JP2018136643A - Case for electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device case capable of improving operability when a general-purpose electronic device is used for order entry work. An electronic device case attached to a portable electronic device having a display screen on a front surface, the main body portion detachably holding the electronic device with the front surface of the electronic device exposed. A connection unit for connecting to an electronic device attached to the main unit, a cover unit for opening and closing the front surface of the electronic device, and a data unit provided on a surface of the cover unit facing the front surface of the electronic device, A first operation unit having an input operation unit, wherein the connection unit inputs information corresponding to an operation on the operation unit of the first operation unit to the electronic device. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronic device case.

  Conventionally, in restaurants such as restaurants, order entry operations are performed by using a dedicated terminal called a handy terminal. The handy terminal is provided with operation keys relating to order entry operations such as a menu key for designating various menus, an option menu key for designating topping, etc., and a numeric keypad. The store clerk performs an order entry operation by inputting an order received from a customer into the handy terminal. The order contents input to the handy terminal are transmitted as order information to an order station or the like provided in the store.

  In recent years, an application for order entry has been introduced into a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone to use it as a handy terminal. Such general-purpose electronic devices mainly perform touch operations on the display screen (touch panel), and therefore, order entry work is performed while switching the display screen (input screen) such as the menu key, option menu key, and numeric keypad described above. .

  By the way, in a general-purpose electronic device, since the size of the display screen is limited, the number of menus that can be displayed on one screen is limited. Therefore, conventionally, many menus are supported by displaying a menu screen for selecting a menu in multiple layers. However, in such an operation method, since the operation becomes complicated due to screen switching or the like, the operability is poor, and there is a possibility that the order entry operation may be hindered such as the time required for customer service becomes long.

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a case for electronic equipment capable of improving operability when a general-purpose electronic equipment is used for order entry work.

  An electronic device case according to an embodiment is an electronic device case attached to a portable electronic device having a display screen on a front surface, and the electronic device can be attached and detached with the front surface of the electronic device exposed. A main body part to be held; a connection part connected to an electronic device attached to the main body part; a cover part that covers the front surface of the electronic device so as to be openable and closable; and a surface side of the cover part that faces the front surface of the electronic device And a first operation unit having a data input operation unit, wherein the connection unit inputs information corresponding to an operation on the operation unit of the first operation unit to the electronic device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device case according to the embodiment. Drawing 2 is a figure showing the state where electronic equipment was attached to the case for electronic equipment of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the electronic device case and the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operations of the electronic device case and the electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the electronic device case according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the electronic device case according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a case for an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, although the following embodiment demonstrates the example which uses the case for electronic devices of this invention for the order entry operation | work in a restaurant, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device case 10 according to the present embodiment. The electronic device case 10 is a case for housing the electronic device 20. The electronic device 20 is a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal having a display (touch panel) disposed on the front surface. The electronic device 20 may be privately owned by a store employee or distributed from the store to each employee.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic device 20 includes a substantially rectangular housing 21. A display unit 22 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is disposed on the front side of the electronic device 20, and a touch pad 23 is disposed on the surface of the display unit 22. Various types of information are displayed on the display unit 22. The touch pad 23 is a touch panel that can detect the operation position of the finger on the screen of the display unit 22, and is configured by, for example, a capacitive touch sensor.

  On the side surface of the electronic device 20, a connector 24 including a connector such as a microUSB (Universal Serial Bus), a controller, and the like is provided. The electronic device 20 is electrically connected to an external device (for example, the electronic device case 10) via the connection unit 24.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device case 10 includes a main body portion 11 to which the electronic device 20 can be detachably attached, and a cover portion 13 connected to the main body portion 11 by a rotation support portion 12. Prepare. The rotation support part 12 is, for example, a hinge or the like, and the cover part 13 is connected to the main body part 11 via the rotation support part 12 so as to be rotatable.

  The main body portion 11 includes a bottom surface portion 111 that faces the back surface of the electronic device 20 in a state where the electronic device 20 is attached, and a side wall portion 112 that stands on the periphery of the bottom surface portion 111. The bottom surface portion 111 has a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the electronic device 20. The side wall portion 112 has a height corresponding to the thickness of the electronic device 20 and supports the electronic device 20 from the side surface.

  Further, a connection portion 113 (see FIG. 3) is provided at a position corresponding to the connection portion 24 of the electronic device 20 on the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 112, that is, the surface side in contact with the electronic device 20. The connection unit 113 includes a connector corresponding to the connector shape of the connection unit 24 and is electrically connected to the connection unit 24 of the electronic device 20 when the electronic device 20 is attached to the main body unit 11.

  Further, a side key 114 is provided on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 112, that is, on the surface side facing the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 112. The side key 114 is an example of a second operation unit, and includes various operators for data input. The side key 114 includes various operators related to order entry work such as a direction key for instructing the up and down direction and a confirmation key. Although the position where the side key 114 is provided is not particularly limited, it is preferably provided when a finger such as a thumb is located when the main body 11 is gripped.

  In addition, a power supply connecting portion 115 is provided on the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 112. The power connection unit 115 includes a power receiving connector and is connected to an external power source via a cable (not shown).

  The cover portion 13 is configured to be able to open and close the front surface of the electronic device 20 attached to the main body portion 11. A main key 131 for data input is provided on the side of the cover portion 13 that faces the front surface of the electronic device 20. The main key 131 is an example of a first operation unit. For example, an order entry service such as a numeric keypad for inputting a numerical value, a menu key for selecting various menus, an option menu key for selecting a topping, and the like. Have various controls. Each key preferably has a name or the like indicating the function of the key (see FIG. 2).

  In the electronic device case 10 configured as described above, a user such as an employee fits the electronic device 20 into the recess D1 formed by the bottom surface portion 111 and the side wall portion 112 with the front surface of the electronic device 20 facing upward. Thus, the electronic device 20 can be attached to the main body 11.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the electronic device 20 is attached to the electronic device case 10. Here, Fig.2 (a) has shown the state (closed state) which closed the cover part 13. FIG. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a state where the electronic device 20 is attached to the electronic device case 10 and illustrates a state where the cover portion 13 is opened (open state).

  In the electronic device case 10, as shown in FIG. 2A, the display screen of the electronic device 20 can be protected by the cover portion 13 by closing the cover portion 13. In the electronic device case 10, as shown in FIG. 2B, the main key 131 can be operated by opening the cover portion 13. Note that the side key 114 may be configured to validate operations on the main key 131 and the side key 114 on condition that the cover portion 13 is in an open state. In this case, for example, an open / close sensor that detects the open / closed state of the cover unit 13 may be provided in the electronic device case 10 and the operation may be enabled / disabled based on the detection result of the open / close sensor.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the electronic device case 10 and the electronic device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic device case 10 includes a storage unit 14 in addition to the connection unit 113, the side key 114, the power supply connection unit 115, and the main key 131 described above.

  The power supply connection unit 115 supplies power supplied from an external power supply to each unit of the case 10 for electronic equipment.

  The connection unit 113 exchanges power and various information with the electronic device 20 that is electrically connected. Specifically, the connection unit 113 supplies the power supplied via the power supply connection unit 115 to each unit of the electronic device case 10. Thereby, the electronic device 20 can receive power supply from an external power source for charging or the like with the electronic device case 10 attached.

  Further, the connection unit 113 supplies the power supplied from the electronic device 20 to each unit of the case 10 for electronic device. Specifically, the connection unit 113 supplies the power supplied from the electronic device 20 to each unit of the electronic device case 10 when an external power source is not connected to the power supply connection unit 115.

  In addition, when the connection unit 113 receives a key operation on the side key 114 or the main key 131, the connection unit 113 outputs information (operation signal) corresponding to the key operation to the electronic device 20.

  In addition, the connection unit 113 provides the electronic device 20 with an application (program), setting information, and the like stored in the storage unit 14 so as to be executable (readable).

  The storage unit 14 is built in, for example, the main body unit 11 (bottom surface unit 111) and includes a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 14 stores various data related to the operation of the electronic device case 10 so as to be readable from the electronic device 20 connected to the connection unit 113.

  Specifically, the storage unit 14 stores a program for causing the connected electronic device 20 to execute. The program includes a program for causing the electronic device 20 housed in the electronic device case 10 to function as a handy terminal for order entry.

  For example, the storage unit 14 stores a first program (device driver or the like) for enabling operation input using the side key 114 and the main key 131.

  In addition, the storage unit 14 stores a second program for connecting the wireless communication unit 205 included in the electronic device 20 to a network (hereinafter referred to as an in-store network) provided in a store such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Remember. It is assumed that an order station (not shown) for managing order information is connected to the in-store network.

  The storage unit 14 also stores a third program for causing the electronic device 20 to function as a handy terminal for order entry. The third program has, for example, a function for causing the display unit 22 to display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various menu orders. In addition, the third program, for example, wirelessly transmits order information indicating a menu input via the side key 114 or the main key 131 to an order station (not shown) via the wireless communication unit 205. It has a function.

  In addition, the storage unit 14 stores a fourth program for invalidating a function provided in advance in the electronic device 20. The function to be invalidated is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to target a function unnecessary for order entry work such as a mobile communication function.

  The storage unit 14 stores various setting information related to the execution of each program described above. For example, the storage unit 14 stores setting information in which key layouts of the side keys 114 and the main key 131, functions assigned to the keys, and the like are set. In addition, the storage unit 14 stores setting information related to wireless communication such as a password for connecting to the in-store network and an IP address of an order station (not shown).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the electronic device 20 has the CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, storage unit 204, wireless communication unit 205, mobile communication unit 206, audio, together with the display unit 22, touch pad 23, and connection unit 24 described above. An input / output unit 207, a secondary battery 208, and the like are provided.

  The CPU 201 controls the operation of each unit of the electronic device 20. The ROM 202 stores a program executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The storage unit 204 is a storage medium such as a flash memory or an SSD, and stores a program executed by the CPU 201, an operating system, and the like.

  The wireless communication unit 205 is a communication interface capable of performing wireless communication such as WiFi. The mobile communication unit 206 is a communication interface capable of performing mobile communication such as fourth generation. The voice input / output unit 207 includes a microphone, a speaker, and the like.

  The secondary battery 208 stores (charges) power supplied from an external power source via the connection unit 24. Further, the secondary battery 208 supplies the stored power to each part of the electronic device 20.

  In the above-described configuration, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 implements various functions related to order entry work by executing a program stored in the storage unit 14 of the case 10 for electronic device via the connection unit 24.

  Next, an example of operations of the electronic device case 10 and the electronic device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of operations of the electronic device case 10 and the electronic device 20.

  When the electronic device 20 is attached to the electronic device case 10 and the connection unit 113 and the connection unit 24 are electrically connected (step S11), the connection unit 113 can access the storage unit 14 to the electronic device 20. (Step S12).

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 accesses the storage unit 14 of the electronic device case 10 and reads the program and setting information stored in the storage unit 14 (step S13).

  Next, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 executes the read program based on the setting information (step S14), thereby realizing various functions related to order entry work (step S15).

  Specifically, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 executes a first program so that an operation input via the side key 114 and the main key 131 can be received. Further, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 connects the wireless communication unit 205 to the in-store network by executing the second program. In addition, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 displays the order entry GUI on the display unit 22 by executing the third program. Then, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 stops the functional units such as the mobile communication unit 206 unnecessary for the order entry operation by executing the fourth program.

  Through the above processing, the electronic device 20 can use the side key 114 and the main key 131 provided in the electronic device case 10 as input devices. As a result, it is possible to input the menu received from the customer by the key operation of the side key 114 and the main key 131. Therefore, compared with the operation method of inputting the menu while switching the menu screen, the order entry operation can be performed easily and easily. Can be done efficiently. That is, by attaching the electronic device 20 to the electronic device case 10, the electronic device case 10 and the electronic device 20 can be used in the same manner as a dedicated terminal (handy terminal) for order entry.

  In addition, since the electronic device case 10 stores the program and setting information related to the order entry operation and provides the electronic device 20 so as to be readable, the electronic device 20 can easily and efficiently prepare for the order entry operation. Can be done. Moreover, in the case 10 for electronic devices, since the display function of GUIs, such as a menu, and the communication function with the network in a store can be implement | achieved using the electronic device 20, compared with the dedicated terminal for order entry duties, manufacturing cost is reduced Can be reduced. Moreover, in the case 10 for electronic devices, since the function which the electronic device 20 has, a function unnecessary for order entry work can be invalidated, for example, general-purpose electronic devices 20 such as a smartphone possessed by an employee. Can be used effectively.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 is configured to read and execute a program stored in the electronic device case 10, but is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 is configured to hold the program in the storage unit 204 of the own device by introducing (installing) the program read from the storage unit 14 of the case 10 for the electronic device into the own device. It is good. In this case, for example, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 installs the program and the setting information stored in the storage unit 14 of the electronic device case 10 in the storage unit 204 of the own device at the first connection with the electronic device case 10. Or make a copy. Further, at the time of connection after the next time, the CPU 201 of the electronic device 20 refers to the version of the program and setting information stored in the storage unit 14 of the case 10 for electronic device, and if the version is newer than the version installed in the own device. It is good also as a structure to update.

  In the above embodiment, the main key 131 is a hardware key. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main key 131 may be configured by a software key by using electronic paper, touch panel technology, or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit (side key 114 and main key 131) is provided on each of the side wall 112 and the cover unit 13 of the main body unit 11. Not limited to. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the electronic device case 10 and illustrates an example including a third operation unit. FIG. 5 shows an example in which a data input subkey 116 is provided at a position below the electronic device 20 (display unit 22) in the main body 11 of the case 10 for electronic device. The sub key 116 has various operators related to order entry work such as a numeric keypad. Thus, it is preferable to provide the sub key 116 at a position where the key operation can be easily performed when the electronic device case 10 is gripped. Note that the key layout of the sub keys 116 and the functions assigned to the keys are set in the setting information.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case 10 for electronic devices demonstrated the structure which operate | moves with the electric power supplied from the electronic device 20 or an external power supply, not only this but the case 10 for electronic devices is equipped with a secondary battery, It is good also as a structure which operate | moves with the electric power supplied from the said secondary battery.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the electronic device case 10 and illustrates a state where the cover portion 13 is closed and the bottom surface of the main body portion 11 faces upward. As shown to Fig.6 (a), the main-body part 11 is equipped with the recessed part D2 for attaching the secondary battery 117 so that attachment or detachment is possible. A power supply terminal (not shown) is provided on the wall surface of the recess D2. The secondary battery 117 is attached to the main body 11 by being fitted into the recess D2 of the main body 11 as shown in FIG. The secondary battery 117 stores (charges) electric power supplied from an external power supply via the power supply connection unit 115. Moreover, the secondary battery 117 will supply the stored electric power to each part of the case 10 for electronic devices, if a connection with an external power supply is cut | disconnected. Note that the connection unit 113 may be configured to supply power supplied from the secondary battery 117 to the electronic device 20.

  When the configuration of FIG. 6 is adopted, the power consumption of the electronic device 20 can be suppressed because the driving power can be covered by the case 10 for the electronic device alone. In addition, when the storage amount of the electronic device 20 or the secondary battery 117 is reduced, the time available for the order entry operation can be extended by replacing the secondary battery 117 with a separately charged battery.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Case for electronic devices 11 Main-body part 111 Bottom part 112 Side wall part 113 Connection part 114 Side key 115 Power supply connection part 116 Sub key 117 Secondary battery 12 Rotation support part 13 Cover part 131 Main key 20 Electronic device 21 Case 22 Display part 23 Touchpad 24 Connection

JP 2013-187636 A

Claims (5)

A case for an electronic device attached to a portable electronic device having a display screen on the front surface,
With the front surface of the electronic device exposed, a main body that holds the electronic device detachably,
A connection part for connecting to an electronic device attached to the main body part;
A cover that covers the front surface of the electronic device so as to be openable and closable;
A first operation unit provided on a surface side of the cover unit facing the front surface of the electronic device and having a data input operator;
With
The connection unit is an electronic device case for inputting information corresponding to an operation on the operator of the first operation unit to the electronic device. The main body includes a side wall that supports the electronic device from a side surface, and a second operation unit that is provided on an outer wall surface of the side wall and includes the data input operation element.
2. The electronic device case according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit inputs information corresponding to an operation on an operator of the second operation unit to the electronic device. A storage unit that stores a program related to the data input;
The case for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit provides the electronic device so that the program stored in the storage unit can be executed.   The electronic device case according to claim 3, wherein the storage unit stores a program for invalidating a specific function provided in advance in the electronic device. The main body further includes a secondary battery,
The case for an electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection unit supplies electric power of the secondary battery to the electronic device.

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