JP2008269263A - Input device, transmission / reception system, and control method of input device - Google Patents

Abstract

It is possible to stop power supply to a touch pad in a situation where the touch pad is not used.
A remote controller includes: a power supply determination unit that determines whether or not to supply power to a touch pad; and power supply from a power supply to the touch pad in accordance with a determination result of the power supply determination unit. Is provided with a power supply control unit 243 that controls the power supply independently from the power supply to the part related to the input from the function key 211. As a result, power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is controlled regardless of the function keys 221 and the like, and therefore, in a situation where the user does not use the touch pad 211, power is supplied to the portion related to the input from the function keys 221 and the like. Even if it is, the touch pad 211 can not be supplied with power. For this reason, the power consumption in the remote controller 2 can be reliably reduced.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device for transmitting coordinates input from a touchpad to the outside.

  In recent years, various electronic devices such as PCs (personal computers) have been rapidly improved in performance, multifunctionalization, and downsizing, and input devices that give input instructions to these electronic devices are also used in high-performance electronic devices. Various devices have been devised in order to cope with the downsizing, multifunctionalization, and miniaturization.

  For example, when a calculation process or the like is performed on a PC, numbers are mainly input. In such a case, a numeric keypad is used as an input device. By using the numeric keypad, it is possible to input numbers easily and speedily. The numeric keypad is mostly built into the desktop PC keyboard from the beginning.

  On the other hand, notebook PCs generally do not have a numeric keypad for miniaturization. Therefore, in order to input a numeric keypad on a notebook PC, it is necessary to use an external numeric keypad. However, using an external numeric keypad also impairs the advantage that the notebook PC is small. Become.

  In addition, in a notebook PC, it is common to input coordinates with a touch pad instead of a mouse, and generally includes a touch pad. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, for example, a touchpad can be used as a numeric keypad, thereby enabling numeric keypad input on a notebook PC.

  Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a trackpad built-in keyboard in which a trackpad (touchpad) is built in a numeric keypad portion of a keyboard and a MOUSE key is provided. In this configuration, a portion that is normally used as a numeric keypad can be used as a pointing device when the MOUSE key is pressed. This eliminates the need for the mouse device and the space required for it, and increases the frequency of use of the numeric keypad, so that the effective space on the keyboard can be expanded.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a notebook PC that can use a mouse pad (touch pad) as a numeric keypad. In this configuration, the mouse pad can be used as a numeric keypad when an external mouse plug is inserted into the input jack or when a function key or the like is used.

  Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a notebook PC that can use a touch pad as a numeric keypad, as in Patent Document 2. In this configuration, a function button is provided on the main body of the notebook PC, and when the function button is operated, it is determined that the input from the touch pad is a numeric keypad input.

  With these configurations, in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, a numeric keypad can be input even in a computer such as a notebook PC in which a numeric keypad cannot be arranged, and the operability is improved.

  However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3, when the numeric keypad or the touch pad is used as a function opposite to the original function (for example, when the numeric keypad is used as the touch pad), the MOUSE key, the function key, or the function It is necessary to press a button. That is, since there are keys (or buttons) to be operated other than the numeric keypad or the touch pad, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of user operability. Furthermore, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not disclose that a function for suppressing energization of a touch pad or a numeric keypad having a function as a touch pad is provided.

  Therefore, in order to improve convenience when operating the touch pad, Patent Document 4 and Patent Document 5 disclose touch pads having buttons for operating them.

  Specifically, Patent Document 4 discloses a pointing device having an appearance as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the pointing device disclosed in Patent Document 4 has a selection / execution switch 140 and link holders 110 </ b> A to 110 </ b> D arranged on the bottom surface of the casing 110. Further, a scissor-like link member 130 is provided between the housing 110 and the touch pad 120 disposed on the upper surface of the housing 110, and a link holder 110 </ b> A of the housing 110 is provided on the back surface of the touch pad 120. A link holder (not shown) is provided so as to face ~ 110D.

  In this configuration, when the touch pad 120 is pushed downward, the touch pad 120 sinks downward, and the selection / execution switch 140 can be pressed. Therefore, the operation of moving the point on the display screen, the selection operation, and the execution operation can be performed with one finger, so that the operability can be improved.

  Patent Document 5 discloses an input device having tactile feedback. Specifically, this input device includes a pressing portion provided with a flexible sheet and a base portion provided with a second switch, and a convex portion is provided on the back surface of the pressing portion. And a first switch.

In this configuration, since the first switch is pressed by lightly pressing the convex part, the color of the button on the screen corresponding to the convex part is changed or inverted. Then, by further pressing down the convex portion, the pressing portion slides with respect to the base portion and the second switch is pressed, so that the information to be input can be finally confirmed. Thereby, the menu selection information can be confirmed both visually and by touch, so that the operability and efficiency of information input can be improved.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-102247 (released on April 13, 1999) JP 2000-276292 A (published February 14, 2000) JP 2000-284900 A (released on October 13, 2000) JP 2000-311052 A (published on November 7, 2000) JP 2001-166871 A (released on June 22, 2001)

  However, Patent Documents 4 and 5 do not disclose a configuration that suppresses energization to the touchpad, as in Patent Documents 1 to 3. In the techniques of Patent Documents 4 and 5, “selection / execution switch” or “second switch” is provided at the lower part of the pad. Does not have a function to turn on the power.

  Here, since the touchpad cannot detect a user operation unless it is in an energized state due to its nature, power is normally supplied to the touchpad at all times. In addition, when a touch pad is used in a relatively large battery device such as a notebook PC or a rechargeable device such as a mobile phone, the power consumption of the touch pad is reduced even when the touch pad is always energized. The impact on the product specifications is small.

  However, if the device is a relatively small device, such as a remote control, and is generally not rechargeable, a small amount of power, such as a remote control battery, is always consumed if the touchpad is always energized. Will do. This is undesirable as a product specification because it significantly shortens the battery life of the device at the expense of usability.

  Note that a remote control of an AV (Audio Visual) device such as a TV (television) is generally equipped with only a button or a button and a stick. This is because, in order to operate a UI (user interface) of the AV device or the like, it is sufficient that the AV device can recognize four or eight directions. However, in a system capable of operating an AV device such as a TV and operating a PC, for example, it is preferable that a remote controller for operating these devices is provided with a pointing device capable of inputting in all directions, for example, a touch pad.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device, a transmission / reception system, and an input device control capable of stopping power supply to the touch pad in a situation where the touch pad is not used. It is to provide a method.

  In order to solve the above problems, an input device according to the present invention is an input device that includes a touchpad, an operation acquisition unit that acquires a user operation different from the touchpad, and a power supply that supplies power. Power supply determination means for determining whether or not to supply power to the touch pad, and power supply from the power source to the touch pad according to the determination result of the power supply determination means as input from the operation acquisition means And a power supply control means for controlling the power supply independently from the power supply to the related part.

  Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, the control method of the input device which concerns on this invention is an input device provided with the touchpad, the operation acquisition means which acquires user operation different from the said touchpad, and the power supply which supplies electric power. A power supply determination step for determining whether or not to supply power to the touch pad, and power supply from the power source to the touch pad in accordance with a determination result in the power supply determination step. And a power supply control step for controlling the power supply independently from the power supply to the part related to the input from the operation acquisition means.

  According to the above configuration, the power supply determination unit determines whether to supply power to the touch pad. The power supply control means supplies power to the part related to the input from the operation acquisition means for acquiring the user operation different from the touchpad according to the determination result of the power supply determination means. And control independently. That is, the power to the touchpad is supplied from the power supply of the input device via the power supply control means, and is a separate system from the part related to the input from the operation acquisition means directly supplied with power from this power supply. Yes. The portion related to the input from the operation acquisition means is a portion related to input from a function key or the like, for example, which consumes less power than the touch pad.

  Here, the power supply determination unit determines whether or not to supply power to the touch pad by determining whether or not the user is in a situation of using the touch pad. That is, the power supply determination unit determines that power is supplied to the touch pad when it is determined that the user uses the touch pad. When the power supply control unit receives the determination result that power is supplied from the power supply determination unit, the power supply control unit supplies the power supplied from the power source to the touch pad. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user does not use the touch pad, the power supply determination unit determines that power is not supplied to the touch pad. The power supply control means receives this determination result and does not supply power to the touch pad.

  Therefore, in the above input device, power supply to the touch pad is controlled regardless of the operation acquisition unit, and therefore, when the user does not use the touch pad, the power supply supplies power to the part related to the input from the operation acquisition unit. Even if it does, it can be made not to supply electric power to a touchpad by an electric power supply control means. Thereby, the power consumption in an input device can be reduced reliably. In particular, in the case of an input device in which power is not supplied or charged from an external power source, for example, is battery-driven, the battery life can be extended by appropriately stopping power supply.

  Furthermore, the input device according to the present invention further includes operation detection means for detecting that the touch pad is operated, and the power supply determination means is in a state where the power supply control means does not supply power to the touch pad. When it is detected that the touch pad is operated by the operation detecting means, it may be determined that power is supplied to the touch pad.

  According to the above configuration, the power supply determination unit determines that the user is using the touchpad when the operation detection unit detects an operation on the touchpad by the user when power is not supplied to the touchpad. To do.

  Thereby, the user can restart the power supply to the touch pad without touching anything other than the touch pad, that is, with a simple operation. That is, even an input device having a function of stopping the power supply to the touch pad can provide the user with excellent operability of the touch pad.

  Further, in the input device according to the present invention, the touchpad may have a movable operation surface operated by a user, and the operation detection unit may detect that the operation surface has moved.

  According to the above configuration, the input device includes the operation detection unit that detects the movement when the operation surface of the movable touch pad moves. This operation detection means is, for example, a push switch provided in the moving direction of the operation surface of the touch pad.

  Then, when the power supply control means is not supplying power to the touch pad, if the operation detection means detects the movement of the touch pad, the power supply determination means determines that the touch pad is in use. It is determined that power is supplied to the touch pad. Thereby, the user can restart the power supply to the touch pad without touching other than the touch pad, that is, by a simple operation.

  Furthermore, the input device according to the present invention may determine that the power supply determination unit supplies power to the touch pad when a function that requires use of the touch pad is called by the operation acquisition unit. .

  According to the above configuration, when the operation acquisition unit calls a function that requires the use of the touch pad, the power supply determination unit determines that the user is using the touch pad and supplies power to the touch pad. Judge that. Thereby, since the power supply determination means can reliably determine the situation in which the touchpad is used, the operability of the touchpad can be further improved.

  Furthermore, the input device according to the present invention outputs an output signal based on a user operation acquired via the touch pad or the operation acquisition unit to the electronic device, and the power supply determination unit includes the electronic device. The activation state information indicating whether or not is activated is received from the electronic device, and when the activation state information indicates activation of the electronic device, it is determined that power is supplied to the touch pad, while the activation state information is May indicate that no power is supplied to the touchpad when the electronic device is not activated.

  According to the above configuration, the power supply determination unit receives the activation state information indicating whether or not the electronic device that receives the output signal from the input device is activated, and applies the activation state information to the touch pad based on the activation state information. It is determined whether to supply power. Specifically, the power supply determination means supplies power to the touch pad when it is determined that the electronic device is activated, while it determines that the electronic device is not activated. Does not power the touchpad. That is, when the electronic device voluntarily notifies the input device of the activation state, the input device determines whether or not to supply power to the touch pad by the power supply determination unit.

  Thereby, since the power supply determination means can reliably determine the use state of the touch pad based on the activation state information indicating the activation state of the electronic device, the operability of the touch pad can be further improved. . As the electronic device, for example, various electronic devices such as a personal computer and a broadcast receiving device that receives a television broadcast can be applied.

  Furthermore, the input device according to the present invention is a signal that transmits an output signal instructing switching of a startup state of the electronic device to the electronic device when a predetermined operation is performed on the touch pad or the operation acquisition unit. Control means may be further provided.

  According to the above configuration, when a predetermined operation is performed on the touch pad or the operation acquisition unit, the signal control unit transmits an output signal instructing switching of the activation state of the electronic device to the electronic device. Here, the predetermined operation indicates an operation capable of transmitting the output signal, and indicates, for example, that a power key is pressed. Further, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above operation may be realized by presetting an operation capable of transmitting the above output signal to the touch pad.

  Thereby, the power supply determination means can receive not only the activation state transmitted spontaneously from the electronic device but also the activation state of the electronic device based on the operation in the input device.

  The transmission / reception system according to the present invention includes the input device described above and an electronic device that switches its own startup state and transmits startup state information indicating the switched startup state to the input device.

  According to the above configuration, for example, the input device transmits an input instruction input to the input device to the electronic device, while the electronic device can transmit the activation state of the electronic device to the input device. Thereby, in the transmission / reception system including the input device and the electronic device, bidirectional communication is possible.

  As described above, the input device according to the present invention includes a power supply determination unit that determines whether or not to supply power to the touchpad, and the touchpad from the power source according to a determination result of the power supply determination unit. Power supply control means for controlling the power supply to the power supply to the part related to the input from the operation acquisition means.

  The input device control method according to the present invention includes a power supply determination step for determining whether or not to supply power to the touchpad, and the touch from the power source according to a determination result in the power supply determination step. A power supply control step for controlling the power supply to the pad independently of the power supply to the part related to the input from the operation acquisition means.

  Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, since the power supply to the touch pad is controlled regardless of the operation acquisition unit in the input device, the power source is the operation acquisition unit in a situation where the user does not use the touch pad. Even if power is supplied to the portion related to the input from the power supply, it is possible to prevent the power supply control means from supplying power to the touch pad. Thereby, the effect that the power consumption in an input device can be reduced reliably is produced. In particular, in the case of an input device that is not powered or charged by an external power source, for example, is battery-driven, the battery life can be extended by appropriately stopping the power supply.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Outline of transmission / reception system]
First, the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of the transmission / reception system 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission / reception system 1 includes a remote controller (input device) 2, a TV unit (electronic device) 3, and a PC unit (electronic device) 4. In the transmission / reception system 1, the remote controller 2 transmits an operation command to the TV (television) unit 3 by an IR (Infrared Ray, for example, IrSimple) signal. Further, the remote controller 2 and the PC (personal computer) unit 4 perform transmission / reception with an RF (radio frequency) signal. Further, the TV unit 3 and the PC unit 4 are connected.

  The PC unit 4 outputs the processing content based on the data transmitted from the remote controller 2 to the TV unit 3. Specifically, since the RF unit 41 is provided in the PC unit 4 and the RF transmission / reception unit 262 is provided in the remote controller 2, for example, data from the remote controller 2 can be received. The TV unit 3 includes a monitor 34 and displays processing contents based on data transmitted from the PC unit 4 on the monitor 34. In this case, an icon, a cursor, etc. are displayed on the monitor 34, for example.

  The TV unit 3 is connected to an antenna, receives a TV broadcast through the antenna, and displays the broadcast content on the monitor 34. Then, when the IR unit 31 provided in the TV unit 3 receives the IR signal transmitted from the IR transmission unit 252 provided in the remote controller 2, the TV unit 3 performs an operation designated by the user using the remote controller 2. An operation based on the contents of the command (for example, channel switching) can be performed. That is, the TV unit 3 has a general TV function, and can control various TV functions based on data transmitted from the remote controller 2.

  Therefore, in the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment, the TV unit 3 and the PC unit 4 are connected, so that the user can use the remote controller 2 to view the TV broadcast while operating the PC.

  In the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment, the TV unit 3 and the PC unit 4 are connected. However, any connection method that can transmit and receive data bidirectionally may be wired or wireless. Good. Further, in the transmission / reception system 1, the TV unit 3 and the PC unit 4 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be integrally formed. Furthermore, the TV unit 3 is configured to receive an IR signal from the remote controller 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the remote controller 2 is provided with an IR receiver and the TV unit 3 is provided with an IR transmitter. Alternatively, bidirectional communication may be performed between the remote controller 2 and the TV unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 2 includes a touch pad 211 and function keys (operation acquisition means) 221 on the top surface (the surface on the side on which the user of the remote controller 2 operates). In addition, the remote controller 2 includes an IR transmission unit 252 and an RF transmission / reception unit 262 on the surface facing the TV unit 3 when the normal remote control 2 is operated.

  The touch pad 211 detects which position on the touch pad 211 is touched when a finger touches the surface (the surface exposed to the outside of the remote controller 2). As the touch pad 211, for example, a capacitive touch panel or a resistive touch pad can be used. Here, the capacitive touch pad detects that the amount of internal charges changes when a finger touches the surface of the touch pad 211, thereby detecting the movement of the finger on the touch pad 211. In addition, the resistive film type touch pad detects whether or not electricity is passed by attaching a conductive thin film to the surface of the touch pad 211 and a film attached to the surface at a slight interval. To do.

  As described above, the remote controller 2 can perform coordinate input by touching the touch pad 211 with the finger. Therefore, for example, the PC unit 4 performs processing such as moving the cursor displayed on the monitor 34 of the TV unit 3. Can be made.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a push SW (switch) 23 is provided below the touch pad 211 (inside the remote controller 2). The touch pad 211 is movable in the direction of the push SW (operation detection means) 23, and the push SW 23 is pressed in conjunction with the pressing of the touch pad 211. That is, when the touch pad 211 is pressed, the push SW 23 is pressed. When the touch pad 211 is not pressed, the push SW 23 is not pressed. The pressed state of the push SW 23 is detected by a signal control unit 241 described later as a key state signal. When the push SW 23 is pressed, operation commands such as a click operation and a drag operation are transmitted to the PC unit 4.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cross section of the remote controller 2. FIG. 3A shows the state of the push SW 23 when the touch pad 211 is touched, and FIG. The state of the push SW 23 when the touch pad 211 is pressed is shown. The push SW 23 is a mechanical SW, for example.

  As described above, the remote controller 2 can perform coordinate input by the user placing a finger on the touch pad 211 and moving it, and can perform a click operation by pressing the touch pad 211. Further, in the remote controller 2, when the power supply to the touch pad 211 is stopped, the power supply can be resumed by pressing the touch pad 211.

  Further, the IR transmission unit 252 and the RF transmission / reception unit 262 transmit an operation command generated by an operation on the touch pad 211 or an operation on the function key 221 to the TV unit 3 or the PC unit 4. Further, the RF transmission / reception unit 262 receives data indicating the contents of the processing in the PC unit 4 or the processing of the TV unit 3 from the PC unit 4.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the IR transmission unit 252 is provided in the IR unit 25 together with the IR control unit 251. When receiving a signal transmitted from a signal control unit 241 described later, the IR control unit 251 converts the signal into an IR signal. Then, the IR transmission unit 252 transmits this IR signal to the TV unit 3.

  Further, the RF transmission / reception unit 262 is provided in the RF unit 26 together with the RF control unit 261 as shown in FIG. When receiving a signal from a signal control unit 241 described later, the RF control unit 261 converts the signal into an RF signal. Then, the RF transmitting / receiving unit 262 transmits this RF signal to the PC unit 4. Further, as described above, when receiving data from the PC unit 4, the RF transmission / reception unit 262 transmits this data to the RF control unit 261. Then, the RF control unit 261 converts the RF signal into a signal that can be processed by the remote controller 2.

  A function key 221 shown in FIG. 2 is used to transmit a specific operation command to the TV unit 3 or the PC unit 4 when pressed by a user operating the remote controller 2. Examples of the function keys 221 include a power key 221A, a mode switching key 221B, and a start menu key 221C. The specific operation command includes an operation command for switching power on / off, switching between a PC mode and a TV mode, switching each channel such as a TV broadcast, or setting an image quality. .

[Configuration of TV section and PC section]
Next, the configuration of the TV unit 3 and the PC unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote controller 2, the TV unit 3, and the PC unit 4 in the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 1, the TV unit 3 includes an IR unit 31, a TV tuner 32, a TV control unit 33, a monitor 34, and a PC cooperation I / F (interface) 35. The description of the monitor 34 described above is omitted.

  The IR unit 31 receives the IR signal transmitted from the IR transmission unit 252 of the remote controller 2 and converts the IR signal into a signal that can be processed by the TV unit 3. Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the TV control unit 33.

  The TV tuner 32 converts TV radio waves received by the antenna into a video signal that can be viewed by the user on the monitor 34. Then, the converted video signal is transmitted to the TV control unit 33.

  The TV control unit 33 controls the display content of the monitor 34 based on the content of signals from the IR unit 31 and the TV tuner 32. Further, the TV control unit 33 controls the display content of the monitor 34 based on the data content of the PC unit 4 received via the PC cooperation I / F 35. The PC cooperation I / F 35 is connected to the TV cooperation I / F 44 of the PC unit 4, and enables data transmission / reception between the TV unit 3 and the PC unit 4.

  The TV control unit 33 includes a TV state management unit 331. When the TV state management unit 331 detects a power-on signal (described later) transmitted from the remote controller 2 from the IR unit 31, the TV state management unit 331 detects the current TV activation state (TV power on / off) and switches the activation state. For example, when the current activation state is on, it is switched off by detecting a power pressing signal. Then, the TV state management unit 331 transmits the switching result as a TV state signal to the PC unit 4 via the PC cooperation I / F 35.

  Next, the PC unit 4 includes an RF unit 41, a WAN (Wide Area Network) I / F 42, a PC control unit 43, a TV cooperation I / F 44, and an HD (Hard Disk) 45.

  The RF unit 41 has the same function as the RF unit 26 of the remote controller 2 described above. That is, when a signal from the PC control unit 43 is received, it is converted into an RF signal, and this RF signal is transmitted to the remote controller 2. In addition, when an RF signal transmitted from the RF transceiver unit 262 of the remote controller 2 is received, the RF signal is converted into a signal that can be processed by the PC unit 4. The TV cooperation I / F 44 is connected to the PC cooperation I / F 35 of the TV unit 3, and enables data transmission / reception between the TV unit 3 and the PC unit 4 together with the PC cooperation I / F 35.

  Thus, since the remote controller 2 and the PC unit 4 are provided with the RF unit 26 and the RF unit 41, respectively, bidirectional communication between the remote controller 2 and the PC unit 4 is possible. In addition, the tv unit 3 and the pc unit 4 are each provided with a PC cooperation I / F 35 and a TV cooperation I / F 44. For this reason, bidirectional communication is possible between the remote controller 2 and the TV unit 3 via the PC unit 4.

  The WAN I / F 42 is connected to a line dedicated to data communication or a telephone line connecting two specific points, and enables data transmission / reception with a computer such as a PC located at a geographically distant point. The HD 45 stores data or programs used by the PC control unit 43.

  The PC control unit 43 detects a signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 from the RF unit 41, controls the PC unit 4 based on the content of the signal, and transmits a signal for controlling the TV unit 3 to the TV cooperation I / O. Transmit to the TV unit 3 via F44. Further, the PC control unit 43 is connected to the WAN I / F 42 and the HD 45, and also performs these controls.

  The PC control unit 43 includes a TV state relay unit 431. When the TV status signal transmitted from the TV status management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 is received via the TV link I / F 44, the TV status relay unit 431 receives the signal via the RF unit 41 and performs RF transmission / reception of the remote controller 2. To the unit 262. That is, the TV state relay unit 431 transmits the activation state of the TV unit switched by the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 to the remote controller 2 when a power pressing signal described later is transmitted from the remote controller 2. Thereby, the remote controller 2 can recognize the activation state (whether it is on or off) of the TV unit 3.

[Remote control configuration]
Next, a more detailed configuration of the remote controller 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote controller 2, the TV unit 3, and the PC unit 4 in the transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated, the remote controller 2 includes a touch pad unit 21, a function key unit 22, a push SW 23, a remote control unit 24, an IR unit 25, an RF unit 26, and a power source 27. The description of the push SW 23, the IR unit 25, and the RF unit 26 described above is omitted.

  The touch pad unit 21 includes a touch pad 211 and a touch pad control unit 212. The touch pad 211 detects which position on the touch pad 211 is touched when there is some input such as a finger touching the surface. The touch pad control unit 212 detects the detection result and converts the detection result into coordinate data. Then, the touch pad control unit 212 transmits coordinate data to a signal control unit (signal control unit) 241 described later.

  The function key unit 22 includes a power key 221A, a mode switching key 221B, a start menu key 221C, and a function key control unit 222. The power key 221A, the mode switching key 221B, and the start menu key 221C are part of the function keys 221 shown in FIG. 2, and are generic names of these function keys.

  The function key 221 is for transmitting a specific operation command to the TV unit 3 or the PC unit 4 as described above. For example, the power key 221A is pressed to generate an operation command for switching the power of the TV unit 3 on or off. When the mode switching key 221B is pressed, an operation command for switching the function key 221 of the remote controller 2 to the PC mode or the TV mode is generated. When pressed, the start menu key 221C causes the PC unit 4 to generate an operation command for starting the start menu. The function key control unit 222 detects a pressed state indicating whether or not the function key 221 is pressed, and transmits the detection result as a key state signal to the signal control unit 241 described later.

  The power supply 27 directly supplies power to each functional block of the remote control 2 other than the touch pad unit 21. In the remote controller 2 according to the present embodiment, the power supply 27 supplies power to the part related to the input from the function key unit 22, the push SW 23, the remote controller control unit 24, the IR unit 25, and the RF unit 26. Then, power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is performed via a power supply control unit 243 described later. In addition, the dashed-dotted line shown in FIG. 1 has shown the electric power supply line. In the present embodiment, power is supplied to the portion related to the input from the function key unit 22, but it is assumed that power is supplied to the function key unit 22 thereafter.

  The remote control unit 24 controls various functions of the remote control 2, and includes a signal control unit 241, a power supply determination unit (power supply determination unit) 242, a power supply control unit (power supply control unit) 243, and a timer 244. ing.

  The signal control unit 241 transmits the coordinate data transmitted from the touch pad control unit 212 to the IR control unit 251 or the RF control unit 261. Upon receiving this coordinate data, the signal control unit 241 transmits a TP input signal to the power supply determination unit 242.

  Further, when the signal control unit 241 receives or detects a key state signal from the function key control unit 222 or the push SW 23, the signal control unit 241 transmits the key state signal to the IR control unit 251 or the RF control unit 261. At this time, the signal control unit 241 determines whether the function key 221 or the push SW 23 is pressed based on the key state signal.

  For example, when the power key 221 </ b> A is pressed, the signal control unit 241 determines that the power key 221 </ b> A is pressed based on the key state signal, and transmits the determination result to the TV unit 3. When the mode switching key 221B is pressed, the signal control unit 241 determines that the mode switching key 221B is in the pressed state based on the key state signal, switches the current mode to the PC mode or the TV mode, Determine which mode you are in. Then, the signal control unit 241 transmits a PC mode signal or a TV mode signal to the power supply determination unit 242 as a determination result. Further, when the start menu key 221 </ b> C is pressed, the signal control unit 241 determines that the start menu key 221 </ b> C is pressed based on the key state signal, and transmits the determination result to the power supply determination unit 242.

  Further, when the touch pad 211 is pressed (when the push SW 23 is pressed), the signal control unit 241 detects a key state signal indicating that the push SW 23 is pressed from the push SW 23, whereby the push SW 23 is It is determined that the button has been pressed. Then, the signal control unit 241 transmits this key state signal to the TV unit 3. On the other hand, when the touch pad 211 is pressed and the pressing is completed, the signal control unit 241 detects the key state signal indicating that the pressing of the push SW 23 is completed from the push SW 23, thereby completing the pressing of the push SW 23. Is determined. Then, the signal control unit 241 transmits this determination result (determination result that the push SW 23 has been pressed) to the power supply determination unit 242.

  The power supply determination unit 242 determines whether to supply power to the touch pad unit 21 and transmits a TP on signal or a TP off signal to the power supply control unit 243 as the determination result. Specifically, when the power supply determination unit 242 receives the key state signal indicating the pressed state of the start menu key 221C, the TV mode signal or the PC mode signal, and the countdown completion signal received from the timer 244, the power supply determination unit 242 An off signal is transmitted to the power supply control unit 243.

  When the power key 221 </ b> A is pressed, the TV activation state is switched by the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3, and the switching result is transmitted to the TV state relay unit 431 of the PC unit 4. Then, the power supply determination unit 242 receives the switching result (starting state of the TV unit 3) from the PC unit 4 via the RF unit 26 of the remote controller 2, and thereby receives either the TP on signal or the TP off signal. Whether to transmit to the power supply control unit 243 is determined.

  Further, when the power supply control unit 243 stops the power supply to the touch pad unit 21, when the user presses the push SW 23 in conjunction with the pressing of the touch pad 211, and the pressing is completed, the power supply is performed. The determination unit 242 receives a signal indicating completion of pressing the touch pad 211 from the signal control unit 241. By receiving this signal, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the push SW 23 has been pressed, and transmits a TP-on signal to the power supply control unit 243.

  The timer 244 counts down from a predetermined time when the power supply control unit 243 supplies power to the touch pad unit 21. When the time count reaches 0 due to the countdown, the timer 244 transmits a countdown completion signal to the power supply determination unit 242.

  The power supply determination unit 242 transmits a TP input signal transmitted from the signal control unit 241 to the timer 244 when there is any input on the touch pad 211. When the timer 244 receives the TP input signal from the power supply determination unit 242, the timer 244 stops counting down and resets the time to a predetermined time.

  The power supply control unit 243 supplies or stops power to the touch pad unit 21. Specifically, the power supply control unit 243 supplies power to the touch pad unit 21 when receiving a TP on signal from the power supply determining unit 242, while touching the touch pad when receiving a TP off signal. The power supply to the unit 21 is stopped.

  Note that, as described above, when the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 receives the power pressing signal transmitted from the remote controller 2, the TV state management unit 331 switches the current TV activation state, and the switching result is used as the TV state of the PC unit 4. It transmits to the remote controller 2 via the relay unit 431. That is, in the transmission / reception system 1, the activation state of the TV unit 3 can be known by notifying the TV unit 3 that the remote controller 2 has pressed the power key 221 </ b> A.

  However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the TV unit 3 may voluntarily notify the remote controller 2 of the TV activation state. For example, when the TV unit 3 enters the sleep state, the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 uses the TV state relay unit 431 of the PC unit 4 as a TV state signal that the TV unit 3 enters the sleep state. To the remote control 2 via When the power supply determination unit 242 of the remote controller 2 receives this TV state signal, the power supply to the touchpad unit 21 is stopped by transmitting a TP off signal to the power supply control unit 243. Similarly, when the sleep state of the TV unit 3 is released, similarly, the TV state management unit 331 spontaneously notifies the remote controller 2 via the PC unit 4 that the sleep state has been released.

  The power key 221A generates an operation command for turning on / off the power of the TV unit 3, but is not limited to this, and an operation command for turning on / off the power of the PC unit 4 is provided. It may be generated.

  In this case, the signal control unit 241 transmits a signal indicating that the power key 221 </ b> A has been pressed to the PC unit 4. When receiving this signal, the PC control unit 43 of the PC unit 4 switches the current activation state of the PC unit 4 and transmits the switching result to the remote controller 2 via the RF unit 41. The power supply determination unit 242 determines whether or not to supply power to the touch pad unit 21 based on the switching result.

  Note that the remote controller 2 according to the present embodiment includes the push SW 23 that is movable in conjunction with the touch pad 211 being pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the user's finger touches the surface of the touch pad 211. You may provide the optical sensor which detects this. That is, any configuration may be employed as long as the user can detect that the touch pad 211 is operated without touching the touch pad 211 when the power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is stopped.

[Flow from operation mode to standby mode]
Next, a process flow until the touch pad 211 of the remote controller 2 is changed from the operation mode to the standby mode will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing until the touch pad 211 of the remote controller 2 changes from the operation mode to the standby mode. The operation mode indicates a state where the touch pad 211 can detect which position on the surface is touched, that is, a state where input to the touch pad 211 is valid. On the other hand, the standby mode indicates a state where the touch pad 211 cannot perform the detection, that is, a state where input to the touch pad 211 is invalid.

  First, it is assumed that the state of the touch pad 211 is a state in which the input to the touch pad 211 is valid, that is, a state in which the touch pad 211 can be detected (TPActive) (S1). In this state, the user can perform a pointing operation, a clicking operation, or the like by touching the touch pad 211 or pressing the touch pad 211. At this time, the power supply control unit 243 supplies the power supplied from the power supply 27 to the touch pad unit 21 (touch pad 211 and touch pad control unit 212).

  In this state, the timer 244 sets a predetermined time as a countdown time (S2). This time keeping time is set to 20 seconds, for example. However, the time keeping time is not limited to this, and any time can be used as long as the power consumption can be suppressed without deteriorating the operability to the touch pad 211. Then, the timer 244 starts counting down from this timekeeping time (S3).

  While the timer 244 is counting down, the signal control unit 241 determines whether or not there is any input to the touch pad 211 (S4). Specifically, when there is any input to the touch pad 211, the touch pad 211 detects which position on the touch pad 211 is touched. Then, the touch pad control unit 212 converts the detection result into coordinate data, and transmits the coordinate data to the signal control unit 241. When the signal control unit 241 receives the coordinate data from the touch pad control unit 212, the signal control unit 241 determines that there is an input to the touch pad 211.

  When there is any input on the touch pad 211 (YES in S4), the signal control unit 241 transmits the coordinate data transmitted from the touch pad control unit 212 to the IR control unit 251 and confirms that the coordinate data has been received. The power supply determination unit 242 is notified. That is, when receiving the coordinate data, the signal control unit 241 generates a TP input signal and transmits it to the power supply determination unit 242. When the timer 244 receives the TP input signal from the power supply determination unit 242, the timer 244 stops the countdown and resets the time to a predetermined time. That is, if there is any input on the touch pad 211, the process returns to S2.

  When the signal control unit 241 does not receive coordinate data from the touch pad 211, that is, when the signal control unit 241 determines that there is no input to the touch pad 211 (NO in S4), the signal control unit 241 includes the power key It is determined whether or not 221A has been pressed (S5). If the signal control unit 241 determines that the power key 221A has been pressed (YES in S5), the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 turns off the TV (S6).

  Specifically, when the power key 221A is pressed, the function key control unit 222 detects that the power key 221A is pressed, and transmits the detection result to the signal control unit 241 as a power pressing signal. When receiving the power press signal, the signal control unit 241 determines that the power key 221 </ b> A has been pressed, and transmits this power press signal to the IR control unit 251. In the IR control unit 251, the power pressing signal is converted into an IR signal and transmitted from the IR transmission unit 252 to the IR unit 31 of the TV unit 3.

  When the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 detects a power pressing signal from the IR unit 31, it detects the current activation state of the TV unit 3. Here, since the input to the touch pad 211 is in a valid state (TPActive), the current activation state of the TV unit 3 is on (the TV unit 3 is activated). Accordingly, when the TV state management unit 331 detects the power pressing signal from the IR unit 31, the TV state management unit 331 switches the activation state of the TV unit 3 from on to off. Then, the TV state management unit 331 transmits an off signal as a TV state signal to the PC unit 4 via the PC cooperation I / F 35.

  The TV state relay unit 431 of the PC unit 4 receives the TV state signal (off signal) via the TV cooperation I / F 44 and transmits this signal to the RF transmission / reception unit 262 of the remote controller 2 via the RF unit 41.

  When the power supply determination unit 242 receives the TV state signal (off signal) via the RF unit 26, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the TV activation state is off, and sends the TP off signal to the power supply control unit 243 as the determination result. Send. The power supply control unit 243 stops the power supply to the touch pad unit 21 when receiving this determination result (result that the TV activation state is OFF). Thereby, since the power supply of the touch pad 211 is turned off, the touch pad 211 cannot be detected (standby mode) (S7). That is, the input to the touch pad 211 is disabled (TPInactive) (S8).

  In the remote controller 2, the power source activation state of the TV unit 3 is switched by pressing the power key 221A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power source activation state of the PC unit 4 is switched. May be.

  In this case, the signal control unit 241 transmits a power pressing signal to the PC unit 4 via the RF unit 26. When the PC control unit 43 detects the power pressing signal transmitted from the remote controller 2 from the RF unit 41, the PC control unit 43 switches the current activation state of the PC unit 4, and the switching result is transmitted to the RF of the remote controller 2 via the RF unit 41. The data is transmitted to the transmission / reception unit 262.

  In S5, as in the case of the TV unit 3, since the input to the touch pad 211 is valid (TPActive), the current activation state of the PC unit 4 is on. Accordingly, when the PC control unit 43 detects a power pressing signal from the RF unit 41, the PC control unit 43 switches the activation state of the PC unit 4 from on to off.

  If the signal control unit 241 determines that there is no input to the touch pad 211 and that the power key 221A is not pressed (NO in S5), is the timer 244 timed to be zero? It is determined whether or not (S9). If the timer 244 determines that the timekeeping time is not zero (NO in S9), the timer 244 continues to count down until the timekeeping time becomes zero. That is, the process returns to S3.

  On the other hand, when the detection with the touch pad 211 is not performed for a certain period of time (predetermined timing) and the timer 244 determines that the timing is 0 (YES in S9), the timer 244 displays a countdown completion signal. Transmit to the power supply determination unit 242. When the power supply determination unit 242 receives the countdown completion signal, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the countdown by the timer 244 is completed, and transmits a TP off signal to the power supply control unit 243 as the determination result. When receiving the TP off signal, the power supply control unit 243 stops the power supply to the touch pad unit 21. For this reason, the power of the touch pad 211 is turned off, and the touch pad 211 is in a standby mode. That is, the process proceeds to S7.

[Flow from standby mode to operation mode]
Next, the flow of processing until the touch pad 211 of the remote controller 2 changes from the standby mode to the operation mode will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing until the touch pad 211 of the remote controller 2 changes from the standby mode to the operation mode.

  First, it is assumed that the state of the touch pad 211 is a state where input to the touch pad 211 is invalid, that is, a state where the touch pad 211 cannot be detected (TPInactive) (S10). In this state, the user cannot perform a pointing operation or a click operation by touching the touch pad 211 or pressing the touch pad 211. At this time, the power supply control unit 243 stops supplying the power supplied from the power source to the touch pad unit 21.

  In this state, the signal control unit 241 determines whether or not the touch pad 211 is pressed, that is, whether or not the push SW 23 is pressed (S11). When the push SW 23 is pressed, the signal control unit 241 determines that the push SW 23 is pressed by detecting the push SW valid signal as the key state signal. Then, the signal control unit 241 transmits this push SW valid signal to the RF control unit 261. The RF control unit 261 converts the push SW valid signal into an RF signal, and then transmits the RF signal to the RF unit 41 of the PC unit 4 via the RF transmission / reception unit 262 (S12). Thus, the PC unit 4 can activate the mode of the PC unit 4 by receiving the push SW valid signal.

  The mode activation of the PC unit 4 indicates a return from this state when the PC unit 4 is in a power saving mode (standby), for example. The return from the power saving mode may not be the return of the entire PC unit 4 but may be a configuration in which a part of the functions of the PC unit 4 is restored.

  Here, the power of the HD 45 is normally turned off when there is no access for a certain period of time. Some CPUs (central processing units; not shown) of the PC unit 4 automatically lower the operation clock or drive voltage when there is little processing.

  Therefore, when the touch pad 211 (push SW 23) is pressed, the PC unit 4 receives the push SW valid signal to turn on the HD 45 or temporarily set the processing speed of the CPU (not shown). Can be improved. Thereby, the response of the PC unit 4 to the user operation after the touch pad 211 is pressed can be accelerated.

  Next, when the pressing of the push SW 23 is completed, the signal control unit 241 detects a push SW invalid signal as a key state signal, and transmits this push SW invalid signal to the power supply determination unit 242 (S13). When receiving the push SW invalid signal, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the push SW 23 has been pressed, and transmits a TP on signal to the power supply control unit 243 as the determination result.

  That is, even if the signal control unit 241 determines that the push SW 23 has been pressed, the power supply determination unit 242 does not immediately transmit the TP on signal to turn on the power of the touch pad 211, but push SW 23. The TP on signal is not transmitted until the push SW invalid signal indicating the completion of pressing is detected.

  When the power supply control unit 243 receives the TP ON signal from the power supply determination unit 242, the power supply control unit 243 starts power supply to the touch pad unit 21. That is, the power of the touch pad 211 and the touch pad control unit 212 is turned on (S14). When power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is started, the touch pad control unit 212 performs control so that the touch pad 211 does not detect for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) (S15). That is, the touch pad control unit 212 puts the touch pad 211 into a standby state for a predetermined time. And when the said time passes, the touchpad control part 212 permits the detection in the touchpad 211. FIG. As a result, the state of the touch pad 211 becomes a state where the input to the touch pad 211 is valid, that is, a state where the detection can be performed with the touch pad 211 (TPActive) (S16).

  Here, immediately after the touch pad 211 is pressed, the power supply determination unit 242 does not transmit the TP ON signal to the power supply control unit 243. That is, the power supply control unit 243 does not supply power to the touchpad unit 21 immediately after the touchpad 211 is pressed. In addition, even when power is supplied to the touch pad unit 21, the touch pad 211 is in a standby state for a certain time.

  Therefore, since the coordinate detection is not performed while the touch pad 211 is pressed and immediately after the touch pad 211 is turned on, the touch pad 211 detects a coordinate input that is not intended by the user. Can be avoided.

  Next, when the signal control unit 241 determines that the touch pad 211 is not pressed, that is, the touch pad 211 is not pressed (NO in S11), the signal control unit 241 presses the power key 221A. It is determined whether or not (S17). When the signal control unit 241 determines that the power key 221A has been pressed (YES in S17), the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 switches the activation state of the TV unit 3 from the current state.

  Specifically, when the power key 221A is pressed, the function key control unit 222 detects that the power key 221A is pressed, and transmits the detection result to the signal control unit 241 as a power pressing signal. When receiving the power pressing signal, the signal control unit 241 transmits the power pressing signal to the IR control unit 251. In the IR control unit 251, the power pressing signal is converted into an IR signal and transmitted from the IR transmission unit 252 to the IR unit 31 of the TV unit 3.

  When the TV state management unit 331 of the TV unit 3 detects a power pressing signal from the IR unit 31, it detects the current activation state of the TV unit 3. Then, the TV state management unit 331 switches off when the current activation state of the TV unit 3 is on, and transmits an off signal as a TV state signal to the PC unit 4 via the PC cooperation I / F 35. On the other hand, the TV state management unit 331 switches on when the current activation state of the TV unit 3 is off, and transmits an on signal as a TV state signal to the PC unit 4 via the PC cooperation I / F 35.

  The TV state relay unit 431 of the PC unit 4 receives a TV state signal (ON signal or OFF signal) via the TV cooperation I / F 44, and sends this signal to the RF transmission / reception unit 262 of the remote control 2 via the RF unit 41. Send. Then, the power supply determination unit 242 determines whether or not the activation state of the TV unit 3 is ON by receiving the TV state signal via the RF unit 26 (S18).

  When the power supply determination unit 242 receives the ON signal as the TV state signal (YES in S18), the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the TV unit 3 is in the activated state. At this time, the power supply determination unit 242 transmits a TP ON signal to the power supply control unit 243 as the determination result. Then, the power supply control unit 243 starts supplying power to the touch pad unit 21. That is, the process proceeds to S14.

  On the other hand, when the power supply determination unit 242 receives the off signal as the TV state signal (NO in S18), the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the TV unit 3 is not in the activated state. At this time, the power supply determination unit 242 transmits a TP off signal to the power supply control unit 243 as the determination result. Then, when receiving the TP off signal, the power supply control unit 243 stops the power supply to the touch pad unit 21. That is, in S10, since the state of the touch pad 211 is a state in which the touch pad 211 cannot be detected (TPInactive), in the case of NO in S18, the current state of the touch pad 211 (TPInactive) is maintained. Become.

  Next, when the signal control unit 241 determines that the power key 221A has not been pressed (NO in S17), the signal control unit 241 determines whether or not the mode switching key 221B has been pressed (S20). When the mode switching key 221B is pressed, the function key control unit 222 detects that the mode switching key 221B is pressed, and transmits a mode switching pressing signal to the signal control unit 241 as a key state signal. When receiving the mode switching pressing signal, the signal control unit 241 determines that the mode switching key 221B has been pressed (YES in S20).

  If it is determined in the signal control unit 241 that the mode switching key 221B has been pressed, the signal control unit 241 refers to the current mode stored in the mode storage unit (not shown) and switches the current mode. Specifically, the signal control unit 241 switches to the PC mode when the current mode stored in the mode storage unit is the TV mode, while switching to the TV mode when the current mode is the PC mode. Switch. Thereby, the signal control unit 241 determines whether or not the mode after the mode switching key 221B is pressed is the PC mode (S21).

  When the signal control unit 241 determines that the PC mode is selected (YES in S21), that is, when the signal control unit 241 switches to the PC mode, the signal control unit 241 sends the PC mode signal to the power supply determination unit 242. Send.

  When receiving the PC mode signal, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the remote controller 2 is in the PC mode, and transmits a TP on signal to the power supply control unit 243 as a determination result. When receiving the TP ON signal, the power supply control unit 243 starts supplying power to the touch pad unit 21. That is, the process proceeds to S14.

  On the other hand, when the signal control unit 241 determines that the TV mode is set (NO in S21), that is, when the signal control unit 241 switches to the TV mode, the signal control unit 241 converts the TV mode signal into the power supply determination unit. To 242.

  When receiving the TV mode signal, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the remote controller 2 is in the TV mode, and transmits a TP off signal to the power supply control unit 243 as a determination result. When receiving the TP off signal, the power supply control unit 243 stops the power supply to the touch pad unit 21. That is, returning to the process of S10, the current state of the touch pad 211 (TPInactive) is maintained.

  Next, when the signal control unit 241 determines that the mode switching key 221B has not been pressed (NO in S20), the signal control unit 241 determines whether or not the start menu key 221C has been pressed. When the start menu key 221C is pressed, the function key control unit 222 detects that the start menu key 221C is in a pressed state, and transmits a start menu pressing signal as a key state signal. When receiving the start menu pressing signal, the signal control unit 241 determines that the start menu key 221C has been pressed, and transmits the start menu pressing signal to the power supply determination unit 242 (YES in S22).

  When receiving the start menu pressing signal, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the start menu key 221C has been pressed, and transmits a TP on signal to the power supply control unit 243 as a determination result. When receiving the TP ON signal, the power supply control unit 243 starts supplying power to the touch pad unit 21. That is, the process proceeds to S14.

  On the other hand, when the start menu key 221C is not pressed, the function key control unit 222 detects that the start menu key 221C is not pressed and transmits a start menu non-press signal as a key status signal. To do. When receiving the start menu non-pressing signal, the signal control unit 241 determines that the start menu key 221C is not pressed, and transmits this start menu non-pressing signal to the power supply determining unit 242 (NO in S22).

  When receiving the start menu non-pressing signal, the power supply determination unit 242 determines that the start menu key 221C has not been pressed, and transmits a TP off signal to the power supply control unit 243 as a determination result. Then, when receiving the TP off signal, the power supply control unit 243 stops the power supply to the touch pad 211. That is, in S10, since the state of the touch pad 211 is a state that cannot be detected by the touch pad 211 (TPInactive), in the case of NO in S22, the current state of the touch pad 211 (TPInactive) is maintained. Become.

  As described above, when there is no input to the touch pad 211 before the time measured by the timer 244 reaches 0, or when the power of the TV unit 3 is turned off, the power supply control unit of the remote controller 2 is used. In step S243, the power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is stopped. On the other hand, when the touch pad 211 is pressed, the power of the TV unit 3 is turned on, the PC mode is entered, or the start menu key 221C is pressed, power is supplied to the touch pad unit 21. I do.

  That is, in the remote controller 2 according to the present embodiment, for example, power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is controlled regardless of the part related to the input from each means provided in the remote controller 2 such as the function key 221. For this reason, in the situation where the user does not use the touch pad 211, the remote control 2 can be configured not to supply power to the touch pad unit 21 even if power is supplied to the part related to the input from the function key 221 or the like. . For this reason, the power consumption in the remote controller 2 can be reliably reduced. In particular, in the remote control 2 that is normally driven by a battery, being able to appropriately stop the power supply to the touch pad unit 21 that consumes a large amount of power has a significant power saving effect and extends the life of the battery used in the remote control 2. be able to.

  Further, when the power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is stopped, the power supply control unit 243 resumes the power supply to the touch pad unit 21 when the touch pad 211 is pressed. Accordingly, even when the touch pad 211 is in the standby mode, the touch pad 211 can be set to the operation mode without touching a key other than the touch pad 211, so that the power supply to the touch pad 211 is stopped. Even so, excellent operability can be provided.

  Further, the remote controller 2 shifts from the standby mode to the operation mode when the touch pad 211 is pressed. That is, since the remote controller 2 does not detect an event such as something accidentally touching the surface of the touch pad 211 during the standby mode, the above-described transition can be performed based only on the user's conscious operation. it can.

  Further, in the remote controller 2, even when the touch pad 211 is pressed, the power supply control unit 243 stops the power supply to the touch pad unit 21 while the touch pad 211 is pressed. Further, even if power supply to the touch pad unit 21 is started, the touch pad control unit 212 controls the touch pad 211 not to detect for a certain period of time.

  Thus, the remote controller 2 does not detect coordinates while the touch pad 211 is pressed and immediately after the touch pad 211 is turned on. Can be avoided.

  Further, when the start menu key 221C is pressed, a list of start menus is displayed on the monitor 34 of the TV unit 3, and a menu is normally selected from the list. That is, when the start menu key 221C is pressed, there is a high possibility that the touch pad 211 is operated. Note that the touch pad 211 is used even when the function key 221 for controlling the PC unit 4 is pressed, such as when the mode switching key 221B is pressed to enter the PC mode, not limited to the start menu key 221C. There is a high possibility of doing.

  Therefore, the remote controller 2 has a configuration in which the power supply control unit 243 supplies power to the touch pad unit 21 when a function key 221 that may use the touch pad 211 is pressed. The operability of the touch pad 211 can be further improved.

[Supplement]
Finally, each block of the remote controller 2, in particular, the signal control unit 241, the power supply determination unit 242, and the power supply control unit 243 may be configured by hardware logic, or realized by software using a CPU as follows. May be.

  That is, the remote controller 2 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program for realizing each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program, A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing programs and various data is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program for the remote controller 2 which is software for realizing the above-described functions is recorded in a computer-readable manner. This can also be achieved by supplying the remote control 2 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  The remote controller 2 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Also, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Since the input device according to the present invention can stop the power supply to the touch pad when the touch pad is not used, it is effective for a relatively small device and a device that is generally not rechargeable, such as a remote controller. Available to: Further, the present invention is not limited to the remote controller, and can be applied to various electronic devices including a touch pad that can be pressed.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a remote control, TV part, and PC part in the transmission / reception system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the transmission / reception system provided with the remote control, TV part, and PC part which are shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the remote control cross section of the transmission / reception system shown in FIG. 1, The figure (a) has shown the state of push SW when the touchpad is touched, The figure (b) is a touch. The state of the push SW when the pad is pressed is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process until the touchpad of the remote control of the transmission / reception system shown in FIG. 1 changes from operation mode to standby mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process until the touchpad of the remote control of the transmission / reception system shown in FIG. 1 changes from standby mode to operation mode. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a prior art and shows the touchpad which can be pressed conventionally.

Explanation of symbols

1 Transmission / reception system 2 Remote control (input device)
3 TV section (electronic equipment)
4 PC section (electronic equipment)
23 Push SW (Operation detection means)
27 Power supply 211 Touch pad 221 Function key (operation acquisition means)
241 Signal control unit (signal control means)
242 Power supply determination unit (power supply determination means)
243 Power supply control unit (power supply control means)

Claims (8)

An input device comprising a touchpad, operation acquisition means for acquiring a user operation different from the touchpad, and a power supply for supplying power,
Power supply determination means for determining whether to supply power to the touchpad;
Power supply control means for controlling power supply from the power source to the touchpad independently from power supply to a portion related to an input from the operation acquisition means, according to a determination result of the power supply determination means; An input device comprising: It further comprises operation detection means for detecting that the touchpad has been operated,
The power supply determination means supplies power to the touch pad when the operation detection means detects that the touch pad is operated when the power supply control means is in a state of not supplying power to the touch pad. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is determined. The touchpad has a movable operation surface operated by the user,
The input device according to claim 2, wherein the operation detection unit detects that the operation surface has moved.   2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply determination unit determines to supply power to the touch pad when a function requiring use of the touch pad is called by the operation acquisition unit. . An output signal based on a user operation acquired via the touchpad or the operation acquisition unit is output to an electronic device,
The power supply determination means receives activation state information indicating whether or not the electronic device is activated from the electronic device, and
When the activation state information indicates activation of the electronic device, it is determined that power is supplied to the touch pad. On the other hand, when the activation state information indicates non-activation of the electronic device, it is determined that power is not supplied to the touch pad. The input device according to claim 1.   It further comprises signal control means for transmitting an output signal for instructing switching of the activation state of the electronic device to the electronic device when a predetermined operation is performed on the touchpad or the operation acquisition means. The input device according to claim 5.   A transmission / reception system comprising: the input device according to claim 1; and an electronic device that switches its activation state and transmits activation state information indicating the switched activation state to the input device. An input device control method comprising: a touchpad; an operation acquisition unit that acquires a user operation different from the touchpad; and a power supply that supplies power.
A power supply determination step for determining whether to supply power to the touchpad;
A power supply control step for controlling power supply from the power source to the touchpad independently of power supply to a part related to an input from the operation acquisition unit, according to a determination result in the power supply determination step. And a method of controlling the input device.

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