Remote controller with multimedia content display and control method thereof

Provided are a remote controller and a method of controlling the remote controller, wherein the remote controller is operable to be in one of a first operating mode or a second operating mode, and which is connectable to a docking station, the remote controller including: an internal display screen, which displays at least one digital image; and a controller which may be operable to change between the first and second operating modes, wherein if the remote controller is connected to the docking station and if the remote controller is in the second operating mode, the controller controls the remote controller to change to the first operating mode to provide predetermined multimedia content.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate to a remote controller and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a remote controller with a display, and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a remote controller includes a handheld device which controls an external device such as a video display, Digital Video Disk (DVD) device, or other electronic appliance. Some related art remote controllers may include a display for displaying various items such as control buttons for controlling the external device. However, there is a need for a remote controller having a display, wherein the remote controller is operable to control an external device, and is also operable to receive and provide multimedia content.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote controller, which may be operable to be in one of a first operating mode or a second operating mode, and which may be connectable to a docking station, the remote controller including: an internal display screen, which displays at least one digital image; and a controller which is operable to change between the first and second operating modes, wherein if the remote controller is connected to the docking station and if the remote controller is in the second operating mode, the controller controls the remote controller to change to the first operating mode to provide predetermined multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, wherein the internal display screen may be a touchscreen and may be operable to receive at least one command from a user.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the remote controller may be operable to control an external device.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the external device may be one of a display device, an audio outputting device and a video outputting device.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the remote controller may further comprise a battery which stores power for operating the remote controller, wherein the docking station provides the power to the battery if the remote controller is connected to the docking station.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the predetermined multimedia content is at least one digital image, the controller may control the internal display screen to display the at least one digital image.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the predetermined multimedia content is audio content, the controller may control the remote controller to play the audio content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the predetermined multimedia content may include different types of content, and if the controller controls the remote controller to change to the first operating mode, the predetermined multimedia content may be provided such that each of the different types of content are provided in a cyclical format.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a predetermined priority may be selected for each of the different types of content, and each of the different types of content may be provided in the cyclical format according to the respective predetermined priorities selected for the different types of content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the predetermined multimedia content may include at least one of: a digital photograph, an electronic message received from a user, electronic program guide (EPG) content received from a content provider, and information relating to current events.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the predetermined multimedia content is the digital photograph, the digital photograph may be retrieved from at least one of an internal memory, an external memory and a website.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the predetermined multimedia content is the information relating to current events, the information relating to current events may include at least one of news, finance and weather.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the first operating mode may be a content providing mode, and the second operating mode may be a control mode, wherein the internal display screen may include a larger portion which may include a substantial portion of the internal display screen, wherein the control mode displays on the larger portion at least one of a control screen, wherein the control screen may be operable to control an external device from the remote controller, and electronic program guide (EPG) information, and wherein the content providing mode displays on a substantial portion of the internal display screen the predetermined multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the internal display screen may include a smaller portion, which is separate from the larger portion, wherein in the control mode, the predetermined multimedia content may be displayed on the smaller portion, and wherein in the content providing mode, the at least one of the control screen and the EPG information may be displayed on the smaller portion.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the remote controller may provide an initial multimedia content before being connected to the docking station, wherein if the remote controller is changed to the first operating mode, the predetermined multimedia content is different than the initial multimedia content, and wherein if the remote controller is in the first operating mode before being connected to the docking station, the remote controller may continue to provide the initial multimedia content after being connected to the docking station.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the remote controller is displaying an initial image on the internal display screen and the remote controller is changed to the first operating mode, the controller may control the remote controller to automatically provide the multimedia content and may control the internal display screen to suspend displaying the initial image on the internal display screen.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the remote controller is removed from the docking station, the controller may control the remote controller to change to the second operating mode and to resume the displaying the initial image on the internal display screen and may control the remote controller to suspend the providing of the multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the internal display screen may be operable to receive an input command, and if the internal display screen receives the input command while the remote controller in the first operating mode, the controller may control the remote controller to suspend the providing of the multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the remote controller is in one of the first and second operating modes, the remote controller may be operable to receive an alert including at least one of: an electronic program guide (EPG) alert related to an upcoming show, an electronic message received from a user, and information relating to at least one of least news, finance and weather, wherein if the alert is received, the controller may control the remote controller to display the alert on a portion of the internal display screen.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a remote controller, which has an internal display screen that displays at least one digital image, which is operable to be in one of a first operating mode or a second operating mode, and which is connectable to a docking station, the method may include: if the remote controller is connected to the docking station and if the remote controller is in the second operating mode, changing from the second operating modes to the first operating mode to provide predetermined multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the internal display screen is a touchscreen, and the method may further include receiving at least one command from a user through the touchscreen.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the method may further include transmitting control commands from the remote controller to an external device for controlling the external device.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the external device may be one of a display device, an audio outputting device and a video outputting device.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the method may further include storing power in a battery for operating the remote controller, wherein the docking station provides the power to the battery if the remote controller is connected to the docking station.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the method may further include controlling the internal display screen to display at least one digital image if the predetermined multimedia content is the at least one digital image.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the method may further include controlling the remote controller to play audio content if the predetermined multimedia content is the audio content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the predetermined multimedia content may includes different types of content, and the method may further include if the remote controller changes to the first operating mode, controlling the remote controller to provide the predetermined multimedia content such that each of the different types of content are provided in a cyclical format.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a predetermined priority may be selected for each of the different types of content, and each of the different types of content may be provided in the cyclical format according to the respective predetermined priorities selected for the different types of content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the predetermined multimedia content may include at least one of: a digital photograph, an electronic message received from a user, electronic program guide (EPG) content received from a content provider, and information relating to current events.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the predetermined multimedia content is the digital photograph, the digital photograph may be retrieved from at least one of an internal memory, an external memory and a website.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the predetermined multimedia content is the information relating to current events, the information relating to current events may include at least one of news, finance and weather.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the first operating mode may be a content providing mode, and the second operating mode may be a control mode, wherein the internal display screen may includes a larger portion which includes a substantial portion of the internal display screen, wherein the control mode displays on the larger portion at least one of a control screen, wherein the control screen is operable to control an external device from the remote controller, and electronic program guide (EPG) information, and wherein the content providing mode displays on a substantial portion of the internal display screen the predetermined multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the internal display screen may include a smaller portion, which is separate from the larger portion, wherein in the control mode, the predetermined multimedia content is displayed on the smaller portion, and wherein in the content providing mode, the at least one of the control screen and the EPG information is displayed on the smaller portion.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the remote controller may provide an initial multimedia content before being connected to the docking station, wherein if the remote controller is changed to the first operating mode, the predetermined multimedia content is different than the initial multimedia content, and wherein if the remote controller is in the first operating mode before being connected to the docking station, the remote controller may continue to provide the initial multimedia content after being connected to the docking station.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the remote controller is displaying an initial image on the internal display screen and the remote controller is changed to the first operating mode, the method may further include: the remote controller automatically providing the multimedia content and suspending displaying the initial image on the internal display screen.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, if the remote controller is removed from the docking station, the method may further include changing to the second operating mode, resuming the displaying the initial image on the internal display screen and suspending the providing of the multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the internal display screen may be operable to receive an input command, and if the internal display screen receives the input command while the remote controller in the first operating mode, the method may further include suspending the providing of the multimedia content.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, wherein if the remote controller is in one of the first and second operating modes, the method may further include receiving an alert and displaying the alert on a portion of the internal display screen, wherein the alert includes at least one of: an electronic program guide (EPG) alert related to an upcoming show, an electronic message received from a user, and information relating to at least one of least news, finance and weather.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements and repetitive descriptions will be avoided as necessary.

FIG. 1illustrates the various components of a remote controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the remote controller100may connect to a docking station200and may control an external device300.

The remote controller100may receive information from an external network, such as the Internet400. The information received by the remote controller100could include multimedia content. As discussed herein, the term “multimedia content” includes, but is not limited to, text, audio, still images, animation, video, and interactivity content forms, electronic program guide (EPG) content from a content provider, electronic messages received from users, information relating to current events, etc. Multimedia content can be transmitted to the remote controller100from remote databases or websites such as Flickr©, Picasa©, Facebook©, etc. The information relating to current events could include information such as news, weather and/or financial information, such as stock prices and other market data.

Additionally, as shown inFIG. 1, the communication with the Internet400and the external memory500can be bi-directional. That is, the remote controller100may be operable to both receive data from and transmit data to the Internet400and the external memory500. For example, the remote controller100may be operable to respond to alerts received from the Internet400, or to move multimedia content from the Internet400to the internal101or external memory500(or vice versa). Likewise, the remote controller100may send data to and receive data from the external device300.

The external device300may include a video display such as a television or monitor. Alternatively, the external device may include a device which outputs audio and/or video, such as a set-top box, stereo, an iPod© or other MP3 players, a CD or DVD player/recorder, a video game console such as Sony PlayStation©, Nintendo Wii© or Microsoft Xbox©. However, the general inventive concept is not limited to these types of external devices. The exemplary embodiments described herein can generally apply to any electronic appliance or device capable of being controlled with a remote controller.

In addition to receiving multimedia content from the Internet400, the remote controller100may receive multimedia content from an external memory500and/or an internal memory101(shown inFIG. 3). An internal memory101could include, but is not limited to, a computer memory such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read only memory (ROM), etc. Likewise, an external memory500could include, but is not limited to, hard disk drives (HDDs), compact discs (CD) ROM, memory cards, universal serial bus (USB) flash drives, etc.

FIG. 2Ashows an example of an internal display screen102of a remote controller100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The internal display screen102can be a touchscreen-type display which can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area of internal display screen102. Further, the internal display screen102can also utilize multi-touch technology. However, the internal display screen102does not necessarily have to be a touchscreen-type, and the remote controller100can instead utilize other means for receiving input from a user, such as with a keypad or other controlling mechanisms.

FIG. 2Bshows an example of a remote controller100connected to a docking station200according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The docking station can be produced from a variety of materials and can be formed in a variety of shapes and orientations. As shown in the example shown inFIG. 2B, the docking station200can connect to and hold the remote controller100in an upright, or picture frame-type manner so that the internal display screen102to be easily visible by a user.

Furthermore, as shown in the example shown inFIG. 2B, the docking station200can be connected to a power source210. Thus, power source210could provide operating and/or charging power to the remote controller100via the docking station200. To accommodate a charging function, the remote controller100could include a battery (shown inFIG. 3). Alternatively, the power source210need not provide operating and/or charging power to the remote controller100only via the docking station200. For example, the power source210might directly connect to the remote controller100.

The remote controller100could detect a connection to the docking station200, and begin charging automatically upon detecting such connection. Further, the remote controller100could detect the presence or absence of a connection to the docking station200based on either an electrical or a mechanical mechanism. For example, the remote controller100could include an electrical connector (not shown) which connects to an electrical connector on the docking station200. Upon making a connection with the docking station200, an electrical signal could be sent from the power source210to the docking station200, and to the remote controller100via the respective connectors. Alternatively, the remote controller100might employ a mechanical type mechanism which, when connected to the docking station200, would switch in such a way as to indicate the presence or absence of the connection to the docking station200.

As shown inFIG. 3, the remote controller100can include an internal memory101and a battery103(as noted above), a network module104, a transceiver unit105and a controller106.

As noted above, the internal memory101may include different types of memory, and can store multimedia content utilized by the remote controller100. The battery103could be used to store charge to supply operating power for the remote controller100when not plugged into a power source210, such as may be provided via the docking station200. The network module104can facilitate communication with an external network such as the Internet400or a local area network (not shown). The transceiver unit105could likewise facilitate communication with the external device300. For example, the remote controller100could transmit control commands from the remote controller100to the external device300through the transceiver unit105. Similarly, the transceiver unit105could also be operable to receive signals from the external device300. For example, control of some external devices might require two-way communication with the remote controller100. Finally, the controller106can be utilized so as to control the overall functioning of remote controller100, including the interaction between all of the above noted components.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the remote controller100is operable to be in a first or a second operating mode. As an example of a first operating mode, the remote controller100could provide multimedia content. For example, the remote controller100might display a video or play audio while in the first operating mode. Such a first operating mode might be referred to as a “content providing mode.”

By contrast, in a second operating mode, the remote controller100could display on the internal display screen102a control panel for controlling the external device300, or an EPG screen relating to programming received from the Internet400, for example. Such a first operating mode might be referred to as a “control mode.”

It should be noted that the general inventive concept of the present invention is not limited to operating in only a first and second mode. Multiple operating modes may be utilized.

FIG. 4is a flowchart showing a basic operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In operation S401, the controller106determines whether the remote controller100is connected to the docking station200. If a connection to the docking station200is determined to exist (S401-Y), in operation S402the controller106determines whether the remote controller100is in the second operating mode. If it is determined the remote controller100is not in the second mode (S402-N), the process ends. On the other hand, if the controller106determines the remote controller100is in the second operating mode (S402-Y), the controller106controls the remote controller100to change to the first mode.

FIG. 5is a flowchart showing another basic operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Whenever the controller106determines the remote controller100is in the second mode and connected to the docking station200(S501-Y), the controller106then controls the remote controller100to change to the first mode and suspend displaying an initial image which may be displayed on the internal display screen102(S502). The controller106then controls the remote controller100to begin providing multimedia content (S503). If during the providing the multimedia content (S503), the controller106senses user input to the remote controller100(S504-Y), the controller106then controls the remote controller100to suspend providing the multimedia content (S505).

As noted above, the internal display screen could include a touchscreen which receives user input, or the remote controller100might include a keypad or other controlling mechanisms for receiving user input.

FIG. 6is a flowchart showing another basic operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In operation S601, the controller106determines whether the remote controller100has been removed from the docking station200. If the remote controller100has been removed from the docking station200(S601-Y), the controller106controls the remote controller100to change to the second mode, and suspend providing multimedia content (S602), and then to resume displaying the initial image (S603).

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing another basic operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. If the remote controller100is in one of the first and second operating modes, the remote controller100is operable to receive an alert including at least one of an electronic program guide (EPG) alert related to an upcoming show, an electronic message received from a user, and information relating to at least one of least news, finance and weather, wherein if the alert is received, the controller106controls the remote controller100to display the alert on a portion of the internal display screen102.

As noted above, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes two different operating modes, a content providing mode, and a control mode. As suggested above, the remote controller100might display a video or play audio while in the content providing mode. Similarly, as suggested above, the remote controller100might display on the internal display screen102a control panel for controlling the external device300, or an EPG screen relating to programming received from the Internet400while in the control mode.

However, the operation in each mode does not have to be limited to displaying only one type of information. That is, the remote controller100might operate in multifunctional operating modes. For example, while in the content providing mode, the remote controller100might display multimedia content in a substantial portion of the internal display screen, and simultaneously display information which might be shown in the control mode (e.g., a control panel for controlling the external device300, or an EPG screen relating to programming received from the Internet400) in a smaller portion of the internal display screen.

Similarly, while in the control mode, the remote controller100might display a control panel for controlling the external device300, or an EPG screen relating to programming received from the Internet400, in a substantial portion of the internal display screen, and simultaneously display information which might be shown in the content providing mode (e.g., multimedia content) in a smaller portion of the internal display screen.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bshow examples of these types of multifunctional operating modes according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8A, while the remote controller100is operating in a control mode, a control panel for controlling the external device300is displayed on a larger portion107of the internal display screen102. At the same time, multimedia content is displayed on a smaller portion108of the internal display screen102.

Likewise, as shown inFIG. 8B, while the remote controller100is operating in a content providing mode, multimedia content is displayed on a larger portion107of the internal display screen102. At the same time, EPG information is displayed on a smaller portion108of the internal display screen102.

Additionally, the predetermined multimedia content may include different types of content. As such, the controller106may control the remote controller100to change to the first operating mode, whereby each of the different types of content are provided in a cyclical format. Moreover, a predetermined priority may be selected for each of the different types of content, such that each of the different types of content are provided in the cyclical format according to the respective predetermined priorities selected for the different types of content.

Hereinbelow, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9illustrates a flowchart of the operations of controlling a remote controller according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 9, if a user inputs a command to play back a still image (S901-Y), the controller106controls the remote controller100to operate in a still image playback mode (S902, S903).

In the still image playback mode, the controller106controls the remote controller100so that a still image is displayed on the internal display screen102(S902), and it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed while a user does not operate the remote controller100(S903).

The predetermined time in operation S903may be set appropriately as occasion demands.

The still image may be typified as a picture content, but a text content, an EPG screen, a screen for controlling an external device, an Internet browser, a file browser, and other screens for executing application programs may also have the characteristic of the still image. Accordingly, if a user inputs a command to call for/execute the screen having the characteristic of the still image, the command may be treated as the same case as in operation S901, that is, a user inputs the command to play back a still image. If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed while a user does not manipulate the remote controller100(S903-Y), the controller106determines whether the remote controller100is connected to the docking station200or not (S904).

If it is determined that the remote controller100is connected to the docking station200(S904-Y), the controller106controls the remote controller100to operate in a screen saver mode (S905).

In the screen saver mode, the controller106controls the remote controller100to display a screensaver instead of the still image on the internal display screen102. The screensaver may be formed as an icon such as a character, clock, or calendar against a dark background. The character, clock, or calendar displayed on the screensaver may be selected by a user according to a user's preference.

If a user inputs a command to wake up a screen (S906-Y), the controller106returns to operation S902. The command to wake up a screen in operation S906may be input by touching the internal display screen102of the remote controller100or pressing manipulation buttons by a user.

If it is determined that the remote controller100is not connected to the docking station200(S904-N), the controller106controls the remote controller100to operate in a power save mode (S907).

In the power save mode, the controller106controls the elements constituting the remote controller100to consume the minimum power. As the power is not supplied to the internal display screen102in the power save mode, the internal display screen102displays a black screen.

If a user inputs a command to wake up a screen (S908-Y), the power is re-supplied to the elements constituting the remote controller100under the control of the controller106(S909). The controller106returns to operation S902.

If a user inputs a command to play back a moving image (S910-Y), the controller106controls the remote controller100to operate in a moving image playback mode (S911).

The moving image playback mode is similar to the still image playback mode, in that the controller106controls the remote controller100so that a moving image is displayed on the internal display screen102. However, the moving image playback mode is different from the still image operation mode, in that the controller106performs neither the operation of determining a predetermined time has elapsed while a user does not operate the remote controller100nor the following operation.

The controller106determines whether the remote controller100is connected to the docking station200or not in operation S904, but the case that the remote controller100is directly connected to the power source210may also be regarded as satisfying operation S904.