JP4040935B2 - Mouse remote control and video information system using it - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote controller (mouse remote controller) having a mouse function and a video information system for displaying an image according to the operation of the mouse remote controller.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a remote control is usually set in a television receiver (TV receiver) to form one video information system. The remote controller is provided with various operation buttons. By operating these operation buttons, the TV receiver can be operated without approaching the TV receiver body. That is, when a button operation is performed with the remote control, a command signal corresponding to the operation button operation is sent from the remote control to the TV receiver main body by infrared rays, and the TV receiver receiving this command receives a channel according to the command signal. Various controls and adjustments such as (program) switching, volume adjustment, recording and playback of received programs are performed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in recent years, new functions such as a program reservation using an electronic program guide and an Internet function have been added to video information systems, and functions that can be used by users are increasing. Along with this, the number of operation buttons provided on the remote controller has become very large, and the operations are complicated and complicated. For example, when making a program reservation, it is necessary to perform a remote control operation for displaying the electronic program guide on the display screen of the TV receiver, and an operation for displaying a necessary program from the displayed electronic program guide. It is also necessary to repeat the operation of the button, that is, the cross button for moving the cursor.
[0004]
Thus, the operability of the remote control becomes a problem as the video information system functions are improved, and it is desired that various functions of the video information system can be executed by simpler operation of the remote control.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in consideration of such demands, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mouse remote controller and a video information system using the mouse remote controller that can make various functional operations easier. It is in.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a remote control operation unit including various operation buttons is provided on the rear surface of the casing, and a mouse operation unit including left and right buttons and a wheel is provided on the upper surface side of the casing. A pointing device that optically reads the pattern of the subject is provided on the screen, and the use mode as a remote control for operating various operation buttons on the remote control operation unit and the mouse operation unit using the pointing device as a pattern reading means The use mode as an optical mouse can be selected.
[0007]
Further, the pointing device is made to function as a cursor moving means and a determination button in a use mode as a remote controller.
[0008]
In the use mode as a remote control, a command signal by operation of the remote control operation unit is transmitted by infrared rays, and in the use mode as a mouse, a command signal by operation of the mouse operation unit is transmitted by radio waves.
[0009]
In addition, a posture sensor that detects reversal of the spatial vertical direction between the upper surface and the rear surface of the housing is provided, and the use mode is determined based on the detection output of the posture sensor.
[0010]
Furthermore, the edge part of the back side of the side surface of a housing | casing shall be the structure which protrudes rather than the various operation buttons and pointing device of the remote control operation part provided in this back surface.
[0011]
Further, the pointing device includes an image reading unit that reads a pattern of a subject and a transparent cover that seals the image reading unit.
[0012]
Furthermore, the transparent cover has a recess in an area including at least a range where the image reading unit on the outer surface reads the subject.
[0013]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a video information system comprising the above-described mouse remote controller and an image information display device controlled by the mouse remote controller, and displays image information according to the use mode of the mouse remote controller. The display form of the cursor displayed on the display screen of the apparatus is made different.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a video comprising a mouse remote controller that allows a pointing device to function as a cursor moving means in a use mode as a remote controller, a determination button, and an image information display device controlled by the mouse remote controller. In the information system, the moving direction of the cursor displayed on the display screen of the image information display device is inverted vertically according to the use mode with respect to the moving direction of the subject with respect to the pointing device.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a mouse remote controller according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a rear view thereof, FIG. 1 (b) is a side view, and FIG. 1 (c) is a top view. 1 is a mouse remote control, 2 is a case, 3 is a back surface, 4 is a top surface, 5 is a remote control operation part, 5a is a mouse operation part, 6 is a power button, 7 is a cross button, 8 is a decision button, and 9 is an operation. Buttons 10 are pointing devices, 11a is a left button, 11b is a right button, and 12 is a wheel.
[0016]
In the figure, the first embodiment is provided with a remote control function and an optical mouse function.
[0017]
That is, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), a case 2 is formed by a case 2 of the mouse remote controller 1 and an outer case to be described later, and a rear surface 3 of the case has a target device such as a TV receiver (not shown). A remote control operation unit 5 provided with a power button 6 for turning the power on and off, a cross button 7 as a cursor moving means, an enter button 8 and various operation buttons 9 is formed. A pointing device 10 for optically reading the pattern of the subject of the optical mouse is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, a wheel 12 is sandwiched between the upper surface 4 side of the casing made up of the case 2 and the outer case, and as shown in FIG. An optical mouse is formed by the mouse operation unit 5a including the left button 11a and the right button 11b and the pointing device 10 over the side surfaces.
[0018]
2A and 2B are diagrams showing the internal configuration of the mouse remote controller 1 shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A is a rear view similar to FIG. 1A, and FIG. The longitudinal cross-sectional view along the broken line XX, FIG. 10C is a partial sectional view taken along the broken line YY in FIG. 4A, 2a is the edge of the case 2, 2b is the outer case, 13 is Infrared light emitting elements, 14a, 14b, and 14c are substrates, 15 is a posture sensor, 16 is a rotation reading unit, 17 is a transparent cover, and 18 is an image reading device. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Therefore, FIG. 2A is the same as FIG.
[0019]
In FIG. 2B, the back surface 3 side of the case 2 is closed with an outer case 2b. The case 2 and the outer case 2b form a case of the mouse remote controller 1, and the inside of the case has a storage space. Forming. A power button 6, a cross button 7, an enter button 8, and various operation buttons 9 constituting the remote control operation unit 5 shown in FIG. 2A are provided on the outer surface of the outer case 2 b. And in this storage space, the board | substrate 14a is provided in the outer case 2a side, ie, the back surface 3 side of a housing | casing, and the board | substrate 14b is each provided in the upper surface 4 side of the housing | casing. The board 14a is provided with circuits (not shown) connected to the power button 6, the cross button 7, the enter button 8, and various operation buttons 9 of the remote control operation unit 5, and the board 14b is not shown. There is provided an attenuator or the like by a print pattern for wirelessly transmitting a command signal to be described later. In addition, an infrared light emitting element 13 for transmitting a command signal by infrared rays is provided at the head portion of the storage space in the casing by the case 2 and the outer case 2b. The wheel 12 of the optical mouse is rotatably mounted so as to face the rotation detector 16 that is provided on the substrate 14a and detects its rotation.
[0020]
Furthermore, a posture sensor 15 is provided, for example, on the rear end side of the storage space in the housing formed by the case 2 and the outer case 2b. The mouse remote controller 1 can be used as a remote controller and can also be used as a mouse. When used as a remote controller (this is called a remote control mode), the back surface 3 shown in FIG. The above-described remote control operation unit 5 can be operated (hereinafter referred to as remote control operation), and when used as a mouse (this is called a mouse mode), the top surface 4 (FIG. 1). ) As the front side, and the information is read by the pointing device 10 on the back side 3 which is the back side. As described above, the mouse remote controller 1 has a case where the upper surface 4 is used as the front side (mouse mode) and a case where the upper surface 4 is used upside down (remote control mode). This is to detect the use mode of the inside out.
[0021]
Here, the frame-like edge portion 2a on the back surface 3 side of the case 2 protrudes outward from the outer case 2b, that is, the back surface 3 of the housing to form a bank shape, and the tip of the edge portion 2a As shown in the figure, the cross-sectional shape is rounded. Further, the tip of the edge 2a further protrudes from a plane including the tip of each operation button of the remote control unit 5 on the back surface 3 side of the housing, and a clearance d is provided therebetween.₁Is set. In the mouse mode in which the mouse remote controller 1 is used as a mouse, when the mouse operation is performed by moving the mouse remote controller 1 on a hard surface such as a desk and the back surface 3 as the surface side, the clearance d₁Thus, the tip surface of each operation button of the remote controller operation unit 5 does not touch this hard surface, and each operation button can be prevented from being rubbed or scratched.
[0022]
Although not shown, a battery as a power source is also housed in the housing.
[0023]
In FIG. 2C, the pointing device 10 of the optical mouse is further mounted on another substrate 14c, and is exposed to the back surface 3 side of the housing through the opening of the substrate 14a and the outer case 2b. The pointing device 10 is composed of an image reading device 18 provided on a substrate 14c and a transparent cover 17 for sealing the image reading device 18 and protecting it from the outside. The edge 2a is retracted with a slight clearance (for example, a clearance of about 0.5 mm) with respect to the surface (the virtual surface S in FIG. 3 described later) including the entire front end on the back surface 3 side. Therefore, even when the mouse remote controller 1 is in the mouse mode used as a mouse as described above, the tip surface of the transparent cover 17 does not rub against a hard surface.
[0024]
3 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example of the pointing device 10 in FIG. 2C, in which 17a is a recess, 19 is a condenser lens, 20 is an image sensor, and 21 is a light emitting unit. Corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The substrate 14a is not shown.
[0025]
In the figure, a hollow portion 17 a is formed at the center of the outer surface of the transparent cover 17. A condenser lens 19, a small image sensor 20 such as a CCD sensor, and a light emitting unit 21 as an illuminating device form an image reading device 18, which is mounted on a substrate 14c. The normal of the center point of the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 20, the optical axis of the condenser lens 19, and the center axis of the transparent cover 17 are substantially coincident, and the image from the transparent cover 17 is enlarged by the condenser lens 19. Then, an image is formed on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 20, and the formed optical image is picked up by the image pickup device 20 to obtain a video signal.
[0026]
Here, the subject of the image sensor 20 may be any subject that is naturally or artificially provided with a pattern, and the image sensor 20 images the pattern using the subject having this pattern as a subject. When the mouse remote controller 1 is moved, this pattern moves with respect to the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 20, and the image to be picked up changes. The moving speed and direction of the mouse remote controller 1 are detected from the change in the image. The subject of the image sensor 20 may be a hard surface such as a desk surface or a soft surface such as a cloth as long as it has a pattern. Therefore, when the mouse remote controller 1 of the first embodiment is used in the mouse mode, it can be used on a hard surface such as a desk, or on a soft surface such as a cloth, for example, a user's It can also be used on the knee.
[0027]
An indentation 17a is provided in an area on the outer surface of the transparent cover 17 that can be imaged by the image sensor 20, or in an area slightly wider than this, and light passing through the indentation 17a, that is, a subject image is imaged. The element 20 takes an image. The bottom surface of the recess portion 17a forms a plane parallel to the imaging surface of the image sensor 20, and the recess portion 17a has a depth d of about 0.3 mm, for example._ThreeThere is a shallow depression.
[0028]
Here, the outer surface of the transparent cover 17 has a slight clearance d with respect to the tip of the edge 2a of the case 2 as described above.₂(= Approx. 0.5 mm) is set, and is recessed from the tip of the edge 2a. Thus, as described above, even when the mouse remote controller 1 is used on a hard surface such as a desk in the mouse mode, the transparent cover 17 is not rubbed. Moreover, since the hollow part 17a is provided with respect to the area which the image pick-up element 20 of the outer surface of this transparent cover 17 image | photographs, for example, the hard fine particles like sand crush are on the desk, and this is a transparent cover. Even if it comes into contact with the outer surface of 17, the depression 17 can avoid the influence of the fine particles on the area imaged by the image sensor 20. There will be no scratches or scratches. Therefore, imaging can be performed with the imaging element 20 always in good condition.
[0029]
The transparent cover 17 functions as a shield that prevents dust and the like from entering the image reading device 18, and keeps the distance between the subject and the imaging surface of the image sensor 20 (that is, the subject distance) substantially constant. It also has a function to do.
[0030]
When the mouse remote controller 1 is used on a hard surface such as a desk, the hard surface coincides with the virtual plane S including the entire tip of the edge 2a forming the frame shape as a whole of the case 2. If the distance from 19 to the bottom surface of the hollow portion 17a of the transparent cover 17 is D, the distance from the hard surface as the subject to the condenser lens 19 is
D + d₂+ D_Three
It becomes. On the other hand, when the subject is a soft surface such as a cloth, if the mouse remote controller 1 is used to be pressed against this surface, this surface may be bent and enter the hollow portion 17a of the transparent cover 17. There is also. In this case, the distance from the soft surface as the subject to the condenser lens 19 is
D
It becomes. In this way, the distance from the subject to the condenser lens 19 varies depending on the state of the surface on which the mouse remote controller 1 is placed.
[0031]
However, clearance d₂, Depth d of the recess 17a_ThreeAs a small value as described above, the value (d₂+ D_Three) To be sufficiently smaller than the distance D, a value (d₂+ D_Three) Changes, the blur of the subject image formed on the imaging surface of the image sensor 20 is slight, and this may cause an influence that hinders detection of the moving speed and moving direction of the remote control mouse. Absent.
[0032]
Further, when the depth of the hollow portion 17a of the transparent cover 17 is sufficiently shallow as described above, dust or the like entering the hollow portion 17a can be easily removed with a cloth or the like, and the subject can be a cloth or the like. In this case, since it enters the dent portion 17a, the mouse remote controller 1 is moved, and the cloth as the subject wipes the bottom surface of the dent portion 17a, so that dust and the like are naturally removed. Become.
[0033]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the same operation as that of the conventional remote controller can be performed in the remote control mode, and the same operation as that of the mouse can be performed in the mouse mode. The use in the mouse mode allows the same operation as in the remote control mode to be performed on the operation target device such as a TV receiver, and whether to use as a normal remote control or as a mouse. You can choose. This selection may be performed, for example, by providing a selection switch on the remote control operation unit 5 (FIG. 1) and operating it, but in this first embodiment, the orientation sensor 15 (FIG. 2B) is selected. This selection can be made automatically according to the detection output of)). That is, when the posture sensor 15 detects that the mouse remote controller 1 is used with the upper surface 4 (FIG. 1) facing upward, the control unit 33 determines that the mouse mode is selected, and the remote controller operation unit 5 ( When it is detected that the mouse can be used as a mouse with the pointing device 10 in the stopped state and the pointing device 10 in the active state, and the back surface 3 (FIG. 1) of the mouse remote controller 1 is facing upward, The control unit 33 determines that the remote control mode is set, and conversely, the remote control operation unit 5 (FIG. 1) can be used as a remote control with the operating state and the pointing device 10 stopped. Therefore, by changing how the mouse remote controller 1 is held, the use mode between the mouse mode and the remote controller mode can be automatically selected, and the selection operation can be omitted.
[0034]
4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a video information system according to the present invention using the mouse remote controller 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, wherein 30 is an antenna, 31 is a radio wave transmitter, 32 is an infrared light emitter, 33 is a control unit, 34 is a storage unit, 35 is an operation means, 40 is a TV receiver, 41 is an external antenna, 42 is a broadcast radio wave reception unit, 43 is a control unit, 44 is a storage unit, 45 is a mouse radio wave reception unit, 46 is an internal antenna, 47 is an infrared light receiving unit, 48 is a video generation unit, 49 is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image generation unit, 50 is a video synthesis unit, 51 is a display unit, and 52 is an audio output unit. The parts corresponding to are assigned the same reference numerals. The video information system according to the present invention includes the mouse remote controller 1 and the image information display device described above. The image information display device is controlled and adjusted by the mouse remote controller 1. The information display device is a TV receiver.
[0035]
In the figure, in the TV receiver 40, when the mouse remote controller 1 is in the remote control mode, an infrared command signal from the mouse remote controller 1 is received by the infrared light receiving unit 47, and when the mouse remote controller 1 is in the mouse mode, A command signal by radio waves from the mouse remote controller 1 is received by the mouse radio wave receiving unit 45 from the internal antenna 46 and sent to the control unit 43. The control unit 43 controls each unit in response to the command signal.
[0036]
The broadcast program signal received and processed by the external antenna 41 and the broadcast radio wave receiver 42 is processed by the video generator 48 under the control of the controller 43, and is transmitted from the screen composition unit 50 to the display unit 51. Supplied and displayed. The audio information of the broadcast program signal is supplied to the audio output unit 52 and output as audio.
[0037]
Further, in response to a command from the mouse remote controller 1, the control unit 43 operates the GUI image generation unit 49 to generate a GUI image such as an electronic program guide, and this GUI image is displayed on the display unit via the screen composition unit 50. 51. Thereby, on the display unit 51, the GUI image is combined with the video of the broadcast program or displayed alone.
[0038]
Furthermore, the storage unit 44 is composed of a recording / playback device such as a VTR, and stores data such as broadcast programs received by the broadcast radio wave reception unit 42, moving pictures taken with movies, etc., still image (including photos) information, and the like. It is accumulated. The accumulated data is read out under the control of the control unit 43 and supplied to the display unit 51 via the video generation unit 48 and the screen synthesis unit 50, and the reproduced video is displayed.
[0039]
In the mouse remote controller 1, the control unit 33 determines whether the mouse remote controller 1 is in the remote control mode or the mouse mode according to the detection output of the attitude sensor 15. Here, the operation means 35 is composed of various operation buttons of the remote control operation unit 5 shown in FIG. 1, buttons 11 a and 11 b of the mouse operation unit 5 a, and the wheel 12. When it is determined that the remote control mode is set, the remote control operation unit 5 of the operation unit 35 is in an operating state, and when it is determined that the mouse remote control 1 is in the mouse mode, the mouse operation unit of the operation unit 35 is operated. 5a becomes an operation state.
[0040]
Therefore, when the control unit 33 determines that the mouse remote controller 1 is in the remote control mode based on the detection output of the attitude sensor 15, the control unit 33 enables the infrared light emitting unit 32 and operates the remote control operation unit 5 of the operation means 35. Is generated by the infrared light emitting unit 32, and the infrared light modulated in accordance with the command signal is emitted and transmitted to the TV receiver 40. As described above, this infrared light is received by the infrared light receiving unit 47 of the TV receiver 40, and this command signal is sent to the control unit 43. When it is determined that the mouse remote controller 1 is in the mouse mode, the radio wave transmission unit 31 is enabled, a command signal is generated in accordance with the operation of the mouse operation unit 5a of the operation means 35, and the radio wave transmission unit 31 A command signal transmission signal is generated and transmitted from the antenna 30 to the TV receiver 40 by radio waves. This radio wave is received by the mouse radio wave receiving unit 45 from the internal antenna 46 of the TV receiver 40 as described above, and this command signal is sent to the control unit 43.
[0041]
Thus, the mouse remote controller 1 can transmit a command signal to the TV receiver 40 by infrared rays or radio waves, and the TV receiver 40 can receive any of these, and the received command The above operation according to the signal is performed.
[0042]
Here, when the mouse remote controller 1 is in the remote control mode, the command signal is transmitted by infrared rays. When the mouse remote controller 1 is in the mouse mode, it is transmitted by radio waves, but the reverse may be possible. Regardless of the mode of use, the command signal may be transmitted by the same method, that is, by either infrared rays or radio waves.
[0043]
Transmission by wireless radio waves can be communicated to the target device without being obstructed by some obstacles in the transmission path, and the restriction on the place of use is relaxed.
[0044]
Therefore, by adopting transmission / reception using radio waves in the mouse mode, transmission / reception can be performed efficiently even when the mouse is operated on a table or safar away from the receiving unit. In remote control mode operation that can be easily operated toward the infrared receiver, transmission / reception using infrared rays is advantageous in terms of power saving.
[0045]
By adopting radio waves in both the mouse mode and the remote control mode, it is possible to efficiently transmit and receive regardless of obstacles. Moreover, by using infrared rays in both modes, a power-saving transmission / reception system can be obtained.
[0046]
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a specific example of a screen 51a displayed on the display unit 51 of the TV receiver 50 in accordance with the operation of the mouse remote controller 1, and FIG. The screen 51a by operation (mouse operation) when in the mode is shown, and FIG. 5B shows the screen 51a by the operation (remote control operation) when the mouse remote controller 1 is in the remote control mode. Here, for example, there are four selection legs 1, 2, 3, 4 for a broadcast program or the like, and a screen 51a for selecting one of them is shown as an example. In FIG. Shows an initial selection screen 51a before the selection operation, and (B) shows the selection screen 51a when the user selects a desired selection leg.
[0047]
First, in FIG. 5A when the mouse remote controller 1 is in the mouse mode, the selection screen 51a has the selection legs 1, 2, 3, 4 and an arrow for selecting one of them. On the initial selection screen 51a shown in (a), the free cursor 52 is away from any of the selection legs 1, 2, 3 and 4, and none of them is selected. In such a mouse mode, when the mouse remote controller 1 is moved in the above-described state, the free cursor 52 moves in the same direction as the moving direction at a speed corresponding to the moving speed.
[0048]
Then, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5A, when the free cursor 52 is made to match the desired selection leg, in this case, the selection leg 2, a frame 53 appears on the selection leg 2, and this selection is made. It is shown that leg 2 has been selected. Therefore, when the left button 11a (FIG. 1) is clicked, the selection of the selected leg 2 is determined, and the next screen display for the selected leg 2 is made. In this way, a mouse operation can be performed.
[0049]
Further, when the mouse remote controller 1 is in the remote control mode, in the initial state of the selection screen 51a in FIG. 5B, any one of the selection legs 1, 2, 3 and 4 as shown in FIG. In the display state, a frame-like step cursor 54 is attached to the selected leg 1. The step cursor 54 is matched with the selected selected leg. Therefore, for example, the selected leg 1 is selected as a default in this initial state.
[0050]
When selecting another selection leg, the cross button 7 (FIG. 1) of the remote control operation unit 5 is operated. With this operation, the step cursor 54 moves stepwise to the next selected leg and further to the next selected leg. When the upward triangle mark on the cross button 7 is operated, the step cursor 54 moves upward. When the downward triangle mark is operated, the step cursor 54 moves downward. When the right triangle mark is operated, the step cursor 54 moves to the right. When the left triangle mark is operated, the step cursor 54 moves to the left.
[0051]
Therefore, by operating the downward triangle mark of the cross button 7, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5B, the operation moves to the next selection leg 2 and is selected. Therefore, when the enter button 8 (FIG. 1) is operated, the selection of the selected leg 2 is determined, and the next screen display for the selected leg 2 is made. In this way, a remote control operation can be performed.
[0052]
Incidentally, when the user re-holds the mouse remote controller 1 in the display state as shown in FIG. 5 and changes the use mode of the mouse remote controller 1, the screen 51a replaces the display of the new use mode. For example, when the screen 51a shown in FIGS. 5A and 5A is displayed in the mouse mode and switched to the remote control mode, the display states shown in FIGS. 5B and 5A corresponding to the screen 51a are displayed. It becomes. That is, the screen 51a shown in FIGS. 5A and 5A and the screen 51a shown in FIGS. 5B and 5A show the same state, and their display methods differ depending on the use mode. Therefore, for example, when the screen 51a shown in FIGS. 5B and 5B is displayed in the remote control mode, when the use mode is switched from the remote control mode to the mouse mode, the screens shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are displayed. The display is switched to the screen 51a shown. In this case, the screen 51a shown in FIGS. 5B and 5B and the screen 51a shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are the same selection screen, and the selection leg 2 is selected. The contents are the same.
[0053]
In this way, when the screen is displayed on the display unit 51 of the TV receiver 40, even if the use mode is switched from the remote control mode to the mouse mode or vice versa, the display method is different. When a remote control operation using the remote control unit 5 is performed, a screen display suitable for the operation is performed, and when a mouse operation using the mouse operation unit 5a is performed, a screen display suitable for the operation is performed. Therefore, the user can change the operation mode at any time with a simple operation of moving the mouse remote controller 1 to the use mode in which the screen operation is easy.
[0054]
Note that the screen accompanying the operation of the mouse remote controller 1 is displayed on the TV receiver 40 shown in FIG. 4 under the control of the control unit 43 based on the command signal from the mouse remote controller 1. 49. The GUI image generation unit 49 stores data for generating the image, and generates a screen for mouse operation and a screen for remote control operation using the data.
[0055]
However, for this purpose, at the time of generating such a screen, the control unit 43 correctly determines whether the mouse remote controller 1 is instructing generation of a screen for mouse operation or a screen for remote control operation. Must be recognizable. Therefore, the control unit 33 of the mouse remote controller 1 always captures the detection output of the posture sensor 15 to recognize whether the mouse remote controller 1 is in the mouse mode or the remote control mode, and at least sends a command signal to the TV receiver. When transmitting to the machine 40, information indicating the use mode is added to the command signal and transmitted.
[0056]
As described above, in this embodiment, it can be used in any use mode of the remote control mode and the mouse mode, the use mode can be changed even during use, and always corresponds to the use mode. Screen display is made easier to operate the screen, improving operability.
[0057]
FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a second embodiment of the mouse remote controller according to the present invention. Reference numeral 55 denotes a pointing device. Parts corresponding to those in FIG.
[0058]
In the second embodiment, the pointing device 10 used for the mouse operation in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is also used as a cross button 7 and a decision button 8 as cursor moving means used for remote control operation. FIG. 6 shows this as a pointing device 55. The video information system using the second embodiment is also the same as that shown in FIG. 4, and the screen operation is the same as that described with reference to FIG. Therefore, these descriptions are also omitted.
[0059]
That is, in FIG. 6, the pointing device 55 is provided in the remote control operation unit 15, and the cross button 7 and the determination button 8 as in FIG. 1 are not provided. Since the configuration other than this is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, other drawings relating to the configuration of the mouse remote controller 1 are omitted, and the description thereof is also omitted.
[0060]
In the second embodiment, when the remote control mode is used with the back surface 3 facing upward, the pointing device 55 has the functions of the cross button 7 and the enter button 8 in FIG. The control unit 33 functions in this manner based on the detection output of the attitude sensor 15 in FIG. 4). Although not shown, the user touches and moves it with its fingertip to function as a cross button. It also functions as an enter button when pressed.
[0061]
Further, when the mouse 3 is used with the back surface 3 facing downward, this pointing device has the same function as the pointing device 10 in FIG. Therefore, this second embodiment can perform the same mouse operation as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0062]
In the screen operation shown in FIG. 5 of the second embodiment, the direction of the remote control unit 5 provided with the pointing device 55 is reversed depending on whether the mouse is used in the mouse mode or the remote control mode. Therefore, even if the moving direction of the subject is the same when viewed by the user, the pointing device 55 is reversed upside down. For this reason, in the case of the mouse mode and the case of the remote control mode, the moving image such as the free cursor 52 on the screen 51a in the mouse operation shown in FIG. 5A and the remote control operation shown in FIG. The moving direction of the moving image such as the step cursor 54 on the screen 51a is turned upside down. This can be realized, for example, by adding information for determining the moving direction according to the command signal in the mouse mode and the remote control mode by the control unit 33 (FIG. 4) of the mouse remote control 1.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the pointing device 55 in FIG. 6, showing a section along the dividing line ZZ in FIG. 6, 56 is a “decision” switch, and 57 is a hinge , 58 are user's fingertips, and parts corresponding to those in FIG.
[0064]
This pointing device 55 has the same configuration as that of the pointing device 10 shown in FIG. 3, but as shown in FIG. 7, one end of the transparent cover 17 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow by a hinge 57. And a “determination” switch 56 is provided opposite to the other end of the transparent cover 17.
[0065]
With this configuration, when the mouse remote controller 1 shown in FIG. 6 is used in the remote control mode, the surface of the transparent cover 17 can be touched with the fingertip 58. At this time, the fingerprint of the fingertip 58 is imaged by the image sensor 20 as a pattern. Accordingly, by moving the fingertip 58 with respect to the transparent cover 17, the same function as that of the pointing device 10 in the mouse mode shown in FIG. 3 can be obtained, that is, the cross button 7 shown in FIG. The same function will be obtained. Thereby, the operation such as the direction of the cursor and the moving speed can be adjusted by the feeling of the fingertip to be operated, and the operability is improved.
[0066]
Further, when the transparent cover 17 is pushed in with the fingertip 58, the transparent cover 17 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, and the “decision” switch 56 is turned on to execute the decision function, which is the same function as the decision button 8 shown in FIG. To be obtained. When the pressing by the fingertip 58 is released, the transparent cover 17 returns to the original state shown in the figure by a return means such as a spring (not shown).
[0067]
When the mouse remote controller 1 shown in FIG. 6 is used in the mouse mode, since it is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
[0068]
As described above, in the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the pointing device can also be used as a cross button or a determination button in the remote control mode. Therefore, the operation members in the remote control operation unit 5 can be reduced.
[0069]
In the above embodiments, the image information display device has been described as a TV receiver. However, as the image information display device, other image information display devices that can be operated with a remote control such as a projection display device or a personal computer. It may be.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the mouse remote controller according to the present invention, it can be used as a remote controller or a mouse, and can be used in an easy manner to operate the target device. Also, when used as a mouse, the pattern is optically read by a pointing device, so there are no restrictions on not only the desk but also the place where it is used, such as cloth, and the user's posture. , Usability is greatly improved.
[0071]
In addition, according to the mouse remote controller according to the present invention, since the pointing device provided in the remote control operation unit can be used as a cross button and a determination button in the remote control operation, it is possible to reduce the number of members in the remote control operation unit. It is possible to adjust the operation with the touch of the fingertip, and the operability is improved.
[0072]
Furthermore, according to the mouse remote controller according to the present invention, in the use mode as a remote controller, since the command signal by the operation of the remote controller operation unit is transmitted by infrared rays, it can be used in the same manner as a conventional remote controller, In the use mode as a mouse, the command signal is transmitted by radio waves, so even if there are some obstacles in the transmission path, transmission to the target device is possible without being obstructed by this. , The restrictions on the place of use will be relaxed.
[0073]
Furthermore, according to the mouse remote controller according to the present invention, since the selection of the use mode is determined based on the detection output of the attitude sensor, the user's operation for that is unnecessary, and the user can use his / her favorite use mode. Can be determined by how the case is held, improving usability.
[0074]
Furthermore, according to the mouse remote controller according to the present invention, the edge portion on the back side of the side surface of the housing protrudes from the various operation buttons and the pointing device of the remote control operation portion provided on the back surface. Even when used in the mouse mode, these operation buttons and pointing device are not damaged or rubbed on the operation surface.
[0075]
Furthermore, according to the mouse remote controller according to the present invention, the pointing device has a configuration in which the image reading means for reading the pattern of the subject is sealed with the transparent cover, so that entry of dust or the like into the image reading means can be prevented. In addition, the object to be imaged by the image reading means can be in contact with the transparent cover, and the distance between the image reading means and the object can be kept substantially constant, and the captured image of the pattern is always clear. Can get to.
[0076]
Furthermore, according to the mouse remote controller according to the present invention, since the image reading means on the outer surface of the transparent cover is provided with a depression in an area including at least a range for reading the subject, this reading range is always in an intact state or It can be in a state free from dust and the like, and a clear captured image can always be obtained from the image reading means.
[0077]
According to the video information system of the present invention, the display form of the cursor displayed on the display screen of the image information display device is changed according to the use mode of the mouse remote controller described above. An operation using an easy-to-display cursor can be performed.
[0078]
In addition, the pointing device with the mouse remote controller also functions as a cross button and a determination button in the use mode as the remote controller, and is displayed on the display screen of the image information display device with respect to the moving direction of the subject with respect to the pointing device. The cursor movement direction is reversed left and right according to the mode of use, so the cursor will automatically move in the direction that was in the direction of movement of the mouse remote control on the display screen in any mode of use. Thus, the user can operate the image information display device without any discomfort without considering the use mode at all, and the operability is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a mouse remote controller according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the mouse remote controller shown in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example of the pointing device in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a video information system according to the present invention using the mouse remote controller shown in FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a specific example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the TV receiver in accordance with the operation of the mouse remote controller.
FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a second embodiment of the mouse remote controller according to the present invention.
7 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the pointing device in FIG. 6. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Mouse remote control
2 cases
2a Edge
2b Outer case
3 Back
4 Top surface
5 Remote control unit
5a Mouse operation part
6 Power button
7 Cross button
8 OK button
9 Operation buttons
10 pointing devices
11a Left button
11b Right button
12 wheels
2a Edge of case 2
2b Outer case
13 Infrared light emitting device
14a, 14b substrate
15 Attitude sensor
16 Rotation reading unit
17 Transparent cover
18 Image reader
17a hollow
19 Condensing lens
20 Image sensor
21 Light emitting part
30 Antenna
31 Radio wave transmitter
32 Infrared light emitter
33 Control unit
34 Memory
35 Operating means
40 TV receiver
41 External antenna
42 Broadcast radio wave receiver
43 Control unit
44 storage
45 Mouse radio wave receiver
46 Internal antenna
47 Infrared detector
48 Video generator
49 GUI image generator
50 Video composition part
51 Display section
52 Audio output unit
55 pointing devices
56 “OK” switch
57 Hinge
58 User's fingertips

Claims (9)

A remote control operation unit consisting of various operation buttons is provided on the back of the housing, and a mouse operation unit including left and right buttons and a wheel is provided on the top surface of the housing, and the pattern of the subject is optically read into the remote control operation unit. A pointing device is provided, which is used as a remote control for operating the various operation buttons on the remote control operation unit, and used as an optical mouse for operating the mouse operation unit using the pointing device as a pattern reading means. A mouse remote controller that is configured to select a mode. In claim 1,
A mouse remote controller characterized by causing the pointing device to function as a cursor moving means and a determination button in a use mode as the remote controller. In claims 1 and 2,
In the use mode as the remote control, a command signal transmitted by operating the remote control operation unit is transmitted by infrared rays. In the use mode as the mouse, the command signal generated by operation of the mouse operation unit is transmitted by radio waves. And a mouse remote controller. In claim 1, 2 or 3,
A mouse remote controller comprising: a posture sensor that detects a reversal of a spatial vertical direction between an upper surface and a rear surface of the housing; and determining the use mode based on a detection output of the posture sensor. In claim 1, 2, 3 or 4,
The mouse remote controller characterized in that an edge on the back side of the side surface of the housing protrudes from the various operation buttons and the pointing device of the remote control operation unit provided on the back. In claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5,
The pointing device is
Image reading means for reading the pattern of the subject;
A mouse remote controller comprising a transparent cover for sealing the image reading means. In claim 6,
The mouse remote controller, wherein the transparent cover has a recess in an area including at least a range in which the image reading unit reads an object on an outer surface thereof. A video information system comprising the mouse remote controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an image information display device controlled by the mouse remote controller,
A video information system using a mouse remote controller, wherein a display form of a cursor displayed on a display screen of the image information display device is changed according to the use mode of the mouse remote controller. 5. A video information system comprising the mouse remote controller according to claim 4 and an image information display device controlled by the mouse remote controller, wherein the pointing device also functions as a cursor moving means and a determination button in a use mode as the remote controller. And
An image using a mouse remote controller, wherein the moving direction of the cursor displayed on the display screen of the image information display device is vertically inverted according to the use mode with respect to the moving direction of the subject with respect to the pointing device Information system.

Images