JP2002315071A - Jack for remote control use, plug for remote-control cable, plug for interface cable and remote-control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control apparatus which is usable for application, other than remote control use and lessens user's load, in the case that a remote control cable is broken. SOLUTION: The remote control apparatus has a jack 1 which is connected alternate to a first plug 8 attached to a remote control cable, and a second plug 6 attached to a specified interface cable. The jack 1 has terminals 4 used in common for the alternative connection. For the interface cable using an USB cable, the jack comprises a first terminal, having four approximately flush terminals for USB as commonly used terminals, and a second terminal, having substantially flush terminals to be connected to only the second plug at positions facing the four terminals.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control jack, a remote control cable plug, an interface cable plug, and a remote control cable which are provided in a remote control device and are used for selectively connecting a remote control cable and a predetermined interface cable. The present invention relates to a remote control device having a remote control jack.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a conventional portable device using a CD, MD or the like as a recording medium and a remote control device therefor. In the figure, 40 is a portable device, 41 is a jack provided on the portable device 40, 43 is a remote control for controlling the portable device, 44 is a remote control cable attached to the remote control 43, 45 is a remote control cable 44 connecting the portable device 40 A plug attached to the remote control cable 44 for connection to the portable device 40 via the remote control 43 is a plug attached to the portable device 40, and an LCD provided on the remote control 43 is
(Liquid crystal display) and 48 are operation keys provided on the remote controller 43.

[0003] In this configuration, the user operates the plug 45
Into the jack 41, set the headphones 46 to the ears, and operate the keys 48 on the remote control 43 to
Control the portable device 40 to play MDs and CDs,
You can enjoy the music. At this time, the operation state of the portable device 40 is displayed on the LCD 47.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the remote controller 43 and the like. As shown in the figure, the audio signal output from the portable device 40 is connected to the headphone jack 4 via left and right audio data terminals L and R provided on the remote controller 43 via the respective terminals of the plug 45 and the remote controller cable 44.
9 and converted to a musical tone. The remote controller 43 includes a microcomputer 42, and the microcomputer 42 displays various information on the LCD 47 based on information transmitted from the portable device 40 via a plug 45 and a remote control cable 44.
In addition, the operation result of the key 48 indicates that the cable 44 and the plug 4
5 and is sent to the portable device 40.

[0005]

However, such a conventional remote control device is used for controlling portable equipment, and cannot be used for other purposes. In addition, the remote control cable is easy to break, and if it breaks, the remote controller integrated with the remote control cable must also be replaced, which places a heavy burden on the user.

An object of the present invention is to provide a remote control device which can be used for purposes other than the remote control and can reduce the burden on the user when the remote control cable is disconnected.

[0007]

In order to achieve this object, a remote control jack according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first plug attached to a remote control cable and a second plug attached to a predetermined interface cable. A jack used for an alternative connection and provided in a remote control device, comprising a terminal commonly used for the alternative connection.

Here, as another interface cable, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface cable is applicable. As the remote control device, for example, a device for controlling a portable audio device for reproducing a CD or MD by a user via a remote control cable is applicable. "Alternative connection"
One of the first plug and the second plug is selectively connected,
It means that both are not connected at the same time.
The "alternative" is not limited to the alternative but may be the alternative. That is, there may be a plurality of types of the predetermined interface cable and the second plug.

In this configuration, when the plug of the remote control cable is inserted into the jack, portable equipment or the like connected to the remote control device via the remote control cable can be controlled by the remote control device.
On the other hand, when the plug of another interface cable is inserted, audio data or the like is input to the remote controller via the interface cable, and the remote controller can output an audio signal or the like based on the data. Therefore, the remote controller can be used not only for a remote controller such as a portable device but also for other applications using an interface cable.
Further, since the jack is provided in the remote control device, the remote control cable can be detached from the remote control device simply by inserting and removing the first plug into and from the jack. Therefore, when a trouble such as disconnection occurs in the remote control cable, the trouble can be solved only by replacing the remote control cable having the first plug.

A remote control jack according to a second aspect of the present invention
In the first invention, the interface cable is U
An SB cable having a first terminal portion having four USB terminals on the same plane as the commonly used terminals, and being connected only to the second plug at a position opposed to the four terminals; A second terminal portion having terminals on substantially the same plane.

In this configuration, when the second plug to which the USB cable is connected is inserted into the remote control jack, the connection with the USB cable is performed via the terminal of the first terminal portion. On the other hand, when the first plug to which the remote control cable is connected is inserted, the connection with the remote control cable is made via each terminal of the first and second terminal portions. At this time, the remote control device can transmit and receive the signal for the remote control via the terminal of the first terminal portion, and the audio data transmitted via the remote control cable is transmitted to the second terminal.
The signal can be received via each terminal of the terminal section. Since the shared four terminals and the other terminals are configured to face each other, the remote control jack is configured with a compact configuration. In addition, audio data or the like by MP3 can be input to the remote control device via a USB cable.

A remote control cable plug according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the plug is configured as a first plug in the remote control jack according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.

The plug for an interface cable according to a fourth invention is characterized in that it is configured as a second plug in the remote control jack according to the first or second invention.

A remote control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes the remote control jack according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, and further includes a unit for decoding digital data input through an interface cable connected to the jack. It is characterized by. According to this, it is possible to decode digital data such as MP3 input through the interface cable and convert it into audio in the same manner as in the case of audio data transmitted through the remote control cable.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote control device according to the fifth aspect, further comprising a semiconductor memory for storing digital data input through the remote control jack. Here, digital data input via the remote control jack may be input via any of a remote control cable and an interface cable. According to this, music and the like can be enjoyed based on data stored in the semiconductor memory with only the remote control device without connecting to a portable device or the like.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the remote control device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, when electric power is supplied via the interface cable, the remote control device has means for storing the electric power. According to this, the stored power can be used when the interface cable is not connected.

[0017]

FIG. 1 shows a jack of a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present invention and a plug adapted thereto. In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 1 denotes a jack provided on the remote control device, and includes a terminal portion 2 and a terminal portion 3. Terminal 2
Has four terminals 4 commonly used for remote control and USB for portable audio equipment on the same plane. The terminal 3 is connected to a terminal 5 for inputting digital audio data from a portable audio device.
Are provided on the same plane at positions facing the respective terminals.

FIG. 1B shows a USB plug 6 that can be inserted into the jack 1. The plug 6 is connected to a USB cable, and has four terminals 7 connected to the respective terminals 4 of the terminal portion 2 when inserted into the jack 1. FIG. 1C shows a plug 8 for a remote control that can be inserted into the jack 1. The plug 8 is connected to a remote control cable, and when it is inserted into the jack 1, three terminals 9 respectively connected to the respective terminals 5 of the terminal portion 3 and four terminals 10 respectively connected to the respective terminals 4 of the terminal portion 2. Having. The jack 1 has a shape suitable for fitting with both the plug 6 and the plug 8.

The plug 8 of the remote control cable and the plug 6 of the USB cable are used for alternate connection with the jack 1. When the plug 6 is inserted into the jack 1, each terminal 4 of the jack 1 is connected to each terminal 7 of the plug 6, and a power supply (VDD) line, a USB differential signal (D +, D-), and a ground ( GND) line. When the plug 8 is inserted into the jack 1, each terminal 4 of the jack 1 is connected to each terminal 10 of the plug 8 and used for remote control. That is, via each terminal used for the USB differential signal (D +, D-),
Data for display on the remote control device is input from the portable audio device, and a key input result on the remote control device is output to the portable audio device. Each terminal 5 of the terminal section 3 is connected to each terminal 9 of the plug 8, and through each terminal 5, a digital data signal DATA from the portable audio device, and a bit clock BCK for extracting and identifying each bit thereof. And a word clock LRCK for synchronous coupling between devices,
Input to the remote control device.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing a remote control device provided with a jack 1. Reference numeral 21 in the figure denotes a microcomputer to which each terminal of the jack 1 is connected, which constitutes a USB interface 22, a flash memory interface 23, and has a game function 24. Reference numeral 51 denotes a NAND flash memory in which digital audio data is recorded via the flash memory interface 23; 25, an MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-III) decoder connected to the microcomputer 21; A D / A converter for converting the data into analog data for output; 27, an amplifier for amplifying the output of the D / A converter 26; 28, a headphone jack connected to the amplifier 27; An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 30 for displaying the operation state of the audio equipment, and an LCD driver 30 that drives the LCD 29 based on a command from the microcomputer 21. Reference numeral 31 denotes a key operation unit for giving instructions to the microcomputer 21 and controlling the operation of the portable device and the like, and has key switches S1, S2 and the like. Reference numeral 32 denotes an AM / FM tuner whose audio signal output is input to the amplifier 27.

Reference numeral 33 denotes a power supply for supplying a power supply voltage VDD to each unit of the apparatus. The power source 33 is a switching transistor Q, a control IC 3 for controlling this switching.
5. A DC / DC converter comprising a diode D, a coil C and a capacitor C is provided, and a constant power supply voltage VDD is supplied from the battery B via the DC / DC converter. The power supply 33 also includes a charging circuit 34 between the battery B and the power supply voltage VDD. U
The plug 6 of the SB cable is inserted into the jack 1 and
When power is supplied via SB, the voltage is
Since the voltage is higher than the voltage of 3, the IC 35 stops operating, and the battery B is charged via the charging circuit 34.

In this configuration, when the plug 8 of the remote control cable connected to the portable audio device is inserted into the jack 1, the result of the input by the key 31 passes through the microcomputer 21 to the differential signal D + of the terminal 2. Is sent to portable audio equipment from the terminal. Thus, the user can control the portable audio device by operating the key 31. Data relating to the state of the portable audio device based on this control is sent to the microcomputer 21 via the terminal for the differential signal D− of the terminal unit 2. Based on this, the microcomputer 21 displays information on the state of the portable audio device on the LCD 29.

Digital audio data from a portable audio device is input to the microcomputer 21 via the terminal 3 of the jack 1. The microcomputer 21 can output the audio data to the D / A converter 26 without passing through the MP3 decoder 25, or can output the audio data to the flash memory 51 via the flash memory interface 23. The digital audio data output to the D / A converter 26 is converted into analog data, and output from the headphone jack 28 via the amplifier 27. Further, the microcomputer 21 outputs the digital audio data output to the flash memory 51 to the D / A converter 26 according to a user's instruction. The digital audio data output to the D / A converter 26 is output from the headphone jack 28 in the same manner.

On the other hand, when the plug 6 connected to the USB cable is inserted into the jack 1 and data encoded by MP3 is input via USB, the microcomputer 21 takes in the data via the USB interface 22. Are stored in the flash memory 51 via the flash memory interface 23. During this time, the remote control device operates based on the electric power supplied via the USB, and the charging circuit 34 charges the battery B. When the plug 6 is removed, the remote controller operates based on the power supplied from the battery B. The MP3 data stored in the flash memory 51 is transmitted to the MP3 decoder 2 by the microcomputer 21 in accordance with a user instruction.
5, output to the headphone jack 28 via the D / A converter 26 and the amplifier 27.

When no plug is inserted into the jack 1, the microcomputer 21 can provide the user with a radio function and a game function 24 by the tuner 31 in accordance with a user's instruction.

According to the present embodiment, the jack 1 for connecting to the remote control cable is provided in the remote control device, and the remote control cable is detachable from the remote control device.
Even if the remote control cable is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the remote control cable alone, so that the burden on the user can be reduced. In addition, since the jack 1 can be shared by the USB plug 6 and the remote control plug 8, the function of the remote control device can be increased while preventing the remote control device from being enlarged. In addition, since the flash memory 51 is provided so that audio data can be stored, music such as CDs and MDs can be enjoyed only with the remote control device. Also, a charging circuit 34 is provided,
When the power is supplied via the battery B, the battery B of the remote control device can be charged, so that the power supplied via the USB can be effectively used and the power stored in the battery B can be reduced. Can be reduced. Further, since the game function 24 and the tuner 32 are provided, these functions can be enjoyed only with the remote control device. Also, the D / A converter 26
And the amplifier 27, it is possible to enjoy music and the like with good sound quality without signal deterioration in the remote control cable as compared with the case where these are provided on the portable device side.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be appropriately modified and implemented. For example, in the above, the MP3 decoder 25 is provided,
3 can decode the audio data. Instead of this, WMA (Windows (registered trademark) Medi
a Audio) decoder may be provided so that audio data by WMA can be decoded. In the above description, the NAND flash memory 51 is used as a memory for storing audio data. However, a memory stick (trademark) or another memory card may be used instead.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, a jack is provided in a remote control device, and this is an alternative to a first plug attached to a remote control cable and a second plug attached to a predetermined interface cable. The jack is provided with a terminal that is commonly used for selective connection and is used for alternative connection, so the remote control device can be used not only for remote control such as portable equipment but also for other uses using interface cables. Can be used. Further, when a trouble such as disconnection occurs in the remote control cable, it is only necessary to replace the remote control cable having the first plug, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

As an interface cable, U
Use SB cable and use US as common terminal
A first terminal portion having four terminals for B substantially on the same plane, and a second terminal portion having terminals on the same plane that are connected only to the second plug at positions opposed to the four terminals are provided. Therefore, the remote control jack can be configured with a compact configuration. In addition, audio data or the like by MP3 can be input to the remote control device via a USB cable.

Further, since the plug for the remote control cable and the plug for the interface cable are configured as the first plug or the second plug used for such a jack for the remote control, these plugs are connected to the remote control. By using for the jack for
The advantages of the above-described remote control jack can be enjoyed.

Further, since the remote control device is provided with the above-mentioned remote control jack and a means for decoding digital data input through an interface cable connected to the remote control device, input through the interface cable is provided. Digital data such as MP3 to be decoded can be decoded and used. For example, the decoded data can be D / A converted using the same configuration as the audio data sent via the remote control cable, and output to the headphone jack.

Also, since the remote control device is provided with a semiconductor memory for storing digital data input through the remote control jack, the semiconductor memory is stored in the semiconductor memory only by the remote control device without connecting to a portable device or the like. Music and the like can be enjoyed based on the data.

When power is supplied to the remote controller via an interface cable, a means for storing the power is provided, so that the stored power can be used when the interface cable is not connected. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a jack of a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present invention and a plug adapted thereto.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing a remote control device provided with the jack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a conventional portable device using a CD, MD or the like as a recording medium and a remote control device thereof.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the remote control device and the like in FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Jack, 2, 3: Terminal, 4, 5, 7, 9, 1
0: terminal, 6, 8: plug, 21: microcomputer, 22: U
SB interface, 23: Flash memory interface 23, 24: Game function, 25: MP3 decoder, 26: D / A converter, 27: Amplifier, 28: Headphone jack, 29: LCD (liquid crystal display), 30: LCD driver , 32: AM / FM tuner, 33: power supply, 34: charging circuit, 35: control IC,
40: Portable equipment, 41: Jack, 43: Remote control, 44: Remote control cable, 45: Plug, 46: Headphone, 47: LCD (liquid crystal display), 48:
Operation keys, 49: headphone jack, 51: NAND flash memory, B: battery, C: coil, D: diode, Q: switching transistor.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5E023 AA03 AA04 AA14 AA24 AA30 BB02 HH20 5K048 AA14 BA02 DC04 EB02 HA11 HA17 HA31

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first cable attached to a remote control cable.
Used for an alternative connection with a second plug attached to a predetermined plug and a predetermined interface cable,
A jack provided in a remote control device, comprising a terminal commonly used in the alternative connection. 2. The interface cable is a USB
Cable and US as the commonly used terminal
A first terminal portion having four terminals for B on substantially the same plane; and a second terminal portion at a position opposed to the four terminals.
The remote control jack according to claim 2, further comprising: a second terminal portion having terminals connected to only the plug on substantially the same plane. 3. A plug for a remote control cable, which is configured as a first plug in the remote control jack according to claim 1. 4. A plug for an interface cable, which is configured as a second plug in the remote control jack according to claim 1. 5. A remote control device comprising the remote control jack according to claim 1 or 2, and a means for decoding digital data input via an interface cable connected to the remote control jack. 6. The remote control device according to claim 5, further comprising a semiconductor memory for storing digital data input via the remote control jack. 7. The remote control device according to claim 5, further comprising means for storing power when power is supplied via the interface cable.