SELECTOR FOR A DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract: One selector embodiment of the present invention selects recorded entities of the type that are stored on a portable recording medium that is insertable into a player with each recorded entity being accessed for playback by a unique sequence of signals. An index sheet is provided with a plurality of visual representations thereon, with each visual representation corresponding to each of the entities stored on the portable recording medium. A transparent overlay is positioned over the index sheet for generating signals corresponding to an operator touching the transparent overlay at the location of a selected visual representation of the stored entity desired to be played back. A sequencer that is responsive to the generated signals converts the generated signals to the unique sequence of signals for causing the player to playback a selected recorded entity. Some other embodiments include a remote handheld unit that is integrated with a transparent overlay; a non-integrated transparent overlay; and a switch matrix that is positioned below the index sheet rather than over the index sheet.

Description: SELECTOR FOR A DISPLAY DEVICE Technical Field of Invention The present invention relates to a selector for controlling one or more selectable functions that in turn cause a playback device to display or play a desired entity, such as an image or music, and more particularly is directed to a selector and associated indexing means for selecting one or more displayable entities from a recorded media. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the increased usage of Compact Disc (CD) as a storage media, the art has advanced such that pictorial images are now being stored in addition to music and other forms of digital information. The ability to random access such information is one of the most attractive features of CD systems. This random access feature can be accomplished by a remote hand- held transmitter that is activated by the user selecting a code sequence corresponding to the desired function. This feature requires that the user correctly associate the inputted code with the desired function. For example, with a TV remote control, the user wishing to view channel 13 must enter the code for channel 13. When the number of selectable items increases into the hundred range, it becomes increasingly difficult to coordinate the desired selection with the code that will affect this selection. In the case of audio or pictorial image CDs (Photo-CDs) , the user identifies the code corresponding to the desired selection and then enters the code that corresponds to that selection. As can be appreciated anything that can facilitate the ease and accuracy of this selection process is highly desirable for the user. One approach to improve selection accuracy is described in U.S. Patent 4,712,105 entitled, "Remote Control Hand Apparatus for Operating Different Modules", by H.E.P. Kohler wherein is described a hand- held remote control apparatus that incorporates icon keys which facilitates the activation of the desired module. For example, an icon representation of a video tape casette is used to designate the key on the remote device used to activate a video tape casette recording device. An approach for visually identifying to a user the different pictorial images recorded on a storage media, such as a CD, is described in U.S. Patent 4,805,039 entitled, "Index Sheet, Method for Making Same, Package of Same With Image Recording Medium, and Container for Same Together With Image Recording Medium", by K. Otake. In that Patent, there is disclosed a printed index sheet which has recorded thereon a number of positive pictorial images corresponding to the pictorial images contained on the storage medium. In the preferred embodiment, the images are stored in a numerical sequence corresponding to the storage sequence of the images on the storage medium. This enables the user to perceive a relative location of a desired pictorial image with respect to the total contents of the storage medium. This has particular utility in selecting an image from a library of CDs. It is highly desirable to have a unit which visually displays the pictorial images stored on the storage medium or in the case of music a representation of the recorded music, and permits the user to select the desired image or music for display or playing by merely touching the selected pictorial image or representation. The present invention is directed to providing this unique capability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an index sheet on which a plurality of pictorial images, corresponding to pictorial images recorded on a storage medium, are displayed. Overlaying this index sheet, is a transparent selection means for providing a control signal that corresponds to a pictorial image that is selected by a user touching a finger onto the pictorial image. A hand¬ held transmitter is coupled to the transparent selection means for receiving the desired control signal and for transmitting to a receiving playback device code signals for causing the desired pictorial image to be displayed on a monitor connected to the playback device. From the foregoing it can be seen that it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved hand-held remote selector for selecting and causing the playing of digital information stored in a playback device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a selector that facilitates the selection and the display of a pictorial image from a group of stored pictorial images by the touching of a miniature representation of the desired pictorial image. Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a remote selector that can receive a user selected index sheet, which visually indexes the stored items on an associated storage medium, such that a touching of a selected item, indexed on the index sheet, causes the displaying or the playing of the selected stored item. The above and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the following description and drawings wherein like characters indicate like parts and which drawings form a part of the present description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates the components of a pictorial image display system utilizing one version of the hand-held remote transmitter of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates an alternate means for generating signals that are related to the touching of an image on an index sheet. Figure 3 illustrates a monolithic integrated selection means incorporating the remote transmitter, the index sheet, and a signal generator for providing signals that are a function of the item selected from the index sheet to the transmitter. Figure 4 illustrates still another means for generating control signals which means is connectable to the remote hand-held transmitter of Figure 1. Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the control signal generator that is designed to operate in conjunction with an open recording medium package. Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the control signal generator that is designed to operate in conjunction with a closed transparent package that holds the recording medium. Figure 7 illustrates, in schematic diagram form, a control signal generator and an embodiment of the electronics of a remote hand-held transmitter. Figure 8 illustrates, by way of a timing diagram, timing pulses that occur when the invention is operated which illustration is useful in understanding the operation of the electronics of Figure 7. Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the selector is mounted onto the player. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the full featured user system, 10, incorporating the present invention. An index sheet, 12, has printed thereon a plurality of miniature images, 13, corresponding to the representations stored on a storage medium, such as a CD disc, 20. The index sheet, 12, is insertable into a housing, 14, having a transparent overlay, 15, which permits viewing of the miniature images, 13. The transparent overlay, 15, takes the form of an X-Y coordinate signal generator for generating a unique X-Y coordinate signal corresponding to the position of a user's finger touching the overlay, 15, which finger is also positioned to select one of the miniature images, 13. A hand-held remote transmitter, 18, receives the X-Y coordinate signals from the transparent overlay, 15, via a cable, 16. The remote transmitter, 18, transmits a control data signal to a receiver player, 22, which in the case of a video player, a monitor or TV, 24, would be connected to the player, 22. In the instance where audio is the recorded indicia a pair of speakers, 24', and, possibly an amplifier (not shown) would also be connected to an audio CD player, 22 ' . With the CD disc, 20, corresponding to the index sheet, 12, having been previously inserted into the player, 22, the player, 22, responds to the transmitted signal to access the selected stored indicia (image data or audio data) and to cause its display on the display device, 24, or its playing on a speaker system. As previously discussed the CD disk may have music recorded on it — o — rather than images and the index sheet may have indicia of the music recorded on the CD to enable an operator to select a piece of music rather than an image but additionally, there may be a combination of data corresponding to text, images, music and so forth. The main thrust of the present invention is not directed to the type of data that is accessed by the present invention but is directed to the accessing of data merely by the touching of a visual representation of the data by the user. Figure 2 illustrates an alternate means for generating a control signal that corresponds to the selected miniature image, 13. The index sheet, 12, is guided into position on a control signal generator means, 30, by means of flanges, 38. A matrix of pressure actuated sensors, 34, corresponds in position to the locations of the miniature images, 13, on the index sheet, 12, when the index sheet, 12, is fully inserted into the generator means, 30. Each of the pressure sensors, 34, provides a unique control signal identifying its respective position in the formed matrix. The unique control signal is passed over a cable, 16, to a jack, 17, which is connectable to a receptacle mounted into the remote transmitter, 18. A flexible transparent film, 36, may be positioned over the pressure sensors, 34, to provide physical protection to the pressure sensors, 34, and their associated electronics. In operation, a user selects a desired image, for example 13A, by pressing thereon, which pressure activates the corresponding pressure sensor 34A, to generate the unique control signal. In a like manner, the selection of image 13B by pressure thereon activates pressure sensor 34B, to generating a corresponding unique control signal. Figure 3 illustrates a monolithic integrated selection means incorporating the remote transmitter, 18, and the control signal generator, 30, into a rigid hand-held unit, 40. This one-piece unit, aside from eliminating the cable, 16, provides the user with a unit that may be totally held in one hand. Referring now to Figure 4, a case, 50, of the type used to protectively house the CD disc, 20, and the associated index sheet 12 is shown generally fabricated from a transparent plastic material which permits viewing of the index sheet 12 without removal from the case 50. A frame member, 45, having alignment tabs, 48, is positionable unto the case, 50. The frame member, 45, additionally supports the transparent overlay, 15, and the associated electronics feeding the control signal to a cable, 16. Although not shown, it is to be understood that the transmitter, 18, could be rigidly affixed to the frame member, 45. Another variation for the use of the transparent overlay, 15, is illustrated in Figure 5. The case, 50, is shown in a fully opened position along its hinge line incorporating index sheets, 12, that are positioned on the front and the back surfaces of the case, 50. With the case, 50, laying flat in a fully opened position, the transparent overlay, 15, is formed of a size to cover both the front and the back surfaces of the case, 50, thus permitting a selection from a greater number of miniature images. Although not specifically shown, it is to be understood that the transmitter, 18, may be rigidly affixed to the transparent overlay, 15. Still another variation of the transparent overlay 15, is illustrated in Figure 6. This variation permits the case, 50, to remain closed while permitting the selection of images from index sheets, 12, on both the front and back surfaces of the case, 50. Again, although not shown, it is to be understood that the transmitter, 18, could be rigidly affixed to the transparent overlay, 15. In Figure 7 there is disclosed one specific arrangement of the electronics for achieving the desired functions of the invention. It will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that many other variations may also be used to achieve like results. The overlay, 15, is coupled to the hand-held remote transmitter, 18, by means of a cable, 16. Within the overlay there is shown a plurality of switches arranged in a matrix fashion with the positioning (spacing) of the switches corresponding to the positioning of the indicia on the index sheets. A matrix code block, 95, operates in conjunction with the overlay key activation to provide output signals indicative of the position of the key that is depressed. Although one type of overlay key matrix is shown to satisfy the enabling embodiment requirement, it is well known that other types of touch screens (overlays) are available which will work equally as well in the present invention. The output signals provided by the matrix code block, 95, are generally denoted X-Y coordinate signals. The X-Y coordinate signals are directed to the input of a look up table, 100. The look-up table, 100, transforms the X-Y coordinate signals to signals corresponding to the numbers that are associated with the keys of the remote hand held-transmitter that if pressed directly would cause the remote player to respond as directed. It is to be appreciated that a sequence of key strokes are necessary to have a standard VCR, CD player and or TV remote control unit cause the proper selection or channel to be played. In a like manner, it would be necessary to duplicate these sequences when an image or piece of music is to be played. Therefore, the output of the look-up table, 100, is directed to a sequencer, 110, which operates to generate a string of pulses, that correspond to the entire sequence of key strokes that would cause the player to access and display the stored (recorded) entity. The sequence of pulse signals are transmitted by the remote transmitter, 18, to the player, 22. The transmitter, 18, is of the standard type that utilizes an integrated circuit chip, 130, and a key select matrix, 120. The outputs, SEN0N through SEN6N, are directed as inputs to the A input of a multiplexer, 122. The B input to the multiplexer receives the pulse sequences from the sequencer, 110. A select input, labeled S on the multiplexer, 122, selects either the signals on the A or the B inputs to be applied to the chip, 130. This selection input is toggled between the A input, as the default input, and the B input by sensing the presence of the first pulse of a code sequence being generated at the output of the sequencer, 110. A logic gate, 112, which may be an "OR" gate receives as inputs any signal that might occur on the sequencer outputs labeled ΦN-6N. When any signal is sensed the S input to multiplexer, 122, is switched to pass the signals on the B input to the inputs of chip, 130. In operation, selecting an image by depressing the overlay, 15, sends an X-Y coordinate signal to the look-up table, 100. The output of the UT and a display flag (set when the overlay panel, 15, is pressed at any valid picture location) are sent to the sequencer, 110, which provides outputs that are a unique sequence of signals that emulate the (up to) 4 key-strokes that can be required to display an image or cause the playing of a musical rendition. These 4 key¬ strokes include 3 key-strokes of numerals (from 0 to 9) to select an image number from 1 to 100 and a key- stroke that corresponds to the display or play command. As previously stated these outputs from the sequencer, 110, are designed to emulate the actions that result from depressing a sequence of key commands from a remote control transmitter that utilizes, for example, the SAA3004 remote control transmitter chip, 130, manufactured by Philips. The remote control transmitter, 18, becomes active when the first signal from the sequencer, 110, is sent or by the pressing of a key on the keyboard matrix, 120. This results in the pull-up devices within chip, 130, being switched on so that the applied driver signals are sensed for the decoding of the sub¬ system address and the mode of transmission as described in the technical data sheet for the SAA3004 chip. Once a unique sequence (or a key-stroke packet that includes closing the key, starting the scan, sending the transmitted word, and releasing the key for at least the minimum release time) is started, the transmitted sequence will always be completed after the key is released (or after the first of 4 key-stroke information is sent from the sequencer, 110) . A minimum release time, t re ι in Figure 8, is required between key-strokes sent by the sequencer before a new key-stroke packet is sent by the sequencer. In Figure 8, the time between these packets is arbitrarily chosen to be twice t re χ. The second key-stroke packet is then sent. As before, this packet causes the pull-up device to be switched on and the sensing of the driver signals that ultimately (through the SAA3004 chip) result in a flashed or modulated transmission of a key-stroke word. In the particular implementation shown in Figure 7, the sequencer is adjusted so that each word is repeated during the course of each key-stroke sequence. Figure 8 shows the timing resulting from sending 4 key-stroke packets. Figure 9 illustrates the selector, 30, being mounted onto or integral with a player, 22. The index sheet, 12, having images, 13, corresponding to the entities recorded on the CD, 12, is inserted into the selector, 30, with the associated CD being inserted into the player, 22. The operator touches the desired image, 13, and the player, 22, accesses the image on the CD, 20, causing the image to be displayed on the monitor, 24. For a CD having music recorded thereon the monitor, 24, can be replaced or supplemented with a set of speakers, 24', and amplifier, if needed. While there has been shown what are considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be manifest that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the essential spirit of the invention. It is intended therefore, in the annexed claims, to cover all such changes and modifications as may fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS; 1. A remote image selector for an associated display device, said display device being of the type that is adapted to receive a storage media having a plurality of images stored thereon for accessing and displaying selected ones of the stored images in response to received selection signals comprising: an index means having a plurality of visible images thereon each corresponding to an associated one of the plurality of images stored on said recording media, and remote means remote from said associated display device and coupled to said index means for generating and transmitting to said associated display device said selection signals that are generated in response to an operator touching said index means at a position corresponding to a selected visible image desired to be displayed on said associated display device. 2. The remote image selector according to Claim 1 wherein said remote means is comprised of: a transparent overlay for positioning over said index means and for generating signals indicative of the position of an operator's touch that in turn corresponds to the position of a selected visible image; and, transmitting means for receiving the generated signals from said transparent overlay and for transmitting corresponding selection signals to the associated display device for causing the selected image to be displayed. 3. The remote image selector according to Claim 1 wherein said remote means is comprised of: a plurality of switch means corresponding in number and position to the number of visible images on said index means over which said index means is positionable such that an operator touching a selected visual image generates unique signals to the touched visual image; and, transmitting means for receiving the generated unique signals and for transmitting corresponding selection signals to said associated display device for causing the selected visual image to be displayed. 4. The remote image selector according to Claim 3 wherein said plurality of switch means is further comprised of: a housing having mounted therein said plurality of switches; a signal generating means positioned in said housing and coupled to said plurality of switch means for generating said unique signals; and, flexible conductor means removably connected to said transmitting means for conducting said unique signals to said transmitting means. 5. The remote image selector according to Claim 4 wherein said housing has a plurality of guides integral therewith for receiving and aligning said index means with respect to said plurality of switch means. 6. A selector for selecting recorded entities of the type that are stored on a portable recording medium that is insertable into a player with each recorded entity being accessed for playback by a unique sequence of signals comprising: an index means having a plurality of visual representations thereon corresponding to each of the entities stored on the portable recording medium; overlay means for overlaying said index means for generating signals corresponding to an operator touching said overlay means at the location of a selected visual representation of the stored entity desired to be played back; and means responsive to said generated signals for converting said generated signals to the unique sequence of signals for causing the player to playback a selected recorded entity. 7. A selector for selecting recorded entities of the type that are stored on a portable recording medium that is insertable into a player with each recorded entity being accessed for playback by a unique sequence of signals comprising: an index means having a plurality of visual representations thereon corresponding to each of the entities stored on the portable recording medium; and signal generating means for receiving said index means and for generating the unique sequence of signals corresponding to an operator touching at the location of a selected visual representation of the recorded entity desired to be played back for causing the player to playback a selected recorded entity. 8. The selector according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the recorded entities are images and each of the visual representations on said index means corresponds in look to one of the recorded entities. 9. The selector according to Claim 7 wherein said signal generating means is comprised in part of a plurality of switch means each corresponding in position to the position of one of the visual representations on said index means such that an operator touching a selected visual representation activates one of the plurality of switch means to cause the generation of a unique sequence of signals. 10. The selector according to Claim 9 wherein said switch means is a transparent overlay. 11. The selector according to Claim 10 and further comprising: a transparent package for housing the portable recording medium, said transparent package having a front and a back receptacle each for receiving an index means; and wherein said transparent overlay fits over the index means on the front and the back of said transparent package. 12. The selector according to Claim 11 wherein said transparent package is hinged at the juncture of the front and the back receptacle such that the transparent package may be opened to form a flat surface on which the transparent overlay is positioned. 13. A selector for selecting recorded entities of the type that are stored on a portable recording medium that is insertable into a player with each recorded entity being accessed for playback by a unique sequence of signals comprising: an index means having a plurality of visual representations thereon corresponding to each of the entities stored on the portable recording medium; an overlay means for receiving said index means and for generating .signals corresponding to an operator touching the overlay at the location of a selected visual representation of the recorded entity desired to be played back; look-up table means receiving the generated signals from said overlay means for converting said generated signals to intermediate code signals; and sequencer means for receiving said intermediate code signals and for generating said unique sequence of signals that are coupled to the player for causing the player to playback a selected recorded entity.

Inventors: WELDY JOHN ALLAN, WELDY, JOHN, ALLAN
Applicants: EASTMAN KODAK CO, EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
Application year: 1992
Main classification: G11B27
IPC codes: G06F17, G06T1, G11B19, G11B27, H04N5