WO2006100729A1

WO2006100729A1 - Remote control device

Info

Publication number: WO2006100729A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/004989
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masanori Tsukuda
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited; Fujitsu Peripherals Limited
Priority date: 2005-03-18
Filing date: 2005-03-18
Publication date: 2006-09-28
Also published as: JPWO2006100729A1; JP4386940B2

Abstract

A remote control device that has both a function of a remote control device for a television and a function of a keyboard, the whole of which device can be constructed to be compact without impairing keyboard operability, and in which both functions are simultaneously usable. A remote control device (1) capable of remotely operating a video apparatus by use of an operation key group (KG) provided on an operation surface of a casing. A sheet-like flexible keyboard (KB) for remotely operating a computer is received in the casing (10). When pulled out of the casing (10), the keyboard (KB) can be set such that an operation surface (KM) of the casing faces upward and an operation surface (BM) of the keyboard (KB) faces upward.

Description

Remote control device

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a remote control device used for remote operation of a video device or the like in which a television (television) and a computer are integrated.

Background art

In recent years, displays for personal computers have become larger, and the displays are also used as display devices for televisions and DVD players. For example, a display device (video equipment) that can be used as both a personal computer and a television is provided by incorporating a computer main body and a TV tuner in a display device.

In order to operate such a display device, a remote control device is usually used.

In other words, when using the display device as a television, the remote control device performs function selection, channel selection, volume setting, and various settings. In order to use the display device as a personal computer, a keyboard separate from the remote control device is used.

[0004] However, the remote control device and the mouse are small and take up little space, but the keyboard requires space and is annoying when not in use. Therefore, it is desirable to touch the keyboard when not in use as a personal computer. However, since the keyboard is large, it is difficult to find the storage location on the desk. For this reason, the display device may be leaned behind or on the side, which impairs the overall design of the display device.

[0005] For such a problem, it has been proposed to provide a keyboard integrally with the remote control device. Patent Document 1 proposes a device that can operate an AV personal computer or a television with a single remote control and can operate the keyboard of the AV personal computer by connecting a keyboard to the remote control.

[0006] Patent Document 2 describes functions of a remote control for television and video, and a keyboard for a personal computer. A device that combines the functions of the mouse and mouse into a wireless network has been proposed. In this device, a dedicated input device for the remote control function is arranged in the upper layer, a general-purpose input device having a keyboard function is arranged in the lower layer, and the lower layer can be operated by opening the upper layer. Yes.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-10-326141

Patent Document 2: JP-A-10-124222

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] According to the device of Patent Document 1 described above, a keyboard mode is established by connecting a keyboard to a remote control, and remote operation by the keyboard can be performed. However, in the AV PC mode and the TV mode, the keyboard is separated from the remote control for operation with the remote control, so a space is required to accommodate the keyboard.

[0008] Further, according to the device of Patent Document 2, since the functions of a remote controller such as a television and the keyboard function are integrated, it is possible to perform both operations by the remote control device. However, since the keyboard is arranged as it is, the overall shape becomes large, and compactness cannot be achieved. If it is made compact, the keyboard will become smaller, and operability must be sacrificed. In addition, since the keyboard cannot be operated unless the dedicated input device arranged in the upper layer is opened, they cannot be used simultaneously.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and includes a remote control function such as a television and a keyboard function, and is configured to be compact without compromising the operability of the keyboard. An object is to provide a remote control device that can use both functions at the same time.

Means for solving the problem

[0010] An apparatus according to the present invention is a remote control device capable of remotely operating a video device by a group of operation keys provided on an operation surface of the casing, and remotely operating the computer within the casing. A sheet-like flexible keyboard is housed

The operation surface of the casing when the keyboard is pulled out of the casing. The keyboard can be arranged with the keyboard facing upward and the operation surface of the keyboard facing upward.

[0011] Preferably, the casing is provided with a storage chamber that is open across a bottom surface that is a surface opposite to the operation surface and one side surface that follows the bottom surface. A lid for covering the part is detachably provided, and the keyboard is stored in the storage chamber.

[0012] Further, the keyboard is folded and stored in the casing. In this case, the keyboard has one end on either side of the keyboard close to the bottom surface in the storage chamber and is connected to the casing at a position, and the other end on the back side of the side surface of the lid. Connected. Further, when a mark for folding is displayed on the surface of the keyboard, it is easy to fold.

[0013] In another form, the keyboard is wound and stored in the casing. In this case, one end of the keyboard is connected to the casing at a position close to the bottom surface in the storage chamber, and the other end is connected to a rotating shaft provided on the lid. The keyboard is wound up or rewound by rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0014] Preferably, a detection sensor for detecting that the keyboard is stored in the storage chamber is provided, and when the detection sensor detects the storage of the keyboard, the keyboard is operated. Controlled to disable.

[0015] In addition, the operation key group can operate the video equipment, the keyboard can operate a computer, and the operation key group and the keyboard can be operated independently and simultaneously. is there.

[0016] As necessary, the operation key group or the keyboard is provided with a pointing device.

The invention's effect

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a remote control function such as a television and a keyboard function, and to make the whole compact without compromising the operability of the keyboard. It is possible to use them simultaneously. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front view of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the remote control device.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the remote control device.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the remote control device.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3 of the remote control device.

6 is an enlarged view of the engaging portion in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state where the keyboard of the remote control device is pulled out.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a keyboard structure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit of the remote control device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which video equipment is operated by a remote control device.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a remote control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the lid body with the keyboard pulled out.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a remote control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Fig. 1 is a front view of a remote control device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a left side view of the remote control device 1, Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the remote control device 1, and Fig. 4 is a top view of the remote control device 1. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3 of the remote control device 1, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the engaging portion in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a state in which the keyboard of the remote control device 1 is pulled out. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an example of the structure of the keyboard, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit of the remote control device 1.

1 to 4, the remote control device 1 has a casing 10 made of a synthetic resin having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The front surface of the casing 10 is an operation surface KM, and various operation key groups KG are provided on the operation surface KM.

[0021] The operation keys KG shown in Fig. 1 are the TV power on / off key Kl, the PC power on / off key Κ2, the PC / TV switch key Κ3, the function key Κ4, for setting the channel. Numeric keys Κ5, direction determination key Κ6 for cursor movement and determination, channel increase / decrease key Κ7, volume increase / decrease key Κ8, etc. The upper surface of the casing 10 is an infrared light transmitting surface HM, and a light emitting element 62 that emits infrared light is provided therein. By operating the operation key group KG, an infrared operation signal is transmitted from the light emitting element 62, and the video equipment can be operated remotely.

[0023] Referring also to FIG. 5, the casing 10 is provided with a storage room SS that is open across the bottom surface TM that is the surface opposite to the operation surface KM and one side surface LM that follows the bottom surface TM. The A lid 11 for covering the open part of the storage chamber SS is provided so as to be detachable from the casing 10.

In FIG. 5, the storage room SS stores a sheet-like flexible keyboard KB for remotely operating the computer. The keyboard KB is connected to the inner wall surface 10a of the casing 10 at the right end (left side in FIG. 5) at a position close to the bottom surface TM in the storage chamber SS, and left (right side in FIG. 5). Is connected to the back side of the side surface LM of the lid 11.

[0025] The keyboard KB is folded as shown in FIG. 5 and stored in the storage room SS when not in use, and is pulled out of the storage room SS when used. In the state in which the keyboard KB is pulled out, as shown in FIG. 7, with the operating surface KM of the casing 10 facing upward and the operating surface BM of the keyboard KB facing upward, for example, a desk It can be placed on top.

In FIG. 7, the operation surface BM of the keyboard KB is provided with a character key, a numeric keypad, a function key, a cursor key, a special key, etc., as in a known keyboard. Although not shown in the figure, it is possible to provide a pointing device such as a mouse pad.

[0027] Further, on the operation surface BM of the keyboard KB, it is displayed as a mark for folding thanks to folding. When folding the keyboard KB, fold in order from the right side of Fig. 7 ^ Fold each JL and insert it into the storage room SS. Fit. It should be noted that the folding fee L is preferably provided between the keys, avoiding the position where the key is located as much as possible. FIG. 5 shows a printed circuit board PK and a battery DT.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 8, the keyboard KB includes the flexible wiring board 31, the flexible wiring board. Lower electrode 32 electrically connected by 31, spacer 33 made of felt and the like that also functions as an insulation and cushion, upper electrode 34 electrically connected by flexible wiring board 31, and synthetic resin such as PET The operation sheet 35 consisting of, etc. will also be a force. When the operation sheet 35 is pushed with a finger, the upper electrode 34 located below the operation sheet 35 is pushed downward to contact the lower electrode 32. This is input to the detection circuit by the flexible wiring board 31, and the operation signal of the key is output. The structure of such a keyboard KB itself is known.

As shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion 12 protruding inward is provided at the end of the side surface LM of the lid 11 and can be fitted into a hole 13 provided in the side surface LM of the casing 10. A hook-shaped locking part 14 is provided at the end of the bottom surface TM of the lid 11 and can be engaged with an engaging part 15 provided at a position close to the bottom surface TM of the inner wall surface 10a of the casing 10. It is. When the protrusion 12 is fitted into the hole 13 and the locking portion 14 is engaged with the engaging portion 15, the lid body 11 is fitted into the casing 10 and attached.

[0030] Near the hole 13, a lid sensor (detection sensor) 66 for detecting whether or not the lid 11 is attached is attached. The lid sensor 66 is, for example, a light-reflective photoelectric sensor, and outputs a detection signal when the protrusion 12 is inserted into the hole 13. When the lid sensor 66 detects the attachment of the lid body 11, that is, when the storage of the keyboard KB is detected, the operation of the keyboard KB is controlled to be invalidated. As a result, even when the keyboard KB is in the stowed state and the key is pressed, the signal becomes invalid and an unexpected operation signal is prevented from being generated.

[0031] When the lid sensor 66 does not detect the attachment of the lid 11, an operation signal is output by operating the keyboard KB, and the computer can be operated. At the same time, an operation signal is output by operating the operation key group KG of the operation surface KM, and it is possible to operate a video device such as a television. The operation key group KG and the keyboard KB can be operated independently and simultaneously. In other words, you can operate the computer while watching TV, or switch TV channels and adjust the volume while operating the computer.

[0032] The lid sensor 66 may be a capacitance type, magnetic proximity type, mechanical type, other type, configuration, or structure. [0033] As shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit of the remote control device 1 includes a control unit 61, a light emitting element 62, a driving circuit 63, a memory 64, a power circuit 65, a lid sensor 66, an operation key group KG, and a keyboard KB. It consists of such.

[0034] The control unit 61 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an interface circuit, a peripheral circuit, and the like, executes processing based on the input signal, and drives an operation signal corresponding to the pressed key. Output to circuit 63. The drive circuit 63 drives the light emitting element 62 to perform infrared communication based on the operation signal. In addition, the control unit 61 controls the entire remote control device 1. Note that the remote control device 1 can also be configured to perform bidirectional communication with the counterpart device by receiving a signal in addition to transmitting a signal. In that case, a light receiving element and a necessary interface are provided.

[0035] When the lid sensor 66 detects the attachment of the lid 11, the operation signal of the keyboard KB is not output as described above. The power supply circuit 65 is a stabilized power supply circuit including the battery DT described above.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the video equipment EK is operated by the remote control device 1.

In FIG. 10, the keyboard KB of the remote control device 1 is pulled out and placed on a suitable table. The video equipment EK is a device in which a TV and a computer are integrated, and the display surface HG of the display DS is used in common.

[0038] With the sending surface HM of the remote control device 1 facing the light receiving surface JM of the video equipment EK, the operation key group KG or the keyboard KB is operated. The video equipment EK can be operated by operating either the operation key group KG or the keyboard KB. For example, the display surface HG can be divided into two parts and displayed on the one hand, and the computer screen can be displayed on the other hand, and the TV screen can be displayed on the other hand.

[0039] The remote control device 1 can be set in various modes. Depending on the set mode, the operation key group KG or keyboard KB can be operated with either one of them, or only one of them can be used only for TV operation. It can also be configured to be used only for example.

[0040] When the keyboard KB is stored in the storage room SS, the operation keys KG are used. It is possible to operate the video equipment EK. However, when a specific mode is set, the computer can be operated by the operation key group KG. For example, characters and numbers are input with the numerical key K5 of the operation key group KG, the cursor is moved and selected with the direction determination key K6, and specific processing and operations are performed with the function key K4.

[0041] The remote control device 1 can be operated with one hand. Even when the keyboard KB is pulled out, it is possible to operate the keyboard KB by placing it on the palm or an appropriate flat plate held by hand.

[0042] In the above embodiment, since the keyboard KB is used by being pulled out from the casing 10, the size of the casing 10 is not limited in the lateral length. Therefore, considering the function and operability of the keyboard KB, the necessary keys can be arranged at the required size and interval. Since the keyboard KB can be folded and stored in the casing 10, the remote control device 1 can be configured compactly as a whole.

[0043] For example, specific examples of dimensions are as follows. The length of the casing 10 is about 180 mm, the width is about 60 mm, the thickness is about 30 mm, the length of the keyboard KB is about 100 mm, and the width is about 240 mm. Keyboard KB folding width is about Omm and the number of folding is about 6 times. It should be noted that these numerical values are merely examples, and it is needless to say that various other dimensions or folding times may be used.

[0044] As described above, according to the remote control device 1 of the present embodiment, the remote control device 1 of the television and the like have the functions of a remote control and a keyboard, and the entire configuration is compact without impairing the operability of the keyboard. It is possible to use both functions at the same time. Therefore, the overall design, including the video equipment EK, can be combined into a more stylish shape.

[0045] In addition to the TV, the video equipment EK covers various devices that display video on a display, such as a video conference device, a video phone device, a DVD device, a video device, an AV device, a game device, and a security monitoring device. It can be.

Next, remote control devices IB and 1C according to other embodiments will be described. [0047] The remote control device IB of another embodiment is different from the remote control device 1 described above in the storage method of the keyboard KB in the storage room SS. Other structures and shapes are the same as the remote control device 1 described above. Therefore, only the differences will be described here, and other descriptions will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a remote control device 1B according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a part of the lid 11B in a state where the keyboard KB is pulled out.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 11, the keyboard KB is wound and stored inside the storage chamber SS of the casing 10B. That is, the keyboard KB is connected to the inner wall surface 10a of the casing 10 at the right end (left side in FIG. 11) at a position close to the bottom surface TM in the storage chamber SS, and on the left side (right side in FIG. 11). End force Linked to a rotating shaft 16 provided on the lid 11B.

As shown in FIG. 12, the rotating shaft 16 is rotatably supported by holding portions 17a and 17b provided above and below the lid 11B. A panel member (not shown) that constantly urges the rotary shaft 16 in the direction of winding the keyboard KB is provided inside the holding portions 17a and 17b.

[0051] Therefore, from the state shown in FIG. 11, when the lid 11B is also removed from the casing 10B and the keyboard KB is pulled out, the keyboard KB is rotated around the rotary shaft 16 and rewound, and the right side of the casing 10B. Pulled out. Keyboard KB can be used in that state. When the use of the keyboard KB is completed, the lid 11B is returned to the casing 10B, whereby the rotary shaft 16 is rotated by the ban member and the keyboard KB is wound up. Then, the lid 11B is attached to the casing 10B so as to be in the state shown in FIG.

[0052] It should be noted that an appropriate locking member may be provided on the casing 10B for preventing the keyboard KB from being taken up by the panel member when the keyboard KB is pulled out.

[0053] According to the remote control device 1B of this embodiment, since the keyboard KB is not folded, the storage in the storage room SS is easy. In addition, the lifetime of the keyboard KB is extended.

[0054] A remote control device 1C according to another embodiment is different from the remote control device 1 described above in the configuration of the operation surface KM of the casing 10C. The other structure and shape are the same as the remote control device 1 or 1B described above. FIG. 13 is a front view of a remote control device IC according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 13, an operation key group KG includes a pointing device PD such as a mouse pad in addition to various keys. The cursor can be moved directly to any position by operating the pointing device PD with a finger. The structure of the pointing device PD itself is known.

According to the remote control device 1C of this embodiment, the computer can be operated with the same operability as a mouse by using the pointing device PD of the operation surface KM. Therefore, if the operation is simple, it can be configured such that the computer is operated only by the operation key group KG and the pointing device PD of the operation surface KM without pulling out the keyboard KB from the storage room SS. Thereby, the operability is further improved.

In the embodiment described above, the structure, shape, dimensions, position, etc. of the storage chamber SS can be variously changed. In addition, the configuration, structure, circuit, function, shape, number, dimensions, etc. of keyboard KB, casing 10, lid 11, remote control device 1, IB, 1C as a whole or each part are appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention. can do.

Industrial applicability

[0059] The present invention is used as a remote control device for remotely operating video equipment such as a computer, a television, and a DVD playback device.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A remote control device capable of remotely operating a video device by a group of operation keys provided on an operation surface of a casing,

A sheet-like flexible keyboard board for remotely operating the computer is housed in the casing.

When the keyboard is pulled out from the casing, the keyboard can be arranged with the operation surface of the casing facing upward and the operation surface of the keyboard facing upward.

A remote control device characterized by that.

[2] The casing is provided with a storage chamber that is open across a bottom surface that is a surface opposite to the operation surface and a side surface that follows the bottom surface,

A lid for covering the open part of the storage chamber is detachably provided,

The keyboard is stored in the storage chamber.

The remote control device according to claim 1.

3. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is folded and stored in the casing.

[4] The keyboard has one end on the left and right close to the bottom surface in the storage chamber and is connected to the casing at a position, and the other end is connected to the back side of the side surface of the lid. Have been

The remote control device according to claim 3.

[5] On the surface of the keyboard, a mark for folding is displayed.

The remote control device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is wound and stored in the casing.

[7] The left and right ends of the keyboard are close to the bottom surface in the storage room! Are connected to the casing at a position, and the other end is connected to a rotating shaft provided on the lid,

The keyboard is wound or rewound by rotation of the rotating shaft. Composed of,

The remote control device according to claim 6.

[8] A detection sensor for detecting that the keyboard is stored in the storage room is provided,

When the detection sensor detects the storage of the keyboard, it is controlled to invalidate the operation of the keyboard.

The remote control device according to claim 2.

[9] The operation key group can operate the video equipment, the keyboard can operate a computer, and the operation key group and the keyboard can be operated independently of each other at the same time. ,

The remote control device according to claim 1 or 8!

[10] The operation key group is provided with a pointing device.

The remote control device according to claim 1 or 8!

[11] The keyboard is provided with a pointing device,

The remote control device according to claim 1 or 8!