, when the rotating part rotates at a predetermined speed or more, the cursor or highlight is moved for a predetermined time even if there is no further rotational movement of the rotating part.

Preferably, the movement of the cursor or the highlight is stopped by at least one of a lapse of a predetermined time and an operation of the general button unit.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a signal transmitter for transmitting the control signal to the electronic device.

In addition, the electronic device control method according to the present embodiment includes a first step of rotating the rotary button unit, and a second step of providing a click signal according to the rotation state of the rotary button unit.

Preferably, the click signal is generated corresponding to the rotated distance.

Preferably, the click signal is generated whenever detecting a plurality of grooves formed around the roller.

Preferably, in the second step, the rotation button unit adjusts at least one or more of channel change, volume control, and screen scrolling of the electronic device according to the rotation direction of the rotation unit.

Preferably, before the first step, the method further comprises the step of invoking a menu or graphical user interface capable of controlling the electronic device.

Preferably the menu or graphical user interface is invoked by a general button portion consisting of at least one predetermined keypad and a matrix circuit portion for generating a predetermined signal according to the manipulation of the keypad.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, the invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic device control apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a predetermined keypad 110 and a general button including a matrix circuit unit 120 for outputting a predetermined signal according to an operation of the keypad 110. And a rotation button unit 200 including a part 100, a rotating part 210 rotatable in a predetermined direction, and a click signal generating part 220 generating a click signal according to the rotation state of the rotating part 210. The controller 300 may generate a control signal for controlling a predetermined electronic device according to a signal and a click signal output from the general button unit 100 and the rotation button unit 200.

The apparatus may further include a signal transmitter 400 for transmitting the control signal generated by the controller 300 to a predetermined electronic device.

In this case, the signal transmitter 400 may be used when the electronic device control apparatus according to the present embodiment controls a predetermined electronic device through wireless communication, and the electronic device control apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to the electronic device itself. If installed, the signal transmitter 400 may be omitted and the corresponding electronic device may be directly controlled through a wire.

In addition, the general button unit 100 may or may not be formed in one or more depending on the purpose and needs.

In the present embodiment, a case where two general button units are used will be described as an example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device control apparatus in which two general button units 100, that is, a first general button unit 100a and a second general button unit 100b are formed. The general button unit 100a and the second general button unit 100b are installed, and the rotary button unit 100 may be disposed between the first general button unit 100a and the second general button unit 100b in consideration of user's ease of operation. 200 may be installed.

In this case, the installation positions of the first general button unit 100a, the second general button unit 100b, and the rotation button unit 200 may be variously changed according to a user's preference and convenience.

These electronic device control devices are similar in structure and operation to trackball-based devices, including Microsoft's Intelli Mouse.

That is, the user may rotate the rotating unit 210 in the vertical direction or the left and right directions to select a value desired by the user.

In this case, the first general button unit 100a may select an item on which the cursor is positioned or highlighted by the rotation button unit 200, and the second general button unit 100b may control a predetermined electronic device. You can call a menu or graphical user interface.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first general button unit 100a selects an item desired by the user, and the second general button unit 100b calls the menu or the graphical user interface. Accordingly, the first general button unit 100a and the second general button unit 100b may perform opposite functions or different functions according to the type of the electronic device.

The operation of the first general button unit 100a and the second general button unit 100b may be performed by calling a predetermined menu or graphical user interface with a right button and selecting a desired item by a left button. The operation is similar to that of a mouse.

On the other hand, the click signal generation unit 220 generates a predetermined click signal according to the rotation state of the rotation unit 210, that is, the rotation speed or the rotation angle.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the click signal generator 220 may include a first roller 221 and a second roller 222 for detecting a rotation direction, a rotation speed and a rotation angle of the rotation unit 210. And signal generators 221a and 222a for generating a click signal when the first roller 221 and the second roller 222 rotate.

At this time, the rotating unit 210 may be made of a spherical ball that can be rotated both in the vertical direction or in the left and right directions or in another form that can be rotated both in the vertical, horizontal, left and right directions.

As shown in FIG. 6, the signal generators 221a and 222a detect a rotation distance or a rotation speed of the first roller 221 and the second roller 222 rotating according to the rotation unit 210. The click signal may be generated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the signal generators 221a and 222a are formed as predetermined rollers and are discontinuous in proportion to the rotation distances of the first roller 221 and the second roller 222. A first electrical signal can be generated.

In addition, the second electrical signal according to the rotation direction may be generated, and the above-described first electrical signal and the second electrical signal may be simultaneously generated.

In another embodiment, the signal generators 221a and 222a may include a plurality of grooves 221b and 222b around the first roller 221 and the second roller 222, as shown in FIG. 8. Each time the signal generators 221a and 222a detect the grooves 221b and 222b, a click signal may be generated.

For example, the signal generators 221a and 222a detect the grooves 221b and 222b and generate an electrical signal every time they are detected, or generate an electrical signal each time the grooves 221b and 222b pass as an electrical switch. Can be.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the signal generators 221a and 222a may be formed as electrical switches to generate electrical signals whenever the grooves 221b and 222b pass.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the signal generators 221a and 222a may be formed of a light emitting sensor 223a and a light receiving sensor 223b to generate electrical signals whenever the grooves 221b and 222b pass. have.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the first roller 221 and the second roller 222 are formed of gears, such that the signal generators 221a and 222a are formed in the first roller 221. ) And a click signal may be generated whenever the teeth of the second roller 222 are detected.

In this case, even when the first roller 221 and the second roller 222 is formed of a toothed roller, the signal generators 221a and 222a generate an electrical signal in proportion to the rotation distance as described above. The tooth may be detected to generate an electrical signal or an electrical signal may be generated whenever the tooth of the gear passes by an electrical switch.

As described above, a method of generating a click signal has been described by way of example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first roller 221 and the second roller 222 and the signal generator for generating a click signal are not limited thereto. Modifications to 221a and 222a are possible.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the first roller 221 and the second roller 222 were used to detect the rotational state of the rotation part 210, such as the rotation direction, the rotation speed and the rotation angle, but in some cases the rotation part The number of rollers that can be installed at 210 can be increased or decreased.

In addition, the various types of signal generators illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 may be selectively coupled to each other.

The click signal generated by the signal generators 221a and 222a may recognize an operation of pressing a predetermined button on a remote controller of a general button type.

For example, one click signal of the signal generators 221a and 222a may be recognized as a selection signal of an "up" direction button of a general remote controller.

The click signal generated by the signal generators 221a and 222a is transmitted to the controller 300 and transmitted to the predetermined electronic device through the signal transmitter 400.

Accordingly, the rotary button unit 200 may not only change the channel of the electronic device, adjust the volume, and scroll the screen according to the rotation state of the rotating unit 210, but also may operate a menu or graphic user to control the electronic device. The cursor or highlight located at a predetermined item listed in the interface can be moved.

The operation of the electronic device control apparatus according to the present embodiment is as follows.

In the method for controlling an electronic device according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a user first rotates the rotating unit 210 of the rotating button unit 200 (S111).

At this time, the click signal generation unit 210 generates a predetermined click signal as the rotation unit 210 rotates (S112).

The click signal is detected by the first roller 221 and the second roller 222 when the rotating unit 210 rotates, and the signal generating units 221a and 222a perform the click generating method as described above. Generates a click signal.

According to the click signal, the controller 300 generates a control signal for controlling a predetermined electronic device (S113).

The control signal may change a channel, volume control, and screen scroll of the electronic device.

In addition, the control signal generated by the controller 300 may be predefined or actively assigned according to an operation state of the electronic device.

Meanwhile, when the first general button unit 100a and the second general button unit 100b are formed, the method of controlling the electronic device through the graphic user interface may be as shown in FIG. 13.

As shown, first, a user requests a graphic user interface of a predetermined electronic device through the second general button unit 100b (S211).

In response to the request, the graphical user interface of the electronic device is displayed through a display device formed in the electronic device or a separate display device connected to the electronic device (S212).

Thereafter, the user moves the cursor or highlight to a desired item among the menu items listed in the graphic user interface through the rotation button unit 200 (S213).

For example, the user calls the graphical user interface of the electronic device through the second general button unit 100b and selects a desired item from the menu items listed in the graphical user interface through the rotary button unit 200. Can be.

That is, the user rotates the rotary unit 210 of the rotary button unit 200 to change a channel, adjust a volume, move a menu item, or scroll a menu item listed in a graphic user interface displayed on a screen of an electronic device such as scrolling a screen. The cursor or highlight that displays the item selected by the current user may be moved to an adjacent item.

At this time, if the number of menu items listed in the graphic user interface is too long to move between each item, the click generated when the rotating unit 210 rotates a predetermined rotation angle is increased to rotate the predetermined rotation angle. You can increase the number of items that can be moved.

That is, when the total number of click signals generated for a predetermined time in proportion to the rotation angle is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the controller 300 may generate a click signal of a predetermined multiple of the total number of generated click signals.

In addition, when the rotation unit 210 is rotated at a predetermined speed or more, the cursor or highlight may be moved for a predetermined time even when the user does not rotate the rotation unit 210 any more.

That is, when the number of click signals generated per predetermined unit time is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the controller 300 may continuously generate the click signal to move the cursor or highlight for a predetermined time.

At this time, the movement of the cursor or highlight by the rotating unit 210 is a predetermined time elapses or the user can operate the first general button unit 100a or the second general button unit 100b during the movement of the cursor or highlight. If it can be stopped.

In another embodiment, when there are too many menu items listed in the graphical user interface and only some items are displayed, hidden items may be moved by moving the cursor or highlight to the end of the graphical user interface through the rotation button 200. The bubble button effect appears.

When the cursor or highlight is positioned on a desired item, the corresponding item may be selected through the first general button unit 100a (S214).

In this case, the movement of the cursor or the highlight may be adjusted according to the rotation speed, the rotation angle, or the rotation direction of the rotation unit 210 described above.

An electronic device control method using the graphical user interface will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 14, when a menu item is listed in the up and down direction on the graphic user interface, the user may move the cursor or highlight by rotating the rotating unit 210 in the up and down direction.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when a menu item is listed in the left and right directions in the graphic user interface, the user may move the cursor or highlight by rotating the rotating unit 210 in the left and right directions. have.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, when a menu item is listed in the up-down direction and the left-right direction on the graphic user interface, the user rotates the rotating part 210 in the up-down direction and the left-right direction so that the cursor is moved. Or you can move the highlight.

As described above, the apparatus and method for controlling an electronic device according to the present invention have been described with reference to the illustrated drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and is provided to those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention. Of course, various modifications can be made.

According to the electronic device control apparatus and method of the present invention as described above has one or more of the following effects.

First, there is an advantage that the user's convenience can be improved by quickly and accurately selecting the desired value among a large number of values through the rotation button unit which can rotate in the vertical direction and the click signal when rotating.

Second, since a plurality of buttons can be replaced by the rotary button unit, the number of buttons can be drastically reduced.

1 is a view showing a remote controller equipped with a joystick according to the prior art.

Figure 2 is a view showing a remote control equipped with a jog shuttle and a slider according to the prior art.

3 shows a remote control having a display and a ball switch according to the prior art;

4 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device control apparatus according to the present invention.

5 is a view showing the appearance of an electronic device control apparatus according to the present invention;

6 is a view showing a first embodiment of a rotary button unit according to the present invention;

7 is a view illustrating a click signal generator of FIG. 6.

8 is a view showing a second embodiment of a rotary button unit according to the present invention;

9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating the click signal generator of FIG. 8.

Figure 11 is a view showing a third embodiment of the rotary button unit according to the present invention.

12 illustrates an electronic device control method according to the present invention.

13 illustrates an electronic device control method using a graphical user interface in accordance with the present invention.

14 illustrates menu items arranged in a left-right direction in the graphical user interface according to the present invention.

15 is a diagram illustrating menu items arranged in left and right directions in a graphic user interface according to the present invention.

16 illustrates menu items listed in the up, down, left, and right directions in the graphical user interface according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

100: normal button portion 200: rotation button portion

300: control unit 400: signal transmission unit

Claims (26)

A rotation button part including a rotation part rotatable in a predetermined direction and a click signal generation part generating a click signal according to the rotation state of the rotation part; And a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling a predetermined electronic device according to the click signal. The method of claim 1, The rotating unit is an electronic device control device is formed in a spherical shape that can rotate in the vertical, left, and right directions. The method of claim 2, And the rotation button unit controls at least one of channel change, volume control, and screen scrolling of the electronic device according to the rotation direction of the rotation unit. The method of claim 3, wherein The click signal generation unit and a plurality of rollers for detecting the rotation state of the rotating unit, And a signal generator for generating the click signal according to the rotation state. The method of claim 4, wherein And the signal generator generates the click signal in response to a rotation distance of the rotating unit. The method of claim 4, wherein The roller is formed in a circular shape with a plurality of grooves around And the signal generator generates the click signal whenever the groove is detected when the roller is rotated. The method of claim 4, wherein The roller is formed of a gear with teeth, And the signal generator generates the click signal every time the teeth are detected when the roller is rotated. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, And a general button portion including at least one predetermined keypad and a matrix circuit portion generating a predetermined signal according to an operation of the keypad. The method of claim 8, The general button unit may include a first general button unit for selecting a desired item from a menu or a graphic user interface for controlling a controlled device; And a second general button unit for calling the menu or graphical user interface. The method of claim 9, And the cursor or highlight moves to an item adjacent to a predetermined item listed in the menu or graphic user interface when the click signal is generated. The method of claim 10, And when the rotating part rotates at a predetermined speed or more, the cursor or highlight moves for a predetermined time even if there is no rotational movement of the rotating part. The method of claim 11, The movement of the cursor or the highlight is stopped by at least one of a lapse of a predetermined time and an operation of the general button unit. The method of claim 12, And a signal transmitter for transmitting the control signal to the electronic device. A first step of rotating the rotation button unit, And a second step of providing a click signal according to the rotation state of the rotation button unit. The method of claim 14, And the rotation button unit comprises a rotation unit rotatable in a predetermined direction and a click signal generator for generating a click signal according to the rotation state of the rotation unit. The method of claim 15, The rotating part is a spherical electronic device control method that can be rotated in the up, down, left and right directions. The method of claim 16, The click signal generation unit and a roller for detecting the rotation of the rotating unit; And a signal generator for generating a click signal when the roller is rotated. The method of claim 17, And the click signal is generated in correspondence with a distance rotated by the rotating unit. The method of claim 17, And wherein the click signal is generated whenever a plurality of grooves formed around the rollers are detected. The method of claim 17, The roller is formed of a gear with teeth, And wherein the click signal is generated every time the teeth are detected when the roller is rotated. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, The second step is the electronic device control method for controlling at least one of the channel change, volume control and screen scrolling of the electronic device according to the rotation direction of the rotating unit. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, And before the first step, calling a menu or graphical user interface capable of controlling the electronic device. The method of claim 22, And the menu or graphical user interface is called by a general button portion comprising at least one predetermined keypad and a matrix circuit portion for generating a predetermined signal according to an operation of the keypad. The method of claim 23, wherein And a cursor or a highlight is moved to an item adjacent to a predetermined item listed in the menu or graphic user interface when the click signal is generated. The method of claim 24, And when the rotating part rotates at a predetermined speed or more, the cursor or highlight is moved for a predetermined time even if there is no rotational movement of the rotating part. The method of claim 25, The movement of the cursor or the highlight is stopped by at least one of a lapse of a predetermined time and an operation of the general button unit.