JP4907404B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a plurality of cases that are detachable from each other, for example, an electronic device that improves usability when viewing a television broadcast or an image on a mobile phone or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for improving the operability of an electronic device such as a mobile phone by providing an infrared communication function is known. For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, a mobile phone unit is operated via infrared communication using a remote control unit that is a device separate from the mobile phone. Further, the technique described in Patent Document 2 uses a key unit that is detachably attached to a mobile phone to control photographing on the mobile phone via infrared communication.
JP-A-4-56428 JP 2005-268978 A

  However, in a conventional general electronic device, while suppressing an increase in cost, the display unit and the operation unit are separated, and the image on the display unit is viewed by remote operation by the operation unit (that is, the operated unit is operated). Couldn't) The reason is that in a general electronic device, power is supplied to the display unit and the operation unit from a single power source, so that they are not used separately and are used separately. There is also no application.

  Furthermore, as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, in the case where the remote control unit is provided separately from the electronic device, members such as operation buttons are required to overlap between the remote control unit and the electronic device. There is a problem that the number of parts increases and the cost increases.

  Further, as in the technique described in Patent Document 2, when a mobile phone is controlled by a key unit that is detachable from the mobile phone, both the mobile phone and the key unit need to be powered, There is a problem that the cost of the telephone becomes high.

  By the way, as electronic devices such as mobile phones that can receive terrestrial digital broadcasts become more widespread in the future, the screens of electronic devices such as mobile phones can be remotely operated so that they can be viewed remotely at home. There is a growing demand for this.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can improve the user-friendliness while suppressing the cost.

  The present invention is an electronic device including a first housing and a second housing that are detachable from each other, and the first housing includes a power supply unit for supplying electric power to the electronic device. And an input unit that inputs information for controlling the second casing, and a transmission unit that transmits the information input by the input unit using electromagnetic waves.

In the present invention, the second casing is mounted when the control section controls the second casing based on the information transmitted from the transmitting section and when the second casing is detached from the first casing. A power input unit for inputting power from the mounted device, and an antenna and a signal processing circuit used for receiving a call function or terrestrial digital broadcasting .

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said 1st housing | casing is provided with the operation part for operating the said electronic device.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said 2nd housing | casing is provided with the display part which displays an image.

  In the control of the second casing, the mounting device receives a information received from the transmitter, and information that transmits information received by the receiver to the second casing. And a transmission unit.

  In addition, regarding the electrical connection between the first casing and the second casing, the first connecting portion for the first casing to be electrically connected to the second casing. And the second casing includes a second connecting portion for electrically connecting to the first casing, and the first casing and the second casing are mutually connected. In the case of being connected, it is preferable to electrically transmit / receive information to / from each other via the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

The present invention is also an electronic device including a first housing and a second housing that are detachable from each other, wherein the first housing is a power source for supplying electric power to the electronic device. Part, an input unit for inputting information for controlling the second casing, and a transmission unit for transmitting information input by the input unit by electromagnetic waves, the second casing includes the A control unit for controlling the second housing based on information transmitted from the transmission unit, and a power input unit for inputting power from a mounting device to be mounted when detached from the first housing with the door, the mounting device comprises a microphone and speaker for hands-free conversation, the control unit, there is an incoming call in a state where the second housing is mounted to the mounting apparatus, the second Before hands-free control information that puts the chassis in a hands-free call state When the mounting device has received from the first housing to allow for hands-free communication by said and said microphone speaker.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a user's convenience can be made favorable, restraining cost.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a mobile phone will be described as an electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a PHS (Personal Handy phone System) as an electronic device having a plurality of detachable casings can be used. , PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), portable navigation device, notebook personal computer, and the like.

  The basic structure of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a front view of the mobile phone 1 in an open state (open state). 2A shows a left side view when the mobile phone 1 is opened, and FIG. 2B shows a right side view when the mobile phone 1 is opened. FIG. 3 shows a rear view in a state where the mobile phone 1 is opened.

  The mobile phone 1 includes an operation unit side body 2 and a display unit side body 3. The operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are connected via a connecting unit 4 having a predetermined hinge mechanism. However, the operation unit side body 2 and the connection unit 4 are connected to the display unit side body. 3 can be selectively used in a state in which 3 is separated at a separation point D and a state in which both are separated from each other. That is, the display unit side body 3 corresponds to the operated part, which is separated from the operation unit side body 2 and the connecting part 4 at the separation point D, and the display unit side body 2 is separated by the operation unit side body 2. 3 can be remotely controlled, and details thereof will be described later.

  In the mobile phone 1, this can be transformed into an open state and a closed state. Here, the closed state is a state in which both housings are arranged so as to overlap each other, and the open state is a state in which both housings are arranged so as not to overlap each other.

  The outer surface of the operation unit side body 2 includes a front case 2a and a rear case 2b. The operation unit side body 2 is configured such that an operation key group 11 and a voice input unit 12 for inputting a voice uttered by a user of the mobile phone 1 are exposed on the front case 2a side. Is done. Here, the operation key group 11 is used for inputting various settings, function setting operation keys 13 for operating various functions such as a telephone book function and a mail function, characters such as numbers of telephone numbers, mails, and various information. Input operation key 14 and a determination operation key 15 for performing determination in various operations, scrolling in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the like. The voice input unit 12 is disposed on the outer end side opposite to the connection unit 4 side in the longitudinal direction of the operation unit side body 2. That is, the voice input unit 12 is arranged on one outer end side in the opened state of the mobile phone 1.

  A predetermined function is assigned to each key constituting the operation key group 11 according to a deformed state such as an open / closed state of the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 and the type of the activated application. (Key assignment). In the mobile phone 1, when each key constituting the operation key group 11 is pressed by the user, an operation corresponding to the function assigned to each key is executed. Note that the key assignment includes a control command and a setting command for controlling the display unit side body 3 using the operation unit side body 2 as a remote operation means.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, on one side surface of the operation unit side body 2, an interface 16 for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device (for example, a host device), a headphone / microphone terminal 17, A removable external memory interface 18 and a charging terminal 19 for charging the built-in battery are provided. The interface 16, the headphone terminal / microphone terminal 17, and the interface 18 are covered with a dust-proof cap that can be attached and detached when not in use.

  On the other side of the operation unit side body 2, as shown in FIG. 2B, a pair of side keys 20, an operation key 21 used at the time of imaging, and a broadcast wave whose radio wave reception angle can be adjusted. An external antenna 22 for reception is arranged. A predetermined function is assigned to the side key 20 in accordance with a deformed state such as an open / close state of the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 and the type of the application being activated (key assignment). ). Here, similarly to the above, when the side key 20 is pressed by the user, an operation corresponding to the function assigned to the side key 20 in the mobile phone 1 is executed.

  In the rear case 2b of the operation unit side body 2, as shown in FIG. 3, a light unit 23 that irradiates light to the subject and a camera unit 24 that images the subject are exposed. The light unit 23 and the camera unit 24 are arranged on the connection unit 4 side in the operation unit side body 2. The rear case 2b of the operation unit side body 2 is formed with an opening for mounting and housing the battery, and a lid 25 is disposed so as to close the opening.

  Moreover, the upper end part of the operation unit side body 2 and the lower end part of the display unit side body 3 are connected via a connecting part 4 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-operation key group 33 is arranged in a line on one surface (back surface) of the connecting portion 4 in the width direction of the mobile phone 1, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The Each key constituting the sub-operation key group 33 has a predetermined function according to a deformed state such as an open / closed state of the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 and the type of the activated application. Is assigned (key assignment). In the mobile phone 1, when each key constituting the operation key group 11 is pressed by the user, an operation corresponding to the function assigned to each key is executed.

  Further, the display unit side body 3 is configured by a front case 3a and a rear case 3b on the outer surface. As shown in FIG. 1, a display 30 having a predetermined shape for displaying various information and a sound output unit 31 for outputting sound on the other party side of the call are exposed on the front case 3 a in the display unit side body 3. To be arranged. Here, the audio output unit 31 is disposed on the outer end side opposite to the connection unit 4 in the longitudinal direction of the display unit side body 3. That is, the audio output unit 31 is arranged on the other end side in the open state of the mobile phone 1. The display unit side body 3 may be provided with an operation unit such as a key for performing control such as selection of a display screen.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a sub-display 32 for displaying various types of information is disposed in the rear case 3 b of the display unit side body 3 so as to be exposed. Each of the display 30 and the sub-display 32 includes a liquid crystal panel, a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal panel, and a light source unit such as a backlight that emits light from the back side of the liquid crystal panel.

  In the apparatus having the above-described structure, in the present invention, each casing constituting the apparatus can be separated. In this separated state, the casing on the operated unit side is separated by the casing having an operation function. It is configured so that the operation can be controlled. Then, the power supply is provided to the first casing serving as the operation side, and the second casing can receive power from the mounting apparatus while the second casing serving as the operated side is mounted on the mounting apparatus. Make the configuration. For example, by using an operation unit such as a mobile phone as a remote controller, the display unit can be operated remotely, and the display unit is connected to a mounting device such as a table to supply power to the display unit. This eliminates the need to provide a power source, and is effective in reducing costs and reducing size and weight.

  4 and 5 are schematic diagrams for explaining the basic configuration of the electronic apparatus 40 according to the present invention. 4A shows a state in which the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 constituting the electronic device 40 are connected, and FIG. 4B shows the first housing 41 and the second housing. The state which the body 42 isolate | separated is shown. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first casing 41 corresponds to the operation unit side casing 2 and the connection unit 4, and the second casing 42 corresponds to the display unit side casing 3. . FIG. 5 schematically shows each joint surface between the first housing 41 and the second housing 42. For the detachable connection structure between the casing 41 and the casing 42, a known technique using mechanical friction, fitting, engagement, or the like can be used.

  The first housing 41 includes an operation unit 41 a including operation keys and the like, and corresponds to the operation unit side body 2 and the connection unit 4. The housing 41 includes a minimum part necessary for operations and commands to the second housing 42 such as a battery and an infrared transmission module, and has a simple configuration.

  The second casing 42 includes a display unit 42 a including a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and corresponds to the display unit side casing 3. The housing 42 includes almost all functions other than the key operation and the battery, for example, a part that realizes a communication function such as a main antenna and a signal processing circuit, and a part such as a DTV (digital television) tuner.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the first housing 41, a connection portion 41 b such as a connector and a transmission portion 41 c are provided on the joint surface with the second housing 42. And in the 2nd housing | casing 42, the connection parts 42b, such as a connector, are provided in the joint surface with the 1st housing | casing 41, and this respond | corresponds to the connection part 41b.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in the use state in which the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 are coupled, the connection portions 41b and 42b of each casing are connected, and accordingly A command and information from the operation unit 41a are wired to the display unit 42a. That is, the operation unit 41a and the display unit 42a can electrically transmit and receive information using the connector contact in a state where both are connected, and can reliably transmit and receive information via the connector. The power supply to the display unit 42a is also performed from the power supply unit in the first housing 41 via the connection units 41b and 42b.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 are separated from each other, display is performed by wireless communication using the operation unit 41a as a remote control means. The operation control of the unit 42a is performed, and for this purpose, the first housing 41 is provided with a transmission unit 41c. The transmission unit 41c is, for example, an infrared transmission unit or an electromagnetic wave transmission unit.

  In a usage state in which the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 are separated, it is necessary to supply power to the display unit 42a from a power supply unit other than the first housing 41. For this reason, when the second housing 42 is detached from the first housing 41, the second housing 42 is mounted and a mounting device for supplying power to the second housing 42 (a table, a cradle, etc.) Is used.

  FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of such a mounting apparatus 50, and shows a state in which the second casing 42 is mounted.

  The mounting device 50 is provided with a receiving unit 51 and a voice input / output unit 52. The receiver 51 receives a signal (electromagnetic wave) transmitted from the transmitter 41 c of the first housing 41. Providing the receiving unit 51 in the mounting device 50 contributes to cost reduction of the electronic device 40.

  The voice input / output unit 52 includes a microphone and a speaker, and is required for a hands-free call (to be able to talk by hand) to be described later.

  Although not shown, the mounting device 50 is provided with a connection portion corresponding to the connection portion 42b of the second housing 42. When the second housing 42 is mounted on the mounting device 50, both are connected. The connection unit is connected, and power supply or signal transmission from the mounting device 50 to the display unit 42a is performed. Further, in a use state in which the second housing 42 is mounted on the mounting device 50, the display unit 42a has a structure that is easy to see from the outside, and at this time, for example, the function as a telephone is not impaired.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a circuit configuration of the electronic device 40 in a use state where the first housing 41 and the second housing 42 are connected.

  The first housing 41 includes a power supply unit 60, an operation unit 63 having an input unit 61, and a transmission circuit unit 62. The power supply unit 60 supplies power to the electronic device 40 and includes a battery. The input unit 61 is provided for inputting information for controlling the second housing 42. The transmission circuit unit 62 is a circuit for transmitting information input by the input unit 61 using electromagnetic waves, and constitutes a wireless transmission unit together with the transmission unit 41c. The operation unit 63 includes an operation key and the like, and includes a part that also functions as the input unit 61.

  The second housing 42 includes a control unit 70, an operation unit 71, a display circuit unit 72, and a power input unit 73. The control unit 70 is provided to control the operation and function of the second casing 42 based on information input from the input unit 61 or information transmitted from the transmission unit 41c. It is configured using a device (CPU) or the like. In addition, the operation unit 71 in the housing 42 is provided to directly control the operation or function of the second housing 42 by the operation, and when the housing 41 is not found nearby, Alternatively, the housing 42 can be operated even when the power is reduced or the battery is consumed.

  The display circuit unit 72 includes a drive circuit for the display unit 42a, and constitutes an image display unit together with the display device.

  When the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 are connected to each other, information transmission between the two casings is performed via the connection portions 41b and 42b described above. That is, the connection portion 41b is a first connection portion for electrically connecting to the second housing 42, and the connection portion 42b is a second connection for electrically connecting to the first housing 41. It is a connection part. Through the first connection portion and the second connection portion, the mutual information can be transmitted and received between the cases electrically. The power supply from the power supply unit 60 to the circuit unit in the second casing 42 is similarly performed via the first connection unit 41b and the second connection unit 42b.

  The power input unit 73 is required to input power from the mounting device 50 that is mounted when the second housing 42 is detached from the first housing 41. That is, when the second housing 42 is connected to the first housing 41, power is supplied from the power supply unit 60 to the circuit unit in the second housing 42 through the connection units 41b and 42b. . When the second housing 42 is detached from the first housing 41, power is supplied from the mounting device 50 to the circuit unit in the second housing 42.

  FIG. 8 shows a circuit configuration of the mounting apparatus 50 to which the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 are mounted in a use state where the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 are separated. An example is shown.

  The mounting device 50 includes a power supply unit 80, a reception circuit unit 81, an information transmission unit 82, and an audio input / output circuit unit 83.

  The power supply unit 80 is provided to supply a necessary power supply voltage to the circuit unit in the mounting apparatus 50 and the circuit unit in the second housing 42. The power supply unit 80 can be configured by either or both of an AC power supply and a rechargeable battery, and includes, for example, a converter for generating a predetermined power supply voltage from a commercial AC source, a charging circuit, and the like.

  The reception circuit unit 81 includes a circuit unit for receiving information transmitted from the transmission unit 41 c of the first casing 41, and constitutes a wireless reception unit together with the reception unit 51.

  The information transmission unit 82 is provided to transmit information processed by the reception circuit unit 81 after being received by the reception unit 51 to the second casing 42. For example, the information transmission unit 82 transmits a signal to the control unit 70 of the second housing 42 via the connection unit of the mounting device 50 and the connection unit 42 b of the second housing 42, thereby The operation and function of the housing 42 can be controlled.

  The voice input / output circuit unit 83 is provided to perform signal processing related to the voice input / output unit 52.

  As described above, the mounting device 50 includes a microphone and a speaker (for example, a speakerphone) for hands-free calling. Control information (hands-free control information) for placing the second casing 42 in a hands-free call state when the second casing 42 is received while the mounting apparatus 50 is mounted is the first casing. When the reception unit 51 receives the signal from the transmission unit 41c of 41, the microphone and the speaker of the wearing device 50 enter a hands-free call state. For example, in a state where the second casing 42 is mounted on the mounting device 50, while the user is viewing the video of the display unit 42a and the audio output of the speaker, the incoming call (in this case, the second If an incoming call is received at the case 42 of the control unit 42), the operation of the second case 42 (the operated part) is controlled by pressing the hands-free button of the operation unit 41a via infrared communication or the like. A hands-free setting process is performed, and a hands-free call becomes possible. This further improves the operability. In this case, video display and audio output during viewing are temporarily interrupted, or audio output is temporarily interrupted. Note that a hands-free setting process may be performed by pressing a hands-free button included in the second housing 42, and a function that enables a hands-free call may be provided.

  The mounting device 50 can include a battery charging device provided in the first housing 41.

  As described above, by adopting a detachable casing structure, the function of the second casing 42 can be fully exhibited. For example, in application to a mobile phone or the like, the display unit (operated unit) and the operation unit are detachable, and the display unit is supplied with power from a mounting device such as a table, and the display unit is operated by the operation unit. Operate remotely. As a remote operation method, for example, the operation unit is provided with a battery and an infrared transmission module, and the mounting device is provided with an infrared reception module, and receives an infrared ray from the operation unit and displays a signal via an external interface. Can be sent to. In this way, by using the first casing 41 having the operation unit as a remote control means, the screen of an electronic device such as a mobile phone can be operated so as to watch a television program at home. Accordingly, various functions (viewing of television images, images, sounds, etc.) can be used in various styles, and the convenience for the user is enhanced.

  The advantages obtained by the configuration described above are summarized as follows.

  By using the operation unit of the electronic device as a remote control means, it is not necessary to prepare a remote controller separately, which is effective in reducing costs.

  In addition, the power supply of the electronic device is provided in the first housing including the operation unit, and the power supply to the second housing (operated unit) including the display unit can be performed from the mounting device. It is not necessary to mount power supplies on both the display unit and the display unit, which is effective for cost reduction.

  In addition, the power consumption of the operation unit is small because the amount of power necessary for transmission operation using infrared rays or the like is sufficient, and on the other hand, the display unit can supply power from a large capacity battery or an AC power source. It is possible to view a long-time moving image, sound, music, etc., and to operate the operation unit for a long time.

  In addition, when an incoming call is received while viewing the image on the display unit with the second housing mounted on the mounting device, a hands-free call is possible, and the operability is further improved.

  Furthermore, by utilizing a mounting device (such as a stand) used for charging the electronic device as a receiving device for the operation unit, a separate device dedicated to remote operation is not required, which is effective in preventing an increase in cost.

It is a front view of the state which opened the mobile phone. (A) The left view which shows the state which opened the mobile telephone, (B) The right view which shows the state which opened the mobile telephone. It is a rear view of the state which opened the mobile telephone. (A) The schematic which shows the state which the 1st housing | casing and 2nd housing | casing which comprise the electronic device by this invention connected, (B) The 1st housing | casing and the 2nd housing | casing isolate | separated It is the schematic which shows a state. It is the schematic which shows each joint surface of a 1st housing | casing and a 2nd housing | casing. It is the schematic which shows an example of the mounting apparatus by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure of an electronic device in the use condition which connected the 1st housing | casing and the 2nd housing | casing. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the mounting device to which the second casing is mounted and the first casing in a use state where the first casing and the second casing are separated.

Explanation of symbols

40 Electronic Device 41 First Case 41b First Connection Portion 41c Transmitter 42 Second Case 42a Display Portion 42b Second Connection Portion 50 Wearing Device 52 Audio Input / Output Unit (Microphone, Speaker)
51 receiving unit 60 power supply unit 61 input unit 63 operation unit 70 control unit 71 operation unit 73 power input unit 82 information transmission unit

Claims (6)

An electronic device comprising a first housing and a second housing that are detachable from each other,
The first casing includes a power supply section for supplying power to the electronic device, an input section for inputting information for controlling the second casing, and information input by the input section. A transmission unit for transmitting by electromagnetic waves,
The second casing includes a control unit that controls the second casing based on information transmitted from the transmitting unit, and a mounting device that is mounted when the second casing is detached from the first casing. A power input unit for inputting power; and an antenna and a signal processing circuit used for receiving a call function or terrestrial digital broadcasting .
An electronic device characterized by that. An electronic device comprising a first housing and a second housing that are detachable from each other,
The first casing includes a power supply section for supplying power to the electronic device, an input section for inputting information for controlling the second casing, and information input by the input section. A transmission unit for transmitting by electromagnetic waves,
The second casing includes a control unit that controls the second casing based on information transmitted from the transmitting unit, and a mounting device that is mounted when the second casing is detached from the first casing. A power input unit for inputting power,
The wearing device includes a microphone and a speaker for hands-free calling,
The control unit receives an incoming call in a state where the second casing is mounted on the mounting apparatus, and the mounting apparatus receives hands-free control information for setting the second casing in a hands-free call state. Enabling a hands-free call with the microphone and the speaker when received from one case;
An electronic device characterized by that. The first housing includes an operation unit for operating the electronic device.
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an electronic device. The second casing includes a display unit that displays an image.
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an electronic device. The mounting apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives information transmitted from the transmitting unit, and an information transmitting unit that transmits information received by the receiving unit to the second casing.
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an electronic device. The first housing includes a first connection portion for electrically connecting to the second housing,
The second casing includes a second connecting portion for electrically connecting to the first casing,
When the first casing and the second casing are connected to each other, the first casing and the second casing are electrically transmitted and received through the first connector and the second connector. I do,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an electronic device.

Images