JP2005323201A - Remote control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem, wherein when a remote control apparatus such as a remote controller is not arranged oppositely to an operation target device within a narrow limited range, it is not possible to operate the operation target device, by transmitting an operation signal from the remote controller or the like and the positional relation between the remote control apparatus and the operation target device has been markedly restricted. <P>SOLUTION: The remote controller 10 is provided with a light-emitting element 14 for converting an inputted signal into an optical signal and outputting the optical signal and a packaging case for storing the light emitting element 14 and constituted so as to operate a digital broadcasting tuner 9 by remote control, on the basis of the optical signal emitted from the light-emitting element 14. The remote controller 10 is provided with a diffraction grating 15 for dispersing the optical signal, and the diffraction grating 15 is arranged so that its surface is aligned on the surface of the packaging case 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention has a light emitting element that converts a signal such as an electric signal generated by a user's operation into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal, and an optical component that diffuses the optical signal, and is movable in an exterior container in which these are stored. The present invention relates to a remote control device capable of widely diffusing and emitting an optical signal without providing a portion or a protrusion.

  Generally, as this type of remote control device, for example, there is a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote controller”). Usually, the remote control can be remotely controlled without directly touching the operation target device by using an optical signal such as infrared rays as an operation medium. Therefore, it is now widely used in ordinary homes, and for example, cases where it is actually used for controlling TVs, video tape recorders, air conditioners, etc. can be seen.

  Further, as this type of conventional remote control device, for example, a device described in Patent Document 1 is known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 describes an electronic device apparatus having an optical communication unit that transmits and receives data by optical communication using a light emitting element and a light receiving element having strong directivity. The electronic device device described in Patent Document 1 includes a set of communication elements and switching means for switching the communication direction of the communication elements so that communication in at least two directions is possible. .

  According to the electronic device having such a configuration, the data communication direction of the electric device having the optical communication unit is selected by the switching unit that switches the communication direction so that communication can be performed with at least two directions using the communication element. Therefore, it is expected that the range in which data communication is possible is widened, and the degree of freedom in layout of the place where the electronic device having the optical communication means is increased is expected.

  Another example of this type of conventional remote control device is, for example, as described in Patent Document 2. Patent Document 2 describes a remote control light receiving device of an electronic device operated by a remote controller using infrared rays, and a light emitting / light receiving device that includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element and is used for data communication. Yes. In the light emitting / receiving device described in Patent Document 2, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are juxtaposed at intervals, and at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element, or a cylinder or a polygonal column is provided in front of both elements. Alternatively, a lens having an elliptic cylinder shape is provided, and the lens is arranged so that light enters or exits a side surface of the lens.

  According to the light emitting / receiving device having such a configuration, the front surface of the remote control light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the remote control is provided with a lens in the shape of a cylinder, a polygonal column, or an elliptical column, Since the arrangement is such that the light is incident on the side surface of the lens, the infrared rays emitted from the remote control can be received even at a wide incident angle.

  Furthermore, as another example of the conventional remote control device, for example, there is a device described in Patent Document 3. Patent Document 3 describes an infrared communication device having an infrared communication function. This infrared communication device has an infrared transmission / reception unit that emits and receives infrared rays and a reflection unit that includes a reflection surface that reflects infrared rays on an infrared communication path between the infrared communication device and the other infrared communication device. Is characterized by having a configuration in which the opposite direction is movable.

According to the infrared communication device having such a configuration, when infrared communication is performed between infrared communication devices, even if the infrared transmission / reception unit is fixed, by adding this device using infrared reflection, infrared communication can be performed. Device input operations can be performed. In addition, since the mechanism is simple, an effect such as being able to be produced at low cost is expected.
JP-A-9-244774 JP 2000-353813 A JP-A-9-148990

  However, in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the transmission / reception unit is mechanically configured and movable, there is a possibility that the movable unit may break down or be damaged. Moreover, since the movable part has a structure that protrudes greatly from the surface of the outer container, it is easy for the user to touch and cause a failure, and the user himself / herself needs to adjust the position of the transmission / reception part. Therefore, there is a problem that the adjustment work is complicated.

  In addition, in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to widen the range of angles that can be transmitted / received in either the horizontal or vertical directions, but from the structure, the transmission / reception possible angles in both the horizontal and vertical directions are increased. There is a problem in that it cannot be widened, and depending on how the electronic device is installed, the feature of widening the transmission and reception angle cannot be utilized. Furthermore, in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 3, since the adapter protrudes greatly outside the outer container, it is not only easy for the user to come into contact and cause a failure, but also a factor that impairs the aesthetics of the device. There was a problem.

  In addition, since the remote control is a wireless communication that uses an optical signal such as infrared as a method of transmitting an operation signal, in order for the signal to be transmitted correctly and the operation intended by the user to be realized by the operation target device, The positional relationship with the operation target device is restricted, and it is necessary to pay attention to the positional relationship between the two. That is, in the conventional remote operation device, when the remote control and the operation target device are not facing each other within a certain angle range (relatively narrow angle), even if the remote control is operated, the operation signal is transmitted to the operation target device. There is a problem that the operation target device cannot be operated.

If this point is demonstrated concretely, the following cases can be assumed.
Assumed case 1
Assume a general remote control operation form of “operating a TV in front of the user with a remote control”. In this case, it is necessary to arrange the remote controller within a range of about 5 m from the front of the television and about ± 60 degrees in the horizontal direction in terms of angle. Therefore, if it is outside this angular range (about ± 60 degrees), the remote control operation from the side (right and left direction ± 90) is not recognized at all by the television. Therefore, in this assumed case 1, the remote control must be near the front of the TV, and if the remote control is not within the aforementioned operable range, or if the user is not within that range, the user The intended operation cannot be realized.

Assumed case 2
A case is assumed in which “the operation target device is operated by the remote control even from a remote location where the operation signal of the remote control does not reach the operation target device directly”. This assumption case 2 is a case where content received by a digital broadcast tuner (operation target device) installed in a living room (living room) is viewed on a television set in a bedroom apart from the living room.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the assumed case 2 and is a sketch of a 3LDK house. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1 is a bedroom, reference numeral 2 is a living room (living room), and both places are arranged at positions separated via a corridor 3. In the bedroom 1, a sub-TV 4 that is a first display device and a first adapter 5 for the sub-TV 4 are arranged, and a remote controller that remotely operates the sub-TV 4 via the first adapter 5. (Remote operation device) 6 is placed. The sub TV 4 and the first adapter 5 are electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 16, the sub TV 4 is controlled by operating the remote control signal transmitter 6 a of the remote controller 6 toward the first adapter 5. You can switch between channels and perform other operations. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 5a is a remote control signal receiving unit of the first adapter 5, and 5b is a remote control signal transmitting unit.

  In the living room 2, a main television 7 as a second display device, a second adapter 8, and a digital broadcasting tuner (operation target device) 9 for receiving digital broadcasting are arranged. The main TV 7, the second adapter 8, and the digital broadcast tuner 9 are electrically connected, and a remote controller for remotely operating them is also used by the remote controller 6. By operating the remote control signal transmitting unit 6a of the remote control 6 toward the remote control signal receiving unit of the second adapter 8, the screen of the main television 7 can be displayed or other operations can be performed. Further, by switching the remote control signal transmission unit of the remote control 6 toward the remote control signal reception unit of the digital broadcast tuner 9, a switching operation between the analog broadcast and the digital broadcast can be performed. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 8a is a remote control signal receiver of the second adapter 8, and 8b is a remote controller signal transmitter.

  In the television receiving system having such a configuration, when there is a user in the bedroom 1, the remote control signal transmission unit of the remote control 6 is directly directed to the remote control signal transmission unit of the digital broadcasting tuner 9 to transmit the remote control operation signal. I can't. Therefore, in this case, the switching operation of the digital broadcast tuner 9 cannot be performed by the remote control operation in the bedroom 1.

  As a countermeasure in such a case, for example, a method of installing an adapter capable of receiving an operation signal of the remote controller 6 in the bedroom 1 and transmitting the operation signal from the adapter toward the living room 2 can be considered. In this case, the living room 2 needs an adapter for transmitting the operation signal transmitted via the network or the like to the digital broadcast tuner 9. Therefore, the first adapter 5 is used as an adapter installed in the bedroom 1, and the second adapter 8 is used as an adapter installed in the living room 2. FIG. 15 shows the positional relationship between the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcast tuner 9 in this case.

  In this method, considering the positional relationship between the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcast tuner 9, in order to accurately transmit a remote control operation signal from the second adapter 8 to the digital broadcast tuner 9, as described above. In consideration of the communicable range, the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcast tuner 9 need to be installed facing each other. However, if the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcast tuner 9 are installed facing each other, a place for the installation is widely occupied. Moreover, considering that the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcast tuner 9 are connected with a cable, not only the convenience for the user is impaired, but also the surrounding aesthetics are significantly impaired.

  As a method of installing the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcasting tuner 9 so as to reduce the occupied area by the installation and maintain the aesthetic appearance without causing such problems, the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcast tuner 9 are stacked or arranged side by side. It is possible. However, in the case of this positional relationship, it is impossible to transmit / receive an operation signal of the remote controller 6 between the second adapter 8 and the digital broadcast tuner 9 as long as the above-described conventional technique is used. The reason is that even if the receivable range of the remote control signal receiving unit provided in the digital broadcast tuner 9 is, for example, 180 ° (± 90 ° from the center), the transmittable range of the remote control signal transmitting unit provided in the second adapter 8 This is because the operation signal of the remote controller 6 does not reach the remote control signal receiver of the digital broadcast tuner 9 in many cases.

  The problem to be solved is that in a conventional remote control device, if a remote control device such as a remote control is not placed opposite to the operation target device within a narrow limited range, an operation signal is transmitted from the remote control or the like. The target device cannot be operated, and the positional relationship between the remote control device and the operation target device is significantly restricted. For this reason, there has been a problem that inconvenience is imposed on a user who uses a remote control device such as a remote controller.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a remote control device includes a light emitting element that converts an input signal into an optical signal and outputs the light signal, and an exterior container that houses the light emitting element, and is emitted from the light emitting element. In a remote control device that can operate an operation target device by remote control based on an optical signal, an optical component for diffusing the optical signal is provided, and this optical component is arranged so that its surface is flush with the surface of the outer container. The most important feature is that

  The remote control device according to claim 2 of the present invention is characterized in that the optical component is a one-dimensional diffraction grating provided with a large number of linear grooves in parallel with each other.

  The remote control device according to claim 3 of the present invention is characterized in that the optical component is composed of a two-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves intersect each other at right angles and are provided in a lattice shape.

  The remote control device according to claim 4 of the present invention is characterized in that the optical component is a two-dimensional diffraction grating provided with a large number of circular grooves arranged concentrically.

  In the remote control device according to claim 5 of the present invention, the optical component includes a one-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves are provided in parallel with each other and a plurality of linear grooves that are provided in a lattice shape so as to intersect each other at right angles. It is characterized by comprising two or more combinations of a two-dimensional diffraction grating and a two-dimensional diffraction grating provided with a large number of circular grooves arranged concentrically.

  The remote control device according to claim 6 of the present invention is characterized in that the optical component is an optical signal transmission medium capable of transmitting an optical signal.

  According to the remote control device of the first aspect of the present invention, the optical component for diffusing the optical signal is provided, and the surface of the optical component is positioned so as to be flush with the surface of the exterior container. The user can use the remote control device such as a remote controller by expanding the range in which the optical signal can be transmitted in the remote control device such as the remote control device in the angle direction and widening the range in which the remote control device can face the operation target device. Can be improved. In addition, since the surface of the optical component is the same surface as the surface of the exterior container, the optical component does not get in the way, and contact with the user due to the protruding optical component can be prevented.

  According to the remote control device of the second aspect of the present invention, the transmission range of the optical signal emitted from the remote control device is obtained by using, as an optical component, a one-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves are provided in parallel to each other. Can be expanded up to 180 degrees in angle in either the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or any two opposing directions, and an optical signal can be emitted over a wide range.

  According to the remote control device of the third aspect of the present invention, the light is emitted from the remote control device by using, as an optical component, a two-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves intersect each other at right angles and are provided in a lattice shape. The transmittable range of the optical signal can be expanded up to 180 degrees in the vertical and horizontal directions or any four directions, and the optical signal can be emitted in a wide range.

  According to the remote control device of claim 4 of the present invention, an optical signal emitted from the remote control device can be obtained by using, as an optical component, a two-dimensional diffraction grating provided with a large number of circular grooves arranged concentrically. Can be expanded up to 180 degrees in angle in any four directions as well as in the vertical and horizontal directions, and an optical signal can be emitted over a wide range.

  According to the remote control device of claim 5 of the present invention, a one-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves are provided in parallel with each other, and a two-dimensional diffraction in which a large number of linear grooves are provided at a right angle so as to intersect each other Optical signals emitted from a remote control device can be transmitted by configuring optical components with any combination of two or more of a grating and a two-dimensional diffraction grating provided with many circular grooves concentrically arranged. The range can be expanded up to 180 degrees in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or any two directions, four directions, or all directions, and an optical signal can be emitted over a wide range.

  According to the remote control device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, by configuring the optical component with the optical signal transmission medium capable of transmitting the optical signal, the transmission range of the optical signal emitted from the remote control device is set vertically. In the direction and horizontal direction or all directions, the angle can be expanded to 180 degrees, and an optical signal can be emitted in a wide range.

  The transmittable range of the optical signal emitted from the remote control device can be expanded up to 180 degrees in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or any two directions, four directions, or all directions. A remote control device that can emit light is realized with a simple configuration.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings from FIG. 1 to FIG. 1 to 11 show first and second embodiments of the remote control device according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the first embodiment of the remote control device, and FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view of the second embodiment, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the principle of the diffraction grating, FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front view and a side view of the first embodiment of the optical component, and FIGS. ) Is a perspective view of the optical component of FIG. 4 and a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V, FIGS. 6A and 6B are a front view and a side view of the second embodiment of the optical component, and FIGS. ) Is a perspective view of the optical component of FIG. 6 and a cross-sectional view taken along the line WW, FIGS. 8A and 8B are a perspective view of the optical component according to the third embodiment, a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX, and FIG. FIGS. 10A and 10B are a front view and a side view of the fifth embodiment of the optical component, FIG. (A) and (B) are the optical components of FIG. It is a perspective view and a line Z-Z cross section.

  FIGS. 12 to 14 show third and fourth embodiments of the remote control device of the present invention, and FIGS. 12A and 12B are side and perspective views of the sixth embodiment of the optical component. FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view of a third embodiment of the remote control device, FIG. 14 is a schematic explanatory view of a fourth embodiment of the remote control device, FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing an arrangement example of a certain electronic device in a house, FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a flow of an operation signal between electronic devices illustrated in FIG. 15.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a remote control device according to the present invention, and is an external perspective view applied to a remote controller 10. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the second embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention, and is an external perspective view applied to the second adapter 20 as the electronic device used in the above description.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a remote controller 10 shown as a first embodiment of a remote control device includes an outer container 11 formed of a rectangular casing having a flat size that can be held with one hand. An optical signal transmission device capable of outputting an optical signal that is an operation signal for operating an electronic device (for example, a television, a video tape recorder, a CD player, an audio device, etc.) is incorporated in the exterior container 11. ing. On the operation surface 11a, which is the upper surface of the outer container 11, a button operation unit 12 including a large number of operation buttons for inputting a command signal for outputting a predetermined optical signal is provided. Furthermore, an optical signal transmission unit 13 that emits an optical signal of the optical signal transmission device is provided in a substantially central portion of the front surface as the output surface 11b that is one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the outer container 11.

  The adapter (auxiliary device) 20 shown as the second embodiment of the remote control device shown in FIG. 2 is generally for controlling an electronic device electrically connected to the input device based on an input signal. In the case of the television receiving system shown in FIG. 16, an optical signal is transmitted to the digital broadcasting tuner 9 as the operation target device based on a signal supplied from the first adapter 5 electrically connected thereto, It has a function to control switching of electric circuits. The adapter 20 includes an outer container 21 formed of a rectangular casing that is flat enough to be held by both hands.

  Inside the outer container 21 are light that is an operation signal for operating an electronic device (for example, a television, a video tape recorder, a CD player, an audio device, etc.) and an operation signal for controlling the tuner 9 for digital broadcasting. A signal transmitting / receiving device capable of outputting a signal is incorporated. An optical signal transmission unit 13 that emits an optical signal for operating the digital broadcast tuner 9 is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 21 a of the exterior container 21.

  The optical signal transmission unit 13 includes a light emitting element 14 that emits an optical signal and an optical signal diffusion optical component 15 that diffuses the optical signal in a wide angular range. Here, the light emitting element 14 is an element that converts electric energy into light energy, and includes a light emitting diode (LED), a semiconductor laser (LD), and a solid state laser. However, the light-emitting element of the present invention is not limited to these, and includes, for example, an electroluminescence element and a cathodoluminescence element that can display characters and figures using semiconductor excitation by an electron beam or an electric field. Shall be. Further, “light” in the present invention means electromagnetic waves and includes infrared rays and ultraviolet rays as well as visible rays.

  4A and 4B and FIGS. 5A and 5B show an optical signal transmission unit 13A according to the first embodiment of the optical signal transmission unit 13, which uses a one-dimensional diffraction grating 15A as an optical component 15 for optical signal diffusion. It is. FIGS. 6A and 6B and FIGS. 7A and 7B show an optical signal transmission unit 13B according to the second embodiment of the optical signal transmission unit 13, which uses a two-dimensional diffraction grating 15B as an optical component 15 for optical signal diffusion. It is. FIGS. 10A and 10B and FIGS. 11A and 11B show an optical signal transmission unit 13C according to the third embodiment of the optical signal transmission unit 13, and another two-dimensional diffraction grating 15C as an optical component 15 for optical signal diffusion. Is used.

  Here, the principle of the diffraction grating 15 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The diffraction grating 15 is an optical element used to obtain a light spectrum using light diffraction, and is also called a grating. A diffracted image is used in which a large number of grooves are cut and interference occurs between light rays reflected by a smooth surface between the grooves. The diffraction grating 15 is divided into a plane diffraction grating, a concave diffraction grating, and the like according to the shape of the grating surface, and is divided into a reflection type diffraction grating and a transmission type diffraction grating depending on how the diffracted light is generated. As a method of making the diffraction grating 15, there are a method of making an aluminum plate on a glass substrate by scratching with a diamond cutter to form a linear groove at equal intervals, and making a replica using it as a master, a method of making a holographic method, and the like. .

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the diffraction grating 15, and the following relational expression holds.

Where d: opening interval
α: incident angle (angle formed between incident light and diffraction grating normal S)
β: diffraction angle (angle formed by diffracted light and diffraction grating normal S)
m: diffraction order (m ≧ 0 integer)
λ: The wavelength of the light wave Accordingly, if the incident angle α, the wavelength λ of the light wave, and the diffraction order m are determined, the aperture distance d of the diffraction grating can be obtained by setting a desired diffraction angle β. That is, a diffraction grating having a target diffraction angle β can be obtained by calculating the aperture interval d of the diffraction grating and forming a large number of grooves.

In this embodiment, when a light wave passes through the diffraction grating, the diffraction grating is used as an optical component for optical signal diffusion by utilizing the property that the diffraction angle of the light wave spreads with respect to the incident angle.
Such a diffraction grating 15 can be manufactured using the following dimensions, for example. The numerical values used here indicate one embodiment of the present invention, and are not intended to manufacture a diffraction grating at a specific angle (for example, 90 degrees).

In calculating the relational expression between the aperture interval d and the diffraction angle β, the following numerical values are used.
m = 1 (diffraction order with highest intensity of diffracted light)
α = 30 ° (general emission angle)
λ = 950nm (general wavelength)
By substituting these values into Equation 2, the relationship between the aperture distance d and the diffraction angle β is determined as follows.

  In Equation 3, when the diffraction angle β is 90 °, diffracted light having a diffraction angle β = 90 ° can be obtained by setting the aperture interval d to 0.63 μm or 1.9 μm. In this way, by setting a one-dimensional diffraction grating having a large number of linear grooves parallel to each other and setting the grooves in the vertical direction, the transmitted light can be diffused to the left and right sides in the horizontal direction. Then, it is possible to transmit an optical signal by diffusing it by 180 ° at both sides in the horizontal direction. Further, when the groove direction is set to the left and right direction, the transmission light can be diffused on both sides in the vertical direction, and in this embodiment, the optical signal is transmitted by being diffused by 180 ° on both sides in the vertical direction. be able to.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4A, the transmission light can be diffused in a direction orthogonal to the inclination direction by inclining the direction of the groove obliquely. By configuring the optical signal transmitter 13A using the diffraction grating 15A and the light emitting element 14 having such a configuration, a remote control device such as the remote controller 10 or the adapter 20 having a very wide viewing angle in one dimension is configured. Can do.

  5A and 5B are enlarged views of the diffraction grating 15A shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The diffraction grating 15A includes a transparent substrate 16 such as a flat glass plate or a plastic plate, and a large number of linear grooves 17 are provided on one surface of the substrate 16 in parallel with each other. Thereby, the protrusion 16a is provided between the adjacent linear grooves 17, respectively. The large number of linear grooves 17 are set to the same depth, and the whole is integrated by leaving the bottom. Therefore, since it is not necessary to join each block with an adhesive, there is no possibility that each block falls off individually.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B show a second embodiment of the optical signal transmitter 13, and this optical signal transmitter 13B is composed of a diffraction grating 15B and a light emitting element 14. FIG. The diffraction grating 15B is composed of a transparent substrate 16 such as a flat glass plate or a plastic plate as shown in an enlarged view in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and a large number of linear grooves 17a and 17b intersect each other on one surface of the substrate 16. Is provided. The first linear groove 17a and the second linear groove 17b are V-shaped grooves whose both surfaces are inclined at an appropriate angle, and are formed to intersect each other at right angles. A large number of convex portions 16b having a quadrangular pyramid shape are provided by the first linear grooves 17a and the second linear grooves 17b.

  Also by using the diffraction grating 15B having such a configuration, the transmission light can be diffused by utilizing the property that the diffraction angle of the light wave spreads with respect to the incident angle, as in the above-described embodiment. In the case of this embodiment, since the diffraction grating 15B is formed in a two-dimensional grating shape, any direction in which the orthogonal grooves 17a, 17b in two orthogonal directions extend (for example, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction). The transmission light can be diffused also for the above. A remote control device such as the remote controller 10 or the adapter 20 having a very wide viewing angle two-dimensionally can be configured. In FIG. 6A, the example in which the two types of linear grooves 17a and 17b are directed in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction has been described. However, it is also possible to arrange the linear grooves 17a and 17b so as to be inclined at an appropriate angle. Of course.

  8A and 8B show a third embodiment of the diffraction grating 15. In this diffraction grating 15C, a large number of slit grooves 18a extending in the vertical direction and a large number of slit grooves 18b extending in the horizontal direction are provided on one surface of the rectangular substrate 16 so as to be orthogonal to each other. Thereby, the block part 16c is each provided between the orthogonal linear grooves 18a and 18b. Each slit groove 18a, 18b is set to an equal depth, and the whole is integrated by leaving the bottom. Therefore, it is not necessary to join each block part 16c with an adhesive, and therefore there is no possibility that each block 16c falls off individually.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B show a fourth embodiment of the diffraction grating 15. The diffraction grating 15D has a large number of block bodies 16d arranged at equal intervals both in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction. In addition, you may comprise so that both surfaces of many block bodies 16d may be joined with the adhesive agent 19. FIG. Thereby, it can prevent that each block body 16d falls out separately. In this embodiment, unnecessary reflection of light waves can be prevented by using a highly reflective or low reflective film as the material of the adhesive 19.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B show a fifth embodiment of the optical signal transmitter 13, and this optical signal transmitter 13 C is composed of a diffraction grating 15 E and a light emitting element 14. 11A and 11B, the diffraction grating 15E is made of a transparent substrate 16 such as a flat glass plate or a plastic plate, and a large number of circular grooves 17c are provided concentrically on one surface of the substrate 16. Yes. Thus, a large number of annular portions 16e having a ring shape are provided between the circular grooves 17c opposed in the radial direction.

  Also by using the diffraction grating 15E having such a configuration, the transmission light can be diffused by utilizing the property that the diffraction angle of the light wave is widened with respect to the incident angle, as in the above embodiment. In the case of this embodiment, since the diffraction grating 15E is formed in a two-dimensional concentric circle, a remote control device such as the remote controller 10 or the adapter 20 having a very wide viewing angle in all directions two-dimensionally is used. Can be configured. In FIG. 10A, the example in which the center of the concentric circle is arranged at the center of the diffraction grating 15E has been described. However, it is needless to say that the center may be deviated in any direction.

  12A and 12B show a sixth embodiment of the optical signal transmitter according to the present invention. The optical signal transmission unit 30 includes a light emitting element 14 and a plastic body 31 showing another embodiment of the optical signal diffusion optical component. The optical signal transmission unit 30 utilizes the property of propagating light waves based on Snell's law regarding reflection and refraction of light waves. That is, the optical signal propagates while being reflected inside the optical component for optical signal diffusion, and utilizes the property of being refracted between the medium and the external air and leaking outside.

  The light emitting element 14 of the optical signal transmitter 30 is the same as that in the above embodiment. Further, as the optical component for optical signal diffusion, a plastic body 31 made of plastic capable of realizing Snell's law can be used. In this embodiment, the plastic body 31 has been described as an example of a quadrangular prism whose cross-sectional shape is a quadrangle. Of course, a sphere, a cube, a polyhedron, and other shapes can be applied.

  FIG. 13 is an external perspective view in which the optical signal transmitter 30 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B is applied to a remote controller 10 that is a remote control device. 14A and 14B are external perspective views in which the optical signal transmitter 30 shown in FIG. 12 is applied to an adapter 20 that is also a remote control device. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained by adopting such a configuration.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 13 and 14A and B, the surfaces of the optical signal transmitters 13 and 30 are mounted so as to be flush with the surfaces of the exterior containers 11 and 21. Therefore, it is possible to cause the remote control device to exhibit a desired function in a state where there is no protrusion or movable part. That is, since there are no protrusions or movable parts in the outer casings 11 and 21, when the remote controller 10 or the adapter 20 is used, the user may contact the protrusions or movable parts in the conventional apparatus to cause a failure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to the contact.

  According to the present invention described in the above embodiments, an optical signal transmission unit is formed of a light emitting element and an optical signal diffusion optical component, and the optical signal transmission unit is housed in an outer container to constitute a remote control device. Thus, the narrow transmission range of the operation signal in a conventional remote controller or the like can be expanded in the angular direction by adding a few components. Therefore, the degree of freedom of layout for installing the adapter, the operation target device, and the like can be increased, and the installation space can be effectively used. In addition, since a remote control device such as a remote control can be used in a wide range with respect to the operation target device, the convenience of the remote control device such as a remote control can be improved and the user-friendliness can be improved.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied to various electronic devices operated by remote control. As described above, the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 shows a first embodiment of a remote control device of the present invention, and is an external perspective view applied to a remote control. FIG. The 2nd Example of the remote control apparatus of this invention is shown, and it is an external appearance perspective view applied to the adapter. It is a figure explaining the principle of the diffraction grating which shows one Example of the optical component for optical signal diffusion which concerns on the remote control apparatus of this invention. The 1st Example of the optical signal transmission part which concerns on the remote control apparatus of this invention is shown, The figure A is a front view, The figure B is a side view. 4A and 4B show a first embodiment of the optical signal diffusion optical component shown in FIG. 4, in which FIG. A is a perspective view, and FIG. B is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. The 2nd Example of the optical signal transmission part which concerns on the remote control apparatus of this invention is shown, The figure A is a front view, The figure B is a side view. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a second embodiment of the optical signal diffusing optical component shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. A is a perspective view, and FIG. FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the optical signal diffusing optical component shown in FIG. 6, in which FIG. A is a perspective view, and FIG. B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the optical signal diffusing optical component shown in FIG. 6, where FIG. A is a perspective view and FIG. B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of FIG. The 3rd Example of the optical signal transmission part which concerns on the remote control apparatus of this invention is shown, The figure A is a front view, The figure B is a side view. FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the optical signal diffusing optical component shown in FIG. 10, in which FIG. A is a perspective view, and FIG. B is a sectional view taken along line ZZ in FIG. The 4th Example of the optical signal transmission part which concerns on the remote control apparatus of this invention is shown, The figure A is a side view, The figure B is a perspective view. It is an external appearance perspective view which applied the optical signal transmission part shown in FIG. 12 to the remote control. It is an external appearance perspective view which applied the optical signal transmission part shown in FIG. 12 to the adapter. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the electronic device of a certain house. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the flow of the operation signal between the electronic devices shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Remote controller (remote operation apparatus) 11, 21 ... Exterior container, 13, 13A, 13B, 13C ... Optical signal transmission part, 14 ... Light emitting element, 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E ... Diffraction grating ( Optical signal diffusion optical component), 16... Substrate, 16 a. Convex portion, 16 b. Convex portion, 16 c. Block portion, 16 d. Block body, 16 e. Annular portion, 17, 17 a, 17 b. Groove, 18a, 18b ... slit groove, 19 ... adhesive, 20 ... adapter (remote control device), 31 ... plastic body (optical component for optical signal diffusion)

Claims (6)

A light emitting element that converts an input signal into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal;
An exterior container in which the light emitting element is stored,
In the remote operation device that can operate the operation target device by remote operation based on the optical signal emitted from the light emitting element,
An optical component for diffusing the optical signal is provided,
The optical control device according to claim 1, wherein the optical component is arranged so that a surface thereof is flush with a surface of the outer container.   2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the optical component is a one-dimensional diffraction grating having a plurality of linear grooves provided in parallel to each other.   2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the optical component comprises a two-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves intersect each other at right angles and are provided in a lattice shape.   2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the optical component comprises a two-dimensional diffraction grating provided with a plurality of circular grooves arranged concentrically.   The optical component includes a one-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves are provided in parallel to each other, a two-dimensional diffraction grating in which a large number of linear grooves are perpendicularly crossed at a right angle, and a large number of circular grooves are concentric. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device comprises any two or more combinations with a two-dimensional diffraction grating disposed on the surface.   The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the optical component is an optical signal transmission medium capable of transmitting the optical signal.

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