Patent Publication Number: US-6703962-B1

Title: Modular remote controller

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to remote controllers for controlling the operation of electronic appliances. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventional, remote controllers have a plurality of user keys disposed on the front surface of the controller. The user keys are manipulated to issue commands to an electronic appliance, such as a television or stereo system to change the operating state of the appliance. Typically, an infrared transmitter is used to communicate the commands to the electronic appliance. 
     Some prior art remote controllers incorporate display screens to increase their functionality. For example, the RC2000 Programmable Learning Remote controller offered by Marantz includes a plurality of user keys as well as a display screen. The RC2000 can control virtually an entire houseful of electronic entertainment equipment, including televisions, video recorders, audio/video receivers, DVD players, surround sound decoders, laser disc players, DSS systems, cable television boxes, compact disc players and cassette decks. Additionally, the RC2000 allows the user to assign labels to particular commands. Macro keys are also available to send a sequence of commands to a given electronic appliance. 
     Although, prior art remote controllers are versatile in their ability to control a multitude of electronic appliances they still lack the ability to couplingly receive modules after manufacture. Thus, conventional remote controllers are not capable of increasing or changing the functionality of the remote or changing the shape of the remote controller by removably affixing modules to the surfaces of the remote. It would be desirable to add modules or replace existing modules in order to customize to the remote control unit to the specific needs of a user. For example, a particular user may require speakers on the remote, a speaker module could be coupled to the remote. Further, a different user might require a video screen on the remote, a video screen module could be coupled to the remote. Other users may desire just to change the shape of the module, modules of different shapes could be added to fulfill this objective. A major advantage of a remote which has the capability to receive modules is that the remote&#39;s functionality can be continually increased without progressively increasing the size and weight of the remote. Many other advantages will become clear from the following disclosure. 
     Consequently, there is a need for an improved remote controller that is physically changeable such that the shape of the controller may be modified by the coupling of a module or modules to the remote controller. The addition of the modules to the remote controller should increase the functionality of the remote controller but must also change the shape of the remote controller. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a remote controller for controlling the operation of a least one electronic appliance, the remote controller having a base unit which is augmented, by attaching auxiliary modules thereto, for increasing the functionality of the remote controller. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a remote controller for controlling the operation of a least one electronic appliance, the remote controller having a base unit which is augmented by attaching non-functional auxiliary modules thereto, for changing the appearance of the base unit. 
     In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention provides a remote controller for controlling the operation of an electronic appliance. A base unit of the remote controller is augmented by adding auxiliary modules thereto. The auxiliary modules may be functional, adding more control or convenience capability to the remote controller or non-functional, containing no electrical circuitry. The non-functional modules are added to the base unit of the remote for the purpose of altering the appearance, for ease of handling, or for attaching other accessories. The present invention allows the user to adapt the remote controller to his specific needs. 
     Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a remote controller for controlling the operation of at least one electronic appliance is provided. The remote controller has a base unit which is adapted to couplingly receive an auxiliary module. The base unit has a front surface and a first coupling surface adapted to couplingly receive the auxiliary module. A plurality of user selectable keys are defined on the front surface of the base unit. The plurality of keys are manipulated by a user to send commands via a transmitter to the electronic appliance. The transmitter is housed within the base unit. The base unit and the coupled auxiliary module have increased functionality over the stand alone base unit. Alternatively, the base unit and coupled auxiliary module have a different appearance than the stand alone base unit. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a remote controller for controlling the operation of at least one electronic appliance is provided. The remote controller includes a base unit having a front surface, at least two side coupling surfaces adjacent to the front surface, and a back coupling surface diametrically opposite the front surface. Further, a plurality of user keys are defined on the front surface. The user keys are connected to a transmitter for communicating information to at least one electronic appliance. A module is removably affixed to the following surfaces, the two side coupling surfaces and the bottom coupling surface. The base unit and module together have increased functionality and/or have a different appearance over the stand alone base unit. 
     The advantages accruing to the present invention are numerous. For example, the present invention allows a user to increase the functionality of a remote controller. The present invention provides a remote controller which can be adapted to satisfy a user&#39;s specific needs by adding user selected modules to the base unit of the remote controller. Further, the base unit can accept functional as well as non-functional modules depending on the particular purpose sought. 
    
    
     The above object and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG.  1 —is a perspective view of a base unit, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is adaptable to receive a module, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  2 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving a module on the base unit&#39;s back surface, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  3 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving a module on one of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  4 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving a module on two of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  5 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving a module on three of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  6 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving a module on four of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  7 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving the module on the base unit&#39;s back surface and on one of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  8 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving the module on the base unit&#39;s back surface and on two of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG.  9 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving the module on the base unit&#39;s back surface and on three of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG.  10 —is a perspective view of a base unit with an auxiliary module attached thereto, the base unit having a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance, the base unit is further shown receiving the module on the base unit&#39;s back surface and on four of the base unit&#39;s side surfaces, in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG.  11 —is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, a base unit with an auxiliary module is shown, wherein the base unit has a plurality of keys and a transmitter for issuing commands to an electronic appliance. 
     FIG.  12 —is a perspective view of an auxiliary module for controlling an additional electronic appliance when the module is coupled to the base unit, in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG.  13 —is a perspective view of another auxiliary module for controlling a different electronic appliance when the module is coupled to the base unit, in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG.  14 —is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base unit is shown with an auxiliary module which is non-functional and overlays the base unit for the purpose of changing the appearance of the front surface of the base unit, in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a remote control device  10  according to the present invention is illustrated. Remote control device  10  has a the base unit  12  and an auxiliary module  14 . The base unit  12  includes a plurality of keys for sending commands to a television (not shown) or to other electronic appliances such as VCRs and stereos. Each time a key is depressed a code associated with the key is transmitted by a transmitter such as an infrared transmitter  16  to the television to affect the operation of the television. A pair of channel up and channel down keys  20  and  22  are provided on the base unit  12  for moving up the channels or down the channels of the television. A pair of volume keys volume up  24  and volume down  26  are provided to increase or decrease the volume of the television respectively. The present invention contemplates a base unit having a variety of additional keys for carrying out other operations. 
     Furthermore, base unit  12  has a front surface  18  which defines a first plan view shape. The first plan view shape of the base unit  12  is shown generally as being rectangular, however this is by way of example only as the present invention contemplates other plan view shapes. Other plan view shapes may include but are not limited to square, conical, triangular, and circular for example. 
     With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the base unit  12  is shown with the front surface  18  and four adjacent side surfaces  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  and  30   d . Base unit  12  also has a back surface  32  which is opposed to the front surface  18  and is generally planar. An adapter  28  shown on the side surface  30   a  is configured to couplingly receive the module  14 . The adapter  28  is shown on the side surface  30   a , however the adapter may be located on any one or more of said surfaces  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  of the base unit  12 . For example and as will be illustrated hereinafter, the module may be coupled to the back surface  32  and a side surface  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , or  30   d  or the module may be coupled to just three side surfaces. 
     The module  14  has a module adaptor  34  which is configured to cooperate with the adapter  28  to allow the module  14  to be removably coupled to the base unit  12 . The module  14  may include functional sub-components such as speakers, video displays, keyboards, and the like. Alternatively, the module  14  may be non-functional having no circuitry or electrical communication with the base unit of the remote controller  10 . The auxiliary module  14  which is non-functional may provide a particular shape which is suitable for a desired purpose such as a handle (as shown in FIG. 7) or a shape which allows the remote controller to be accessorized with other items such as clothes. For example, to entertain children the remote controller could be coupled to one or more modules to form a second plan view shape resembling a cartoon figure, such as an Action Hero (i.e. Superman). The child could dress Superman during the running of the Superman TV program thus, increasing the entertainment value of the television program. 
     The adapter  28  and module adapter  34  which are capable of removably joining the module  14  to the base unit  12  may be constructed of a known coupling means. By way of example only, the adapter  28  and module adapter  34  may be coupled through a tongue and groove arrangement, where adapter  28  forms the tongue and module adaptor  34  forms the groove or vice versa. The tongue and groove configuration provides a mechanical coupling of the base unit  12  to the module  14 . If an electrical connection is required an edge connector may be provided, for example, in addition to the tongue and groove mechanical coupling configuration. Of course, the present invention contemplates other mechanical as well as electrical coupling arrangements. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a module  14   a  is shown coupled to the back surface  32  of the base unit  12 . The coupling of the module  14   a  to the back surface  32  of base unit  12  changes the plan view shape of the controller  10  from a rectangular first plan view shape to a multi-sided polygon second plan view shape. By example the module  14   a  may incorporate a speaker  36  which requires an electrical connection to the base unit  12  of the remote controller  10  to operate. As stated previously, the module  14   a  may be connected to the base unit  12  using a module adaptor  34  and an adaptor  28  having an edge connector or a pin/hole connector arrangement. Required speaker circuitry would be located within the base unit  12  and be connected to the module adaptor  34 . Furthermore, a mechanical fastening means may be employed to ensure that the electrical connection is not disrupted during use. For example, the tongue and groove arrangement in addition to the edge connector may be used. 
     Module  14   b  is shown in FIG. 3, coupled to the side surface  30   b  of the base unit  12  and another module  14   c  to the back surface of the base unit  12 . For example, the module  14   b  incorporates a video display device  38   a . The coupling of modules  14   b  and module  14   c  to the side and back surfaces of the base unit  12  changes the first plan view shape of the base unit  12  from a rectangle to a second plan view shape which is not rectangular. Since module  14   b  is a video display screen an electrical connector in the form of an edge connector or a fifteen pin mini d-type connector is required to receive video signals from the base unit  12 . Video capture and display circuitry required to show the video picture would be housed within the module  14   b . Module  14   c , for example, may incorporate a speaker  38   b  as shown. Speaker interface circuitry for receiving voice signals may be housed within the speaker  38   b . Electrical connectors such as an edge connector may be used to communicate the voice signals from the base unit  12  to the speaker  38   b.    
     A module  14   d  is shown in FIG. 4, coupled to the back surface  32  and the side surfaces  30   d  of the base unit  12 . The module  14   d  is shown by example, generically, as a block. However, module  14   d  may take on a particular shape as required. The desired shape would create a second plan view shape of the base unit  12  which would be different than the first plan view shape. The module  14   d  is mechanically coupled to the base unit  12  and as such no electrical adaptors or circuitry would be required. The shape of the module may vary depending on the purpose for coupling the module to the base. For Example, the module could take on a shape which would be suitable for children to dress up with clothes. 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, a module  14   e  is shown coupled to two side surfaces  30   a  and  30   b  of the base unit  12 . The module  14   e  shown incorporating a keyboard  40   a  for inputting messages. The messages could be forwarded to other systems via the Internet. The module  14   e  in this case adds additional functionality to the base unit  12  namely, the capability to create letters or memos. Since electrical signals would need to be transmitted between the base unit and the module  14   e  adaptor  28  and module adaptor  34  could be an edge connector and slot as well know in the art. Further, required keyboard interface circuitry would be housed within the module  14   e . The interface circuitry would be responsible transmitting the inputted key strokes to the base unit  12 . Base unit  12  could then transmit the stored message via the transmitter to a remote location. 
     Module  14   f  is shown in FIG. 6 coupled to three side surfaces of the base unit  12 . The first plan view shape of the base unit  12  is, generally, rectangular when the module  14   f  is coupled to the base unit  12  a second plan view shape is created which is different than the first plan view shape. For example, module  14   f  incorporates a video display screen  38   b  for viewing television programming or displaying other images. Video display and interface circuitry required to operate the display may be housed within the module  14   f . Adapter  28  and modular adapter  34  would be electrical connectors such as edge connectors or the like. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, base unit  12  and a module  14   g  is shown in an exploded view wherein the base unit  12  is receivable and coupleable to the module  14   g . The module  14   g  is coupled to four side surfaces  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  of the base unit  12 . The first plan view shape of the base unit  12  is generally rectangular, however, when the module  14   g  is coupled to the base unit  12  a second plan view shape is created which is not rectangular. For example the module  14   g  is shown incorporating a handle  44 . The handle may be used for grasping the remote and transporting the remote to a desired location. The module  14   g  is removably attached to the base unit  12  through a mechanical coupling means such as described above. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, the module  14   h  is shown coupled to the two side surfaces  30   b  and  30   d  and the back surface  32  of the base unit  12 . The first plan view shape of the base unit  12  is, generally, rectangular however when the module  14   h  is coupled to the base unit  12  a second plan view is created which is different than the first plan view shape. The module  14   h  as shown incorporates a video display screen  38   c  for viewing television programming or displaying other images and a speaker  36   c  for hearing audible signals. Required interface circuitry for the video display  38   c  and the speaker  36   c  would be housed within the module  14   h . Additionally, the adaptor  28  and module adaptor  34  would provide a mechanical attachment as well as electrical communication between the base unit  12  and the module  14   h.    
     Referring now to FIG. 9, the module  14   i  is shown coupled to three side surfaces  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   d  and the back surface  32  of the base unit  12 . The first plan view shape of the base unit  12  is generally rectangular, however, when the base unit  12  is coupled to the module  14   i  a second plan view shape is created which is different than the first plan view shape. The module  14   i  as shown, for example, incorporates a speaker  36   d  and a keyboard  40   b . The speaker  36   d  and keyboard  40   b  would require interface circuitry to communicate electrical signals between the base unit  12  and the module  14   i . The circuitry may be located within the module  14   i.    
     Referring now to FIG. 10, the module  14   j  is shown coupled to four side surfaces  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  and  30   d  and to the back surface  32  of the base unit  12 . The first plan view shape of the base unit  12  is, generally, rectangular however when the module  14   j  is coupled to the base unit  12  a second plan view shape is created which is different than the first plan view shape. The module  14   j  as shown for example incorporates a shape, such as, mouse ears  52  and  54  for entertaining children when the children are watching a television program. The newly created shape provided by coupling the module  14   j  to the base unit  12  increases the entertainment aspects of the television show presently being viewed. Alternatively, the mouse ears  52  and  54  could be used as ash trays for adults who are smoking while watching their favorite TV programs. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 11 illustrates the base unit  12  having the adapter  28  located on the top surface of the base unit  12 . Additionally, auxiliary module  14   k  is shown having the module adapter  34  attached to the bottom surface  70  of the auxiliary module  14   k , for slidably coupling the auxiliary module to the base unit. Auxiliary, module  14   k  also has a plurality of user keys disposed on a top surface  72 , for operating a video cassette recorder/player. Such keys would include, but are not limited to, rewind, record, pause, fast forward (FF), and stop. Furthermore, module  14   k  includes a pair of downwardly extending legs  74  and  76  which are configured to span the sides  30   b  and  30   d  of the base unit  12 . As the module  14   k  is places over top of aid pushed down onto the base unit  12  module adapter  34  enters adapter  28  making electrical contact with the internal circuitry of the base unit  12 . Module  14   k  is pressed down onto the base unit until the legs  74  and  76  “snap” and extend around the back surface  32  of the base unit. 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate similar auxiliary modules as the one shown in FIG. 11 however having different operation keys and control functions. For example, FIG. 12 shows an auxiliary module  14   l  for controlling the operation of a DVD player. Auxiliary module  14   l  attaches to the base unit in the same way as auxiliary module  14   k , as described above. However, module  14   l  has a plurality of keys directed toward controlling a DVD player. Such keys include but are not limited to, rewind, pause, fast forward (FF), stop, skip, menu. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13 auxiliary module  14   m  is shown for controlling the operation of an enhanced television. As described above auxiliary module is electrically coupled to the base unit  12  via adapter  28  and module adapter  34 . Module  14   m  also includes a plurality of user keys which include but are not limited to, a menu key, an electronic programming guide (EPG) and a setup key. 
     Of course, other similar auxiliary modules coupled to the base unit to increase functionality are contemplated by the present invention. For instance, electronic appliances such as stereos and set-top cable boxes may be controlled by coupling respective auxiliary modules to the base unit  12 . Such auxiliary modules would include user keys related to the specific operation of the electronic appliance being controlled. 
     With reference to FIG. 14 a non-functional auxiliary module  14   n  is shown according to the present invention. Non-functional auxiliary module  14   n  is configured to overlay the base unit  12 . More specifically, auxiliary module  14   n  has a surface  80  which is different than the front surface  18  of the base unit  12  and is placed over and on top of the base unit  12  for the purpose of changing the surface appearance of the base unit. For example, a user may desire to have a surface with a specific design or image. The user would simply overlay the auxiliary module  14   n  having the desired graphic or image over top of the base unit  12 . The auxiliary module would “snap” into place as described above. The present invention allows the user of the remote controller to change the appearance of the remote without having to change the base unit, which is the most costly component of the remote. 
     While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.