JP2002023892A - Electronic equipment and method for controlling the same and recording medium recorded with control program of the equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the operation procedure of data communication by performing control corresponding to the leading length of a connecting code by considering that the connecting code is led when data communication is performed. SOLUTION: The transmission and reception of an electronic mail, the display of each menu of a first hierarchy, and the display of each menu of a second hierarchy are selectively performed according to whether or not electronic equipment 1 is in an operable state, whether or not a portable telephone set 12 is connected, and the leading length of a connecting cable 2. Thus, it is possible to simplify an operation for transmitting and receiving the electronic mail.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device connected to various external devices via a connection cable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As this kind of electronic equipment, there are an electronic mail terminal, an Internet viewer, and a device having these functions. This electronic device is connected to a mobile communication device such as a pager or PHS or an external device such as a personal computer via a connection cable, and data communication is performed in this state.

For example, an electronic organizer writes and reads an address book, a schedule, and a memo, and often has an auxiliary function such as a calculator, an electronic dictionary, and an e-mail exchange. When an electronic mail is exchanged using the electronic organizer, the electronic organizer is connected to a mobile phone via a connection cable, and data communication is performed through the mobile phone. In data communication using the electronic organizer, the following operation procedure is used. (1) Take out the electronic organizer. (2) Pull out the connection cable of the electronic organizer. (3) Connect the electronic organizer to the mobile phone via the connection cable. (4) Turn on the power of the electronic organizer. (5) Select an e-mail delivery function from various functions displayed on the display screen of the electronic organizer. (6) For example, a reception function is selected from the transmission function and the reception function of the e-mail. (7) Execute the receiving function. (8) Check whether there is a new incoming e-mail displayed on the display screen of the electronic organizer.

[0004]

By the way, as an electronic device has more functions, the operation procedure tends to be more complicated. For example, (5) to (7) in the operation procedure of the electronic organizer
The above operations are added because the electronic organizer has multiple functions. For this reason, simplification of the operation procedure is desired while having multiple functions.

Here, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-76908 discloses a technique in which when a pen attached to a device is taken out, the power of the device is automatically turned on. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-215252 discloses a technique in which, when a device is connected to a telephone line, communication by the device is automatically started.

The techniques described in these publications are intended to simplify the operation procedure, but only detect one event and perform one control, and the complexity of multifunctional electronic equipment is increased. It is not possible to realize simplified operation procedures.

On the other hand, the operation (2) in the operation procedure of the electronic organizer is performed at the time of data communication, and it is assumed that the connection cable is stored in the electronic organizer.
A similar technique is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-8-110834 and JP-A-9-330147. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 8-110834 discloses a mouse capable of storing a code and extracting the code. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-330147 discloses an information processing apparatus capable of storing a code and extracting the code.

Here, when compared with the operation of taking out a separate connection cable and connecting the connection cable to an electronic organizer and a portable telephone, the connection cable is pulled out from the electronic organizer and connected to the portable telephone (2). The operation is simple. Therefore, it can be said that the operation of (2) has already been simplified, and in many cases, the existing technology for storing and drawing out such a connection cable is employed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and focuses on the fact that a connection code is drawn during data communication, and performs control in accordance with the length of the connection code. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device in which the operation procedure of data communication is simplified, a control method of the electronic device, and a recording medium in which a control program of the electronic device is recorded.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a connection cable connected to an external device and a storage means for storing the connection cable, the electronic equipment being drawn from the storage means. And a control means for controlling the electronic device in accordance with the detection result of the drawer length detecting means.

Here, the drawer length detecting means detects, for example, a moving position or a rotation angle of a member which moves or rotates with the drawing of the connection cable.

According to the present invention having such a configuration, the electronic device is controlled according to the length of the connection cable pulled out. This connection cable is for connection to an external device.
Therefore, when data communication is not performed between the electronic device and the external device, the connection cable is not pulled out. In addition, depending on the usage state of the electronic device, the connection cable is pulled out slightly or the connection cable is pulled out sufficiently long. As described above, the length of the connection cable drawn out changes according to the use state of the electronic device. Therefore, the use state of the electronic device can be estimated according to the length of the connection cable drawn out, and this electronic device can be controlled. Thereby, the operation procedure of the electronic device is simplified.

In the present invention, the apparatus further comprises connection state detecting means for detecting whether or not the connection cable is connected to an external device, and the control means includes means for detecting the connection length detection means and the connection state detection means. The electronic device is controlled accordingly.

The connection state detecting means is, for example, an external interface to which a connection cable is connected.

Alternatively, in the present invention, the electronic apparatus further comprises an operation state detecting means for detecting whether or not the electronic device is in an operation state, and the control means responds to the detection results of the drawer length detecting means and the operation state detecting means. Thus, the electronic device is controlled.

This operation state detecting means detects, for example, the opening and closing of a member which is opened when the electronic device is operated.

As described above, when controlling an electronic device based on whether or not the connection cable is connected to an external device or whether or not the electronic device is operating, The electronic device can be controlled after more accurately estimating the use state of the electronic device. In the present invention, a warning unit for issuing a warning is further provided, and the withdrawal length detection unit includes a withdrawal length of the connection cable. Has reached the limit, and in response, the warning means issues a warning.

This warning means issues a warning using at least one of display, light emission, sound generation, vibration, electric signal, electromagnetic wave signal, ultrasonic signal and light signal.

Thus, disconnection of the connection cable due to excessive pulling of the connection cable is prevented.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, in a control method of an electronic device having a connection cable connected to an external device and a storage means for storing the connection cable, the length of the connection cable pulled out from the storage means is detected. And a step of controlling the electronic device according to the detected drawer length.

Further, the present invention provides a recording medium for a control program of an electronic device, comprising: a connection cable connected to an external device; and a storage means for storing the connection cable, wherein the length of the connection cable pulled out from the storage means is provided. And a control program including a step of controlling the electronic device according to the detected drawer length.

That is, the present invention covers not only electronic equipment but also a control method for electronic equipment and a recording medium on which a control program for electronic equipment is recorded.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This electronic device 1
Is a connection cable 2 connected to the mobile phone 12, an external device interface 3 to which the connection cable 2 is connected, a drawer length detector 4 for detecting a drawer length of the connection cable 2, and a device for protecting the electronic device 1. An open / closed state detecting unit 5 for detecting the open / closed state of the cover, a display device 6 for displaying various information, an input device 7 such as a keyboard and a touch panel, a data memory 8 for storing various data, and a program memory for storing various programs 9. External storage device interface 1 connected to external storage device 13
0, a central processing unit (CPU) 11 and a power supply 14.

As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the connection cable 2 is wound around the movable pulley 22 in the electronic device 1 approximately half a time (however, it is possible to wind the connection cable approximately once and a half).
Further, the rear end 2a is fixed in the apparatus main body 1a.
When the connection cable 2 is stored, the movable pulley 22 is moved to the position P.
1, the movable pulley 22 moves to the position P2 while rotating as the connection cable 2 is pulled out. The connection cable 2 is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1a, and the connector 21 at the end of the connection cable 2 is connected to a connector (not shown) of the mobile phone 12.

In the case of such a structure, a moving mechanism for the movable pulley 22 is required, which increases the number of parts and complicates the structure, but has the advantage that the long connection cable 2 can be stored in a small space. There is.

The external device interface 3 is an interface between the portable telephone 12 connected to the connection cable 2 and the electronic device 1. The external device interface 3 detects whether or not the connection cable 2 is connected to the mobile phone 12 and sends a detection signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 11. This detection is performed, for example, by transmitting and receiving a control signal between the external device interface 3 and the mobile phone 12 through the connection cable 2. This detection can also be performed by the CPU 11. In this case, the CPU 11 exchanges control signals with the mobile phone 12 through the external device interface 3 and the connection cable 2.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the drawer length detector 4 includes a detection target 4a fixed in the middle of the connection cable 2 and a plurality of drawer lengths arranged in the connection cable 2 drawer path. And a sensor 4b. Connection cable 2
The detected portion 4a moves in accordance with the pull-out length of the connection cable 2, so that the pull-out length of the connection cable 2 can be detected based on which of the sensors 4b detects the detected portion 4a. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Is in the range A, and the connection cable 2 is 1
The connector 21 is in the range B by being pulled out by more than ３ and less than ／, and the connection cable 2 is
At least a state where the connector 21 is pulled out to at least / 3 and the connector 21 is in the range C is detected. Such detection is performed by inputting a detection signal of each sensor 4b to the CPU 11. That is, the CPU 11 inputs the detection signal of each sensor 4b, and which of these sensors 4b
a is detected, the connector 21 determines the range A, B,
C is detected.

The open / closed state detecting section 5 detects the open / closed state of the cover 1b pivotally supported on one side of the apparatus main body 1a as shown in FIG. 3, and sends a detection signal indicating the detection result to the CPU 11. Output. Alternatively, if the apparatus main body 1a itself is folded in two and the apparatus main body 1a is opened and closed, the open / closed state detection unit 5 detects the opening and closing of the apparatus main body 1a. In short, the operable state of the electronic device 1 and the non-operable state are distinguished by the open / closed state detection unit 5, and the electronic device 1 is opened and closed based on not only the open / close state of the cover 1b or the apparatus main body 1a but also the state of other parts. 1 may be distinguished as to whether or not it is in the operable state.

The display device 6 is, as shown in FIG.
display screen 6a attached to a (for example, a liquid crystal display)
have. The display device 6 performs not only display on the display screen 6a, but also display using LEDs, flash lamps, or the like, generation of sound from a buzzer or speaker, and generation of vibration by a vibrator. Further, an interface for transmitting a control signal (a signal of electricity, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, radio waves, or the like) to an external device that emits various displays and sounds may be included. An interface for transmitting a control signal to an external device includes an RF transmitter, an IrDA, and an infrared light L in accordance with the nature of the control signal.
An ED, an ultrasonic speaker or the like is applied. In short, the display device 6 uses any means as long as the information can be notified to the worker.

The input device 7 is, as shown in FIG.
a at least a keyboard 7a attached to the keyboard 7a. The input device 7 may be not only the keyboard 7a but also a touch panel or an externally connected mouse.

The data memory 8 is a data rewritable memory such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic memory. Since the program memory 9 stores a program, it may be a read-only memory such as a mask ROM,
Alternatively, it may be rewritable as needed. Further, it may be a magnetic memory. Alternatively, the program may be stored in the external storage device 13 and read out from the external storage device 13 through the external storage device interface 10. The external storage device 13 writes and reads data to and from a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a memory card, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and an optical disk.

FIG. 4 shows a hierarchical structure of a menu displayed on the display screen 6a of the display device 6. The first level has menus such as an electronic organizer, an electronic dictionary, an electronic mail, and a tool. For example, the first-level electronic mail includes a second-level mail creation, mail transmission, and mail reception, and further, for example, the second-level mail transmission includes a third-level transmission folder and transmission execution. Furthermore, for example, the document folders A, B, and C of the fourth hierarchy belong to the transmission folder of the third hierarchy.

When the electronic device 1 is started, each menu of the first hierarchy is displayed on the display screen 6a. When one of the first-level menus is selected and executed by operating the keyboard 7a, the second-level menus belonging to the selected first-level menu are displayed.
When any one of the menus of the second hierarchy is selected and executed, each menu of the third hierarchy belonging to the selected menu of the second hierarchy is displayed, and any one of the menus of the third hierarchy is selected and executed. Then, each menu of the fourth hierarchy belonging to the selected menu of the third hierarchy is displayed.

Now, every time such an electronic device 1 is started, it is complicated to sequentially select and execute the menu of the first hierarchy, the menu of the second hierarchy, the menu of the third hierarchy, and the menu of the fourth hierarchy. Therefore, it is preferable to simplify such an operation as much as possible.

Therefore, in the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment, when sending and receiving e-mail, the connection cable 2 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 1a, and the connector 21 is connected to the portable telephone 1
2, the control for simplifying the operation for sending and receiving e-mails is performed based on the length of the connection cable 2 pulled out, the connection state of the connection cable 2, and the like. This control is performed by executing the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 at the time of startup when the power of the electronic device 1 is turned on.

First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the cover 1b (or the apparatus main body 1a itself) is closed based on the detection signal of the open / closed state detection unit 5, that is, whether the electronic device 1 is in an operable state or not. It is determined whether there is (Step S1). If the electronic device 1 is not in an operable state (step S1, Yes), it is not in an operable state even though the electronic device 1 is started. If not in an operable state (step S1, Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the connection cable 2 is connected to the mobile phone 12 based on a detection signal of the external device interface 3 (step S2). If the connection cable 2 is connected to the mobile phone 12 (step S2, Yes), it is determined that transmission / reception of an e-mail is intended. In this case, the CPU 11 executes the transmission and reception of the electronic mail, and after ending the operation, stops the operation of the electronic device 1 (step S3). In the case of sending an e-mail, the CPU 11 reads an e-mail, a destination, and the like stored in the data memory 8 in advance, and sends them to the mobile phone 12 through the external device interface 3. The mobile phone 12 sends the e-mail to the destination. In the case of receiving an e-mail, the mobile phone 12
Receives the e-mail and sends the e-mail to the CPU 11 through the external device interface 3. C
The PU 11 stores the electronic mail in the data memory 8.

Therefore, electronic mail can be transmitted and received only by the operation of pulling out the connection cable 2 and connecting it to the portable telephone 12 and turning on the power of the electronic device 1. In such an operation procedure, at least the respective operations (5) to (7) of the above-mentioned conventional electronic organizer are omitted.

For example, assuming that the electronic device 1 and the portable telephone 12 are put in a bag and that electronic mail is transmitted and received while on a train, the electronic device 1 is taken out of the bag as in the related art, and Telephone 12 to electronic device 1
And the electronic device 1 is started, and the cover 1 of the electronic device 1 is connected.
It is extremely difficult to open the screen b and operate the input device 7 while viewing the display screen 6a of the display device 6. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since the mobile phone 12 is only connected and the electronic device 1 is started, the transmission and reception of the e-mail can be easily performed in any situation. Further, when the transmission and reception of the e-mail is completed, under the control of the CPU 11, if the sound is generated from the buzzer or the speaker of the display device 6 or the vibration is generated by the vibrator, the electronic device 1 is not taken out of the bag. From sending and receiving of e-mail to confirmation of termination can be performed. Further, if the display contents and the type of voice are changed according to the end of transmission and reception of the e-mail, the failure of communication, and the like, the result of the communication can be known in detail.

If the connection cable 2 is not connected to the mobile phone 12 (step S2, No), use of the electronic organizer is expected because of a wrong start or an operation standby state after the start. The CPU 11 displays each menu of the first hierarchy shown in FIG. 4 on the display screen 6a of the display device 6,
The cursor is positioned at the position of the electronic organizer on the display screen 6a, and waits for the first input operation (step S4).

Thereafter, when the electronic organizer is used as expected, since the cursor is located at the position of the electronic organizer, the operation of selecting the menu on the first hierarchical level can be omitted. In this state, when the user operates the input device 7 to instruct execution of the electronic organizer, each menu of the second hierarchy belonging to the electronic organizer is displayed.

It should be noted that even if the cursor is placed at the position of the electronic organizer on the display screen 6a, there is a possibility that another menu on the first level is selected. However, in this case,
Since only the cursor is moved, the operation does not become complicated.

That is, when the electronic device 1 is not activated even though the electronic device 1 has been activated, an erroneous activation, an operation standby state after the activation, and transmission / reception of e-mail are not performed. One of the standby states. Then, if the mobile phone 12 is connected, it is assumed that transmission / reception of e-mail is intended, and the transmission / reception of e-mail is executed. If the mobile phone 12 is not connected, a start error is detected. Assuming that it is in the operation standby state after the start, each menu of the first hierarchy is displayed on the display screen 6a of the display device 6, the cursor is arranged at the position of the electronic notebook, and the first input operation is awaited. This simplifies the operating procedure.

Next, if the electronic device 1 is in an operable state (step S1, No), the CPU 11 sets the connection cable 2 based on the detection signal of the external device interface 3.
Is connected to the mobile phone 12 (step S5). If the connection cable 2 is not connected to the mobile phone 12 (step S5, N
o), the CPU 11 determines that the pull-out length of the connection cable 2 detected by the pull-out length detection unit 4 is 1 / the total length thereof.
It is determined whether it is less than three. If the lead-out length of the connection cable 2 is less than 1/3 of the entire length (step S6, Yes), the use of the electronic organizer is expected, so the process proceeds to step S4, and each of the first layers shown in FIG. The menu is displayed on the display screen 6a, the cursor is placed at the position of the electronic organizer, and the first input operation is awaited.

Thereafter, when the electronic organizer is used as expected, since the cursor is located at the position of the electronic organizer, the operation of selecting the menu on the first hierarchical level can be omitted.

If the length of the connection cable 2 is more than 1/3 of the total length (step S6, N
o) Since the connection of the connection cable 2 and the use of e-mail are expected, the CPU 11 displays each menu of the first hierarchy shown in FIG. 4 on the display screen 6a, and positions the cursor at the position of the e-mail. , And waits for the first input operation (step S7).

Thereafter, when the connection cable 2 is connected to the mobile phone 12 and an e-mail is used as expected, since the cursor is located at the position of the e-mail, the operation of selecting the menu on the first hierarchy is omitted. be able to. In this state, when the user operates the input device 7 to instruct execution of an e-mail, each menu of the second hierarchy belonging to the e-mail is displayed.

Even if the cursor is placed at the position of the electronic mail on the display screen 6a, there is a possibility that another menu on the first level is selected. However, in this case, since the cursor is merely moved, the operation does not become complicated.

That is, when the electronic device 1 is in an operable state and the mobile phone 12 is not connected, it is regarded that the electronic device 1 is in an operation standby state after activation. Moreover,
If the pull-out length of the connection cable 2 is less than 1/3 of the entire length, it is expected that the electronic organizer will be used, and each menu of the first hierarchy is displayed on the display screen 6a, and the cursor is moved to the electronic organizer. If the connection cable 2 is connected to the mobile phone 12 and the e-mail is used, the first connection cable 2 is connected to the mobile phone 12 and the first e-mail is used. Display screen 6 for each menu in the hierarchy
a, and place the cursor at the position of the e-mail. This simplifies the operating procedure.

Next, if the connection cable 2 is connected to the mobile phone 12 (step S5, Yes), the CPU 1
1 indicates that the lead-out length of the connection cable 2 is 2 /
It is determined whether it is 3 or more. If the pull-out length of the connection cable 2 is less than 2/3 of the entire length (step S8, No), it is considered that the transmission / reception of the e-mail is intended, and the CPU 11 executes the transmission / reception of the e-mail (step S9). ).

Therefore, the electronic mail can be transmitted and received only by the operation of pulling out the connection cable 2 and connecting it to the portable telephone 12 and turning on the power of the electronic device 1. In such an operation procedure, at least the respective operations (5) to (7) of the above-mentioned conventional electronic organizer are omitted.

When the length of the connection cable 2 is more than 2/3 of the total length (step S8, Ye).
s) It is anticipated that some work will be performed while performing data communication between the electronic device 1 and another terminal through the mobile phone 12, and each of the second hierarchy belonging to the first hierarchy email shown in FIG. A menu is displayed on the display screen 6a to make it possible to immediately select the function of the e-mail, and wait for the first input operation (step S10).

Thereafter, when data communication is performed as expected, the menus of the second hierarchy belonging to the e-mail are displayed on the display screen 6a, so that the operation of selecting and executing the menu of the first hierarchy is omitted. can do.

The telephone directory stored in the mobile phone 12 is loaded into the electronic device 1 and stored or edited.
When a menu for loading a ringtone melody from the electronic device 1 to the mobile phone 12 is set in the electronic device 1 in advance, it is determined that the pull-out length of the connection cable 2 is equal to or more than ／ of the entire length. At this point (step S8,
Yes), the menu may be displayed in parallel with the menu of the second hierarchy so that this menu can be selected.

That is, even when the electronic device 1 is in an operable state and the mobile phone 12 is connected,
It is assumed that it is in the operation standby state after startup. If the length of the connection cable 2 is less than 2/3 of the total length, it is regarded that the transmission and reception of the e-mail is intended, and the transmission and reception of the e-mail are executed. Is 2/3 or more of the entire length, the electronic device 1
It is anticipated that some kind of work will be performed while performing data communication between the terminal and another terminal through the mobile phone 12, and each menu of the second hierarchy belonging to the e-mail is displayed on the display screen 6a, and the function of the e-mail is displayed. Can be selected immediately. This simplifies the operating procedure.

As described above, in the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment, whether the electronic device 1 is in an operable state, whether the mobile phone 12 is connected, and whether the connection cable 2
Of the e-mail, display of each menu on the first level, display of each menu on the second level, and the like are selectively performed according to the drawer length of the e-mail, thereby simplifying the operation for transmitting and receiving the e-mail. I have. The processing so far is shown in the following table (1)
It is arranged and shown.

[0057]

[Table 1]

By the way, the electronic device 1 of this embodiment includes:
Various functions can be added. For example, CPU 11
When the detected portion 4a is detected by the sensor 4b at the left end of the pull-out length detecting portion 4 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is determined that the connection cable 2 has been pulled out to its limit, and the display device 6 May be issued. The warning by the display device 6 may be not only a warning display on the display screen 6a, but also a warning display by an LED, a flash lamp, or the like, a generation of a warning sound from a buzzer or a speaker, or a generation of vibration by a vibrator. Further, a control signal for generating a warning display or a warning sound may be transmitted to an external device. This prevents the connection cable 2 from being pulled out until the connection cable 2 is disconnected.

The warning display on the display screen 6a includes, for example, a message "Please do not pull the cable any more" or a predetermined warning symbol mark. As a warning display using an LED, a flash lamp, or the like, a blinking display is preferable. Further, as a warning sound from the speaker, for example, "There is a risk of disconnection" or "Please do not pull the cable any more."
Voice message. When a control signal for generating a warning display or a warning sound is sent to an external device, the function of the external device is used.

Further, when it is determined that the connection cable 2 has been pulled out to the limit, the CPU 11 may confirm the arrival of the electronic mail. In this case, the result of this confirmation is displayed on the display screen 6a. To permit or prohibit the operation of such an additional function, a flag corresponding to the additional function is set in advance, and the value of the flag can be rewritten by operating the input device 7. Then, the CPU 11 may activate or stop the additional function according to the value of the flag.

Further, by operating the input device 7, the data in the table referred to by the program in the program memory 9 is rewritten, and the criteria for judging the drawing length of the connection cable 2 in each of steps S6 and S8 can be changed. You may do it. In this case, it is possible to set the criterion according to the preference of the worker.

The present invention includes not only an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device but also a recording medium on which a control program for the electronic device is recorded. For example, a recording medium on which a program for executing the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is recorded can be given. As a recording medium, a mask RO
M, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, an IC card, a hard disk, a floppy disk, an MO disk, a CDROM, a DVDROM, and the like, and other types of recording media as long as the program can be recorded. good. Further, even if the recording medium is not built in the electronic device 1, the program may be read out and executed from an external recording medium through the external storage device interface 10, for example.

Next, various modifications of the draw-out length detecting section 4 for detecting the draw-out length of the connection cable 2 and its limit will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIGS. 6 to 20, the same reference numerals are given to the parts that perform the same operation, and the description will be simplified.

The drawer length detector 41 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes a detection target 41 a fixed to the pedestal 22 a of the movable pulley 22 and a plurality of sensors arranged on the moving path of the movable pulley 22. 41b. Here, similarly to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the movable pulley 22 moves while rotating as the connection cable 2 is pulled out. CP
U11 receives the detection signal of each sensor 41b, and detects the length of the connection cable 2 depending on which of these sensors 41b has detected the detection target 4a.

The drawer length detector 4 shown in FIGS.
In 41, the movement positions of the detected parts 4a, 41a are detected by the sensors 4b, 41b. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a magnet 42 is applied as the detected parts 4a and 41a, and a Hall element 43 that detects the magnetic force of the magnet 42 is applied as the sensors 4b and 41b. Instead of the Hall element 43, a reed switch may be applied.

Further, the drawer length detectors 4 and 41
And the detected parts 4a and 41a and the sensors 4b and 4 in FIG.
1b, instead of the connection cable 2 as shown in FIG.
And a contact 48 fixed to the pedestal 22a of the movable pulley 22 in the middle thereof, a common electrode 44 and first to third electrodes 45 to 47 provided along a moving path of the contact 48. Is also good. First to third electrodes 45 to 47
Divides the movement path of the contact 48 into eight sections M1 to M8. The contact 48 is always in contact with the common electrode 44. Further, the contact 48 is connected to each section M1 to M8.
The contact 48 does not contact any of the first to third electrodes 45 to 47, or the first
To one or three of the third to fourth electrodes 45 to 47.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8B, the voltage Vcc is applied to the first to third electrodes 45 to 47 via the respective resistors, and the common electrode 44 is grounded via the CPU 11. In this case, the first to third electrodes 45 to 47 are
8 to the common electrode 44, the first to third
The voltage of the electrodes 45 to 47 falls to the ground potential. As described above, depending on which of the sections M <b> 1 to M <b> 8 the contact 48 is located on, the contact 48 is the first to third electrodes 45 to 4.
7 or the first to third electrodes 4
And selectively contacting one to three of the five to 47. Therefore, the CPU 11 can detect which of the sections M1 to M8 the contact 48 is located on the basis of the voltages of the first to third electrodes 45 to 47. Further, the CPU 11
Detects the pull-out length of the connection cable 2 based on this position. When the position of the contact 48 is not detected,
If the common electrode 44 is floated from the ground potential under the control of the CPU 11, current consumption can be reduced.

The drawer length detectors 4 and 41 are provided in FIG.
And the detected parts 4a and 41a and the sensors 4b and 4 in FIG.
1b, instead of the connection cable 2 as shown in FIG.
3 or fixed to the pedestal 22a of the movable pulley 22
The photointerrupters 51 to 53 and the first to third patterns 54 to 56 provided along the movement path of the photointerrupters 51 to 53 may be provided. The first to third patterns 54 to 56 represent the movement paths of the photointerrupters 51 to 53 in eight sections M1 to M, respectively.
8. Here, each of the photo interrupters 51 to 53 corresponds to the contact 48 of FIG.
The third to fifth patterns 54 to 56 correspond to the first to third electrodes 45 to 45, respectively.
Corresponding to 47.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the CPU 11 controls each of the photointerrupters 51 to 53 via a buffer circuit 57.
Is controlled to read the pattern by each of the photointerrupters 51 to 53. The waveform shaping circuit 58 shapes the output waveform of each of the photo interrupters 51 to 53 and applies the waveform-shaped output to the CPU 11. CPU1
1 determines whether or not the first to third patterns 54 to 56 are read by the respective photo interrupters 51 to 53 based on these waveform-shaped outputs, and based on the determination result, Interrupter 51
５３53 are detected in each of the sections M1ＭM8, and the length of the connection cable 2 drawn out is detected based on this position. .

In each of FIGS. 8 and 9, by increasing or decreasing the first to third electrodes 45 to 47 or the first to third patterns 54 to 56, each of the sections M1 to M
8 can be increased or decreased, and the position detection accuracy can be adjusted. Further, the electrodes and patterns are represented by gray codes (alternate binary numbers), but can be arbitrarily determined.

As shown in FIG. 10, first to third electrodes 45 to 45 are formed.
The voltage of 47 or the output of each of the photointerrupters 51 to 53 can be weighted by the weighting circuit 61, and can be converted into one analog signal by the adding circuit 62. Any of the sections M1 to M8 is indicated by the level of the analog signal. Further, the analog signal is A / D converted into an 8-bit signal, and the 8-bit signal is used by the CPU 11. This allows the CPU
The number of inputs of 11 can be reduced from 3 to 1. Since the 8-bit signal can indicate 256 states, there is no problem in indicating each section M1 to M8.

The drawer length detectors 4 and 41 are provided in FIG.
And the detected parts 4a and 41a and the sensors 4b and 4 in FIG.
Instead of 1b, as shown in FIG. 11, a slider 71 fixed to the middle of the connection cable 2 or to the pedestal 22a of the movable pulley 22 and a resistor 72 may be provided. The resistor 71 has a rod shape and may be formed, for example, by printing. One end of the resistor 71 is grounded, and a voltage Vcc is applied to the other end. Since the voltage of the slider 71 changes according to the position of the slider 71, the position of the slider 71 can be detected based on the voltage of the slider 71. For example, the voltage of the slider 71 is set to A / D
The converted digital signal is input to the CPU 11. C
The PU 11 detects the position of the slider 71 based on the voltage indicated by the digital signal, and detects the length of the connection cable 2 drawn out based on the position. Note that a slider can be used as the slider 71 and the resistor 72.

Next, in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the connection cable 2 is wound around the reel 80, and the connection cable 2 is pulled out from the reel 80. The drawer length detector 81 is a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the reel 80. The rotation angle of the reel 80 depends on the connection cable 2
Is proportional to the drawer length. The CPU 11 receives a detection signal of the drawer length detector 81 and detects the drawer length of the connection cable 2 based on the rotation angle indicated by the detection signal.

When the reel 80 is employed, a long connection cable 2 can be stored with a simple structure.

The drawer length detector 91 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B is a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the movable pulley 22 fixed to the pedestal 22a of the movable pulley 22. The drawing length of the connection cable 2 is proportional to not only the moving distance of the movable pulley 22 but also the rotation angle of the movable pulley 22. The CPU 11 has a drawer length detector 91
Is detected, and the lead-out length of the connection cable 2 is detected based on the rotation angle indicated by the detection signal.

The drawer length detectors 81 and 91 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are, for example, a magnet 101 provided on the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22 as shown in FIG.
Alternatively, it has a plurality of Hall elements 102 arranged along the rotation trajectory of the magnet 101 accompanying the rotation of the movable pulley 22. Which of the Hall elements 102 is the magnet 101
, The rotation position of the magnet 101, that is, the rotation angle of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22, can be detected. Instead of the Hall element 102, a reed switch may be applied.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the drawer length detectors 81 and 91 are provided with a contact 111 provided on the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22, and a rotation of the contact 111 accompanying the rotation of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22. It may include a common electrode 114 and first to third electrodes 115 to 117 provided along the locus. First to third electrodes 115
117 divides the rotation angle range of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22 into eight fan-shaped sections.

The common electrode 114 and the first to third electrodes 11
8 to 117, like the common electrode 44 and the first to third electrodes 45 to 47 in FIG. 8, are grounded or applied with respective voltages. The CPU 11 includes the first to third electrodes 115
Based on the voltages of .about.117, the position of the contact 111 in each of the eight fan-shaped sections, that is, the rotation angle of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22 is detected, and the drawing length of the connection cable 2 is determined based on this rotation angle. To detect. When the position of the contact 111 is not detected, if the common electrode 114 is floated from the ground potential under the control of the CPU 11, current consumption can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the drawer length detectors 81 and 91 are provided along three photo interrupters 121 to 123 provided on the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22 and along the rotation locus of each of the photo interrupters 121 to 123. The first to third patterns 124 to 126 may be provided. First to third patterns 124 to
Reference numeral 126 divides the rotation angle range of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22 into eight fan-shaped sections.

Each of the photo interrupters 121 to 123
The outputs are input to the CPU 11 via the waveform shaping circuit under the same control as the photointerrupters 51 to 53 in FIG. The CPU 11 controls each photo interrupter 12
It is determined whether each of the first to third patterns 124 to 126 is read by each of the photointerrupters 121 to 123 based on the waveform-shaped output of each of the photointerrupters 1 to 123, and each photointerrupter is determined based on the determination result. Which of the eight fan-shaped sections 121 to 123 is located in, that is, the rotation angle of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22 is detected. Further, the CPU 11 detects the pull-out length of the connection cable 2 based on the rotation angle.

In each of FIGS. 15 and 16, by increasing or decreasing the first to third electrodes 115 to 117 or the first to third patterns 124 to 126,
Each fan-shaped section can be increased or decreased, and the detection accuracy of the rotation angle of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22 can be adjusted.

Further, the voltages of the first to third electrodes 115 to 117 or the outputs of the photointerrupters 51 to 53 are weighted respectively, and are calculated to convert them into one analog signal. A / D-converts the signal into a 1-bit signal, and converts the 8-bit signal into the CPU 1
1 may be used.

Next, the drawer length detector 13 shown in FIG.
1 is a pair of detection pulleys 1 that sandwich the connection cable 2
32 and a rotation angle sensor 133 for detecting one rotation angle of each detection pulley 132. When the connection cable 2 is pulled out, the respective detection pulleys 132 rotate, and their rotation angles change in proportion to the length of the connection cable 2 drawn out. The CPU 11 receives a detection signal from the rotation angle sensor 133 and detects the length of the connection cable 2 drawn out based on the rotation angle indicated by the detection signal.

Here, as the rotation angle sensor 133,
There are a rotary pulse encoder, a potentiometer, a variable capacitor, and the like. 12 and 13 detect the rotation angle of the reel 80 or the movable pulley 22, so that the same one as the rotation angle sensor 133 can be applied.

When a rotary pulse encoder is applied, as shown in FIG.
5 is input to the counter 136, and the counter 1
The count value is counted up and down by 36, and the output of the counter 136 is applied to the CPU 11. Rotary pulse encoder 135 and counter 13
6, the rotation angle can be integrated until the rotation angle becomes a large value, so that even if the connection cable 2 has a long pull-out length, the pull-out length can be detected.

The function of the counter 135 shown in FIG. 18 can be realized by software. In this case, the CPU 11 counts up and counts down.

When a variable capacitor is applied, since a change in the capacitance of the variable capacitor is detected, the capacitance is converted to a signal frequency, the signal frequency is further converted to a voltage by F / V, and this voltage is converted. A /
D conversion is performed, and this digital signal is input to the CPU 11. Such a conversion method is generally widely known.

Next, a drawer length detector 141 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B includes a plurality of marks 142 sequentially recorded on the side surface of the connection cable 2, and a read sensor 143 for detecting these marks 142. It has. Each mark 142 has a mutually different pattern. The reading sensor 143 is, for example, a CCD. The CPU 11
The detection signal of the reading sensor 143 is input, a pattern indicated by the detection signal is identified, and the length of the connection cable 2 withdrawn is detected based on which of the marks 142 matches the identified pattern.

As the reading sensor 143, 10 mm
Is applied, and the connection cable 2 is divided into, for example, five sections in the longitudinal direction, and each type of mark 142, that is, a striped pattern at 1 mm intervals is applied to these sections. A stripe pattern at 2 mm intervals, a stripe pattern at 3 mm intervals, a stripe pattern at 4 mm intervals, and a stripe pattern at 5 mm intervals may be recorded. In this case, the interval between the striped patterns is detected by the line sensor, and the lead-out length of the connecting cable 2 is detected according to the detected interval of the striped pattern.

Similarly, as the reading sensor 143, 10
In addition to applying a magnetic sensor that reads a range of 1 mm with a resolution of 1 mm, the connecting cable 2 is divided into a plurality of sections in the longitudinal direction, and stripes at each interval are recorded in these sections using a magnetic material. May be. Also in this case, the magnetic sensor detects the interval between the stripes of the magnetic material, and detects the length of the connection cable 2 drawn out according to the detected division of the interval between the stripes.

Further, the connection cable 2 is divided into a plurality of sections in the longitudinal direction, and stripes at respective intervals are recorded in these sections using conductive ink, and the intervals between the stripes are determined by a sensor. By electrically detecting,
The draw-out length of the connection cable 2 may be detected.

When any of the drawer length detectors shown in FIGS. 8 to 19 is applied, when the maximum drawer length that can be detected by the drawer length detector is detected, C is set.
The PU 11 causes the display device 6 to issue a warning for preventing disconnection of the connection cable 2.

Next, the drawer length detector 15 shown in FIG.
Numeral 1 is exclusively used to detect only the limit of the draw-out length of the connection cable 2, and does not detect the draw-out length. For this reason, the drawer length detector 151 is connected to the connection cable 2
Is used in combination with another drawer length detecting unit that detects the drawer length of the drawer.

The drawer length detecting section 151 includes a detected section 152 fixed near the rear end of the connection cable 2, a limit switch 153, a lever 154 pivotally supported at one end, and a coil spring 155. When the connection cable 2 is pulled out near its limit, the detection target 152 is moved to the lever 1.
Abuts 54. At this time, since the lever 154 is pushed back by the coil spring 155, the limit switch 153 is not turned on. Further, when the connection cable 2 is strongly pulled, the lever 154 falls down, and this lever 154
As a result, the button 153a of the limit switch 153 is pressed, and the limit switch 153 is turned on. CP
U11 detects that the limit switch 153 is turned on, determines that the connection cable 2 has been pulled out to its limit, and causes the display device 6 to issue a warning.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified. For example, merging or deletion of each functional block shown in FIG. 1 or addition of a new functional block may be appropriately performed. In addition, as the external device, not only a mobile phone but also another type of communication terminal (for example, a pager or a personal computer)
It does not matter. Examples of the electronic device include not only a device for transmitting and receiving data and an e-mail to and from an external device, but also a device for remotely controlling the external device. More specifically, the present invention can be applied to a terminal that remotely controls a camera.
If the user holds the camera during shooting, the camera shakes. Therefore, the camera is supported by a tripod or the like, and the camera may be operated through a cable (release function). When the length of the cable drawn from the terminal is short, only the release function needs to be operated. If the cable is pulled out from the terminal for a long time, it is assumed that the photographer is away from the camera, and it is difficult to check the operation state of the camera. Display and confirm. Also, when shooting outdoors, a battery or the like is used as a power supply, so that a liquid crystal display
If the display by the ED or the like or the generation of the warning sound is performed, the power is consumed. For this reason, when the cable pull-out length is short, the display or warning sound is automatically restricted, and when the cable pull-out length is long, a message to confirm whether to display or generate a warning sound is displayed. May be displayed on the terminal side. As described above, when the terminal is started up, the default operation is switched or the message is changed according to the cable pull-out length.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention, the electronic device is controlled in accordance with the length of the connection cable. This connection cable is for connection to an external device. Therefore, when data communication is not performed between the electronic device and the external device, the connection cable is not pulled out. In addition, depending on the usage state of the electronic device, the connection cable is pulled out slightly or the connection cable is pulled out sufficiently long.
As described above, the length of the connection cable drawn out changes according to the use state of the electronic device. Therefore, the use state of the electronic device can be estimated according to the length of the connection cable drawn out, and this electronic device can be controlled. Thereby, the operation procedure of the electronic device is simplified.

Further, according to the present invention, the electronic device is determined based on whether or not the connection cable is connected to an external device or whether or not the electronic device is in an operating state, as well as the length of the connection cable. Since the control is performed, the electronic device can be controlled after more accurately estimating the use state of the electronic device.Also, according to the present invention, a warning is issued when the connection cable withdrawal length reaches the limit. Also, disconnection of the connection cable due to excessive pulling of the connection cable is prevented.

On the other hand, the present invention covers not only electronic equipment but also a control method for electronic equipment and a recording medium on which a control program for electronic equipment is recorded.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a storage state of a connection cable in the electronic device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a drawer length detection unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the electronic apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of a menu displayed on the electronic device of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control process performed by the electronic device of the embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a first modification of the drawer length detection unit in the electronic device of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific configuration common to the drawer length detection unit shown in FIGS. 2 and 6;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing another specific configuration common to the drawer length detection unit shown in FIGS. 2 and 6;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing another specific configuration common to the drawer length detection unit shown in FIGS. 2 and 6;

FIG. 10 is a diagram exemplifying a circuit for processing the output of the drawer length detector shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another specific configuration common to the drawer length detection unit shown in FIGS. 2 and 6;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing a second modification of the drawer length detection unit in the electronic device of the embodiment.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a third modification of the drawer length detection unit in the electronic device of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific configuration common to the drawer length detector shown in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another specific configuration common to the drawer length detection unit shown in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another specific configuration common to the drawer length detector shown in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modification of the drawer length detection unit in the electronic device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration for counting output pulses of a rotary pulse encoder.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating a fifth modification of the drawer length detection unit in the electronic device of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a sixth modification of the drawer length detection unit in the electronic device of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electronic device 2 connection cable 3 external device interface 4 drawer length detector 5 open / closed state detector 6 display device 7 input device 8 data memory 9 program memory 10 external storage device interface 11 central processing unit (CPU) 12 mobile phone 13 external storage Device 14 Power supply

Claims (10)

[Claims] A connection cable connected to an external device;
An electronic device comprising storage means for storing a connection cable, wherein the electronic device is controlled in accordance with a detection result of the drawer length detection means for detecting a pull-out length of the connection cable drawn out of the storage means. An electronic device comprising: 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawer length detecting means detects a movement position or a rotation angle of a member that moves or rotates as the connection cable is drawn. 3. A connection state detecting means for detecting whether or not the connection cable is connected to an external device, wherein the control means is responsive to a detection result of the draw-out length detecting means and the connection state detecting means. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device controls the device. 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connection state detection means is an external interface to which a connection cable is connected. 5. An electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation state detecting means for detecting whether or not the electronic apparatus is in an operation state, wherein the control means controls the electronic apparatus in accordance with a detection result of the drawer length detection means and the operation state detection means. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is controlled. 6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the operation state detection unit detects opening / closing of a member that is opened when the electronic device is operated. 7. A warning means for issuing a warning, wherein the drawer length detecting means detects that the drawer length of the connection cable has reached a limit, and in response thereto, the warning means,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device issues a warning. 8. The warning means includes display, light emission, sound generation, vibration,
The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein a warning is issued using at least one of an electric signal, an electromagnetic wave signal, an ultrasonic signal, and an optical signal. 9. A connection cable connected to an external device,
A method of controlling an electronic device, comprising: a storage unit for storing a connection cable; a step of detecting a length of the connection cable pulled out from the storage unit; and a step of controlling the electronic device according to the detected length of the drawer. And a control method for an electronic device. 10. A recording medium for a control program of an electronic device, comprising: a connection cable connected to an external device; and a storage unit for storing the connection cable, wherein a step of detecting a length of the connection cable pulled out from the storage unit. And a control program for controlling the electronic device according to the detected drawer length.