HK1115493A - Remote control system, remote controller, and remote control method - Google Patents

Description

Remote control system, remote controller and remote control method

Technical Field

The invention relates to a remote control system, a remote controller and a remote control method. For example, the present invention relates to a remote control system, a remote controller, and a remote control method for remotely controlling a broadcast receiver that receives and records a broadcast signal.

Background

In existing broadcast receivers (such as video recorders), it has been the case that: an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is received together with a broadcast signal and displayed on a display of a television set or the like, so that a user can select a desired program for reservation of recording. According to this method of using an electronic program guide, a user must manually search for a program.

As a method for facilitating search of a desired program, there have been disclosed techniques in which program identification information of a television program is identified by an IC tag or the like so that recording reservation can be easily made (for example, japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2004-173004). However, this technique simply allows omitting the input of keywords for search. Further, since the IC tag is used for each broadcast receiver, the cost increases.

Further, techniques have been practiced in which a portable terminal (such as a cellular phone) is placed in the vicinity of an IC tag or an IC card embedded in an advertising poster posted on a platform or the like, thereby obtaining information (such as a URL) about the poster, and further processing is performed based on the information (for example, japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2001-160105). According to this technique, information embedded in a single IC tag is used by a large number of users, so that operation is possible at low cost.

For example, techniques have been disclosed in which information embedded in such an advertising poster is first wirelessly received and stored in a small device that is moved to a location where a broadcast receiver is disposed, and the information is transmitted from the small device to the broadcast receiver (for example, japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 11-225294). However, it is impossible to check whether the information allows the recording reservation to be made appropriately at the time of reception and storage therein by the small device. Therefore, when the recording reservation fails, it is impossible to identify whether the information itself is incorrect, whether the information is not properly received, or whether the small device does not properly operate. Further, in any of these cases, the user must again access the location of the advertising poster in order to obtain the information.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems associated with the remote control of the existing broadcast receiver, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved remote control system, remote controller, and remote control method, with which information of a desired broadcast program can be obtained at an arbitrary position and whether program reservation can be made can be checked on the spot.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control system including a broadcast receiver and a remote controller for remotely controlling the broadcast receiver.

In this remote control system, a remote controller obtains data from an electronic device (such as an IC tag or an IC card embedded in an advertisement poster) by wireless communication, and checks in the field whether a reservation for recording can be made, information on a program, or the like, so that the remaining processing is only transmission to a broadcast receiver. That is, a recording reservation is input at the position of the advertisement poster.

For example, when a certain drama ends and a new drama starts, the user can obtain the broadcast time of the new drama from the poster of the drama posted in the train and make a reservation for recording the drama by the DVD recorder at home. The data may be obtained from the poster using instruction information (e.g., a URL).

The electronic device may include: an electronic communication unit that performs wireless communication of data; an electronic storage unit to store data; and a data transmitter that transmits the data stored in the electronic storage unit to the remote controller via the electronic communication unit when the remote controller exists within a communication range of the electronic apparatus.

The electronic device may be an IC tag or an IC card of an advertising poster, and the remote controller may be a portable terminal such as a cellular phone. The electronic device initiates transmission of data upon detecting the presence of a remote control within communication range. The remote controller extracts a desired broadcast program from the data and generates recording data for the recording reservation.

The broadcast receiver may include: a recording data receiver which receives the recording data transmitted from the remote controller; a recording reservation unit that makes a reservation for recording based on the recording data; and a recorder which receives and records the broadcast signal according to a reservation for recording.

A broadcast receiver receives a broadcast signal and displays the broadcast signal on a display such as a television. Further, with the recording reservation unit and the recorder configured as described above, the broadcast signal relating to the recording reservation can be stored in an internal or separate storage medium.

The remote controller may include: a program obtaining unit that obtains an electronic program guide; a data obtaining unit that obtains data from a separate electronic device through wireless communication; a recording data generator that extracts a program matching a program name or a keyword included in the obtained data from an electronic program guide and generates recording data required for a reservation recorded by the broadcast receiver; a recording data storage unit that stores recording data; and a recording data transmitter which transmits the stored recording data to the broadcast receiver. Recording refers to recording of images and sound.

With the program obtaining unit configured as described above, it is possible to search for a broadcast program related to data obtained from a separate electronic device (such as an IC tag or an IC card of an advertising poster) on the spot. Accordingly, it is possible to check on the spot whether or not a reservation for recording of a desired program can be made, so that a recording reservation can be input quickly, reliably, and efficiently.

Further, with the recording data storage unit configured to store the recording data generated as described above, the recording data can be stored as needed. Further, the stored recording data may be simultaneously transmitted to the broadcast receiver at different timings.

The program obtaining unit may narrow the search range based on the data obtained by the data obtaining unit, and obtain the electronic program guide only within the search range that has been narrowed.

The remote controller may further include a reporting unit that reports the presence of a matching broadcast program to the user when a broadcast program having a matching keyword or the like exists in the electronic program guide. The reporting unit reports the presence of the matching broadcast program to the user through sound, display, vibration, etc. generated at the remote controller.

With the reporting unit configured as described above, the user can recognize that a desired broadcast program has been extracted based on data transmitted from the electronic device, so that failure in obtaining information can be prevented. More specifically, the user can check whether or not a reservation for recording can be made at the position of a poster in which the electronic device is embedded, and when an error occurs in the obtained data, read the information again on the spot. Therefore, preparation for reservation for recording can be reliably performed.

The remote controller may further include: a display; and a program selector that displays a plurality of program names or a plurality of keywords included in the obtained data on the display such that a user is allowed to select the program names or keywords, and the recording data generator may generate the recording data by extracting programs that match the selected program names or keywords.

With the program selector configured as described above, desired information can be selected from a plurality of pieces of information associated with the electronic device. The user may be allowed to select multiple program titles or keywords.

The program selector may also allow the user to select a program when a plurality of programs have been extracted by the recording data generator. With the program selector configured as described above, the user is allowed to select a program actually desired. The user may be allowed to select multiple programs at this time.

The remote controller may further include: a display; and a recording data selector which displays the recording data stored in the recording data storage unit on the display such that the user is allowed to select the recording data, and the recording data transmitter may transmit the selected recording data.

With the recording data selector configured as described above, it is possible to select a program that the user really wants to record from the stored recording data, so that unnecessary recording can be avoided.

The separate electronic device may be an IC tag or an IC card.

The wireless communication may be performed according to a Near Field Communication (NFC) standard. Electronic devices from which data is to be obtained are often located outdoors, as is the case with advertising posters, so that contactless wireless communication is effective. The contactless wireless communication can be performed, for example, according to the Near Field Communication (NFC) standard. Also, various other communication means may be used. For example, data may be transmitted wirelessly or by wire, in a contact manner, or in a contactless manner.

Alternatively, the recording data may be transmitted from the remote controller to the broadcast receiver according to IrDA (infrared data association). Also, for example, the recording data may be transmitted to a reserved address as an attachment to an email by wireless packet communication, so that the broadcast receiver can periodically access the address to obtain the recording data. Alternatively, the recorded data may be transmitted directly to the broadcast receiver by e-mail. Also, various other communication means may be used. For example, the recording data may be transmitted wirelessly or by wire, in a contact manner, or in a contactless manner.

In order to solve the above-described problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a program for causing a computer to function as an electronic apparatus, a remote controller, or a broadcast receiver, and a remote control method for remotely controlling the broadcast receiver.

The remote controller and the broadcast receiver may be constructed together as a single device. The electronic storage unit of the electronic apparatus or the recording data storage unit of the remote controller may be provided separately and connected via the internet or the like. The components of the remote control may be provided in a distributed manner in separate devices.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain information of a desired broadcast program at an arbitrary position, and check and store whether a reservation for the program can be made on the spot, so that it is possible to determine that the reservation for recording can be made when the information is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an accident that the recording is found not to be permitted when the reservation for the recording is made.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a remote control system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a remote control system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a remote controller according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a remote controller according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a broadcast receiver according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a broadcast receiver according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the remote control system.

Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining association with an electronic program guide in a remote control system.

Fig. 11A is a diagram showing advertisement poster data possessed by an electronic device.

Fig. 11B is a diagram showing record data generated by the remote controller.

Fig. 12A is a diagram showing another embodiment of advertising poster data possessed by an electronic device.

Fig. 12B is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the record data generated by the remote controller.

Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining association with music information in the remote control system.

Fig. 14A is a diagram showing another embodiment of advertising poster data possessed by an electronic device.

Fig. 14B is a diagram showing another embodiment of music data generated by a remote controller.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of the remote control method.

Detailed Description

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetitive description thereof is avoided.

For example, when URL or map information about the content of an advertising poster posted on a platform or elsewhere is to be obtained, the information can be downloaded in a contactless manner merely by placing a portable terminal (such as a cellular phone) in the vicinity of an IC tag or an IC card embedded in the poster.

When the advertisement poster presents an advertisement or similar information of a television broadcast program, it would be convenient if it were possible to identify the program of interest and download such information to the portable terminal. Further, if a reservation for recording a program is made successfully than ever, the advertisement poster becomes unnecessary.

The contactless wireless communication can be performed according to, for example, the near field communication (hereinafter, abbreviated as NFC) standard. NFC supports communication in a short range of about 10cm, enabling a high level of security to be achieved by limiting the opposite parties to the communication, for example by manual action. Further, since an advertisement poster in which an IC tag or an IC card is embedded is often exposed outdoors, the above-described contactless wireless communication is effective.

The first embodiment: remote control system

Fig. 1 and 2 are block diagrams schematically showing the configuration of a remote control system according to a first embodiment. Regarding the remote control system, fig. 1 shows an electronic apparatus 100 storing data (such as data of an advertisement poster) and a remote controller 110 for obtaining data from the electronic apparatus 100 by wireless communication, and fig. 2 shows the remote controller 110 and a broadcast receiver 130 remotely controlled using the remote controller 110.

Referring to fig. 1, an electronic device 100 is provided on a physical object 120 (such as a poster). The physical object 120 may be an object in a public place, such as a billboard, poster, billboard, or signature panel, and it can be used to convey certain information to a user. The IC tag or the IC card serving as the electronic apparatus 100 provided on the physical object 120 may receive power from a separate electronic apparatus through radio waves without having its own power supply.

The electronic device 100 starts sending data automatically or in response to any trigger when detecting the presence of the remote control 110 within communication range. The remote controller 110 can obtain the data and directly refer to the data, or make a reservation for program recording based on the data.

The remote controller 110 is provided separately from the electronic apparatus 100. The remote controller 110 can be implemented as, for example, a cellular phone, a portable game machine, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile personal computer, a watch, a calculator, a mouse, etc., which can be carried by a user.

When posting a poster or before posting a poster, a person (such as a poster) in charge of the physical object 120 writes information (a program name, a broadcast channel, a broadcast start time, a broadcast slot length, a broadcast end time, a cast, a URL, summary information, detailed information, map information, a fee, a date and time, and the like) about the content of the poster to an IC tag serving as the electronic apparatus 100. When the user becomes interested in poster content, in order to record poster content or obtain new information, the user places a portable terminal serving as a remote controller 110 near the IC tag of the poster and starts downloading by a simple operation. Alternatively, only the instruction information (such as the URL) may be presented on the poster so that the specific information of the poster can be downloaded from the site represented by the URL.

Upon obtaining the information of the poster as described above, the remote controller 110 displays a message for confirmation of the content, extracts a broadcast program from the content, and checks whether the program is a program desired by the user. If the user accepts the program, preparation for recording reservation is automatically performed so that data for recording reservation (recording data) is stored in the remote controller 110.

Then, as shown in fig. 2, the recording data is transmitted from the remote controller 110 to the broadcast receiver 130 owned by the user at a location different from the location where the poster is posted, for example, at the user's home or the like. At this time, it is sufficient that the user performs only an operation for transmitting the record data stored in the remote controller 110. This is because, at the time of downloading information from the poster, the information necessary for recording has been generated in its entirety. However, when a plurality of pieces of recording data have been stored in the remote controller 110, the user can select a piece of recording data to be actually used for the recording reservation.

Now, the electronic apparatus 100, the remote controller 110, and the broadcast receiver 130 in the remote control system will be described in detail.

Second embodiment: electronic device 100

Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the electronic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The electronic device 100 includes an antenna 210, an electronic controller 212, an electronic communication unit 214, an electronic storage unit 216 that holds data 230, and a data transmitter 218.

The antenna 210 has at least a communication band in which wireless communication can be performed according to NFC. The antenna 210 may take the form of a loop antenna.

The electronic controller 212 manages and controls the entire electronic apparatus 100 through a semiconductor integrated circuit including a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The electronic communication unit 214 performs wireless data communication with the remote controller 110. The electronic communication unit 214 includes, for example, RF circuitry, modem circuitry, encoders, decoders, and so forth.

The electronic storage unit 216 converts information desired by the user into a data format that allows reference by the user, and stores the resultant data. By referring to this data, the user can obtain program information on the content of the advertisement poster or keywords on the program information. Also, the user can refer to a URL, map information, and the like. Alternatively, the electronic storage unit 216 may be separately provided, for example, via the internet.

When the remote controller 110 is present within a communication range, for example, if the wireless communication protocol used is NFC, the data transmitter 218 transmits data stored in the electronic storage unit 216 to the remote controller 110 via the electronic communication unit 214 when the distance between the electronic device 100 and the remote controller 110 is within about 10 cm. Alternatively, the communication between the electronic apparatus 100 and the remote controller 110 may be automatically started when the presence of the remote controller 110 is detected within the communication range and the electronic apparatus 100 and the remote controller 110 are authenticated.

The electronic apparatus 100 may be a contactless IC tag or an IC card provided in a poster or the like. In this case, it is possible to avoid giving an impression of explicitly providing an electronic component, so that the beauty of the appearance of the poster can be maintained. Further, since the electronic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can operate without a power supply, maintenance costs can be reduced. Further, the electronic apparatus 100 may be configured to be able to actively perform communication with other electronic apparatuses so that information may be provided using, for example, an IC card provided in the remote controller 110.

Further, a program for causing a computer to function as the electronic apparatus 100 or a storage medium storing the program is provided.

Specific circuit embodiments

Fig. 4 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the electronic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, in which the specific circuit of the above-described electronic apparatus 100 is shown.

The electronic device 100 includes a loop antenna 250, a modem circuit 252, a signal processing circuit 254, a non-volatile memory 256, and a power generator 258.

The loop antenna 250 has a plurality of loops so that reception sensitivity will be increased even in a small space. Thus, communication of the NFC communication band is allowed. Depending on the communication protocol used or the frequency of the carrier wave, an antenna included in the IC chip may be used instead of using the loop antenna 250.

The modem circuit 252 modulates data to be transmitted to the remote controller 110 according to NFC, and demodulates a modulated electric wave transmitted from the remote controller 110 into data.

The signal processing circuit 254 is a semiconductor integrated circuit that performs signal processing. The signal processing circuit 254 manages and controls the entire electronic apparatus 100. The nonvolatile memory 256 has functions of ROM and RAM so that information that has been stored is maintained even if power is turned off. Therefore, even when the person in charge of the electronic apparatus 100 rewrites the data and then stops power supply, the data is maintained.

The power generator 258 converts radio waves transmitted from the remote controller 110 into electric power while the communication with the remote controller 110 is in connection, and supplies the electric power to the modem circuit 252, the signal processing circuit 254, and the nonvolatile memory 256. Since the electric power obtained from radio waves is generally small as described above, the above-described circuit is often formed of elements having the smallest possible power consumption.

The third embodiment: remote controller 110

Fig. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a remote controller 110 according to the third embodiment. The remote controller 110 includes a remote control unit 310, an EPG antenna 312, a program obtaining unit 314, a data antenna 316, a program obtaining unit 318, a program selector 320, a recording data generator 322, a reporting unit 324, a recording data storage unit 326, a recording data transmitter 328, a display 330, and a recording data selector 332.

The remote control unit 310 manages and controls the entire remote controller 110 through a semiconductor integrated circuit including a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The EPG antenna 312 is an antenna for receiving an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) including one or two or more pieces of data on programs, such as a program scheduled during a period of one week from a current time, a piece of data selected from a program name, a broadcast channel, a broadcast start time, a broadcast period length, a broadcast end time, and the like. The electronic program guide is transmitted overlaid on a common broadcast signal. Therefore, an antenna for receiving a general broadcast signal may be used instead of the EPG antenna 312.

The electronic program guide may be obtained in various ways and is not limited to obtaining it via the EPG antenna 312. For example, an electronic program guide may be obtained by downloading it from a communication network (e.g., the internet).

The program obtaining unit 314 performs wireless data communication with the electronic apparatus 100 to obtain an electronic program guide including information about programs (e.g., program name, broadcast channel, broadcast start time, broadcast slot length, broadcast end time, etc.). The program obtaining unit 314 includes, for example, an RF circuit, a modem circuit, an encoder, a decoder, and the like.

The data antenna 316 has at least a communication band in which wireless communication can be performed according to the aforementioned NFC. The data antenna 316 may take the form of a loop antenna. With the data antenna 316 configured as described above, data of various electronic devices 100 employing the NFC system can be referred to. Therefore, the user of the remote controller 110 can freely read the data as well as the electronic program guide and perform further processing such as grasping the geographical position of the place of interest from the URL included in the data (content) that has been read.

The data obtaining unit 318 obtains data from the electronic apparatus 100 by wireless communication. The data obtaining unit 318 may narrow the search range from the obtained data so that the program obtaining unit 314 obtains only the electronic program guide within the search range that has been narrowed. When only instruction information (such as a URL) has been transmitted from the electronic apparatus 100, the data obtaining unit 318 accesses a site indicated by the URL to obtain data.

The program selector 320 displays a plurality of program titles or a plurality of keywords included in the data obtained by the data obtaining unit 318, which will be described later, on the display 330, thereby prompting the user to select one of the program titles or one of the keywords. Accordingly, the user can select desired information from the pieces of information associated with the electronic apparatus 100. The user may be allowed to select multiple program titles or multiple keywords. When information for selection is displayed on the display 330, a plurality of programs may be arranged side by side in a text form or arranged in an icon form.

The user is also prompted to select one of the plurality of programs when the plurality of programs have been extracted by the recording data generator 322, which will be described later. Therefore, the user can select a program that the user really desires. The user may be allowed to select multiple programs at this time.

The recording data generator 322 extracts a program matching a program name or a keyword included in the data obtained by the data obtaining unit 318 from the electronic program guide obtained by the program obtaining unit 314 to generate recording data 340 required for reservation recording by the broadcast receiver 130. When the program selector 320 has prompted the user to select a program, programs that match the selected program name or keyword are extracted to generate the recorded data 340.

When there are a plurality of broadcast receivers 130 to be remotely controlled and the format and other factors regarding the recording data 340 are different from those of the plurality of broadcast receivers 130, the user may be allowed to select the broadcast receiver 130 to which a reservation for recording is to be made. In this case, the recording data generator 322 generates the recording data 340 according to the format supported by the selected broadcast receiver 130. Further, by registering all desired broadcast receivers 130 in the remote controller 110, the record data generator 322 may generate record data according to a plurality of formats.

With the program obtaining unit 314 and the recording data generator 322 configured as described above, it is possible to obtain data from a separate electronic device 100 (such as an IC tag or an IC card of an advertisement poster) and search for a broadcast program related to the data on the spot. Accordingly, it is possible to check on the spot whether a reservation for recording a desired broadcast program can be made, and to input a recording reservation quickly, reliably, and efficiently.

When the matching broadcast program has been detected by the recording data generator 322, the reporting unit 324 reports the presence of the matching broadcast program to the user by sound, display, or vibration, for example, using a speaker, a display, or a vibrator provided in the remote controller 110. Therefore, the user can recognize that a desired broadcast program has been extracted based on data transmitted from the electronic device, so that a problem caused by failure to recognize acquisition of information can be avoided. That is, it is possible to check whether or not recording reservation is enabled at a position where an advertisement poster in which an electronic device is embedded is posted, and when an error occurs at the time of obtaining information, the information can be read again. Therefore, the recording reservation can be reliably performed.

The recording data storage unit 326 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory. The log data storage unit 326 stores the log data 340 generated by the log data generator 322. With the recording data storage unit 326 configured as described above, it is possible to store the pieces of recording data 340 as needed, and simultaneously transmit the stored pieces of recording data 340 to the broadcast receiver 130 at different timings.

The logging data transmitter 328 transmits the logging data 340 stored in the logging data storage unit 326 to the broadcast receiver 130. Further, when the record data has been selected by the record data selector 322, which will be described later, the record data transmitter 328 transmits the selected record data 340.

The recording data 340 may be transmitted from the remote controller 110 to the broadcast receiver 130 according to IrDA. IrDA is a standard for performing short-range data communication using infrared rays, and it defines specifications such as a communication rate of up to 115.2kbps or 4Mbps within a communication distance of 1m, or within a communication distance of 0.2m and up to 115.2 kbps. IrDA is mainly used for connecting a portable terminal with a desktop personal computer or a notebook personal computer.

Instead of directly transmitting the recording data 340 to the broadcast receiver 130, the recording data transmitter 328 may transmit the recording data 340 to the broadcast receiver 130 via another communication terminal (e.g., via an ad hoc network).

Also, the logging data 340 may be transmitted from the remote controller 110 to the broadcast receiver 130 via a communication network (e.g., a wireless LAN or the internet). Also, the recording data 340 processed by the remote controller 110 may be attached to an e-mail, and the recording data 340 attached to the e-mail may be transmitted to the broadcast receiver 130 via a communication network and a mail server (not shown). When the recording data 340 is attached to the email transmission, a recording reservation can be input and completed at a location where the electronic apparatus 100 is arranged.

The display 330 is composed of a display provided in the remote controller 110, and the like, so that information on processing performed by the remote controller 110 can be displayed in the form of text or images for the user.

The record data selector 332 displays a plurality of pieces of record data 340 stored in the record data storage unit 326 so that the user can select a desired piece of record data 340. With the recording data selector 332 configured as described above, a program that the user really desires to record can be selected from the stored recording data 340, so that unnecessary recording can be avoided.

Further, a program for causing a computer to function as the remote controller 110 or a storage medium storing the program is provided.

Specific circuit embodiments

Fig. 6 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a remote controller 110 according to a third embodiment, in which the specific circuit of the above-described remote controller 110 is shown.

The remote controller 110 includes a broadcast antenna 350, an EPG receiving circuit 352, a loop antenna 354, a modem circuit 356, a CPU 358, a ROM 360, a RAM 362, a display 364, an input unit 366, an IrDA transmission circuit 368, and a light emitter 370.

The broadcast antenna 350 is an antenna for receiving a broadcast signal such as a television broadcast signal. The broadcast antenna 350 in this embodiment is particularly useful for obtaining an electronic program guide.

The EPG receiving circuit 352 receives a broadcast signal such as a television broadcast signal and extracts at least an electronic program guide.

The loop antenna 354 has a plurality of loops so that the reception sensitivity will increase even in a small space. Thus, communication in the NFC communication band is allowed.

The modem circuit 356 modulates data to be transmitted to the remote controller 110 according to NFC and demodulates a modulated wave transmitted from the electronic apparatus 100.

The CPU 358 is a semiconductor integrated circuit that performs signal processing, and it manages and controls the entire remote controller 110. The ROM 360 has stored thereon in advance a program that is read by the CPU 358 and used to control the remote controller 110. The RAM 362 is used as an area for temporarily storing certain data or parameters used by the CPU 358 operating as the remote controller 110.

The display 364 is a monochrome or color display and displays data read from the electronic device 100, such as data for a program. The input unit 366 includes a key input unit (not shown) having a keyboard, numeric keys, and the like. The input unit 366 assists the display function of the display 364, and functions as a selection key for selecting a program or recording data as described previously.

The IrDA transmission circuit 368 transmits the record data 340 stored in the remote controller 110 according to the IrDA standard. The optical transmitter 370 emits infrared rays to transmit a discrete signal at the timing generated by the IrDA transmission circuit 368.

The fourth embodiment: broadcast receiver 130

Fig. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the broadcast receiver 130 according to the fourth embodiment. The broadcast receiver 130 includes: a broadcast controller 410, a recording data receiver 412, a recording reservation unit 414, a reservation data storage unit 416, and a recorder 418.

The broadcast controller 410 manages and controls the entire broadcast receiver 130 through a semiconductor integrated circuit including a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The log data receiver 412 receives the log data 340 from the remote controller 110.

The recording reservation unit 414 makes a recording reservation based on the recording data 340 received by the recording data receiver 412. The recording reservation is made by specifying, for example, a program name, a broadcast channel, a broadcast start time, a broadcast slot length, and a broadcast end time for a program scheduled at a future time (including the current time), and adding these pieces of information on the recording reservation to the recording reservation list 440 including information on the recording reservation that has been entered.

The reservation data storage unit 416 is a storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory, and it stores the reservation list 440 generated by the recording reservation unit 414.

The recorder 418 receives a broadcast signal based on a recording reservation in a reservation list 440 stored in the reservation data storage unit 416, and records the broadcast signal on its internal hard disk drive or a separate storage medium 420 such as a Compact Disc (CD) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD).

Further, a program for causing a computer to function as the broadcast receiver 130 or a recording medium storing the program is provided.

Specific circuit embodiments

Fig. 8 is a circuit block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the broadcast receiver 130 according to the fourth embodiment, in which the specific circuit of the broadcast receiver 130 described above is shown.

The broadcast receiver 130 includes an IrDA receiving circuit 450, a CPU 452, a ROM 454, a RAM 456, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)458, a DVD drive 460, a display 462, and an input unit 464.

The IrDA receiving circuit 450 receives the recording data 340 transmitted from the IrDA transmitting circuit 368 of the remote controller 110 according to the IrDA standard. IrDA uses infrared light and is based essentially on a discrete signal representation.

The CPU 452 is a semiconductor integrated circuit that performs signal processing, and it manages and controls the entire broadcast receiver 130. The ROM 454 has stored thereon a program read by the CPU 452 and used to control the broadcast receiver 130 in advance. The RAM 456 is used as an area for temporarily storing certain data or parameters used by the CPU 452 to realize the functions of the broadcast receiver 130.

The hard disk drive 458 is a storage medium capable of storing a large amount of data, and it allows random access similar to a DVD or a CD described below. The DVD drive 460 writes data to or reads data from a separate DVD loaded thereon. Other types of storage media may be used, such as CD, tape, MO, or flash memory.

The display 462 is represented by a monochrome or color display, and is used for confirmation of a recording reservation or the like. The input unit 464 includes a key input unit (not shown) having a keypad, number keys, etc., and it assists the display function of the display 462.

The broadcast receiver 130 and the remote controller 110 may be constructed together as a single device.

Fifth embodiment: remote control system

A specific embodiment of a remote control system including the above-described electronic apparatus 100, remote controller 110, and broadcast receiver 130 will now be described.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the remote control system. As the electronic apparatus 100, a content server 510, an advertisement poster 512, and a portable terminal 514 are shown, and as the remote controller 110, a portable game machine 516 is shown.

For example, the portable game machine 516 is connected to the content server 510 via a communication network (such as the internet), and the content of a broadcast program or the like processed by the content server 510 is downloaded and associated with an electronic program guide. Further, an NFC chip compliant with the aforementioned NFC standard is provided in the advertisement poster 512 and the portable terminal 514, so that the advertisement poster 512 and the portable terminal 514 can perform data communication with the portable game machine 516 also having an NFC chip.

After data on information desired by the user is obtained from various devices (the electronic apparatus 100), the data is associated with an electronic program guide in the portable game machine 516 to generate and store recording data. The recording data may be maintained in the portable game machine 516 at least until the reservation for recording by the broadcast receiver 130 is completed.

The portable game machine 516 transmits the recording data to the broadcast receiver 130 at a timing and position different from the timing and position at which the data is obtained from the electronic apparatus 100. The broadcast receiver 130 is, for example, a vehicle navigation system 520, an Integrated Receiver and Decoder (IRD)522, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) recorder 524, an audio player 526, or a television 528. The broadcast receiver 130 makes a recording reservation according to the received recording data and starts recording at the start time of the broadcast included in the recording data.

If the broadcast receiver 130 also has an NFC chip mounted thereon, the recording data may be automatically transmitted only by placing the remote controller 110 within a certain range of the broadcast receiver 130 or in contact with the broadcast receiver 130.

Although various devices have been described as the electronic device 100, the remote controller 110, and the broadcast receiver 130, there is no limitation to these devices, and any apparatus including components of the electronic device 100, the remote controller 110, or the broadcast receiver 130 may be used. Also, any of the electronic device 100 and the broadcast receiver 130 shown in fig. 9 may be used as the remote controller 110.

Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the association with the electronic program guide in the remote control system described above. In this case, music and movie content information 550 at the content server 510 as the electronic apparatus 100, or news information 552 or shop information 554 at the advertisement poster 512 or the portable terminal 514 is downloaded to the remote controller 110, and a program related to a program name or keyword included in the downloaded data is extracted from the electronic program guide 556, thereby generating recording data 558 as program reservation information. Then, the recording data 558 is transmitted to the HDD recorder 524 as the broadcast receiver 130.

For example, a music leaderboard is read from the music and movie content information 550 at the content server 510, and a desired piece of music is selected and recorded from the leaderboard, or a related program is recorded based on the latest movie information.

Fig. 11A is a diagram showing an example of advertisement poster data possessed by the electronic device 100, and fig. 11B is a diagram showing an example of record data generated by the remote controller 110.

The advertisement poster data shown in fig. 11A is data on the broadcast program itself. The advertising poster shows an advertising poster number representing a poster identification number, a program title 612 representing the respective name (title) of the broadcast program, program content 614 describing the program content or keywords used to identify the program, and a cast 616 of the program (e.g., actor a, actress b.

The recorded data shown in fig. 11B is data detected from the electronic program guide based on the information of the advertising poster shown in fig. 11A. The recording data includes a broadcast date 630 and a broadcast time 532 as broadcast start times and broadcast time periods of programs to be recorded, a broadcast channel 634, a broadcast genre 636, and cast tables 638 (such as actor a, actress C. Because the recorded data is new data retrieved based on the advertising poster data (e.g., program title or keywords), the additional information (e.g., cast 638) is different from the data in the original advertising poster.

When the recording data includes at least information of a broadcast start time and a broadcast channel, the broadcast receiver 130 is able to make a reservation for recording.

Fig. 12A is a diagram showing another embodiment of advertising poster data possessed by the electronic device 100, and fig. 12B is a diagram showing another embodiment of recorded data generated by the remote controller 110.

In contrast to the advertisement poster data shown in fig. 11A, the advertisement poster data shown in fig. 12A represents general information, which is not limited to information of a broadcast program. The advertising poster shows an advertising poster number 650 representing the identification number of the poster, a poster name 652 representing the respective names (titles) of the posters, an information validity period 654 representing the validity period of the content of the poster, and description keywords 656 about the content of the poster, such as "XX spa" 658, "YY rice cake" 660, and "shooting of program ZZ" 662.

The advertising poster shown in fig. 12A was not originally created for the purpose of recording of a broadcast program. Therefore, the remote controller 110 must extract keywords from the data and search for a broadcast program matching the data information. To this end, the remote controller 110 includes a program selector 320. The program selector 320 displays a plurality of keywords included in the obtained data on the display 330 so that the user can select a program name or a keyword. Further, when a plurality of programs have been extracted as a result of searching the electronic program guide based on the selected program nouns or keywords, the user is prompted to select one of the programs.

In this example, a broadcast program with XX spa as a shooting site is detected based on the poster name 652 and "XX spa" 658 and "shooting of program ZZ" 662 in the description keyword 656.

The recorded data shown in fig. 12B is a result of searching for a program based on the information of the advertising poster shown in fig. 12A. The recording data includes a broadcast date 680 and a broadcast time 682 as a broadcast start time and a broadcast time period of a program to be recorded, a broadcast channel 684, a program name 686, an actor a and an actress C as cast 688 of the program, and an XX spa 696 as a shooting spot 694 of the program.

Sixth embodiment: remote control system

Now, a remote control system according to another embodiment, including the above-described electronic apparatus 100, remote controller 110, and broadcast receiver 130, will be described. In this embodiment, the remote controller 110 obtains data from the electronic apparatus 100, and in the remote controller 110, the data is associated with music information (for example, information allowing unique identification of a piece of music) referred to by music or movie content corresponding to the electronic program guide, thereby generating music data corresponding to the recorded data. The broadcast recorder 130 downloads and records the piece of music based on the music data.

Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining association with music information in the remote control system. In this embodiment, music and movie content information 170 at a content server 510 as the electronic apparatus 100, or news information 712 or advertisement information 714 at an advertisement poster 512 or a portable terminal 514 is downloaded to the remote controller 110, and a piece of music matching a program title or a keyword in the downloaded data is extracted from music information 716 identifying a piece of music referred to by music or movie content, thereby generating music data 718 as music reservation information.

In this example, a music leaderboard is read from the music and movie content information 710 of the content server 510, and a piece of content for controlling playback of a desired piece of music is purchased based on the music leaderboard, or a piece of content for controlling viewing of the related item is purchased based on the latest movie information.

Then, the music data 718 is transmitted to the audio player 526 as the broadcast receiver 130. At a certain timing after receiving the music data 718, the broadcast receiver 130 may automatically download or record a desired piece of music. Also, online access 722 may be made through other communication means and online shopping or online purchase of electronic tickets may be automatically performed.

Fig. 14A shows another embodiment of advertising poster data possessed by the electronic device 100, and fig. 14B shows another embodiment of music data generated by the remote controller 110.

Similar to the advertising poster data shown in fig. 12A, the advertising poster data shown in fig. 14A represents summarized information not limited to music information. The advertising poster data includes an advertising poster number 810 representing the identification number of the poster, a poster name 812 representing each name (title) of the poster, an information validity period 814 representing the validity period of the content of the poster, and description keywords 816 about the content of the poster, such as "artist name" 818, "music title" 820, and "genre" 822.

The advertisement poster data shown in fig. 14A is not originally created for the purpose of identification of a piece of music. Therefore, the remote controller 110 must extract keywords from the data and search for a piece of music matching the data information. To this end, the remote controller 110 displays a plurality of keywords included in the obtained data on the display 330 so that the user can select a music title or keywords. Further, when a plurality of pieces of music have been extracted as a result of a search based on the selected music title or keyword, the user is allowed to select one piece of music.

In this example, a piece of music is detected based on "artist name" 818, "music title" 820, and "genre" 822 in the description keyword 816.

The recorded data shown in fig. 14B is a result of searching for a piece of music based on the information of the advertising poster as shown in fig. 14 described above. The piece of music data includes a music ID850 representing the identification number of the piece of music, a music title 852, an artist name 854, a music genre 856, and "ocean" 860 and "summer" 862 as lyric keywords 858, and ranking information 864.

Seventh embodiment: remote control method

Now, a remote control method for remotely controlling the broadcast receiver 130 by the remote controller 110 using data obtained from the electronic apparatus 100 will be described.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of the remote control method.

First, the remote controller 110 obtains an electronic program guide including information about programs (e.g., program name, broadcast channel, broadcast start time, broadcast time period, broadcast end time, etc.) at a reserved interval (S910). By periodically obtaining the electronic program guide, it is possible to reduce the processing time when obtaining data as described later, so that a reservation for recording can be efficiently input.

For example, when a user finds an advertisement poster of interest at a place such as a station, the user checks whether a broadcast program related to the poster exists. The user places a remote control 110, such as the user's cell phone, near the advertising poster. Then, data communication with the electronic apparatus 100 advertising the poster is automatically started. Then, the user operates the buttons of the input unit of the remote controller 110 to obtain data (S912).

The remote controller 110 attempts to extract a program matching the program name or keyword in the data obtained in the data obtaining step (S912) from the electronic program guide that has been obtained (S914). When the extraction is successful, the remote controller 110 generates recording data required for recording reservation by the broadcast receiver 130 (S916), and reports the extraction success to the user via the reporting unit (S918). When the extraction of the program fails, the remote controller 110 reports the extraction failure to the user via the display (S920). The process then exits.

When there are a plurality of pieces of recorded data generated in this manner, the remote controller 110 displays all the plurality of pieces of recorded data on the display (S922), and prompts the user to select a piece of recorded data that is really needed (S924). When the selection of the recording data is completed, the remote controller 110 stores the selected recording data (S926).

For example, the user brings the remote controller 110, which has stored the recording data as described above, home, and uses the remote controller 110 for recording a reservation by the broadcast receiver 130 installed at home. When the remote controller 110 and the broadcast receiver 130 support IrDA communication, the recording data is transmitted by infrared rays, and when the broadcast receiver 130 supports NFC communication, the recording data is transmitted by NFC electromagnetic wave communication (S928). When the recording reservation has been completed as described above (S930), a recording list including a list of the recording reservation is generated in the broadcast receiver 130, and recording is performed based on the recording list (S932).

According to the remote control method, information of a desired program can be obtained at any location, it is checked on the spot whether a reservation for recording of the program can be made, the information is stored, and the reservation for recording is performed by the broadcast receiver by a simple operation.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. It is apparent that those skilled in the art can conceive various substitutions and modifications within the scope of the claims and it is understood that the substitutions and modifications fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, although the broadcast antenna and the EPG receiving circuit are provided in the remote controller for receiving the electronic program guide in the above-described embodiment, such an arrangement for obtaining the electronic program guide may be provided in a broadcast receiver without being limited to the embodiment. In this case, when the recording data is transmitted from the remote controller, an electronic program guide is transmitted from the broadcast receiver to the remote controller, and the remote controller stores the electronic program guide and uses the electronic program guide for searching for data from the electronic device.

Further, although the embodiments have been described above in the context of an example in which an advertising poster is used as an electronic device, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be applied to various places, for example, an electronic device may be provided as a part of a television set. When the electronic apparatus is provided as part of a television set as described above, during the broadcast of a television program, program information is distributed as accompanying information of the program, so that the program information can be collected by placing a remote controller in the vicinity of the television set.

Further, although in the above-described embodiments, the communication between the electronic apparatus and the remote controller and the communication between the remote controller and the broadcast receiver are performed by contactless wireless communication, the communication is not limited to the embodiments, and the communication may be performed in a contact manner or in a contactless manner by wire or by wireless.

The steps in the remote control method in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order of the sub-columns shown in the flowcharts, and the steps may include steps executed in parallel or separately (for example, parallel processing or object-based processing).

Claims (11)

1. A remote control system includes a broadcast receiver and a remote controller for remotely controlling the broadcast receiver,

wherein this remote controller includes:

a program obtaining unit that obtains an electronic program guide;

a data obtaining unit that obtains data from a separate electronic device through wireless communication;

a recording data generator that extracts a program matching a program name or a keyword included in the obtained data from an electronic program guide and generates recording data required for recording a reservation by the broadcast receiver;

a recording data storage unit that stores recording data; and

a recording data transmitter which transmits the stored recording data to the broadcast receiver; and is

Wherein the broadcast receiver includes:

a recording data receiver which receives the recording data transmitted from the remote controller;

a recording reservation unit that makes a recording reservation based on the recording data; and

and a recorder which receives and records the broadcast signal according to a reservation for recording.

2. A remote controller for remotely controlling a broadcast receiver that receives and records a broadcast signal, the remote controller comprising:

a program obtaining unit that obtains an electronic program guide;

a data obtaining unit that obtains data from a separate electronic device through wireless communication;

a recording data generator that extracts a program matching a program name or a keyword included in the obtained data from an electronic program guide and generates recording data required for recording a reservation by the broadcast receiver;

a recording data storage unit that stores recording data; and

and a recording data transmitter which transmits the stored recording data to the broadcast receiver.

3. The remote controller of claim 2, further comprising a reporting unit that reports the existence of the matching broadcast program to a user when the matching broadcast program exists.

4. The remote controller of claim 2, further comprising:

a display; and

a program selector which displays a plurality of program titles or a plurality of keywords included in the obtained data on the display such that a user is allowed to select one of the program titles or one of the keywords,

wherein the recording data generator generates the recording data by extracting the program matching the selected program name or keyword.

5. The remote controller of claim 4, wherein the program selector further allows the user to select a program when a plurality of programs have been extracted by the recorded data generator.

6. The remote controller of claim 2, further comprising:

a display; and

a recording data selector which displays the recording data stored in the recording data storage unit on the display such that the user is allowed to select the recording data,

wherein the recording data transmitter transmits the selected recording data.

7. The remote controller of claim 2, wherein the separate electronic device is an IC tag or an IC card.

8. The remote controller of claim 2, wherein the wireless communication is performed in accordance with a short-range communication standard.

9. The remote controller as claimed in claim 2, wherein the logging data is transmitted from the remote controller to the broadcast receiver according to IrDA.

10. A program for remotely controlling a broadcast receiver that receives and records a broadcast signal,

the program causes the computer to function as:

a program obtaining unit that obtains an electronic program guide;

a data obtaining unit that obtains data from a separate electronic device through wireless communication;

a recording data generator that extracts a program matching a program name or a keyword included in the obtained data from an electronic program guide and generates recording data required for recording a reservation by the broadcast receiver;

a recording data storage unit that stores recording data; and

and a recording data transmitter which transmits the stored recording data to the broadcast receiver.

11. A remote control method for remotely controlling a broadcast receiver that receives and records a broadcast signal, the remote control method comprising:

a program obtaining step of obtaining an electronic program guide;

a data obtaining step of obtaining data from a separate electronic device by wireless communication;

a recording data generation step of extracting a program matching a program name or a keyword included in the obtained data from an electronic program guide and generating recording data required for recording a reservation by a broadcast receiver;

a recording data storage step of storing recording data; and

a recording data transmission step of transmitting the stored recording data to the broadcast receiver.