Multimedia rack and remote control therefor
The present invention relates to a multimedia rack and a remote control therefor. More particularly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a device for accommodating a plurality of electronic components. In a second aspect the present invention relates to a remote control for operating a device according to the present invention.
At present, most domestic appliances are supplied as independent appliances with their own power supply. As a rule, each appliance for multimedia use also has its own remote control.
US Patent US-A 6 144 888 describes a modular system for controlling various appliances. The system uses modular interchangeable components that can carry out one or more tasks, such as interaction with users, communication between various modules, storage and retrieval of information. The modules are stackable and can be connected to each other module. However, in this system a central controller is needed which controls the various data and control signals to various components. This makes the system extra expensive.
The present invention attempts to offer a solution to the problems of existing solutions. To this end the present invention provides a multimedia rack of the type defined in the preamble, in which the device for a function that is shared by two or more of the plurality of components comprises one individual unit that is equipped to implement the function.
This multimedia rack has the advantage that instead of individual appliances that are all separate, a single rack with all appliances combined therein can be used. As a result of common use of units which have a shared function, the individual components can be produced more simply and less expensively.
In one embodiment, the one individual unit comprises a power supply unit for supplying electrical energy to each of the plurality of components. All components require an electrical power supply, and by using only one common power supply it is possible to implement this more efficiently. Moreover, as a result of the use of a single power supply less heat will be generated than is the case with a number of individual power supplies.
In a further embodiment, the one individual unit comprises a cooling unit for cooling
each of the plurality of components in the device. Once again, the use of one individual cooling unit is more efficient than cooling units in each individual component. This also applies in the case of the further embodiment, where the one individual unit comprises a remote control unit that is connected to each of the plurality of components for the remote control thereof. Furthermore, this embodiment has the advantage that a large number of separate remote controls are no longer needed.
In yet a further embodiment, the one individual unit comprises an amplifier for driving a plurality of loudspeakers. The loudspeakers can be placed in one room, but also in several rooms, it being possible for the amplifier to drive the loudspeakers per room. A further element that is often used for several components is a clock. In one embodiment, this too can be added as a unit that is used in common.
Preferably, the device is provided with a connection panel with connections for input and output signals. Each function of the plurality of components that necessitates input or output of signals can thus be connected to external elements. By using an individual type of connector for each function, the connection of external elements is simplified.
The device is provided with slots for installing the plurality of components. The slots preferably have standard dimensions. One or more slots can be used per component. The use of slots simplifies the installation of components, for example for replacement or repair. The components that can be installed in the multimedia rack comprise one or more of the following components: at least one tuner for radio, TV and/or satellite signals; amplifier; CD player; DVD player; video recorder; games computer; computer; hard disk (for example for recording films); telephone switch (such as a DECT switch); control module for lighting and/or thermostat; fax; printer; internet terminal. In a further aspect the invention relates to a remote control for operating a device according to the present invention, in which the remote control is equipped for duplex (half duplex or full duplex) communication with the plurality of components in the device. This is effected, for example, by wireless communication, such as infra-red or high frequency signals. Preferably, the remote control works via the remote control unit in the device. In a further embodiment, the remote control comprises a display screen for displaying the functions of the plurality of components. The display screen can be a monochrome screen, for example an LCD screen, or a colour screen, for example a TFT screen.
In a further embodiment, use is made of speech control for operating the remote
control, that is to say for entering commands and data. The remote control then comprises, for example, a processor and a microphone that are equipped for speech recognition.
The remote control is preferably provided with a rechargeable power supply. If the remote control is not used, it can, for example, be placed in a holder containing a battery charger.
In yet a further embodiment, the remote control is provided with a telephone function. To this end the remote control contains a microphone and a loudspeaker. In this case a wireless telephone can be emulated by the remote control in interaction with a telephone component in the multimedia rack. If the central heating in a house can be controlled via a component in the multimedia rack, the remote control is, for example, provided with a temperature sensor. Thus, the temperature at the location of the remote control can be controlled via the central heating.
In yet a. further embodiment, the remote control also comprises a processor and an organiser is implemented with the aid of the processor. The present invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of an illustrative embodiment, with reference to the appended drawing, in which
Fig. 1 shows, diagrammatically, the components of a multimedia rack and their connections to one another;
Fig. 2 shows, diagrammatically, a remote control for use with the multimedia rack from Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 shows, diagrammatically, an example of a multimedia rack 5 according to the present invention. The boundary of the multimedia rack 5 is indicated by a dotted line. The multimedia rack 5 has a number of external connections, such as a mains power supply 11. Furthermore, the multimedia rack 5 can be connected to one or more further external facilities 6, for example having a multimedia function, such as one or more loudspeakers, and a monitor or television. The external facilities 6 can be installed throughout the entire house. Furthermore, the multimedia rack 5 can be connected to other external facilities 6, such as, inter alia, a cable from a (central) antenna system, a satellite receiver system, a telephone point, an intercom installation (with or without video), a video camera, mouse and keyboard. Further control units 6 can also be connected, for example for the central control of lighting and/or heating. The connections are preferably made in the form of a connection panel 19, for example on the back of the multimedia rack 5. The connection panel 19 preferably has connectors of a specific shape linked to the function, so that
incorrect connection of external facilities 6 is not possible.
The multimedia rack 5 has space for a large number of components 18 with a specific function. Examples of these are a tuner or tuners for radio, TV and/or satellite signals, an amplifier, an equaliser, a CD player, a DVD player, a video recorder, a games computer, a computer, a hard disk for recording, for example, films, a (DECT) telephone switch (for example with auto-mute), a control module for lighting and/or central heating, fax, printer and/or internet terminal.
The multimedia rack 5 further comprises one central power supply 10 that is connected to the mains power supply 11. This central power supply 10 supplies all components 18 present via lead 20. Preferably the central power supply 10 supplies one feed voltage, but the central power supply 10 and the lead 20 can also be equipped to supply several feed voltages.
The multimedia rack 5 can also contain a central cooling unit 12 that provides for cooling of all components 18 (and the power supply 10) in the multimedia rack 5. The multimedia rack 5 can also contain a central remote control unit 14 that is connected to all components 18 via a control lead 22. The remote control unit 14 can be equipped for communication with the remote control 35, to be discussed with reference to Fig. 2, via infra-red or high frequency signals (such as with the aid of the Bluetooth protocol). The control lead 22 can be constituted by a bus system, but can also comprise individual leads for each of the components 18.
In addition, the multimedia rack 5 can contain a central clock 16, which transmits the correct time (preferably including summer/winter time change-over) to the components 18 via lead 24. The central clock 16 can, for example, be a clock that is synchronised by an external time source, such as a DCF77 receiver, a teletext receiver or a GPS receiver. The multimedia rack 5 has the advantage that less energy is used because of the central power supply 10, cooling 12, remote control unit 14 and clock 16. As a result of the generation of less heat, this has the further advantage that the multimedia rack 5 can be built in more easily. It is also possible to accommodate further units that can be shared by multiple components 18 centrally in the multimedia rack 5. Because a number of shared units are already present in the multimedia rack 5, the components 18 can suffice with fewer parts, and they can be built less expensively. The components 18 will generate less heat and consequently can be of more compact construction and can be installed more compactly in the multimedia rack 5. For this purpose the multimedia rack 5 is preferably
provided with slots (not shown) into which components 18 of standard dimensions can easily be slid. Use of components 18 with standard dimensions has the advantage that the user is not tied to one make when purchasing components 18. The multimedia rack 5 can be equipped with 6, 9 or 12 such slots. It is possible to use several slots for one component 18 if necessary. This also offers the possibility for constructing the components 18 with interchangeable fronts so that the appearance can be tailored by the user. Unused slots can also be used for other purposes, such as storing CDs, etc.
As a result of the facilities in the multimedia rack 5, such components 18 will also require less material for the case and consequently can be produced less expensively. Updating or replacement of components 18 has also become simpler. It is also easy to start a specific system (for example hi-fi installation) simply and subsequently to expand it with further components 18.
The multimedia rack 5 can be employed for use in a dwelling, but there can also be embodiments for use in cars, boats, etc. The dimensions of the multimedia rack 5 can be tailored for this purpose and further specific components 18 (such as navigation equipment) can be added.
In a further embodiment, the multimedia rack 5 is provided with a communications link (not shown) for linking to another multimedia rack 5. This communication can comprise all possible data and control signals and can, for example, be implemented with the aid of a wireless radio link, such as Bluetooth components.
Fig. 2 shows, diagrammatically, a remote control 35 for use in combination with the multimedia rack 5. The remote control 35 comprises a processor 26 with associated memory 29. The processor can be a simple controller, or a more extensive microprocessor with more functionality. The remote control 35 furthermore comprises a display 28 that is controlled by the processor 26. The display can be a simple monochrome display screen, such as an LCD screen, or a colour screen, such as a TFT screen.
The remote control 35 furthermore comprises a transmitter/receiver unit 27 that is connected to the processor 26. The transmitter/receiver unit 27 is equipped for communication with the central remote control unit 14 in the multimedia rack 5, and therefore uses infra-red or high frequency signals. High frequency signals have the advantage that these penetrate through walls (no line of sight needed as in the case of infrared), as a result of which the multimedia rack 5 can be operated from several locations. The communication between transmitter/receiver unit 27 and remote control unit is two-way,
and can be implemented as half duplex or full duplex.
A keyboard or input element 30 is connected to the processor 26 for entering commands or other signals to operate the multimedia rack 5 and the components 18 contained therein. Preferably, the remote control unit 14 and remote control 35 are equipped to display the possible functions of the components 18 in the multimedia rack 5 on the display 28. This offers, inter alia, the possibility of placing the multimedia rack 5 in a location where it is out of sight, such as in the meter cupboard or another room.
Depending on the components 18 in the multimedia rack, the remote control 35 can offer further functions. It is, for example, possible to operate various multimedia facilities, such as radio, TV, etc. (channel selection, volume, settings). It is also possible for, for example, the lighting in the dwelling, a door opener or the central heating to be controlled by means of the remote control 35. For this purpose the remote control 35 is, for example, provided with a sensor 33, such as a temperature sensor, which feeds information to the central heating system. If the remote control is provided with a microphone 31 and loudspeaker 32 connected to the processor 26, the remote control can also be used as a cordless telephone. The microphone 31 also offers the possibility for allowing the remote control to function with speech control.
The processor 26 of the remote control 35 can furthermore be equipped to offer further functions, such as an organiser or address book.
The remote control 35 is furthermore provided with a power supply 34. Preferably this is a rechargeable battery, as a result of which it is no longer necessary to replace batteries. When the remote control 35 is not in use, it can be placed in a holder that also serves as battery charger.