KR20090011687A - Remote control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A remote control unit is provided to control a television through a separately comprised memory. The first channel key(23) changes a channel belonging to the first channel group. The second channel key(25) changes a channel belonging to the second channel group. A memory unit(50) stores key codes and driving programs for the first and second channel keys. In case the first channel key or the second channel key is pressed, a microcomputer reads a corresponding key code from the memory unit and then transmits the read results(60). A transmission unit(70) transmits the signals generated by the microcomputer. A card insertion unit read information from a predetermined memory card(30), and then transmits the read information to the microcomputer.

Description

Remote Control Unit {REMOTE CONTROL UNIT}

This embodiment relates to a remote control unit.

In general, the remote control unit refers to a device for controlling an electronic device such as a TV, an air conditioner, and a VCR by generating an infrared signal according to an input key according to a user's key input.

Recently, with the development of communication technology, broadcasting of various channels has become common through cable broadcasting and satellite broadcasting. This allowed viewers to watch more than one hundred channels.

On the other hand, hotels, motels, etc., are installed and operated to allow viewing of paid channels, which require a certain amount of money, from a large number of channels. However, when viewing a paying channel of a guest, a separate time counting device is required to check and impose a fee for selecting a paying channel and to select a channel. There was a problem such as necessary.

This embodiment proposes a remote control unit that enables a user to easily watch a paid channel, but can also appropriately set the cost thereof.

In addition, in view of installation and operation of a display device, an object of the present invention is to provide a remote control unit that enables a viewer to easily manage and operate a paid channel viewing.

In addition, the present embodiment is to provide a remote control method that can control the television using a remote control unit provided with a separate memory.

The remote control unit according to the embodiment includes a first channel key for changing a channel belonging to the first channel group; A second channel key for changing a channel belonging to the second channel group; A memory unit for storing a key code and a driving program for each of the first channel key and the second channel key; A microcomputer that reads and transmits a corresponding key code from the memory unit when the first channel key or the second channel key is input; A transmitter for transmitting a signal generated by the microcomputer; And a card insertion unit which reads information recorded in a predetermined memory card and delivers the information to the microcomputer, wherein the memory card includes channel permission data including contents allowing the operation of the second channel key. The microcomputer activates the second channel key when the second channel key is input by the user when the channel allowance data is included in the data recorded in the memory card. Characterized in that the control to output the corresponding key code.

The remote control unit according to the present embodiment is configured to insert a memory card in which memory card information information of a memory card, a key code value of a pay channel, and viewable time data of a pay channel are stored. Using this configuration, the second channel key is activated to enable up and down of the paid channel.

If the second channel key is not activated because the memory card is not inserted, only the first channel key is activated, and the user is configured to enable free channel up, down operation and general volume operation. It acts as a remote control unit.

When the second channel key is activated, the user can up and down only the paid channel through the second channel key, so that the user can search and view the paid channel more conveniently.

In addition, in the case where the memory card is attached or detached a plurality of times, the user's convenience is enhanced by displaying the viewable time of the pay channel remaining upon insertion of the memory card on the display unit.

On the other hand, the operator who manages the viewing of the paid channel can sell the memory card without managing the paid channel viewing time, so that it is possible to more easily manage the additional fee of the paid channel.

In addition, the present embodiment has the advantage of providing a method that can effectively control the display device by using a remote control unit in which a memory card is inserted.

Hereinafter, a remote control unit according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a front view illustrating a remote control unit and a remotely controlled display device according to the present embodiment.

1, the remote control unit according to the present embodiment is configured to adjust the channel of the display device. The display device remotely controlled by the remote control device mainly targets a television.

In the state where the memory card 30 is not inserted, the remote control unit 20 is activated by operating only the first channel key 23 (see FIG. 2), and the second channel key 25 (see FIG. 2) is not activated. It doesn't work.

The first channel key 23 (see FIG. 2) is a channel operation that can be manipulated to channel up and down channels other than the specific channels operated by the second channel key 25 (see FIG. 2). Say the key.

In addition, the second channel key 25 (refer to FIG. 2) refers to a channel manipulation key that can be operated to channel up and down specific channels such as a paid channel.

In detail, when the memory card 30 is not inserted, the remote control unit 20 is configured to perform a general function. For example, the free channel can be channeled up or down, and the free channel can be directly designated using a separate numeric key. In this case, the second channel key 25 (see FIG. 2) is not activated. Therefore, the key code value of the pay broadcasting channel in the remote control unit 20 is not transmitted to the display device 10. Thus, the viewer cannot watch the paid broadcast channel.

In more detail, a paid channel refers to a channel in which viewers must pay additional money in order to watch a broadcast corresponding to a paid broadcast channel, and the channel can be normally watched. In some cases, the corresponding channel may be selected, but the voice or the screen may be modulated to prevent viewing.

In addition, the free channel refers to a channel that does not correspond to a paid channel, and means a channel that can be viewed without paying a separate fee. For example, there is a general airwave broadcasting channel.

The first channel group is configured as a free channel, and the second channel group is configured as a paid channel so as to correspond to the corresponding first channel key 23 and the second channel key 25, respectively.

On the other hand, the display device 10 is configured so that only the free channel can be selected through the channel change button formed on the display device itself, and the paid channel is not selected.

2 is a front view of a remote control unit according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the remote control unit according to the present embodiment includes a display window 22, a first channel key 23, a second channel key 25, and a memory card insertion unit 27 in the remote control unit body. Etc. are included. Here, the set of numeric keys included in the general remote control unit 20 and the volume keys for adjusting the volume of the display device 10, the mute keys for muting the volume, and the on and off functions of the display device 10 can be adjusted. Power key for the may be further included.

In detail, the display window 22 is configured to display the status of the memory card and the remaining time available for pay channel viewing when the memory card 30 is inserted. In general, it can be formed using an LCD liquid crystal. The display window 22 is configured to display not only an operation state of the display device 10 but also whether the second channel key is operated or whether the channel is switched.

In addition, the first channel key 23 is used to control the up and down operations of the channel by a user's manipulation of a channel that is not a paid channel, that is, a free channel. The second channel key 25 is a key for controlling channel up and down operations of a specific channel, which is a channel that can be viewed only by paying additional fees. The first channel group may be set for free channels, and the second channel group may be set for paid channels. The following embodiment is configured to make such a setting.

When the second channel key 25 is activated, when the user manipulates the second channel key 25, the channel is up and down only in the pay channel. In this way, the user can operate the channel up and down only in the paid channel, thereby improving the convenience of changing the channel of the display device using the remote controller.

In detail, the activation of a key can be configured in several ways.

In the first method, the microcomputer 60 is inserted into the memory card 30 to accept the input signal of the second channel key 25 only when the memory card information transmitted from the memory card 30 is valid. . If the memory card 30 is not inserted or the invalid memory card 30 is inserted, the memory card 30 may be configured not to receive an input signal of the second channel key 25.

On the other hand, in the second method, the microcomputer 60 receives the input signal of the second channel key 25 regardless of the state of the memory card 30, but the remote control is not performed when a valid memory card is inserted. The transmitter 70 of the unit 20 may be configured such that a signal including the corresponding key code is not transmitted.

The key buttons are connected to the microcomputer 60 and a key scan port (not shown) for controlling the operation of the remote control unit 20 inside the remote control unit 20.

In addition, the remote control unit 20 includes a transmitter 70 (see FIG. 5) and a receiver 80 (see FIG. 5) for transmitting and receiving a control signal with the display device 10. 5) and the receiver 80 (refer to FIG. 5) perform communication using an infrared (IR) signal or an RF (RF) signal.

In addition, the display unit 10 that communicates with the remote control unit 20 is also provided with a transmitter and a receiver.

On the other hand, a memory card inserting portion 27 is formed inside the remote control unit 20. The memory card inserting portion 27 is formed to be detachable from the memory card 30. The memory card inserting portion 27 may be formed in a slot, port, socket, or the like.

3 is a front view of a memory card inserted into a remote control unit according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the memory card 30 includes a memory card main body 33 and an IC chip 31 as a smart card.

In detail, the smart card refers to an electronic card capable of storing a large amount of information by mounting an integrated circuit (IC) memory device. The smart card is also called an IC card or a chip card, and according to the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a card having one or more ICs inserted therein is collectively referred to as an IC card. Compared to the existing magnetic card (magnetic card), it has a very large memory capacity, high function and stability.

The IC chip 31 is a semiconductor chip implemented as an integrated circuit, and is mounted on the memory card body 33. In the IC chip manufacturing process, an IC chip is manufactured in a semiconductor manufacturing factory, and then a die is attached to a printed circuit board (PCB). Wire bonding to PCB, coating resin protective layer and manufacturing micro module. After processing base groove and module groove, attach micro module.

The memory card 30 stores memory card information and a preset pay channel viewing time.

In detail, the memory card information is used to determine whether the memory card is a normal memory card, and is preferably encrypted and stored in the memory card 30.

In more detail, when the memory card 30 is inserted into the remote control unit 20, the remote control unit 20 recognizes the memory card 30 and retrieves memory card information from the memory card 30. Bring. The memory card information includes predetermined encryption information between the remote control unit manufacturer and the memory card manufacturer. By the microcomputer 60 included in the remote control unit 20, it is read whether the memory card information is valid.

In addition, the memory card 30 includes channel permission data including contents allowing the operation of the second channel key 25. The channel permission data is configured to include information of the time when the second channel key is activated.

4 shows a user interface (UI) shown to a user when changing a channel by the remote control unit according to the present embodiment.

Displayed on the display window 22 included in the remote control unit 20, the second channel key 25 is not activated when the channel can be changed only between free channels and the memory card 30 is remote The second channel key 25 is activated by being inserted into the control unit 20 so as to be normally recognized and operated, thereby changing the channel between pay channels.

In both cases, the channel selected by the user by operating the first channel key 23 and the second channel key 25 is selected and displayed on the display window 22.

In detail, when the second channel key 25 is not activated, the channel can be changed only in the first channel group, and the second channel group cannot be selected in the display window 22 through a dashed line or the like. . In addition, when the second channel key 25 is activated, it is possible to change the channel in the second channel group, and the first channel group cannot be selected in the display window 22 through a dashed line or the like.

Unlike the above-described embodiment, however, when the second channel key 25 is activated, one channel group of the first channel group or the second channel group is designated by the user's selection, and within the designated channel group. Of course, the remote control unit can be configured to enable the channel change in.

5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a remote control unit according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the remote control unit 20 according to the present embodiment includes a first channel key 23, a second channel key 25, a first channel key 23, a second channel key 25, The memory unit 50, the microcomputer 60, the memory card 30, the transmitter 70, and the receiver 80 are included.

The remote control unit 20 may be composed of a plurality of input keys in addition to the first channel key 23 and the second channel key 25, a power key for turning on or off the electronic device, a set of numeric keys, and the like. An input key of may be included.

Of course, the display device 10 is provided with a transmitter and a receiver for communicating with the remote control unit 20, and sets the display device 10 according to the signal transmitted from the remote control unit 20 Control means for controlling the setting value to be transmitted to the remote control unit 20 is formed.

The memory card 30 may be provided for each user, and in some cases, a single memory card may be used by several users.

The memory unit 50 stores a driving program for basic operation of the remote control unit 20 and key code data corresponding to a user's key input.

The transmitter 70 and the receiver 80 convert a key signal for a user's key input into an infrared signal or an RF signal and transmit the converted key signal to the display device 10 or the infrared signal transmitted from the display device 10. Or to receive an RF signal. For example, when the remote control unit 20 communicates using infrared rays, an infrared light emitting diode may be used for the transmitter 70, and a photo diode may be used for the receiver 80.

In addition, the display device 10 that transmits and receives a signal with the remote control unit 20 is similarly provided with a transmitter and a receiver capable of transmitting and receiving using an infrared signal or an RF signal.

Hereinafter will be described the operation of the remote control unit 20 according to this embodiment configured as described above.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a remote control method of the remote control unit according to the present embodiment and shows the operational flow when the memory card is first inserted.

First, the memory card 30 is inserted into the memory card insertion unit 27 of the remote control unit 20. At this time, the remote control unit 20 recognizes whether the memory card 30 is inserted. This may be done through the key scan port (S100).

Then, memory card information is extracted from the inserted memory card 30. Check whether the extracted memory card information is valid. The data transmitted to the remote control unit 20 is configured to include information previously set by the remote control unit manufacturer and the memory card manufacturer, and the microcomputer 60 checks this to see whether the memory card 30 is valid. Form to review. Preferably, the memory card information is encrypted so that the memory card 30 is not easily copied or tampered with (S110).

If the memory card 30 is not valid, the display window 22 indicates an abnormal card and the operation of the remote control unit 20 is terminated (S120).

On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the memory card information is valid, the memory card information is compared with the memory card information stored in the memory unit 50 in the remote control unit 20 to determine whether the same memory card information (S130). If the memory card information is the same as that of the memory card previously stored in the memory unit 50, the memory card 30 is not the first card inserted, but is inserted into and detached from the remote control unit 20. Corresponding. Therefore, when inserted a plurality of times to enter the operation of the remote control unit 20 (S130, S140).

However, the step of determining whether the memory card information is valid and the step of determining whether the memory card information is the same by comparing the memory card information with the memory card information already stored in the memory unit 50 of the remote control unit 20 must be sequentially. It doesn't work.

On the other hand, when the memory card information is not the same as compared with the memory card information stored in the memory unit 50 formed in the remote control unit 20 is determined to be inserted into the remote control unit 20 first. Therefore, the memory card information extracted from the memory card 30 is stored in the memory unit 50 in the remote control unit 20 (S145), and viewing the pay channel already stored in the memory card 30 from the current time. The count starts for a possible time (S150).

In detail, when the memory card 30 is inserted into the remote control unit 20 and determined to be valid, and the first card is determined to be inserted first, the pay channel set in the memory card 30 can be viewed from the current time. Start counting for hours. The viewable time of the pay channel is already set at the time of manufacture of the memory card 30 and input to the memory card 30.

When the memory card 30 is first inserted, counting starts so that viewing of the second channel is possible only for a limited time.

When the counting of the pay channel viewing time is started, the counting start is displayed on the display window 22 included in the remote control unit 20 and the remaining viewing time is displayed (S160). therefore,

Since the viewing of the paid channel is enabled, the second channel key 25 is activated (S170). When the second channel key 25 is not activated, a key code corresponding to the second channel key 25 is transmitted to the display device 10 even if a user operates the second channel key 25. It doesn't work. However, when the valid memory card 30 is inserted, the second channel key 25 is activated, and when the second channel key 25 is operated, a key code corresponding to the operated key is transmitted. Therefore, the up and down operation of the paid channel is possible (S180, S190).

However, the second channel key 25 is activated only when the memory card 30 is inserted into the remote control unit 20. However, according to another embodiment, after the memory card 30 is first inserted, the second channel key 25 is activated for a predetermined time regardless of whether the memory card 30 is maintained in the remote control unit 20. Can be configured.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a remote control method of the remote control unit according to the present embodiment, and shows an operation flow when a memory card is inserted a plurality of times.

As described above, the memory card information of the memory card 30 is checked and whether the checked memory card information is valid and whether it is the same as the memory card information stored in the memory unit 50.

In detail, first, the memory card 30 is inserted into the memory card insertion unit 27 of the remote control unit 20. At this time, the remote control unit 20 recognizes whether the memory card 30 is inserted. This may be done through a key scan port (S200).

Then, the memory card information information of the memory card 30 is extracted from the inserted memory card 30. It is checked whether the memory card information of the extracted memory card 30 is valid. Through this, it is determined whether the memory card 30 is valid. Preferably, the memory card information of the memory card 30 is encrypted so that the memory card 30 is not easily copied or tampered with (S210).

If the memory card information of the memory card 30 is not valid, the display window 22 indicates that the card is abnormal and the operation of the remote control unit 20 ends (S230).

If the memory card information of the memory card 30 is found to be valid, the same memory is compared with the memory card information stored in the memory unit 50 of the remote control unit 20 by comparing the memory card information of the memory card 30 with the memory card information of the memory card 30. Check whether the card information (S240). If the memory card information of the memory card 30 is not the same as the memory card information stored in the memory unit 50, the memory card 30 corresponds to the card inserted first. Therefore, it enters the remote control unit operation at the time of initial insertion (S250).

On the other hand, if it is confirmed with the same ID as the memory card information stored in the memory unit 50, the remaining viewable time of the pay channel counted from the first insertion of the memory card 30 is displayed on the display window 22. do. In addition, by activating the second channel key 25, when the user operates the second channel key 25, the up and down key codes on the corresponding pay channel are transmitted (S270, S280).

The display device 10 receives the key code transmitted from the remote control unit 20 and up and down the channel on the pay channel (S290).

As described above, the second channel key 25 is activated only when the memory card 30 is inserted, and a user selects a channel in the second channel group by operating the second channel key 25. It was described that the configuration to enable viewing. However, after the memory card 30 is first inserted into the remote control unit 20 according to the setting of the user or manufacturer of the remote control unit, it continues for the pay channel viewing time input to the memory card 30. It is possible to configure to activate the second channel key (25).

On the other hand, those skilled in the art of understanding the spirit of the present embodiment can easily suggest other embodiments included in the scope of the same idea by the addition, modification, deletion, and addition of components. However, this will also be included within the scope of the present embodiment.

1 is a front view illustrating a remote control unit and a remotely controlled display device according to the present embodiment.

2 is a front view of a remote control unit according to the present embodiment.

3 is a front view of a memory card inserted into a remote control unit according to the present embodiment.

Figure 4 is a user interface (UI) shown to the user when changing the channel using the remote control unit according to this embodiment.

5 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a remote control unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of activating a second channel key when a memory card is first inserted into a remote control unit according to the present embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of activating a second channel key when a memory card is inserted into a memory card a plurality of times according to the present embodiment; FIG.

Claims (2)

A first channel key for changing a channel belonging to the first channel group; A second channel key for changing a channel belonging to the second channel group; A memory unit for storing a key code and a driving program for each of the first channel key and the second channel key; A microcomputer that reads and transmits a corresponding key code from the memory unit when the first channel key or the second channel key is input; A transmitter for transmitting a signal generated by the microcomputer; And And a card insertion unit which reads information recorded in a predetermined memory card and delivers the information to the microcomputer. The memory card includes channel permission data including contents allowing the operation of the second channel key. The microcomputer corresponds to the second channel key when the second channel key is input by the user by activating the second channel key when the channel permission data is included among the data recorded in the memory card. Remote control unit, characterized in that for controlling to output the key code. The method of claim 1, The channel permission data includes information on the time when the second channel key is activated. And the microcomputer counts an activation time of the second channel key when the memory card is first inserted.

Images