經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 508968 A7 B7 五、發明說明（） 相關申請 下列申請以提及的方式併入本文中： U.S. Serial No. 09/434,155 (Attorney docket PHA 23,783) filed 11/4/99 ； U.S. Serial No. 09/128,839 (Attorney docket PHA 23,469) filed 8/4/98 ； U.S. Serial No. 09/129,300 (Attorney docket PHA 23,470) filed 8/5/98 ； U.S. Serial No. 09/271,200 (Attorney docket PHA 23,607) filed 3/17/99 ； U.S. Serial No. 09/311,128 (Attorney docket PHA 23,501) filed 5/13/99 ; U.S. Serial No. 09/210,416 (Attorney docket PHA 23,522) filed 12/11/98。 發明範疇 本發明係有關遠端控制裝置，或稱爲「遙控」，特別是 包含具有一觸f空式螢幕之圖形使用者介面（graphical user interface, GUI)遙控器。 發明背景 「遙控」或「遠端控制裝置」在本文中用來指一種可以 讓使用者透過無線傳輸之方式來控制另一裝置之電子裝 置。例如Philips公司於1998年9月引進市場，具觸控式螢 幕之多用途可程式（universal programmable)遙控器 PRONTOtm。如需更多有關pr〇nTOtm之資訊，請參考網 4- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） III —--- - - - - ------1----訂----- ---- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 508968 A7 B7 五 第90112423號專利申請案 中文說明書修正頁(90年12月） 發明説明（2 ) 頁 http://www.pronto.philips.com 〇 發明概要 觸控螢幕及電池盒組使得已經相當成熟的遙控器產品體 積變大且顯得笨重。使用此種遙控器來瀏漫電視頻道可能 會帶給使用者還不如使用傳統式，體積較精巧的遙控器來 得方便的感覺。本發明之目的在提供一種具多用途可程式 遙控器（例如ProntoTM)之優點，且符合人體工學 (ergonomic)設計之解決方案。本發明提出一種具有可供使 用者能直接控制家電裝置之第一遠端控制裝置，以及可供 使用者經由第一遠端控制裝置以控制家電裝置之第二遠端 控制裝置之遙控組合。此種遙控組合之優點在於，第二遙 控器可以第一遙控器之分離式（detachable)模組或分離式按 鍵之型態呈現。同時，.第一遙控器為使用者可程式（user programmable)設計 〇 圖示之簡單說明 下列關於本發明之詳細内容以參照圖示之非限定式範例 (non-limiting example)加以說明，其中圖1-3為依據本發明 原理之組合式遙控之具體實施例，而圖4為遙控器102及 106之組合方式示意圖。在各圖中，類似數字用來表示類 似或相同之功能特性。 具體實施例詳細說明 圖1所示為本發明之遙控組合101 ^遙控組合101包含第一 遙控器102及第二遙控器106，圖中將兩者分開繪製以利說 明。當使用者與遙控組合101交互作用時，遙控組合101之 功能類似ProntoTM，用來作為控制CE裝置112之多用途可 -5- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準(CNS) A4規格(210 X 297公釐) 裝 訂Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau's Consumer Cooperative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 508968 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention () Related Applications The following applications are incorporated herein by reference: US Serial No. 09 / 434,155 (Attorney docket PHA 23,783) filed 11/4 / 99; US Serial No. 09 / 128,839 (Attorney docket PHA 23,469) filed 8/4/98; US Serial No. 09 / 129,300 (Attorney docket PHA 23,470) filed 8/5/98; US Serial No. 09 / 271,200 (Attorney docket PHA 23,607) filed 3/17/99; US Serial No. 09 / 311,128 (Attorney docket PHA 23,501) filed 5/13/99; US Serial No. 09 / 210,416 (Attorney docket PHA 23,522) filed 12/11 / 98. Scope of the invention The present invention relates to a remote control device, or "remote control", and in particular includes a graphical user interface (GUI) remote control with a touch-screen display. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION "Remote control" or "remote control device" is used herein to refer to an electronic device that allows a user to control another device through wireless transmission. For example, Philips introduced the market in September 1998 and has a universally programmable remote control PRONTOtm with a touch screen. For more information about pr〇nTOtm, please refer to the web. 4- This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) III --------------- 1 ---- Order ----- ---- (Please read the notes on the back before filling in this page) 508968 A7 B7 No. 90112423 Patent Application Chinese Specification Correction Page (December 90) Invention Description (2) Page http://www.pronto.philips.com 〇 Summary of the invention The touch screen and battery box make the already mature remote control products larger and bulkier. Using this remote control to browse TV channels may bring users more convenient than using traditional, more compact remote control. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution that has the advantages of a multi-purpose programmable remote control (such as ProntoTM) and is ergonomically designed. The invention proposes a remote control combination having a first remote control device that allows a user to directly control a home appliance device, and a second remote control device that allows a user to control the home appliance device via the first remote control device. The advantage of this type of remote control combination is that the second remote control can be presented as a detachable module or a detachable button of the first remote control. At the same time, the first remote controller is designed for user programmable. Brief description of the diagram The following details about the present invention will be described with reference to the non-limiting example of the diagram, where the diagram 1-3 are specific embodiments of the combined remote control according to the principles of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the combined modes of the remote controls 102 and 106. In the figures, similar numbers are used to indicate similar or identical functional characteristics. Detailed description of the specific embodiment FIG. 1 shows a remote control combination 101 of the present invention. The remote control combination 101 includes a first remote control 102 and a second remote control 106, and the two are drawn separately to facilitate the description. When the user interacts with the remote control unit 101, the function of the remote control unit 101 is similar to ProntoTM, and it is used as a multi-purpose control device for CE device 112 (Centimeters)
線 508968 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（3 )· 程式遙控器。本例中之裝置112爲消費性電子產品，例如電 視機、音響、VCR、家用娛樂產品、HDD數位錄窝設備 (hard-disk drive digital recorder)等。另外，像是個人電腦 等其他種類之裝置，同樣也能採用遙控組合及106來進 行遠端控制。 ' 第一遙控器102藉由無線傳輸1〇4直接和CE產品112進行 溝通。無線傳輸104可爲射頻（radio frequency，RF)或紅外 線（infrared，IR)等任一種合適之無線通訊方式。由於CE產 品通常具有一組IR輸入作爲遠端控制之用，因此無線傳輸 104最好也能採用IR，如果有需要的話，可另外再加裝一 組選用式RF功能。假如無線傳輸1〇4爲RF而CE產品112採 用IR方式控制，也可另外加裝RF對IR之轉換裝置（未顯示 於圖中）。此種轉換裝置之較佳作法是將IR發射器（shooter ) 安裝在被控裝置之IR接收器（receiver)附近。或者，也可將 強力（powerful) IR blaster安裝在靠近CE產品112之處作爲 轉換裝置。第二遙控器106經由第一遙控器102間接對CE產 品112進行控制之方式，在稍後的内容中會有詳細説明。 第一遙控器102包含顯示器（display) 103及觸控感應式 LCD 螢幕（touch sensitive LCD screen)。顯示器 103爲具有 控制選項之圖形選單式顯示，或是其他依照CE產品112需 求之使用者界面。第一遙控器102最好能爲使用者可程式化 設計，並包含巨集編輯能力（macro-editing capability)以及 專用的資料處理元件。無線傳輸104除了用來傳送控制訊號 至C E產品112之外’也能作爲接收資訊之用。例如，遙控 -6- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ----L--------^---------------1 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 五 經濟部中央標準局員工消費合作社印製 508968 A7 B7 發明説明（） 器102可從另一個處理裝置（例如電腦或數據機等）接收編窝 好的程式碼，而不必由使用者在遙控器102上進行手動編 輯。第一遙控器的程式編輯能力，a)須能夠使遙控組合101 可以處理一種以上之C E產品，包括目前未知的產品及功 能，或是b )提供對某些遙控组合101本身功能之修改能力， 例如使用者界面功能。 第二遙控器106包含一些控制按键，如圖中之按鍵107。 在設計上，第二遙控器106以簡單的樣式爲佳。第二遙控器 106之控制按鍵107用來提供固定的控制訊號到具有處理能 力之第一遙控器102，以進行程式碼之解譯（interpreted)。 第二遙控器106可藉由無線傳輸105(RF或IR)與第一遙控器 102進行訊號之傳送。爲避免無線傳輸104及105之間互相干 擾，若無線傳輸104使用IR，105則應爲RF，或是兩組無線 傳輸都使用IR，但採用不同之頻率波段（frequency band ) 0 此外，第二遙控器106最好爲第一遙控器102之可分離式模 组設計。當遙控器106與無線傳輸模組105相互連接時，其 間的訊號傳輸可採無線方式105或採電流直接連接（galvanic connection)之方式（不透過無線傳輸105)進行。上述之第二 種方式可藉由適當的插槽（slot)及插頭（plug)設計來完成。 遙控器102及106可以作爲分離式的遙控器。遙控组合101 的功能被分別設置在顯示螢幕103及功能按鍵107上。較常 用的功能選項最好能設定在功能按鍵107之上。例如，當作 爲電視機的遙控器時，功能按鍵107就應包括「音量增 大」、「音量減小」、「靜音」以及「頻道切換」等功 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（2丨0X297公釐） . I , 訂 I 务 (請先閲讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 508968 經濟部中央標準局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明説明（） 能。由於第一遙控器102爲可程式設計，只需改變内部之功 能變換（mapping)即可指定任何功能給功能按鍵107，因此 遙控器102也作爲CE產品112與第二遙控器106之間的可程 式界面（programmable interface)。此功能指定可採動態的 方式進行，也就是在遙控器102切換功能同時也自動改變功 能變換。例如，當遙控器102由「電視」模式切換爲Γ CD」 模式時，遙控器106之功能按鍵107的音量鍵也會自動由控 制電視機之音量大小轉變成控制CD播放機之音量大小。 圖2爲分離式第二遙控器106被放置到第一遙控器102上成 爲遙控組合101之示意圖。遙控器102與106之間的功能性連 結可採用無線傳輸105，或以遙控器102及106本身所具有， 互補式（complementary)之導電零件202與204所產生之電流 接觸來進行。此外，在遙控器102與106之間的連線建立之 後，需變換遙器102上的圖形使用者界面螢幕之内容，以避 免遙控器106上的功能鍵107的控制選項和觸控螢幕103上提 供之圖形功能選項重覆。在此具體實施例中，遙控器102與 106可以合併運作，提供類似PRONTO之功能。使用者可以 將遙控器分離，將遙控器102留在桌上，手持遙控器106即 可切換電視頻遒。 圖3與圖4爲遙控器102及106之組合方式示意圖。遙控器 102及106可採用許多不同的方式相互連結。例如，遙控器 106可藉由滑道（rails or channels)放入並固定在遙控器102 之上表面，或是在遙控器102表面的接合槽（recess)中或置 入彈簧式金屬球（spring-loaded metal balls)裝置，以彈簧之 -8- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS )戍4^格（210 X 297公釐） ----------，装—------訂------線 (請先閲讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 五_I_ 經濟部中央標準局員工消費合作社印製 508968 A7 B7 發明説明（6) 作用將遙控器106固定住。例如，導電零件202與204可置入 彈簧式金屬球，當遙控器106被固定在遙控器102上時即可 建立兩者之間的電流連結，以提供遙控器106透過遙控器 102來控制CE產品時所需之訊號傳輸路徑（signal path)。在 圖3與圖4中所例舉之遙控组合101具體實施例中，遙控器 102的上表面302之上具有觸控式螢幕103以及接合槽304。 接合槽304的形狀設計需配合遙控器106底部接合座306之外 碑。當接合座306被放置到接合槽304時，遙控器106即可被 固定在接合槽304的内側表面，而當彈簧式金屬球308滑進 並固定在位置310的圓孔中時接合座306被縱向地固定。彈 簧式金屬球與圖孔310之組合同時也簡化遙控器101之分離 動作，只需輕拉就能將遙控器102與106分開。 在另一種組合方式中（未顯示於圖中）將接合座306設計在 遙控器102的上表面302之上，而接合槽304則位於遙控器 106之背面。接合座306與接合槽304在設計上需加入人體工 學之考量，例如圓形的轉角設計，力求使用者在操作使用 遙控器102與106時能覺得舒適。 本發明之遙控組合101與目前市面上任何一種產生相比 較，其優點爲遙控器102上可放置較大尺寸之顯示螢幕。當 使用者要切換頻道時，只需操作輕便小巧的第二遙控器 106，而具有較大尺寸顯示螢幕之遙控器102則可放置於桌 上。 藉由本文之説明，熟悉此類產品之人士將可依據本發明 原理衍生出其他的具體實施例。此種具體實施例可包含像 -9- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS ) A4規格（210X297公釐） ----------t.------IT------^ (請先閲讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 508968 A7 B7 五、發明說明（7 ) 是遙控器產品常見之設計、製作或使用方式，以及用來取 代或增加額外功能等在本文中所描述過之其他功能特性。 雖然本專利申請内容在此申請中被套用到特定的功能组 合，然而本文之範疇亦涵蓋文中所明顯或隱含陳述出之所 有新功能或新的功能組合，無論其是否可解決部份或所有 如本文所提出之技術性問題。同時，於本申請受審期間也 可能提出有關此種新功能或其他由此衍生之專利申請。 --------1-----· I I I I I--訂 - ------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 -10- 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐）Line 508968 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Invention Description (3) Program remote control. The device 112 in this example is a consumer electronic product, such as a television, a stereo, a VCR, a home entertainment product, a hard-disk drive digital recorder, and the like. In addition, other types of devices, such as personal computers, can also be remotely controlled using the remote control combination and 106. '' The first remote control 102 communicates directly with the CE product 112 via wireless transmission 104. The wireless transmission 104 may be any suitable wireless communication method such as radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR). Since CE products usually have a set of IR inputs for remote control, it is best to use IR for wireless transmission 104. If necessary, an additional set of optional RF functions can be added. If the wireless transmission 104 is RF and the CE product 112 is controlled by IR, an RF-to-IR conversion device (not shown in the figure) can also be added. A preferred method of such a conversion device is to install an IR transmitter (shooter) near the IR receiver of the controlled device. Alternatively, a powerful IR blaster can be installed near the CE product 112 as a conversion device. The manner in which the second remote control 106 indirectly controls the CE product 112 via the first remote control 102 will be described in detail later. The first remote controller 102 includes a display 103 and a touch sensitive LCD screen. The display 103 is a graphical menu display with control options, or other user interface according to the requirements of the CE product 112. The first remote controller 102 is preferably programmable by a user, and includes a macro-editing capability and a dedicated data processing component. In addition to being used for transmitting control signals to CE products 112, wireless transmission 104 can also be used for receiving information. For example, remote control-6- This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) ---- L -------- ^ ----------- ---- 1 (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 5. Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 508968 A7 B7 Description of invention () The device 102 can be obtained from another processing device (such as a computer or modem) Etc.) to receive the compiled code without having to be manually edited by the user on the remote control 102. The program editing capability of the first remote control must be a) the remote control unit 101 can handle more than one CE product, including currently unknown products and functions, or b) provide the ability to modify the functions of some remote control unit 101 itself, For example, user interface functions. The second remote controller 106 includes some control buttons, such as the button 107 in the figure. In design, the second remote controller 106 is preferably in a simple style. The control button 107 of the second remote controller 106 is used to provide a fixed control signal to the first remote controller 102 with processing capability for interpreting the code. The second remote controller 106 can transmit signals with the first remote controller 102 through wireless transmission 105 (RF or IR). In order to avoid mutual interference between wireless transmission 104 and 105, if wireless transmission 104 uses IR, 105 should be RF, or both sets of wireless transmission use IR, but different frequency bands are used. 0 In addition, the second The remote controller 106 is preferably designed as a detachable module of the first remote controller 102. When the remote control 106 and the wireless transmission module 105 are connected to each other, the signal transmission between them can be performed by wireless 105 or galvanic connection (not via wireless transmission 105). The above-mentioned second method can be completed by proper slot and plug design. The remote controllers 102 and 106 can be used as separate remote controllers. The functions of the remote control unit 101 are set on the display screen 103 and the function buttons 107, respectively. The more commonly used function options are preferably set above the function button 107. For example, when used as a remote control for a television, the function buttons 107 should include functions such as "volume up", "volume down", "mute", and "channel switching". Paper standards are applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4. Specifications (2 丨 0X297mm). I, order I service (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 508968 Printed by the Consumer Standards Cooperative of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of invention () Yes. Since the first remote controller 102 is programmable, any function can be assigned to the function button 107 by simply changing the internal function mapping. Therefore, the remote controller 102 also serves as a programmable interface between the CE product 112 and the second remote controller 106. Programmable interface. This function specifies that it can be performed in a dynamic manner, that is, when the remote control 102 switches functions, it also automatically changes the function change. For example, when the remote control 102 is switched from the "TV" mode to the Γ CD mode, the volume keys of the function buttons 107 of the remote control 106 will also automatically change from controlling the volume of the TV to controlling the volume of the CD player. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second remote controller 106 placed on the first remote controller 102 as a remote control unit 101. The functional connection between the remote controls 102 and 106 can be performed by wireless transmission 105, or by the electrical contact generated by the complementary conductive parts 202 and 204 of the remote controls 102 and 106 themselves. In addition, after the connection between the remote control 102 and 106 is established, the content of the graphical user interface screen on the remote control 102 needs to be changed to avoid the control options of the function keys 107 on the remote control 106 and the touch screen 103 The graphics function options provided are repeated. In this specific embodiment, the remote controllers 102 and 106 can operate in combination to provide functions similar to PRONTO. The user can separate the remote control, leave the remote control 102 on the table, and hold the remote control 106 to switch the electric video. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic diagrams of combinations of the remote controllers 102 and 106. The remote controls 102 and 106 can be interconnected in many different ways. For example, the remote control 106 can be placed and fixed on the upper surface of the remote control 102 through rails or channels, or can be placed in a recess on the surface of the remote control 102 or a spring-type metal ball can be placed in the spring. -loaded metal balls) device, with spring of -8- This paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) S 4 ^ grid (210 X 297 mm) ----------, installed ----- --- Order ------ line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 5_I_ Printed by the Employees' Cooperative of the Central Standards Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 508968 A7 B7 Description of the invention (6) Function 106 fix. For example, the conductive parts 202 and 204 can be placed in spring-type metal balls. When the remote control 106 is fixed on the remote control 102, a current connection between the two can be established to provide the remote control 106 to control the CE through the remote control 102. Signal path required for the product. In the specific embodiment of the remote control combination 101 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the upper surface 302 of the remote control 102 has a touch screen 103 and a joint groove 304. The shape of the engaging groove 304 needs to be matched with the monument outside the engaging seat 306 at the bottom of the remote control 106. When the joint seat 306 is placed in the joint groove 304, the remote control 106 can be fixed on the inner surface of the joint groove 304, and the joint seat 306 is fixed when the spring-type metal ball 308 slides and is fixed in the round hole of the position 310 Fixed longitudinally. The combination of a spring-loaded metal ball and a picture hole 310 also simplifies the separating operation of the remote control 101, and the remote control 102 and 106 can be separated only by lightly pulling. In another combination (not shown), the joint base 306 is designed on the upper surface 302 of the remote control 102, and the joint groove 304 is located on the back of the remote control 106. The design of the joint seat 306 and the joint groove 304 needs to incorporate ergonomic considerations, such as a rounded corner design, so as to make users feel comfortable when operating the remote controllers 102 and 106. The remote control combination 101 of the present invention is compared with any of the current generations in the market. The advantage is that a larger display screen can be placed on the remote control 102. When the user wants to switch channels, the user only needs to operate the portable second remote control 106, and the remote control 102 with a larger display screen can be placed on the table. Through the description herein, those skilled in the art will be able to derive other specific embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Such a specific embodiment may include something like -9- this paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) ---------- t .------ IT --- --- ^ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) 508968 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (7) It is a common design, production or use method of remote control products, and is used to replace or add additional functions. Other features described in this article. Although the content of this patent application is applied to a specific function combination in this application, the scope of this document also covers all new functions or new function combinations explicitly or implicitly stated in the text, whether or not they can solve part or all of the functions Technical issues as raised in this article. At the same time, patent applications related to this new function or other derivatives may be filed during the trial of this application. -------- 1 ----- · IIII I--Order- ------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) -10- This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)