RU2523041C2 - Remote control device and method of controlling multimedia device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics, control.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to television systems and specifically to remote control of a multimedia device. Identification (ID) information is received to identify a particular electronic device when a multimedia device is connected to a particular electronic device which is selected from one or more electronic devices which can be connected to the multimedia device. A code value corresponding to a function provided by the particular electronic device corresponding to the ID information is then processed and a graphic image is output for displaying a function associated with the particular electronic device. A first indicator to be displayed within the graphic image and converted to a second indicator when it deviates from the boundaries of the graphic image is controlled. When the first indicator selects a particular function in the graphic using a remote control device, the code value corresponding to the selected particular function is sent to the remote control device.

EFFECT: controlling different types of devices based on different communication protocols, while minimising memory usage of the remote control device.

18 cl, 37 dwg

Description

This application has the advantage of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0103615, filed October 11, 2011, and No. 10-2012-0033873, filed April 2, 2012, and provisional patent application US No. 61 / 583,200, filed January 5. 2012, which are hereby incorporated by reference, as if they were set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a remote control device and a method for controlling a multimedia device, and more particularly, to a technology for controlling devices having various communication protocols using a remote control device.

State of the art

With the development of electronic technology, various types of electronic devices have been intensively developed and popularized. The latest electronic devices have the function of receiving the signal of the remote control device for the convenience of the user. As a result, the user can control various types of electronic devices, such as a television receiver (TV), audio player, digital versatile disc (DVD) player, air conditioner and electric fan using remote control devices.

In this case, a multimedia device of modern design (for example, a television receiver (TV)) has the function of receiving various types of information in a state in which the multimedia device is connected to a network, such as the Internet. To control a multimedia device and electronic devices such as a cable television decoder (STB), a Blu-ray disc player (BD player), a personal computer (PC) connected to a multimedia device, many remote control devices are required, the number of which corresponds to the number multimedia devices.

Of course, the technology for controlling multiple devices using a single remote control device is under consideration. However, most devices must use the same communication protocol. In addition, it is not possible to remember all infrared (IR) codes due to the limited amount of memory.

In particular, it is impossible to manufacture a remote control device capable of predicting all new types of electronic devices that will appear in the future and the IR code values of the electronic device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a remote control device and a method for controlling a multimedia device, which essentially eliminate one or more problems associated with the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid remote control device capable of controlling various types of devices via two different communication protocols.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a solution for controlling various types of devices, while minimizing the use of memory of the remote control device.

Another objective of the present invention is to improve the graphical user interface (GUI) of a multimedia device communicating with a remote control device.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a solution for controlling both the graphic image provided by the multimedia device and the graphic image provided by an external electronic device connected to the multimedia device.

Additional advantages, objects, and functions of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in particular, will become apparent to those skilled in the art after studying the following description, or may become apparent from practice of using the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and realized by means of the structure specifically shown in the written description and claims, as well as in the accompanying drawings.

In order to solve these problems and obtain other advantages, and in accordance with the object of the invention, as it is implemented and is widely described here, a method for controlling a multimedia device comprises, in the case when the multimedia device is connected to a specific electronic device, which is selected from among one or more electronic devices that can be connected to a multimedia device, receiving identification (ID) information to identify a specific electronic device, processing a code value, corresponding to at least one function provided by a particular electronic device corresponding to the information ID, outputting a graphic image for displaying at least one function associated with a specific electronic device, and controlling a first indicator to be displayed within the boundaries of the graphic image, said first indicator should be converted to a second indicator when the first indicator goes beyond the boundaries of the graphic image.

The step of receiving the ID information can be performed so that the ID information can be received from the user manually or automatically received from the electronic device.

The code value may be stored in the memory of the multimedia device. Or the multimedia device can access an external server and request a code value from an external server in order to receive a code value from an external server. On the other hand, the main code values (for example, code values associated with the channel and volume settings) can be stored in memory, and auxiliary code values (for example, code values associated with the menu and setting the aspect ratio of the screen) can be received from an external server considering both of the above methods.

The area in which the first indicator is converted to the second indicator may be an area for displaying an image associated with an OSD provided by an external electronic device.

In another aspect of the present invention, the remote control device comprises a first communication type transmission module for transmitting to the multimedia device a code value request signal corresponding to a specific function of a particular electronic device to be controlled by the remote control device, a first communication type reception module for receiving a code value from the multimedia device, corresponding to a specific function of a particular electronic device, and the transmission module of the second type connection for transmitting the received code value specific to the electronic device, wherein the first connection and the second connection are intended for use different communication protocols.

In an additional aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a multimedia device comprises the steps of: receiving a signal for selecting a particular electronic device from among one or more electronic devices that can be connected to the multimedia device, creating on-screen display (OSD) data corresponding to the selected specific electronic device, and display graphic images to display one or more functions provided by the selected specific electronic devices ohm based on the generated OSD data, and the graphics correspond to the corresponding code values.

It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are examples and explanations and are intended to further explain the invention in accordance with the claimed claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings contained herein, to provide an additional understanding of the invention, have been introduced and form part of this application, explain the embodiment (s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing a system comprising a multimedia device, a remote control device, a server, and at least one electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail components of a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of the control unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a simplified view showing the appearance of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of components of a remote control device shown in FIG. four;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a device for storing infrared (IR) code values stored in a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view showing another example of a device for storing values of IR codes stored in a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 and 9 are views illustrating middleware stored in the storage device shown in FIG. 6 or 7;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a first screen display (OSD) provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a second OSD provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a process for controlling an external electronic device using a button on a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 and 14 are views showing a first embodiment of controlling an external electronic device using a screen provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 and 16 are views showing a second embodiment of controlling an external electronic device using a screen provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 and 18 are views showing a third embodiment of controlling an external electronic device using a screen provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart detailing the flow of data transmitted and received between respective devices of the system shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a general control process of at least one external electronic device using a remote control device of a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a process for selecting an external electronic device to be controlled using a universal remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of an indicator displayed on a screen of a multimedia device in accordance with the position of a universal remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a view showing another example of an indicator displayed on a screen of a multimedia device in accordance with the position of a universal remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a view showing an example of a graphic image option received from an external electronic device;

FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a process for selecting a graphic image option received from an external electronic device;

FIG. 28A and 28B are views illustrating an OSD positioning process controlled by a universal remote control device;

FIG. 29A, 29B, and 29C are views illustrating an OSD content change process controlled by a universal remote control device;

FIG. 30A and 30B are views illustrating a process of changing an external electronic device controlled by a universal remote control device;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for selecting an external electronic device to be controlled by a universal remote control device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a process for selecting an external electronic device to be controlled by a universal remote control device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a general system process for controlling an external electronic device using a remote control device of a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are presented in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout all the drawings when referring to the same or similar parts.

The words “module” and “block” added after the description of the component used in the following description are given simply for ease of explanation. The "module" and the "block" can be used mutually replacing each other.

In this case, the multimedia device presented in this description is an intelligent electronic device having a computer support function, as well as a broadcast reception function. When, in addition to the broadcast reception function, the Internet function is added to the multimedia device, the multimedia device may include an interface that can be more convenient to use than a recording data input device, touch screen, touch panel or spatial remote control device. In addition, the multimedia device can connect to the Internet or a computer with the support of a wired or wireless Internet function, so that communication via e-mail, web browsing, banking operations and gaming functions can be carried out. For these various functions, a standardized universal operating system (OS) can be used.

Therefore, in a multimedia device according to the present invention, various applications can be freely added or removed, for example, on a universal OS kernel, and therefore it is possible to perform various user-friendly functions. More specifically, examples of a multimedia device may include Internet television (TV), Internet Protocol television (IPTV), network television, hybrid broadcast broadband television (HBBTV), smart television, and open hybrid television (OHTV). Depending on the circumstances, the present invention can be applied to a smartphone, personal computer (PC) and electrical household appliances.

Although embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the contents of the drawings, the present invention does not limit or limit such embodiments.

Although most of the terms for designating elements in this description have been chosen from those generally accepted that are widely used in the technology, given their functions in the present description, the terms can be changed depending on the intent or tradition of specialists in this field of technology or the introduction of new technology. Some terms were chosen by the applicant arbitrarily and their meanings are explained in the following description as necessary. Thus, the terms used in the present description should be interpreted based on the entire contents of the present description together with the actual meanings of the terms, and not their simple names or meanings.

Although those skilled in the art can implement embodiments of the present invention based on the accompanying drawings, for easier implementation of the present invention, four embodiments proposed by the present invention will be briefly described. However, the respective embodiments may have independent effective scope of the invention and the implementation of the present invention by combining one or more of these four embodiments falls within the effective scope of the present invention.

First, the first embodiment of the present invention provides a solution for controlling an STB, a BD player, a PC, a laptop computer and a tablet PC using a universal remote control device to control a television receiver connected to the STB, a BD player, a PC, a laptop computer and tablet pc. For example, a television receiver capable of receiving a table of infrared (IR) codes corresponding to specific devices from an external server and storing the received table of IR codes. In addition, the television receiver transmits an IR code value to the remote control to control a particular function of a particular device via radio frequency (RF) communication. After receiving the value of the IR code, the remote control device sends the value of the IR code to the specific device via IR communication.

Secondly, the second embodiment of the present invention provides a solution for configuring devices to be controlled using the universal remote control device of the present invention. In connection with this case, it is possible to use the following three technical methods corresponding to the existing patented technology.

A) Auto Detection Technology

For example, in the case where the television receiver is connected to devices that must be controlled using a universal remote control device via a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), information regarding the types, names of manufacturers and model names of devices is transmitted from the devices to the television receiver. After receiving device information, the television receiver can connect to an external server so that the television receiver can automatically receive IR information related to the respective devices. In this case, the user does not need to register devices. Of course, depending on the circumstances, a device connected to a television receiver via HDMI or cable may not transmit the above information or errors may occur. The following solutions described in paragraphs B) and C) can solve the problems mentioned above.

C) Hybrid technology

First, in the case where the television receiver is connected to the STB, the television receiver displays identification information of at least one STB manufacturer or cable station, which can be selected by the user. For example, in the case where the number of enterprises providing the corresponding service in Korea is three (for example, QOOK TV, BTV and UPLUS), the option of choosing one of these three enterprises is provided. At this time, when the user selects a specific enterprise, the television receiver automatically receives from the external server a table of IR codes corresponding to the remote control device of the corresponding enterprise.

C) User input method

However, the technology described in paragraph B) cannot be used when changing the network environment or technical errors. Therefore, the user can directly enter the type and model name of the external device to be controlled using the universal remote control device of the present invention.

Thirdly, a third embodiment of the present invention provides a solution for controlling an OSD provided by an external device, for example, an STB, OSD not provided by a television receiver using a remote control device (In particular, a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is designed as follows that the position of the pointer on the screen of the television receiver corresponds to the movement of the remote control device.)

The television receiver displays the OSD of the television receiver for controlling an STB connected to the television receiver via HDMI. With this, the movement of the remote control device can be controlled to determine the location of the pointer in the corresponding area, so that the user can easily perform the desired STB function. On the other hand, other functions that are not provided by the OSD of the television receiver may be offered. For example, functions that were not provided by the initial STB or menu items are not provided by the OSD of the television receiver. At the same time, of course, the OSD for the STB is displayed. However, the OSD for the STB is image data that cannot be selected using the pointer of the motion remote control device. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an OSD control solution for the STB by pressing the arrow button of the motion remote control device.

For example, in the case where the down arrow button of the motion remote control device is pressed, the corresponding radio frequency signal is transmitted to the television receiver. The television receiver transmits the corresponding IR signal to the remote control device via the RD network.

Fourthly, a fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a channel viewing function that flexibly changes based on a connected STB rather than an electronic television program schedule (EPG) provided by an existing broadcast station. In addition, the following two methods can be considered as a solution for implementing the invention proposed by the fourth embodiment.

A) It is assumed that there is an external server that knows the information (for example, thumbnails, world time, additional information, characters, etc.) in relation to all channels provided by the corresponding STB. Therefore, for a television receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to inform the external server of the type of currently connected STB, so that the television receiver can receive information about each channel. In addition, at least two pieces of channel information can be located on one side of the screen and the user can move the remote control device to easily confirm the desired group of channels, in contrast to the conventional art.

B) On the other hand, if the server, as described in paragraph A) does not exist, the television receiver may operate in the background to scan the corresponding channels. For example, the respective channels may be scanned to obtain video or audio information and so that in the end it is possible to extract basic information or thumbnail data regarding the content provided by the respective channels.

In FIG. 1 schematically shows a system comprising a multimedia device 100, a remote control device 110, a server 120, and at least one electronic device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the prior art, it is necessary to provide a plurality of remote control devices 110 corresponding to the number of electronic devices 130 to be controlled. In addition, for a traditional universal remote control device, it is necessary to store all the values of IR codes corresponding to electronic devices 130. However, a traditional universal remote control device has a limited amount of memory, so as a result, for a traditional universal remote control device, it is impossible to store all the values of IR codes relevant electronic devices 130.

In order to solve the aforementioned problem of the prior art, the multimedia device 100 periodically updates the values of the IR codes necessary for controlling electronic devices through a server 120 connected to the multimedia device 100 through a network such as the Internet. Of course, an embodiment of updating the values of IR codes at the user's request falls within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, it is assumed that the remote control device 110 and the multimedia device 100 transmit to each other and receive data from each other using the first communication method (e.g., Bluetooth). If the remote control device 110 requests an IR code value corresponding to a particular function of a particular electronic device from the multimedia device 100, the multimedia device 100 searches for the storage device (DB database) stored therein and transmits the corresponding IR code value to the remote control device 110 .

The remote control device 110 transmits to the corresponding electronic device 130 an IR code value received from the multimedia device 100 using a second communication method (e.g., IR communication). That is, the remote control device 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is designed to serve as a cross-platform relay station, and therefore there is no need to use a large capacity memory.

A multimedia device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and 3.

In FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail components of a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multimedia device 200 shown in FIG. 2 can be further explained with reference to the description of the multimedia device 100 shown in FIG. one.

As shown in FIG. 2, a multimedia device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a broadcast reception module 201, a demodulation unit 202, a network interface unit 203, an external device interface unit 204, a memory 205, a control unit 206, a video output unit 207, an audio output unit 208, a unit Power supply 209 and a user interface unit 211. In addition, the multimedia device 200 is designed to communicate with the remote control device 210. The remote control device 210 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 4 and 5.

The broadcast reception module 201 may be designed, for example, as a radio frequency tuner or as an interface for receiving broadcast data from an external device, such as a cable television channel decoder (STB).

The broadcast reception module 201 may receive, for example, a single-carrier broadcast radio frequency signal corresponding to a system adopted by the Committee for Advanced Television Systems (ATSC) or a multi-carrier broadcast radio frequency signal corresponding to a broadcast digital television (DVB) system.

The demodulation unit 202 receives and demodulates a cross-platform digital signal DIF converted by the broadcast reception unit 201.

For example, in the case where the digital cross-platform frequency signal from the output of the broadcast reception module 201 is based on the ATSC system, the demodulation unit 202 performs, for example, demodulation with 8-partially suppressed sideband (8-VSB). In addition, the demodulation unit 202 may perform channel decoding.

The external device interface unit 204 allows data exchange between the external device and the multimedia device 200. The external device interface unit 204 can be wired or wirelessly connected to an external device such as a digital versatile disc (DVD) player, a Blue-ray disc player (BD- player), game console, camera, camcorder, computer (laptop) or STB. The external device interface unit 204 transmits video signals, audio signals, or data from the outside through an external device connected via the external device interface unit 204 to the control unit 206. In addition, the external device interface unit 204 may output a video signal, an audio signal, or data processed by the control unit 206 to an external device.

The external device unit 204 may comprise, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, a full television signal (CVBS) terminal, a component terminal, an S-video (analog) terminal, a digital visual interface (DVI) terminal, a high-resolution multimedia interface (HDMI) terminal ), RGB terminal and D-SUB terminal.

Network interface unit 203 provides an interface for connecting multimedia device 200 to a wired / wireless network, including the Internet. Network interface unit 203 may comprise, for example, an Ethernet terminal for connecting to a wired network. In addition, the network interface unit 203 may use communication standards such as wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (WiBro), broadband wireless access protocol (WiMax), and high speed downlink packet access ( HSDPA).

Network interface unit 203 may transmit data or receive data from another user or other electronic device via a network connected to network interface unit 203 or another network connected to a network connected to network interface unit 203.

The memory 205 may store a program for processing and managing signals in a control unit 206 or a processed video, audio, or data signal. In addition, the memory 205 may function to temporarily store a video signal, an audio signal, or data input from an external device interface unit 204 or a network interface unit 203. In addition, the memory 205 stores, for example, various operating systems (OS), middleware and platform.

The user interface unit 211 may transmit a signal inputted by the user to the control unit 206, or may transmit the signal from the control unit 206 to an external device (eg, remote control device 210). For example, the user interface unit 211 is for receiving and processing a control signal, such as a power on / off signal, selecting channels or adjusting a screen, or for transmitting a control signal from the control unit 206 to the remote control device 210 in accordance with communication modes such as radio frequency (RF) communication mode and infrared (IR) communication mode.

The control unit 206 may demultiplex the stream introduced through the broadcast module 201, the demodulation unit 202, the network interface unit 203 or the module 204 of the external device interface, or may process the demultiplexed signals to generate and output a signal for outputting a video signal or an audio signal. The control unit 205 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

The video output unit 207 converts the video signal, the data signal or the OSD signal processed by the control unit 206, or the video or data signal received by the external device interface unit 204 into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) signals to form start signal. The video output unit 207 may be implemented by a plasma panel (PDF), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic LED display (OLED), a flexible display, or a three-dimensional (3D) display.

The audio output unit 208 receives a signal, such as a stereo signal, a channel 3.1 signal, or a channel 5.1 signal, audio processed by the control unit 206, and outputs the received signal as an audio signal. The audio output unit 208 208 may be implemented by various types of speakers.

The power supply unit 209 supplies power to the multimedia device 200. In particular, the power supply unit 170 can supply power to the control unit 206, which may be a system microchip (SOC), a video output unit 207, and an audio output unit 208 for outputting an audio signal.

In particular, a description will be given in the following manner in combination with an embodiment of the present invention.

Under the control of control unit 206, network interface unit 203 is connected to a specific server. In addition, the IR code values received from a particular server are designed to be stored in the memory 205. In this case, the IR code values are necessary to control an electronic device connected to the external device interface unit 204.

Finally, in accordance with the request of the remote control device 210, the value of the IR code corresponding to the specific function of a particular electronic device is transmitted to the remote control device 210 through the user interface unit 211. Moreover, the method of communication via Bluetooth can be used as a predefined one.

In FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing in detail the control unit of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the multimedia device control unit 306 includes a demultiplexing unit 310, a video processing unit 320, an OSD generating unit 340, a mixer 350, a frame rate converter 355, and a formatting unit 360. In addition, the development of such a unit as a control unit further comprising an audio data processing unit (not shown) and a data processing unit (not shown) falls within the scope of the present invention.

The demultiplexing unit 310 demultiplexes the stream input to the demultiplexing unit 310. For example, in the case where the MPEG-2 TS is input to the demultiplexing unit 310, the demultiplexing unit 310 can demultiplex the MPEG-2 TS, so that the MPEG-2 TS is divided into a video signal, an audio signal, and data signals.

Video processing unit 320 may process the demultiplexed video signal. To this end, the video processing unit 320 may include a video decoder 325 and a scaling unit 335. Video decoder 325 decodes the demultiplexed video signal, the scaling unit 335 scales the resolution of the decoded video signal so that the decoded video signal can be output to the video output block. The video signal decoded by the video processing unit 320 is input to a mixer 350.

An OSD generating unit 340 generates an OSD signal corresponding to data input by a user or by the unit itself. Therefore, the mixer 350 may mix the OSD signal generated by the OSD generating unit 340 with the decoded video signal processed by the video processing unit 320.

The mixed signal is supplied to the 360 formatting unit. Since the decoded broadcast video signal or the external input signal is mixed with the OSD signal, the OSD may overlap the broadcast video signal or the external video input signal.

Frame Converter 355 (FRC) can convert the frame rate of the input video signal. For example, a frame rate converter 355 may convert a frame rate of 60 Hz to 120 Hz or 240 Hz.

The formatting unit 360 receives the signal from the output of the frame rate converter 355, changes the format of the received signal so that the signal is suitable for the video output unit, and outputs a signal whose format has been changed. For example, data signals R, G, and B may be output. Data signals R, G, and B may be output as a low voltage differential signal (LVDS) or as mini-LVDS.

In particular, a description will now be given in conjunction with an embodiment of the present invention.

The OSD necessary to select the electronic device and the function to be controlled by the remote control device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is created by the OSD generating unit 340, as described above. In addition, the aforementioned mixer 350 is further designed to create a form in which an OSD is superimposed on a common broadcast screen. The form in which the OSD is superimposed on a common broadcast screen can be understood from the description given with reference to FIG. 10-18.

In FIG. 4 is a simplified view of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), a pointer 401 corresponding to the movement of the remote control device 410 is displayed on the screen of the multimedia device 400. The user can move the remote control device 410 from side to side (Fig. 4 (b)) or up and down (Fig. 4 ( c)) or can rotate the remote control device 410. The remote control device 410 may be referred to as a spatial remote control device, since the pointer 401 is moved and displayed in accordance with the movement of the remote control device 410 in three-dimensional (3D) space.

When the user moves the remote control device 410 to the left, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), a pointer 401 displayed on the screen of the multimedia device 400 also moves to the left. Meanwhile, the information about the movement of the remote control device 410 detected by the sensor of the remote control device 410 is transmitted to the multimedia device 400. The multimedia device 400 can calculate the coordinates of the pointer 401 from the information about the movement of the remote control device 410. The multimedia device 400 may display a pointer 401 so that the pointer 401 matches the calculated coordinates.

On the other hand, when the user moves the remote control device 410 down, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), a pointer 401 displayed on the screen of the multimedia device 400 also moves down.

Therefore, using the remote control device 410 according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to quickly select a specific area on the screen of the multimedia device 400.

In FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing in detail the components of the remote control device of FIG. four.

As shown in FIG. 5, the remote control device 510 comprises a radio communication unit 514, a user input unit 515, a sensor unit 517, an output unit 516, a power supply unit 511, a storage unit 512 and a control unit 513.

The wireless communication unit 514 is for communicating with an arbitrary external device. In particular, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the radio frequency unit 514a is designed to communicate with the multimedia device 500 and the IR module 514b is designed to provide infrared communication with an external electronic device 530 (e.g., STB).

Therefore, it is possible to implement the remote control device 510 so that the remote control device 510 510 can serve as a relay station for sending the value of the IR code received from the multimedia device 500 to the STB 530.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the remote control device 510 transmits a signal containing information regarding the movement of the remote control device 510 to the multimedia device 500 through the radio frequency module 514a.

In addition, the remote control device 510 may receive a signal transmitted by the multimedia device 500 through the radio frequency module 514a. In addition, the remote control device 510 may, as necessary, transmit via the IR module 514b a power on / off command, channel change, or volume change to the multimedia device 500.

The user input unit 515 may be implemented as a keyboard, button, touch panel, or touch screen.

The sensor unit 517 may include a gyroscopic sensor 517a or an acceleration sensor 517b. The gyro sensor 517a can detect information regarding the movement of the remote control device 510. For example, the gyro sensor 517a can detect movement information of the remote control device 510 based on the x, y, and z axes. The acceleration sensor 517b may detect movement speed information of the remote control device 510. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 517 may further comprise a distance measurement sensor for determining a distance between the remote control device 510 and the multimedia device 500.

The output device 516 may output a video signal or an audio signal corresponding to the manipulation by the user input unit 515, or a signal transmitted by the multimedia device 500. For example, the output device 516 may include a light emitting diode (LED) module 516a configured to control when manipulating the user input unit 515 during transmission and receiving a signal between the remote control device 510 and the multimedia device 500 through the wireless communication unit 514, a vibration module 516b for generating vibration , 516c audio output unit for outputting sound or displaying unit 516d to display the video.

The power supply unit 511 supplies power to the respective components of the remote control device 510. When the remote control device 510 does not move for a predetermined time, the power supply unit 511 may cut off the power supply to the remote control device 510 to reduce power consumption.

The storage unit 512 may store various kinds of programs necessary for controlling or moving the remote control device 510, and application data. A control unit 513 controls all operations of the remote control device 510. For example, the control unit 513 may transmit a signal corresponding to a predetermined key manipulation of the user input unit 515, or a signal corresponding to the movement of the remote control device 510 detected by the sensor unit 517, the multimedia device 500, or STB 530 via the wireless communication unit 514.

In FIG. 6 illustrates an example of storing the values of IR codes stored in a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The memory 205 of the multimedia device, as shown in FIG. 2 is designed so that the data storage device shown in FIG. 6 is embedded in the memory 205. As shown in FIG. 6, the values of the IR codes corresponding to the functions of the television receiver, as one example of an external electronic device, are mapped. In addition, the storage device shown in FIG. 6, is updated by communication with an external server in accordance with a user request or periodically.

Since the multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the data storage device shown in FIG. 6, the multimedia device has the ability to transmit an IR code value corresponding to a specific function of a particular electronic device at any time in accordance with the request of the remote control device.

In FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a device for storing IR code values stored in a multimedia device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the storage device is designed so that information regarding a plurality of devices is stored at different memory addresses in contrast to FIG. 6. That is, the values of the IR codes corresponding to the STB functions are stored at the first memory address, and the values of the IR codes corresponding to the functions of the Blu-ray disc player (BD) are stored at the second memory address.

In the case where the data storage device is designed as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to implement an OSD corresponding to a particular electronic device and increase the access speed to a specific function of a particular electronic device.

Although in FIG. 7 shows two devices, the number of external electronic devices that can be controlled by one remote control device can constantly increase, since the multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention can update the data storage device shown in FIG. 7, at any time through communication with the server. Therefore, there is no need to change the memory of the remote control device.

In FIG. 8 and 9 depict middleware that stores the storage device shown in FIG. 6 or 7.

Specifically, in FIG. Figures 8 and 9 show the structure of building the middleware required to create the data storage device mentioned above (see Fig. 6 or 7). For example, the construction of middleware is such that the storage device shown in FIG. 6 or 7, located in its own application, as shown in FIG. 8 falls within the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the development of middleware is designed so that the data storage device shown in FIG. 6 or 7, located in a flash memory or browser structure, as shown in FIG. 9 falls within the scope of the present invention. In this case, in the case where the middleware is designed as shown in FIG. 8, there is no need to restructure the existing platform.

Furthermore, in the case where another external electronic device instead of the multimedia device is to be controlled using the remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, two solutions can be proposed for indicating the external electronic device. The first solution will be described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 10, and a second solution will be described below with reference to FIG. eleven.

In FIG. 10 shows a first screen display (OSD) provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The OSD shown in FIG. 10 is displayed when the user presses a button switch to select a list of external inputs.

For example, in the case where the user who is watching the broadcast through the multimedia device 1000 wants to control another external electronic device, the user can click a button associated with the remote control device or a button associated with the multimedia device 1000.

At this time, the multimedia device 1000 displays a list 1001 of external inputs that can be selected by the user, as shown in FIG. 10. The external input list 1001 may be limited to devices having IR code values stored in the multimedia device.

In addition, designing the external input list 1001 such that the external input list 1001 includes an area 1002 for displaying not only the names of the main terminals, but also the names of devices connected via the respective terminals, falls within the scope of the present invention.

Therefore, the user can more easily and quickly select the device that he wants to control.

In FIG. 11 shows a second OSD provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, a list of devices that can be controlled using the remote control is displayed in tab form, in contrast to FIG. 10.

For example, in the case where the user who is watching the broadcast through the multimedia device 1100 wants to control another external electronic device, the user can click a button associated with the remote control device, or a separate button associated with the multimedia device 1100.

In this case, the multimedia device 1100 displays external data input devices that can be controlled by the user in the form of tabs 1102 and 1103, as shown in FIG. 11. Tabs 1102 and 1103 may be limited to devices having IR code values stored in the multimedia device. Moreover, the additional display of the tab 1101, showing the list of stored applications, falls within the current scope of the present invention.

In the case where the OSD is designed as shown in FIG. 11, the user can easily and conveniently select the device that the user wants to control, while maintaining a broadcast screen that the user can watch to the maximum.

In this case, two solutions for controlling an external electronic device using a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be provided. In the first embodiment, it is possible to directly control the basic functions of an external electronic device without using the screen of the multimedia device, which will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 12.

In the second embodiment, the additional functions of the external electronic device are controlled using the screen of the multimedia device, which will be described below with reference to FIG. 13-18.

In FIG. 12 illustrates a process for controlling an external electronic device using a button on a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of quickly controlling an external electronic device while maintaining the screen of the multimedia device as much as possible will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

First, a control selection of a particular external device (e.g., STB) is adopted using the method shown in FIG. 10 or 11. As shown in FIG. 12, the remote control device 1210 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a separate button for adjusting the volume of the STB or changing the channel of the STB.

When the user presses the volume up button of the remote control device 1210, an IR code value request signal corresponding to the volume increase of the STB is transmitted to the multimedia device 1200.

The multimedia device 1200 transmits an IR code value corresponding to an increase in the volume of the STB to the remote control device 1210, and the remote control device 1210 transmits the received IR code value to the corresponding STB 1230.

Therefore, for STB 1230, it is possible to perform a volume up function 1231 based on the value of the IR code received from the remote control device 1210.

In FIG. 13 and 14 show a first embodiment of controlling an external electronic device using a screen provided by a multimedia device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of controlling the function of an external electronic device (for example, the menu function STB), which is not located outside the remote control device as a separate button, will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and 14.

First, the selection of the tab 1301 displaying the STB as a device to be controlled using the method shown in FIG. 11. At this time, the multimedia device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention displays an OSD related to the function of the selected STB, as shown in FIG. 13.

OSD is stored in the memory of the multimedia device for each device. The functions of the OSD shown in FIG. 13 are designed in a format that can be selected by the remote control device 1310.

In the case where the user moves the remote control device 1310, so that as a result, the indicator 1302 is located in the STB menu area, the multimedia device 1300 transmits an IR code value corresponding to the STB menu to the remote control device 1310.

The remote control device 1310 transmits the IR code value received from the multimedia device 1300 to the corresponding electronic device, i.e., STB 1330.

In the case where the menu function of the STB 1430 is performed as shown in FIG. 14, the multimedia device 1400 connected to the STB 1430 therefore displays a screen 1401 on which the STB menu is executed.

In addition, the additional selection of a specific option on the screen 1410, on which, using the remote control device 1410, the STB menu is executed, falls within the scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 15 and 16 show a second embodiment of controlling an external electronic device using a screen provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of controlling the function of an external electronic device (for example, the function of channel 9 for STB), which is not fixed to the outside of the remote control device as a separate button, will be described with reference to FIG. 15 and 16.

First, a selection of a tab 1501 displaying the STB as a device to be controlled using the method shown in FIG. 11. At this point, the multimedia device 1500 according to an embodiment of the present invention displays an OSD related to the functions of the selected STB, as shown in FIG. fifteen.

OSD is stored in the memory of the multimedia device for each device. The functions of the OSD shown in FIG. 15 are developed in a format that can be selected by the remote control device 1510.

In the case where the user moves the remote control device 1510, so that the indicator 1502 is located in the region of the STB channel 9, the multimedia device 1500 transmits an IR code value corresponding to the function of the STB channel 9 to the remote control device 1510.

The remote control device 1510 transmits an IR code value received from the multimedia device 1500 to a corresponding electronic device, i.e., STB 1530.

In the case where the function of channel 9 of the STB 1630 is performed, as shown in FIG. 16, the multimedia device 1600 connected to the STB 1630 displays a screen 1601 corresponding to channel 9. In addition, it is possible to further control other functions of the STB 1630 using the remote control device 1610.

In FIG. 17 and 18 show a third embodiment of controlling an external electronic device using a screen provided by a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of controlling the function of an external electronic device (for example, the playback function of the BD player), which is not attached to the external part of the remote control as a separate button, will be described with reference to FIG. 17 and 18.

Firstly, it is accepted to select a tab 1701 displaying the BD player as a device to be controlled using the method shown in FIG. 11. At this point, the multimedia device 1700 according to an embodiment of the present invention displays the OSD related to the functions of the selected BD player, as shown in FIG. 17.

OSD is stored in the memory of the multimedia device for each device. The functions of the OSD shown in FIG. 17 are developed in a format that can be selected by the remote control device 1710.

In the case where the user moves the remote control device 1710, so that the indicator 1702 is located in the playback area of the BD player, the multimedia device 1700 transmits an IR code value corresponding to the playback function of the BD player to the remote control device 1710.

The remote control device 1710 transmits the IR code value received from the multimedia device 1700 to the corresponding electronic device, i.e., the BD player 1730.

In the case where the playback function of the BD player 1830 is performed as shown in FIG. 18, a multimedia device 1800 connected to the BD player 1830 therefore displays a playback screen 1801 of the corresponding title. In addition, it is possible to further control other functions (eg, stop, scroll back, etc.) of the BD player 1830 using the remote control device 1810.

In FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of data transmitted and received between respective devices of the system of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, transmission and reception of data between a multimedia device 1900, a remote control device 1910, a server 1920 and at least one electronic device 1930, corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

A multimedia device 1900 according to an embodiment of the present invention accesses the server 1920 having the values of the IR codes (S1901). Server 1920 transmits IR code values for controlling the functions of a particular electronic device to multimedia device 1900 in accordance with a request from multimedia device 1900 (S1902).

The multimedia device 1900 includes a data storage device for storing the values of IR codes received from the server 1920 (S1903). Storing the values of IR codes at various memory addresses assigned to the respective devices, as shown in FIG. 7 falls within the scope of the present invention.

The remote control device 1910 and the multimedia device 1900 are connected to each other by short-range communication such as Bluetooth (S1904). The remote control device 1910 requests (S1905) from the multimedia device 1900 an IR code value corresponding to the specific function of the particular electronic device to be controlled.

The multimedia device 1900 transmits the corresponding IR code value to the remote control device 1910 in accordance with the request of the remote control device 1910 (S1906). The remote control device 1910 sends the received value of the IR code to the corresponding electronic device 1930 (S1907).

The electronic device 1930 performs a function corresponding to the value of the IR code (S1908). The function performed in step S1908 may be associated, for example, with a function for controlling the multimedia device 1900.

In FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a multimedia device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An additional interpretation of FIG. 20 with reference to FIG. 1-19, as previously described, falls within the scope of the present invention.

A multimedia device exchanging data via the remote control device via the first communication path is connected to the server via the network interface unit (S2001). The multimedia device stores in memory the code value received from the server to which the multimedia device is connected (S2002). The code value corresponds, for example, to the specific function of a particular electronic device. The code value is intended to be transmitted through a second communication channel.

The multimedia device displays a first list listing the views of one or more electronic devices (S2003). A multimedia device receives a signal for selecting a specific electronic device via a transmission path of a first type of communication (S2004).

The multimedia device displays a second list listing the functions of the selected electronic device (S2005). The multimedia device receives a signal for selecting a specific function of the selected electronic device via the transmission path of the first communication type (S2006).

The multimedia device extracts from the memory a code value corresponding to the selected function of the electronic device (S2007). The multimedia device transmits the extracted code value to the remote control device through the transmission path of the first communication type (S2008).

Step S2001 is for updating a code value, for example, periodically or in accordance with a user request.

Step S2002 comprises, for example, a step of storing at least one code value associated with a function of a first electronic device at a first memory address and a step of storing at least one code value associated with a function of a second electronic device at a second memory address.

Step S2003 and step S2005 comprise, for example, an operation step of a screen display forming unit (OSD) creating a first list and a second list based on data stored in the memory.

Step S2004 and step S2006 are, for example, so that a specific electronic device or a specific function can be selected based on the position sensor of the remote control device. The position sensor may comprise, for example, a gyroscopic sensor and / or an acceleration sensor.

In FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a remote control device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, the additional explanation shown in FIG. 21 with reference to FIG. 1-19, as previously described, falls within the scope of the present invention.

The remote control device exchanging data with a multimedia device or a specific electronic device transmits a code value request signal corresponding to a specific function of a particular electronic device to be controlled by the remote control device to the multimedia device (S2101). Step S2101 is designed so that step S2101 can be performed, for example, by the RF module 514a shown in FIG. 5.

The remote control device receives from the multimedia device a code value corresponding to the specific function of a particular electronic device (32102). Step S2102 is designed so that step S2102 can be performed, for example, by the RF module 514a shown in FIG. 5.

The remote control device transmits the received code value to a specific electronic device (S2103). Step S2103 is designed so that step S2102 can be performed, for example, by the IR module 514b shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the first type of communication and the second type of communication are designed to use various communication protocols.

The radio frequency module 514a is designed to, for example, first of all transmit a signal for selecting a particular electronic device from among a plurality of electronic devices and, secondly, transmit a request code signal corresponding to a specific function from among the many functions provided by the selected specific electronic device.

Moreover, the aforementioned remote control device further comprises a position sensor configured to change the position of the pointer on the screen of the multimedia device in accordance with the movement of the remote control device, as shown in FIG. 5. The position sensor may comprise, for example, a gyroscopic sensor and / or an acceleration sensor.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, 3, 6, and 7, the aforementioned multimedia device comprises a memory for storing a code value necessary for controlling at least one electronic device and a network interface module in order to contact a server to update the stored code value.

More specifically, a first communication type is established to use the Bluetooth communication protocol, and a second communication type is set to use the infrared (IR) communication protocol.

In FIG. 22 shows a general process for controlling at least one external electronic device using a remote control device of a multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 22, a multimedia device 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to at least one external electronic device. For example, the multimedia device 800 is connected to a cable television (STB) decoder 831 831, a home theater system (HTS) 832, and a Blu-ray disc player (BD) 833. As previously described, it is possible to control the STB 831, HTS 832 and the BD player 833 using only the remote control device of the multimedia device 800 without using separate remote control devices for each of the STB 831, HTS 832 and the BD player 833.

First, the multimedia device 800 can receive the IR code values necessary for creating the storage from the server using identification information regarding the electronic device connected to the multimedia device 800. The solution will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 23, 31 or 32.

In a state in which the multimedia device 800 receives an OSD request signal for the universal remote control device from the remote control device 810 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, while the multimedia device 800 displays a direct broadcast screen 801, a corresponding OSD 811 is displayed.

For the remote control device 810 of the multimedia device 800, it is possible to control external electronic devices such as STB 831, HTS 832 and BD player 833 using the OSD 811 shown in FIG. 22.

OSD 811 shown in FIG. 22 is a graphical representation created by the multimedia device 800 using IR code values received from an external server and information regarding the corresponding functions of the electronic device. For example, OSD 811 contains tabs related to the main channel browser 805 (CHB) and the television receiver functions 806. OSD 811 displays electronic devices 807, 808, and 809 having IR code values associated with a multimedia device configured as data storage in the form of selectable tabs. It is assumed that in FIG. 22, STB 831 is selected as the external electronic device to be controlled using the universal remote control device 810. That is, a corresponding tab 807 is highlighted to inform the user about a device that can be controlled by the remote control device 810.

In addition, the OSD 811 shown in FIG. 22, contains a graphical option 802 made in the form of four-way arrows. As described previously, the remote control device 810 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be designed, for example, so that the position of the corresponding indicator can change in accordance with the movement of the remote control device 810. Graphics option 802 is introduced in view of the case in which it is difficult to select a graphic image option received from an external electronic device if the multimedia device 800 has not created a graphical OSD 811, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 26 and 27.

In addition, the OSD 811 shown in FIG. 22 further comprises direction tabs 803 and 804 for changing position and content, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 28-30.

Finally, the OSD 811 shown in FIG. 22, contains graphic image options for controlling the functions of a particular electronic device, i.e., STB 831, from among the connected electronic devices. The corresponding options correspond to the corresponding values of the IR codes.

In the case where the graphic image option corresponds to a particular function (e.g., number 1 or number 7) using the remote control device 810, the multimedia device 800 transmits the corresponding IR code value to the remote control device 810 via an RF message. The remote control device 810 transmits the received value of the IR code to the STB 831 so that the corresponding function is performed (for example, tuning to channel 1 or channel 7).

In addition, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a first control area for selecting a graphic option received from an arbitrary electronic device and a second control area for selecting a graphic option created by the multimedia device are displayed simultaneously. The second control area corresponds, for example, to the OSD 811 shown in FIG. 22.

In this case, the first control area corresponds to image data created by the multimedia device. For example, options in the menu area 1201 transmitted from the STB and shown in FIG. 26, or in the browser area 1301 of the channels shown in FIG. 27 cannot be selected by moving the remote control forward. If a specific area cannot be selected using the remote control, the user may mistakenly assume that a malfunction has occurred. Therefore, to solve this problem, a graphic image 802 is added, made in the form of arrows directed in four directions.

In FIG. 23 shows a process for selecting an external electronic device to be controlled using a universal remote control device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As described previously, it is possible to control arbitrary electronic devices connected to the multimedia device using a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the multimedia device must recognize information regarding connected electronic devices in order to receive a list of corresponding IR code values.

As shown in FIG. 23, a multimedia device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention displays an OSD for inputting information about an electronic device to be controlled using the remote control device.

For example, the multimedia device 900 is intended to output an option to attach an STB manufacturer selection option 902 and an option to select an attached STB model name 903. The multimedia device 900 is configured such that an OSD is displayed taking into account the possibility of using various IR code value systems based on manufacturers or based on a product model name.

In addition, the multimedia device 900 is configured to further display video data 901 output now from the connected external electronic device, as shown in FIG. 23, thereby preventing the occurrence of user error and confusion. The process of direct user input of information about an external electronic device using an OSD designed as shown in FIG. 23 will be described below in more detail with reference to FIG. 31.

Although in FIG. 23, it is assumed that the user selects information regarding an external electronic device, a decision to automatically detect such information will be described below with reference to FIG. 32.

In FIG. 24 is an example of an indicator displayed on a screen of a multimedia device in accordance with the position of a universal remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an example of an indicator displayed on the screen of a multimedia device in accordance with the position of the universal remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 24. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can further explain FIG. 24 with reference to FIG. 22.

As shown in FIG. 24, it is assumed that the multimedia device 1000 is connected to external electronic devices such as STB 1031, HTS 1032 and EDP 1033.

A remote control device 1010 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a position sensor to determine a position, a direction and a speed for controlling the remote control device 1010, as previously described.

In addition, an indicator 1001 is displayed on the screen of the multimedia device 1000, changed in accordance with the movement of the remote control device 1010. Therefore, the user can select the image option to control the specific function of the external electronic device using the remote control device 1010.

In FIG. 25 shows another example of an indicator displayed on a screen of a multimedia device in accordance with the position of a universal remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, another example of an indicator displayed on the screen of the multimedia device according to the position of the universal remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 25. In addition, those skilled in the art can further explain FIG. 25 with reference to FIG. 22 and 24.

As shown in FIG. 25, it is contemplated that multimedia device 1100 is connected to external electronic devices such as STB 1131, 1132 HTS, and BDP 1133.

Indicator 1101 shown in FIG. 25 is configured to select one of the indicators, taking into account the transparency, shape and color of the indicator 1101, which differ from the same parameters of the indicator 1001 shown in FIG. 24. That is, the indicator 1101 is configured such that the indicator 1101 is different from the indicator 1001 shown in FIG. 24, in the case where the indicator 1101 deviates from the graphic image area for controlling the functions of the external electronic device, and therefore, using the universal remote control device 1110, the indicator can be directed to the area for controlling the external electronic device.

In FIG. 26 is an example of a graphic image option received from an external electronic device.

As shown in FIG. 26, it is assumed that the multimedia device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to STB 1231, HTS 1232 and BDP 1233, and in particular, the control mode STB 1231 is selected. For example, it is assumed that the tab 807 for controlling the STB shown in FIG. 22.

In addition, in the case where a menu option is selected on the OSD for the universal remote control device shown in FIG. 26, a graphical image 1202 provided by STB 1231 is displayed.

As described previously, in the OSD graphic for the universal remote control device created by the multimedia device, the position of the remote control device 1210 and the corresponding indicator can move to select the desired specific option.

On the other hand, selectable items (eg, real-time broadcasting, watching television programs, movies / TV shows, entertainment and social life, etc.) provided by the graphic image 1202 provided by STB 1231 cannot be selected by direct positioning indicator 1201 corresponding to the movement of the remote control device 1210. For this reason, unlike the OSD for the universal remote control device, the multimedia device cannot pre-recognize the graphic image 1201 provided by STB 1231.

If a separate remote control device 1231 for STB is used in this situation, then the data processing speed is reduced, which leads to inconvenience for the user. As a first solution to this problem, the shape of indicator 1201 changes in an area 1202 that cannot be directly selected by indicator 1210. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, a straight line graph may appear to cover the middle of the arrow.

In addition, as a second solution, the indicator can be located in the button portion 802 with arrows pointing in four directions, shown in FIG. 22 to easily select options in the menu image provided by STB 1231. The process will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 27.

In FIG. 27 shows a process for selecting a graphic image option received from an external electronic device.

A multimedia device 1300 that displays a common broadcast screen displays a graphic image 1301 associated with the channel browser provided by the STB. Of course, in the case where the graphic image 1301 associated with the channel browser is data processed by the multimedia device 1300, and then output, the remote control device 1310 can move to select the desired specific channel. The channel browser shown in FIG. 27, contains at least one channel selected from among thumbnail images of each channel, channel information, and program information.

However, in the case where the graphic image 1301 associated with the channel browser is received directly from an external electronic device, such as STB 1331, and then output as described previously with reference to FIG. 26, an indicator whose position changes in accordance with the movement of the remote control device 1310 cannot be located in the corresponding area and cannot be directly selected. At this point, the indicator 1304 is configured such that the shape, color, and transparency of the indicator 1304 can be changed to inform the user that an error has not occurred.

In the case when the user instead of a separate remote control device for STB 1331 only wants to select a specific channel 1302 in the channel browser image 1301 using the remote control device 1310 corresponding to the multimedia device 1300, then the user can determine the location of the indicator 1303 in the image with arrows pointing in four directions.

For example, in the case when a specific direction is selected using the remote control device 1310, an IR code value (for example, a move command one step in a specific direction) corresponding to this is transmitted from the multimedia device 1300 to the remote control device 1310 and the remote control device 1310 transmits The value of the IR code on STB 1331.

In FIG. 28A and 28B illustrate a process for repositioning an OSD controlled by a universal remote control device. If necessary, those skilled in the art can further explain FIG. 28A and 28B with reference to the preceding drawings.

For example, in the case where the user wants to reposition the OSD for the operation of the universal remote control device, the user selects the specific direction tab 1401 shown in FIG. 28A. In the case where the tab 1401 shown in FIG. 28A, the OSD position moves to the top edge of the screen, as shown in FIG. 28B.

In FIG. 29A, 29B, and 28C show a process for changing the contents of an OSD controlled by a universal remote control device. As necessary, those skilled in the art can further explain FIG. 29A, 29B and 28C with reference to the preceding drawings.

For example, in the case where the user wants to change the contents of the OSD to execute a universal remote control device, the user selects the specific direction tab 1501 shown in FIG. 29A. At this point, the implementation of the following two embodiments falls within the scope of the present invention.

In this embodiment, in the case where the tab 1501 shown in FIG. 29A, auxiliary elements on the OSD are changed as shown in FIG. 29B. For example, FIG. 29A contains the items “menu” (MENU), “manual” (GUIDE), “information” (INFO) and “exit” (EXIT), while FIG. 29B contains auxiliary elements such as function 1 (Func 1) - function 4 (Func 4).

In another embodiment, in the case where the tab 1501 shown in FIG. 29A, the entire OSD page is completely changed, as shown in FIG. 29C. For example, options such as channel numbers, hide, and only changed auxiliary elements, such as function 1 (Func 1) - function 4 (Func 4) are displayed.

FIG. 29B has the advantage that it is only possible to change auxiliary elements on it and add a lot more auxiliary elements than when the OSD is configured as shown in FIG. 29C.

In FIG. 30A and 30B show a process for changing an external electronic device controlled by a universal remote control device. If necessary, those skilled in the art can further explain FIG. 30A and 30B with reference to the preceding drawings.

For example, in the case where the user wants, using a universal remote control device, to change the external electronic device to be controlled, the user selects the specific tab 1601 shown in FIG. 30A. In the case where the tab 1601 shown in FIG. 30A, the OSD changes to an OSD with a list in which at least one function provided by the HTS is present, as shown in FIG. 30B.

In FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a process for selecting an external electronic device to be controlled using a universal remote control device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to implement an embodiment of the present invention, the multimedia device must know the values of the IR codes for controlling external electronic devices to be controlled, or must access the server to update the data warehouse (DB).

First, it is assumed that entry into the setting mode of the universal remote control device has been performed (S1701). Such an implementation may be implemented using, for example, the OSD shown in FIG. 23.

For example, an input terminal (e.g., an HDMI terminal) with which an external electronic device such as an STB is connected is selected (S1702), and a service name and a manufacturer name are selected (S1703 and S1704). A service name means one of the names of specialized service companies (e.g., QOOK or UPLUS) providing, for example, cable broadcast messages or Internet broadcast messages, and a manufacturer name means one of the company names (e.g., LG, Motorola, Samsung, etc. .), manufacturing, for example, STB.

In the case where the multimedia device does not have the IR code value obtained in steps S1703 and S1704 for controlling an external electronic device, the multimedia device accesses the server to update the corresponding IR code value.

Finally, in the case when the update is completed, for example, an image with sequential switching of channels is displayed for testing and the user selects the image using the remote control of the multimedia device, you can confirm whether the channel of the connected STB has changed. More specifically, in the case in which tuning is carried out in the usual manner, the present channel screen 901 shown in FIG. 9, switches to the screen of the channel changed to +1.

In the process explained with reference to FIG. 31, further selection by the user is required. A solution to solve this problem will now be described with reference to FIG. 32.

In FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the present invention, of a process for selecting an external electronic device to be controlled using a universal remote control device.

In the case where the multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an external electronic device (S1801), the multimedia device transmits a product information request signal for the connected external electronic device to the external electronic device (S1802).

In addition, the electronic device transmits product information for the electronic device to the multimedia device (S1803). Product information may be, for example, identification (ID) information necessary to obtain the values of IR codes needed to control the functions of an electronic device.

In addition, the multimedia device requests from the external server the values of the IR codes necessary to control the functions of the identified electronic device, and receives the values of the IR codes from the external server (S1804 and S1805).

Finally, the multimedia device updates the storage device using the received values of the IR codes (S1806). Therefore, it is possible to control an arbitrary external electronic device using only the remote control device of the multimedia device.

In FIG. 33 is a flowchart of an entire system in the process of controlling an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention using a remote control device of a multimedia device. Hereinafter, a method for controlling a plurality of external electronic devices is described using only the remote control device of the multimedia device without using separate remote control devices for each of the external electronic devices.

A remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits to the multimedia device an action request signal of a universal remote control device (S1901). Such a request can be realized, for example, by pressing a hot key assigned to the remote control device, or without manipulating the remote control device.

In addition, the multimedia device according to an embodiment of the present invention displays an OSD associated with a universal remote control device (S1902), which was previously described with reference to FIG. 22.

In the case where the remote control device is moved to select a specific function from among the graphic options displayed on the screen in step S1902 (S1903), the multimedia device accesses the memory (S1904) to retrieve the value of the IR code stored in the memory, or the value of the IR code updated through access to the server.

In addition, the multimedia device transmits to the remote control device an IR code value corresponding to one specific function from among the functions of the external electronic device selected by the remote control device (S1905).

The remote control device transmits the received value of the IR code to an electronic device connected to the multimedia device (S1906). Therefore, the external electronic device performs the corresponding specific function (S1907) and transmits the corresponding command to the multimedia device connected to the external electronic device in a wired or wireless manner (S1908).

It is possible to implement other embodiments of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention and its control method by combining drawings or combining things that are obvious to those skilled in the art. Such other possible embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention.

Moreover, the method of action of the electronic device corresponding to the present invention can be implemented by means of a code recorded on recording media configured to be read by a processor by a code. Recording media configured to be read by a processor comprise all kinds of recording devices for storing data that can be read by the processor. Examples of recording media configured to be read by a processor may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory on compact disks (CD-ROM), magnetic tape, diskette, and optical data storage device. In addition, recording media may be implemented in the form of a carrier wave, such as transmission over the Internet. In addition, recording media configured to be read by a processor can be distributed over computer systems connected to each other via a network so that code that can be read by the processor is stored or executed in a distribution mode.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a hybrid remote control device capable of controlling various types of devices via two different communication protocols.

In addition, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a solution for controlling various types of devices, while minimizing the memory usage of the remote control device.

In addition, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the graphical user interface (GUI) of a multimedia device communicating with a hybrid remote control device. As a result, it is possible to significantly increase the control speed of multiple devices.

Additionally, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to control both the graphic image provided by the multimedia device and the graphic image provided by an external electronic device connected to the multimedia device using the remote control device.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. That is, it is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of the present invention if they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (18)

1. A method of controlling a multimedia device exchanging data with a remote control device and a specific electronic device, said method comprising the steps of:
receive identification (ID) information to identify a particular electronic device in the case when the multimedia device is connected to a specific electronic device, which is selected from among one or more electronic devices that can be connected to the multimedia device;
processing a code value corresponding to at least one function provided by a particular electronic device corresponding to the information ID;
displaying a graphic image for displaying at least one function associated with a particular electronic device;
controlling a first indicator to be displayed within the graphic image, and the first indicator to be converted to a second indicator when the first indicator deviates from the limits of the graphic image; and
in the case where the first indicator selects a specific function in the graphic image by means of the remote control device, transmit to the remote control device a code value corresponding to the selected specific function. 2. The control method according to claim 1, in which the step of receiving the ID information contains the steps in which:
transmit to the connected specific electronic device a request signal from the manufacturer and / or type of product; and
receive information from a particular electronic device ID containing the manufacturer and / or type of product. 3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of processing the code value comprises the steps of:
accessing an external server to which the multimedia device is connected via a network;
transmit to the external server to which access is made, a request signal of a code value corresponding to at least one function provided by a particular electronic device corresponding to the information ID; and
receive from the external server accessed, a code value corresponding to the at least one function, the code value being configured to have an infrared (IR) radiation format for controlling a particular electronic device. 4. The control method according to claim 3, further comprising storing a list of received code values in a storage device for each electronic device. 5. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of outputting the graphic image comprises simultaneously displaying a first control area for selecting a graphic option received from a particular electronic device and a second control area for selecting a graphic option created by the multimedia device. 6. The control method according to claim 1, in which the first indicator and the second indicator are set so that the first indicator and the second indicator differ from each other with respect to at least one selected from among: color, transparency and shape. 7. The control method according to claim 1, in which the graphic image contains a tab for identifying at least one electronic device connected to the multimedia device, and has a code value stored in it. 8. The control method according to claim 5, in which the first control area for selecting a graphic option received from a particular electronic device comprises at least one selected from among thumbnail images for each channel, channel information and program information provided by a particular electronic device. 9. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon for executing a control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recording medium is read by a computer. 10. A remote control device that exchanges data with a multimedia device and a specific electronic device, comprising:
a transmission module of a first type of communication for transmitting a code value request signal corresponding to a specific function of a particular electronic device to be controlled by the remote control device, multimedia device;
a first communication type receiving unit for receiving, from a multimedia device, a code value corresponding to a specific function of a particular electronic device; and
a second communication type transmission module for transmitting a received code value to a particular electronic device, the first communication and the second communication being designed to use various communication protocols. 11. The remote control device of claim 10, in which the transmission module of the first type of communication is intended to transmit primarily a signal for selecting a particular electronic device from among the plurality of electronic devices and then to transmit a request signal of a code value corresponding to a particular function selected from among the plurality of functions provided by the selected specific electronic device. 12. The remote control device of claim 10, further comprising a conversion module for converting the received code value to a data format that can be transmitted via the second communication. 13. The remote control device according to claim 11, further comprising a position sensor configured so that the position of the pointer on the screen of the multimedia device can be changed in accordance with the movement of the remote control device. 14. The remote control device of claim 10, in which the multimedia device contains:
a memory for storing code values for controlling at least one electronic device; and
a network interface module for communicating with a server to update stored code values. 15. The remote control device of claim 10, wherein the first communication is established to use the radio frequency (RF) communication protocol, and the second communication is established to use the IR communication protocol. 16. A method for controlling a multimedia device exchanging data with a remote control device and an external server, comprising the steps of:
receiving a signal for selecting a particular electronic device from among one or more electronic devices that can be connected to a multimedia device;
creating on-screen display (OSD) data corresponding to the selected specific electronic device;
displaying graphic images for displaying one or more functions provided by the selected specific electronic device based on the generated OSD data, the graphic images corresponding to corresponding code values;
receiving a signal from the remote control device to select a particular function from among one or more functions; and
transmit the code value corresponding to the graphic image corresponding to the selected function to the remote control device. 17. The control method according to clause 16, in which the step of creating OSD data comprises the steps of:
access an external server through the network; and
Manage OSD data that must be updated periodically or periodically. 18. The control method according to clause 16, in which the OSD data is received from an external server and then stored in memory.

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