JP2016208103A - Remote controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller capable of reducing burden imposed to a user.SOLUTION: A remote controller 1 includes: a remote controller body 2; plural operation buttons 3 disposed on an operation plane 21 of the remote controller body 2; a first transmission part 41 and a second transmission part 42 each of which transmits an infrared ray signal having directivity; and a control unit 8 that controls the first transmission part 41 and the second transmission part 42 to transmit an infrared ray signal corresponding to an operated operation button 3 in the plural operation buttons 3. The first transmission part 41 and the second transmission part 42 are disposed on the remote controller body 2 so that the travel direction of infrared ray signal transmitted from the first transmission part 41 and the travel direction of the infrared ray signal transmitted from the second transmission part 42 are generally parallel to the operation plane 21 but in direction opposite to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote control device.

  For example, a remote control device used for operation of a television or the like is formed in a long shape, and one end surface in the longitudinal direction serves as a light emitting unit that emits an operation signal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). On the operation surface on which the operation buttons are arranged in the remote control device, identification information for identifying each operation button is described with the light emitting unit side facing up.

JP 2007-151152 A

  By the way, depending on the posture of the user, the operation of turning the light emitting unit of the remote control device toward the television becomes complicated. For example, assume that there is a television at the foot of the user who lies down. In this case, an accurate operation cannot be performed unless the light emitting unit of the remote control device is directed to the television. It is also conceivable that the user visually confirms the function of the operation button before the operation. The specific operation of the user in this case will be described. First, the user lies down and checks the function of each operation button with the operation surface of the remote control device directed toward the user. At the time of confirmation of this identification information, the light-emitting part faces away from the television. Thereafter, the user operates an arbitrary operation button by moving the remote controller so that the light emitting unit faces the TV.

  Such an operation is troublesome even for a healthy person, but it is a heavy burden for an elderly person or a person with a disability.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device that can suppress a burden on a user.

  A remote control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a remote control device for operating an electronic device, and includes a remote control body, a plurality of operation buttons provided on an operation surface of the remote control body, and a directivity infrared signal. A first transmitting unit and a second transmitting unit for transmitting, and a control unit for transmitting an infrared signal corresponding to the operated operation button from the first transmitting unit and the second transmitting unit among the plurality of operation buttons. The first transmitter and the second transmitter are configured such that the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the first transmitter and the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the second transmitter are: The remote control main body is provided so as to be substantially parallel to the operation surface and in a substantially opposite direction.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the remote control apparatus which can suppress the burden given to a user can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the use condition of the remote control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a back view which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the remote control device which concerns on this Embodiment from the one end side of the longitudinal direction. It is the figure which looked at the remote control device which concerns on this Embodiment from the other end side of the longitudinal direction. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the exposed part of the operation button which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the remote control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the remote control apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the remote control device at the time of operation. It is a front view which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus used by horizontal placement. It is a side view which shows the remote control device with which the attachment member was attached. It is a back view which shows the structure of the remote control apparatus with which the attachment member was attached. It is a front view which shows the modification of a remote control device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connecting forms of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept are described as optional constituent elements. Each figure is a mimetic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated strictly.

[overall structure]
Hereinafter, the remote control device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a usage state of the remote control device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 1 transmits an infrared signal to remotely control an electronic device such as a television 200, for example. The remote control device 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is grasped and used by a user.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the remote control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the remote control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a back view showing the configuration of the remote control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view of the remote control device according to the present embodiment as viewed from one end side in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 6 is a view of the remote control device according to the present embodiment as viewed from the other end side in the longitudinal direction.

  In the following description, the longitudinal direction when the remote control device 1 is viewed from the front is the vertical direction, the width direction when the remote control device 1 is viewed from the front is the left and right direction, and the depth direction of the remote control device 1 is the front and back direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the remote control device 1 includes a remote control body 2, a plurality of operation buttons 3, and a plurality of transmission units 4.

  The remote control main body 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example. The front surface of the remote control body 2 is an operation surface 21, and a plurality of operation buttons 3 are arranged in the vertical direction.

  Further, six operation buttons 3 are provided in the present embodiment. Specifically, the operation button 3 includes a first button 3a for switching on / off the power of the TV 200, a second button 3b for increasing the channel of the TV 200, and a channel of the TV 200 down. A third button 3c for switching the sound, a fourth button 3d for increasing the volume, a fifth button 3e for decreasing the volume, and a sixth button for switching between terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, and CS digital broadcasting. There is a button 3f. The first button 3a, the second button 3b, the third button 3c, the fourth button 3d, the fifth button 3e, and the sixth button 3f are arranged in a line along the vertical direction in order from the top of the operation surface 21. Yes.

  Moreover, the surface of the plurality of operation buttons 3 is visually different from all the operation buttons 3. Specifically, the color or pattern on the surface of the operation button 3 is different for all of the plurality of operation buttons 3.

  The operation button 3 is a push button that sinks into the operation surface 21 when pressed by the user and returns to the original position when the user releases the hand. A portion (exposed portion 31) exposed from the operation surface 21 of the operation button 3 has a substantially circular shape in plan view. The exposed portions 31 of all the operation buttons 3 have the same size and outer shape when viewed in plan.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the exposed portion 31 of the operation button 3, wherein (a) illustrates the configuration of the first button 3a and the second button 3b, and (b) illustrates the third button 3c to the sixth button. The structure of 3f is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, a concave portion 32 having a substantially circular shape in plan view is provided in the central portion in plan view of the exposed portion 31. The surface of the recess 32 is formed in a curved surface that is recessed inward. Further, the surface of the annular portion 33 outside the recessed portion 32 in the exposed portion 31 is formed in a curved surface that protrudes outward.

  And as shown to (a) of FIG. 7, the protrusion 34 is provided in the recessed part 32 of the 1st button 3a and the 2nd button 3b. Specifically, the protrusion 34 is disposed on the peripheral edge at the top of the recess 32. The tip portion of the protrusion 34 protrudes forward from the boundary portion between the recess 32 and the annular portion 33. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protrusion 34 is not provided on the third button 3c to the sixth button 3f.

  As shown in FIG. 2, these operation buttons 3 are stored in a first storage recess 5 and a second storage recess 6 formed in the operation surface 21. The operation button 3 is stored in the first storage recess 5 and the second storage recess 6 so as not to protrude from the operation surface 21 even when the operation button 3 is not pressed (see FIG. 3). As a result, even if the operation surface 21 comes into contact with, for example, a floor or a table, the operation button 3 is not pressed, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  The first storage recess 5 stores only a pair of operation buttons 3 having similar functions among the plurality of operation buttons 3. Here, “functions are similar” means that operations on the television 200 that is an operation target are similar. Specifically, as a pair of operation buttons 3 having similar functions, a combination of a second button 3b and a third button 3c for increasing / decreasing a channel, and a fourth button 3d and a fifth button for increasing / decreasing a volume And a combination of 3e. The second button 3b and the third button 3c are included in the “functions are similar” because the traveling directions of the channels are different, but are the same in that the channels are switched. On the other hand, the fourth button 3d and the fifth button 3e are different from the volume increasing operation and the volume decreasing operation, but are identical in that the volume is changed, and thus are included in “functions are similar”.

  As described above, the pair of operation buttons 3 having similar functions are buttons for transmitting an infrared signal for stepwise switching one kind of output (volume, channel, etc.) of an electronic device such as the television 200, and the like. One operation button 3 is a button for transmitting an infrared signal for increasing output, and the other operation button 3 may be a button for transmitting an infrared signal for decreasing output.

  Two first storage recesses 5 are provided, one of which is a channel storage recess 51 and the other of which is a volume storage recess 52.

  The storage recess 51 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape in plan view that is long in the vertical direction so as to store the second button 3b and the third button 3c together. Openings 511b and 511c for individually exposing the second button 3b and the third button 3c are provided at the bottom of the storage recess 51. A pair of protrusions 512 is provided between the openings 511 b and 511 c in the storage recess 51. The pair of protrusions 512 is formed in a straight line extending in the left-right direction, and these are arranged with a gap in the left-right direction.

  The storage recess 52 is formed in a substantially elliptical shape in plan view that is long in the vertical direction so as to store the fourth button 3d and the fifth button 3e together. The outer shape of the storage recess 52 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the storage recess 51 in plan view. Openings 521d and 521e for individually exposing the fourth button 3d and the fifth button 3e are provided at the bottom of the storage recess 52. One protrusion 522 is provided between the openings 521 b and 521 c in the storage recess 52. The protrusion 522 is formed in a straight line extending in the left-right direction.

  The second storage recess 6 includes a pair of operation buttons 3 having a similar function among the plurality of operation buttons 3 (a combination of the second button 3b and the third button 3c, a combination of the fourth button 3d and the fifth button 3e). The other operation buttons 3 (first button 3a, sixth button 3f) are individually stored.

  Two second storage recesses 6 are provided, one of which is a power storage storage recess 61 and the other of which is a broadcast switching storage recess 62.

  The storage recess 61 is formed in a circular shape in plan view so as to store the first button 3a. An opening 611 that exposes the first button 3 a is formed at the bottom of the storage recess 61. A protrusion 612 that protrudes inward is formed at the peripheral portion of the storage recess 61 at the center of the storage recess 61 in the vertical direction.

  The storage recess 62 is formed in a circular shape in plan view so as to store the sixth button 3f. An opening 621 for exposing the sixth button 3 f is formed at the bottom of the storage recess 62.

  Thus, the combination of the shape of the plurality of operation buttons 3 and the shape around the operation button 3 is different for all of the plurality of operation buttons 3. The combination is different as long as at least one of the shape of the operation button 3 and the shape around the operation button 3 is different for all the operation buttons 3. Thereby, the user can identify each operation button 3 by touching the operation button 3 and its periphery. Specifically, in the first button 3 a, the combination of the protrusion 34 provided in the first button 3 a and the protrusion 612 provided in the storage recess 61 is different from the other operation buttons 3. In the second button 3b, the combination of the protrusion 34 provided on the second button 3b and a pair of protrusions 512 provided below the second button 3b is different from the other operation buttons 3. In the third button 3 c, the combination of the surface shape of the third button 3 c that does not have the protrusion 34 and the pair of protrusions 512 provided above the third button 3 c is different from the other operation buttons 3. In the 4th button 3d, the combination of the surface shape of the 4th button 3d which does not have the protrusion 34, and the protrusion part 522 provided below the 4th button 3d differs from the other operation buttons 3. FIG. In the fifth button 3e, the combination of the surface shape of the fifth button 3e having no protrusion and the protrusion 522 provided above the fifth button 3e is different from the other operation buttons 3. In the sixth button 3f, the combination of the surface shape of the sixth button 3f having no protrusion and the storage recess 62 having no protrusion is different from the other operation buttons 3.

  In addition, identification information 7 a to 7 h for identifying each operation button 3 is written on the operation surface 21. The vertical direction of each identification information 7 a to 7 h matches the vertical direction of the remote control device 1.

  More specifically, for example, first identification information 7 a “power” is written above the first button 3 a on the operation surface 21. The first identification information 7a indicates that the first button 3a is for switching the power ON / OFF.

  Above the storage recess 51 on the operation surface 21, for example, second identification information 7b “channel” is written. The second identification information 7b indicates that the second button 3b and the third button 3c are for changing channels.

  On the left side of the second button 3b on the operation surface 21, for example, third identification information 7c simulating an upward arrow is written. The second identification information 7b and the third identification information 7c indicate that the second button 3b is for raising the channel.

  On the left side of the third button 3c on the operation surface 21, for example, fourth identification information 7d simulating a downward arrow is written. The second identification information 7b and the fourth identification information 7d indicate that the third button 3c is for bringing the channel down.

  Above the storage recess 52 in the operation surface 21, for example, fifth identification information 7 e “volume” is written. The fifth identification information 7e indicates that the fourth button 3d and the fifth button 3e are for changing the volume.

  On the left side of the fourth button 3d on the operation surface 21, for example, sixth identification information 7f of “+” is written. The fifth identification information 7e and the sixth identification information 7f indicate that the fourth button 3d is for increasing the volume.

  On the left side of the fifth button 3e on the operation surface 21, for example, seventh identification information 7g “-” is written. The fifth identification information 7e and the seventh identification information 7g indicate that the fifth button 3e is for decreasing the volume.

  Above the sixth button 3 f on the operation surface 21, for example, eighth identification information 7 h “terrestrial digital / BS / CS” is written. The eighth identification information 7h indicates that the sixth button 3f is for switching between terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, and CS digital broadcasting.

  The identification information 7 a to 7 h is not limited to printing on the surface of the operation surface 21, and each operation button 3 can be identified by making it protrude from the operation surface 21 or by attaching Braille.

  Further, on the back surface 22 opposite to the operation surface 21 of the remote control main body 2, a battery housing portion (not shown) for housing the battery 23 and a lid body 25 for opening and closing the battery housing portion are provided. The lid body 25 is provided with a female screw portion 26 for fixing the remote control device 1 to a support separate from the remote control device 1. The support tool supports the remote control device 1 and has a male screw that is screwed into the female screw portion 26. An example of the support is a tripod. The female screw portion 26 is not limited to the back surface 22, and may be provided on at least one of the operation surface 21, the upper surface 28, the lower surface 29, and both side surfaces.

  An elliptical concave portion 27 is provided on the upper portion of the lid 25, and when the user touches the concave portion 27, the user recognizes that the portion is the upper portion of the remote control main body 2.

  The transmitter 4 is a transmitter that transmits an infrared signal having directivity, and is, for example, an infrared LED that emits infrared light. In the present embodiment, three transmitters 4 are provided.

  The first transmitting unit 41 and the second transmitting unit 42 are configured such that the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the first transmitting unit 41 and the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the second transmitting unit 42 are: The remote control main body 2 is provided so as to be in a direction substantially parallel to the operation surface 21 and in a substantially opposite direction. The traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the first transmitter 41 and the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the second transmitter 42 are, for example, within a range of ± 10 degrees with respect to the operation surface 21. As long as it fits in. Further, the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the first transmitter 41 and the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the second transmitter 42 may not be completely opposite to each other, and are generally opposite to each other. It only has to face the direction.

  Specifically, the first transmitter 41 is provided on the upper surface 28 of the remote control main body 2 so as to transmit an infrared signal upward of the remote control device 1. Further, the second transmitter 42 is provided on the lower surface 29 of the remote control main body 2 so as to transmit an infrared signal toward the lower side of the remote controller 1.

  The third transmitter 43 transmits an infrared signal in a direction orthogonal to the operation surface 21. Specifically, the 3rd transmission part 43 is provided in the upper part of the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2 so that an infrared signal may be transmitted toward back.

  Next, the control configuration of the remote control device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of remote control device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, each operation button 3, each transmission unit 4, and a speaker 9 are electrically connected to the control unit 8 of the remote control device 1. Specifically, the control unit 8 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and various functions are realized by reading a program stored in the ROM into the CPU. In the ROM, an infrared signal corresponding to each operation button 3 is stored in advance. The infrared signal has a different signal structure for each manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, and the like. Therefore, a plurality of types of infrared signal groups corresponding to various signal structures are stored (preset) in advance in the ROM. Here, a buzzer may be used instead of the speaker 9.

[Operation of remote control device]
Next, the operation of the remote control device 1 will be described.

  The remote control device 1 has a normal mode, a setting mode, and a restriction mode. The normal mode is a mode for operating the television 200. The setting mode is a mode for setting an infrared signal group corresponding to the television 200. The restriction mode is a mode for restricting the function of the sixth button 3f.

  Each mode is switched by performing a predetermined operation on each operation button 3. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation in which a plurality of operation buttons 3 are simultaneously pressed for a predetermined time or longer. Each mode can be switched by changing the long-pressed plurality of operation buttons 3 for each switching mode. Hereinafter, the operation for switching to the setting mode is referred to as a first operation, the operation for switching to the restriction mode is referred to as a second operation, and the operation for switching to the normal mode is referred to as a third operation.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the remote control device 1 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the remote control device 1.

  In step S1, the control unit 8 is in the normal mode.

  In step S <b> 2, when the operation button 3 is pressed, the control unit 8 causes all the transmission units 4 to output infrared signals corresponding to the operation button 3. At this time, the signal output timings from the transmitters 4 may be simultaneous, or may have a slight time difference.

  In step S3, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the first operation has been performed. The control unit 8 proceeds to step S4 when the first operation is performed, and proceeds to step S9 when the first operation is not performed.

  In step S4, the control unit 8 switches to the setting mode. At this time, the control unit 8 controls the speaker 9 to output a sound indicating that the setting mode has been switched from the speaker 9.

  In step S5, the control unit 8 causes the transmission unit 4 to output an infrared signal for channel up among different types of infrared signal groups each time a predetermined operation button 3 is operated. When an infrared signal for channel up of all types of infrared signal groups stored in the ROM is output, the control unit 8 causes the speaker 9 to output a sound indicating that the infrared signal group has completed a round. When an infrared signal for channel up of an infrared signal group corresponding to the television 200 is output from the transmitter 4, the channel of the television 200 is up. Thereby, the user recognizes that the currently set infrared signal group corresponds to the television 200.

  In step S6, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a determination operation has been performed. The determination operation is an operation for determining to continue using the current setting. The determination operation may be an operation different from any of the channel up operation in the setting mode, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation. And the control part 8 transfers to step S5, when determination operation is not performed, and when determination operation is performed, it transfers to step S7.

  In step S7, the control unit 8 determines the type of infrared signal group transmitted immediately before the determination operation as the infrared signal group to be used in the future. At this time, the control unit 8 controls the speaker 9 to output from the speaker 9 a sound indicating that an infrared signal group to be used in the future has been determined.

  In step S8, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the third operation has been performed. When the third operation is performed, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S1 to switch to the normal mode, and when the third operation is not performed, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S5.

  In step S9, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the second operation has been performed. The control unit 8 proceeds to step S10 when the second operation is performed, and proceeds to step S1 when the second operation is not performed.

  In step S10, the control unit 8 switches to the restriction mode. At this time, the control unit 8 controls the speaker 9 to output a sound indicating that the mode has been switched to the restriction mode from the speaker 9.

  In step S11, the control unit 8 switches the broadcast candidates to be activated each time a predetermined operation button 3 is operated. By pressing a predetermined operation button 3, the user selects one to three broadcasts to be activated from terrestrial digital broadcast, BS digital broadcast, and CS digital broadcast. At this time, the control unit 8 controls the speaker 9 to output from the speaker 9 a sound indicating the broadcast currently selected as the activation candidate. In order to make it easy for the user to understand, the activation candidate may be output by voice.

  In step S12, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a determination operation has been performed. The determination operation here may be an operation different from any of the broadcast selection operation in the restriction mode, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation. And the control part 8 transfers to step S11, when determination operation is not performed, and when determination operation is performed, it transfers to step S13.

  In step S <b> 13, the control unit 8 determines the activation candidate broadcast selected immediately before the determination operation as the broadcast to be activated. At this time, the control unit 8 controls the speaker 9 to output a sound indicating that the broadcast to be activated has been determined from the speaker 9. After the determination, the control unit 8 does not allow switching to a broadcast that has not been activated even if the sixth button 3f for switching broadcasts is operated. That is, when the number of broadcasts to be activated is 2 or less, the function of the sixth button 3f is limited.

  In step S14, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the third operation has been performed. When the third operation is performed, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S1 to switch to the normal mode, and when the third operation is not performed, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S11.

  In the restriction mode, instead of selecting one to three broadcasts to be activated from terrestrial digital broadcast, BS digital broadcast, and CS digital broadcast, one to three broadcasts may be invalidated. Here, when the BS digital broadcast and the CS digital broadcast are invalidated, the function of the sixth button 3f itself may be limited. That is, by making the sixth button 3f inoperable, the sixth button 3f may be fixedly used for broadcasting of terrestrial digital, BS digital, or CS digital.

[Status of remote control device during operation]
Next, the state of the remote control device 1 during operation will be specifically described.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the remote control device 1 during operation.

  Note that, as described above, in the remote control device 1, when the operation button 3 is pressed, an infrared signal corresponding to the operation button 3 is transmitted from all the transmitters 4, but in FIG. Only the infrared signal received in the diagram is indicated by a solid line, and the other infrared signals are indicated by a broken line.

  FIG. 10A illustrates a case where the remote controller 1 is used while a user sitting on the chair 300 faces the TV 200. In this case, the user operates the remote control device 1 with the upper surface 28 of the remote control device 1, that is, the first transmitter 41 toward the television 200. For this reason, the television 200 mainly receives the infrared signal emitted from the first transmitter 41.

  FIG. 10B illustrates a case where a user sitting on the bed 301 and facing the television 200 operates the remote control device 1 while confirming the identification information 7a to 7h on the operation surface 21. In this case, the user operates the remote control device 1 with the back surface 22 of the remote control device 1, that is, the third transmission unit 43 facing the television 200. For this reason, the television 200 mainly receives the infrared signal emitted from the third transmitter 43.

  FIG. 10C illustrates a remote control device in which a user who lies down from the state of FIG. 10B and faces his head to the opposite side of the television 200 checks each piece of identification information 7a to 7h on the operation surface 21. The case where 1 is operated is illustrated. In this case, the user operates the remote control device 1 with the lower surface 29 of the remote control device 1, that is, the second transmitter 42 facing the television 200. For this reason, the television 200 mainly receives the infrared signal emitted from the second transmitter 42.

[Effects]
As described above, the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the first transmitter 41 and the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the second transmitter 42 are directions along the surface direction of the operation surface 21. And it is the opposite direction. When the operation button 3 is operated, the control unit 8 transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the operation button 3 from the first transmission unit 41 and the second transmission unit 42. That is, the same infrared signal is transmitted from the second transmitter 42 even if the user takes a posture in which the first transmitter 41 faces away from the television 200. Therefore, the user can operate the remote control device 1 with an easy posture without worrying about the direction of the remote control device 1. Therefore, the burden given to the user can be suppressed.

  Further, the identification information 7a to 7h for identifying the operation button 3 is such that the traveling direction of the infrared signal emitted from the first transmitting unit 41 is the upward direction, and the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the second transmitting unit is Is shown below. When the user operates the remote control device 1 while confirming the identification information 7a to 7h on the operation surface 21 based on the positional relationship between the television 200 and the user as shown in FIG. 42 can be directed to the TV side.

  Further, a third transmitter 43 that transmits an infrared signal in a direction orthogonal to the operation surface 21 is provided on the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2. When the user operates the remote controller 1 while confirming the identification information 7a to 7h on the operation surface 21 based on the positional relationship between the television 200 and the user as shown in FIG. 43 can be directed to the TV side.

  In addition, since the infrared signal is only transmitted in three directions by a plurality of transmitters 4 that transmit infrared signals having directivity, it is consumed as compared with the case of using a transmitter that transmits remote control signals in all directions. Electric power and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

  The operation surface 21 of the remote control body 2 is formed with a first storage recess 5 that collectively stores a pair of operation buttons 3 having similar functions among the plurality of operation buttons 3.

  In psychology, there is a so-called magical number. According to this idea, the number of humans that can be stored in the short term is said to be 4 ± 2 (or there is a theory that 7 ± 2). In any case, if the number that the user recognizes at first look is made as small as possible, a simple impression can be given. In the present embodiment, the first storage recess 5 can cause the user to have an illusion that the pair of operation buttons 3 is one operation target, and the psychological burden that an elderly person or a disabled person feels by looking at the operation buttons 3. Can be suppressed.

  Further, if the operation buttons 3 having completely different functions are grouped, there is a risk that the user may be confused or cause an erroneous operation, but a pair of operation buttons 3 having similar functions are grouped in the first storage recess 5. Therefore, erroneous operations can be suppressed.

  The operation surface 21 of the remote control main body 2 is formed with a second storage recess 6 for individually storing the operation buttons 3 other than the pair of operation buttons 3 having similar functions among the plurality of operation buttons 3. . As a result, all the operation buttons 3 are stored in the first storage recess 5 or the second storage recess 6.

  For example, it is assumed that a user who is handicapped uses the remote control device 1. Since all the operation buttons 3 are stored in the storage recesses 5 and 6, if an indicator (a support rod such as a pen or a finger) is inserted into the storage recesses 5 and 6, the inner wall surface of the storage recesses 5 and 6. Will block any further movement of the indicator. For this reason, the user can reliably guide the indicator to the operation button 3 to be pressed.

  Further, since the protrusions 512 and 522 are formed between the pair of operation buttons 3 in the first storage recess 5, the protrusions 512 and 522 of the indicator also in the first storage recess 5. Movement will be blocked. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to erroneously operate the pair of operation buttons 3 in the first storage recess 5.

  In addition, since there are two or more first storage recesses 5 and the protrusions 512 and 522 in the two or more first storage recesses 5 have different shapes, the user touches these protrusions 511 and 522. This makes it possible to identify each of the first storage recesses 5 without visual inspection.

  Further, the combination of the shape of the plurality of operation buttons 3 and the shape around the operation button 3 is different for all of the plurality of operation buttons 3. For this reason, the user can identify each operation button 3 without visually observing each operation button 3 by touching the operation button 3 and its surroundings.

  In addition, among the plurality of operation buttons 3, the combination of the shape of the first button 3 a for switching on / off the power of the television 200 and the shape around the first button 3 a is also different from that of the other operation buttons 3. It is different from the combination. Since the first button 3a is to be used first when operating the television 200, the first button 3a having a high priority can be identified without viewing the television 200.

  Moreover, since the recessed part 32 is formed in the center part of the operation button 3, an indicator can be hooked in the recessed part 32 and the operation button 3 can be operated more easily.

  Moreover, since the protrusion 34 is provided in the peripheral part of the at least 1 recessed part 32 of the some operation button 3, a tactile difference with the operation button 3 without a protrusion can be given. Thereby, the operation button 3 with the protrusion 34 and the operation button 3 without the protrusion can be identified only by touching the operation button 3 by the user. Further, since the protrusion 34 is provided at the peripheral edge of the recess 32, the protrusion 34 touches the finger before the finger hits the inner surface of the recess 32. Therefore, the user can be surely informed that the protrusion 34 exists.

  Further, since the colors or patterns of the surfaces of the plurality of operation buttons 3 are different among all the plurality of operation buttons 3, the user can visually identify all the operation buttons 3.

  In addition, since the function of the sixth button 3f for switching between terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, and CS digital broadcasting can be restricted, some or all of the functions unnecessary for the user can be restricted.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the lighting fixture which concerns on embodiment was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. In the following description, duplicate description for substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

  For example, in the said embodiment, the case where identification information 7a-7h made the advancing direction of the infrared signal emitted from the 1st transmission part 41 upward was illustrated and demonstrated. However, when giving priority to the case where the remote control device 1 is used horizontally, the identification information 7a to 7h is written on the operation surface 21 with the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the infrared signal emitted from the first transmitter 41 as the top. May be.

  FIG. 11 is a front view showing a configuration of a remote control device 1A used in a horizontal position.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the identification information 7a to 7h is written on the operation surface 21 with the right side of the remote control device 1 as the top. In this case, the first button 3a and the second button 3b are aligned so that the protrusions 34 of the first button 3a and the second button 3b face upwards of the identification information 7a to 7h. Further, although not shown, a fourth transmitter is provided on the right side surface 30 of the remote control main body 2. The fourth transmitter transmits an infrared signal in a direction along the surface direction of the operation surface 21 and toward the right direction of the remote control device 1 (upward from the identification information 7a to 7h). Even in this case, when the operation button 3 is pressed, the control unit 8 causes all the transmission units 4 to output infrared signals corresponding to the operation button 3.

  In addition, it is assumed that such a remote control device 1A is mainly used in a state where it is placed horizontally on a table. For the handicapped user, when selecting the operation button 3 to be pressed, it is easier to move the hand in the left-right direction viewed from the user with the elbow as a fulcrum than to move in the front-rear direction. Of course, as in the case of the above embodiment, the remote controller 1A shown in FIG. 11 may be grasped and used.

  Further, an attachment member that can be attached to an external structure may be provided on the back surface 22 of the remote control body 2.

  FIG. 12 is a side view showing the remote control device to which the attachment member is attached. FIG. 13 is a rear view showing the remote control device to which the attachment member is attached.

  Here, the external structure 10 is a structure installed indoors to which the remote controller 1 can be attached, and examples thereof include a part of furniture such as a bed and a desk.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the attachment member 70 is integrally formed in a hook shape when viewed from the side, for example, with resin or the like, and is attached to the rear surface 22 of the remote control main body 2 via a screw 71 screwed into the female screw portion 26. It is attached. The attachment member 70 includes a fixed portion 72 and a holding portion 73.

  The fixing portion 72 is a portion fixed to the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2 and has a through hole 74 through which the screw 71 is inserted. The screw 71 is screwed into the female screw portion 26 via the through hole 74, thereby fixing the attachment member 70 to the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2.

  The holding part 73 includes a bending part 75 and a guide part 76. The curved portion 75 is convex rearward from the lower end portion of the fixed portion 72, and the structure is accommodated inside. The guide portion 76 is a portion that guides the structure 10 to the inside of the bending portion 75. The guide portion 76 extends downward from the lower end portion of the bending portion 75 substantially in parallel with the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2. The distal end portion of the guide portion 76 is formed so as to be inclined rearward. The distance between the guide portion 76 and the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2 is smaller than the thickness of the structure 10 that is assumed as an attachment target.

  When attaching the remote control device 1 to which the attachment member 70 is attached to the structure 10, the structure 10 is pushed in from the distal end side of the guide portion 76. Thereby, the curved portion 75 is bent and the guide portion 76 is separated from the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2. The structure 10 is guided inside the bending portion 75 by pushing the structure along the guide portion 76. When the structure 10 fits inside the bending portion 75, the bending portion 75 returns to its original shape and prevents the structure 10 from coming off.

  Further, if the screw 71 is removed from the female screw portion 26, the attachment member 70 can be removed from the remote control main body 2.

  Thus, the attachment member 70 that can be attached to the external structure 10 is provided on the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2. Thereby, the remote control device 1 can be attached to the structure 10 desired by the user via the attachment member 70.

  Further, since the attachment member 70 is detachably attached to the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2, the attachment member 70 can be attached to and detached from the remote control device 1 depending on the application.

  In addition, the structure which attaches the attachment member 70 to the remote control main body 2 is not restricted to what was mentioned above. For example, the structure which provides a recessed part in one side of the back surface 22 of the remote control main body 2, and the attachment member 70, and provides the protrusion which fits into the said recessed part is mentioned. In this case, the attachment member 70 can be fixed to the remote control main body 2 by fitting the concave portion and the convex portion. Moreover, the structure which provides the linear groove | channel which one end was open | released in one of the back surface 22 and the attachment member 70 of the remote control main body 2, and the linear protrusion fitted to the said groove | channel on the other is mentioned. In this case, the mounting member 70 can be fixed to the remote control main body 2 by sliding the protrusion into the groove from the opened end side.

  The mounting member may have any shape as long as it can be mounted on the external structure 10. For example, a clip shape, a strap shape, etc. are mentioned. Further, a plurality of types of attachment members 70 having different sizes or shapes may be prepared in advance according to the size and shape of the structure.

  Further, the operation target of the remote control device 1 may be an electronic device other than the television 200. Examples of electronic devices other than the television 200 include recording / playback devices, video / audio devices such as audio, air conditioning devices such as air conditioners and electric fans, and lighting devices such as LED lighting.

  Here, when a video / audio device is an operation target, for example, as a pair of operation buttons having similar functions, a combination of a fast-forward operation button and a rewind operation button, content feed (song unit, chapter) For example, a combination of an operation button for feeding of units and the like and an operation button for returning contents (returning music units, chapter units, etc.). Further, from a similar point that the feed direction is the same, a combination of a fast-forward operation button and a content feed operation button, or a combination of a rewind operation button and a content return operation button may be used.

  When operating an air conditioner, for example, a combination of an operation button for increasing the set temperature and an operation button for decreasing the set temperature, a combination of an operation button for increasing the air volume and an operation button for decreasing the air volume, etc. .

  When a lighting device is an operation target, for example, a combination of an operation button for increasing brightness and an operation button for decreasing brightness can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sixth button 3 f for switching between terrestrial digital broadcasting, BS digital broadcasting, and CS digital broadcasting has been described as an example of the operation button 3 for limiting the function. However, the functions of the other operation buttons 3 can be restricted. For example, even if the user intends to change the channel, the volume may be increased by the user's own erroneous operation. Some people panic when the volume increases unexpectedly. For such a person, the function of the operation button (fourth button 3d) for increasing the volume may be limited.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the function of the operation button 3 is limited by the control of the control unit 8 has been described as an example. However, for example, the function can be limited mechanically or electrically. In the case of mechanical restriction, a mechanism for restricting the operation button 3 from sinking from the operation surface 21 is provided, and the restriction by the mechanism and the release of the restriction may be switched by a mechanical structure. In the case of electrical restriction, a changeover switch that invalidates the electrical continuity of the operation button 3 may be provided.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of operation buttons 3 arranged along one direction have been described as an example on the operation surface 21 of the remote control body 2. However, as shown in FIG. 14, a pair of operation buttons 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e having similar functions may be arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. And corresponding to each pair of operation buttons 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, the first storage recesses 51a, 52a may also be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. In this case, the length of the remote controller 1 in the longitudinal direction can be shortened. The first storage recesses 51a and 52a may be inclined to the right or left, depending on the user's dominant hand (right-handed, left-handed) and symptoms (right-handed, left-handed). An easy-to-handle tilt direction can be selected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Remote control apparatus 2 Remote control main body 3 Operation button 5 1st accommodation recessed part 6 2nd accommodation recessed part 7a-7h Identification information 8 Control part 10 Structure 21 Operation surface 22 Back surface 32 Recessed part 34 Projection 41 1st transmission part 42 2nd Transmitter part 43 third transmitter part 70 mounting member 200 TV (electronic equipment)
512 Projection 522 Projection

Claims (3)

A remote control device for operating an electronic device,
The remote control body,
A plurality of operation buttons provided on the operation surface of the remote control body;
A first transmitter and a second transmitter for transmitting an infrared signal having directivity;
A control unit that transmits the infrared signal corresponding to the operated operation button from the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit among the plurality of operation buttons;
The first transmission unit and the second transmission unit have a traveling direction of an infrared signal transmitted from the first transmission unit and a traveling direction of an infrared signal transmitted from the second transmission unit, A remote control device provided in the remote control body so as to be substantially parallel to the operation surface and in a substantially opposite direction. Identification information for identifying the operation button is written on the operation surface of the remote control body,
The identification information is written in a direction in which the traveling direction of the infrared signal emitted from the first transmitter is up and the traveling direction of the infrared signal transmitted from the second transmitter is down. Item 2. The remote control device according to Item 1. On the back surface opposite to the operation surface of the remote control body, a third transmission unit that transmits a directional infrared signal in a direction orthogonal to the operation surface is provided.
The control unit causes the infrared signal corresponding to the operated operation button among the plurality of operation buttons to be transmitted from the first transmission unit, the second transmission unit, and the third transmission unit. Item 3. The remote control device according to Item 1 or 2.

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