GB2425857A - Wireless controller for a computer - Google Patents

Wireless controller for a computer Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2425857A
GB2425857A GB0508885A GB0508885A GB2425857A GB 2425857 A GB2425857 A GB 2425857A GB 0508885 A GB0508885 A GB 0508885A GB 0508885 A GB0508885 A GB 0508885A GB 2425857 A GB2425857 A GB 2425857A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
control unit
computer
keyboard
wireless
screen
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0508885A
Other versions
GB0508885D0 (en
Inventor
John Richard Tilsley-Baker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0508885A priority Critical patent/GB2425857A/en
Publication of GB0508885D0 publication Critical patent/GB0508885D0/en
Publication of GB2425857A publication Critical patent/GB2425857A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0227—Cooperation and interconnection of the input arrangement with other functional units of a computer

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

A computer 10 has a wireless transmitter 16 and receiver 15 to communicate with a remote control unit 1. The remote control unit has a receiver 3 and a transmitter 5 to communicate with the computer, a display 2 and a user input device 4. The computer transmits signals indicating what the unit should display. The remote unit transmits signals instructing the computer what to do. The remote control unit may have a keyboard. The keyboard may be an on screen keyboard using a touch screen. The unit may have a docking station 7 to provide it with power. The docking station may also have a mouse 8 or keyboard to allow the remote control unit to function as a conventional computer. The unit may include a storage device such as a DVD or CD player. The remote control unit may be a computer.

Description

Title: Wireless Control Unit and Computer The present invention relates to
a wireless control unit and computer.
Many people have computers and need ever increasing amounts of memory and processing power in order to store and process information. Such computers are often housed in "towers" which are bulky items to move around as well as being unsightly. If in a domestic environment a computer is used to store music and films, the computer may need to be located and operated in a sitting room in order that it can be wired to a screen or music system. If however the same computer needs to be used for business, it would preferably be located and operated in a study.
The size of such a computer tower prevents it form being moved from room to room with ease.
It has been known to provide so called laptop computers which are reasonably portable, but their size can prevent the use of large memory and processing power. Also they are relatively heavy to move about simply for the purpose of doing a quick task like playing music tracks.
The invention seeks to provide a solution to this problem.
According to the present invention there is provided a wireless control unit and computer comprising: a) a computer having a memory storage and processor unit, said computer also having a wireless receiver to receive operating signals and a wireless transmitter to transmit screen signals, and b) a mobile control unit having a screen connected to a wireless receiver to receive transmitted screen signals, and an operating device connected to a wireless transmitter to transmit operating signals to the computer, and c) a power supply for the control unit, in use the control unit remotely operating the computer with operating signals and the screen providing a visual indicator for control of the computer.
Preferably the control unit has a keyboard to generate operating signals. The keyboard may be provided on an area of the screen. The keyboard may be a touch screen keyboard. Alternatively the keyboard may be a dedicated keyboard.
A docking station may be provided for the control unit, said docking station providing power for the control unit. The docking station may also provide a mouse and/or keyboard to enable the control unit to act as a conventional computer.
The mobile control unit may further comprise a computer.
The mobile control unit may further comprise a CD, DVD or other memory reader.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Referring to the drawing there is shown a wireless control unit I and a computer 10.
Computer 10 may be a conventional tower with, inter alia, a memory storage and processor unit.
Computer 10 is connected to a printer 11, speakers 12, a screen 13 (e.g. for watching movies) and the internet via a cable 14. Computer 10 also has a wireless receiver 15 to receive operating signals and a wireless transmitter 16 to transmit screen signals.
Mobile control unit I has a screen 2 connected to a wireless receiver 3 to receive transmitted screen signals from transmitter 16. Mobile control unit I has an operating device in the form of a keyboard 4 connected to a wireless transmitter 5 to transmit operating signals to the computer receiver IS. A power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery 6 is provided for the control unit 1. Keyboard 4 may be simpler than a main computer keyboard. Instead of being a dedicated keyboard as shown, the keyboard may be provided on an area of the screen 2, e.g. the keyboard may be a touch screen keyboard.
In use the control unit I can remotely operate the computer with operating signals. and the screen providing a visual indicator for control of the computer. The control unit I would be small and light weight.
It is envisaged that the computer 10 could be located in a sitting room for example. The control unit can be used to control the computer 10 to play music through speakers 12 or play films on screen 13 whilst holding the control unit whilst sitting in a sofa or chair. If it was decided to do some work, the control unit could be taken to a table or desk, e.g. in a different room such as a study, and the control unit used as a conventional keyboard and screen using the power of the computer in a remote location.
A docking station 7 may be provided for the control unit 1, e.g. located in the study. The docking station provides power for the control unit and to recharge its battery 6. The docking station may also provide a mouse 8 to enable the control unit to act as a conventional computer. The docking station may also have a more complete computer keyboard.
If desired the control unit I could have its own computer as well so it could provide some computing power when Out of range with computer 10. Control unit I may further comprise a CD, DVD or other memory reader.
It is envisaged that the control unit may also be used as an office product, where a person could have a computer in an office, and use the control unit to walk around a building still interfacing with the computer.
The invention may take different forms. For example one type of control unit could be designed for use in offices, and another type designed for use in homes.
The mobile control unit may contain further features to keep it small and simple to use. For example is may contain a microphone to control the computer by speech recognition techniques.
It may include a stylus pen interfacing with the screen to help generate operating signals. It may include pop up boxes on the screen, e.g. to provide a predictive text screen. It is envisaged that a several control units could access the same computer 10 allowing for example a family to have one computer and several control units.
It will be appreciated that the control unit has all the benefits of the power of a computer but is very portable. It can be thinner and hence smaller than a lap top.
The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above.
Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A wireless control unit and computer comprising: a) a computer having a memory storage and processor unit, said computer also having a wireless receiver to receive operating signals and a wireless transmitter to transmit screen signals, and b) a mobile control unit having a screen connected to a wireless receiver to receive transmitted screen signals, and an operating device connected to a wireless transmitter to transmit operating signals to the computer, and c) a power supply for the control unit, in use the control unit remotely operating the computer with operating signals and the screen providing a visual indicator for control of the computer.
2. A wireless control unit and computer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a keyboard to generate operating signals.
3. A wireless control unit and computer according to claim 2, wherein the keyboard may be provided on an area of the screen.
4. A wireless control unit and computer according to claim 3, wherein the keyboard is a touch screen keyboard.
5. A wireless control unit and computer according to claim 2, wherein the keyboard is a dedicated keyboard.
6. A wireless control unit and computer according to any preceding claim, wherein a docking station is provided for the control unit, said docking station providing power for the control unit.
7. A wireless control unit and computer according to claim 6,wherein the docking station also provides a mouse and/or keyboard to enable the control unit to act as a conventional computer.
8. A wireless control unit and computer according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile control unit may further comprise a computer.
9. A wireless control unit and computer according to any preceding claim, wherein the mobile control unit may further comprise a CD, DVD or other memory reader.
10. A wireless control unit and computer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
GB0508885A 2005-05-03 2005-05-03 Wireless controller for a computer Withdrawn GB2425857A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0508885A GB2425857A (en) 2005-05-03 2005-05-03 Wireless controller for a computer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0508885A GB2425857A (en) 2005-05-03 2005-05-03 Wireless controller for a computer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0508885D0 GB0508885D0 (en) 2005-06-08
GB2425857A true GB2425857A (en) 2006-11-08

Family

ID=34674167

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0508885A Withdrawn GB2425857A (en) 2005-05-03 2005-05-03 Wireless controller for a computer

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2425857A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2443651A (en) * 2006-09-07 2008-05-14 Powerdesk Ltd Remote power control unit with a mass data reader for a computer.

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5561446A (en) * 1994-01-28 1996-10-01 Montlick; Terry F. Method and apparatus for wireless remote information retrieval and pen-based data entry
WO1999021077A1 (en) * 1997-10-17 1999-04-29 Gateway 2000, Inc. Modular computer device and computer keyboard for modular device
WO2001039527A1 (en) * 1999-11-22 2001-05-31 Terk Technologies Corp. Method and apparatus for providing remote, wireless access to a computer workstation
CA2343556A1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2002-10-10 Bibhuti Bhusan Bardhan Worktop monitor
US20040117835A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-06-17 Lorkovic Joseph Ernest Digital home control system
US20040203498A1 (en) * 2002-07-23 2004-10-14 Mao-Hsiang Kuo Wireless user interface for remotely accessing a computer

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5561446A (en) * 1994-01-28 1996-10-01 Montlick; Terry F. Method and apparatus for wireless remote information retrieval and pen-based data entry
WO1999021077A1 (en) * 1997-10-17 1999-04-29 Gateway 2000, Inc. Modular computer device and computer keyboard for modular device
WO2001039527A1 (en) * 1999-11-22 2001-05-31 Terk Technologies Corp. Method and apparatus for providing remote, wireless access to a computer workstation
CA2343556A1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2002-10-10 Bibhuti Bhusan Bardhan Worktop monitor
US20040203498A1 (en) * 2002-07-23 2004-10-14 Mao-Hsiang Kuo Wireless user interface for remotely accessing a computer
US20040117835A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-06-17 Lorkovic Joseph Ernest Digital home control system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Albert M. Lai, Jason Nieh, Bhagyashree Bohra,Vijayarka Nandikonda, Abhishek P. Surana, and Suchita Varshneya; Improving Web Browsing on Wireless PDAs Using Thin-Client Computing *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2443651A (en) * 2006-09-07 2008-05-14 Powerdesk Ltd Remote power control unit with a mass data reader for a computer.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0508885D0 (en) 2005-06-08

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)