JP2002157075A - Rotary input device, electronic equipment, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase functions to enhance operability remarkably in a rotary input device. SOLUTION: This input device is provided with a jog roller 2 operable respectively to the direction crossed with a rotation axis in plural portions in the direction along the rotation axis, an encoder 7 for detecting a rotational amount of the roller 2, and plural momentary switches 5, 8, 9 for detecting respectively operations to the direction crossed with the rotation axis in the plural portions in the direction along the rotation axis in the jog roller 2. Concretely saying, the momentary switch 5 is arranged to detect the operation of a jog roller left end part 2L, and the momentary switch 8 is arranged to detect the operation of a jog roller right end part 3R in addition to the encoder 7 for detecting the rotational amount of the right end part 3R. The momentary switch 9 is arranged also to detect the operation of the central part 2C of the jog roller.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rotary input device using a rotary operation and a push operation, an electronic device provided with such a rotary input device, and a computer readable device relating to the operation specifications of such an electronic device. It relates to a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) has been widely used as a portable electronic device having an information communication function. Some portable terminals such as a PDA and a portable telephone have a rotary input device called a jog dial or a jog roller for performing a rotation operation and a push operation. FIG. 24 shows an example of a conventional rotary input device. As shown in the drawing, in the related art, a tact switch 103 is provided on one
In this case, the encoder 105 is provided on the other bearing portion 104 of the motor. Here, the tact switch 103 is
The push operation of the roller 101 is detected. The encoder 105 detects the amount of rotation of the roller 101 by converting it into a positive or negative numerical value. The method of operation is as follows. Items shown on the display screen of the PDA main body (not shown) are designated by rotating the roller 101 as shown by arrows in FIG. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 24B, the operation is performed by pushing the roller 101.

[0003]

In the conventional rotary input device as described above, since the item designation is performed only by the rotation operation, when one of a large number of items arranged vertically and horizontally on the display screen is designated. After the rotation operation, for example, a left-to-right, right-edge-> left end of the next line, etc., a zigzag operation, which is difficult to understand and takes a long time, must be designated by a push operation. Further, there may be a case where, for example, one of a plurality of selectable processes is to be performed on a specified item or the like. In this case, a selection button is provided separately from the rotation input device, and after a rotation operation and a push operation by the rotation input device are used to specify an item or the like, a desired function is selected with the selection button and executed. However, in the case of such an operation, it is necessary to once release the finger from the rotary input device and press the selection button.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary input device with an increased number of functions and markedly improved operability. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic apparatus including such a rotary input device having excellent operability. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium according to the operation specifications of such an electronic device.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems To solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a rotary input device,
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a rotating body 2 which is rotatable roller-shaped and is operable in a direction intersecting the rotation axis at a plurality of locations along the rotation axis, and a rotation amount of the rotation body 2 Rotation amount detecting means 7 for detecting, and a plurality of operation detecting means 5, 8, 9 for respectively detecting an operation in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis at the plurality of positions of the rotating body 2.
And the following.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in addition to the detection of the amount of rotation, the operation of the rotating body in the direction intersecting with the rotation axis at a plurality of locations is respectively detected, so that the rotation operation and the push operation at the plurality of locations are performed. I can do it. Therefore, three or more functions can be set based on the rotation amount of the rotating body and the push operation at two or more locations. Since the rotation operation and the push operation at a plurality of places can be performed without releasing the finger, the operability can be remarkably improved as compared with the related art provided with the selection button. Further, since there is no need to provide a selection button, it is easy to modularize and reduce the size, and it can be manufactured at low cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the rotary input device according to the first aspect, wherein, for example, as shown in FIG. The other of the operation detecting means 8 and the rotation amount detecting means 7 are arranged at the end of the rotating body 2.

[0008] The third aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect.
1. The rotary input device according to claim 1, wherein, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, one end movement detecting means 5 for detecting the movement of one end of the rotating body 2, and the movement of a central part of the rotating body 2. And a second end operation detecting unit 8 for detecting the operation of the other end of the rotating body 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotary input device (rotary body 12) according to any one of the first to third aspects may be used as an electronic apparatus. It is provided on the surface of the main body 10 having the display unit 11.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the rotary input device according to any one of the first to third aspects is provided on the surface of the device main body having the display portion, the device can be rotated with one hand holding the device main body. The input operation (rotation operation and push operation at a plurality of places) on the body can be easily performed, and the input operation on the display unit with the pen held by the other hand can be easily performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein, as shown in FIG. An input device (rotary body 12) is provided.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 4 or 5.
9. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, an item arranging means for arranging and displaying a plurality of items on the display unit in a vertical and horizontal direction, and designating a predetermined item among the plurality of items. In the item designation means to be displayed, and in the display unit, the item designated by the item designation means is moved in the rotation direction of the rotating body in accordance with the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detection means, and the movement of the end is detected. An item for moving in the operation direction of the rotating body in response to the operation detection by the means, selecting in response to the operation detection by the operation detection means in the center, and switching and displaying the display in accordance with the content of the selected item And selection switching means.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in a plurality of items arranged and displayed in the vertical and horizontal directions, a predetermined designated item can be moved in the vertical direction according to the detected rotation amount of the rotating body,
Further, it can move in the lateral direction in response to the detection of the operation of the end of the rotating body. Therefore, the operation direction and the designation direction match and are easy to understand. In particular, when there are many items, the target item can be quickly designated. Thereafter, switching display can be performed in accordance with the content of the selection item in response to the detection of the operation of the rotating body center.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the plurality of items are function icons, and the operation detection of the central portion is performed. Control means for executing a program corresponding to the selected function icon in response to the operation detection by the means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the sixth aspect, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the plurality of items are schedule dates, and the operation of the central portion is performed. Control means for displaying the selected schedule data on the display unit in response to the operation detection by the detection means.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 4 or 5.
An electronic device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 23, an item arranging means for arranging and displaying a plurality of items in one direction on the display unit, and designating a predetermined item among the plurality of items An item specifying means to be displayed; and an item moving means for moving the item specified by the item specifying means in the one direction in accordance with a rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detecting means in the display unit; Control means for selecting the designated item in response to the operation detection by the operation detecting means and executing a predetermined function set in advance in accordance with the content of the selected item.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, after a predetermined item is moved in one direction corresponding to the detected rotation amount of the rotating body, a plurality of items arranged and displayed in one direction are moved to the end of the rotating body. A predetermined function set in advance corresponding to the content of the selection item in response to the operation detection of the unit and the center unit can be executed. Therefore, for example, a frequently used function can be easily selected and executed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the ninth aspect, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 23, the plurality of items are address data headers of an address book, and Is a function of automatically dialing a telephone number corresponding to the address data heading, or a function of switching and displaying a received mail from a mail address corresponding to the address data heading on the display unit. .

The invention according to claim 11 is a recording medium for recording a computer-readable program, wherein the program code causes a plurality of items to be arranged and displayed in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a predetermined item among the plurality of items is provided. A program code for designating and displaying, and a designated item are moved in the rotation direction of the rotating body in accordance with the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detection means of the rotary input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In response to the motion detection by the motion detection means at the end, the rotating body moves in the motion direction, and is selected in response to the motion detection by the motion detection means at the center, corresponding to the content of the selected item. A program including a program code for switching and displaying a display is recorded.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium for recording a computer readable program, wherein a program code for displaying a plurality of items arranged in one direction and a predetermined item among the plurality of items. And a program code for moving a designated item in the one direction in accordance with a rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detection means of the rotary input device according to claim 1. A program code for selecting the specified item in response to the operation detection by the operation detection means at the end and the center, and executing a predetermined function set in advance in accordance with the content of the selected item. It is recorded.

[0021]

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

[Embodiment of Rotary Input Device] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary input device includes a module base 1, a jog roller (rotary body) 2, a shaft end 3 (3L, 3R), and a bearing 4. And a tact switch (left end operation detecting means) 5, a bearing 6, an encoder (rotation amount detecting means) 7, a tact switch (right end operation detecting means) 8, and a tact switch (central operation detecting means) 9. That is, in the illustrated example, a tact switch 5 as a left end operation detecting means for detecting an operation when the roller left end 2L is pushed is mounted on the bearing portion 4 of the left shaft end 3L of the jog roller 2 which is a rotating body. Is provided. The tact switch 5 is fixed to the module base 1, and is turned on by being pushed by the left shaft end 3 </ b> L moving in the bearing 4.

The bearing 6 at the right shaft end 3R of the jog roller 2 includes an encoder 7 as a rotation amount detecting means and a right end operation detecting means for detecting an operation when the roller right end 2R is pushed. The tact switch 8 is provided. The tact switch 8 is fixed to the module base 1 and is turned on by being pushed by the outer periphery of the encoder 7 that moves in the bearing 6 together with the right shaft end 3R. And, at the center of the jog roller 2,
A tact switch 9 is provided as a central portion operation detecting means for detecting an operation when the roller central portion 2C is pushed. The tact switch 9 is fixed to the module base 1 and is turned on by being pushed by the roller central portion 2C. Here, as the tact switch 9 at the center, a switch having a higher click load for a push operation than the tact switches 5 and 8 at both ends is adopted.

Next, an operation pattern of the rotary input device having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 2 shows an operation pattern when the left side of the jog roller 2 is pushed, and when the left end 2L of the roller is pushed as shown by an arrow, the tact switch 5 is pushed by the left shaft end 3L and turned on. Operate. At this time, the tact switch 8 at the right end is in the OFF state, but the tact switch 9 at the center is pressed by the roller central portion 2C to perform the ON operation or is in the OFF state. FIG. 4 shows an operation pattern when the right side of the jog roller 2 is pushed, and when the right end 2R of the roller is pushed as shown by an arrow, the tact switch 8 is integrated with the right shaft end 3R. It is pushed by the coded encoder and turns on.
At this time, the tact switch 5 at the left end is in the OFF state, but the tact switch 9 at the center is pressed by the roller central portion 2C and turned on, as described above.
Alternatively, it is in the OFF state. FIG. 3 shows an operation pattern when the center of the jog roller 2 is pushed, and when the roller center 2C is pushed as shown by an arrow, the tact switch 9 is turned ON and both ends are turned. The tact switches 5, 8 are also turned on. As described above, three types of operation patterns can be obtained.

As described above, the input device can perform the rotation operation of the jog roller 2 and the push operation of the left end, the center, and the right end. Therefore, the rotation operation can be performed without releasing the finger with one hand.
Push operation at the center and right end can be performed, and operability is significantly improved as compared with the conventional case. From a structural point of view, there is also an advantage that, as compared with the conventional case of two jog rollers and two selection buttons, for example, modularization and miniaturization can be achieved as in the illustrated example, and manufacturing can be performed at low cost.

[Embodiment of Electronic Apparatus] FIG. 5 shows an example of use of an embodiment of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
As shown, in this embodiment, the electronic device is a PD.
A (Personal Digital Assistant)
A display unit 11, a jog roller 12, and the like are provided on the front of the camera. The display unit 11 has a touch panel 11 on a surface of an LCD 11a (see FIG. 7) that can be operated by a touch pen.
b (see FIG. 7). The jog roller 12 is a jog roller 2 of the rotary input device described above.
The PDA device 10 has the same configuration and function, and is provided at the center along the lower side of the display unit 11 of the PDA device main body 10. Like the jog roller 2, the jog roller 12 is capable of performing push operations at three positions: a roller left end portion 12L, a roller central portion 12C, and a roller right end portion 12R. The central portion 12C and the right end portion 12R of the roller are color-coded.

As described above, since the jog roller 12 having three types of operation patterns is provided on the lower side of the display unit 11 of the PDA device main body 10, the left thumb of the PDA device main body 10 as shown in the figure is provided. In addition to the rotation operation, the jog roller 12 can be operated to push the left end, the center, and the right end. Then, hold the pen with the right hand (not shown) and display unit 1
1 can be operated. Although not shown, in the case of a left-handed person, the jog roller 12 can be operated by holding the PDA device body 10 with the right hand, and the input operation can be performed on the display unit 11 by holding the pen with the right hand.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which a jog roller 12 is provided on the left side of the lower side of the display section 11 of the PDA device main body 10, whereby the jog roller is suitable for left-handed operation. Although not shown, if the jog roller 12 is provided on the right side, the jog roller is suitable for right hand operation.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit in the above PDA. As shown in FIG.
Has a CPU 21, a memory 23, an LCD 11a, a touch panel 11b, a roller input unit 22, a recording medium 33, a recording medium reading unit 32, and a portable input / output unit 24. CPU
21 is a hard disk or flash memory (EEPR)
OM) or a program recorded in the memory 23 or a recording medium reading unit 32 from the recording medium 33.
The operation of each part of the circuit is controlled in accordance with a program taken into the memory 23 through the. The program executed by the CPU 21 includes the touch panel 11 b and the roller input unit 2.
It is started in response to an operation input from the user 2. The CPU 21 includes a memory 23, an LCD 11a, a touch panel 11b,
The roller input unit 22 and the recording medium reading unit 32 are connected.
A signal from the touch panel 11 b of the display unit 11 and a signal from the roller input unit 22 by the jog roller 12 are input to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 controls the touch panel 1
Based on signals from 1b and the roller input unit 22, various programs and various data stored in the memory 23 are taken out, and the display screen of the LCD 11a is switched and controlled. The CPU 21 also controls information communication between the mobile input / output unit 24 and the mobile phone 31 with a mail communication function. Memory 23
Has a program storage unit 23A and a data storage unit 23B. The program storage unit 23A includes a touch input control program 231a, a roller input unit control program 2
32a, menu control program 233a, schedule program 234a, address book program 235
a, a mail program 236a, and the like. The data storage unit 23B stores icon data 231b, schedule data 232b, address book data 233b, and the like.

Next, a specific use of the PDA will be described. FIG. 8 shows that the CPU operates the menu control program 233.
5 is a flowchart showing a menu control process for performing a process according to FIG. First, at step S1, the designated position of the menu is set to X = 0, Y = 0, and then the next step S2
, A menu list is displayed and the designated menu position is highlighted. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, on a display screen in which icons as items are arranged vertically and horizontally, a designated position by inversion or lighting is initially set as a start position. In the illustrated example, four icons are arranged in the horizontal direction, and the icons arranged in the vertical direction scroll continuously.

In step S3, the presence or absence of a touch input on the touch panel 11b is determined. If there is a touch input, the process proceeds to step S4, where a predetermined touch input process is performed. If there is no touch input in step S3, the flow advances to the next step S5 to determine whether or not there is a roller input. That is, it is determined whether or not the jog roller 12 has been rotated, and if so, the next step S
The process proceeds to step S6, where the rotational frequency based on the detection signal of the encoder 7 is obtained, and in the next step S7, X + the rotational frequency is replaced with X. Subsequently, in step S8, it is determined whether or not X is negative. If not, the process directly returns to step S2.
If the value is negative, X is replaced with X = 0 in step S9, and the process returns to step S2. As described above, the display is scrolled when the rotation direction of the jog roller 12 is the scroll direction of the icon displayed in the vertical and horizontal directions, and is canceled when the rotation direction is the non-scroll direction. FIG. 10 shows designated menu positions when X = 2 and Y = 0.

If it is determined in step S5 that the jog roller 12 is not rotating, the flow advances to step S11 to determine the presence or absence of a left push. That is, it is determined whether or not the push operation of the left end portion 12L of the jog roller 12 has been performed. If the push operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S12, where Y−
Replace 1 with Y. Subsequently, in step S13, it is determined whether or not Y is negative. If Y is not negative, the process directly returns to step S2. If Y is negative, Y is determined in step S14.
= 0, and then returns to step S2. As described above, when the left push of the jog roller 12 is at the icon designated position other than the left end, the designated position is moved leftward, and when the left push is at the icon designated position at the left end, the cancel processing is performed.

If there is no left push in step S11, the flow advances to step S15 to determine whether there is a right push. That is, it is determined whether or not the push operation of the right end portion 12R of the jog roller 12 has been performed. If the push operation has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 16, where Y + 1 is replaced with Y. Subsequently, in step S17, it is determined whether or not Y is greater than 4.
2, and if it is larger, Y = 4 in step S18.
And returns to step S2. As described above, when the right push of the jog roller 12 is at the icon designated position other than the fourth right end from the left, the designated position is moved to the right, and when the jog roller 12 is at the icon designated position at the right end, Cancel processing is performed. FIG.
2, the designated menu position when Y = 1.

If it is determined in step S15 that there is no right push, the flow advances to step S21 to determine whether there is a center push. That is, it is determined whether or not the push operation of the roller central portion 12C of the jog roller 12 has been performed.
If no, the process returns to step S2. If yes, the process proceeds to the next step S22. Step S22
Then, it is determined whether or not there is an icon at the designated position. If there is no icon, the process returns to the step S2. However, if there is an icon, execution of an icon function is commanded in the next step S23, and the process returns to the step S2. Thus, for example, FIG.
If the center push operation is performed in the case of 1, the display screen is switched to the display screen of the next schedule (calendar display).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a schedule process in which the CPU performs a process according to the schedule program 234a. First, in step S31, the designated position of the menu is set to the X and Y positions of the current day. Then, in the next step S32, the calendar of the current month is displayed and the designated date is highlighted. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, on a display screen in which calendar dates are arranged vertically and horizontally, a designated position by inversion or lighting is initialized on the current day. In the illustrated example, the date is May 24, 1999.

In step S33, the presence or absence of a touch input on the touch panel 11b is determined. If there is a touch input, the flow advances to step S34 to perform a predetermined touch input process. Also, in step S33,
If there is no touch input, the flow proceeds to the next step S35 to determine the presence or absence of a roller input. If there is rotation of the jog roller 12, the flow proceeds to the next step S36 to obtain the rotation frequency, and X + rotation in the next step S37. Replace frequency with X. Subsequently, in step S38, it is determined whether or not X is negative. If it is not negative, the process returns to step S32. If it is negative, X is replaced with 0 in step S39, and the process returns to step S32.

In step S35, if the jog roller 12 is not rotating, the flow advances to step S41 to determine whether the left push is performed. If the roller left end 12L of the jog roller 12 is pushed, the next step S42 is performed. Go to and replace Y-1 with Y. Subsequently, in step S43, it is determined whether or not Y is negative. If Y is not negative, the process directly returns to step S32. If Y is negative, Y = 0 is replaced in step S44, and the process returns to step S32.

If there is no left push in step S41, the flow advances to step S45 to determine whether there is a right push, and the right end 1 of the jog roller 12 is determined.
If there is a 2R push, the flow advances to the next step 46 to replace Y + 1 with Y. Subsequently, in step S47, it is determined whether or not Y is greater than 7. If it is not larger, the process returns to step S32. If it is larger, Y is replaced with 7 in step S48, and then the process returns to step S3.
Return to 2. As described above, when the right push of the jog roller 12 is at the date designated position other than the seventh right end from the left, the designated position is moved rightward, and when the right push is at the date designated position at the right end. Cancel processing is performed. FIG.
Reference numeral 4 denotes designation on May 3. FIG. 15 shows the designation on May 2.

In step S45, if there is no right push, the flow advances to step S51 to determine the presence or absence of the center push, and if there is no push of the roller center portion 12C of the jog roller 12, the process proceeds to step S51.
The process returns to step S32, but if yes, the process proceeds to the next step S52. In step S52, after instructing the schedule display process on the designated day, the process returns to step S32. Therefore, for example, when the center push operation of the jog roller 12 is performed in the case of FIG. 14, the screen is switched to the schedule display screen of May 3 as shown in FIG.

When the number of items in the horizontal direction (four or seven) is fixed and there are a large number of continuous items in the vertical direction as shown in the schedule calendar display and the menu icon selection described above, the rotation of the jog roller 12 is performed. Use to change the vertical position, use the left and right pushes to change the horizontal position, and use the center push to select and execute the specified item. Therefore, the designated direction on the display screen and the operation direction of the jog roller 12 match to make it easy to understand, and in particular, when there are a large number of items, the target item can be quickly specified. Further, in the vertical direction, the user can move to the target position at once according to the rotation amount of the jog roller 12, so that the operability is very good.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing address book processing in which the CPU performs processing according to the address book program 235a. First, in step S61, the designated position of the menu is set to X = 0, and then the next step S61
At 62, the address list is displayed and the designated position is highlighted. That is, as shown in FIG.
In a display screen in which address data headings by company name and name are arranged in the vertical direction, a designated position by inversion or lighting is initially set as a heading.

Then, in step S63, the presence or absence of a touch input on the touch panel 11b is determined. If there is a touch input, the process proceeds to step S64 to perform a predetermined touch input process. Also, in step S63,
If there is no touch input, the flow proceeds to the next step S65 to determine the presence / absence of a roller input. If there is rotation of the jog roller 12, the flow proceeds to the next step S66 to obtain the rotation frequency, and X + rotation in the next step S67. Replace frequency with X. Subsequently, in step S68, it is determined whether or not X is negative. If it is not negative, the process directly returns to step S62. If it is negative, X = 0 is replaced in step S69 and the process returns to step S62. FIG. 19 shows the designation of the second heading position.

In step S65, if the jog roller 12 has not rotated, the flow advances to step S71 to determine whether the left push has been performed. If the left end 12L of the jog roller 12 has been pushed, the next step S72 has been performed. Go to and display the phone number of the specified person. FIG.
Shows a case where the jog roller 12 is pushed leftward on the display screen of FIG. Subsequently, step S73
It is determined whether or not there is a center push, and if there is a push at the roller central portion 12C of the jog roller 12, the process returns to the step S62 as it is, but if there is no push, the process proceeds to the next step S74. In step S74, after instructing execution of the auto dial, the process returns to step S62.

If there is no left push in step S71, the flow advances to step S75 to determine whether there is a right push, and the right end 1 of the jog roller 12 is determined.
If there is a 2R push, the flow advances to the next step 76 to display the mail address of the designated person. FIG. 21 shows FIG.
Shows a case where the jog roller 12 is pushed rightward on the display screen of FIG. Subsequently, in step S77, the presence or absence of the central push is determined. If the push of the roller central portion 12C of the jog roller 12 is present, the process returns to the step S62.
Proceed to. In step S78, a command to display a list of received mails from the person (mail mode) is issued.
Return to 62. FIG. 22 shows a state after the display is switched from the display screen of FIG. 21 to the mail mode.

In step S75, if there is no right push, the flow advances to step S81 to determine the presence or absence of the center push. If there is no push of the roller center portion 12C of the jog roller 12, the process proceeds to step S81.
The process returns to step S62, but if yes, the process proceeds to the next step S82. In step S82, after instructing the individual display of the designated person, the process returns to step S62. FIG. 23 shows a case where the jog roller 12 is pushed centrally on the display screen of FIG.

As in the address book mode described above, the vertical item is selected by rotating the jog roller 12, the normal processing of the selected item is performed by pushing the center, and the additional function for the selected item is performed by pushing left or right. Execute Therefore, there is no need to perform a special key operation or pen operation by releasing the finger, and frequently used functions can be easily operated by the jog roller 12.

In the above embodiment, the PD
A, but the present invention is not limited to this,
Other electronic devices may be used. Further, the method described in each of the above-described embodiments includes, as programs that can be executed by a computer, a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM,
DVD and the like, and can be stored on a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory and distributed. Then, the computer reads the program recorded on the recording medium by the recording medium reading unit, and controls the operation by the read program, thereby realizing each function described in the embodiment, and implementing the same method as described above. Can be executed. Further, as the detecting means, an arbitrary one can be adopted as long as it has a similar detecting function, in addition to the encoder and the tact switch. Further, the manner of display and the like are also arbitrary, and it goes without saying that the specific detailed structure and the like can be appropriately changed.

[0048]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a rotation operation and a push operation at a plurality of locations can be performed, three or more functions are set based on the rotation amount of the rotating body and the push operation at two or more locations. In addition, since the rotation operation and the push operation at a plurality of places can be performed without releasing the finger, the operability can be remarkably improved as compared with the related art provided with the selection button. Further, since there is no need to provide a selection button, advantages such as easy modularization and downsizing, and inexpensive manufacturing can be obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the input operation (rotation operation and push operation at a plurality of places) on the rotating body can be easily performed by one hand holding the apparatus main body, and the other hand can be used. An input operation to the display unit with a pen held by the user can be easily performed.

According to the invention of claim 6 or 11,
The specified item is moved in the vertical direction according to the detected rotation amount of the rotating body, and is moved in the horizontal direction in response to the detection of the end of the rotating body. Easy, especially when there are many items, the target item can be specified quickly.

According to the ninth or twelfth aspect of the present invention,
After moving the designated item in one direction according to the detected rotation amount of the rotating body, execute a predetermined function set in advance according to the content of the selection item in response to the operation detection of the end portion and the center portion of the rotating body. For example, frequently used functions can be easily selected and executed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a rotary input device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation pattern when the left side of the rotating body in FIG. 1 is pressed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation pattern when the center of the rotating body of FIG. 1 is pressed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation pattern when the right side of the rotating body in FIG. 1 is pressed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a usage example of an embodiment of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a usage example of another embodiment of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the electronic device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a menu control process in the electronic device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a schedule process.

13 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an address book process.

18 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 17;

20 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display example according to the flowchart of FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 shows an example of a conventional rotary input device.
(A) is a schematic configuration diagram showing a rotation operation state, and (b) is a schematic configuration diagram showing a push operation state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Module base 2 Rotating body 2C Rotating body center part 2L, 2R Rotating body end part 3 (3L, 3R) Shaft end part 4 Bearing part 5 Left end operation detecting means 6 Bearing part 7 Rotation amount detecting means 8 Right end operation detecting means 9 Central part motion detecting means 10 Equipment main body 11 Display part 12 Rotating body 12C Rotating body central part 12L, 12 Rotating body end

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2F002 AA05 AD06 AD07 BA00 BA04 BA06 BD01 BD03 EA01 EB00 EB01 EB11 EB13 ED04 ED05 EE00 GA06 GA11 5B020 DD02 DD05 HH21 5B087 AA09 AB02 AE09 BC01 BC08 BC17

Claims (12)

[Claims] A rotating member operable in a direction intersecting the rotation axis at a plurality of positions along a rotation axis in the form of a rotatable roller; and a rotation amount detecting means for detecting a rotation amount of the rotation body. A plurality of operation detecting means for detecting an operation in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis at the plurality of locations of the rotating body,
A rotary input device comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one of the motion detecting means is arranged at a center of the rotating body, and the other motion detecting means and the rotation amount detecting means are arranged at an end of the rotating body. The rotary input device according to claim 1, wherein 3. An end movement detecting means for detecting the movement of one end of the rotating body, a center movement detecting means for detecting the movement of a center of the rotating body, and the other end of the rotating body. 3. The other end operation detecting means for detecting the above-mentioned operation.
A rotary input device as described. 4. An electronic device comprising the rotary input device according to claim 1, provided on a surface of the device main body having a display unit. 5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said rotary input device is disposed substantially at a center of a location along one side surface of said display unit. 6. An item arranging means for arranging and displaying a plurality of items in the display section in a vertical and horizontal direction; an item designating means for designating and displaying a predetermined item among the plurality of items; Moving the designated item by means in the rotation direction of the rotating body in accordance with the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detecting means; And an item selection switching means for selecting the image in response to the operation detection by the operation detection means at the center and switching and displaying the display in accordance with the content of the selected item. Or the electronic device according to 5. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of items are function icons, and the control means executes a program corresponding to the selected function icon in response to the operation detection by the operation detection means in the central portion. The electronic device according to claim 6. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of items are schedule dates, and a control unit is provided for displaying schedule data selected on the display unit in response to an operation detection by the operation detection unit in the central part. The electronic device according to claim 6. 9. An item arranging unit for arranging and displaying a plurality of items in one direction on the display unit, an item designating unit for designating and displaying a predetermined item of the plurality of items, and Item moving means for moving the designated item by means in the one direction in accordance with the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detecting means; and Control means for selecting and executing a predetermined function set in advance corresponding to the content of the selected item;
The electronic device according to claim 4, further comprising: 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of items are address data headings of an address book, and the predetermined function is a function of automatically dialing a telephone number corresponding to the address data heading, or a mail corresponding to the address data heading. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the electronic device has a function of switching and displaying a received mail from an address on the display unit. 11. The program code according to claim 1, wherein a program code for arranging and displaying a plurality of items in the vertical and horizontal directions, a program code for designating and displaying a predetermined item among the plurality of items, and the designated item are provided. The rotary input device moves in the rotation direction of the rotating body in accordance with the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detecting means, and moves in the operating direction of the rotating body in response to the operation detection by the operation detecting means at the end. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program code comprising: a program code for moving, selecting in response to an operation detection by the operation detection means in the central portion, and switching and displaying the display in accordance with the content of the selected item. 12. The program code according to claim 1, wherein: a program code for displaying a plurality of items arranged in one direction; a program code for designating and displaying a predetermined item among the plurality of items; Selecting the designated item in response to a program code for moving in one direction corresponding to the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detection means of the rotary input device, and an operation detection by the operation detection means at an end and a center part; And a program code for executing a predetermined function set in advance in accordance with the content of the selected item, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program including: