Remote controller, electronic apparatus and signal transmission method

Abstract

To provide a remote controller capable of reducing time and labor for making output of a signal transmitted by the remote controller into appropriate output, an electronic apparatus and a signal transmission method.SOLUTION: A remote controller comprises an operation section, a transmission section and a control section which causes the transmission section to transmit a signal corresponding to operation performed onto the operation section and, in a case where a user performs specific operation on the remote controller in a state where the transmission section can be caused to transmit the signal, enlarges the output of the signal over a time equal to or longer than a preset time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote controller, an electronic device, and a signal transmission method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a remote control device. When a dedicated single switch is pressed or a key operation according to a special setting is performed, the remote control device shifts to an output setting mode. In the output setting mode, when a specific remote control key is pressed or held down, the output power of the remote control data signal continuously increases or decreases. Alternatively, when a specific remote control key is pressed, the output power of the remote control data signal increases or decreases stepwise. Thereby, the output power suitable for the distance between the remote control device and the receiving device can be manually set (paragraphs 0021 - 0022).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the remote control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to set the output power of the remote control data signal to an output power suitable for the distance between the remote control device and the receiving device, an operation of shifting the remote control device to the output setting mode and an operation of increasing or decreasing the output power must be performed. Therefore, it takes time to set the output power to an output power suitable for the distance between the remote control device and the receiving device.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a remote controller, an electronic device, and a signal transmission method that can reduce the effort of making the output of a signal transmitted by a remote controller an appropriate output.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The remote controller according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation unit, a transmission unit, and a control unit that transmits a signal corresponding to an operation performed on the operation unit to the transmission unit and increases the output of the signal over a time equal to or longer than a set time when a user performs a specific operation on the remote controller in a state where the signal can be transmitted to the transmission unit.

[0007] The electronic device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes the remote controller according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and a main body that receives the signal.

[0008] The signal transmission method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes transmitting a signal corresponding to an operation performed on a remote controller and increasing the output of the signal over a time equal to or longer than a set time when a user performs a specific operation on the remote controller in a state where the signal can be transmitted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0011] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Display Device FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the display device of the first embodiment and a smartphone connected to the display device.

[0012] The display device 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a television receiver. The display device 1 may be a display device other than a television receiver. For example, the display device 1 may be a monitor for a personal computer (PC), an all-in-one PC monitor, a digital signage, or the like. The technology described below may be adopted in electronic devices other than the display device 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 1 includes a remote controller 11 and a main body 12.

[0014] The remote controller 11 can be separated from the main body 12. Operations are performed on the remote controller 11. The operations performed include operations such as turning the power on / off, selecting the type of broadcast, selecting a channel, adjusting the volume, and the like. The remote controller 11 transmits a first infrared (IR) signal 21 including an operation signal corresponding to the performed operation. The remote controller 11 receives a second IR signal 22 and performs processing corresponding to the received second IR signal 22.

[0015] The main body 12 displays an image corresponding to the input broadcast wave or video / audio signal and outputs an audio corresponding to the input broadcast wave or video / audio signal. The main body 12 receives the first IR signal 21 including an operation signal and performs processing corresponding to the received first IR signal 21. Thereby, the main body 12 performs processing corresponding to the operation performed on the remote controller 11. The processing performed includes processing such as turning the power on / off, selecting the type of broadcast, selecting a channel, adjusting the volume, and the like. The main body 12 transmits the second IR signal 22.

[0016] 1.2 Remote Controller As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 11 includes an operation unit 31, an acceleration sensor 32, a battery 33, a transmission unit 34, a reception unit 35, and a control unit 36.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 31 includes a button 41 and a force sensor 42.

[0018] The button 41 is subjected to a pressing operation. The operation unit 31 may include operation members other than the button 41. For example, the operation unit 31 may include a dial, a slider, a touch panel, etc.

[0019] The force sensor 42 detects the force for pressing the button 41.

[0020] The acceleration sensor 32 detects the acceleration of the movement of the remote controller 11.

[0021] The battery 33 supplies power to the operation unit 31, the acceleration sensor 32, the transmission unit 34, the reception unit 35, and the control unit 36. The battery 33 is a manganese dry battery, an alkaline dry battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, etc.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission unit 34 includes an IR light emitting element 51. An electrical signal is input to the IR light emitting element 51. The IR light emitting element 51 emits a first IR signal 21 corresponding to the input electrical signal. The IR light emitting element 51 is an IR light emitting diode or the like. The transmission unit 34 may include a light emitting element other than the IR light emitting element 51, and the light emitting element other than the IR light emitting element 51 may transmit an optical signal other than the IR signal. The transmission unit 34 may include an element other than the light emitting element, and the element other than the light emitting element may transmit a signal other than the optical signal. For example, the transmission unit 34 may include a wireless transmission module, and the wireless transmission module may transmit a wireless signal. Or, the transmission unit 34 may include an ultrasonic sound emitting element, and the ultrasonic sound emitting element may transmit an ultrasonic signal.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving unit 35 includes an IR light receiving element 61. The IR light receiving element 61 receives the second IR signal 22 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received second IR signal 22. The IR light receiving element 61 is an IR photodiode or the like. The receiving unit 35 may include a light receiving element other than the IR light receiving element 61, and the light receiving element other than the IR light receiving element 61 may receive an optical signal other than the IR signal. The receiving unit 35 may include an element other than the light receiving element, and the element other than the light receiving element may receive a signal other than the optical signal. For example, the receiving unit 35 may include a wireless reception module, and the wireless reception module may receive a wireless signal. Or, the receiving unit 35 may include an ultrasonic sound receiving element, and the ultrasonic sound receiving element may receive an ultrasonic signal.

[0024] The control unit 36 inputs an electrical signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 31 to the IR light emitting element 51. Thereby, the control unit 36 causes the transmission unit 34 to transmit the first IR signal 21 including the operation signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 31. The control unit 36 performs processing according to the electrical signal output by the IR light receiving element 61. The control unit 36 includes a microcontroller and peripheral circuits. The microcontroller includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a control program stored in the memory to operate the microcontroller and peripheral circuits as the control unit 36. All or part of the processing performed by the processor may be performed by a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0025] 1.3 Main Body As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 12 includes a display unit 71, an audio output unit 72, a camera 73, a communication unit 74, a receiving unit 75, and a transmitting unit 76.

[0026] A video signal is input to the display unit 71. The display unit 71 displays a video corresponding to the input video signal. The display unit 71 is a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED) display, or the like.

[0027] An audio output unit 72 receives an audio signal. The audio output unit 72 outputs audio corresponding to the input audio signal. The audio output unit 72 is a speaker or the like.

[0028] The camera 73 images the periphery of the main body 12 and outputs a video signal.

[0029] The communication unit 74 communicates with the smartphone 2. The communication conforms to standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving unit 75 includes an IR light receiving element 81. The IR light receiving element 81 receives the first IR signal 21 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received first IR signal 21. The IR light receiving element 81 is an IR photodiode or the like. The receiving unit 75 may include a light receiving element other than the IR light receiving element 81, and the light receiving element other than the IR light receiving element 81 may receive an optical signal other than the IR signal. The receiving unit 75 may include an element other than the light receiving element, and the element other than the light receiving element may receive a signal other than the optical signal. For example, the receiving unit 75 may include a wireless receiving module, and the wireless receiving module may receive a wireless signal. Or, the receiving unit 75 may include an ultrasonic sound receiving element, and the ultrasonic sound receiving element may receive an ultrasonic signal.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the transmitting unit 76 includes an IR light emitting element 91. An electrical signal is input to the IR light emitting element 91. The IR light emitting element 91 emits a second IR signal 22 corresponding to the input electrical signal. The IR light emitting element 91 is an IR light emitting diode or the like. The transmitting unit 76 may include a light emitting element other than the IR light emitting element 91, and the light emitting element other than the IR light emitting element 91 may transmit an optical signal other than the IR signal. The transmitting unit 76 may include an element other than the light emitting element, and the element other than the light emitting element may transmit a signal other than the optical signal. For example, the transmitting unit 76 may include a wireless transmitting module, and the wireless transmitting module may transmit a wireless signal. Or, the transmitting unit 76 may include an ultrasonic sound emitting element, and the ultrasonic sound emitting element may transmit an ultrasonic signal.

[0032] The control unit 77 performs processing according to the electrical signal output by the receiving unit 75. As a result, the control unit 77 performs processing according to the second IR signal 22 received by the IR light receiving element 81. As a result, the control unit 77 performs processing according to the operation performed on the operation unit 31. The control unit 77 includes a microcontroller and peripheral circuits. The microcontroller includes a processor and a memory. The processor executes a control program stored in the memory to operate the microcontroller and peripheral circuits as the control unit 77. All or part of the processing performed by the processor may be performed by a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0033] 1.4 Adjustment of Output of First IR Signal The control unit 36 of the remote controller 11 detects that the user has performed a specific operation on the remote controller 11.

[0034] The control unit 77 of the main body 12 also detects that the user has performed a specific operation on the remote controller 11. When the control unit 77 detects that the user has performed a specific operation on the remote controller 11, the control unit 77 causes the transmission unit 76 to transmit a second IR signal 22 including a notification signal for notifying the detection. The receiving unit 35 receives the second IR signal 22 including the transmitted notification signal.

[0035] When the control unit 36 detects that the user has performed a specific operation on the remote controller 11 in a state where it can cause the transmission unit 34 to transmit an operation signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 31, or when the receiving unit 35 receives a second IR signal 22 including a notification signal notifying that the user has performed a specific operation on the remote controller 11 in a state where it can cause the transmission unit 34 to transmit a signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 31, the output of the first IR signal 21 is increased over a time equal to or longer than the set time. Thereby, when the user performs a specific operation on the remote controller 11 in a state where the control unit 36 can cause the transmission unit 34 to transmit a signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 31, the output of the first IR signal 21 is increased over a time equal to or longer than the set time. Increasing the output of the first IR signal 21 includes increasing the current value of the current flowing through the IR light emitting element 51 to increase the intensity of the first IR signal 21.

[0036] The specific operation to be detected is an operation that is often performed when the output of the first IR signal 21 is insufficient, and includes an operation of pressing the button 41 for an operation time equal to or longer than the set operation time, an operation of pressing the button 41 with a strength equal to or greater than the set strength, an operation of shaking the remote controller 11, an operation of confirming that the IR light emitting element 51 is emitting the first IR signal 21, and the like. Thereby, when the output of the first IR signal 21 is insufficient, the output of the first IR signal 21 can be automatically increased without the user consciously performing an operation to increase the output of the first IR signal 21. Also, without shifting to a mode of manually setting the output of the first IR signal 21, the output of the first IR signal 21 can be automatically increased while maintaining a state where the transmission unit 34 can transmit a signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation unit 31. Thereby, the labor of setting the output of the first IR signal 21 to an appropriate output can be reduced.

[0037] The control unit 36 starts measuring the operation time synchronously with the start of pressing the button 41, and detects whether an operation of pressing the button 41 has been performed for an operation time equal to or longer than the set operation time based on the measured operation time.

[0038] The control unit 36 detects whether an operation of pressing the button 41 has been performed with a strength equal to or greater than the set strength based on the detection result of the force sensor 42.

[0039] The control unit 36 detects whether an operation of shaking the remote controller 11 has been performed based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 32.

[0040] The control unit 77 detects whether an operation of shaking the remote controller 11 has been performed based on the video signal output by the camera 73.

[0041] The control unit 77 detects whether an operation of confirming that the IR light emitting element 51 is emitting the first IR signal 21 has been performed based on the video signal output by the camera 73.

[0042] The operation of confirming that the IR light emitting element 51 is emitting the first IR signal 21 includes the operation of confirming with the camera of the smartphone 2 that the IR light emitting element 51 is emitting the first IR signal 21. The smartphone 2 detects whether an operation of confirming that the IR light emitting element 51 is emitting the first IR signal 21 has been performed based on the image captured by the camera of the smartphone 2 or the infrared light detected by the camera of the smartphone 2. When the smartphone 2 detects that the operation has been performed, it communicates with the communication unit 74 and notifies the main body 12 that the operation has been performed. The control unit 77 detects whether the operation has been performed based on whether it has been notified that the operation has been performed.

[0043] By temporarily increasing the output of the first IR signal 21, even when the distance from the main body 12 to the remote controller 11 is longer than the normal distance, the main body 12 can be made to perform processing according to the operations performed on the remote controller 11.

[0044] 1.5 Flow of processing FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit of the remote controller provided in the display device of the first embodiment.

[0045] The control unit 36 executes steps S101 to S109 shown in FIG. 2.

[0046] In step S101, the control unit 36 determines whether the remaining amount of the battery 33 is sufficient. For example, when the control unit 36 estimates that the remaining amount of the battery 33 will run out when setting the output of the first IR signal 21 to a boost output larger than the normal output and transmitting the first IR signal 21 to the IR light emitting element 51, it determines that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is not sufficient. When the control unit 36 estimates that the remaining amount of the battery 33 will not run out even when setting the output of the first IR signal 21 to the boost output and transmitting the first IR signal 21 to the IR light emitting element 51, it determines that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is sufficient. When the control unit 36 determines that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is sufficient, it executes step S103. When the control unit 36 determines that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is not sufficient, it executes step S102 and then step S103.

[0047] In step S102, the control unit 36 of the remote controller 11 causes the IR light emitting element 51 to transmit the first IR signal 21 including a notification signal notifying that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is not sufficient. When the transmitted first IR signal 21 is received by the IR light receiving element 81, the control unit 77 of the main body 12 causes the display unit 71 to display a message indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is not sufficient.

[0048] In steps S101 and S102, when the remaining amount of the battery 33 is insufficient, the display unit 71 displays a message indicating that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is insufficient. Thereby, the user can recognize before pressing the button 41 that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is insufficient and the output of the first IR signal 21 cannot be set to the boost output.

[0049] In step S103, the control unit 36 determines whether the button 41 is pressed. If the control unit 36 determines that the button 41 is pressed, it executes step S105. If the control unit 36 determines that the button 41 is not pressed, it executes step S104 and then executes step S101 again.

[0050] In step S104, the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the normal output.

[0051] In step S105, the control unit 36 determines whether the remaining amount of the battery 33 is sufficient. If the control unit 36 determines that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is sufficient, it executes step S106. If the control unit 36 determines that the remaining amount of the battery 33 is insufficient, it sequentially executes steps S108 and S109 and then executes step S101 again.

[0052] In step S106, the control unit 36 determines whether the above-described specific operation has been performed. If the control unit 36 determines that the above-described specific operation has been performed, it sequentially executes steps S107 and S109 and then executes step S101 again. If the control unit 36 determines that the above-described specific operation has not been performed, it sequentially executes steps S108 and S109 and then executes step S101 again.

[0053] In step S107, the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to a boost output larger than the normal output. At that time, the control unit 36 increases the boost output as the remaining amount of the battery 33 increases.

[0054] Before the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the boosted output, the control unit 36 may cause the IR light emitting element 51 to transmit the first IR signal 21 including a notification signal notifying that the output of the first IR signal 21 is to be set to the boosted output. When the transmitted first IR signal 21 is received by the IR light receiving element 81, the control unit 77 of the main body 12 causes the display unit 71 to display a message indicating that the output of the first IR signal 21, such as "temporarily increase the output", is to be set to the boosted output.

[0055] When the time from when the control unit 36 last set the output of the first IR signal 21 to the boosted output until now when the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the boosted output this time is shorter than the reference time, the current boosted output may be made larger than the previous boosted output. The reference time is, for example, 1 minute. Thereby, when a specific operation is repeatedly performed in a short time, the boosted output can be increased step by step. However, even when the time from when the control unit 36 last set the output of the first IR signal 21 to the boosted output until now when the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the boosted output this time is shorter than the reference time, if the output of the first IR signal 21 has reached the upper limit output determined by the capacity, specifications, etc. of the battery 33, the control unit 36 stops making the current boosted output larger than the previous boosted output. When the output of the first IR signal 21 has reached the upper limit output, the control unit 36 may cause the IR light emitting element 51 to transmit the first IR signal 21 including a notification signal notifying that the output of the first IR signal 21 has reached the upper limit output. When the transmitted first IR signal 21 is received by the IR light receiving element 81, the control unit 77 of the main body 12 causes the display unit 71 to display a message indicating that the output of the first IR signal 21, such as "outputting the maximum value of the boosted output", has reached the upper limit output.

[0056] In step S108, the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the normal output. After the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the normal output, the first IR signal 21 including a notification signal notifying that the output of the first IR signal 21 has been set to the normal output may be transmitted to the IR light emitting element 51. When the transmitted first IR signal 21 is received by the IR light receiving element 81, the control unit 77 of the main body 12 causes the display unit 71 to display a message indicating that the output of the first IR signal 21, such as "The output has been returned to normal", has been set to the normal output.

[0057] In step S109, the control unit 36 causes the IR light emitting element 51 to transmit the first IR signal 21 including an operation signal corresponding to the pressed button by setting and outputting.

[0058] From step S103 to S109, when the button 41 is pressed, if the remaining amount of the battery 33 is sufficient and the above-described specific operation is being performed, the output of the first IR signal 21 is set to a boost output that is larger than the normal output. Thereby, when the output of the first IR signal 21 is insufficient, the output of the first IR signal 21 can be automatically increased.

[0059] Also, when the button 41 is pressed, if the remaining amount of the battery 33 is not sufficient or the above-described specific operation is not being performed, the output of the first IR signal 21 is set to the normal output. Thereby, when the output of the first IR signal 21 is not insufficient, the output of the first IR signal 21 can be maintained at the normal output.

[0060] Also, even when the output of the first IR signal 21 is set to the boost output, if the button 41 is no longer pressed, the output of the first IR signal 21 is returned to the normal output. Thereby, the output of the first IR signal 21 can be temporarily increased. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in the power consumption of the remote controller 11 in a state where the output of the first IR signal 21 is increased. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery 33. However, after the output of the first IR signal 21 is set to the boost output, the state where the output of the first IR signal 21 is set to the boost output may be maintained without the output of the first IR signal 21 being returned to the normal output.

[0061] 1.6 Example of temporal change in output of first optical signal FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the temporal change in the output of the first IR signal transmitted by the IR light emitting element of the remote controller when the button of the remote controller provided in the display device of the reference example is short-pressed for 0.2 seconds. FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the temporal change in the output of the first IR signal transmitted by the IR light emitting element of the remote controller when the button of the remote controller provided in the display device of the reference example is long-pressed for 0.6 seconds.

[0062] In the display device of the reference example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the button 41 is short-pressed for 0.2 seconds, the output of the first IR signal 21 is maintained at the output P1 from the start time point (0 seconds) when pressing the button 41 starts to the end time point (0.2 seconds) when pressing the button 41 ends.

[0063] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when the button 41 is long-pressed for 0.6 seconds, the output of the first IR signal 21 is also maintained at the output P1 from the start time point (0 seconds) when pressing the button 41 starts to the end time point (0.6 seconds) when pressing the button 41 ends.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of the time change of the output of a first IR signal transmitted by an IR light emitting element of the remote controller when a button of the remote controller provided in the display device of the first embodiment is short-pressed for a time (0.2 seconds) less than the set time (0.3 seconds). FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of the time change of the output of a first IR signal transmitted by an IR light emitting element of the remote controller when a button of the remote controller provided in the display device of the first embodiment is long-pressed for a time (0.6 seconds) equal to or longer than the set time (0.3 seconds).

[0065] In the display device 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the button 41 is short-pressed for a time (0.2 seconds) less than the set time (0.3 seconds), the output of the first IR signal 21 is maintained at the normal output P1 from the start time point (0 second) when pressing the button 41 starts to the end time point (0.2 seconds) when pressing the button 41 ends.

[0066] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when the button 41 is long-pressed for a time (0.6 seconds) equal to or longer than the set time (0.3 seconds), the output of the first IR signal 21 is maintained at the normal output P1 from the start time point (0 second) when pressing the button 41 starts to the elapsed time point (0.3 seconds) when the set time has elapsed. However, after the elapsed time point (0.3 seconds), it becomes variable and is maintained at a boost output P2 greater than the normal output P1 from the elapsed time point (0.3 seconds) to the end time point (0.6 seconds) when pressing the button 41 ends.

[0067] 1.7 Example of Circuit of Transmission Unit FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a transmission unit of a remote controller provided in the display device of the first embodiment.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the transmission unit 34 includes an IR light emitting element 51, a first resistor 52, a second resistor 53, a first switch circuit 54, and a second switch circuit 55.

[0069] The IR light-emitting element 51 includes an anode 51a and a cathode 51b. The IR light-emitting element 51 emits IR having an intensity corresponding to the current value of the current flowing from the anode 51a to the cathode 51b.

[0070] The first resistor 52 includes a terminal 52a and a terminal 52b. The first resistor 52 allows a current having a current value corresponding to the voltage value of the voltage applied between the terminal 52a and the terminal 52b and the resistance value of the first resistor 52 to flow between the terminal 52a and the terminal 52b. The current value increases as the voltage value increases and decreases as the resistance value increases.

[0071] The second resistor 53 includes a terminal 53a and a terminal 53b. The second resistor 53 allows a current having a current value corresponding to the voltage value of the voltage applied between the terminal 53a and the terminal 53b and the resistance value of the second resistor 53 to flow between the terminal 53a and the terminal 53b. The current value increases as the voltage value increases and decreases as the resistance value increases. The resistance value of the second resistor 53 is smaller than the resistance value of the first resistor 52. Therefore, when the voltage value of the voltage applied between the terminal 53a of the second resistor 53 and the terminal 53b of the second resistor 53 is the same as the voltage value of the voltage applied between the terminal 52a of the first resistor 52 and the terminal 52b of the first resistor 52, the current value of the current flowing between the terminal 53a and the terminal 53b is larger than the current value of the current flowing between the terminal 52a and the terminal 52b.

[0072] Each switch circuit 60 included in the first switch circuit 54 and the second switch circuit 55 includes a terminal 60a, a terminal 60b, and a terminal 60c. When an enable signal is input to the terminal 60a, each switch circuit 60 allows current to flow into the terminal 60b and conducts the terminal 60c to the ground 56. When a disable signal is input to the terminal 60a, each switch circuit 60 does not allow current to flow into the terminal 60b and does not conduct the terminal 60c to the ground 56.

[0073] The anode 51a of the IR light-emitting element 51 is electrically connected to the power supply 57. The terminal 52a of the first resistor 52 and the terminal 53a of the second resistor 53 are electrically connected to the cathode 51b of the IR light-emitting element 51. The terminal 60a of each switch circuit 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 36. The terminal 60b of each switch circuit 60 is electrically connected to the power supply 57. The terminals 60c of the first switch circuit 54 and the second switch circuit 55 are electrically connected to the terminal 52b of the first resistor 52 and the terminal 53b of the second resistor 53, respectively.

[0074] When the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the normal output, an enable signal is input to the terminal 60a of the first switch circuit 54, and a disable signal is input to the terminal 60a of the second switch circuit 55. As a result, current flows from the power supply 57 through the anode 51a of the IR light-emitting element 51, the cathode 51b of the IR light-emitting element 51, the terminal 52a of the first resistor 52, the terminal 52b of the first resistor 52, and the terminal 60c of the first switch circuit 54 to the ground 56. Thereby, a current having a current value corresponding to the resistance value of the first resistor 52 flows through the IR light-emitting element 51. Thereby, the output of the first IR signal 21 emitted by the IR light-emitting element 51 is set to the normal output corresponding to the resistance value of the first resistor 52.

[0075] When the control unit 36 sets the output of the first IR signal 21 to the boost output, a disable signal is input to the terminal 60a of the first switch circuit 54, and an enable signal is input to the terminal 60a of the second switch circuit 55. As a result, current flows from the power supply 57 through the anode 51a of the IR light-emitting element 51, the cathode 51b of the IR light-emitting element 51, the terminal 53a of the second resistor 53, the terminal 53b of the second resistor 53, and the terminal 60c of the second switch circuit 55 to the ground 56. Thereby, a current having a current value corresponding to the resistance value of the second resistor 53 flows through the IR light-emitting element 51. Thereby, the output of the first IR signal 21 emitted by the IR light-emitting element 51 is set to the boost output corresponding to the resistance value of the second resistor 53.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, each switch circuit 60 includes an NPN transistor 62, an NPN transistor 63, a resistor 64, a resistor 65, a resistor 66, and a resistor 67.

[0077] The base of the NPN transistor 62 is electrically connected to the terminal 60a of each switch circuit 60 via the resistor 64 and is electrically connected to the ground 56 via the resistor 65. The collector of the NPN transistor 62 is electrically connected to the power supply 57 via the resistor 66. The emitter of the NPN transistor 62 is electrically connected to the ground 56 via the resistor 67. The base of the NPN transistor 63 is electrically connected to the emitter of the NPN transistor 62. The collector of the NPN transistor 63 is electrically connected to the terminal 60c of each switch circuit 60. The emitter of the NPN transistor 63 is electrically connected to the ground 56.

[0078] Thus, when an enable signal is input to the terminal 60a of each switch circuit 60, a base current flows from the base of the NPN transistor 62 to the emitter of the NPN transistor 62, and a collector current flows from the collector of the NPN transistor 62 to the emitter of the NPN transistor 62. Also, a base current flows from the base of the NPN transistor 63 to the emitter of the NPN transistor 63, and a collector current flows from the collector of the NPN transistor 63 to the emitter of the NPN transistor 63. As a result, the terminal 60c of each switch circuit 60 conducts with the ground 56.

[0079] 1.8 Modification In the first embodiment, the control unit 36 switches the output of the first IR signal 21 between two types of outputs, namely, a normal output and a boost output. However, the control unit 36 may switch the output of the first IR signal 21 among three or more types of outputs.

[0080] When the control unit 36 can switch the output of the first IR signal 21 among three or more types of outputs, for example, the output of the first IR signal 21 is gradually increased as the time for which the button 41 is pressed becomes longer.

[0081] 2 Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the second embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control unit and an operation unit of a remote controller provided in a display device of a reference example.

[0083] In the display device of the reference example, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 31 includes nine button switches 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123, a substrate pattern 131 for the first row, a substrate pattern 132 for the second row, a substrate pattern 133 for the third row, a substrate pattern 141 for the first column, a substrate pattern 142 for the second column, and a substrate pattern 143 for the third column. The control unit 36 includes a terminal 161 for the first row, a terminal 162 for the second row, a terminal 163 for the third row, a terminal 171 for the first column, a terminal 172 for the second column, and a terminal 173 for the third column. Each button switch 100 included in the nine button switches 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123 includes a button 41, a first conductive pattern, and a second conductive pattern.

[0084] The nine button switches 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123 are arranged in a 3×3 matrix.

[0085] The substrate pattern 131 for the first row electrically connects the first conductive patterns of the button switches 101, 102, and 103 belonging to the first row to the terminal 161 for the first row. The substrate pattern 132 for the second row electrically connects the first conductive patterns of the button switches 111, 112, and 113 belonging to the second row to the terminal 162 for the second row. The substrate pattern 133 for the third row electrically connects the first conductive patterns of the button switches 121, 122, and 123 belonging to the third row to the terminal 163 for the third row.

[0086] The substrate pattern 141 for the first column electrically connects the second conductive patterns of the button switches 101, 111, and 121 belonging to the first column to the terminal 171 for the first column. The substrate pattern 142 for the second column electrically connects the second conductive patterns of the button switches 102, 112, and 122 belonging to the second column to the terminal 172 for the second column. The substrate pattern 143 for the third column electrically connects the second conductive patterns of the button switches 103, 113, and 123 belonging to the third column to the terminal 173 for the third column.

[0087] When the button of each button switch 100 is not pressed, the second conductive pattern is not electrically connected to the first conductive pattern. When the button is pressed, the second conductive pattern is electrically connected to the first conductive pattern.

[0088] Accordingly, when the button of the button switch belonging to the m-th row and the n-th column is pressed, the terminal for the m-th row is electrically connected to the terminal for the n-th column. Thereby, the control unit 36 can detect that the button of the button switch belonging to the m-th row and the n-th column has been pressed.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the button switch provided in the display device of the reference example when the button is not pressed. FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing a state of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern provided in the display device of the reference example when the button is not pressed. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state of the button switch provided in the display device of the reference example when the button is lightly pressed. FIG. 12 is a top view schematically showing a state of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern provided in the display device of the reference example when the button is lightly pressed.

[0090] In FIGS. 10 and 12, the conductive pattern and the substrate pattern that are electrically connected to each other are hatched.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, each button switch 100 includes a button 41, a conductive rubber 43, a first conductive pattern 44, a second conductive pattern 45, and a substrate 47. The operation unit 31 includes a substrate pattern 130 electrically connected to the first conductive pattern 44 and a substrate pattern 140 electrically connected to the second conductive pattern 45.

[0092] The button 41 has a lower surface 41a. The substrate 47 has an upper surface 47a. The lower surface 41a of the button 41 and the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47 face each other.

[0093] The conductive rubber 43 is attached to the lower surface 41a of the button 41. The conductive rubber 43 has a lower surface 43a. The lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 and the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47 face each other. The lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 is flat and parallel to the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47. The conductive rubber 43 has conductivity.

[0094] The first conductive pattern 44, the second conductive pattern 45, the substrate pattern 130, and the substrate pattern 140 are disposed on the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47.

[0095] The first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45 are separated from each other. The first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45 are disposed between the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 and the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47. The first conductive pattern 44 has a circular planar shape. The second conductive pattern 45 has an annular shape with a break. The substrate pattern 130 and the substrate pattern 140 are separated from each other. The substrate pattern 130 is connected to the first conductive pattern 44 through the break of the second conductive pattern 45. The substrate pattern 140 is connected to the second conductive pattern 45.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the button 41 is not pressed, the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 is separated from the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45. For this reason, the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45 are not electrically connected to each other. For this reason, the substrate pattern 130 and the substrate pattern 140 are not electrically connected to each other.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the button 41 is pressed toward the substrate 47, the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 contacts the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45. For this reason, the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45 are electrically connected to each other through the conductive rubber 43. For this reason, the substrate pattern 130 and the substrate pattern 140 are electrically connected to each other.

[0098] In the display device of the reference example, the conduction state when the button 41 is lightly pressed and the conduction state when the button 41 is strongly pressed are the same. For this reason, the control unit 36 cannot detect the force with which the button 41 is pressed.

[0099] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a control unit and an operation unit of a remote controller provided in the display device of the second embodiment.

[0100] In the display device 1 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation unit 31 includes nine button switches 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123, a substrate pattern 131 for the first row, a substrate pattern 132 for the second row, a substrate pattern 133 for the third row, a substrate pattern 141 for the first column, a substrate pattern 142 for the second column, a substrate pattern 143 for the third column, and a substrate pattern 150 for detecting force. The control unit 36 includes a terminal 161 for the first row, a terminal 162 for the second row, a terminal 163 for the third row, a terminal 171 for the first column, a terminal 172 for the second column, a terminal 173 for the third column, and a terminal 180 for detecting force. Each button switch 100 included in the nine button switches 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123 includes a button, a first conductive pattern, a second conductive pattern, and a third conductive pattern.

[0101] The nine button switches 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123 are arranged in a 3×3 matrix.

[0102] The substrate pattern 131 for the first row electrically connects the first conductive patterns of the button switches 101, 102, and 103 belonging to the first row to the terminal 161 for the first row. The substrate pattern 132 for the second row electrically connects the first conductive patterns of the button switches 111, 112, and 113 belonging to the second row to the terminal 162 for the second row. The substrate pattern 133 for the third row electrically connects the first conductive patterns of the button switches 121, 122, and 123 belonging to the third row to the terminal 163 for the third row.

[0103] The substrate pattern 141 for the first column electrically connects the second conductive patterns of the button switches 101, 111, and 121 belonging to the first column to the terminal 171 for the first column. The substrate pattern 142 for the second column electrically connects the second conductive patterns of the button switches 102, 112, and 122 belonging to the second column to the terminal 172 for the second column. The substrate pattern 143 for the third column electrically connects the second conductive patterns of the button switches 103, 113, and 123 belonging to the third column to the terminal 173 for the third column.

[0104] The substrate pattern 150 for detecting force electrically connects the third conductive patterns of the nine button switches 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123 to the terminal 180 for detecting force.

[0105] Each button switch 100 does not conduct the second conductive pattern with the first conductive pattern when the button is not pressed, and conducts the second conductive pattern with the first conductive pattern when the button is pressed.

[0106] Thereby, when the button of the button switch belonging to the m-th row and the n-th column is pressed, the terminal for the m-th row conducts with the terminal for the n-th column. Thereby, the control unit 36 can detect that the button of the button switch belonging to the m-th row and the n-th column has been pressed.

[0107] Each button switch 100 does not conduct the third conductive pattern with the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern when the button is lightly pressed, and conducts the third conductive pattern with the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern when the button is strongly pressed.

[0108] Accordingly, when the button of the button switch belonging to the m-th row and the n-th column is lightly pressed, the terminal 180 for detecting force is not conductive between the terminal for the m-th row and the terminal for the n-th column. When the button of the button switch belonging to the m-th row and the n-th column is strongly pressed, the terminal 180 for detecting force is conductive between the terminal for the m-th row and the terminal for the n-th column. Thereby, the control unit 36 can detect the force of pressing the button of the button switch belonging to the m-th row and the n-th column in two steps.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the button of the button switch provided in the display device according to the second embodiment is not pressed. FIG. 15 is a top view schematically showing a state where the first conductive pattern, the second conductive pattern, and the third conductive pattern provided in the display device according to the second embodiment are not pressed. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the button of the button switch provided in the display device according to the second embodiment is lightly pressed. FIG. 17 is a top view schematically showing a state where the first conductive pattern, the second conductive pattern, and the third conductive pattern provided in the display device according to the second embodiment are lightly pressed. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the button of the button switch provided in the display device according to the second embodiment is strongly pressed. FIG. 19 is a top view schematically showing a state where the first conductive pattern, the second conductive pattern, and the third conductive pattern provided in the display device according to the second embodiment are strongly pressed.

[0110] In FIGS. 15, 17, and 19, the conductive patterns and the substrate patterns that are conductive to each other are hatched.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 14 to 19, each button switch 100 includes a button 41, a conductive rubber 43, a first conductive pattern 44, a second conductive pattern 45, a third conductive pattern 46, and a substrate 47. The operation unit 31 includes a substrate pattern 130 electrically connected to the first conductive pattern 44, a substrate pattern 140 electrically connected to the second conductive pattern 45, and a substrate pattern 150 for detecting a force electrically connected to the third conductive pattern 46.

[0112] The button 41 has a lower surface 41a. The substrate 47 has an upper surface 47a. The lower surface 41a of the button 41 and the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47 face each other.

[0113] The conductive rubber 43 is attached to the lower surface 41a of the button 41. The conductive rubber 43 has a lower surface 43a. The lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 and the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47 face each other. The lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 has a central region 190 and a peripheral region 191. Each of the central region 190 and the peripheral region 191 is flat and parallel to the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47. The lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 has a two-step structure in which the central region 190 protrudes toward the substrate 47 more than the peripheral region 191. The conductive rubber 43 has conductivity.

[0114] The first conductive pattern 44, the second conductive pattern 45, the third conductive pattern 46, the substrate pattern 130, the substrate pattern 140, and the substrate pattern 150 for detecting a force are arranged on the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47.

[0115] The first conductive pattern 44, the second conductive pattern 45, and the third conductive pattern 46 are separated from each other. The first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45 are disposed between the central region 190 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 and the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47. The third conductive pattern 46 is disposed between the peripheral region 191 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 and the upper surface 47a of the substrate 47. The first conductive pattern 44 has a circular planar shape. The second conductive pattern 45 and the third conductive pattern 46 have an annular shape with a cut. The substrate pattern 130, the substrate pattern 140, and the substrate pattern 150 for detecting force are separated from each other. The substrate pattern 130 is connected to the first conductive pattern 44 through the cut of the second conductive pattern 45 and the third conductive pattern 46. The substrate pattern 140 is connected to the second conductive pattern 45 through the cut of the third conductive pattern 46. The third conductive pattern 46 is connected to the third conductive pattern 46.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the button 41 is not pressed, the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 is separated from the first conductive pattern 44, the second conductive pattern 45, and the third conductive pattern 46. Therefore, the first conductive pattern 44, the second conductive pattern 45, and the third conductive pattern 46 are not electrically connected to each other. For this reason, the substrate pattern 130, the substrate pattern 140, and the substrate pattern 150 for detecting force are not electrically connected to each other.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the button 41 is weakly pressed toward the substrate 47, the central region 190 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 contacts the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45. Therefore, the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45 are electrically connected to each other through the conductive rubber 43. Thus, the substrate pattern 130 and the substrate pattern 140 are electrically connected to each other. However, the conductive rubber 43 is not greatly deformed. For this reason, the two-step structure in which the central region 190 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 protrudes toward the substrate 47 more than the peripheral region 191 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 is maintained. For this reason, the peripheral region 191 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 is separated from the third conductive pattern 46. Therefore, the third conductive pattern 46 is not electrically connected to the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45. Therefore, the substrate pattern 150 for detecting force is not electrically connected to the substrate pattern 130 and the substrate pattern 140.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, when the button 41 is strongly pressed toward the substrate 47, the conductive rubber 43 is greatly deformed. For this reason, the two-step structure in which the central region 190 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 protrudes toward the substrate 47 more than the peripheral region 191 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 is not maintained. For this reason, the central region 190 and the peripheral region 191 of the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 form substantially the same plane. Therefore, the lower surface 43a of the conductive rubber 43 contacts the first conductive pattern 44, the second conductive pattern 45, and the third conductive pattern 46. Therefore, the first conductive pattern 44, the second conductive pattern 45, and the third conductive pattern 46 are electrically connected to each other through the conductive rubber 43. Thus, the substrate pattern 130 and the substrate pattern 140 are electrically connected to each other. Also, the third conductive pattern 46 is electrically connected to the first conductive pattern 44 and the second conductive pattern 45.

[0119] In the display device 1 of the second embodiment, the conduction states when the button 41 is weakly pressed and when the button 41 is strongly pressed are different from each other. Therefore, the control unit 36 can detect the force with which the button 41 is pressed.

[0120] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above embodiments, a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0121] 1 Display device, 2 Smartphone, 11 Remote controller, 12 Main body, 21 First infrared (IR) signal, 22 Second IR signal, 31 Operation unit, 32 Acceleration sensor, 33 Battery, 34 Transmitter, 35 Receiver, 36 Control unit, 41 Button, 41a Lower surface, 42 Force sensor, 43 Conductive rubber, 43a Lower surface, 44 First conductive pattern, 45 Second conductive pattern, 46 Conductive pattern, 47 Substrate, 47a Upper surface, 51 IR light-emitting element, 51a Anode, 51b Cathode, 52 First resistor, 52a, 52b Terminals, 53 Second resistor, 53a, 53b Terminals, 54 First switch circuit, 55 Second switch circuit, 56 Ground, 57 Power supply, 60 Switch circuit, 60a, 60b, 60c Terminals, 61 IR light-receiving element, 62, 63 NPN transistors, 64, 65, 66, 67 Resistors, 71 Display unit, 72 Audio output unit, 73 Camera, 74 Communication unit, 75 Receiver, 76 Transmitter, 77 Control unit, 81 IR light-receiving element, 91 IR light-emitting element, 100, 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123 Button switches, 131, 132, 133, 141, 142, 143, 150 Substrate patterns, 161, 162, 163, 171, 172, 173, 180 Terminals, 130 Substrate pattern, 140 Substrate pattern, 190 Central region, 191 Peripheral region.

Claims

1. An operation unit, a transmission unit, and a control unit configured to transmit a signal corresponding to an operation performed on the operation unit to the transmission unit, and to increase the output of the signal over a time equal to or longer than a set time when a user performs a specific operation on the remote controller while the signal can be transmitted to the transmission unit. A remote controller comprising the above.

2. Increasing the output over a time equal to or longer than the set time includes temporarily increasing the output. The remote controller according to Claim 1.

3. The operation unit includes buttons, and the specific operation includes pressing the buttons for an operation time equal to or longer than a set operation time. The remote controller according to Claim 1.

4. The operation unit includes buttons, and the specific operation includes pressing the buttons with a strength equal to or stronger than a set strength. The remote controller according to Claim 1.

5. The specific operation includes shaking the remote controller. The remote controller according to Claim 1.

6. The signal is an optical signal, the transmission unit includes a light-emitting element that emits the optical signal, and the specific operation is an operation of confirming that the light-emitting element is emitting the optical signal. The remote controller according to Claim 1.

7. The control unit detects that the user has performed the specific operation on the operation unit. The remote controller according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. A receiving unit that receives a notification signal transmitted by a main body that receives the signal and notifies that the user has performed the specific operation on the remote controller, and temporarily increasing the output when the user performs the specific operation on the remote controller includes temporarily increasing the output when the receiving unit receives the notification signal. The remote controller according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

9. An electronic device comprising the remote controller according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, and a main body that receives the signal.

10. Transmitting a signal corresponding to an operation performed on the remote controller. When the user performs a specific operation on the remote controller in a state where the signal can be transmitted, increasing the output of the signal over a time longer than the set time; A signal transmission method comprising the above.

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