DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention: CONNECTION DEVICE
Technical Field
[0001]
This disclosure relates to a connection device, and
particularly to a connection device that can provide a new
function for an electronic device connected to the
connection device.
Background Art
[0002]
For example, a television receiver having a built-in
antenna or integrated circuit (IC) which is used in wireless
communication such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) has been
proposed (for example, refer to PTL 1). This television
receiver is configured to have a wireless communication
function.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003]
PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2010-114735
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004]
Incidentally, for example, when the television receiver
3
is allowed to have the built-in antenna or IC in the abovedescribed
manner to provide the wireless communication
function, it is necessary to increase a size of a housing
for the television receiver in order to secure a built-in
space thereof.
[0005]
Therefore, in order to avoid an increase in the size of
the television receiver, it is desirable to adopt a
configuration where the television receiver is not allowed
to have the built-in antenna or IC, but for example, a
connection device having the built-in antenna or IC is
connected to the television receiver so as to be provided
with the wireless communication function.
[0006]
This disclosure is made in view of the above-described
circumstances, and aims to provide a new function for an
electronic device connected to a connection device.
Solution to Problem
[0007]
According to an aspect of this disclosure, a connection
device that can be connected to an electronic device
includes: a receiving unit that receives a wireless signal
transmitted by radio; a relay unit that relays the received
wireless signal to the electronic device; a light emitting
unit that emits light based on a control signal transmitted
4
from the electronic device; a storage unit that stores the
receiving unit, the relay unit and the light emitting unit;
and a device connection unit that connects the storage unit
to the electronic device. In a state of being connected to
the electronic device, in a normal direction to a
predetermined housing surface on a housing of the electronic
device, the storage unit has a protruding section which
further protrudes from the housing surface and stores the
receiving unit in the protruding section.
[0008]
The storage unit may have the protruding section which
covers a portion of the housing surface.
[0009]
The connection device may further include a terminal
connection part which is connected to a connection terminal,
and the storage unit may store the terminal connection part.
[0010]
The receiving unit may be an antenna for receiving the
wireless signal.
[0011]
The receiving unit may be the antenna formed on a film.
[0012]
The connection device may further include a plateshaped
member having the antenna, and the storage unit may
store the plate-shaped member in a place where the antenna
5
is stored in the protruding section.
[0013]
The device connection unit may be attachable to and
detachable from the electronic device.
[0014]
The receiving unit may be molded in a state of being
included in the protruding section and may have a cutout
section which exposes the receiving unit through a portion
of the protruding section. A connection portion connected
to the relay unit may be positioned in the cutout section
and may be in contact with the receiving unit.
[0015]
The receiving unit may have a plurality of receiving
parts receiving different communications, and a blocking
unit which blocks radio wave interference may be disposed
between the plurality of receiving parts.
[0016]
An upper surface of the blocking unit may be in contact
with a portion of the housing of the electronic device.
[0017]
The electronic device may be a television receiver
having a display unit. In a state of being connected to the
television receiver, in a normal direction to the housing
surface having the display unit on the housing of the
television receiver, the storage unit may have the
6
protruding section which further protrudes from the housing
surface and may store the receiving unit in the protruding
section.
[0018]
According to the aspect of this disclosure, the
connection device includes a receiving unit that receives a
wireless signal transmitted by radio; a relay unit that
relays the received wireless signal to the electronic
device; a light emitting unit that emits light based on a
control signal transmitted from the electronic device; a
storage unit that stores the receiving unit, the relay unit
and the light emitting unit; and a device connection unit
that connects the storage unit to the electronic device. In
a state of being connected to the electronic device, in a
normal direction to a predetermined housing surface on a
housing of the electronic device, the storage unit has a
protruding section which further protrudes from the housing
surface and stores the receiving unit in the protruding
section.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0019]
According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide
a new function for an electronic device connected to a
connection device.
Brief Description of Drawings
7
[0020]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a front view of a television
receiver in the related art.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of appearance of
a television receiver according to this disclosure.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view when a smart unit
is viewed from above.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a front view of the smart unit.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view when the smart
unit is viewed from below.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a side view when the smart unit is
viewed from the right side.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an
example of a functional configuration of the television
receiver in Fig. 2.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of an internal
configuration of the smart unit.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a detailed
configuration of a film antenna.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of appearance
of the film antenna.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a view for describing connection
between the film antenna and communication infrastructure.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a view for describing the
connection between the film antenna and the communication
8
infrastructure.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a rear
surface of a communication board.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a side view illustrating an
example of an internal configuration when the smart unit is
laterally viewed.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a side view illustrating an
example of an internal configuration when the smart unit is
laterally viewed.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a view for describing a machined
surface.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a perspective view when the smart
unit is viewed from below.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a first view illustrating an
example of a state of light emitted by the smart unit.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a second view illustrating an
example of a state of light emitted by the smart unit.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a side view of a display body
supported by a stand.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 illustrates an example of the
communication board having a metal sheet antenna.
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a side view of an interior when
the smart unit having the built-in communication board of
Fig. 20 is laterally viewed.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a front view of the smart unit
9
having the metal sheet antenna.
[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 illustrates another configuration of
a communication circuit.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a view when the communication
circuit is laterally viewed.
[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is a front view of a first television
receiver.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a side view of the first
television receiver.
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a top view of the first television
receiver.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a front view of a second
television receiver.
[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a side view of the second
television receiver.
[Fig. 31] Fig. 31 is a top view of the second
television receiver.
[Fig. 32] Fig. 32 is a front view of a third television
receiver.
[Fig. 33] Fig. 33 is a side view of the third
television receiver.
[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 is a top view of the third television
receiver.
[Fig. 35] Fig. 35 is a front view of a fourth
television receiver.
10
[Fig. 36] Fig. 36 is a side view of the fourth
television receiver.
[Fig. 37] Fig. 37 is a top view of the fourth
television receiver.
[Fig. 38] Fig. 38 is a front view of a fifth television
receiver.
[Fig. 39] Fig. 39 is a side view of the fifth
television receiver.
[Fig. 40] Fig. 40 is a top view of the fifth television
receiver.
[Fig. 41] Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the fifth
television receiver.
[Fig. 42] Fig. 42 is a front view of a sixth television
receiver.
[Fig. 43] Fig. 43 is a side view of the sixth
television receiver.
[Fig. 44] Fig. 44 is a top view of the sixth television
receiver.
[Fig. 45] Fig. 45 is a front view of a seventh
television receiver.
[Fig. 46] Fig. 46 is a side view of the seventh
television receiver.
[Fig. 47] Fig. 47 is a top view of the seventh
television receiver.
[Fig. 48] Fig. 48 is a front view of an eighth
11
television receiver.
[Fig. 49] Fig. 49 is a side view of the eighth
television receiver.
[Fig. 50] Fig. 50 is a top view of the eighth
television receiver.
Description of Embodiments
[0021]
Hereinafter, an embodiment according to this disclosure
(hereinafter, referred to as an embodiment) will be
described. The description will be made in the following
order.
1. Overview of This Disclosure
2. Present Embodiment
3. Modification Example
[0022] <1. Overview of This Disclosure>
[Television Receiver 1 in Related Art]
Fig. 1 is a front view of a television receiver 1 in
the related art.
[0023]
The television receiver 1 in the related art is mainly
configured to have a panel 21 for displaying an image and a
frame 22 formed to surround four sides of the panel 21, and
performs a process according to an operation signal
transmitted from a remote controller (not illustrated) which
a user operates, for example.
12
[0024]
In addition, a USB terminal connection part 22a for
connecting a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, for
example, is disposed on a side surface of the left side in
the drawing, in a housing of the television receiver 1.
Furthermore, for example, in the television receiver 1, a
lower side (one side of the lower side in the drawing) of
the frame 22 has a light receiving circuit 22b which
receives an infrared ray from the remote controller (not
illustrated) as the operation signal, a detection circuit
22c which detects ambient brightness, a speaker and the like,
all of which are built therein. In addition, a rear surface
of the panel 21 has a built-in communication circuit 22d
which performs wireless communication using wireless
fidelity (Wi-Fi).
[0025]
For example, this disclosure is made through
modularization by separating the USB terminal connection
part 22a, the light receiving circuit 22b, the detection
circuit 22c and the communication circuit 22d which are
included in the television receiver 1 in the related art. A
smart unit obtained through the modularization is added
(connected) to a predetermined electronic device. In this
manner, it is possible to provide a new function for the
predetermined electronic device.
13
[0026]
Furthermore, for example, soft light is emitted from
the smart unit obtained through the modularization so as to
surround the smart unit, thereby improving design
characteristics (for example, visual beauty).
[0027] <2. Embodiment>
[Example of Appearance of Television Receiver 41]
Next, Fig. 2 illustrates an example of appearance of a
television receiver 41 according to this disclosure.
[0028]
The television receiver 41 is configured to have a
display body 61, a smart unit 62 added (connected) to a
lower portion of the display body 61, and a stand 63
supporting the display body 61.
[0029]
The display body 61 can be configured to be attachable
to and detachable from the stand 63. When the display body
61 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the
stand 63, if the display body 61 is detached from the stand
63, the display body 61 to which the smart unit 62 is added
can be used as the television receiver 41 for wall mounting.
[0030]
The display body 61 has a built-in tuner and displays
contents such as a broadcasting program received via the
tuner. For example, only minimum necessary circuits for
14
receiving and displaying the broadcasting program are
mounted on the display body 61 without the light receiving
circuit 22b, the detection circuit 22c and the communication
circuit 22d being built as illustrated in Fig. 1 therein.
[0031]
For example, the smart unit 62 has the USB terminal
connection part 22a, the light receiving circuit 22b, the
detection circuit 22c and the communication circuit 22d as
illustrated in Fig. 1, all of which are built therein, and
is added to the display body 61.
[0032]
The smart unit 62 added to the display body 61
functions as a part of the display body 61. That is, the
smart unit 62 is added to the display body 61, thereby
providing a function included in the smart unit 62 for the
display body 61.
[0033]
In addition, the smart unit 62 is attachable to and
detachable from the display body 61. Here, the smart unit
62 obtained through the modularization is described as an
example, and a case where the smart unit 62 is attachable to
and detachable from the display body 61 is described as an
example. However, it does not mean that this technology
described below is limited in application to a smart unit.
For example, an application scope of this technology is not
15
limited to the case where the smart unit 62 and an
electronic device (display body 61) are separately
configured, but this technology can also be applied to a
case of an integrated configuration.
[0034]
Furthermore, for example, the smart unit 62 has a
built-in light emitting diode (LED) indicator 182 (to be
described later using Fig. 7) which emits light in response
to a state of the display body 61, and controls light
emitting or switching-off of the LED indicator 182 according
to a control transmitted from the display body 61.
[0035]
Here, the description will be continued under a
condition that the light emitting or the switching-off of
the LED indicator 182 is controlled according to the control
transmitted from the display body 61. However, a
configuration can be made so that the light emitting or the
switching-off of the LED indicator 182 is controlled
according to its own control of the smart unit 62.
[0036]
For example, when the smart unit 62 is configured to be
attachable to and detachable from a main body of the display
body 61, a configuration can be made so that the light
emitting or the switching-off of the LED indicator 182 is
controlled by detecting a state of the display body 61 by
16
the smart unit 62 itself, for example, a state where power
is turned on and by matching the state thereof. In addition,
the smart unit 62 itself may control the light emitting or
the switching-off of the LED indicator 182, and may be
adapted to function as one of interior items.
[0037]
In the television receiver 41, the light receiving
circuit 22b, the detection circuit 22c and the communication
circuit 22d as illustrated in Fig. 1 are not built in the
display body 61, and are separated from the display body 61
so as to configure the smart unit 62.
[0038]
Therefore, since the television receiver 1 in the
related art has the light receiving circuit 22b, the
detection circuit 22c and the communication circuit 22d
which are built therein, the lower side of the frame 22 is
increased in width. However, in the television receiver 41,
it is possible to prevent the frame from being increased in
width. That is, according to this technology, it is
possible to realize a narrow frame.
[0039]
In addition, in the television receiver 41, for example,
it is possible to dispose the communication circuit 22d in
the smart unit 62.
[0040]
17
In the television receiver 1 in the related art
illustrated in Fig. 1, the communication circuit 22d is
disposed on a rear surface of the panel 21. If the
communication circuit 22d is disposed on the rear surface of
the panel 21, there is a possibility that the wireless
signal transmitted by radio may be blocked by the panel 21.
However, according to this technology, it is possible to
dispose the communication circuit 22d in the smart unit 62.
The smart unit 62 is arranged at a position different from
that of the panel, and thus is not affected by the panel.
That is, by disposing the communication circuit 22d in the
smart unit 62, it is possible to prevent the possibility
that the wireless signal transmitted by radio may be blocked
by the panel of the display body 61.
[0041]
Furthermore, the light receiving circuit 22b, the
detection circuit 22c and the communication circuit 22d
which are disposed in separate places in the television
receiver 1 in the related art are integrated in the smart
unit 62 in a case of the television receiver 41.
[0042]
Therefore, a user can easily recognize a position where
an infrared rays (IR) receiving unit 173 (to be described
later using Fig. 7) which receives (receives light of) an
operation signal transmitted from the remote controller is
18
disposed, as a position where the smart unit 62 is arranged.
[0043]
Accordingly, for example, when operating the remote
controller (not illustrated), the user can operate a light
emitting portion of the remote controller to be directed to
the smart unit 62 so that the operation signal from the
remote controller is emitted toward the smart unit 62.
[0044]
Accordingly, for example, the smart unit 62 of the
television receiver 41 can receive (receive the light of)
the operation signal transmitted from the remote controller
(not illustrated) under better conditions.
[0045]
In addition, in the television receiver 41, since the
smart unit 62 is configured to be attachable to and
detachable from the display body 61, the smart unit 62 can
be replaced by a smart unit having different functions if
necessary.
[0046]
Therefore, a user who purchases the television receiver
41 replaces the smart unit 62 with another smart unit having
more functions, thereby enabling the television receiver 41
to be upgraded.
[0047]
In addition, when manufacturing the television receiver
19
41, depending on which function of the smart unit 62
connected to the display body 61 is required, it is possible
to manufacture the television receiver 41 having different
functions.
[0048]
Therefore, when manufacturing the television receiver
41, it is possible to manufacture the display body 61 and
the smart unit 62 by using different manufacturing lines.
Accordingly, as compared to the television receiver 1 in the
related art which is manufactured by using the same
manufacturing line, it is possible to improve production
efficiency of the television receiver 41.
[0049]
In addition, for example, it is not necessary for the
display body 61 to have a built-in IC chip for performing
wireless communication. Accordingly, for example, as
compared to a case of manufacturing the television receiver
1 in the related art, it is possible to save man-hour during
the manufacturing.
[0050]
Furthermore, the improved production efficiency of the
television receiver 41 and the saved man-hour when
manufacturing the display body 61 can relatively reduce the
manufacturing cost of the television receiver 41.
[0051] [Example of Appearance of Smart Unit 62]
20
Next, referring to Figs. 3 and 6, appearance of the
smart unit 62 will be described.
[0052]
Fig. 3 is a perspective view when a single body of the
smart unit 62 is viewed from above in a state where the
display body 61 illustrated in Fig. 2 is detached therefrom.
Fig. 4 is a front view of the smart unit 62. Fig. 5 is a
perspective view when the smart unit 62 is viewed from below.
Fig. 6 is a side view when the smart unit is viewed from the
right side.
[0053]
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the smart unit 62 is
configured to have a front panel 101, a storage case 102, a
connection member 103, a rear cover 104 and a light guide
plate 105.
[0054]
The front panel 101 has a plate shape, and a rear
surface of the front panel 101 and a front surface of the
storage case 102 are bonded so as to cover the front surface
of the storage case 102. Here, the term of the front
surface means a surface which is present in a direction to
the front panel 101 (leftward and downward direction in Fig.
3). This is the same even for other drawings.
[0055]
In addition, for example, a film antenna 121 (to be
21
described later using Fig. 4) formed by adding an antenna
used in the wireless communication to a film, or a camera
board 201 (to be described later using Fig. 8) mainly having
a camera is built in between the front panel 101 and the
storage case 102.
[0056]
Therefore, for example, the front panel 101 is
configured to have a material which transmits a wireless
signal used in the wireless communication (for example, a
plastic or a resin film having high transmittance for
electromagnetic waves).
[0057]
The film antenna 121 has a detection electrode
functioning as a touch sensor which detects whether a user's
hand is approaching or touching, and detects an approaching
operation or a touching operation on a right end portion 111
of the storage case 102, and the approaching operation or
the touching operation on a lower end portion 112 of the
storage case 102 (portion bonded to a bottom side portion of
the front panel 101).
[0058]
Furthermore, for example, an exposure hole 101a for
exposing a lens of a camera 175 (refer to Fig. 8) disposed
on the camera board 201 is disposed on the surface of the
front panel 101 (opposite surface to the surface bonded to
22
the storage case 102).
[0059]
In addition, for example, the surface of the front
panel 101 can be used as a decorative part on which logos or
designs of a manufacturer who manufactures the smart unit 62
can be drawn.
[0060]
For the television receiver 41, the display body 61 and
the smart unit 62 can be separately manufactured. For
example, when manufacturing the television receiver 41, the
smart unit 62 can be mounted on the display body 61 after
the relatively small smart unit 62 is decorated.
[0061]
Therefore, for example, as compared to a case where the
frame of relatively large television receiver 1 in the
related art is decorated, the television receiver 41 can be
more easily decorated.
[0062]
The storage case 102 has a substantially rectangular
parallelepiped shape (details to be described later with
reference to Fig. 8), and stores the film antenna 121,
microphones 176 and 177, the camera board 201, USB terminal
connection parts 180 and 181, a communication board 202
having an IC used in the wireless communication, and the
light guide plate 105.
23
[0063]
The front surface of the storage case 102 is bonded to
the rear surface of the front panel 101 so as to be
overlapped with each other. As described above, the film
antenna 121 (refer to Fig. 4) and the camera board 201
(refer to Fig. 8) are built in between the storage case 102
and the front panel 101.
[0064]
In addition, an upper surface of the storage case 102
is covered by the connection member 103, and a rear surface
of the storage case 102 is covered by the rear cover 104.
Furthermore, both side surfaces of the storage case 102 have
a rectangular insertion port, through which a USB terminal
can be connected to the USB terminal connection parts 180
and 181 disposed on the communication board 202 from outside.
[0065]
Here, the description will be continued under a
condition that the smart unit 62 and the main body 61 are
connected to each other via the USB terminal connection
parts 180 and 181, but the connection therebetween may be
made by using an interface other than the USB. For example,
the smart unit 62 and the main body 61 may be connected to
each other by using the interface such as a universal
asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART).
[0066]
24
In addition, a through hole 102a which is a hole formed
from the front surface through the bottom surface of the
storage case 102 is disposed in the storage case 102. The
through hole 102a is disposed below a portion overlapped
with the rear surface of the front panel 101, within the
front surface of the storage case 102. The light guide
plate 105 is stored in the through hole 102a. Here,
description is made in association with the light guide
plate, but the shape thereof may be a cylindrical shape
without being limited to the plate shape. In addition, a
case is also included where the light guide plate 105 is
formed by combining a plurality of plate-shaped members.
[0067]
Furthermore, an opening 102a1 (to be described later
using Fig. 4) of the through hole 102a is formed on the
front surface of the storage case 102, and an opening 102a2
(to be described later using Fig. 5) of the through hole
102a is formed on the bottom surface of the storage case 102.
[0068]
The connection member 103 is bonded to the storage case
102 so as to cover the upper surface of the storage case 102.
In addition, the surface of the connection member 103
(opposite surface to the surface covering the upper surface
of the storage case 102) is formed so that the display body
61 is attachable thereto and detachable therefrom.
25
[0069]
The rear cover 104 is bonded so as to be overlapped
with the rear surface of the storage case 102.
[0070]
The light guide plate 105 is stored in the storage case
102 so as to be inserted into the through hole 102a disposed
in the storage case 102. In addition, the light guide plate
105 has a concave surface 105a (to be described later using
Fig. 8) which is a recess-shaped surface for guiding light
emitted from the LED disposed on the communication board 202
stored in the storage case 102 to the opening 102a1 of the
front surface side or the opening 102a2 of the bottom
surface side.
[0071]
Fig. 4 is a front view of the smart unit 62, and is a
view when the front panel 101 is viewed from front. Fig. 5
is a perspective view when the smart unit 62 is viewed from
below. Referring to Fig. 4, the opening 102a1 formed to
partially protrude from the lower side of the front panel
101 is disposed on the front surface of the storage case 102.
[0072]
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the light guide plate 105 is
inserted into the opening 102a1 disposed on the front
surface of the storage case 102, and is stored in the
through hole 102a. That is, the light guide plate 105 is
26
stored in the through hole 102a so as to close the opening
102a1 disposed on the front surface of the storage case 102
and the crescent-shaped opening 102a2 formed in an arc shape
on the bottom surface of the storage case 102 as illustrated
in Fig. 5.
[0073]
In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the film antenna
121 is stored by adhering to the rear surface of the front
panel 101. The film antenna 121 will be described later in
detail with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.
[0074]
Next, Fig. 6 is a side view when the smart unit 62
illustrated in Fig. 4 is viewed from the right side in Fig.
4.
[0075]
As illustrated in Fig. 6, the side surface of the
storage case 102 has a substantially L-shape. As
illustrated in Fig. 6, the storage case 102 stores the light
guide plate 105 having the concave surface 105a which is the
recess-shaped surface, in the through hole 102a formed from
the front surface to the bottom surface of the storage case
102.
[0076]
In addition, the storage case 102 stores the film
antenna 121 on the further front side (left side in the
27
drawing) from a display screen of the display body 61.
[0077]
That is, for example, the storage case 102 is formed to
have a protruding section which further protrudes from the
housing surface thereof in a normal direction to the
predetermined housing surface within the surface of the
housing of the display body 61.
[0078]
Specifically, for example, the storage case 102 is
formed to have a protruding section protruding to the
further left side in the drawing from the surface having the
display screen of the display body 61 in the normal
direction to the surface having the display screen of the
display body 61. Then, the film antenna 121 is stored in
the protruding section of the storage case 102. For example,
as illustrated in Fig. 6, the protruding section of the
storage case 102 is formed so as to cover a portion of the
surface having the display screen of the display body 61.
[0079]
Therefore, the wireless signal is not blocked by the
influence of the display body 61 (metal or the like included
in the display body 61). Thus, the smart unit 62 can
perform the wireless communication.
[0080]
The storage case 102 is manufactured in a state where
28
it is determined in advance that the protruding section of
the storage case 102 is to protrude to any surface of the
housing of the display body 61.
[0081]
In this case, in Fig. 6, it is assumed that a user is
present in a direction where the surface having the display
screen of the display body 61 is present, that is, in the
leftward direction in the drawing. Then, it is assumed that
the user performs the wireless communication with the smart
unit 62 by using a portable communication device.
[0082]
Therefore, the storage case 102 is formed so that the
protruding section of the storage case 102 protrudes to the
surface having the display screen of the display body 61.
[0083]
In addition, the camera board 201 is also stored in the
protruding section of the storage case 102. An IR light
receiving unit 173 (to be described later using Fig. 7)
which receives (receives light of) the operation signal as
an infrared ray emitted from the remote controller (not
illustrated) is disposed on the camera board 201.
[0084]
Therefore, in the smart unit 62, in addition to the
wireless signal, the operation signal is not blocked in the
same manner. It is possible to receive the operation signal
29
without the operation signal as the wireless signal being
blocked by the display body 61.
[0085] [Functional Block Diagram of Television Receiver 41]
Next, Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a functional
configuration of the television receiver 41.
[0086]
The display body 61 and the smart unit 62 are
electrically connected to each other.
[0087]
The display body 61 is configured to include a power
supply unit 141, a DC/DC converter 142, a panel drive unit
143, a panel 144, a backlight unit 145, a high-definition
multimedia interface (HDMI) switch 146, HDMI terminals 1471
to 1473, an analog AV input terminal 148, a PC input
terminal 149, an analog audio output terminal 150, an
optical digital audio output terminal 151, a LAN terminal
152, a tuner 153, an antenna terminal 154, a CAS card I/F
155, a B-CAS (registered trademark) card 156, a control unit
157, an audio amplifier 158 and a speaker 159.
[0088]
The power supply unit 141 is connected to external AC
power supply, converts the received AC power supply into DC
power supply having a predetermined voltage, and supplies
the DC power to the DC/DC converter 142. The DC/DC
converter 142 converts a first power supply voltage supplied
30
from the power supply unit 141 into a second power supply
voltage, and supplies the second power supply voltage to the
respective units such as the panel drive unit 143, the
control unit 157 and the smart unit 62. The power supply
voltages supplied to the respective units may be different
from or the same as each other.
[0089]
Based on an image signal supplied from the control unit
157, the panel drive unit 143 drives the panel 144 and the
backlight unit 145 to display an image. The backlight unit
145 is arranged on a rear surface side of the panel 144.
The panel 144 and the backlight unit 145 configure a liquid
crystal display (LCD). Based on a drive control of the
panel drive unit 143, the panel 144 controls an opening of a
liquid crystal of each pixel. Based on the drive control of
the panel drive unit 143, the backlight unit 145 emits light
with predetermined brightness.
[0090]
Based on the control signal transmitted from the
control unit 157, the HDMI switch 146 appropriately switches
the HDMI terminals 1471 to 1473, and performs relay of a HDMI
signal exchanged between an external device connected to the
HDMI terminals 1471 to 1473 and the control unit 157. The
respective HDMI terminals 1471 to 1473 exchange the HDMI
signal with the external device which is connected to each
31
terminal.
[0091]
The analog AV input terminal 148 inputs an analog audio
and visual signal (AV signal) transmitted from the external
device, and supplies the AV signal to the control unit 157.
[0092]
For example, the PC input terminal 149 is configured to
have a mini D-Sub 15 pin terminal, inputs an analog image
signal out of the AV signals output by a personal computer,
and supplies the image signal to the control unit 157.
[0093]
The analog audio output terminal 150 outputs an analog
audio signal supplied from the control unit 157, to the
connected external device. The optical digital audio output
terminal 151 outputs an audio optical digital signal
supplied from the control unit 157, to the connected
external device.
[0094]
For example, the LAN terminal 152 is configured to have
a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX connector, and is connected to a
predetermined network such as a home network and the
Internet.
[0095]
The tuner 153 is connected to an antenna (not
illustrated) via the antenna terminal 154, acquires a
32
broadcast signal having a predetermined channel from radio
waves received by the antenna, and supplies the broadcast
signal to the control unit 157. In the present embodiment,
for example, the radio wave received by the tuner 153 is to
be a broadcast signal of digital terrestrial broadcasting.
[0096]
The B-CAS (registered trademark) card 156 storing an
encryption key for descrambling the broadcast signal in the
digital terrestrial broadcasting is inserted into the CAS
card I/F 155. The CAS card I/F 155 reads out the encryption
key stored in the B-CAS (registered trademark) card 156, and
supplies the encryption key to the control unit 157.
[0097]
The control unit 157 performs an overall control on the
television receiver 41. For example, the control unit 157
performs an analog to digital (A/D) conversion process for
the image signal and the audio signal, a digital to analog
(D/A) conversion process, descrambling process for the
broadcast signal, and a decoding process. In addition, the
control unit 157 performs the control based on a brightness
signal, an IR signal, a touch sensor signal and a universal
serial bus (USB) I/F signal which are transmitted from the
smart unit 62 (to be described later), and also performs an
LED control of the light emitting diode (LED) indicator 182.
The control unit 157 can be configured to have a single chip
33
(SoC: system on a chip).
[0098]
The audio amplifier 158 amplifies the analog audio
signal supplied from the control unit 157 and supplies the
signal to the speaker 159. The speaker 159 outputs the
audio according to the analog audio signal transmitted from
the audio amplifier 158.
[0099]
Next, a configuration of the smart unit 62 of the
television receiver 41 will be described.
[0100]
The camera board 201, the communication board 202 and
the film antenna 121 are mainly stored in the storage case
102 of the smart unit 62.
[0101]
The camera board 201 has a relay unit 171, a brightness
sensor 172, an IR light receiving unit 173, an encoder 174
and the camera 175. In addition, the storage case 102
stores the microphone 176 and the microphone 177 so as to
interpose the camera board 201 therebetween.
[0102]
The brightness signal, the IR signal, the USB I/F
signal and the touch sensor signal (to be described later)
are exchanged between the control unit 157 of the display
body 61 and the smart unit 62 via the relay unit 171.
34
[0103]
The brightness sensor 172 detects brightness around the
television receiver 41 (for example, brightness in a room
where the television receiver 41 is installed), and supplies
a detection result thereof to the control unit 157 via the
relay unit 171 as the brightness signal.
[0104]
For example, when a user operates the remote controller
(not illustrated), the IR light receiving unit 173 receives
the light of the IR signal corresponding to the user's
operation which is emitted from the remote controller, and
supplies the IR signal to the control unit 157 via the relay
unit 171.
[0105]
The camera 175, the microphone 176 and the microphone
177 are connected to the encoder 174. The camera 175 is
configured to have image sensing devices such as a charge
coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and supplies the image
signal obtained by imaging to the encoder 174. The
microphone 176 and the microphone 177 respectively supply
the audio signal obtained by collecting the sound to the
encoder 174. The encoder 174 performs a signal process such
as the A/D conversion process for the image signal and the
audio signal and the encoding process, converts the
35
processed signal into the USB I/F signal, and supplies the
USB I/F signal to the control unit 157 via the relay unit
171.
[0106]
The communication board 202 has a relay unit 178, a
control unit 179, the USB terminal connection part 180, the
USB terminal connection part 181 and the LED indicator 182.
[0107]
The power supplied from the display body 61 is supplied
to each unit of the smart unit 62 via the relay unit 178.
In addition, the LED control signal and the USB I/F signal
(to be described later) are also exchanged between the
control unit 157 of the display body 61 and the smart unit
62 via the relay unit 178.
[0108]
The relay unit 178 outputs the USB I/F signal in
conformity to a USB standard which is supplied from the
control unit 179, to the control unit 157. In addition, the
relay unit 178 supplies the USB I/F signal or the LED
control signal transmitted from the control unit 157, to the
control unit 179.
[0109]
The control unit 179 is connected to the relay unit 178,
the USB terminal connection part 180, the USB terminal
connection part 181, the LED indicator 182, a Bluetooth
36
(registered trademark: BT) antenna 186, a near field
communication (NFC) antenna 187 and a Wi-Fi antenna 188.
[0110]
The control unit 179 supplies data supplied from the
relay unit 178 as the USB I/F signal, to the BT antenna 186,
and transmits the data to a communication device such as a
mobile phone (a so-called smart phone) for example, by the
wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered
trademark). In addition, the control unit 179 receives the
data transmitted from the communication device by the
wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered
trademark) via the BT antenna 186, converts the data into
the USB I/F signal, and supplies the USB I/F signal to the
control unit 157 via the relay unit 178.
[0111]
The control unit 179 supplies the data supplied from
the relay unit 178 as the USB I/F signal, to the NFC antenna
187, and transmits the data to the communication device such
as the mobile phone for example, by non-contact proximity
wireless communication using NFC. In addition, the control
unit 179 receives the data transmitted from the
communication device by the non-contact proximity wireless
communication using the NFC, via the NFC antenna 187,
converts the data into the USB I/F signal, and supplies the
USB I/F signal to the control unit 157 via the relay unit
37
178.
[0112]
The control unit 179 supplies the data supplied from
the relay unit 178 as the USB I/F signal, to the Wi-Fi
antenna 188, and transmits the USB I/F signal to the
communication device such as the mobile phone for example,
by the wireless communication using Wi-Fi. In addition, the
control unit 179 receives the data transmitted from the
communication device by the wireless communication using the
Wi-Fi, via the Wi-Fi antenna 188, converts the data into the
USB I/F signal, and supplies USB I/F signal to the control
unit 157 via the relay unit 178.
[0113]
The USB terminal connection part 180 and the USB
terminal connection part 181 are connectors to which the USB
terminal is connected. For example, a USB memory or a hard
disk storage device as an external storage device is
connected to the USB terminal connection part 180 or the USB
terminal connection part 181. Both of the USB terminal
connection part 180 and the USB terminal connection part 181
are disposed so as to oppose the side surface of the housing
of the smart unit 62.
[0114]
For example, the LED indicator 182 has built-in LED
units 182a to 182c, and turns on or off the LED units 182a
38
to 182c based on the LED control signal supplied from the
control unit 157 via the relay unit 178 and the control unit
179.
[0115]
The LED units 182a to 182c are configured to
respectively have an LED which emits red light, an LED which
emits green light and an LED which emits blue light. In the
present embodiment, the LED unit 182a is adapted to emit
only single color light (for example, white color).
Therefore, for example, the LED unit 182a may be configured
to have an LED which emits white light. In the present
embodiment, the description is made under a condition that
the LED unit 182a is configured to have only the LED which
emits the white light.
[0116]
The film antenna 121 has the touch detection unit 183,
the detection electrode 184, the detection electrode 185,
the BT antenna 186, the NFC antenna 187 and the Wi-Fi
antenna 188.
[0117]
The touch detection unit 183 is connected to the
detection electrode 184 and the detection electrode 185.
Based on a change in electrostatic capacitance which is
caused by the detection electrode 184, the touch detection
unit 183 detects a user's approaching operation or touching
39
operation with respect to the right end portion 111 of the
smart unit 62, and supplies the detection result thereof to
the control unit 157 via the relay unit 171 as a touch
sensor signal.
[0118]
In addition, based on a change in electrostatic
capacitance which is caused by the detection electrode 185,
the touch detection unit 183 detects the user's approaching
operation or touching operation with respect to the lower
end portion 112 of the smart unit 62, and supplies the
detection result thereof to the control unit 157 via the
relay unit 171 as the touch sensor signal.
[0119]
The detection electrode 184 and the detection electrode
185 are electrodes whose electrostatic capacitance is
changed in response to the approach of a human finger or the
like.
[0120]
The detection electrode 184 is built in the housing of
the smart unit 62 (rear side of the right end portion 111 of
the smart unit 62). The detection electrode 184 is used for
detecting an operation of switching a state of the power
source in the television receiver 41 over to either an onstate
or an off-state, as the user's approaching operation
or touching operation with respect to the right end portion
40
111.
[0121]
In addition, the detection electrode 185 is built in
the housing of the smart unit 62 (rear side of the lower end
portion 112 of the smart unit 62). The detection electrode
185 is used for detecting an operation of adjusting a sound
volume of the television receiver 41 for example, as the
user's approaching operation or touching operation with
respect to the lower end portion 112.
[0122]
The BT antenna 186 is an antenna used in the
communication device such as the mobile phone for example,
when performing the wireless communication using Bluetooth
(registered trademark). The NFC antenna 187 is an antenna
used in the communication device when performing the noncontact
proximity wireless communication using the NFC. The
Wi-Fi antenna 188 is an antenna used in the communication
device when performing the wireless communication using the
Wi-Fi.
[0123] [Internal Configuration of Smart Unit 62]
Next, referring to Fig. 8, a detailed configuration of
the storage case 102 of the smart unit 62 will be mainly
described. Fig. 8 illustrates an example of an internal
configuration of the smart unit 62.
[0124]
41
The storage case 102 is formed to have a bottom surface
221, a side surface 222, a side surface 223 and a front
surface 224.
[0125]
The bottom surface 221 stores the communication board
202 having the USB terminal connection parts 180 and 181.
In order to prevent the drawing from being complicated, only
the USB terminal connection parts 180 and 181 are
illustrated on the surface of the communication board 202.
For example, an IC or the like which functions as the
control unit 179 is disposed between the USB terminal
connection parts 180 and 181.
[0126]
The side surface 222 and the side surface 223 are
respectively disposed in a horizontal direction to the
bottom surface 221 in the drawing, so as to surround a
bottom face of the bottom surface 221.
[0127]
The side surface 222 has a rectangular insertion port
for connecting a USB memory to the USB terminal connection
part 180, and a connection portion of the USB terminal
connection part 180 is visible from outside of the housing
of the smart unit 62 through the insertion port of the side
surface 222.
[0128]
42
In addition, the side surface 223 has a rectangular
insertion port for connecting the USB memory to the USB
terminal connection part 181, and a connection portion of
the USB terminal connection part 181 is visible from outside
of the housing of the smart unit 62 through the insertion
port of the side surface 223.
[0129]
The side surface 222 and the side surface 223 support
the connection member 103. In addition, the side surface
222 and the side surface 223 are bonded to the rear cover
104. This causes the communication board 202 to be stored
in a state of being surrounded with the bottom surface 221,
the side surface 222, the side surface 223, the front
surface 224, the connection member 103 and the rear cover
104.
[0130]
The front surface 224 is disposed in front of the
bottom surface 221 (direction where the front panel 101 is
present) so as to surround the bottom face of the bottom
surface 221. A height of the front surface 224 is higher
than a height of the side surface 222 and the side surface
223. Therefore, for example, a shape when the storage case
102 is viewed from the side surface 223 side is an L-shape
as illustrated in Fig. 6.
[0131]
43
In addition, the rectangular opening 102a1 is disposed
on the front surface 224. The light guide plate 105 is
inserted into and stored in the opening 102a1.
[0132]
Furthermore, the front surface 224 has a cylindrical
portion 102b and a cylindrical portion 102c respectively
formed on the left end side and the right end side in the
drawing. The microphone 176 is stored in the cylindrical
portion 102b, and the microphone 177 is stored in the
cylindrical portion 102c, respectively.
[0133]
In addition, the front surface 224 has a recess 102d on
an upper side of the opening 102a1 between the cylindrical
portion 102b and the cylindrical portion 102c. The camera
board 201 is arranged and stored in the recess 102d.
[0134]
In addition, the recess 102d has a hole 102e for
passing a signal line which electrically connects the BT
antenna 186, the NFC antenna 187 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188
which are disposed in the film antenna 121 (refer to all in
Fig. 9) with the control unit 179 (not illustrated) on the
communication board 202. Furthermore, the recess 102d has a
groove 102f for arranging a signal line 121a (to be
described later using Fig. 9) which electrically connects
the camera board 201 with the touch detection unit 183
44
disposed in the film antenna 121.
[0135]
In the camera board 201, the encoder 174 and the camera
175 are disposed on a surface opposing the front panel 101.
In addition, in order to prevent the drawing from being
complicated, only the encoder 174 and the camera 175 are
illustrated on the camera board 201, and thus the brightness
sensor 172, the IR light receiving unit 173 and the like are
omitted in the illustration.
[0136]
In the camera board 201, for example, the surface
opposing the front panel 101 has the brightness sensor 172
and the IR light receiving unit 173 which are disposed so
that light receiving surfaces thereof are directed toward
the front panel 101 side. In addition, for example, in the
camera board 201, the relay unit 171 is disposed on the rear
side of the surface opposing the front panel 101.
[0137]
Furthermore, the light guide plate 105 has a concave
surface 105a, and as illustrated in Fig. 8, a bottom face of
the concave surface 105a is a plate-shaped member formed in
a semicircular shape.
[0138]
The storage case 102 stores the light guide plate 105
in a state where a linear-shaped section formed in a portion
45
corresponding to a chord of a semicircle, within the
semicircular bottom face of the concave surface 105a, is
exposed through the opening 102a1 disposed in the lower
portion of the front panel 101, as illustrated in Fig. 4.
[0139]
In addition, the storage case 102 stores the light
guide plate 105 in a state where a portion formed in the
portion corresponding to the chord of the semicircle, within
the semicircular bottom face of the concave surface 105a, is
exposed through the opening 102a2 disposed in the bottom
face (bottom surface 221 in Fig. 8) of the storage case 102,
as illustrated in Fig. 5.
[0140] [Details of Film Antenna 121]
Next, Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a detailed
configuration of the film antenna 121 added to the rear side
of the front panel 101.
[0141]
As illustrated in Fig. 9, for example, the film antenna
121 is configured so that the touch detection unit 183, the
detection electrode 184, the detection electrode 185, the BT
antenna 186, the NFC antenna 187 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188
which serve as the IC are arranged on a film. The film on
which the touch detection unit 183 and the like are arranged
can employ a film formed of PET (polyethylene terephthalate),
a polyimide film or the like.
46
[0142]
In addition, the touch detection unit 183 is connected
to the detection electrode 184 and the detection electrode
185, and is also connected to the signal line 121a for
outputting the detection result based on the change in the
electrostatic capacitance of the detection electrode 184 and
the detection electrode 185. In Fig. 9, in order to prevent
the drawing from being complicated, the signal line
connecting the touch detection unit 183 and the detection
electrode 185 is partially omitted in the illustration.
[0143]
In addition, in the film antenna 121, as illustrated in
Fig. 9, the BT antenna 186 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188 are
separately arranged as much as possible. This can prevent a
situation where interference occurs between the wireless
communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) and the
wireless communication using the Wi-Fi.
[0144]
As described below, a member for blocking radio wave
interference, such as a gasket, is disposed between the BT
antenna 186 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188. In this manner, it
is possible to adopt a configuration which can further
prevent the situation where the interference occurs between
the wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered
trademark) and the wireless communication using the Wi-Fi.
47
[0145]
Furthermore, one side of the signal line 121a on the
film antenna 121 is connected to the touch detection unit
183, and the other side is connected to the IC (relay unit
171) on the camera board 201. The signal line 121a is
arranged in the groove 102f of Fig. 8 to be connected to the
IC on the camera board 201. A relationship between the
camera board 201 and the signal line 121a will be described
in detail with reference to Fig. 10.
[0146]
Incidentally, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the touch
detection unit 183 is arranged in the film antenna 121.
However, for example, the touch detection unit 183 may be
disposed on the camera board 201.
[0147]
However, in this case, it is necessary that the number
of signal lines connecting the detection electrodes 184 and
185 on the film antenna 121 with the touch detection unit
183 on the camera board 201 is set to be the same as the
total number of the detection electrodes 184 and 185.
[0148]
Therefore, it is desirable that the touch detection
unit 183 be arranged on the film antenna 121 and a single
signal line serving as the signal line 121a be connected to
the camera board 201.
48
[0149]
Next, referring to Fig. 10, an example of appearance
when the film antenna 121 is arranged between the front
panel 101 and the camera board 201 is illustrated.
[0150]
"A" of Fig. 10 illustrates an example when the film
antenna 121 of Fig. 9 is viewed from the opposite side (rear
side of the drawing in Fig. 9).
[0151]
"B" of Fig. 10 illustrates an example when the film
antenna 121 is arranged between the front panel 101 and the
camera board 201.
[0152]
The film antenna 121 is deformed from a state
illustrated by "A" of Fig. 10 to a state illustrated by "B"
of Fig. 10. That is, as illustrated by "B" of Fig. 10, the
film antenna 121 is bent so that the detection electrode 184
is directed to the upper side in "B" of Fig. 10, the
detection electrode 185 is directed to the lower side in "B"
of Fig. 10 and the signal line 121a can be connected to the
relay unit 171 disposed on the rear side of the camera board
201.
[0153]
Then, the film antenna 121 is arranged between the
front panel 101 and the camera board 201 in the deformed
49
state illustrated by "B" of Fig. 10.
[0154]
Here, connection between the film antenna 121 and the
control unit 179 will be additionally described. As
described with reference to Fig. 8, the configuration has
been described where the BT antenna 186, the NFC antenna 187
and the Wi-Fi antenna 188 which are disposed in the film
antenna 121 (refer to all in Fig. 9) are electrically
connected to the IC functioning as the control unit 179 of
the communication infrastructure 202 by a signal line
arranged via the hole 102e.
[0155]
In this case, as illustrated in Fig. 11, when the front
panel 101 is laterally viewed, the front panel 101 and the
film antenna 121 are bonded to each other using a doublesided
tape 301, for example. Then, the signal line from the
film antenna 121 is inserted into the hole 102e disposed in
the storage case 102, and is connected to the control unit
179 of the communication infrastructure 202 stored in the
storage case 102.
[0156]
In this manner, it is possible to configure the film
antenna 121 to be connected to the communication
infrastructure 202 via the signal line. However, if the
film antenna is connected to the communication
50
infrastructure 202 by inserting the signal line into the
hole 102e and soldering the signal line inserted into the
hole 102e, there is a possibility that it may take labor and
time during the manufacturing process.
[0157]
Therefore, instead of the signal line, a configuration
may be made for the connection by using a spring, for
example. Referring to Fig. 12, a contact portion 311 is
disposed in the communication infrastructure 202. The
contact portion 311 is fixed to the communication
infrastructure 202 by the soldering or the like and is
connected to the control unit 179 (not illustrated in Fig.
12).
[0158]
In addition, the film antenna 121 is molded in a state
of being included in the front panel 101. A cutout section
321 is formed on the communication infrastructure 202 side
within the front panel 101. In a portion of the cutout
section 321, the film antenna 121 is in an exposed state
from the front panel 101. The film antenna 121 exposed
through the cutout section 321 is configured to be in
contact with a portion of the contact portion 311.
[0159]
The contact portion 311 may be formed to have a
material which enables the film antenna 121 and the
51
communication infrastructure 202 (control unit 179) to be
electrically connected to each other. In addition, a shape
of the contact portion 311 may be a plate shape or a rod
shape. Furthermore, the contact portion 311 may be
configured to have a plate having a thickness to some extent,
and one surface of the plate may be configured to come into
surface contact with the film antenna 121.
[0160]
In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 12, a selection
portion which is opposite to the side where the contact
portion 311 is connected to the communication infrastructure
202 is configured to be a U-shape. In addition, instead of
the U-shape, an L-shape may be employed. Any shape may be
employed as long as the shape can maintain a state of being
reliably in contact with the film antenna 121. In addition,
as long as it is configured so that a connector or a contact
point of the contact portion can come into contact with the
film antenna 121, any shape may be employed as the shape of
the contact portion 311.
[0161]
The film antenna 121 can be included in the front panel
101 by using a method such as insert molding or two-color
molding during the manufacturing of the front panel 101.
According to this configuration, it is possible to perform
the further optimized measure such as downsizing in a
52
component configuration. In addition, it is possible to
reduce labor and time during the manufacturing.
[0162]
Next, Fig. 13 illustrates an example of the rear
surface of the communication board 202.
[0163]
The rear surface of the communication board 202
(surface opposing the bottom surface 221 of the storage case
102) has the LED unit 182a on the upper central side in the
drawing, the LED unit 182b on the left lower side from the
LED unit 182a in the drawing, and the LED unit 182c on the
right lower side from the LED 182b in the drawing, as the
LED indicator 182.
[0164]
Fig. 14 illustrates an example of an internal
configuration when the smart unit 62 is laterally viewed.
[0165]
In Fig. 14, arrows illustrated near the LED units 182a
to 182c and the light guide plate 105 represent light
progressing directions. In addition, in Fig. 14, bold
arrows represent light leaking directions respectively from
the openings 102a1 and 102a2.
[0166]
As illustrated in Fig. 14, the rear surface of the
communication board 202 is arranged to oppose the concave
53
surface 105a of the light guide plate 105 stored in the
through hole 102a.
[0167]
For example, the LED unit 182a emits the white light in
the leftward direction in the drawing. That is, for example,
the LED unit 182a is configured to have a right angle type
LED arranged on the rear surface of the communication board
202 so that a surface of the communication board 202
(horizontal direction in the drawing) is coincident with an
optical axis of the LED and a light emitting surface of the
LED is directed in the leftward direction in the drawing.
The LED unit 182a emits the light in the leftward direction
in the drawing.
[0168]
The LED unit 182b emits the light in the downward
direction in the drawing. That is, for example, the LED
unit 182b is configured to have a top entry type LED
arranged on the rear surface of the communication board 202
so that a normal direction to the surface of the
communication board 202 (vertical direction in the drawing)
is coincident with the optical axis of the LED and the light
emitting surface of the LED is directed in the downward
direction in the drawing. The LED unit 182b emits the light
having an angle wider than that of the LED unit 182a.
[0169]
54
In addition, the LED unit 182b has an LED emitting the
red light, an LED emitting the green light and an LED
emitting the blue light, as the top entry type LED.
Therefore, the LED unit 182b is adapted to emit light having
various colors, depending on light emitting brightness of
the respective LEDs.
[0170]
Furthermore, the respective LEDs included in the LED
unit 182b are adapted to have an angle wider than that of
the LEDs included in the LED unit 182a, and thus emit the
light in a range wider than that of the LEDs included in the
LED unit 182a. The LED unit 182c is configured similarly to
the LED unit 182b.
[0171]
The light guide plate 105 is stored in the storage case
102 so as to close the opening 102a1 disposed on the front
surface 224 of the storage case 102 and the opening 102a2
disposed on the bottom surface 221 of the storage case 102.
[0172]
In addition, the light guide plate 105 has the concave
surface 105a formed to surround the LED unit 182a, the LED
unit 182b and the LED unit 182c which are disposed on the
rear surface of the communication board 202.
[0173]
Furthermore, for example, the light guide plate 105 is
55
configured to have a member such as a transparent plastic
material which transmits the light, and guides the light to
the opening 102a1 by causing the concave surface 105a to
receive and diffuse the light emitted from the LED unit 182a.
In addition, for example, the light guide plate 105 guides
the light to the opening 102a1 and the opening 102a2 by
causing the concave surface 105a to receive and diffuse the
light emitted from the LED unit 182b and the LED unit 182c.
[0174]
In this manner, the light emitted from the LED unit
182a, the LED unit 182b and the LED unit 182c is diffused by
the light guide plate 105 as in the arrows illustrated on
the light guide plate 105 illustrated in Fig. 14, thereby
becoming the light (diffused light) which feels soft to
humans.
[0175]
Then, the diffused light which is diffused by the light
guide plate 105 is emitted from the opening 102a1 or the
opening 102a2 as in the bold arrow illustrated in Fig. 14. A
state of the light emitted from the opening 102a1 or the
opening 102a2 will be described in detail with reference to
Figs. 18 and 19.
[0176]
It is desirable to configure the light guide plate 105
to have a transparent member to which a predetermined color
56
is added, without using a colorless and transparent member.
[0177]
If the light guide plate 105 has a color, the color of
the light guide plate 105 can prevent the LED unit 182a, the
LED unit 182b and the LED unit 182c (particularly, a portion
directly emitting the light) from being visible through the
openings 102a1 and 102a2 from outside.
[0178]
Therefore, for example, as compared to a case of using
the light guide plate 105 formed to have the colorless and
transparent member, it is possible to more beautifully
display the light emitted from the openings 102a1 and 102a2
when the lighting is turned on.
[0179]
Fig. 15 illustrates an example of another configuration
of the light guide plate 105 to allow the light emitted from
the LED indicator 182 to be softer light. The upper surface
and the lower surface of the light guide plate 105 have a
machined surface 351 and a machined surface 352 which
respectively have a waveform. The light guide plate 105 is
partially subjected to knurling.
[0180]
The machined surface 351 is disposed on the upper
surface in the rear of the LED indicator 182 (opposite side
to the front panel 101) within the light guide plate 105.
57
The machined surface 352 is disposed on the lower surface in
the rear of the LED 182 (opposite side to the front panel
101) within the light guide plate 105.
[0181]
Referring to Figs. 15 and 16, the machined surface 351
is disposed in a range smaller than that of the machined
surface 352. In addition, the waveform of the machined
surface 351 is larger than the waveform of the machined
surface 352. In other words, whereas the waveform of the
machined surface 351 is configured so that a height
difference between a peak portion and a valley portion is
large and a width of one wave is wide, the waveform of the
machined surface 352 is configured so that a height
difference between a peak portion and a valley portion is
small and a width of one wave is narrow.
[0182]
Fig. 17 is a perspective view when the smart unit 62 is
viewed from below. The machined surface 352 is disposed on
the lower surface off the smart unit 62 illustrated in Fig.
17. The machined surface 352 is configured to have a
transparent member (semi-transparent member), and is
configured to have a member which transmits the light.
[0183]
In this configuration, the light emitted from the LED
indicator 182 is directly emitted outward from the smart
58
unit 62 via the machined surface 352, is indirectly
reflected on the machined surface 351, and is emitted
outward to the smart unit 62 via the machined surface 352.
[0184]
The machined surface 351 is disposed so as to be
capable of displaying the soft light by diffusing the light
emitted from the LED indicator 182. If a degree of the
light diffused by the machined surface 351 is too strong,
the light is not emitted in a wide range. Accordingly, the
waves of the machined surface 351 are configured to be
coarse in the above-described manner, thereby weakening the
diffusion.
[0185]
The machined surface 352 is also disposed so as to be
capable of presenting the soft light by diffusing the light
emitted from the LED indicator 182. However, the waves are
configured to be coarser than that of the machined surface
351. It is possible to uniformize the diffusion degrees by
minutely setting the waves of the machined surface 352.
[0186]
In this manner, the light guide plate 105 has two of
the machined surface 351 and the machined surface 5352, and
the respective machined surfaces are adapted to have the
waveform. Accordingly, the light emitted outward from the
smart unit 62 can be made to feel soft. In addition, by
59
causing the waveforms of two of the machined surface 351 and
the machined surface 352 to be different from each other, it
is possible to adjust a degree of the soft impression on the
light or light intensity.
[0187]
In addition, the machined surface 351 and the machined
surface 352 which have the waveform diffuse the light
emitted from the LED indicator 182, thereby enabling the
light emitted from the LED indicator 182 to be blended.
That is, for example, as described by referring to Fig. 13,
the LED indicator 182 is configured to have the LED units
182a, 182b and 183c. Thus, it is possible to assign the LED
units to respectively emit the red (R) light, the green (G)
light and the blue (B) light.
[0188]
The red light, the green light and the blue light of
the LED indicator 182 can be diffused and mixed by the
machined surface 351 and the machined surface 352. It is
possible to express more colors by adjusting and matching
the light intensity of the respective LED units 182a, 182b
and 183c.
[0189]
The machined surface 352 is disposed on the lower
surface of the front panel 101, and is disposed to have a
member different from that of the front panel 101. The
60
machined surface 352 is disposed by being molded so that a
portion of the lower surface of the front panel 101 is cut
out and the cut-out portion has the waveform by using the
transparent member (semi-transparent member).
[0190]
When this machined surface 352 is configured to have
the transparent member and not to have the waveform, the LED
indicator 182 or the communication infrastructure 202, for
example, which is disposed inside the front panel 101, is
visible to a user. There also exists the design allowing
the internal configuration of the communication
infrastructure 202 or the like to be visible to the user.
However, when the internal configuration is not intended to
be visible to the user instead of the above-described design,
it is advantageous to configure the machined surface 352 to
have the waveform.
[0191]
That is, since the machined surface 352 has the
waveform, it is possible to prevent the internal
configuration of the smart unit 62 from being visible
through the machined surface 352 formed of the transparent
member. In addition, since the waveform of the machined
surface 352 is adapted to have the minute wave, it is
possible to further enhance an advantageous effect that the
interior thereof is not visible. Then, as described above,
61
since the waveform of the machined surface 352 is adapted to
have the minute wave, it is also possible to obtain an
advantageous effect that the diffused light can be
uniformized.
[0192]
As illustrated in Fig. 17, it is preferable to
configure a direction of the waveform of the machined
surface 352 to be a direction the same as a longitudinal
direction of the smart unit 62 when the smart unit 62 is
viewed from below. In other words, it is preferable that
the wave of the machined surface 352 be disposed so that a
line drawn portion on the machined surface 352 in Fig. 17,
which is the peak portion (valley portion) of the machined
surface 352, is parallel with the front panel 101.
[0193]
Since the machined surface 352 is disposed to have the
waveform in this manner, it is possible to further enhance
the advantageous effect that the wave causes the internal
configuration of the smart unit 62 to be unlikely to be
visible when viewed from the front panel 101 side.
[0194]
In this manner, it is possible to diffuse the light by
disposing the machined surface 351 and the machined surface
352 in the light guide plate 105, and thus it is possible to
obtain a higher design quality. The machined surface 352 is
62
configured to have the transparent (semi-transparent) member.
However, the machined surface 351 may be configured to have
the member which can diffuse the light, and is not
necessarily configured to have the transparent (semitransparent)
member.
[0195] [Example of Light Distribution]
Next, Fig. 18 illustrates an example when the smart
unit 62 is viewed from front in a case where the LED unit
182a, the LED unit 182b and the LED unit 182c are turned on.
[0196]
In order to prevent the drawing from being complicated,
Fig. 18 illustrates only the light guide plate 105 which is
present in the lower side of the front panel 101.
[0197]
Fig. 18 illustrates the brightness of the light by
using a grayscale. Fig. 18 illustrates that it becomes
brighter as it is closer to the white color and it becomes
darker as it is closer to the black color. This is the same
in Fig. 19 (to be described later).
[0198]
When the LED unit 182a, the LED unit 182b and the LED
unit 182c are turned on, as illustrated in Fig. 18, the
light guide plate 105 is a bright in the central portion in
the drawing, and becomes dark as if the brightness vanishes
as it goes from the central portion in the drawing to the
63
rightward and leftward directions in the drawing.
[0199]
That is, for example, as illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14,
the LED 182a is disposed in the front panel 101 side rather
than the LED unit 182b and the LED unit 182c.
[0200]
Therefore, as illustrated in the center of Fig. 18, the
light emitted from the LED unit 182a closest to the front
panel 101 side is seemingly the brightest.
[0201]
In addition, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 13,
the LED unit 182a, the LED unit 182b and the LED unit 182c
are disposed in the central portion of the communication
board 202.
[0202]
Therefore, as illustrated in the left side of Fig. 18
and the right side of Fig. 18, the light emitted from the
LED unit 182b and the LED unit 182c becomes dark as if the
brightness vanishes as it is away from the center in Fig. 18.
[0203]
Next, Fig. 19 illustrates an example when the display
body 61 and the smart unit 62 are detached from the stand 63
and are used as the television receiver 41 for wall mounting.
[0204]
Fig. 19 illustrates the smart unit 62 and only an
64
interior (wall and floor portions) in which the smart unit
62 is arranged.
[0205]
As illustrated in Fig. 19, in the wall on which the
smart unit 62 is arranged, circular light is emitted to the
lower side of the smart unit 62.
[0206]
This is due to the fact that the opening 102a2 having a
crescent shape as illustrated in Fig. 5 is disposed on the
bottom surface 221 of the storage case 102.
[0207]
The brightness distribution of the light emitted from
the smart unit 62 is made as described with reference to
Figs. 18 and 19. Accordingly, it is possible to express the
soft light as if the light surrounds the smart unit 62.
[0208]
When the display body 61 to which the smart unit 62 is
added is attached to the stand 63, the stand 63 functions as
the wall on which the light is reflected. Similarly to the
case of the television receiver 41 for wall mounting, the
soft light is emitted as if the light surrounds the smart
unit 62.
[0209]
That is, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 20, a
concave surface 63a representing a recessed surface is
65
disposed in the stand 63. In this manner, the light emitted
from the opening 102a2 of the smart unit 62 may be reflected
on the concave surface 63a.
[0210]
Since the concave surface 63a functions as the wall
used in wall mounting, the light is expressed as if the
light surrounds the smart unit 62. A shape of the concave
surface 63a disposed in the stand 63 may be a shape such as
a triangular pyramid and a quadrangular pyramid, or a shape
such as a rectangular parallelepiped.
[0211]
That is, the light emitted from the opening 102a2 of the
smart unit 62 is reflected on the concave surface 63a formed
in the stand 63 and is emitted in a front surface direction
(leftward direction in the drawing in Fig. 20). In this
manner, it is possible to express the light similar to the
light when the television receiver 41 is used in the wall
mounting.
[0212]
In addition, in order to improve reception sensitivity
for the wireless signal in the smart unit 62, the concave
surface 63a of the stand 63 may employ a shape which allows
the wireless signal to be reflected on the stand 63 and to
be directed toward the smart unit 62 (for example, a
recessed shape such as a shape of a parabolic antenna).
66
[0213]
Incidentally, as described above, the case where the
smart unit 62 has the built-in film antenna 121 has been
described. However, a configuration may be made where a
different type antenna from the film antenna 121 is built
therein.
[0214]
That is, as long as the antenna is stored on the front
surface 224 which is the protruding section of the storage
case 102 in the smart unit 62, any type of antenna may be
built therein.
[0215]
Here, an example has been described where the antenna
is stored on the front surface 224 which is the protruding
section of the storage case 102 in the smart unit 62.
However, as described below, the arrangement position of the
antenna is not limited to the front surface 224, and may be
within the smart unit 62.
[0216] [Example When Using Another Antenna]
Next, Fig. 21 illustrates an example of the
communication board 202 in which a metal sheet antenna is
disposed.
[0217]
As illustrated in Fig. 21, the surface of the
communication board 202 has the metal sheet antennae 241L
67
and 241R which are formed in an L-shape and have a metal
sheet.
[0218]
Fig. 22 illustrates an example of an internal
configuration when the smart unit 62 having the built-in
communication board 202 of Fig. 21 is laterally viewed.
[0219]
In Fig. 22, in order to prevent the drawing from being
complicated, a portion of the rear surface side (side on
which the rear cover 104 is present) of the smart unit 62 is
omitted in the illustration.
[0220]
In Fig. 22, the metal sheet antennae 241L and 241R are
arranged in front of the front surface of the display body
61 (further left side from a dashed line illustrated in Fig.
22), on the surface of the communication board 202.
[0221]
In addition, the camera board 201 is also similarly
arranged in front of the front surface of the display body
61. That is, similar to the metal sheet antennae 241L and
241R, the brightness sensor 172 and the IR light receiving
unit 173 which are disposed on the camera board 201 are also
arranged in front of the front surface of the display body
61.
[0222]
68
Next, Fig. 23 is a front view of the smart unit 62 in
which the metal sheet antennae 2411L and 241R are disposed.
The metal sheet antennae 241L and 241R are respectively
arranged on the rear surface of the front panel 101 as
illustrated in Fig. 23.
[0223]
As described with reference to Figs. 21 to 23, in the
smart unit 62, the metal sheet antennae 241L and 241R and
the IR light receiving unit 173 are arranged in front of the
front surface of the display body 61.
[0224]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where
the display body 61 causes degradation in the reception
sensitivity for the wireless signal received by the metal
sheet antennae 241L and 241R or the operation signal (IR
signal) serving as the wireless signal received by the IR
light receiving unit 173.
[0225]
In addition, in the smart unit 62, the brightness
sensor 172 is also similarly arranged in front of the front
surface of the display body 61. Therefore, the brightness
sensor 172 can detect brightness of a place where the user
is expected to view the contents such as a broadcasting
program displayed on the display screen of the display body
61. This is the same as in a case of employing the film
69
antenna 121.
[0226]
Furthermore, an arrangement position of another antenna
will be described. Fig. 24 illustrates a configuration of
the communication infrastructure 202 when the BT antenna 186
and the Wi-Fi antenna 188 are disposed in the communication
infrastructure 202. The BT antenna 186 and the Wi-Fi
antenna 188 are separately arranged as much as possible.
This can prevent a situation where interference occurs
between the wireless communication using Bluetooth
(registered trademark) and the wireless communication using
the Wi-Fi.
[0227]
Furthermore, a gasket 401 and a gasket 402 are disposed
in order to prevent the communication interference between
the BT antenna 186 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188. The gasket
401 is disposed on the BT antenna 186 side and the gasket
402 is disposed on the Wi-Fi antenna 188 side. The gasket
401 is disposed to prevent the communication transmitted
from the BT antenna 186 from leaking out to the Wi-Fi
antenna 188 side. The gasket 402 is disposed to prevent the
communication transmitted from the Wi-Fi antenna 188 from
leaking out to the BT antenna 186 side.
[0228]
It is possible to dispose another antenna or the
70
control unit 179 (not illustrated in Fig. 24) between the
gasket 401 and the gasket 402. The gasket 401 and the
gasket 402 may be configured to have the same member or may
be configured to have different members. It is preferable
to configure the gasket 401 to have a material and a size
which can efficiently block the communication transmitted
from the BT antenna 186. Similarly, it is preferable to
configure the gasket 402 to have a material and a size which
can efficiently block the communication transmitted from the
Wi-Fi antenna 188.
[0229]
Fig. 25 is a view when the communication infrastructure
202 is viewed in the horizontal direction. The arrow in the
drawing represents a direction in which the wireless signal
is transmitted. Fig. 25 is a view when viewed from the Wi-
Fi antenna 188 side disposed on the communication
infrastructure 202. Accordingly, the gasket 402 is disposed
in a rearward direction in the drawing. The lower surface
of the display body 61 is configured to be located at a
position in contact with the upper surface of the gasket 402,
which is the upper portion of the Wi-Fi antenna 188.
[0230]
The lower surface of the frame of the display body 61
is generally configured to have a material which is not
suitable for good communication, for example, to include a
71
metal or the like. Alternatively, at least the frame of a
portion in contact with the frame of the smart unit 62 is
configured to include the material which is not suitable for
good communication, such as the metal. According to this
configuration, it is possible to block the communication
(radio wave interference) in an upward direction of the Wi-
Fi antenna 188 as illustrated in Fig. 25.
[0231]
This configuration enables the frame of the display
body 61 to block the communication leaking from the Wi-Fi
antenna 188 to the BT antenna 186 through the upper portion
of the gasket 402. Although not illustrated, similarly, the
upper portion of the gasket 401 and the lower surface of the
frame of the display body 61 are configured to be in contact
with each other. Accordingly, this configuration enables
the frame of the display body 61 to block the communication
leaking from the BT antenna 186 to the Wi-Fi antenna 188
through the upper portion of the gasket 401.
[0232]
Referring to Fig. 25, the signal transmitted from the
Wi-Fi antenna 188 is blocked by the upper side and the
gasket 402 side, but is transmitted outward from the smart
unit 62 in the forward direction, in the rearward direction
and in the direction opposite to the gasket 402. Although
not illustrated, similarly, the signal transmitted from the
72
BT antenna 186 is blocked by the upper side and the gasket
401 side, but is transmitted outward from the smart unit 62
in the forward direction, in the rearward direction and in
the direction opposite to the gasket 401.
[0233]
The configuration of disposing the gaskets in this
manner can prevent the situation where the interference
occurs between the wireless communication using Bluetooth
(registered trademark) and the wireless communication using
the Wi-Fi via the BT antenna 186 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188.
The communication in a necessary direction can be
efficiently performed while preventing the interference.
Therefore, there is no possibility of interfering with the
communication.
[0234]
The BT antenna 186 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188 which are
disposed in the communication infrastructure 202 may be
configured to be a single board integrated with the
communication infrastructure 202, or can be configured to
have a member connected to the communication infrastructure
202 (state where all are not disposed on the communication
infrastructure 202, but a portion is disposed on the
communication infrastructure 202). For example, a connector
such as a B to B connector may be used and the BT antenna
186 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188 may be disposed so as to be in
73
contact with the communication infrastructure 202. In
addition, the BT antenna 186 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188 are
not limited to the shape of the film. Whatever shape the
antenna has, the present technology can be applied thereto.
[0235]
Incidentally, in the present embodiment, a case has
been described where the smart unit 62 has the functional
configuration as illustrated in Fig. 7. However, the
functional configuration of the smart unit 62 is not limited
thereto.
[0236]
That is, for example, the smart unit 62 may be
configured to have the relay unit 171, the brightness sensor
172, the IR light receiving unit 173, the relay unit 178,
the control unit 179, the USB terminal connection part 180,
the USB terminal connection part 181 and the LED indicator
182.
[0237]
In addition, for example, in the smart unit 62, a new
functional block (for example, a new camera or the like) may
be disposed in the configuration as illustrated in Fig. 7.
Furthermore, for example, a configuration can be made so
that the number of any antenna out of the BT antenna 186,
the NFC antenna 187 and the Wi-Fi antenna 188 may be one or
two for the antenna built in the smart unit 62 in Fig. 7.
74
[0238]
The smart unit 62 is adapted to have a size and a shape
which vary depending on the number of components built in
the housing thereof.
[0239] [Example of Appearance of Another Television
Receiver]
Figs. 26 to 41 illustrate examples of appearances of
first to fifth television receivers configured to have a
smart unit, a display body and a stand.
[0240]
That is, Fig. 26 is a front view of the first
television receiver when a surface having a display is
viewed from front, and Fig. 27 is a side view when the first
television receiver illustrated in Fig. 26 is viewed from
the right side of Fig. 26. In addition, Fig. 28 is a top
view when the first television receiver illustrated in Fig.
26 is viewed from above in Fig. 26.
[0241]
Fig. 29 is a front view of the second television
receiver when the surface having the display is viewed from
front, and Fig. 30 is a side view when the second television
receiver illustrated in Fig. 29 is viewed from the right
side of Fig. 29. In addition, Fig. 31 is a top view when
the second television receiver illustrated in Fig. 29 is
viewed from above in Fig. 29.
75
[0242]
Fig. 32 is a front view of the third television
receiver when the surface having the display is viewed from
front, and Fig. 33 is a side view when the third television
receiver illustrated in Fig. 32 is viewed from the right
side of Fig. 32. In addition, Fig. 34 is a top view when
the third television receiver illustrated in Fig. 32 is
viewed from above in Fig. 32.
[0243]
Fig. 35 is a front view of the fourth television
receiver when the surface having the display is viewed from
front, and Fig. 36 is a side view when the fourth television
receiver illustrated in Fig. 35 is viewed from the right
side of Fig. 35. In addition, Fig. 37 is a top view when
the fourth television receiver illustrated in Fig. 35 is
viewed from above in Fig. 35.
[0244]
Fig. 38 is a front view of the fifth television
receiver when the surface having the display is viewed from
front, and Fig. 39 is a side view when the fifth television
receiver illustrated in Fig. 38 is viewed from the right
side of Fig. 38. In addition, Fig. 40 is a top view when
the fifth television receiver illustrated in Fig. 38 is
viewed from above in Fig. 38. Furthermore, Fig. 41 is a
perspective view when the fifth television receiver
76
illustrated in Fig. 38 is viewed in an oblique direction.
[0245]
Next, Figs. 42 to 50 illustrate examples of appearance
of sixth to eighth television receivers configured to have a
smart unit and a display body.
[0246]
The sixth to eighth television receivers are used in a
television receiver for wall mounting without being
supported by a stand.
[0247]
Fig. 42 is a front view of the sixth television
receiver when the surface having the display is viewed from
front, and Fig. 43 is a side view when the sixth television
receiver illustrated in Fig. 42 is viewed from the right
side of Fig. 42. In addition, Fig. 44 is a top view when
the sixth television receiver illustrated in Fig. 42 is
viewed from above in Fig. 42.
[0248]
Fig. 45 is a front view of the seventh television
receiver when the surface having the display is viewed from
front, and Fig. 46 is a side view when the seventh
television receiver illustrated in Fig. 45 is viewed from
the right side of Fig. 45. In addition, Fig. 47 is a top
view when the seventh television receiver illustrated in Fig.
45 is viewed from above in Fig. 45.
77
[0249]
Fig. 48 is a front view of the eighth television
receiver when the surface having the display is viewed from
front, and Fig. 49 is a side view when the eighth television
receiver illustrated in Fig. 48 is viewed from the right
side of Fig. 48. In addition, Fig. 50 is a top view when
the eighth television receiver illustrated in Fig. 48 is
viewed from above in Fig. 48.
[0250] <3. Modification Example>
In the present embodiment, the smart unit 62 is added
to the display body 61 and exchanges data with display body
61 via a signal line.
[0251]
However, if the smart unit 62 is configured to exchange
the data with the display body 61 by the wireless
communication for example, it is not necessary that the
smart unit 62 be connected to the display body 61.
Accordingly, it is possible to arrange the smart unit 62 in
a user's desired place. In this case, it is assumed that
the smart unit 62 has a built-in battery for supplying power
to each unit.
[0252]
In addition, the smart unit 62 can be configured to
image a viewer by using the built-in camera 175 and to
recognize the viewer based on a captured image obtained by
78
imaging. In this case, the smart unit 62 supplies the
recognition result to the display body 61. The display body
61 can display contents which match preference of the viewer
who is recognized based on the recognition result supplied
from the smart unit 62.
[0253]
In addition, for example, the smart unit 62 may be
detached from the display body 61 and may be used as a
surveillance camera for example. In this case, for example,
the smart unit 62 can cause the built-in camera 175 to image
the surroundings, and can transmit the captured image
obtained by imaging to the display body 61 using the
wireless communication so as to display the captured image.
[0254]
In the smart unit 62, a relatively small display unit
may be disposed on the surface of the front panel 101 to
display predetermined information on the display unit.
[0255]
That is, for example, if the display unit disposed on
the surface of the front panel 101 is caused to display the
predetermined information (for example, current time), a
user can easily recognize the predetermined information even
when the user views the contents displayed on the display
body 61.
[0256]
79
Here, as the display unit, in addition to an organic EL
display for example, it is possible to employ electronic
paper which can display characters or the like even in a deenergized
state.
[0257]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the USB
terminal connection parts 180 and 181 are disposed in the
smart unit 62.
[0258]
However, in the smart unit 62, a terminal connection
portion of the USB terminal connection parts 180 and 181 can
be configured to protrude from the housing of the smart unit
62.
[0259]
In addition, for example, the terminal connection
portion of the USB terminal connection parts 180 and 181 may
be caused to protrude from the housing of the smart unit 62,
and the protruding section may be configured to be rotatable
around the smart unit 62 in a predetermined direction.
[0260]
Furthermore, for example, in the USB terminal
connection parts 180 and 181, a configuration may be made so
that the terminal connection portion, to which a signal line
which can be extended from the housing of the smart unit 62
by a predetermined length is connected, is drawn out from
80
the inside of the housing. The respective terminal
connection portions of the USB terminal connection parts 180
and 181 are connected to the USB terminal connection parts
180 and 181 inside the housing via the connected signal line.
[0261]
As described above, if the USB terminal connection
parts 180 and 181 are included in the configuration, when
connecting the USB memory or the like thereto, the terminal
connection portions of the USB terminal connection parts 180
and 181 can be taken outward from the housing of the smart
unit 62. Therefore, it is possible to easily connect the
USB memory or the like thereto.
[0262]
In the present embodiment, the USB terminal connection
parts 180 and 181 are disposed in the smart unit 62.
However, in addition, instead of the USB terminal connection
parts 180 and 181, for example, a HDMI terminal connection
part for connecting a HDMI terminal may be disposed. That
is, without being limited to the USB terminal, types of
terminals connected to the smart unit 62 may be the HDMI
terminal or the like. A configuration may be made so that
multiple types of terminals can be connected thereto.
[0263]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the smart unit
62 is added to the display body 61. However, a target to
81
which the smart unit 62 is added is not limited to the
display body 61. For example, the smart unit 62 can be
added to a personal computer or the like.
[0264]
Incidentally, this technology can adopt the following
configurations.
(1) A connection device that can be connected to an
electronic device includes: a receiving unit that receives a
wireless signal transmitted by radio; a relay unit that
relays the received wireless signal to the electronic
device; a terminal connection part which is connected to a
connection terminal; a storage unit that stores the
receiving unit, the relay unit and the terminal connection
part; and a device connection unit that connects the storage
unit to the electronic device. In a state of being
connected to the electronic device, in a normal direction to
a predetermined housing surface on a housing of the
electronic device, the storage unit has a protruding section
which protrudes further than the housing surface and stores
the receiving unit in the protruding section.
(2) In the connection device described in (1), the
storage unit has the protruding section which covers a
portion of the housing surface.
(3) The connection device described in (1) or (2)
further includes a light emitting unit that emits light
82
based on a control signal transmitted from the electric
device. The storage unit stores the light emitting unit.
(4) In the connection device described in (1) to (3),
the receiving unit is an antenna for receiving the wireless
signal.
(5) In the connection device described in (4), the
receiving unit is the antenna formed on a film.
(6) The connection device described in (4) further
includes a plate-shaped member having the antenna. The
storage unit stores the plate-shaped member in a place where
the antenna is stored in the protruding section.
(7) In the connection device described in (1) to (6),
the device connection unit is attachable to and detachable
from the electronic device.
(8) In the connection device described in (1) to (7),
the receiving unit is molded in a state of being included in
the protruding section and has a cutout section which
exposes the receiving unit in a portion of the protruding
section. A connection portion connected to the relay unit
is positioned in the cutout section and is in contact with
the receiving unit.
(9) In the connection device described in (1), the
receiving unit has a plurality of receiving parts receiving
different communication, and a blocking unit which blocks
radio wave interference is disposed between the plurality of
83
receiving parts.
(10) In the connection device described in (9), an
upper surface of the blocking unit is in contact with a
portion of the housing of the electronic device.
(11) In the connection device described in (1) to (9),
the electronic device is a television receiver having a
display unit. In a state of being connected to the
television receiver, in a normal direction to the housing
surface having the display unit on the housing of the
television receiver, the storage unit has the protruding
section which protrudes further than the housing surface and
stores the receiving unit in the protruding section.
[0265]
This disclosure is not limited to the above-described
embodiments, and can be modified in various ways without
departing from the scope of this disclosure.
Reference Signs List
[0266]
41 TELEVISION RECEIVER, 61 DISPLAY BODY, 62 SMART UNIT, 63
STAND, 63a CONCAVE SURFACE, 101 FRONT PANEL, 101a EXPOSURE
HOLE, 102 STORAGE CASE, 102a THROUGH HOLE, 102a1, 102a2
OPENING, 102b, 102c CYLINDRICAL PORTION, 102d RECESS, 102e
HOLE, 102f GROOVE, 103 CONNECTION MEMBER, 104 REAR COVER,
105 LIGHT GUIDE PLATE, 105a CONCAVE SURFACE, 111 RIGHT END
PORTION, 112 LOWER END PORTION, 121 FILM ANTENNA, 121a
84
SIGNAL LINE, 171 RELAY UNIT, 172 BRIGHTNESS SENSOR, 173 IR
LIGHT RECEIVING UNIT, 174 ENCODER, 175 CAMERA, 176, 177
MICROPHONE, 178 RELAY UNIT, 179 CONTROL UNIT, 180, 181 USB
TERMINAL CONNECTION PART, 182 LED INDICATOR, 182a to 182c
LED UNIT, 183 TOUCH DETECTION UNIT, 184, 185 DETECTION
ELECTRODE, 186 BT ANTENNA, 187 NFC ANTENNA, 188 Wi-Fi
ANTENNA, 201 CAMERA BOARD, 202 COMMUNICATION BOARD, 221
BOTTOM SURFACE, 222, 223 SIDE SURFACE, 224 FRONT SURFACE,
241L, 241R METAL SHEET ANTENNA
85
CLAIMS
[Claim 1]
A connection device that can be connected to an
electronic device, comprising:
a receiving unit that receives a wireless signal
transmitted by radio;
a relay unit that relays the received wireless signal
to the electronic device;
a light emitting unit that emits light based on a
control signal transmitted from the electronic device;
a storage unit that stores the receiving unit, the
relay unit and the light emitting unit; and
a device connection unit that connects the storage unit
to the electronic device,
wherein in a state of being connected to the electronic
device, in a normal direction to a predetermined housing
surface on a housing of the electronic device, the storage
unit has a protruding section which further protrudes from
the housing surface and stores the receiving unit in the
protruding section.
[Claim 2]
The connection device according to claim 1,
wherein the storage unit has the protruding section
which covers a portion of the housing surface.
86
[Claim 3]
The connection device according to claim 2, further
comprising:
a terminal connection part which is connected to a
connection terminal,
wherein the storage unit stores the terminal connection
part.
[Claim 4]
The connection device according to claim 3,
wherein the receiving unit is an antenna for receiving
the wireless signal.
[Claim 5]
The connection device according to claim 4,
wherein the receiving unit is the antenna formed on a
film.
[Claim 6]
The connection device according to claim 4, further
comprising:
a plate-shaped member having the antenna,
wherein the storage unit stores the plate-shaped member
in a place where the antenna is stored in the protruding
section.
87
[Claim 7]
The connection device according to claim 2,
wherein the device connection unit is attachable to and
detachable from the electronic device.
[Claim 8]
The connection device according to claim 1,
wherein the receiving unit is molded in a state of
being included in the protruding section and has a cutout
section which exposes the receiving unit through a portion
of the protruding section, and
wherein a connection portion connected to the relay
unit is positioned in the cutout section and is in contact
with the receiving unit.
[Claim 9]
The connection device according to claim 1,
wherein the receiving unit has a plurality of receiving
parts receiving different communications, and
wherein a blocking unit which blocks radio wave
interference is disposed between the plurality of receiving
parts.
[Claim 10]
88
The connection device according to claim 9,
wherein an upper surface of the blocking unit is in
contact with a portion of the housing of the electronic
device.
[Claim 11]
The connection device according to claim 1,
wherein the electronic device is a television receiver
having a display unit, and
wherein in a state of being connected to the television
receiver, in a normal direction to the housing surface
having the display unit on the housing of the television
receiver, the storage unit has the protruding section which
further protrudes from the housing surface and stores the
receiving unit in the protruding section.