DE102017121456A1 - Interactionless user recognition - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote control (1) comprising: - a housing (2, 3) delimiting an interior against an exterior space with an upper shell (2), on the exterior space directed controls (5, 8 to 12) for inputting control information for a Multimedia device are arranged and with one of the upper shell (2) opposite lower shell (3), - in the interior of the housing (2, 3) arranged evaluation (31) for detecting the control elements (5, 8 to 12) input control information and for driving the multimedia device based on the inputted control information; and - a capacitor part (42) having a surface capacitance element (39) arranged on the lower shell (3) of the housing (2, 3) and a counter capacitance element (40) separated dielectrically from the surface capacitance element (39), the evaluation electronics (31) being arranged in that an identification signal (62) identifying a user contacting the housing (2, 3) is output as a function of a capacitance between the area capacitance element (39) and the counter capacitance element (40).

Description

The present invention relates to a remote control according to claim 1 and a circuit for the remote control according to claim 6.

From the DE 10 2006 042 014 A1 is a remote control known to identify users.

It is an object of the invention to simplify the identification of the users.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a remote control comprises a housing delimiting an interior space from an exterior space with an upper shell, on which controls for inputting control information for a multimedia device are arranged, and a lower shell opposite the upper shell; a arranged in the interior of the housing transmitter for detecting the control elements input control information and for driving the multimedia device based on the input control information and a capacitor part with a on the lower shell of the housing - preferably directed to the outside - arranged surface capacitance element and a dielectrically separated from the surface capacitance element Gegenkapazitätselement wherein the evaluation unit is set up to output an identification signal identifying a user touching the housing as a function of a capacitance between the area capacitance element and the counter capacitance element.

The specified remote control is based on the consideration that the detection of users on previous remote controls always require interaction with the user. Even when the user is recognized by his fingerprints, the user has to place the finger whose fingerprint is deposited in a predetermined position on the remote control so that the user can be recognized.

Here, the specified remote control sets in with the consideration that remote controls are normally used by a very small group of people. Furthermore, the specified remote control is based on the consideration that change the electrical properties of the capacitor part by human contact. In the specified remote control, these two considerations are used in that the area capacitance element is placed in an area where the user places the area capacitance element in his hand while naturally gripping the remote control. As the user sees the top panel when operating the remote control, the bottom shell is usually in his hand. For this reason, the capacitance electrode is to be arranged on the lower shell of the remote control, so that the user recognition can be carried out automatically when gripping the remote control without the user still having to actively trigger the recognition.

In a further development of the specified remote control, the surface capacitance element extends on the lower shell of the housing over an area of at least 50 cm ² . A minimum size for the area capacity element ensures that the user recognition can extend, for example, to a typical gripping position of the hand.

The counter capacitance element can likewise be arranged both on the housing and on the evaluation electronics. It may be placed anywhere on the housing, such as at the same location as the area capacitance element, but electrically separated by the material of the lower shell, adjacent the area capacitance element in an analogous manner to the area capacitance element or on the upper shell.

In a further development of the specified remote control, a width of the surface capacitance element transversely to the longitudinal axis changes along a longitudinal axis about which the housing can be gripped around with the hand of a user. In this way, the sensitivity in the user identification in the longitudinal direction is increased.

In a further development of the specified remote control, the area capacitance element is an uninterruptible electrode. In this way, the area capacitance element in addition to its actual function as a measuring recording element in the user recognition also acts as an electrical screen to protect against electromagnetic interference, so that the measurements can be carried out robustly in the user detection. In addition, a significantly lower scanning effort is necessary in the user detection compared to an embodiment in which the surface capacitance element is formed from a plurality of electrodes, which then all need to be scanned separately. Finally, an interruption-free electrode can be much easier to apply to the lower shell in terms of production technology than a single one

According to a further aspect of the invention, a circuit for outputting an identification signal in response to a periodic input voltage in one of the specified remote controls comprises the capacitor part and an input resistor connected in series with the capacitor part, an input side for applying the periodic input voltage to the series circuit of the capacitor part and Input resistance, a rectifier for outputting a rectified capacitor voltage dropping across the capacitor as the magnitude of the identification signal, and a voltage detecting portion for outputting a voltage dropped across the input resistance as a phase of the identification signal.

With the specified circuit, the aforementioned remote control is particularly easy to implement.

In a further development of the specified circuit, the voltage detection section is an XOR gate, which emits a first voltage level, which differs from a voltage level when the electrical potentials before and after the input side in the case of two different electrical potentials before and after the input resistance Input resistance are the same. In this way, the phase of the identification signal is present signal value immediately.

The periodic input voltage may have a variable frequency between 10 kHz and 2 MHz, in particular between 50 kHz and 1 MHz. In this area, measurements show that most of the information that can be used to detect a user.

• 1 eine Fernbedienung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 2 die Fernbedienung aus 1 in einer Draufsicht;
• 3 eine Schnittansicht durch die Fernbedienung aus 1 entlang der Linie A-A' aus 2;
• 4 die Fernbedienung der 1 in einer Sicht auf ihren Boden in einer ersten Ausführung
• 5 die Fernbedienung der 1 in einer Sicht auf ihren Boden in einer zweiten Ausführung
• 6 die Fernbedienung der 1 in einer Sicht auf ihren Boden in einer dritten Ausführung
• 7 die Fernbedienung der 1 in einer Sicht auf ihren Boden in einer vierten Ausführung
• 8 ein Strukturbild einer Schaltung in der Fernbedienung der 1,
• 9 ein Beispiel für einen Teil der Schaltung aus 8, und
• 10 eine Erkennungsschaltung in der Schaltung der 8.

The above-described characteristics, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent in connection with the following description of the embodiments which will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a remote control in a perspective view;
• 2 the remote control off 1 in a plan view;
• 3 a sectional view through the remote control 1 along the line A-A ' out 2 ;
• 4 the remote control of the 1 in a view on their bottom in a first execution
• 5 the remote control of the 1 in a view of their bottom in a second embodiment
• 6 the remote control of the 1 in a view of their bottom in a third embodiment
• 7 the remote control of the 1 in a view of their bottom in a fourth embodiment
• 8th a structural picture of a circuit in the remote control of 1 .
• 9 an example of a part of the circuit 8th , and
• 10 a detection circuit in the circuit of 8th ,

In the figures, the same technical elements are provided with the same reference numerals and described only once. The figures are purely schematic and above all not reflect the actual geometric conditions.

It will open 1 Referred to, which is a remote control 1 in a perspective view shows.

The remote control 1 includes a housing that consists of an upper shell 2 and a lower shell 3 composed as well as a first keypad 4 with a variety of buttons 5 and a second keypad 6 with a variety of buttons 5 , From the keys 5 in the keypads 4 . 6 are not all provided with a reference numeral in the figures for clarity.

Both keypads 4 . 6 are over a D-pad 7 separated from each other, the first button 8th , a second button 9 , a third button 10 and a fourth button 11 includes. The four buttons are provided for moving a control on a multimedia device not shown further and therefore in the four possible directions of movement circumferentially and at intervals of 90 ° to a confirmation button 12 arranged.

On the remote 1 can be further display means 13 , such as small lights, be present with which a user of the remote control 1 a functional state of the remote control 1 can be displayed.

Hereinafter, the invention will be described with reference to an area 14 the remote control 1 explained in more detail in which the directional pad 7 lies. However, this should not be understood as limiting, because in principle the following thoughts can be applied to any key 5 in the keypads 4 . 6 transfer.

The following is the internal structure of the remote control 1 in this area 14 based on 2 and 3 described in more detail.

For connecting the lower shell 3 with the upper shell 2 own the lower shell 3 in that area 14 spigot 15 and the upper shell 2 sleeves 16 in the example from the EP 2 620 044 A1 be carried out known manner and connected to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the lower shell could 3 and the upper shell 2 also glued together, screwed or otherwise permanently fixed against each other for connection.

The upper shell 2 points to the leadership of the directional cross 7 a collar 17 on, in the D-pad 7 in and against a pressure direction 18 the keys 5 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 can be moved along. At the collar 17 are circumferentially arranged in the figures not visible recesses, while circumferentially and in the printing direction 18 seen at the bottom of the D-pad 7 several in the figures not visible guide lugs 20 are arranged radially from the control pad 7 protrude. The recesses and the guide lugs are arranged such that the control pad 7 only in certain rotational positions in the collar 17 can be introduced. To only a single rotational position for the directional pad 7 in the collar 17 to allow, the recesses and guide lugs should have mutually different circumferential distances.

At the directional cross 7 are in printing direction 18 seen below the first button 8th a not visible in the figures first donor magnet, below the second button 9 a second transmitter magnet 24 , below the third button 10 a not visible in the figures third donor magnet and below the fourth button 11 a fourth encoder magnet 26 arranged. These donor magnets 24 . 26 be when pressing the buttons 8th to 11 at the directional cross 7 in the printing direction 18 moved accordingly with. Further, in the lower shell 3 stationary a not visible in the figures first armature magnet, a second armature magnet 28 , a not visible in the figures third anchor magnet and a fourth anchor magnet 30 held. The anchor magnets 28 . 30 are arranged such that after the insertion of the directional pad 7 in the collar 17 and assembling the upper shell 2 and the lower shell 3 the first armature magnet is below the first transmitter magnet and is covered by this, the second armature magnet 28 below the second encoder magnet 24 is located and covered by this, the third armature magnet is below the third encoder magnet and is covered by this and the fourth armature magnet 28 below the fourth encoder magnet 26 lies and is covered by this.

In printing direction 18 seen between the encoder magnets 24 . 26 and the anchor magnet 28 . 30 becomes when assembling the upper shell 2 and the lower shell 3 a circuit board 31 picked up, on the immersion holes 32 for the encoder magnets 24 . 26 are formed. Furthermore, on the circuit board 31 also not visible in the figures breakthroughs for the pins 15 and pods 16 for connecting the housing shells 2 . 3 to be available.

On the circuit board 31 are spaced from the immersion openings 32 at their in printing direction 18 seen lower shell sensor 35 arranged the magnetic field of the transmitter magnets 24 . 26 and anchor magnets 28 . 30 capture - and with a not visible in the figures key position signal to an evaluation circuit on the circuit board 31 hand off. The sensors 35 can operate on any physical principles, such as magnetoresistive, Hall effect, magnetostrictive or oscillatory. No special physical measuring principle is necessary.

Finally, in the middle of the control pad via snap hooks 36 another circuit board 37 held on the an electronic key signal generating circuit for detecting an operation of the confirmation key 12 is trained. About not visible wires is the detected operation of the circuit board 31 directed. For the wires and the snap hooks 36 are in the circuit board 31 further breakthroughs formed in 3 are not provided with a reference numeral for clarity. To the electrical power supply of the electronic circuit are in the remote control 2 held in a battery compartment batteries, which through a battery compartment lid 38 is covered.

Hereinafter, the detection of key depression becomes one of the keys 8th to 11 on the directional pad 7 with the key signal generating circuit and the sensors 35 explained in more detail.

The encoder magnets 24 . 26 and the anchor magnets 28 . 30 in the remote control 1 are directed towards each other with the same magnetic pole in the remote control 1 arranged. This is how the encoder magnets become 24 . 26 from the anchor magnets 28 . 30 repelled. However, a user presses one of the keys 8th to 11 at the directional cross 7 down and thus the corresponding transmitter magnet 24 . 26 against the in the printing direction 18 seen underlying anchor magnet 28 . 30 Thus, the magnetic field lines are bundled radially outward, through the sensors 35 directed. The closer a transmitter magnet 24 . 26 his anchor magnet 28 . 30 the stronger the bundling of the field lines by the sensor 35 , The electronic key signal generating circuit may thus be based on the sensor 35 output the above-mentioned key position signal depending on the key depression. A deeper one Understanding the generation of the key position signal, however, is not necessary for understanding the embodiment, which is why it should be dispensed with further explanations.

The remote control 1 is designed to be a user who uses the remote 1 holds in the hand, can be automatically identified without further interaction, such as a touch input or a deliberate application of a finger on a fingerprint scanner.

For this purpose, the remote control 1 at the pressure direction 18 seen underside of the lower shell 3 an area capacity element 39 which may optionally be covered with an insulating layer, not shown, to the surface capacitance element 39 to protect against corrosion or other environmental influences. The area capacity element 39 is a single or multi-membered electrically conductive on the underside of the lower shell 3 formed layer, which can be applied for example by sticking a thin metal foil or by a suitable coating method, such as a vapor deposition. The area capacity element 39 is a counter capacity element 40 on the circuit board 31 assigned, which together with the area capacity element 39 dielectrically separated by the lower shell 3 a capacitor part 42 which form in the 8th and 9 is indicated.

The capacitor part 42 has dependencies on its geometric structure and the electrical material properties of the two capacitance elements 39 . 40 a basic capacity. In dependence, the user takes the remote control 1 in the hand and puts the lower shell 3 into his palm, so one covers the area capacity element 42 in a very characteristic way, which depends on the one hand on the size of his hand, on the other hand also on how the user holds the remote control in his hand. This characteristic change in capacity is used as the basis for recognizing the user.

For this purpose, in addition to the above-mentioned electronic key signal generating circuit, a further electronic circuit on the circuit board 31 arranged for user identification. The electronic user recognition circuit is in 8th and 9 and will be described in detail later.

Before that, let me mention some possible embodiments of the surface capacitance element 39 To be received.

First, the area capacitance element 39 be designed so that it is as large as possible, the lower shell 3 the remote control 1 covered. For this purpose, the area capacitance element 39 a rectangular basic shape, which is when placed on the lower shell 3 the remote control 1 to the surface structure of the remote control 1 adapts. This embodiment is in 4 shown.

The advantage of the largest possible possible design of the surface capacitance element 39 on the lower shell 3 the remote control 1 is that here a good shielding of the circuit board is effected against disturbing signals, by the area capacitance element 39 as being caught by an antenna. However, the large-area design of the area capacitance element causes 39 Also, a high basic capacity, which can be changed depending on the individual electrical properties of the user to be recognized with a relatively low sensitivity. Therefore, for high sensitivity, the electrodes should only be located where touches occur. An optimal middle ground is therefore, not just the area capacity element 39 but also the counter-capacity element 40 on the lower shell 3 flat form, as described in the later 7 is indicated. In this way, on the one hand, the capacitive couplings between the two capacitance elements 39 . 40 minimized and yet achieved a high shielding effect against electromagnetic interference.

Alternatively, the countercapacity element could 40 also be executed as a point electrode, so that the effective area between the two capacitance elements is minimized.

An alternative embodiment of the surface capacitance element 39 is in 5 shown. In this embodiment, the area capacitance element changes 39 transverse to a longitudinal direction 44 the remote control 1 , This will be in 5 by a trapezoidal design of the surface capacitance element 39 reached, which then when hanging on the lower shell 3 the remote control 1 according to the surface structure adapts. Alternatively, the area capacitance element could 39 also triangular, dragon-triangle, cross-shaped or V-shaped to the change transversely to a longitudinal direction 44 the remote control 1 to realize.

By changing the area capacity element 39 transverse to the longitudinal direction 44 the remote control 1 will further increase the sensitivity of the capacity of the capacitor part 42 achieved because the capacity depending on the location of the user's hand on the lower shell 3 in the longitudinal direction 44 more varied.

Another alternative embodiment of the surface capacitance element 39 is in 6 shown. In this embodiment, the area capacity element is 39 from several electrode elements 39 ' composed of each other are dielectrically separated from each other. In this way, the hand of the user could be individually measured while holding the remote control, and so, for example, a characteristic position of the hand while holding the remote control 1 to take into account when recognizing the user. The forms of in 6 illustrated surface capacity element 39 can be analogous to those under the 4 and 5 be chosen.

In 7 the aforementioned embodiment is shown in which the counter capacitance element 40 also on the lower shell 3 with and minimum capacitive coupling between the capacitance elements 39 . 40 demonstrate. In addition to the already mentioned advantages in terms of a high shielding against interference signals, the design has 7 the further advantage that the user has both capacity elements 39 . 40 cover when gripping, because in this case environmental influences are greatly attenuated.

In all versions of the 4 to 7 Can the on the lower shell 3 attached electrodes 39 . 40 be covered with the above-mentioned insulating layer. Alternatively, those on the lower shell 3 attached electrodes 39 . 40 also on a directed into the interior of the housing side of the lower shell 3 to be ordered. In this way, the insulating layer could be dispensed with.

The capacity of the capacitor part 42 In principle, it can be evaluated arbitrarily and in a certain way also depends on the structure of the area capacitance element 39 from. For example, the capacitance of the capacitor part could be 42 with the area capacity element 39 of the 6 into a matrix of many small subcapacities, whereby the capacitance values of the matrix could then be directly detected and evaluated. Such a direct acquisition of the capacitance values would be for the area capacitance elements 39 of the 4 and 5 possibly unsuitable due to insufficient sensitivity.

However, the following is based on the 8th and 9 an embodiment of the above-mentioned user recognition circuit is described, with which the evaluation of the capacitance of the capacitor part 42 independent for all forms of the area capacity element 39 can be realized with sufficient sensitivity. This user recognition circuit is indicated in the figures by the reference numeral 46 provided and will be in 8th first generally described.

The user recognition circuit 46 contains an RC lowpass 47 with an input resistance 48 and the condenser part 42 as grounding capacity. Basic idea of the user recognition circuit 46 It is the transmission behavior of the RC low-pass filter 47 and to decide from its output signal both in magnitude and in phase with the input signal to the user holding the remote control in his hand.

This is the RC low pass 47 the user recognition circuit 46 an input voltage 49 applied with variable frequency. The input voltage 49 for example, with a frequency generator 50 be generated. In the RC low pass 47 splits the input voltage 49 according to Kirchhoff's rules on the input resistance 48 and on the condenser part 42 on. The output voltage 52 of the RC low pass 47 falls on the condenser part 42 from. However, in the present embodiment, too, the input resistance 48 decreasing internal voltage 54 taken into account.

From the size of the internal voltage 54 can be directly the phase difference of the transmission behavior of the RC low-pass filter 47 determine because the internal voltage 54 the potential difference between the input voltage 49 to ground and the output voltage 52 to mass. In the present embodiment, the internal voltage 54 with a rectifier 56 rectified and as a phase voltage 58 output.

Analog becomes the output voltage 52 with a rectifier 56 rectified and as magnitude voltage 60 output.

Because the input voltage 49 generated with a variable frequency, is for the user who owns the remote control 1 holds in his hand, a characteristic for him frequency spectrum, based on which the user can be detected. This user identification can, for example, in a corresponding detection circuit 61 take place, the output of which is a corresponding identifying the user identification signal 62 can be.

In 9 is a concrete example of a part of the user recognition circuit 46 shown.

In this example, the rectifier is 56 for the internal voltage 54 as XOR gate 64 executed, which outputs a not further referenced output voltage when the internal voltage 46 in their amount (regardless of their sign) exceeds a predetermined threshold. This output voltage from the XOR gate 64 will connect with a low pass filter 66 , here in the form of an RC element, for the phase voltage 58 smoothed.

The rectifier 56 for the magnitude voltage 60 is with two diodes 68 executed, which are arranged as in a Greinacherschaltung. The two diodes 68 set the output voltage 52 from the RC lowpass 47 the same, while a subsequent low pass 66 this rectified output voltage 52 to the magnitude voltage 60 smoothes.

Based on 10 is an example of the detection of the user in the detection circuit 61 based on the phase voltage 58 and the magnitude voltage 60 to be discribed.

First, the two tensions 58 . 60 in a conversion section 70 to a vector 72 changed. The further function of the detection circuit 61 depends on the position of a learning switch 74 from. In a first position 76 , in the 10 shown by a solid line is the detection circuit 61 in a state where she can recognize a user. In a second position 78 , in the 10 is shown with a dashed line, is the detection circuit 61 in a state where she can learn a new user.

First, the function of the detection circuit 61 in the second position 78 of the learning switch 74 be explained. A user, later by the detection circuit 61 is to be detected, holds in this state, the remote control 1 in the hand. The detection circuit 61 receives the spectral data of the user in the form of the phase voltage 58 and the magnitude voltage 60 , forms the vector from this 72 and him in a store 80 from.

Is the switch in the first position? 76 , becomes the vector 72 not in memory 80 deposited, but to a comparison member 82 output. This comparator 82 compares the vector 72 with stored vectors 84 from the store 80 and outputs an identification signal identifying the user 62 out, a correspondingly stored vector should be in memory for this user 80 to be available.

As comparison element 82 for the comparison of the vector 72 with the stored vectors 84 All techniques are considered which are suitable similarities between the vector 72 and the stored vectors 84 to investigate.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006042014 A1 [0002]
• EP 2620044A1 [0024]

Claims (10)

Remote control (1) comprising: a housing (2, 3) delimiting an interior against an exterior space with an upper shell (2), on which controls (5, 8 to 12) directed to the exterior are arranged for inputting control information for a multimedia device and having one of the upper shell (2 ) opposite lower shell (3); - An in the interior of the housing (2, 3) arranged evaluation (31) for detecting the control elements (5, 8 to 12) input control information and for controlling the multimedia device based on the input control information; and a capacitor part (42) having a surface capacitance element (39) arranged on the lower shell (3) of the housing (2, 3) and having a counter capacitance element (40) separated dielectrically from the surface capacitance element (39), the evaluation electronics (31) being arranged, an identification signal (62) identifying a user contacting the housing (2, 3) in response to a capacitance between the area capacitance element (39) and the counter capacitance element (40). Remote control (1) to Claim 1 , wherein the surface capacitance element (39) on the lower shell (3) of the housing (2, 3) extends over an area of at least 50 cm ² . Remote control (1) to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the counter capacitance element (40) is arranged on the evaluation electronics (31). Remote control (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein along a longitudinal axis (44) around which the housing (2, 3) can be gripped around with the hand of a user, a width of the surface capacitance element (39) transversely to the longitudinal axis ( 44) changed. A remote controller (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the area capacitance element (39) is an uninterruptible electrode. A remote control (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface capacitance element (39) is delimited by an insulating layer against direct contact by users. A circuit (46) for outputting an identification signal (62) in response to a periodic input voltage (49) in a remote control (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising: the capacitor part (42) and an input resistor (48) connected in series with the capacitor part (42), an input side for applying the periodic input voltage to the series connection of the capacitor part and the input resistor; a rectifier (56) for outputting a rectified capacitor voltage (60) dropping across the capacitor (42) as the magnitude of the identification signal (62), and - A voltage detecting section for outputting a voltage across the input resistor (48) voltage (58) as a phase of the identification signal (62). Circuit (46) after Claim 7 wherein the voltage detection section is an XOR gate (64) which outputs, from the input side, in the case of two different electrical potentials before and after the input resistor (48), a first voltage level different from a voltage level when the electrical potentials are before and after the input resistance after the input resistance (48) are the same. Circuit (46) after Claim 7 or 8th , wherein the periodic input voltage (48) has a variable frequency between 10 kHz and 2 MHz. Remote control (1) after one of Claims 1 to 6 comprising a circuit (46) according to one of Claims 7 to 9 ,

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