WO2006134672A1

WO2006134672A1 - Optical receiver

Info

Publication number: WO2006134672A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/014781
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hirotaka Adachi
Original assignee: Quixun Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-06-15
Filing date: 2005-08-11
Publication date: 2006-12-21
Also published as: JP2006350672A

Abstract

There has been a lack of convenience in devices using keyboards as input means, since there is no means for receiving a signal from a remote controller as a signal for inputting characters and that a wireless keyboard having as much as 106 or 109 buttons must be used to input the characters from remote places. A remote control system composed of a remote controller and a remote control signal receiver is provided. The remote control signal receiver receives a hardware control signal outputted from the remote controller for directly controlling hardware other than a keyboard, and converts the received hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. The remote control signal receiver operates as an input device by outputting the converted keyboard signal.

Description

Specification

Receiver

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remote control system having a remote control signal receiving device that outputs a keyboard signal. Background art

[0002] Currently, PCs (Personal Computers) include all cables such as cables that connect a keyboard and PC, cables that connect a monitor and a mouse, and cables that connect to a LAN (Local Area Network). Is connected. As a result, the desk top becomes complicated, and each device can only be extended to the distance of the cable. For this reason, cordless keyboards have been developed that eliminate the use of infrared cables.

[0003] However, a cordless keyboard is just a keyboard with no cables, and after all it is a keyboard with 106 or 109 buttons. Had to remember the placement of. For this reason, it was difficult to handle for users unfamiliar with PC.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, cellular phones have rapidly spread and electronic mails and the like are frequently transmitted using a character input function installed in cellular phones and the like. For this reason, it is easier for some users to input characters using a device that can input characters using only their thumbs, such as a mobile phone, rather than using the keyboard. More users can do it.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a television receiving apparatus that can be operated by a remote controller and that can be used to input characters by a user and to perform pointer input using a pointing device such as a mouse. ing. In the invention of Patent Document 1, the television receiving device has an input switching means, and resists the use of the keyboard by switching between a signal for switching a television channel and a signal for character input. It is disclosed that a person who has a feeling can easily input characters. Patent Document 1: JP 2002-199244

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, the invention of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the television receiver device has a function of switching channels and a function of performing character conversion and the like, and is not versatile. there were. Also, in devices such as PCs that regularly use a keyboard as an input means, there is no way to receive the signal from the remote control device as a signal for character input. Had to use a wireless keyboard with 106 or 109 buttons, which was not convenient. Also, if you need to operate a PC while sitting on a sofa or watching TV, you will have to operate the keyboard near the PC, and you will not be able to live a comfortable life. It was.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of an energetic problem, and a remote control device that has been used to the user can be used as an input device as it is, so that the remote control that is convenient for input is used. The purpose is to provide a system.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] Therefore, in the present invention, in order to solve the troublesome problems, a remote control device, a remote control signal receiving device, and a remote control system that has power are provided.

[0009] The remote control signal receiving device receives a hardware control signal for directly controlling a hardware other than the keyboard output from the remote control device, and converts the received hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. A conversion unit and an output unit for outputting the converted keyboard signal. Further, the conversion unit includes server identification information recognition means for recognizing a hardware control signal as server identification information, URL information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information, and Keyboard signal generation means for generating a keyboard signal based on the acquired predetermined URL information.

The remote control device may include a code reading unit and a hardware control signal output unit that outputs a hardware control signal based on the code read by the code reading unit. The code reading unit has a holding unit for holding the read code, and the hardware control signal output unit outputs a hardware control signal using the code held by the holding unit. A holding code using hardware control signal output means may be provided.

The invention's effect

[0011] According to the present invention, keyboard input can be performed from a remote location without a cable. In addition, it is expected to improve convenience because it is possible to input characters using a remote control device that is familiar to users.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of each invention will be described. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

[0013] The relationship between the following embodiments and the claims is as follows.

The first embodiment will mainly describe claims 1, 5, 6 and the like.

In the second embodiment, claims 2, 5 and 7 will be mainly described.

In the third embodiment, claims 3 and 8 will be mainly described.

The fourth embodiment will mainly describe claims 4 and 9.

[0014] Kuku Embodiment 1 >>

Overview of Embodiment 1>

The present embodiment relates to a remote control system having a remote control signal receiving device that converts a hardware control signal output from a remote control device into a keyboard signal and outputs the keyboard signal.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the first embodiment. A hardware control signal is output from the remote control device (0101) to the remote control signal receiving device (0102). The converted key board signal is output via the USB cable (0103) to the computer device (0104). The computer device (0104) performs key input processing based on the received keyboard signal, and the processing result and the like are displayed on the monitor device (0105). [0016] Configuration of Embodiment 1>

FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the remote control system in the present embodiment. The “remote control system” (0200) shown in FIG. 2 is powered by “remote control device” (0201) and “remote control signal receiving device” (0202). The remote control signal receiver (0202) includes a “reception unit” (0203), a “conversion unit” (0204), and an “output unit” (0205).

Each unit, which is a component of the present invention, is configured by either hardware, software, or both hardware and software. For example, as an example for realizing these, when using a computer, hardware configured such as a CPU, a memory, a bus, an interface, and peripheral devices, and software that can be executed on these hardware Can be mentioned. Specifically, the functions of each unit are realized by processing, storing, and outputting data on the memory and data input through the interface by sequentially executing the program expanded on the memory ( The same applies throughout this specification).

The “remote control device” (0201) is a remote control device, and is a device that outputs a signal for controlling hardware. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a remote control device. The remote control device uses infrared rays or radio waves to output signals that control the hardware. As a specific example of the remote control device, the power of a TV remote control is not limited to this. For example, the remote control device of the present embodiment is any device that outputs a predetermined infrared ray or radio wave, such as a remote control device for controlling an air conditioner device or a remote control device for controlling a video or DV video recording device. (0201). Further, the remote control device (0201) may be a mobile phone that supports infrared communication. Mobile phones that support infrared communication are capable of transmitting infrared signals that control hardware such as televisions by using compatible applications. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile phone that supports infrared communication.

[0019] When the remote control signal receiving device described later has a function of absorbing signal differences between manufacturers, the remote control device may be compatible with any hardware. A general-purpose remote control device may be used. However, in this embodiment As will be described later, the remote control device does not output hardware control signals for controlling the keyboard as hardware.

Next, each configuration of “remote control signal receiving device” (0202) will be described.

The “reception unit” (0203) receives a hardware control signal for directly controlling hardware other than the keyboard output from the remote control device (0201). “Hardware other than keyboard” is intended to exclude wireless keyboards. “Direct control of hardware” means that when a hardware control signal is output to the hardware, the hardware can also be controlled naturally. . “Hardware” includes devices such as TVs, videos, DVDs, air conditioners, and electronic circuits and peripheral devices that constitute each device. The receiving unit (0203) may have a light receiving element for receiving a hardware control signal using infrared rays or the like, or may have a demodulation circuit for demodulating the received signal. .

[0022] "Conversion unit" (0204) is for converting the software control signal received by the reception unit (0203) into a keyboard signal. The “keyboard signal” is a signal that is output when each button of the keyboard is pressed, for example, and is a signal that indicates a keyboard code corresponding to each key called a key code.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key code. As shown in Fig. 5, each keyboard is assigned a key code. For example, when a button marked "A" is pressed, the button with the key code "65" is also pressed. Will be output. Also, a cursor key such as a key code “40” that has a key code is not only a character-related key. The remote control signal receiving device (0202) of this embodiment can replace an input device such as a PC by converting a hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. Note that the conversion unit (0204) may have information on a predetermined rule for converting a hardware control signal into a keyboard signal. For example, a hardware control signal may be converted into a keyboard signal using a conversion rule that is used for character input using a numeric keypad of a mobile phone or the like.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of rules for converting hardware control signals into keyboard signals. Here, the conversion unit (0204) outputs a predetermined hardware control signal. In such a case, a rule for switching the character input mode may be provided. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the “2” button of the remote control device (0201) is pressed, in the numeric mode, the keyboard signal corresponding to the character “2” is converted. Also, in alphabetic mode, the keyboard signal is converted to “2” t on the remote control device (0201), and “B” if the U button is pressed twice in succession. As an operation in this case, for example, when “2” is pressed for the first time, the letter “A” is output once, and when the same button “2” is pressed continuously, A keyboard signal corresponding to the letter “B” is output after a backspace keyboard signal is output in order to cancel the letter “A” output as a keyboard signal before that. When inputting the character “ka” by powerful character conversion, a keyboard signal indicating “k” and “a” as roman characters is also output to a PC etc. as shown in Fig. 7. Alternatively, you may output a keyboard signal corresponding to the “power” of the Kana character input (the keyboard marking is “T”)! /.

The “output unit” (0205) outputs the keyboard signal converted by the conversion unit (0204). The output destination of the board signal is a device such as a PC that has a keyboard interface. When outputting a keyboard signal, the keyboard signal may be output to a PC, for example, via a USB cable. Thus, since the hardware control signal received by the remote control signal receiving device (0202) can be converted into a keyboard signal and output, the remote control signal receiving device (0202) can function as an input device. It is possible to input characters easily from a remote location.

[0026] Process Flow of Embodiment 1>

FIG. 8 shows an example of the processing flow in this embodiment. The processing in this embodiment includes the following steps. Note that the processing flow shown below can be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute or a readable recording medium on which the program is recorded (hereinafter, the same applies to the description of the processing flow in this specification). Is).

[0027] First, a hardware signal output from the remote control device is received (S0801 reception step). Next, the hardware control signal received in step S0801 is converted into a keyboard signal (S0802 conversion step). Next, the keyboard signal converted in step S0802 is output (S0803 output step). By performing the above processing, for PC etc. A keyboard signal can be output.

[0028] Effects of Embodiment 1>

The remote control system according to the present embodiment has a remote control signal receiving device that converts a hardware control signal from the remote control device into a keyboard signal and outputs the keyboard signal, thereby realizing character input from the remote control device. For this reason, keyboard input can be performed using a remote control device such as a TV remote control or a cellular phone, which is familiar to everyday use, and thus it is possible to perform keyboard input remotely from a PC or other remote location. In addition, users who are accustomed to switching TV channels and inputting characters on mobile phones can input characters faster than when using a keyboard. Furthermore, even for a user who has one hand injured, the user can quickly perform input work by inputting characters using a device such as a mobile phone that can be handled with one hand.

[0029] Embodiment 2 >>

Overview of Embodiment 2>

This embodiment recognizes a signal from a remote control device as server identification information, acquires predetermined URL information, and generates a keyboard signal, thereby enabling easy access to the server. It is about.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the concept of the present embodiment. The remote control device (0901) outputs a hardware control signal to the remote control signal receiving device (0902). The remote control signal receiving device (0902) recognizes a predetermined hardware control signal as server identification information, and generates a keyboard signal indicating the URL (http://www.quixun.co.jp) of the server. The keyboard signal is output to the computer device (0904). The computer device (0904) starts a predetermined browser and accesses the server. Then, the information on the server is displayed on the monitoring device (0905).

[0031] Configuration of Embodiment 2>

FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of the remote control system in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the “remote control system” (1000) in the present embodiment consists of a “remote control device” (1001) and a “remote control signal receiving device” (1002). The “remote control signal receiving device” (1002) includes a “reception unit” (1003), a “conversion unit” (1004), and an “output unit” (1005). Conversion part (1 004) includes a “server identification information recognition unit” (1006), a “URL information acquisition unit” (1007), and a “keyboard signal generation unit” (1008). Except for “server identification information recognition means” (10 06), “URL information acquisition means” (1007), and “keyboard signal generation means” (1008), each configuration is the same as that described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the explanation here is omitted.

[Description of Configuration of Embodiment 2]

The “server identification information recognition means” (1006) recognizes the hardware control signal as server identification information. Server identification information includes, for example, information for identifying an Internet web server. An example of recognizing a hardware control signal as server identification information is to recognize a hardware control signal output when a predetermined button such as a remote control is pressed as server identification information.

[0033] "URL information acquisition means" (1007) acquires predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information. The “recognized server identification information” is server identification information recognized by the server identification information recognition means (1006). “URL information” refers to information about a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that indicates the address of a web server on the Internet. Note that the URL information acquisition means (1007) may have a table in which a predetermined hard drive control signal is associated with predetermined URL information.

“Keyboard signal generation means” (1008) generates a keyboard signal based on the acquired predetermined URL information. The generated keyboard signal is also output as a keyboard signal with the output unit (1005) force.

An example of generating a keyboard signal using server recognition information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 (a) shows an example of generating a keyboard signal based on predetermined URL information acquired based on server identification information. Based on the server identification information A recognized by the server identification information recognition means, the URL information acquisition means acquires, for example, URL information C (http: ZZwww.quixun.co.jpZ) held by itself. . Then, the keyboard signal generation means generates a keyboard signal based on the acquired URL information.

[0036] Note that when generating a keyboard signal based on URL information, for example, a browser A predetermined keyboard signal necessary for starting up the URL may be generated, or a keyboard signal corresponding to an execution key for executing the input URL information may be generated together. A specific example will be described based on the case where the OS (Operating System) of the PC to which the keyboard signal is output is Windows (registered trademark). First, press the Windows (registered trademark) key to open the start menu, and then the keyboard signal that is output when the “R” key is pressed to execute “Start by executing file name” Is prepended to the URL information. Then, after generating a keyboard signal for URL information, it generates a keyboard signal that is output when the execute key is pressed. The browser can be started by outputting these keyboard signals to the PC.

[0037] Next, another example will be described with reference to FIG. The URL information acquisition means acquires URL information D (http: ZZwww.quixun.co.jpZl844) based on the server identification information B. This is an example in which the server identification information B includes, for example, the code (1844) accessed under the server in addition to the information for identifying the server. Even in such a case, the keyboard signal generation means (1008) generates a keyboard signal based on the URL information D in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. In the case of FIG. 11 (b), when the destination indicated by the URL information D is a transfer server, it is possible to freely access a predetermined server.

[0038] Processing Flow of Embodiment 2>

FIG. 12 shows an example of the processing flow in this embodiment. Step S 1201 is the same as that described in the first embodiment. In step S1202, it is determined whether the hardware control signal received in step S1201 is recognized as server identification information (server identification information recognition step). If the server identification information is recognized in step S1202, predetermined URL information is acquired based on the server identification information (S 1203 URL information acquisition step). Then, a keyboard signal is generated based on the predetermined URL information acquired in step S 1203 (S 1204 keyboard signal generation step). On the other hand, if the server identification information is not recognized in step S1202, the hardware control signal is converted into a keyboard signal as described in the first embodiment (S1205). In step S1206, the keyboard signal generated in step S1204 or in step S1205 The converted keyboard signal is output.

[0039] Effects of Embodiment 2>

In this embodiment, it is possible to easily access a predetermined server by recognizing a hardware control signal as server identification information and acquiring URL information. Further, when the URL information is information indicating a URL such as a transfer server, it is possible to access any server via the transfer server.

[0040] Kuku embodiment 3 >>

Overview of Embodiment 3>

The present embodiment relates to a remote control system in which a remote control device has a function of reading a code, and outputs a hardware control signal based on the read code.

[0041] Configuration of Embodiment 3>

FIG. 13 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the remote control system in the present embodiment. The “remote control system” (1300) shown in FIG. 13 comprises a “remote control device” (1301) and a “remote control signal receiving device” (1302). The remote control device (1301) includes a “code reading unit” (1306) and a “hardware control signal output unit” (1307). The remote control signal receiver (1302) includes a “reception unit” (1303), a “conversion unit” (1304), and an “output unit” (1305). The components other than the “code reading unit” (1306) and the “hardware control signal output unit” (1307) are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Also, the second embodiment can have a common configuration except for the “code reading unit” (1306) and the “hardware control signal output unit” (1307).

[0042] <Description of Configuration of Embodiment 3>

The “code reading unit” (1306) has a function of reading a code. A “code” is a symbol or sign used to express information. Specific examples include two-dimensional barcodes such as QR code (registered trademark). Further, it may be a simple address used for a mobile phone, for example. A simple address is, for example, a code related to a link destination that also obtains power such as a homepage for a mobile phone when the remote control device is a mobile phone. By reading various codes with the code reader (1306), a signal corresponding to the code Can be output. The code may be a number or a character printed on the button surface of the remote control device (1301). That is, the code may be read according to the number of times the user has pressed the button on the remote control device. The code reading unit (1306) may include an image sensor for reading a code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a web for acquiring a URL from a mobile phone site. A browsing part etc. may be included.

The “hardware control signal output unit” (1307) outputs a hardware control signal based on the code read by the code reading unit (1306). “Based on the code” means, for example, that a hardware control signal corresponding to the read code may be output, or that a predetermined information is attached to the read code and a hardware control signal is output. It is also good. As an example, as described in the second embodiment, a hardware control signal as server identification information is output to the remote control signal receiving device (1302). For example, when the code read from the QR code (registered trademark) is “1844”, the code may be added to the server identification information and output as shown in FIG. As a result, the remote control signal receiving device (1302) may acquire the URL information D in FIG. 11 (b). In this way, it is possible to read a code and output a hardware control signal based on the code, so that a user can access a predetermined server device without having to memorize a complicated URL. It becomes.

[0044] Processing Flow of Embodiment 3>

FIG. 14 shows an example of the processing flow of the remote control device in this embodiment. The remote control device of the present embodiment first reads a code (S1401 code reading step). Then, a hardware control signal is output based on the code read in step S1401 (S1 402 hardware control signal output step). The node air control signal output in step S1402 is output to the remote control signal receiver.

[0045] <Effects of Embodiment 3>

In the present embodiment, since it has a remote control device that can read a code and output a hardware control signal based on the read code, it is published in a magazine or an advertisement on a television. Arbitrary hardware control signals can be output using simple codes. This makes it difficult for users to remember complex URLs. It is possible to easily access any server.

[0046] Kuku embodiment 4 >>

Overview of Embodiment 4>

The remote control system in the present embodiment is characterized by having a remote control device capable of holding a code read by the remote control device.

[0047] Configuration of Embodiment 4>

FIG. 15 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the remote control system in the present embodiment. The “remote control system” (1500) shown in FIG. 15 has the power of “remote control device” (1501) and “remote control signal receiving device” (1502). The remote control device (1501) includes a “code reading unit” (1506) and a “hardware control signal output unit” (1507). The code reading unit (1507) includes a “holding unit” (1508). The hardware control signal output unit (1508) includes “retained code utilizing hardware control signal output means” (1509). The remote control signal receiving device (1502) includes a “receiving unit” (1503), a “conversion unit” (1504), and an “output unit” (1505). Each configuration except the “holding means” (1508) and the hardware control signal output unit (1508) is the same as that described in the third embodiment.

The “holding means” (1508) holds the read code. Specific examples of the holding means include a memory node disk. By holding the read code, various usage modes can be realized. A case where the remote control device (1501) is a mobile phone will be described as an example. When a user viewing a mobile phone site on a train, such as when commuting, wants to view the detailed contents of the site using a PC, the search engine for the site after starting the PC There was a need to access. However, for example, by reading and holding a code indicating the site from the mobile site, and transmitting the read code to the remote control signal receiving device (1502) when returning home, the server is immediately sent to the corresponding server device. Can be accessed. By holding the code read in this way, the code can be used even after the user has read the code. Can be increased. “Holding code using hardware control signal output means” (1509) outputs a hardware control signal using the code held in the holding means (1508).

[0050] Process Flow of Embodiment 4>

FIG. 16 shows an example of the processing flow of the remote control device in this embodiment. The remote control device shown in FIG. 16 first reads a code (S 1601). Then, the code read in step S 1601 is held (S 1602). Thereafter, a hardware control signal is output based on the code held in step S1602 (S1603 holding code using hardware control signal output step). The hardware control signal output in step S1603 is output to the remote control signal receiver.

[0051] Effects of Embodiment 4>

In this embodiment, since the read code can be held, even if the user reads the code using the remote control device at a place where he / she goes out, the hardware is read using the read code after returning home. Since the hardware control signal can be output, it is possible to easily access a predetermined server or the like, and the convenience is improved.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0052] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a remote control device

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example when the remote control device is a mobile phone.

[Figure 5] Diagram for explaining keyboard signals

[Figure 6] Diagram for explaining character conversion

[Figure 7] Diagram for explaining powerful character conversion

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the remote control signal receiving device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram for explaining the second embodiment.

[Fig. 11] Diagram for explaining server identification information and URL information

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the remote control signal receiving device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram for explaining the third embodiment. 圆 14] A diagram for explaining the processing flow of the remote control device of the third embodiment. 圆 15] A functional block diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment. 圆 16] A diagram for explaining the processing flow of the remote control device of the fourth embodiment. Explanation

0200 Remote control system

0201 Remote control device

0202 Remote control signal receiver

0203

0204 Conversion unit

0205 Output section

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a remote control device;

A receiving unit for receiving a hardware control signal for directly controlling hardware other than the keyboard output from the remote control device;

A conversion unit for converting the nodeware control signal received by the reception unit into a keyboard signal;

An output unit for outputting the keyboard signal converted by the conversion unit;

A remote control signal receiving device comprising:

A remote control system consisting of

[2] The conversion unit includes:

Server identification information recognition means for recognizing a hardware control signal as server identification information; URL information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information;

Keyboard signal generating means for generating a keyboard signal based on the acquired predetermined URL information;

The remote control system according to claim 1, comprising:

[3] The remote control device includes a code reading unit;

A hardware control signal output unit that outputs a hardware control signal based on the code read by the code reading unit;

The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

[4] The code reading unit has holding means for holding the read code,

4. The remote control system according to claim 3, wherein the hardware control signal output unit includes a retained code using hardware control signal output unit that outputs a hardware control signal using a code retained by the retaining unit. .

5. The remote control signal receiver according to claim 1 or 2.

[6] A receiving step of receiving a hardware control signal for directly controlling hardware other than the keyboard output from the remote control device;

To convert the hardware control signal received in the reception step into a keyboard signal Conversion steps,

An output step for outputting the keyboard signal converted in the conversion step, and a remote control signal receiving method.

[7] The conversion step includes:

A server identification information recognition step for recognizing a hardware control signal as server identification information;

URL information acquisition step for acquiring predetermined URL information based on the recognized server identification information;

A keyboard signal generation step for generating a keyboard signal based on the acquired predetermined URL information;

The remote control signal receiving method according to claim 6, comprising:

[8] The operation method of the remote control device according to claim 6 or 7,

A code reading step;

A hardware control signal output step for outputting a hardware control signal based on the code read in the code reading step;

A method for operating a remote control device.

[9] The hardware control signal output step includes a retained code utilization hardware control signal output step of outputting a hardware control signal using the code read and retained in the code reading step. The operation method of the remote control device according to 8.