JPH10187407A - External device control method by audio signal - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] (Modified) [Problem] When controlling an external device using a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box using an external device connection terminal, a common external device control method for different types of terminal devices. It was very difficult to transform. SOLUTION: When an external device is to be controlled by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box, an audio signal that can be recognized by the external device is output as an audio output signal of the terminal device or the like. When an audio signal is received, the audio signal is decoded and an operation corresponding to the signal is performed. According to the present invention, even if the terminal device does not have an external device connection terminal such as a serial terminal or a parallel terminal, or if the terminal device is already used for another external device, the present invention can be applied to a personal computer or the like. It becomes possible to control the external device control method using a terminal device, a set-top box or the like in common.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box using an audio signal output from the terminal device or the set-top box. The present invention relates to an external device control method using an audio signal that is controlled by the external device.

[0002] In the external device control method using an audio signal according to the present invention, an audio signal that can be recognized by an external device is output to an audio output signal of a terminal device or the like, and when the external device receives the audio signal, the external device decodes the audio signal. Thus, an operation according to the signal is performed.

[0003]

Conventionally, when an external device is controlled by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box, an external device connection terminal such as a serial terminal or a parallel terminal mounted on the terminal device is connected. I was using it. Therefore, if the terminal device does not have these external device connection terminals, or if the terminal device is already used for another external device, the only alternative is to mount a new external device connection terminal or give up.

[0004] When an external device is controlled using these external device connection terminals, a control program for operating the external device connection terminals generally includes the type of each terminal device and the type of the external device connection terminal. It is very difficult to use a common external device control method for different types of terminal devices because they differ depending on the type and the like.

[0005]

According to the present invention, an external device control method using an audio signal is used when an external device is controlled by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box. An external device outputs an audio signal that can be recognized. When the external device receives the audio signal, the external device decodes the audio signal and operates according to the signal.

In the external device control method using audio signals according to the present invention, audio signals output from terminal devices such as personal computers and set-top boxes are converted into data, and the data is incorporated in the terminal devices in advance. Program or external storage medium (floppy disk, C
D) or a network (telephone line, satellite line, broadcast radio wave, etc.) connected to the terminal device, or the like.

For this reason, a serial terminal,
Alternatively, when an external device connection terminal such as a parallel terminal is not mounted, or even when it is already used for another external device, the external device can be controlled. In the case where the external device is controlled using the device connection terminal, the present invention can be applied to a case where the control cannot be performed due to different types of control programs for operating the external device connection terminal. It becomes possible to control the external device control method using a terminal device, a set-top box or the like in common.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which an external device control system using audio signals according to the present invention is applied to a system connecting an Internet terminal, a television, and a video. In FIG. 1, I
NT is an Internet terminal, and LIN is a telephone line.
TV is a television or VTR video tape recorder. L
NO is a line output terminal, LN1 is a first line input terminal, and LN2 is a second line input terminal. Line output terminal LNO and first and second line input terminals LN1, LN
2 is a VIDEO terminal for video signals and A for audio signals, respectively.
It has UDIOR and AUDIOL terminals.

The Internet terminal INT is a telephone line LI
N, and the line output terminal LNO of INT is connected to the first line input terminal LN1 of the television TV.
A line output terminal LNO of the television TV is connected to a first line input terminal LN1 of the video tape recorder VTR,
The line output terminal LNO of the TV is connected to the second line input terminal LN2 of the television TV.

The operation of the system configured as described above will be described below. The display image of the Internet terminal INT is displayed on the television TV, and at the same time, the video VTR
Can record this. Here, an example in which a television program is scheduled to be recorded on a video will be described. On the Internet to which the Internet terminal INT is connected via the telephone line LIN, a TV program guide is published.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a television program guide displayed on the Internet. As shown in FIG. 2, the TV program guide displayed on the Internet displays the content of the broadcast program of each channel and the broadcast time such as the date and time of the broadcast. When you select a program you want to record by watching, data (month, day, time, channel, etc.) for recording reservation of each selected program
Can be downloaded as data for outputting as a voice signal.

In order to make a recording reservation, the user operates the Internet terminal INT to display a television program guide published on the Internet as shown in FIG. 2 on the television TV. When making a reservation for recording on the video tape recorder VTR using the TV program guide displayed on the screen of the TV TV, first, a cursor or the like on the screen of the TV TV is used to select a program to be reserved for recording, and then, By checking the reservation mark on the screen, the reservation setting can be instructed to the Internet terminal INT.

The Internet terminal INT is a television TV
After receiving a reservation setting instruction, the data of the program to be reserved (broadcast date, start time, end time, channel, etc.)
Is downloaded from the telephone line LIN. When the downloading of the data of the program to be reserved is completed, the Internet terminal INT outputs the audio signal of the program reservation data from the audio terminals AUDIOOR and AUDIOL of the line output terminal LNO.

The program reservation data output from the audio terminals AUDIOOR, AUDIOL of the Internet terminal INT is input to the line input LN1 of the television TV,
The signal is output from the line output terminal of the television TV and is input to the line input terminal LN1 of the video tape recorder VTR.
The video tape recorder VTR has a line input terminal LN1.
When there is a data signal of a predetermined format in the audio signal input to the CPU, it is regarded as the data of the recording reservation, and the processing of the recording reservation is performed.

In the recording reservation processing, it is determined whether the received recording reservation data is correct data, and if it is correct, the data is set in the recording reservation data buffer, and an operation is performed so as to enter a standby state for reserved recording. The operation of the video tape recorder VTR after entering the standby state for the scheduled recording is the same as that of a general video tape recorder, and a description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of each device constituting the system of the external device control system based on the audio signal of the present invention.

First, the Internet terminal INT outputs a signal for displaying data of the modem MO for transferring signals to and from the telephone line LIN, a data processor DPS for performing data processing of terminal functions, and a data processor DPS. It has a video output section DS and an audio output section AU for outputting a signal for outputting data of the data processing section DPS as audio. The television TV has a line output terminal LNO having a video output and audio output function similarly to the one shown in FIG. 1, and a first line input terminal LN1 having a video input and audio input function.
And a second line input terminal LN2.

The video tape recorder VTR has a data detection unit DT and a control unit CN for detecting a data signal from an audio signal applied to an input terminal of the audio signal and extracting the data signal. The control unit CN has a function of setting a program reservation by a signal of the data detection unit DT, and is constituted by a timer TM and a reservation buffer BM. CU is a tuner of the video tape recorder VTR, and VT is a video circuit having a video / audio circuit and a recording / reproducing unit.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a specific audio control signal when recording reservation data is output as an audio signal. FIG.
In A, an identification sound part outputs a continuous sound of IkHz in a signal part indicating that the sound signal is a recording reservation data signal. B is a part indicating header data indicating recording reservation by a recording reservation symbol. C is a portion of the program data indicating actual recording reservation data. D performs an operation for detecting a reception error of a series of data in the checksum portion. The data B, C, and D are composed of serial code signals representing "1" and "0". In each data, "1" is a 2 kHz voice and "2" is a 300 Hz voice.

The audio signal of the recording reservation data shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted from the audio terminal AUDIO of the Internet terminal INT.
When output from the R and AUDIOL, this signal is input to the line input LN1 of the television TV, output from the line output terminal of the television TV, and input to the line input terminal LN1 of the video tape recorder VTR.

The video tape recorder VTR includes a fixed time at the start of data output for indicating a recording reservation data signal as shown in FIG. 4A, 1 kHz, in the audio signal input to the line input terminal LN1. When there is a signal indicating the identification sound part of the continuous sound, the video tape recorder VTR receives this signal, and the video tape recorder VTR receives this signal. Enter the recording reservation process.

The recording reservation data signal includes a continuous sound of IkHz followed by header data for indicating recording reservation, data of actual recording reservation, and a checksum for detecting a reception error of a series of data. A data signal is configured. In this case, any data is 1 kHz at 2 kHz.
The sound of z, .2, is a sound of 300 Hz.

The control unit CN receives an actual recording reservation data signal in order to set a program reservation based on a signal from the data detection unit DT, checks a data reception error with respect to the actual recording reservation data signal. Processing is performed by the timer TM and the reservation buffer BM to set a reservation. It should be noted that the data format of the audio signal used for controlling the external device is not limited to that described above, and it is possible to transmit more data or to reduce the number of data.

Although the identification sound is simply a continuous sound here, it can be coded or mixed with a plurality of frequency components to further prevent erroneous reception. Here, the data is simply converted to an audio signal using a combination of two frequencies. However, if both the terminal device and the video are compatible, other conversion methods (phase modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of these methods) can be used. Or the like). Also, a checksum for detecting a reception error may not be necessary, and error correction may be performed.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a recording reservation was made in a video tape recorder. However, the present invention can also be applied to the direct reproduction and recording of video, switching of channels, turning on / off of power, and the like. Control, and further, initial settings such as channel settings. Further, the present invention can be applied to a case where external devices such as a television and an audio device are controlled other than the video as required.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the present invention is connected to a remote controller for infrared signals. In FIG. 5, FIG.
Devices having the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. INT is a terminal device. VTR is terminal device INT
Is an external device controlled by the The external device is a device such as a television or a video tape recorder, the control of which has an infrared receiving unit UR, and has a function of being controlled by a remote control signal of an infrared signal applied to the device. RCN is a remote control device, a terminal device IN
The control signal of the audio signal from T is received, converted into a remote control signal of an infrared signal, and output from the infrared signal output terminal UO.

In the system configured as described above, when an audio signal for controlling the external device VTR is applied to the audio signal terminal SI of the remote control device RCN from the terminal device INT, the signal is transmitted to the external device VTR by the remote control device RCN. The signal is converted into an infrared signal for control, output from the infrared signal output terminal UO of the RCN, and applied to the infrared receiving unit UR of the external device VTR. Thus, the external device is controlled according to the remote control signal of the infrared signal applied to the infrared receiving unit UR.

As described above, by controlling the external device VTR from the terminal device INT via the remote control device RCN, the external device controlled by remote control signals of various infrared signals widely used at present is controlled. So its use expands. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the present invention is configured to transmit sound through a speaker and a microphone and wirelessly control an external device.

In FIG. 6, devices having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. INT is a terminal device, and the terminal device INT has a speaker SP for transmitting an audio signal for control, and outputs a mote control signal of re-audio from the speaker SP. The VTR is an external device controlled by the terminal device INT. The external device is a device such as a television or a video tape recorder, the control of which has a microphone MC for receiving a control signal, and has a function of being controlled by an audio remote control signal applied thereto.

In the system configured as described above, an audio signal for controlling the external device VTR is output from the terminal device INT as a mote control signal of audio from a speaker SP for transmitting an audio signal for control, and the external device VT is output.
It is added to the microphone MC for receiving the control signal of R. As a result, the external device is controlled according to the remote control signal of the sound applied to the microphone MC.

As described above, by directly controlling the external device VTR by voice from the terminal device INT,
Various external devices can be controlled only by attaching an audio control signal receiving device using a microphone to the external device, so that the use thereof is expanded.

[0031]

According to the external device control method based on the audio signal of the present invention, when the external device is controlled by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box, the external device recognizes the audio output signal of the terminal device or the like. When an external device receives the audio signal, the external device decodes the audio signal and operates according to the signal.

Therefore, even if the terminal device does not have an external device connection terminal such as a serial terminal or a parallel terminal, the external device can be controlled if it has an audio signal output terminal.
In addition, since a common signal called an audio signal is used in most terminal devices, even for terminal devices of different types, a standard external device control method for each terminal device can be established simply by standardizing a method for outputting an audio signal. Can be made.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an embodiment in which an external device control method using audio signals according to the present invention is applied to a system in which an Internet terminal is connected to a television and a video.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a television program guide displayed on the Internet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of each device constituting a system of an external device control system using an audio signal according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a specific audio control signal when recording reservation data is output as an audio signal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the present invention is connected to a remote controller for infrared signals.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which audio is transmitted by a speaker and a microphone to wirelessly control an external device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

INT: Internet terminal, LIN:
Telephone line, TV: TV, VTR: Video tape recorder, LNO: Line output, L
N1 ... Line input 1, LN2 ... Line input 2,
MO: modem, DPS: data processing unit,
DS: video output unit, AU: audio output unit,
DT: data detection unit, CN: control unit,
MT: timer, BF: reserved buffer CU: tuner, VT: video / audio recording / reproducing unit, A: identification sound, B: recording reservation symbol, C: program data, D: checksum, SO: audio signal output terminal, SI: audio signal input terminal, RCN: remote control device, U
O: infrared output terminal, UR: infrared input terminal, SP: spiker, MC: microphone

Claims (8)

[Claims] A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box,
An external device control method using an audio signal in which the external device is controlled using an audio output control signal generated from a terminal device, a set-top box, or the like. 2. A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box.
When trying to control an external device, an audio signal that can be recognized by the external device is output to an audio output signal of a terminal device, a set-top box, or the like. When the external device receives the audio signal, the external device decodes the audio signal, An external device control method using an audio signal that operates according to the signal. 3. A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box,
When trying to control an external device, the audio signal output from the terminal device or set-top box is converted into data, and the data is stored in a program built in the terminal device in advance or an external storage medium (floppy disk, CD). ) Or an external device control method using an audio signal, which is generated by a program downloaded from a network (telephone line, satellite line, broadcast radio wave, etc.) connected to the terminal device. 4. A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box,
When trying to control an external device, the audio signal output from the terminal device or set-top box is converted into data, and the data is stored in a program built in the terminal device in advance or an external storage medium (floppy disk, CD). Etc.) or a program downloaded from a network (telephone line, satellite line, broadcast wave, etc.) connected to the terminal device, etc. When the external device receives the audio signal, the external device outputs the audio signal. An external device control method based on an audio signal that decodes and operates according to the signal. 5. A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box,
When attempting to control an external device, an audio signal output from a terminal device, a set-top box, or the like first generates an identification sound indicating that it is an audio control signal, and then generates a data indicating the content of the control. An external device control method using an audio signal, wherein a series of output signals are output. 6. A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box,
When attempting to control an external device, an audio signal output from a terminal device, a set-top box, or the like first generates an identification sound indicating that it is an audio control signal, and then generates a data indicating the content of the control. An external device control method using an audio signal, wherein a series of generated signals are output, and thereafter, a checksum signal for detecting an error of the signal is output. 7. A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box,
When attempting to control an external device, use a remote control device that recognizes an audio output signal of a terminal device, a set-top box, or the like and generates an infrared control signal that can be recognized by the external device corresponding to the audio output signal. Is an external device control method using an audio signal which receives an infrared signal from the remote control device, decodes the infrared signal, and operates according to the signal. 8. A system for controlling an external device by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a set-top box,
When attempting to control an external device, an audio signal that can be recognized by the external device is generated from a speaker such as a terminal device or a set-top box, and the external device receives the audio signal with a microphone and decodes the audio signal. , An external device control method using an audio signal that operates according to the signal.