Portable controller

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to setting any one of a plurality of devices by transferring control information, and more particularly to a portable control device that stores and transfers control information. [0002]

[Conventional technology]

Electronic devices are very common and are becoming more and more so. The epidemic of electronic devices is partly due to the ability of processors to perform many functions with software stored in memory. By installing new software in memory, the hardware design can be reused and the device updated. When an electronic device provides an output or requires an input, the software supports the nature of the interface of that output and input presented to the user. Input / output interfaces and software vary by device type and even by manufacturer, even for the same device. As a result, anyone who wants to use the different features of one type of electronic device must be familiar with the vast variety of different input and output interfaces. [0003]

U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,411 discloses a system for inserting a smart card into a device. A smart card controls the selection of transactions that can be performed by the device that the user accesses. [0004]

UK Patents 2,296,584 and 2,296,801 disclose ways to make the device feel familiar to the user. The user sets a preference for a user interface that can be stored on the network or mobile device. The preference can be transferred from the mobile device to one application device and the attributes of the application device's user interface can be changed. Each attribute of the user interface is related to the user's biological sensations (visual, auditory, etc.). User interface attributes related to vision relate to font type, font size, menu order preference, window size, icon location, pattern, color, and analog or digital gauge or display graph preference. User interface attribute preferences common to multiple application devices can be automatically reused. Similar, but attribute preferences that are not retained in common with other application devices are used as a basis for predicting preferences for other application devices. These references relate to how one application device changes the appearance / display of its user interface to the user in a more familiar way. They relate to the application of the display method of the device itself, not the application of the response method to user input. [0005]

U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,781 discloses a computer system intended for use by a large number of people. The input user interface (handwriting or speech recognition system) is customized to accommodate each user's personal preferences. Each user's preferences can be stored on separate PCMCIA cards. The card allows the device to convert an individual's input (voice or handwriting) into a standard format that reflects the information content of that input. [0006]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

The present invention is based on the recognition that users still face unfamiliar features, although the input or output in a format familiar to the device as in the prior art can create a sensation of familiarity. Learn how to use the features of the new device, or get used to itIt is not always easy to understand how to use the features of a device in an unfamiliar environment. It is not easy to understand how to use an input interface to perform a function, especially if the input interface or accessible function is unfamiliar. For example, a remote control for a television in a foreign hotel room has different button positions and functions on its controller from manufacturer to manufacturer, and because it is labeled in a foreign language, it has a foreign language label on its input interface. It's difficult to use because I don't understand the contents well. It is also difficult to use a personal computer or workstation that is not configured to have well-known features, including well-known applications and content. [0007]

There is also a tendency to add value to electronic devices by providing more functions. Unfortunately, providing more functionality makes the device more difficult to control and further complicates the input and / or output interface. Advanced users of electronic devices may want to access all features at any time, while ordinary users have access to a relatively limited range of features, or instead of a simpler interface or ease of use. You may prefer to access features with fewer features. For example, in a video recorder, one user may only want to use the normal play, rewind, fast forward and stop features, while another user may want to access all the recording features as well. As another example, users using unfamiliar or unfamiliar software applications, such as unfamiliar or unpersonalized versions of word processing software, are themselves personalized or familiar with them. You'll want to use shortcut keystrokes. [0008]

Once users have set up their devices to reflect their preferences, they may not want to use the same or similar devices that do not reflect those preferences. Currently, adapting to each feature of a new product is a burden for the user. It is desired to make the electronic device easier for the user to use by reducing the burden on the user to adapt to each device. It is desirable to make it easier to learn how to use the new device. It is desirable to make familiar equipment easier to use in unfamiliar situations. [0009]

[Means for solving problems]

According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for setting the function of any one of a plurality of devices is provided by transferring control information from the portable control device, and each of the portable control devices is provided. An input means for receiving control information for setting a device, a memory circuit configured to store and call control information for setting each of the plurality of devices, and a memory circuit configured to call the device. Each device includes a user interface means for the user to interact with the device and an output means for the portable control device for transferring the called control information. Includes means that are wirelessly coupled to the device and control means that configure the device depending on the control information transferred by modifying at least one of the functions provided by the device. [0010]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable control device for storing control information for a plurality of devices and transferring the control information to set a function possessed by any one of the plurality of devices. The portable control device is wirelessly coupled to any one of the plurality of devices, and is an input means for receiving control information for setting another one of the plurality of devices, and a specific device. A memory circuit that stores control information for setting the specific device in association with the identification information and is set to call the control information related to the specific device, and any one of the plurality of devices. Includes output means configured to wirelessly couple and transfer control information associated with the calling device. [0011]

According to yet another aspect of the invention, an electronic device is provided that comprises processor means, user interface means by which the user can interact with the device and be controlled by said processor means, and control information. The processor means is provided by the device to read and depend on the control information stored in the memory, including an input means for receiving the and a memory for storing the received control information. Configure the device by changing at least one of its features. The function is how the device responds to user control. Functional changes are changes in the way the device responds to user control and can be manifested by technological changes in what the device does and / or in the way it is controlled. Functional changes can result in changes in I / O content, such as changes in control commands due to changes in the user interface, but not just changes in I / O format, appearance, characteristics or ordering, and also before. It does not simply change some of the accessible features provided by the device present in. [0012]

Changes in what the device can perform or can perform can be provided by changing the actual functionality available to the user. This change may be related to, for example, one of the following: Changing the range of functions provided by the device (eg changing the mode of use of the device from complex mode to simple mode and vice versa); certain functions (eg word processing, email) Changes to the software application that provides the software application (browser); changes to the contents of files used to control the software application or its equipment (eg, autoexec.bat, config.sys, win.ini, Browser bookmark file); or modification of the device's response to a given input. [0013]

Changes in the control method of a device can be provided by changing the control functions provided by the device. This change relates, for example, to the type or content of the user interface. For example, the type of user interface can be changed from voice activation to keyboard and vice versa. The content of the user interface can be modified, for example, to reflect changes in functionality provided by the device. Another example of a change in how the device is controlled is a change in the inputs required to obtain a given response. It is possible to assist in changing the function by additionally controlling any of the functions provided by the device accessed by the user, but this is not the function of the present invention. [0014]

According to another embodiment, the user interface means of the device comprises an input means having a display, and the user interface means is set to change the look and feel of the input means. Therefore, the interfaces can look the same and have different functions, or they can look different and have different functions. The control information defines the user's preference and controls the settings of the device. Control information includes, for example, software, configuration conditions, data or applications. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide the user with a means of automatically adapting the functionality of a device comprising a user interface to suit the user's preferences, thereby reducing the user's need to adapt to the device. To do. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the user can determine the control information stored in the portable control device. [0015]

Another invention, which forms part of this application but is not currently claimed, sets up any one of a plurality of devices by transferring control information from the portable control device. A system for is provided. The portable control device includes an input for receiving control information for setting each device, a memory circuit configured to store and call control information for setting each of the plurality of devices, and a memory circuit configured to store and call the control information. Each of the devices includes a first user input interface and an output for transferring the control information called for the device to the device, each of which is called with a user interface used by the user to control the device. Transferred by means of wirelessly coupling to the output of the portable control device to transfer control information and by replacing or enhancing the user interface of the device with the user input interface of the portable control device. It includes a control means for setting the device depending on the control information. In order to have a better understanding of the present invention and to have the method of carrying out the present invention understood, only the accompanying drawings will be referred to as examples. Hereinafter, similar elements are given similar reference numbers. [0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an electronic device 102 according to a conventional technique. The electronic device has a user interface 106, a processor 114, and a memory 116. The user interface has an input interface for receiving input to device 102 and / or an output interface for producing output from that device. The processor communicates with interface 106 through the interconnect 112 and with memory 116 through the interconnect 118. Memory 116 stores software that controls interface 106 through processor 114. The functions of device 102 and interface 106 are controlled by this software. The device 102 may be any device that requires input from the user. The device may be, for example, a television. The input interface 108 includes a socket for the antenna and a control device (preferably remote) for selecting channels, setting volume, brightness, color, contrast, and turning the device on and off. The output interface 110 includes a screen and at least one loudspeaker. [0017]

FIG. 2 shows an adaptive device 102 and a portable control device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Its adaptive device is similar to device 102 shown in FIG. 1, but with additional memory 120 and port 104. Port 104 is connected to processor 114 via the interconnect 128. The processor receives the control information 100 from the mobile control device 2 and supplies the control information 100 to the mobile control device 2 via the port 104 and the interconnect 128. In practice, additional memory 120, which may be part of memory 116, is connected to processor 114 through the interconnect 126. The additional memory 120 includes a first portion 122 that stores an ID code that identifies the device and a second portion 124 that stores software. This software controls how the processor responds to the control information received from the mobile control device 2 and controls the control information provided by the processor 114 to the mobile control device 2. [0018]

The portable control device 2 according to the present embodiment includes a processor 10, a memory 6 for storing control information, a switching element 20 for controlling the transfer of control information between the portable control device 2 and the device 102, and the like. Port 4 for supplying control information to device 102 and receiving control information from device 102, output 22 for providing information to the user, input 12 for receiving input from the user, and a functional circuit. It has 18 and a power supply unit 16. The switching element may be booted by the user or booted automatically and provided as hardware or software. The processor receives an input from a switching element, writes and reads to and from memory 6 via the interconnect 8, controls input 12, receives a signal from it via the interconnect 14, and outputs 22 by signal 24. To control. The functional circuit 18 represents a circuit required to enable the portable control device 2 to perform other functions incidental to the present invention. For example, functional circuits 18 allow mobile devices to be additionally used as mobile phones, personal organizers, watches, and the like. The power supply device 16 is a battery cell that supplies electric power to other elements in the portable control device 2. The memory 6 is preferably a type of non-volatile memory capable of writing and reading. Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM or "flash memory") is suitable. [0019]

Communication of control information between the device 102 and the mobile control device 2 can be performed by any suitable means. An electrical connection can be made between port 104 and port 4. Preferably, the port can be a wireless transceiver through which control information is transmitted as radio waves between them. Such transmissions are preferably point-to-point. British Patent Application No. 9820860.6, filed September 24, 1998, discloses a low power radio frequency communication scheme (Bluetooth), which can be used to communicate between controller 2 and device 102. Yes, the content of this application is incorporated herein by reference. Another alternative is to use an infrared (IR) transceiver that can transmit control information as infrared between ports 104 and 4. [0020]

By activating the switching element 20 in the first position, the processor 10 enters the "receive mode", and by activating the element 20 in the second position, the processor enters the "transmit mode". The switching element 20 can be implemented as hardware or software. In the "reception mode", the processor 10 receives the control information 100 from the device 102 and stores the control information in the memory 6. Typically, the device is set to reflect the user's preferences by the user before entering receive mode, and the transferred control information identifies these preferences. In the "transmission mode", the processor transmits control information from the memory 6 of the mobile control device 2 to the device 102. The control information identifies the functional preferences of the user, and the device 102 automatically resets itself to reflect these preferences. [0021] [0021]

Upon entering receive mode, processor 10 sends a request to device 102 for control information 100. This request is sent from port 4 to port 104. Processor 114 in device 102 receives the request and enters "setup" mode. A processor under software control in memory 6 identifies user-rewritable device settings, and then any of those settings differ from the default, ie, factory-preconfigured functionality. Identifies features that have been modified or added by the user. These settings represent a set of modified or preferred settings. A processor under the control of the software allows the user to identify preferences such as settings, software, applications or data that the user wants to use when the same or similar device is set by the mobile controller. To. These preferences represent a set of selected settings. The control information 100 includes information defining user preferences, including its preferred settings and any selected settings. [0022]

User preferences include information for setting the functionality of the device. Reconfiguration can change the way the user can control the device. In particular, it can change the way the user controls the device via the user interface 106. The control information is transmitted with the ID code of the device. This code identifies the device as a particular type. For example, the first n high-order bits (device ID) can identify the type of device, such as television, telephone, video recorder, and so on. The next few high-order bits (model ID) can identify the make and model. The control information and the ID code are transmitted from the device 102 to the mobile control device 2. The processor 10 of the mobile control device 2 identifies the ID code and stores the control information in the memory 6. One method of storing control information is then described here with reference to Figure 3. The processor allocates a part α of memory 6 as a reference table. The processor translates the ID code into the start address a in memory 6 and the control information containing the preferred and arbitrarily selected settings is written to memory. Control information is written to memory in such a way that the last bit is ordered to occupy address b. An entry containing its ID code, start address a and end address b is created in the reference table. Control information is stored in two logical layers. The upper layer identifies preferred types A, B, C ... and provides pointers to lower layer parts. The lower layer stores the actual settings, applications, software or data that realize the preference in device 102. When the control information is stored correctly, the processor returns an acknowledgment to device 102 and signals the user via output 22. Failure in the transfer process is also indicated via output 22. [0023]

It is preferred that the processor 114 in the device 102 flag a common preference in the control information for all devices having the same device ID in the ID code before transmitting to the mobile control device 2. In this example, the processor produces two separate entries in the reference table. One entry under the full ID code identifies the memory area that stores all preferences, and one entry under the device ID stores only those flagged preferences. Identify the memory area that is in use. The flagged preferences are a subset of the preferences, so there is no need to store the flagged preferences twice. Instead, two tiers associated with the entries in the two different reference tables can point to the same portion of memory that stores the flagged preference settings. Explaining FIG. 3, memory parts cd, ef, and gh represent parts of memory that store control information for different devices. Part ij is the available memory. [0024]

Upon entering the "transmission mode", the mobile control device 2 transmits a transmission request to the device 102. Processor 114 of device 102 reads its ID code from memory 120 and sends it to mobile controller 2 via port 104, and by loading and executing software in portion 124 of memory 120. respond. The processor 10 in the portable control device decrypts the received ID code that identifies the device 102. It then accesses the portion of memory 6 that stores the control information associated with the device's identification information and sends that control information to device 102 via port 4. Specific methods for accessing control information are described with reference to FIG. The processor 10 accesses the reserved portion α of the memory 6 and reads the reference table from the memory. The processor searches the reference table for an entry that has the same ID code that it received from device 102. If an entry is found, the control information in the portion of memory identified in the reference table is read and sent to device 102. If no entry is found, the processor searches the reference table for an entry that has the same device ID as in the first part of the ID code received from device 102. If this second entry is found, the control information in the memory portion identified in the reference table is read and sent to device 102. If the second entry is not found, a null signal is sent to device 102, instructing it to use the current setting or, instead, the default setting for that device, informing the user via output 22. .. [0025]

The processor 114 receives the control information or the null signal from the portable device 2 under the control of the software in the memory 120. It identifies if any preference needs to be implemented. This requires identification of which settings need to be adjusted and the extent to which they should be adjusted. Processor 114 then controls the adjustment. It also needs to store any software, application or data received as a preference in memory 116 and make it accessible. When the preferred implementation is complete, the processor sends back a signal to portable controller 2 indicating that the adjustment has been successfully completed. The mobile device informs the user via output 22. Therefore, the device 102 is set and the appearance of the function of the device 102 to the user is changed. [0026]

Although voice activation control of devices has become widespread, users and devices must agree to command words in order to be able to control the device, and the devices are spoken of those command words. Sometimes you have to be aware of it. This generally requires the device to be trained by the user. The portable control device can avoid or alleviate these problems. In one embodiment, the mobile controller allows the language used, the command word used, and the device to understand the user's voice and / or identify it from other voices. Stores information that defines the user's voice attributes, such as the attributes to be used. The mobile control device transfers this information to the device, thereby allowing the user to control the device using voice commands. In another embodiment, the input 12 of the mobile control device receives a voice command from the user. When the mobile control device sets the function of the device, the input 12 of the mobile control device becomes the input to the set device, and the set device is the voice command given to the input 12 of the mobile control device. Can be controlled. In this embodiment, the portable controller stores information that defines the user's voice attributes that allow the controller to understand the user's voice commands and / or distinguish them from other voices. Memory 6 can be configured to have a dedicated portion that defines the voice attributes of the user. The portable control device 2 is configured to always transfer voice attributes or other control information to the device 102 in transmit mode, even if the reference table does not contain an ID code or an entry for the device ID. be able to. This allows the mobile control device to be used to set new devices or features of the new device for the mobile control device. [0027]

In the above description of the reception mode, the control information has been described as being received from the device 102. However, as an alternative, the preferred settings can be entered directly into the mobile controller via Input 12. Alternatively, a computer or device can provide control information for port 4. In the above embodiment, the switching element is described as a part of the portable control device 2. However, it may instead be part of device 102, which can be implemented as hardware or software. It is desirable, but not essential, to have an output 22 to keep the user informed about the progress. Input 12 is optional. The PSU is optional as it can be powered by device 102 via port 4. Functional circuit 18 is optional. [0028]

Explaining FIG. 4a, another portable controller 2 is shown. The portable control device does not include the above optional element. In addition, it has a decoding circuit instead of a processor. The decoding circuit simply performs the functions described in connection with FIG. The decoding circuit writes the control information associated with a particular device to memory 6 and recalls the correct control information when the portable control device is needed to reconfigure the same or similar device. Can be made possible. Explaining FIG. 4b, another portable controller 2 is shown, which may be a wireless memory card. The portable control device does not have the above optional elements. In addition, it has no processor or decoding circuit, but has port 4 and memory 6. The function of the portable control device of FIG. 4b is similar to that of FIG. 4a, but decoding is performed in device 102 (not shown) to access memory 6 for storing and recalling control information 100. This may require memory 6 with dedicated parts for certain types of devices to avoid collisions between dissimilar devices. Instead, memory can store each preference separately with its own address, allowing each preference to be accessed separately. [0029]

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the portable control device 2 includes an input 12. This input in one embodiment includes a menu key. When that menu key is pressed, a signal is sent to device 102, which temporarily sends a menu over output 110 of device 102 (if present). This menu can identify the function of input 12 or other keys when used in connection with device 102. The menu can display the function as an icon or text, which can be selected by the user, eg, by pointing and clicking using the cursor control and selection device on input 12. Therefore, the input 12 can replace or extend the user input of the device. Input 12 according to another embodiment includes a keypad having a plurality of keys as shown in FIG. 5a. Each key 52 is associated with an LCD display 54 (or part of the LCD screen) for displaying symbols. After the mobile control device transmits the control information to the device 102, the input 12 of the mobile control device is reset. The processor 114 of the device sends back information defining the function of the key of the mobile control device 2 to the mobile control device. A symbol associated with a key displays the function of that key, and by pressing that function, device 102 is remotely controlled to perform that function. [0030]

Input 12 according to another embodiment includes a touch-sensitive LCD screen 56 as shown in FIG. 5b. When control information is transmitted to device 102, device 102 returns information that defines not only its function, but also the appearance of input 12. The LCD screen can display the symbol 58 used to represent the function with or without the display of text. For example, if the portable controller emulates a video controller, "<<" represents rewind, ">>" represents fast forward, "" represents recording, and so on. The LCD screen can display help messages. The LCD screen also allows complex functions to be performed as a yes / no input or a series of simple selections that require a simple single input. The choices shown as the question can be displayed on the screen as symbols along with the answers provided next to them. By touching the screen where the symbol is displayed, the mobile control device 2 controls the device 102 to perform the function associated with the symbol. [0031]

FIG. 6 shows a system that includes a portable controller 2 and a plurality of devices 102 (such as a television), a video recorder, a personal computer, a telephone, an air conditioning unit, and a set-top box. Each of the illustrated devices has an input and can be reconfigured by means of the portable control device 2. Although specific devices are shown, it should be understood that any device with an electronically controlled user interface is suitable. The portable control device can hold control information for each of the illustrated devices 102. The TV shown is a digital TV. The mobile control device can be associated with the TV ID code and user preference. One possible preference is that the user is personally restricted from joining all types of programs, or one subset, eg, the user's program provider, or is explicitly stated by the user. Since it is forbidden to see sex and violence programs, it is possible to identify whether or not they have access to only a subset. Yet another preference is to control the type of program that users are prompted to watch, for example, movies, dramas, thrillers, world news, business news, comedy, and so on. Another preference is to use the TV as a monitor to provide the TV with the software needed to play your favorite games. For TVs that are linked to the World Wide Web (WWW) via a set-top box, the user's bookmarks can be transferred and displayed, for example, as an icon on the TV screen. [0032]

The portable control device can be associated with the personal computer ID code shown in FIG. 6 and the user's preference for the PC. Its preferences include data files that define preferred settings, such as the "autoexec.bat", "config.sys" and "win.ini" files that are currently commonly used to control PCs. be able to. The preference also includes access rights and can also include application files that provide the software necessary to run the user's favorite application. The mobile control device can be associated with the telephone ID code shown in FIG. 6 and the user's preference for the telephone. The preferences can include preferences that allow the phone to respond to spoken input from the user, and these preferences include instructions for the spoken language, the user's pronunciation dictionary, and the user's address book. Can include. Alternatively, the preference can be applied to the phone to its speed dial function so that the user can dial the desired phone number from the user's phone book via the phone by pressing a single key. .. The mobile control device can also allow access to the telephone network and store it as an access code for control information to control billing for the cost of access to the user's billing account. [0033]

For some applications, it may be preferable that the portable control device be set up automatically when it is nearby. A simple arbitrage scheme can be used to handle the situation when two or more mobile devices are within range. For other applications, it is desirable for the device to be aware when the device does not need to be configured for its own preferences, for example when the user leaves the device. The device can check if the portable control device is within the specified range of the device. This range may vary from device to device. When the user and mobile device move out of that range, the device can be automatically reset to the default settings or switched off. It also provides the user with the option of manually informing the device, which can be reconfigured or switched off. Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in the above description, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is the schematic which shows the component of one type of apparatus by the prior art. [Figure 2]

It is the schematic which shows the component of the apparatus and the control apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. [Fig. 3]

It is a figure which shows one method which configures the storage of the control information in the memory of a portable control device. [Fig. 4]

a and b are schematics showing the components of another portable control device. [Fig. 5]

a and b are schematics showing a feasible user interface in a portable control device. [Fig. 6]

It is a figure which shows the system which consists of a plurality of independent devices, and a portable control device which stores control information for setting arbitrary one of the devices.