WO2012020952A2

WO2012020952A2 - Multifunctional interface device and tablet pc with same

Info

Publication number: WO2012020952A2
Application number: PCT/KR2011/005752
Authority: WO
Inventors: 오의진
Original assignee: 주식회사 오 코스모스
Priority date: 2010-08-10
Filing date: 2011-08-07
Publication date: 2012-02-16
Also published as: KR20120014689A; WO2012020952A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to an interface device and a tablet PC comprising the interface device. The tablet PC of the present invention comprises a main body and the interface device detachable from the main body. The interface device may comprise: an input unit for receiving data; and a first wireless transmitter using radio waves to transmit data to the main body. In addition, the interface device of the present invention may further comprise: a second wireless transmitter using radio waves to transmit data to a remote controllable device; a third wireless transceiver for transmitting a phone number signal and a voice signal through radio waves to a wireless phone main body and receiving a call signal and a voice signal through radio waves from the wireless phone main body; a control unit for controlling the first wireless transmitter, the second wireless transmitter, and the third wireless transceiver to operate the interface device in computer input mode, remote control mode, and wireless phone mode; a connector for connecting the input unit to the tablet PC; and a fourth wireless transceiver for performing mobile communication with a base station.

Description

Multifunction Interface Device and Tablet PC with the Same

The present invention relates to a multifunction interface device and a tablet PC having the same, and more particularly, to a keyboard and mouse of a computer, a remote controller and a wireless telephone of various home appliances (eg, TV, radio, home theater, audio, navigation, etc.). It relates to a multifunctional interface device having a function of and a tablet PC having such a multifunctional interface device.

Representative information equipment of the present time is a personal computer (PC). Personal computers are used not only for personal office work and work such as document writing and data management, but also widely applied to hobbies such as games and multimedia.

Personal computers range from desktop computers that are fixed in your home or office to laptops, palmtop personal digital assistants, hand-held personal computers, and tablet PCs. Ranging from portable computers, etc.)

In particular, Tablet PC was born due to the advancement of software technology, which accelerated the technology to recognize human's natural handwriting and voice.

Tablet PCs generally combine the advantages of a personal computer or laptop with a PDA that uses a touch screen and a stylus pen instead of a keyboard, and combines the powerful computing power of a PC with the handwriting recognition, mobility, and convenience of a PDA. It is called a computer. Tablet PCs come in a wide variety of designs, from convertibles with keyboards to slates that can be attached to docking stations.

However, since a tablet PC generally inputs data by a touch screen, the user can use a tablet PC when standing up and using a tablet PC as shown in FIG. It is strange and inconvenient to input data into PC.

That is, since a tablet PC is generally larger than a mobile phone or a PDA, it is inconvenient to use it on a palm. Therefore, in order to create a document using a tablet PC, the user should use the tablet PC lying on the floor or stand up using a separate cradle, etc. When using it lying down, it is uncomfortable because it is unfamiliar because the screen is below. In case of standing up, it is inconvenient to input data because not only the screen but also the virtual qwerty keyboard displayed through the touch screen is standing up.

In addition, in order to create a document using a tablet PC, the touch screen must be divided into a display area and a virtual qwerty keyboard area. Therefore, the display area is narrowed by the area of the keyboard area so that it is not easy to recognize the display result according to data input. On the contrary, narrowing the virtual qwerty keyboard area may cause inconvenience of key operation and data input error. have.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an interface device capable of inputting data in various input methods by wirelessly connecting to a portable computer, particularly a tablet PC.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a tablet PC having the interface device as described above.

Meanwhile, the use of the interface device of the present invention as a keyboard and a mouse of a tablet PC may not be useful. Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide an interface device having various functions.

In order to achieve the above object, the tablet PC of the present invention includes a main body and an interface device detachable from the main body. Here, the interface device includes an input unit for inputting data; And a first wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to the main body.

In addition, the interface device of the present invention includes a second wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to a remote control target device; A third wireless transmitting and receiving unit for wirelessly transmitting a telephone number signal and a voice signal to a wireless telephone main body, and wirelessly receiving a call signal and a voice signal from the wireless telephone main body; A control unit controlling the first wireless transmitter, the second wireless transmitter, and the third wireless transmitter and receiver so that the interface device operates in a computer input mode, a remote controller mode, and a wireless telephone mode; A connector for connecting an input unit to the tablet PC; A fourth radio transmitting and receiving unit for mobile communication with the base station; And a motion detector configured to detect a movement of the interface device.

In addition, the input unit may include a QWERTY module and an Omoskey module capable of inputting a direction within a predetermined input radius.

In addition, the main body may include a first main body and a second main body (slider) that slides up and down in the first main body with the touch screen mounted thereon.

In addition, a mounting space for mounting the interface device to the first body is formed in the first body, and the mounting space is opened and closed by a sliding operation of the second body (slider). A fitting protrusion is formed, and a fitting hole into which the fitting protrusion is fitted may be drilled on the rear surface of the mounting space.

In addition, a portion where the mounting space is formed may be bent (aka kick-silder) when the second main body (slider) is slid up from the first main body.

As described above, according to the interface device and the tablet PC of the present invention, the interface device for inputting data into the tablet PC is provided separately from the tablet PC, or the interface device is detachable from the tablet PC, or If the tablet PC is a kick slider method, the tablet PC can be used like a laptop with the screen upright and the keyboard lying down, so it is easy to input data. There is also an advantage to doing this.

In addition, the interface device is equipped with functions such as a remote control and a cordless telephone in addition to the keyboard function, the utility value is high.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional tablet PC.

2 to 5, 7 and 8 are perspective views illustrating an interface device and a tablet PC according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

6 is an electrical block diagram of an interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an interface device and a tablet PC will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 is a perspective view of a tablet PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tablet PC according to the present invention may include a main body 110 and an interface device 120 detachable from the lower end of the main body 110 and mountable on the lower end of the main body 110. have. Here, the detachment may be implemented in various ways such as using a magnet.

3 is a perspective view of a tablet PC according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tablet PC according to the present invention may include a main body 210 and an interface device 220 detachable from the main body 210.

Here, the main body 210 may include a first main body 211 and a second main body 213 (slider) that slides up and down in the first main body 211 with the touch screen 213a mounted thereon. Since the sliding method is a well known technique, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, a mounting space 211a for mounting the interface device 220 is formed at a lower end of the first body 211. The mounting space 211a is opened and closed by the sliding operation of the second body 213.

As the fastening method between the interface device 220 and the first body 211, various known methods may be adopted according to the design environment and intention of those skilled in the art. For convenience of explanation for the implementation of the invention, as shown in FIG. 3, a fitting protrusion 223 is formed on the rear surface of the interface device 220, and a fitting protrusion is formed on the rear surface of the mounting space 211a. A fitting ball 211b into which 223 is fitted is drilled. Therefore, the interface device 220 can be detached by first sliding the second body 213 up and then pressing the fitting protrusion 223. Of course, the interface device 220 may be used while being coupled to the main body 210 (that is, the user slides the second main body 213 upward and then moves the interface device 220 to the first main body 211). Can be used while wearing).

Although not shown, a connector for electrically connecting the interface device 220 and the first body 211 may be formed on the rear surface of the interface device 220 and the rear surface of the mounting space 211a. Of course, the formation part of a connector is not limited to this.

4 is a perspective view showing a tablet PC according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tablet PC according to the present invention may include a main body 310 and an interface device 320 detachable from the main body 310. As shown, the basic structure is the same as that shown in FIG. However, the part in which the mounting space 311a is formed in the 1st main body 311 is different from FIG. 3 that the 2nd main body 313 can be bent when it slides upward in a 1st main body. Like the Motorola Z8M (aka model name), the kick-silder phone, when the second body 313 is lifted up, the portion where the interface device 320 is mounted in the first body 311 is bent upward. . Therefore, when the user stands up and uses the tablet PC using a separate holder or the like, there is an advantage that the user can use the interface device 320 lying down without removing it from the main body 310. Since the kick slider method itself is a well-known technique employed in the phone as described above, its detailed description is omitted.

In addition, although not shown, according to the intention of the person skilled in the art, the interface device 320 may adopt a folding structure that can be folded over a certain angle (0 to 60 degrees) by a folding type so as to be convenient for a user to talk when using as a wireless telephone. Of course.

5 is a perspective view showing a tablet PC according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tablet PC according to the present invention may include a main body 410, a separate interface device 420, and a cradle 430 for standing the main body 410. Here, the holder 430 is detachable from the body 410. In addition, although not shown, a rear surface of the main body 410 may be formed with a holder 430 and a removable holder detachable. Here, the detachment may be implemented in various ways, such as fitting fastening, hinge coupling.

As shown in FIG. 6, the interface device according to the present invention may include an input unit 510, a first wireless transmitter 520, a power supply unit 560, a charging unit 570, and a battery 580.

In addition, the interface device according to the present invention includes a second wireless transmitter 530, a third wireless transmitter and receiver 540, a fourth wireless transmitter and receiver 550, a storage unit 590, a display unit 600, and a microphone 610. The speaker 620 may further include a speaker 620, a voice signal processor 630, a vibrator 640, a connector 650, a motion detector 660, and a controller 670 that collectively controls the above components.

In the above configuration, the input unit 510 may include an omosky module 511 and a QWERTY module 513.

The Omoskey module 511 may be provided at both sides of the interface device (refer to reference

numerals

121, 221, 321, and 421 in FIGS. 2 to 5, respectively). In the case of providing two as described above, both may be used for data input, the left side may be used for character input, and the right side may be used for mouse or joystick.

In addition, the Omosuki module 511 is capable of inputting a direction within a predetermined input radius, and may include an input unit for performing a direction input and a sensing unit for sensing a direction input.

Specifically, the Omosuki module 511 moves the input unit to any one of a plurality of direction indicating positions radially spaced about the reference position from the reference position within the predetermined input radius (slide movement or tilt movement). Direction shift input, direction tilt input in which the input unit is inclined toward any of the direction indicating positions, direction press input for pressing any one of a plurality of pressing portions disposed radially spaced on the input unit itself, and the input unit The direction rotation input which rotates in the left-right direction or the circumferential direction about a position, and the direction combination input which combines two or more of these direction inputs can be performed. As described above, the Omoskey module 511 is characterized in that the input is directional, so that the input can be performed quickly in a narrow space and the number of characters that can be input is large. In addition, there is an advantage that can replace the mouse or the stylus pen by the direction movement input or the direction combination input. Details of the present invention are replaced by the published patent application publication Nos. 2008-0010365, 2008-0082551, 2009-0059078, 2009-0059079, 2009-0059079 and 2009-73997, and the present invention provides a detailed description. Omit.

The QWERTY module 513 may be provided between the omosky module 511 (see FIG. 4, reference numeral 323). In addition, the QWERTY module 513 may be implemented to include a touch screen, a touch pad, or a key pad.

In addition, the MOSKI module 511 and the QWERTY module 513 may be used both or only by the operation of a separate button (not shown) or the function key of any one of the QWERTY keys provided in the interface device. Can be.

According to the control of the controller 670, the first wireless transmitter 520 may correspond to a signal generated by the input unit 510 as the data-user operates the omoski or qwerty key, or a user's operation of the omoski or qwerty key. Coordinates (XY or XYZ coordinates) of the interface device calculated by the control unit 670 using the data extracted from the storage unit 590, the motion detection unit 660, or the control unit 670 using the detection signal. Wirelessly transmits to a computer such as a tablet PC 700. For example, the first wireless transmitter 520 is automatically activated by the controller 670 when the interface device is separated from the tablet PC 700, and wirelessly transmits data to the tablet PC 700. In addition, when the user selects the interface device in the computer input mode (keyboard or mouse mode) using the input unit 510, the controller 670 may transmit data to the tablet PC 700 accordingly. The transmitter 520 may be activated. Meanwhile, wireless communication between the tablet PC 700 and the interface device may be implemented in various ways such as Bluetooth.

Under the control of the controller 670, the second wireless transmitter 530 corresponds to a signal generated by the input unit 510 as the data-user operates the omoski or qwerty key, or corresponding to a user's operation of the omoski or qwerty key. The control unit 670 wirelessly transmits the data extracted from the storage unit 590 to a remote control target device such as a TV, a home theater, audio, radio, or navigation. For example, when the user selects the interface device in the remote control mode, the controller 670 may activate the second wireless transmitter 530 to transmit data to, for example, the TV 800. On the other hand, the wireless communication between the interface device and its control device may be implemented in various ways, such as Bluetooth or infrared.

The third wireless transmitter / receiver 540 wirelessly transmits a telephone number signal and a voice signal to the wireless telephone main body 800, and wirelessly receives a call signal and a voice signal from the wireless telephone main body 850. In detail, the control unit 670 stores the data input by the user in response to a signal generated by the input unit 510 as the user operates the omoski or qwerty key, or the user's operation of the omoski or qwerty key. A complex frequency code (DTMF) corresponding to the data extracted from the subfield, i.e., a DTMF generating module for generating a telephone number signal, a radio transmitting module for wirelessly transmitting a complex frequency code or a voice signal to the cordless telephone main body 850, and a cordless telephone body It may include a wireless receiving module for receiving a call signal and a voice signal from the (800). Here, the radiotelephone body 850 may be connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN). In addition, the wireless telephone body 850 may be connected to the Internet network. That is, the interface device of the present invention can be utilized as a VoIP phone.

In addition, when the user selects the interface device in the wireless telephone mode, the third wireless transmission / reception unit 540 is activated by the controller 670 so that the user can make a phone call, and the user inputs the telephone number and The voice signal is transmitted to the wireless telephone main body 850. In addition, when a call signal is received from the wireless telephone main body 850, the call signal is automatically activated to output a call signal and a voice signal from the wireless telephone main body 850 to the controller 670.

The fourth radio transmitter and receiver 550 performs mobile communication with the base station. Here, the mobile communication may be made in various ways such as CDMA, GSM.

The power supply unit 560 is an auxiliary power supply for supplying power to the controller 670 as the interface device is connected to an AC outlet. The power supply unit 560 includes a converter for converting and outputting commercial power, which is AC, to DC. Can be.

The charging unit 570 charges the battery 580 that is the main power supply using the DC power input from the tablet PC 700 through the DC power input from the power supply 560 or the connector 650.

The storage unit 590 may store letters / numbers / symbols corresponding to a direction input, a phone book, information on a remote control target device, a remote control code, and the like. Here, the remote control code is data for controlling the remote control target device, and includes, for example, channel information, volume information, and the like.

The display unit 600 may be implemented as a flat display device such as an LCD, an LED, or an OLED.

In addition, the display unit 600 may be provided between the omosky module 513, like the QWERTY module 513.

In addition, the screen of the display unit 600 may be equipped with a touch screen that functions as a QWERTY key. In this case, the screen of the display unit 600 may be divided into a display area A and a virtual keyboard area B as shown in FIG. 7 under the control of the controller 670.

In addition, the display unit 600 may display the OMOS keyboards C1 and C2 as shown in FIG. 8 under the control of the controller 670. The OMOS keyboard is arranged with data assigned to each direction input of the Omoskey module. For example, consonants may be arranged for the direction movement input, and vowels may be arranged for the direction push input. As for the keyboard arrangement, various examples are described in the above-mentioned publications, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the interface device may include a main body and a slider which slides up and down in the main body, and the display unit 600 may be mounted on the slider. In this case, the omoski module 511 may be provided at both sides of the main body, and the QWERTY module 513 may also be provided at the main body, but may be provided under the slider between the omoski module 513.

The microphone 610 converts an external sound wave into a corresponding analog type voice signal.

The speaker 620 and the receiver 6 convert an analog voice signal into sound waves and output the sound waves.

The voice signal processor 630 converts an analog voice signal input from the microphone 252 into a corresponding digital voice signal and outputs the corresponding digital voice signal to the controller 670, and outputs the analog voice signal input from the controller 670. The voice signal is converted into an audio signal and output to the speaker 620 or the receiver 625.

When the third wireless transmission receiver 540 or the fourth wireless transmission receiver 550 receives the call signal, the vibrator 640 may vibrate under the control of the controller 670.

In addition, the vibrator 640 may vibrate in response to a user's manipulation of the input unit 510.

The connector 650 connects the input unit 510 to the tablet PC 700 when the interface device is mounted to the tablet PC 700. The connector 650 may include a signal output terminal, and may further include a power supply terminal and a signal input terminal.

The motion detector 660 detects the movement of the interface device and outputs a detection signal corresponding thereto to the controller 670.

In addition, the motion detector 660 may include a sensor capable of detecting two-dimensional or three-dimensional movement of the interface device, such as an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. This type of sensor may be used in addition to those described above as long as it can detect two-dimensional or three-dimensional motion. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, the user may not only move the cursor of the computer screen by operating the Omosuki module with his or her finger but also move the cursor on the computer screen by moving the interface device itself. Here, the control object may vary depending on not only the cursor but also what purpose the interface device is used for. For example, when the interface device is used as a controller of the role playing game, the control object may be an avatar.

The controller 670 collectively controls each of the above-described components, and in particular, as described above, the first wireless transmitter 520 and the second apparatus allow the interface device to operate in a computer input mode, a remote controller mode, and a wireless telephone mode. The wireless transmitter 530 and the third wireless transmitter 540 are controlled.

In addition, when the interface device is mounted on the tablet PC 700 and the connector 650 is connected to the tablet PC 700, the controller 670 may directly input the data through the connector 650 to the tablet PC ( 700, the first wireless transmitter 520 is deactivated.

The interface device and tablet PC of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

According to the present invention, the interface device for inputting data into the tablet PC is provided separately from the tablet PC, or the interface device is detachable from the tablet PC, or the tablet PC is a kick slider method. It is easy to input data because the tablet PC can be used with the keyboard lying on the screen like a laptop, and the interface device for inputting data to the tablet PC adopts various input methods so that the user can input and work conveniently. can do.

In addition to the keyboard and mouse functions for inputting data into the tablet PC, the interface device can perform various functions such as a remote controller and a cordless phone for operating various home appliances, so that the user can perform various functions with only one interface device. can do.

Claims

An interface device for connecting a user and an electronic device,

An input unit for inputting data;

A first wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to a computer;

A second wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to a remote control target device;

A third wireless transmitting and receiving unit for wirelessly transmitting a telephone number signal and a voice signal to a wireless telephone main body, and wirelessly receiving a call signal and a voice signal from the wireless telephone main body; And

And a controller for controlling the first wireless transmitter, the second wireless transmitter, and the third wireless transmitter and receiver so that the interface device operates in a computer input mode, a remote controller mode, and a wireless telephone mode.
The method of claim 1, wherein the input unit,

Interface device characterized in that it comprises an Omosuki module capable of inputting a direction within a predetermined input radius.
The method of claim 2,

The input unit,

Interface device characterized in that it further comprises a QWERTY key module.
The method of claim 3, wherein the omosky module,

Interface devices, characterized in that each provided on both sides of the interface device.
The method of claim 4, wherein the QWERTY module

Interface device, characterized in that provided between the Omosuki module provided on both sides of the interface device.
The method of claim 3, wherein the QWERTY module

Interface device, characterized in that implemented by including a touch screen, touch pad or keypad.
The method of claim 1,

Interface device characterized in that the removable from the tablet PC.
The method of claim 7, wherein

It further comprises a connector for connecting the input unit to the tablet PC,

And the controller is configured to deactivate the first wireless transmitter when the interface device is mounted on the tablet PC and the connector is connected to the tablet PC.
The method of claim 1,

The interface device further comprises a movement detecting unit for detecting the movement of the interface device.
The method of claim 1,

And a fourth radio transmitting and receiving unit for mobile communication with the base station.
With the body,

Including the removable interface device from the main body,

The interface device,

An input unit for inputting data; And

Tablet PC, characterized in that it comprises a first wireless transmission unit for wirelessly transmitting data to the main body.
The method of claim 11,

The interface device,

A second wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to a remote control target device;

A third wireless transmitting and receiving unit for wirelessly transmitting a telephone number signal and a voice signal to a wireless telephone main body, and wirelessly receiving a call signal and a voice signal from the wireless telephone main body; And

And a control unit for controlling the first wireless transmitter, the second wireless transmitter, and the third wireless transmitter and receiver so that the interface device operates in a computer input mode, a remote controller mode, and a wireless telephone mode. .
The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the interface device,

Tablet PC, characterized in that the removable from the bottom of the main body.
The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the main body,

With the first body,

A tablet PC comprising a second body (slider) that slides up and down on the first body with a touch screen mounted thereon.
The method of claim 14, wherein the first body,

A tablet PC, wherein a mounting space for mounting the interface device to the first body is formed.
The method of claim 15, wherein the mounting space,

Tablet PC, characterized in that the opening and closing by sliding the second body (slider).
The method of claim 16,

A fitting protrusion is formed on the back side of the interface device,

Tablet PC, characterized in that the fitting hole is inserted into the fitting projection on the back of the mounting space.
The said 1st main body WHEREIN: The site | part in which the said mounting space is formed,

Tablet PC, characterized in that when the second body (slider) is sliding up in the first body, it is bent.
The back of the main body according to claim 11 or 12,

Tablet PC, characterized in that the cradle for mounting the body and the removable cradle detachable portion is formed.