Remote-control system, remote controller, remote-control method, information-processing device, information-processing method, and program

• US 8,724,527 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2006
• Issued: 05/13/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Takahashi, Naomasa, Karasawa, Hidenori, Shiomi, Takayuki, Ikeda, Yasuhisa
• Primary Examiner(s): Blanton, John
• Assistant Examiner(s): CRUTCHFIELD, CHRISTOPHER M
• Application Number:
  US11/374,187
• Publication Number:
  US 20060220902A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,982 Days
• Field of Search: 370/429
• US Class Current: 370/310
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0384 Wireless input, i.e. hardware and software details of wireless interface arrangements for pointing devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03547 Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1141 One-way transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0035 User-machine interface; Control console input or output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00352 Input means H04N1/00411 takes precedence; input arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00384 Key input means, e.g. buttons or keypads electromechanical details of key input means in general H01H13/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00392 Other manual input means, e.g. digitisers or writing tablets
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42204 User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor constructive details of casings for the remote control device H01H9/0235; user interfaces for controlling a tuning device of a television receiver through a remote control H03J9/00; remote control of peripheral devices connected to a television receiver through the remote control device of the television receiver H04B1/205
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4221 Dedicated function buttons, e.g. for the control of an EPG, subtitles, aspect ratio, picture-in-picture or teletext
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42212 Specific keyboard arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42224 Touch pad or touch panel provided on the remote control

Abstract

A remote-control system includes a remote controller which transmits the command signal corresponding to an operation performed by a user, and an information-processing device which receives the command signal and performs the processing corresponding to the command signal. The remote controller includes a sensing unit that has the sensing areas corresponding to areas provided on a screen showing an image of a video signal transmitted from the information-processing device on a one-to-one basis and that senses at least one of a touch operation and a press-down operation performed by a user for the sensing area, a generation unit that generates the command signal according to the sensing result, and a transmission unit that transmits the command signal. The information-processing device includes a reception unit that receives the command signal, and a processing unit that performs the processing corresponding to the command signal.

Claims

1. A remote-control system, comprising:

a remote controller for controlling an information-processing device, the remote controller transmitting a command signal which corresponds to an operation performed by a user;

the information-processing device configured to receive the command signal and perform processing in response to the command signal; and

a display configured to display, to the user, at least one element of content associated with a video signal transmitted from the information-processing device,

wherein the remote controller includes;

sensing means for sensing an operation performed by the user in at least one of a plurality of coplanar sensing areas corresponding to selectable areas provided within the display, the sensing areas being separated from adjacent ones of the sensing areas by a depression;

generation means for generating the command signal in accordance with a result of the sensing means; and

transmission means for transmitting the command signal;

wherein the information-processing device includes;

reception means for receiving the command signal;

determining means for determining, based on at least the received command signal, a spatial position and an operation type associated with the user operation, the operation type comprising at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation; and

processing means for performing processing in accordance with the determined spatial position and operation type, wherein;

the processing means is further configured to generate a second signal to display at least one additional element of content;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element;

and

wherein;

the information-processing device is further configured to receive an additional command signal from the remote controller, the additional command signal corresponding to an additional operation performed by the user;

the determining means is further configured to determine a spatial position associated with the additional user operation; and

the processing means is further configured to generate an instruction to modify a visual characteristic associated with a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to the spatial position associated with the additional user operation.

2. A method for controlling an information-processing device, comprising:

sensing an operation performed by the user in at least one of a plurality of coplanar sensing areas corresponding to selectable areas provided within a display unit, the sensing areas being separated from adjacent ones of the sensing areas by a depression;

generating a command signal in accordance with a result of the sensing; and

transmitting the command signal to the information-processing device, the information processing device being configured to;

receive the command signal;

determine, based on at least the received command signal, a spatial position and an operation type associated with the operation, the operation type comprising at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation; and

perform processing in accordance with the determined spatial position and operation type, wherein the information processing device is further configured to;

identify at least one element of content displayed to a user; and

generate a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user, wherein;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element;

wherein the method further comprises transmitting an additional command signal to the information-processing device, the additional command signal corresponding to an additional operation performed by the user in at least one of the coplanar sensing areas, and the information processing apparatus being further configured to;

determine, based on the command signal, a spatial position associated with the additional user operation; and

generate, in response to the additional command signal, an instruction to modify a visual characteristic associated with a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to the spatial position associated with the additional user operation.

3. The remote-control method of claim 2, further comprising detecting the press-down operation performed by the user, the press-down operation corresponding to at least four directions including an upper direction, a lower direction, a left direction, and a right direction, and wherein the command signal is generated at the generation step in accordance with a result of the detection.

4. The remote-control method of claim 2, wherein the sensing step further includes:

determining the sensing area in which the user performs the touch operation, and

detecting the sensing area in which the user performs the press-down operation.

5. A remote controller for controlling an information-processing device, comprising:

sensing means for sensing an operation performed by a user in at least one of a plurality of coplanar sensing areas corresponding to selectable areas provided on within a display unit, the sensing areas being separated from adjacent ones of the sensing areas by a depression;

generation means for generating a command signal in accordance with a result of the sensing means; and

transmission means for transmitting the command signal to the information-processing device, the information processing device being configured to;

receive the command signal;

determine, based on at least the received command signal, a spatial position and an operation type associated with the operation, the operation type comprising at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation; and

perform processing in accordance with the determined spatial position and operation type, wherein the information processing device is further configured to;

identify at least one element of content displayed to the user; and

generate a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user, wherein;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element; and

wherein the transmission means transmits an additional command signal to the information-processing device, the additional command signal corresponding to an additional operation performed by the user in at least one of the coplanar sensing areas, and the information processing apparatus being further configured to;

determine, based on the command signal, a spatial position associated with the additional user operation; and

generate, in response to the additional command signal, an instruction to modify a visual characteristic associated with a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to the spatial position associated with the additional user operation.

6. The remote controller according to claim 5, further comprising detection means provided in at least four directions including an upper direction, a lower direction, a left direction, and a right direction, for detecting the press-down operation performed by the user, and wherein the generation means generates the command signal in accordance with a result of the detection.

7. The remote controller according to claim 5, further comprising detection means provided in an area surrounding the sensing areas in at least four directions including an upper direction, a lower direction, a left direction, and a right direction, for detecting the press-down operation performed by the user, and wherein the generation means generates the command signal in accordance with a result of the detection.

8. The remote controller according to claim 5, wherein the sensing means further includes:

position-determination means for determining the sensing area in which the user performs the touch operation, and

press-down-detection means for detecting the sensing area in which the user performs the press-down operation.

9. An information-processing device comprising:

reception means for receiving a command signal transmitted from a remote controller, the remote controller being configured to control an information-processing device;

determining means for determining whether the command signal corresponds to a first operation or a second operation, performed by a user of the remote control, wherein;

the first operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to at least one of a plurality of coplanar separate sensing areas disposed on a surface of the remote control, the sensing areas being associated with corresponding selectable areas of a display unit; and

the second operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to a directional sensing unit disposed adjacent to at least one of the sensing areas on the remote control surface; and

processing means for processing the received command signal, based on at least the determination, wherein the processing includes;

identifying at least one element of content displayed to the user;

generating, when the command signal corresponds to the first operation, a first signal to highlight at least a portion of the displayed content, the highlighted portion being disposed within the selectable area corresponding to the at least one sensing area associated with the first operation; and

generating, when the command signal corresponds to the second operation, a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user, wherein;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element;

wherein;

the reception means is further configured to receive an additional command signal from the remote controller;

the determining means is further configured to determine whether the additional command signal corresponds to the first or second operation; and

when the additional command signal corresponds to the first operation, the processing means is further configured to generate an instruction to modify a visual characteristic of a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to a spatial position of the additional user operation within the coplanar separate sensing areas.

10. The information-processing device according to claim 9, wherein:

the additional and displayed content elements are arranged within a hierarchical structure; and

the additional content elements is disposed at a level higher or lower than a level of the displayed content element.

11. An information-processing method, comprising:

receiving a command signal transmitted from a remote controller, the remote controller being configured to control an information-processing device;

determining whether the command signal corresponds to a first operation or a second operation performed by a user of the remote control, wherein;

the first operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to at least one of a plurality of coplanar separate sensing areas disposed on a surface of the remote control, the sensing areas being associated with corresponding selectable areas of a display unit; and

the second operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to a directional sensing unit disposed adjacent to at least one of the sensing areas on the remote control surface; and

processing the received command signal, based on at least the determination, wherein the processing includes;

identifying at least one element of content displayed to the user;

generating, when the command signal corresponds to the first operation, a first signal to highlight at least a portion of the displayed content, the highlighted portion being disposed within the selectable area corresponding to the at least one sensing area associated with the first operation; and

generating, when the command signal corresponds to the second operation, a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user, wherein;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element;

wherein;

the receiving comprises receiving an additional command signal from the remote controller;

the determining further comprises whether the additional command signal corresponds to the first or second operation; and

when the additional command signal corresponds to the first operation, the processing further includes generating an instruction to modify a visual characteristic of a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to a spatial position of the additional user operation within the coplanar separate sensing areas.

12. The information-processing method of claim 11, wherein:

the additional and displayed content elements are arranged within a hierarchical structure; and

the additional content elements is disposed at a level higher or lower than a level of the displayed content element.

13. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program which, when executed by a processor, causes a computer system to perform a process comprising:

receiving a command signal transmitted from a remote controller, the remote controller being configured to control an information-processing device;

determining whether the command signal corresponds to a first operation or a second operation, the first operation and the second operation performed by a user of the remote control, wherein;

the first operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to at least one of a plurality of coplanar separate sensing areas disposed on a surface of the remote control, the sensing areas being associated with corresponding selectable areas of a display unit; and

the second operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to a directional sensing unit disposed adjacent to at least one of the sensing areas on the remote control surface; and

processing the received command signal, based on at least the determination, wherein the processing includes;

identifying at least one element of content displayed to the user;

generating, when the command signal corresponds to the first operation a first signal to highlight at least a portion of the displayed content, the highlighted portion being disposed within the selectable area corresponding to the at least one sensing area associated with the first operation; and

generating, when the command signal corresponds to the second operation a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user, wherein;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element;

wherein;

the receiving comprises receiving an additional command signal from the remote controller;

the determining further comprises whether the additional command signal corresponds to the first or second operation; and

when the additional command signal corresponds to the first operation, the processing further includes generating an instruction to modify a visual characteristic of a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to a spatial position of the additional user operation within the coplanar separate sensing areas.

14. A remote-control system, comprising:

a remote controller for controlling an information-processing device, the remote controller transmitting a command signal which corresponds to an operation performed by a user;

the information-processing device configured to receive the command signal and perform processing in response to the command signal; and

a display configured to display, to the user, at least one element of content associated with a video signal transmitted from the information-processing device,

wherein the remote controller includes;

a sensing unit for sensing an operation performed by the user in at least one of a plurality of coplanar sensing areas corresponding to selectable areas provided within the display, the sensing areas being separated from adjacent ones of the sensing areas by a depression;

a generation unit for generating the command signal in accordance with a result of the sensing means; and

a transmission unit for transmitting the command signal;

wherein the information-processing device includes;

a reception unit for receiving the command signal;

a determining unit for determining, based on at least the received command signal, a spatial position and an operation type associated with the user operation, the operation type comprising at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation; and

a processing unit for performing processing in accordance with the determined spatial position and operation type, wherein;

the processing unit is further configured to generate a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element; and

wherein;

the information-processing device is further configured to receive an additional command signal from the remote controller, the additional command signal corresponding to an additional operation performed by the user;

the determining unit determines a spatial position associated with the additional user operation; and

processing unit generates an instruction to modify a visual characteristic of a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to the spatial position associated with the additional user operation.

15. A remote controller, comprising:

sensing unit for sensing an operation performed by a user in at least one of a plurality of coplanar sensing areas corresponding to selectable areas provided within a display unit, the sensing areas being separated from adjacent ones of the sensing areas by a depression;

generation unit for generating a command signal in accordance with a result of the sensing means; and

transmission unit for transmitting the command signal to the information-processing device, the information processing device being configured to;

receive the command signal;

determine, based on at least the received command signal, a spatial position and an operation type associated with the user operation, the operation type comprising at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation; and

perform processing in accordance with the determined spatial position and operation type, wherein the information processing device is further configured to;

identify at least one element of content displayed to the user; and

generate a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user, wherein;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element,

wherein the transmission unit transmits an additional command signal to the information-processing device, the additional command signal corresponding to an additional operation performed by the user in at least one of the coplanar sensing areas, and the information processing apparatus being further configured to;

determine, based on the command signal, a spatial position of the additional user operation within the co-planar sensing areas; and

generate, in response to the additional command signal, an instruction to modify a visual characteristic associated with a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to the spatial position of the additional user operation.

16. An information-processing device, comprising:

a reception unit for receiving a command signal transmitted from a remote controller, the remote controller being configured to control an information-processing device;

a determining unit for determining whether the command signal corresponds to a first operation or a second operation performed by a user of the remote control, wherein;

the first operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to at least one of a plurality of coplanar separate sensing areas disposed on a surface of the remote control, the sensing areas being associated with corresponding selectable areas of a display unit; and

the second operation comprises at least one of a touch operation or a press-down operation applied to a directional sensing unit disposed adjacent to at least one of the sensing areas on the remote control surface; and

a processing unit for processing the received command signal, based on at least the determination, wherein the processing unit is further configured to;

identify at least one element of content displayed to the user;

generate, when the command signal corresponds to the first operation, a first signal to highlight at least a portion of the displayed content, the highlighted portion being disposed within the selectable area corresponding to the at least one sensing area associated with the first operation; and

generate, when the command signal corresponds to the second operation, a second signal to display at least one additional element of content to the user, wherein;

the additional and displayed content elements are ordered in accordance with a corresponding content sequence; and

the additional content element is disposed in a position within the content sequence that is subsequent or precedent to the displayed content element;

wherein;

the reception unit is further configured to receive an additional command signal from the remote controller;

the determining unit is further configured to determine whether the additional command signal corresponds to the first or second operation; and

when the additional command signal corresponds to the first operation, the processing unit is further configured to generate an instruction to modify a visual characteristic of a portion of the displayed additional content element, the portion corresponding to a spatial position of the additional user operation within the coplanar separate sensing areas.