JP2005223537A - Usb remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller which has an IR-receiving conversion section connected to a USB cable, separately from a computer body and is usable with various applications on general-purpose basis. <P>SOLUTION: The remote controller is composed of a computer and a remote control unit which sends signals for controlling applications in the computer from a remote place, to input control signals to the computer. The remote control unit is composed of an IR ray generator for transmitting remote control signals, corresponding to input buttons with IR rays, when the input buttons are pressed, respectively, an IR-receiving converter comprising an IR-receiving converter unit for receiving and converting the IR signals into electrical signals, a USB signal converter unit for converting the electrical signals to USB signals, a USB connection terminal for outputting the USB signals, and a USB connection cable for connecting a USB connection terminal of the computer to a USB connection terminal of an IR receiver to transmit the USB signals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a device including a computer and a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) that transmits a signal for controlling a computer application from a remote location and inputs a control signal to the computer. In particular, the remote controller includes an infrared light emitting device and a computer. The present invention relates to a USB remote control device including a USB (Universal Serial Bus) and an infrared light receiving conversion device connected via a USB cable.

In recent years, computers equipped with a CD drive and a DVD drive have become common, and it has become possible to enjoy multimedia information such as video and music using the computer. In addition, an increasing number of people enjoy video and music played on a computer by outputting them to a conventional television or audio device. Furthermore, if a TV tuner is installed in a computer, it is possible to watch TV, and TV programs can be recorded on the computer.
In addition, in order to introduce materials etc. at presentations and lectures, in the past, characters and figures were printed on a transparent sheet and projected onto a wall or screen using an overhead projector (OHP). Even without printing on a transparent sheet, data stored in a computer can be directly output to a projector for projection, and a dedicated application has also been proposed.
Thus, what could not be realized without a dedicated device can be easily realized by using a computer.

  By the way, a TV or audio equipment generally has a dedicated remote control device, and using the remote control device is very convenient because it can be operated from a remote location without having to go close to the device. . However, a general computer is not provided with a remote control device for operating the computer. In order to enjoy music and video on a computer, you had to move to the computer and operate the mouse and keyboard. A method of managing signal data for a learning type remote controller with a computer has been proposed, but these are merely remote control devices for conventional home appliances and do not operate a computer.

Therefore, a method has been proposed in which an infrared light receiving / converting unit is provided in the main body of a computer and the computer is controlled using a remote control device. However, since infrared rays are shielded by walls or the like, there is a problem that the computer must be installed in a place where infrared rays can reach. Computers in recent years have been reduced in size and designed in various ways to be enjoyed as part of the interior, but we hope to store the computer in an inconspicuous place such as inside a cupboard or under a desk Many people do it. Therefore, it has become necessary to separate the accommodated computer and the infrared light receiving conversion unit that receives the remote control signal.
In the case of a configuration in which an infrared light receiving device is incorporated in a computer, the power of the infrared light receiving device could be supplied from the power supply unit of the computer. However, if an infrared light receiving device is provided outside the computer, a power supply for the infrared light receiving device is separately provided. Must be secured. In many cases, peripheral devices such as printers are installed around the computer, and if a power source is secured for the infrared light receiving device, an additional outlet is required and wiring is complicated. .

  Further, a conventional remote control device for a computer only supports a specific application, and is not assumed to be used for another application. There was a problem that the user had to prepare a plurality of remote control devices for each application. In addition, it is conceivable to use the remote control device and the laser pointer at the same time for presentations and lectures, but it is troublesome because each remote control must be changed and used.

  Therefore, there has been a need for a remote control device that is equipped with an infrared light receiving unit that can be provided at a position away from a computer without securing a dedicated power source and can be used for various applications.

JP 2003-248533 A

  In order to solve the above problems, the USB remote control device of the present invention has a configuration in which the infrared light receiving conversion unit is provided separately from the computer main body and is connected by a USB cable, and can be used for various applications. The object is to provide a remote control device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a USB remote control device according to the present invention comprises a computer and a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote control) that transmits a signal for controlling the application of the computer from a remote location and inputs the control signal to the computer. In the apparatus, when the remote controller pushes the input button, an infrared light emitting device that transmits a remote control signal corresponding to each input button by infrared light, and an infrared signal emitted from the infrared light transmitting device is received and converted into an electrical signal. Infrared light receiving / converting device, comprising: an infrared light receiving / converting unit; a USB signal converting unit that converts an electric signal converted by the infrared light receiving / converting unit into a USB (Universal Serial Bus) signal; And the USB connection terminal of the computer and the US of the infrared receiver USB connection cable for transmitting a USB signal by connecting the connection terminal portion, a structure composed of. The infrared light emitting device includes a mouse pointer operation unit that performs a mouse pointer movement operation and a click operation. By operating the mouse pointer operation unit, a mouse pointer movement signal and a click operation signal corresponding to the operation are provided. It is the structure which transmits by infrared rays.

  Further, the computer circulates the character table in which a plurality of characters are assigned for each input button signal of the infrared light emitting device, and the received input button signal into a plurality of characters assigned to the character table corresponding to the signal. And a character input means for inputting numbers, symbols, English characters, and Japanese characters. The infrared light emitting device includes a character table in which a plurality of characters are assigned to each input button, and a plurality of numbers and symbols assigned to the input buttons by successively pressing the input buttons of the infrared light emitting device. A character input means for cyclically changing to characters and inputting numbers, symbols, English characters, and Japanese characters; a display unit for sequentially displaying the input numbers, symbols, English characters, and Japanese characters; It can also be configured to include a symbol / character information transmitting means for transmitting the input symbol / character information by infrared rays.

  In addition, the infrared light emitting device has a configuration including a laser light emitting unit that emits laser light having straightness.

As described in detail, the USB remote control device according to the present invention is configured as described above, and thus has the following effects.
1. Computer applications can be operated from a remote location. Further, since power is supplied from the computer to the infrared light receiving conversion device via the USB cable by USB (Universal Serial Bus) bus power, it is not necessary to supply power to the infrared light receiving conversion device separately from the computer.
2. The mouse pointer can be operated from a remote position without operating a mouse directly connected to the computer. In addition, since a general application can be operated in combination with the input button, it can be used for various applications.
3. Characters can be entered from a remote location without operating a keyboard directly connected to the computer. Also, most applications can be operated if used in combination with the input button and the mouse pointer operation unit.
4). Characters can be input from a remote location without operating a keyboard directly connected to the computer. In addition, since the input characters are immediately displayed on the display unit, it is possible to input characters while confirming the characters input by the remote control device without looking at the monitor device of the computer. Furthermore, most applications can be operated if used in combination with an input button and a mouse pointer operation unit.
5). The remote control device and the laser pointer are integrated, and there is no need to change the laser pointer and the remote control device.

Hereinafter, a USB remote control device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a USB remote control device of the present invention, FIG. 2A is a front view of the USB remote control device of this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the USB remote control device of this embodiment. (C) is a top view of the USB remote control device of the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the infrared light receiving conversion device of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the infrared light receiving conversion device of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an example of the character table of the present invention.
The USB remote control device 10 of the present invention includes an infrared light emitting device 12, an infrared light receiving / converting device 14, a USB cable 16, and a computer 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the infrared light receiving / converting device 14 is connected to a computer 18 via a USB cable. The infrared light receiving / converting device 14 receives a signal transmitted and received from the infrared light emitting device 12 and converts it into a USB signal. In this configuration, the data is transmitted to a computer via a USB cable.

  The USB remote control device 10 of the present invention can operate a computer application from a remote location by using the infrared light emitting device 12. Further, the USB remote control device of the present invention is not specialized for some applications, but is a general-purpose computer remote control device corresponding to various applications. For example, it can be used in an application for reproducing music or video, and can also be used in an application for outputting slide videos such as materials and drawings in presentations and lectures.

The infrared light emitting device 12 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The most basic infrared light emitting device 12 in the present invention is configured by an input button 20 and an infrared light emitting unit 40. Further, in this embodiment, the mouse pointer operation unit 30 and the laser light emitting unit 50 are provided. The infrared light emitting device 12 of this embodiment adopts the shape of a general remote controller, and has a shape with a recess on the back so that it can be easily held and operated by a human hand. The shape of the infrared light emitting device 12 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and various shapes can be selected. For example, a disk shape or a complicated cube shape may be used, or a shape imitating the outer shape of an animal or a character may be considered. It is desirable to select a shape that is easy to hold and operate.
In addition, the infrared light emitting device 12 of this embodiment is provided with a battery holder 60 that can store a battery therein, and is driven by supplying power from the battery. The type and shape of the battery to be used may be determined in consideration of the shape of the infrared light emitting device and the necessary power.

  The input button 20 is a button for detecting an elliptical press, and in this embodiment, a plurality of input buttons 20 are provided on the front portion of the infrared light emitting device 12 as shown in FIG. Signals corresponding to a power button and a computer keyboard are assigned to the input buttons 20, and in this embodiment, signals corresponding to direction keys, numeric keys, and function keys are assigned. Although the input button 20 is disposed on the front portion of the infrared light emitting device 12, it can be provided on the side surface or the upper surface, and can be appropriately selected in consideration of the outer shape and operability of the infrared light emitting device 12. Note that function names and symbols are printed or stamped on the surface and periphery of the input button so that the user can understand the type of the input button at a glance.

  The mouse pointer operation unit 30 is for operating a mouse of a computer. In this embodiment, the mouse pointer operation unit 30 includes an analog input device for moving the mouse pointer and an input button for performing a click operation. The analog input device is an input device that moves a mouse pointer in a designated direction by operating a signal input element provided therein with a circular operation element provided in the center of the infrared light emitting device 12. The input button for performing the click operation is a push button type button similar to the input button 20. The user can move and click the mouse pointer of the computer using an input button to which a click signal is assigned and an analog input device.

  The mouse pointer operation unit 30 of this embodiment employs an analog input device operated by a circular operator. However, if the mouse pointer can be moved, the shape and type of the input device are the same. It can select suitably, without being limited. For example, the operation element may have a stick shape or a cross-shaped button shape. In addition, a structure similar to that of a normal computer ball mouse or optical mouse is provided on the back side of the infrared light emitting device 12, and the mouse pointer can be moved by operating the infrared light emitting device 12 in the same manner as a mouse. Is also possible. In this embodiment, an input button for clicking is provided. However, if a sensor for detecting the pressing of the circular operation element is provided, a click signal may be transmitted by pressing the circular operating element. Conceivable.

  In the embodiment, the infrared light emitting device 12 is provided with the mouse pointer operation unit 30 so that the mouse pointer can be moved and clicked. The mouse pointer operation unit can be used without being limited to a specific application. However, a configuration without a mouse pointer operation unit is also possible. However, since it is generally considered that computer users are familiar with application operations using a mouse, it is possible to provide a USB remote control device that is easier to use if it is configured with a mouse pointer operation unit.

  The infrared light emitting unit 40 is composed of an infrared light emitting element provided on the upper end surface of the infrared light emitting device 12, and emits and transmits a signal corresponding to the infrared light when an input button or a mouse pointer operation unit is operated. The infrared light emitting element can be the same as that used in a conventional remote control device for electric products.

In this embodiment, when the input button is pressed, the signal transmitted from the infrared light emitting unit 40 is actually set for an infrared light emitting device that can identify the operation of the input button, not the keyboard or mouse signal itself. Signal. The remote control signal transmitted and emitted is converted into a USB signal for operating a keyboard and a mouse by a USB signal conversion unit 120 described later. The input button and a USB signal described later are one-to-one corresponding signals. is there. Therefore, the signal transmitted and transmitted from the infrared light emitting device can be the same signal as the USB signal from the beginning.
However, since the USB signal to be transferred to the computer needs to be a signal including the identification code of the USB device, a signal similar to the signal transmitted from the infrared light receiving / converting device 14 described later to the computer is transmitted from the infrared light emitting unit. When light emission is transmitted, there is a problem that the amount of information that must be transmitted increases. If the signal transmitted and transmitted from the infrared light emitting device 12 is not a keyboard signal itself but a signal for an infrared light emitting device comprising a code that can identify the operation of the input button, the information transmitted and transmitted can be minimized.

The laser light emitting unit 50 has a function of a laser pointer used for lectures, presentations, and the like, and is provided at a substantially central portion on the upper surface of the infrared light emitting device. The main feature is that it is integrated with the infrared light emitting device 12. In this embodiment, the laser light emitting portion is provided on the upper surface portion of the infrared light emitting device 12, but may be provided at an appropriate position according to the shape of the remote control and the state in use.
The laser light emitting unit 50 is a general laser pointer using a red visible semiconductor laser. In this embodiment, a red visible semiconductor laser is used. However, various laser light emitting elements can be selected and employed as long as they function as a laser pointer. It may emit green or blue laser light, and the type of semiconductor can be selected as appropriate.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the infrared light emitting device is provided with a laser light emission switch, and can be turned on / off of the laser light emission. If the role of the switch is fulfilled, the shape and type of the laser light emitting switch or the installation position are not particularly limited. For example, it may be provided on the front surface of the infrared light emitting device in the same shape as the input button, or may be a slide type switch.

  The infrared light receiving / converting device 14 includes an infrared light receiving / converting portion 110, a USB signal converting portion 120, and a USB connection terminal portion 130. The infrared light receiving / converting portion 110 receives an infrared signal transmitted and transmitted from the infrared light emitting device 12 and is electrically The signal is converted into a signal, the electric signal is converted into a USB signal by the USB signal converter 120, and the USB signal is output from the USB connection terminal unit 130. The external shape of the infrared light receiving / converting device 14 may be a simple cubic shape or a shape imitating the external shape of an animal or character. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the computer is provided separately from the computer. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the user can appropriately select it according to the use situation by making the computer a built-in shape.

  The infrared light receiving / converting unit 110 is a light receiving element that receives an infrared signal transmitted and transmitted from the infrared light emitting unit 40 of the infrared light emitting device 12 and converts it into an electrical signal. The light receiving element is a semiconductor element that converts received light into electricity by a photoelectric effect, and is generally called a photodiode. However, since the photodiode responds not only to infrared rays but also to visible rays, in this embodiment, a filter that transmits only infrared rays is provided so as to selectively receive near infrared rays. The infrared light receiving conversion unit 110 only needs to be able to convert infrared light into an electrical signal, and the type of the light receiving element may be appropriately selected.

  The USB signal conversion unit 120 converts the electrical signal converted by the infrared light reception conversion unit into a USB signal that can be transmitted to a computer using a USB cable. The signal transmitted and transmitted from the infrared light emitting device 12 is a code for identifying the operation of the input button, and needs to be converted into a keyboard or mouse signal conforming to the USB standard. The USB standard has a plurality of data transfer methods. For example, a mouse signal is transferred using transfer methods called Control transfer and Interrupt transfer. Among these, the data transfer is defined in the control transfer, and the data cannot be transferred unless the data conforms to the format. The USB signal conversion unit 120 converts the signal emitted from the infrared light emitting device 12 into a data format in accordance with USB regulations.

The USB connection terminal unit 130 is a connection terminal that is connected to the USB terminal of the computer 18 via the USB cable 16, and the USB signal is output from the USB connection terminal unit and transmitted to the computer. In the present invention, the USB cable 16 conforming to the USB standard is used for the interface between the computer 18 and the infrared light receiving / converting device 14, and the USB connection terminal portion has a function defined by the USB standard. For example, the USB standard has a function called a bus power mode for supplying power to a connected device via a USB cable. The infrared light receiving device 14 of the present invention uses this bus power mode to supply power to the infrared light receiving device. This is a configuration that can be supplied. Since the necessary power is supplied via the USB cable, it is not necessary to secure a separate power source for the infrared light receiving device. Note that the USB standard is generally open to the public, and the configuration of the connection terminal portion is publicly known and therefore not described in particular.
In this embodiment, the power required for the infrared light receiving conversion device 14 is supplied from a computer via a USB cable. However, a power cable may be provided separately for the infrared light receiving conversion device to supply power. Is possible. However, if a separate power source is required, a power outlet must be secured, and there is a problem that wiring becomes complicated. Therefore, it is desirable to configure as in this embodiment.

  The USB cable 16 is a cable that conforms to the USB standard for connecting the USB connection terminal unit 130 of the infrared light receiving conversion device 14 and the USB connection terminal of the computer 18, and a generally available USB cable can be used. . The USB remote control device 10 of the present invention has a configuration in which the USB connection terminal portion 130 is provided in the infrared light receiving conversion device 14 so that the USB cable can be detachably attached. However, the USB cable 50 and the infrared light receiving conversion device 40 are integrated. It is also possible to adopt the configuration described above. However, if the integrated configuration is adopted, there is a problem that the cable cannot be replaced when the USB cable is damaged.

  The computer 18 is a general computer device that includes an arithmetic device, a storage device, and the like, and a USB connection terminal. The operation system of the computer can be any operation system as long as the USB device can be used. Further, the computer 18 cyclically changes the character table to which a plurality of characters are assigned for each signal of the input button 20 of the infrared light emitting device 12 and the plurality of characters assigned to the character table corresponding to the signal, and , Symbols, English characters, and character input means for inputting as Japanese characters.

  The character table and character input means of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to an example of the character table of the present invention shown in FIG. The character table is physically data stored in a storage medium such as a computer storage device or a CD-ROM, and the computer can read and use information in an appropriate character table as necessary. In this embodiment, dedicated software is installed in the computer, and the computer can input characters without referring to the keyboard of the computer by referring to the character table according to the received USB signal. I have to.

FIG. 5 is an example of a character table used particularly when inputting hiragana characters. The character table has a configuration in which characters are assigned for each input button signal of the infrared light emitting device 12, and in this embodiment, characters are assigned to the input keys corresponding to the numeric keys of the computer. In this embodiment, in addition to the character table of Japanese hiragana characters, character tables such as numbers, alphabets, symbols, and katakana can be provided, and the respective character tables can be switched and used.
Note that the infrared light emitting device 12 in FIG. 2 prints the first character of the character table on the periphery of the key, such as “or ABC”, and the contents of the character table assigned to the key by the user. It can be identified at a glance.

The character input means is a means for inputting the determined character by cyclically acquiring and selecting a character from the character table by pressing the input button of the infrared light emitting device 12.
The input button signal transmitted and transmitted from the infrared light emitting device is converted into a USB signal by the infrared light receiving conversion device 14 and then transmitted to the computer. When the computer 18 receives the input button signal corresponding to the character table, the computer 18 reads the character corresponding to the input button signal cyclically according to the character table, and outputs it to a monitor device of the computer for display. When the user confirms that a desired character is displayed and presses the enter button, the decision signal is emitted and transmitted from the infrared light emitting device, converted into a USB signal by the infrared light receiving conversion device, and transmitted to the computer. When the computer receives the determination signal, the computer determines the output character and passes it to an application or the like, thereby realizing character input.
For example, when using the hiragana character table, if the input button “1” is continuously pressed, characters in the direction of the arrow in the figure, such as “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”,. It changes cyclically. When the user selects and determines a desired character, the determined character information is delivered to the application, and character input is performed.

In addition, the infrared light emitting device 12 may be provided with a character table, character input means, a display unit, and character information transmitting means so that the user can input characters while checking the characters with the infrared light emitting device. In this case, it is necessary to appropriately provide a storage device for storing the character table in the infrared light emitting device 12 and a temporary storage device for temporarily storing the input character information.
The character table provided in the infrared light emitting device 12 may be the same as the character table provided in the computer. The character input means is a means for allowing the user to select characters cyclically from the character table of the infrared light emitting device and outputting them to the display unit in response to pressing of the input button. When the input button is pressed, the infrared light emitting device 12 cyclically reads characters corresponding to the pressed input button from the character table and displays them on the display unit of the infrared light emitting device. The user can select a desired character by continuously pressing the input button. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the display unit is a small liquid crystal display device for displaying character information, and is provided at an appropriate position of the infrared light emitting device. The display unit only needs to be able to display characters, and can be appropriately selected without using a liquid crystal display device. In addition, the display unit may be configured not only to display input characters but also to display images and the like.

  In the configuration in which the infrared light emitting device 12 is provided with character input means, symbol / character information transmitting means for emitting and transmitting symbols or character information from the infrared light emitting device is provided. The symbol / character information input by the character input means of the infrared light emitting device 12 is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device or a storage device provided in the infrared light emitting device 12, and an infrared light emitting unit according to a user's transmission request. The symbol / character information is transmitted and transmitted. The character information transmitted and transmitted is converted into a USB signal by the infrared light receiving conversion device and transmitted to the computer. The computer can input characters to the application by passing the received character information to the application.

  Note that the configuration in which the character input means is provided in the infrared light emitting device 12 has an advantage that characters can be input without looking at the display device of the computer, but it is necessary to provide a high-performance arithmetic device or storage device. The problem that becomes high is considered. A general computer is provided with a high-performance arithmetic device and storage device, and it is cheaper to provide a character input means in the computer, but there is also a problem that it is necessary to frequently transmit and transmit infrared signals. is there. It is necessary to select whether the character input means is provided in the infrared light emitting device 12 or the computer 18 in consideration of usage, purpose, and cost.

Schematic of the USB remote control device of the present invention (A) Front view of USB remote control device of embodiment (b) Side view of USB remote control device of embodiment (c) Top view of USB remote control device of embodiment Configuration diagram of infrared light receiving conversion device of the present invention Circuit diagram of infrared light receiving conversion device in an embodiment of the present invention The figure which shows an example of the character table of this invention

Explanation of symbols

10 USB remote control device 12 Infrared light emitting device 14 Infrared light receiving conversion device 16 USB cable 18 Computer 20 Input button 30 Mouse pointer operation unit 40 Infrared light emitting unit 50 Laser light emitting unit 60 Battery holder 110 Infrared light receiving conversion unit 120 USB signal conversion unit 130 USB Connection terminal

Claims (5)

In a device comprising a computer and a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) that transmits a signal for controlling a computer application from a remote location and inputs a control signal to the computer,
An infrared light emitting device that transmits a remote control signal corresponding to each input button by infrared when the input button is pressed;
Infrared light receiving converter for receiving an infrared signal emitted from the infrared transmitter and converting it into an electrical signal, and USB signal conversion for converting the electrical signal converted by the infrared light receiving converter into a USB (Universal Serial Bus) signal An infrared light receiving and converting device including a USB connection terminal unit that outputs a USB signal,
A USB connection cable for transmitting a USB signal by connecting a USB connection terminal of a computer and a USB connection terminal portion of the infrared light receiving device;
USB remote control device characterized by comprising   The infrared light emitting device includes a mouse pointer operation unit for moving / clicking a mouse pointer. By operating the mouse pointer operation unit, a mouse pointer movement signal and a click operation signal corresponding to the operation are transmitted by infrared rays. 2. The USB remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission is performed. The computer
A character table in which multiple characters are assigned to each input button signal of the infrared light emitting device;
It is provided with a character input means for cyclically changing the received input button signal into a plurality of characters assigned to the character table corresponding to the signal and inputting them as numbers, symbols, English characters, and Japanese characters. The USB remote control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The infrared light emitting device is
A character table with multiple characters assigned to each input button,
By continuously pressing the input button of the infrared light emitting device, a plurality of numbers, symbols, and characters assigned to the input button are cyclically changed, and input as numbers, symbols, English characters, and Japanese characters. Character input means;
A display unit that sequentially displays the entered numbers, symbols, English characters, and Japanese characters;
Symbol / character information transmitting means for transmitting the input symbol / character information by infrared,
The USB remote control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:   5. The USB remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the infrared light emitting device includes a laser light emitting unit that emits a laser beam having straightness.

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