JP2002244789A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus quickly and precisely executing a target processing and capable of inputting a target information. SOLUTION: A pressing force applied to an operation key 2 is detected by a pressure sensitive sensor 12, converted into electric signals, and informed to CPU (central processing unit) 11. Functions and characteristics of the function are assigned according to preset extent (pressing amount) of the pressing force and the CPU 11 selects and executes a prescribed function, or adjusts and changes the characteristics of the function according to the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 by a user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to various electronic devices, such as a music player and a portable telephone terminal, provided with operation keys that are pressed to receive an instruction input from a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various electronic devices are provided with operation keys for receiving a pressing operation in order to receive an input operation from a user. For example, a mobile phone terminal is provided with numeric keys called so-called numeric keys and some function keys.

[0003] Numeric keys are each assigned a number, and when a user presses one of the numeric keys to which a target number is assigned with a finger or the like, the operation performed by the user is depressed. A target number assigned to a key can be input to a mobile phone terminal.

The function keys are assigned predetermined functions, and when the function keys to which the target functions are assigned are pressed, the target functions are executed in the portable telephone terminal. Have been able to. Function keys include, for example, off-hook keys, on-hook keys,
There is a phone book key and the like.

In various electronic devices such as a music player, a portable information terminal, and a personal computer as well as a portable telephone terminal, desired information can be input simply by pressing an operation key with a finger or the like. Or execute a desired function.

[0006]

By the way, in the case of the above-mentioned operation key which can be pressed, it is detected whether or not the operation is performed, and when the operation is performed, input of information assigned to the operation key is performed. , Perform the assigned function. That is, each of the conventional operation keys that can be pressed is:
Physically, it can only have two states of ON / OFF.

[0007] For this reason, for example, in a portable telephone terminal, when an operation for increasing the receiving sound is to be realized by one predetermined operation key, the receiving sound is set to a target volume. It is necessary to repeatedly press a predetermined operation key many times, or to keep pressing the operation key.

In order to input various numerical values by using one operation key, a predetermined operation key is repeatedly pressed to enter a desired numerical value, or the operation key is pressed. By holding down the operation key, the numerical value is increased or decreased based on a defined rule.

As described above, when an operation key that can be pressed and has only two states of ON / OFF is used, desired information is input in order to perform a desired process. For this reason, it is necessary to depress or continuously press the predetermined operation key many times, and it may take time and effort to obtain a desired result. When a plurality of operation keys are used, the operation may be difficult, for example, the operation may be complicated.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device capable of executing a target process and inputting target information quickly and accurately with a simple operation. Aim.

[0011]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus comprising: a pressing operation receiving unit for receiving a pressing operation; and a pressing operation unit applied to the pressing operation receiving unit. A pressure detecting means for detecting the magnitude of the pressure; and a function switching control means for switching a function to be executed in accordance with the magnitude of the pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting means. I do.

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of functions are assigned to the pressing operation receiving means. The magnitude of the pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means is detected by the pressing force detecting means, and a plurality of functions assigned to the pressing operation receiving means by the function switching control means according to the detection output from the pressing force detecting means. The function is switched.

Thus, instead of the conventional information input and operation switching based on two states of operation key ON / OFF,
A function to be executed in the electronic device can be switched to a target function according to the magnitude of the user's pressure applied to the pressing operation receiving means. For example, in the case of an electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal, a function such as power-on → reception volume up adjustment → reception volume down adjustment → telephone directory →... Can be switched in accordance with the size of.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus, wherein the pressing operation receiving means receives a pressing operation, and the pressing force detecting means detects a magnitude of the pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a characteristic switching control unit configured to switch a characteristic of the function being executed according to a magnitude of the pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting unit. 4. According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of characteristics of a predetermined function are assigned to the pressing operation receiving means. The magnitude of the pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means is detected by the pressing force detecting means, and in accordance with the detection output from the pressing force detecting means, a predetermined value assigned to the pressing operation receiving means by the characteristic switching control means. Multiple characteristics of the function are switched.

Thus, instead of adjusting the function by the conventional two states of ON / OFF of the operation key, the electronic equipment is not changed in accordance with the magnitude of the user's pressure applied to the pressing operation receiving means. The characteristic of the function to be executed can be switched to the target characteristic. For example, when the electronic device is a mobile phone terminal or the like, various adjustments such as adjustment of a received voice and adjustment of brightness of an image displayed on a display screen can be easily performed.

An electronic device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the electronic device is adapted to a magnitude of the pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting means. It is provided with a notifying means for notifying the user of the information.

According to the electronic device of the third aspect of the present invention, the information corresponding to the magnitude of the applied pressure from the user applied to the pressing operation receiving means is notified to the user by the notifying means. In this case, the information according to the magnitude of the pressure includes not only the magnitude of the pressing force itself, but also information indicating a function assigned to the magnitude of the pressing force, a characteristic of the function, and the like. It is a thing.

Thus, the user can accurately know the magnitude of the current pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means, so that the pressing operation for selecting a desired function or characteristic can be performed. Can be performed accurately.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic device according to the third aspect, wherein the notifying unit notifies information corresponding to the magnitude of the detected pressing force. Is a display element that performs the above display.

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal)
Display), LED (Light Emitt)
ing Diode), CRT (Cathode-ra)
y Tube), a change in display color,
Brightness change, display of characters, pictures, patterns, etc., characters, pictures,
By changing the size of the display information such as the pattern, turning on or off the display or light emission, information according to the magnitude of the pressing amount applied to the pressing operation receiving means is notified.

Thus, the user can accurately know the magnitude of the current pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means, so that the pressing operation for selecting a desired function or characteristic can be performed. Can be performed accurately.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the notifying means notifies information corresponding to the magnitude of the detected pressing force. Characterized in that it is a sound-generating element that generates the sound of

According to the electronic device of the present invention, a pressing operation is accepted by a change in sound pressure of a sound generated by the sounding element, a change in frequency of a single sound, a change in the frequency of a plurality of sounds, or the like. The information corresponding to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the means is notified.

Thus, the user can accurately know the information corresponding to the magnitude of the pressing force which the user is currently applying to the pressing operation receiving means, so that the user can select a desired function or characteristic. Can be accurately performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the notifying means notifies information corresponding to the magnitude of the detected pressing force. It is characterized by being a vibration element for generating vibration.

According to the electronic device of the present invention, the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means is reduced by a change in the amount of vibration generated by the vibrating element, a change in the vibration pattern, or the like. Notify the corresponding information. This allows the user to accurately know the information about the magnitude of the pressing force that the user is currently applying to the pressing operation receiving means, so that the pressing operation for selecting the target function or characteristic can be performed accurately. Can be done.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the function switching control means outputs a detection output from the pressing force detection means with a predetermined magnitude. The maximum value of the pressing force from the time when the pressure reaches the predetermined value to the time when the pressure decreases to a predetermined value is defined as the determined value of the pressing force, and a function determined according to the determined value is executed. And

According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, the maximum value of the pressing force between the time when the pressing operation is started by the user and the time when the pressing operation is completed is used. This is recognized as the determined pressing force input by the user, and the function corresponding to the maximum value is executed under the control of the function switching control means. Thus, the function of the electronic device can be switched to the one intended by the user according to the instruction input by the pressing force from the user.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the characteristic switching control means determines that a detection output from the pressing force detection means is predetermined. Each time one of the plurality of thresholds is exceeded, the characteristic is switched to the characteristic associated with the exceeded threshold.

According to the electronic device of the present invention, when the detection output from the pressing force detecting means exceeds each of a plurality of thresholds provided in advance, the characteristic assigned to those thresholds is obtained. Is switched to. Thereby, for example, the adjustment of the volume, the brightness, and the like can be smoothly performed stepwise.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the notifying unit is configured to detect a change in a detection output from the pressing force detecting unit at a predetermined time interval. It is characterized in that the notification mode is changed according to the degree.

According to the electronic device of the ninth aspect of the invention, based on the detection output from the pressing force detecting means, whether the method of applying the pressing force from the user to the pressing operation receiving means is abrupt or not. Slowness is detected, and in the case of rapidity, information on the pressing force that changes according to the pressing force is promptly notified, so that the target function and characteristics are quickly switched.

On the other hand, when the pressing force applied by the user to the pressing operation receiving means is gentle,
Information about the pressing force that changes according to the pressing force is reported relatively slowly, and the intended function
It is made possible to switch to the characteristic. The desired function and characteristic can be switched at an appropriate speed according to the pressing operation of the user.

The electronic device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the third aspect, wherein the notifying means comprises: a time from a change start point of the pressing force to a change end point;
The notification mode is changed based on the amount of change in the pressing force from the change start point of the pressing force to the change end point.

According to the electronic device of the present invention, the time until the target pressing force reaches the desired magnitude is obtained.
Based on the amount of change in the magnitude of the pressing force, the manner of reporting information according to the pressing force is changed. This allows
When the magnitude of the pressing force in a unit time is large, it is possible to quickly change information according to the magnitude of the pressing force and quickly shift to a target function or characteristic. .

If the change in the magnitude of the pressing force per unit time is small, the information about the magnitude of the pressing force is changed relatively slowly, and the desired function and characteristic are carefully selected. It is possible to do so.

[0037]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention will be described below. In the embodiments described below, a case will be described as an example where the electronic apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a portable music playback device (hereinafter simply referred to as a music playback device).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the music player of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the external appearance of the music player shown in FIG. The music player shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a small one suitable for carrying, and has a size that can be operated on the palm of a user's hand.

As shown in FIG. 1, the music player according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 11, a pressure-sensitive sensor 12 for detecting a pressing force given by a user to an operation key 2 described later, A / D (analog / digital) converter 13,
Memory management unit (hereinafter abbreviated as MMU) 14, PROM 15, RAM 16, data memory 17, clock circuit 18, interface with external device (hereinafter abbreviated as I / F) 19, connection terminal with external device 20 and a CPU bus 21.

The PROM 15 stores various programs executed by the music player of this embodiment. The RAM 16 is mainly used as a work area (work area) in various processes. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the data memory 17 is a so-called non-volatile memory such as a flash memory in which audio data such as music and control data are recorded.

As shown in FIG. 1, the audio reproducing apparatus of this embodiment includes an audio data decoder 31, a D / A (digital / analog) converter 32, a mixer 33, a tone It comprises a signal generator 34, an audio amplifier 35, and a headphone terminal 36.

Further, the audio player of this embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 1, as a so-called user interface, an operation key 2, an LCD 3, and an L
The ED 4 and the vibrator 5 are provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation key 2 is provided on the front surface of the main body 1 of the music player of this embodiment so as to be easily operated by a user, and receives a pressing operation by a finger or the like of the user. It is.

As shown in FIG. 2, the LCD 3 and the LED 4 are also provided on the front surface of the main body 1 of the music player which can be easily viewed by the user. And the LCD 3
It can display in color, and can display various kinds of guidance and messages according to a control signal from the CPU 11.

Under the control of the CPU 11, the LCD 3 can change the display information of characters, pictures, figures, etc., change the display color, change the display size of the display information of characters, pictures, figures, etc., change the luminance, and the like. It was made possible.
By changing the display mode of the LCD 3, it is possible to notify the user of the selection of various different functions and modes, the selection of the characteristics of the functions, and the like.

The LED 4 is also for notifying the selected state of the function of the music player or the selected state of the characteristic of the function, and the like.
Through this, it is possible to notify the selection state of various different functions and the selection state of the characteristic of the function by changing the brightness, combining lighting, turning off, blinking, and the like.

That is, the brightness of the LED 4 can be controlled by changing the duty (DUTY) width of the pulse signal applied thereto. The LED 4 can change the light emission pattern by changing the combination of the ON time and the OFF time of the pulse signal applied thereto. Further, the hue can be changed by arranging a plurality of LEDs in the vicinity of the combination and controlling on / off of each LED individually. By using these aspects, the selection states of various different functions and the selection states of the characteristics of the functions are notified.

The vibrator 5 is provided in the main body 1, and by vibrating the main body 1 of the music player of this embodiment, the selected state of various functions of the music player and the characteristics of the functions are different. , Etc., can be notified. That is, the vibrator 5
The amount of vibration can be controlled by changing the duty (DUTY) width of the pulse signal applied thereto. Further, the vibrator 5 controls the on-time of the pulse signal applied thereto,
The vibration pattern can be changed by changing the combination of the off times. By using these aspects, it is possible to notify the selection state of various different functions and the selection state of the characteristic of the function.

The main body 1 of the music player is provided on its side with a connection terminal 20 for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer.
Audio data such as music supplied through the MMU 1
4, the data is stored in the data memory 17, and can be reproduced and output in accordance with an instruction from the user.

The reproduced audio signal is supplied to a headphone terminal (an analog audio signal output terminal) 3 as shown in FIG.
6 to the headphones 50 connected thereto. As a result, a sound corresponding to the sound signal from the sound reproducer is emitted from the headphones 50 so that the user can listen to the sound.

That is, audio data from an external device such as a personal computer is supplied to the connection terminal 20 and the I / F 1
9 is supplied to the music player and the CPU bus 2
1. The data is supplied to the data memory 17 through the MMU 14 and written therein. The MMU 14 has a PROM1
5, the RAM 16 and the data memory 17 to control access from the CPU 11 to three types of memories.

When receiving a reproduction instruction operation from the user, the CPU 11 reads out the target audio data from the data memory 17 through the MMU 14 and
This is supplied to the audio data decoder 31. The audio data decoder 31 decodes the supplied audio data into linear PCM data. Moreover, you may comprise so that volume control may be performed here.

The linear PC from the audio data decoder 31
The M data is supplied to a D / A converter 32, where it is converted into an analog audio signal. The analog audio signal from the D / A converter 32 is supplied to the mixer 33. Mixer 3
Numeral 3 is for adding the tone signal from the tone signal generator 34 to the analog audio signal from the D / A converter 32, which will be described later. The analog audio signal from the mixer 33 is supplied to the audio amplifier 35.

The audio amplifier 35 adjusts the impedance and level of the analog audio signal supplied thereto to form an analog audio signal capable of driving headphones connected to the audio reproducer. An analog audio signal from the audio amplifier 35 is supplied to a headphone 50 connected thereto through a headphone terminal 36. Thereby, as described above, the headphones 5
From 0, a sound corresponding to the analog sound signal supplied from the sound reproducer is emitted, so that the user can listen to the sound.

The audio amplifier 35 has a CPU
A control signal for adjusting the gain (volume) from the CPU 11 is supplied, and the audio amplifier 35 adjusts the volume of the analog audio signal based on the control signal from the CPU 11 in response to an instruction from the user. And so on.

The tone signal generator 34 generates a warning sound, a notification sound, and the like based on a control signal supplied from the CPU 11 through the CPU bus 21. In this embodiment, the tone signal generator 34 has a function of generating a single sound signal and adjusting the level, a function of generating a plurality of single sound signals having different frequencies, and adding these at an arbitrary level. A tone signal used as a warning sound, a notification sound, or the like is generated by using the function of

The tone signal generated by the tone signal generator 34 and used as the warning sound and the notification sound is supplied to the mixer 33. Then, in the mixer 33, D /
The user is notified of the selected state of the function of the sound reproducer, the selected state of the characteristic of the function, and the like also by using a tone signal such as a warning sound or a notification sound by mixing the analog sound signal with the analog sound signal from the A conversion unit 32. And so on.

The clock circuit 18 connected to the CPU bus 21 provides the current time and the current date and time.
It can generate various timing signals used in various processes, and has a so-called counter function.

In the audio player according to this embodiment, switching of functions such as power on / off, playback start, playback end, volume up, volume down, etc. (selection execution).
Further, adjustment and change of various characteristics such as volume adjustment can be performed only by the operation keys 2 which can be pressed.

That is, in the music player of this embodiment, only the operation keys 2 are provided as keys that can be operated by the user. It is possible to perform adjustment and change of characteristics in each function.

As described above, the operation key 2 can be pressed. The operation key 2 is assigned a plurality of functions executable by the audio player of this embodiment and a plurality of characteristics of each function, and assigns these functions and the characteristics of the functions to the pressing force applied to the operation key 2. Can be switched in accordance with the size (the amount of pressing).

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressure sensitive sensor 12 is linked to the operation key 2. The pressure-sensitive sensor 12 detects a pressing force applied to the operation key 2 by using, for example, a semiconductor strain gauge or a capacitance change type device based on pressure, and converts the detected pressing force into a DC voltage proportional to the pressure. Convert and output. In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor 12 includes, for example, two electrodes arranged opposite to each other, and a capacitance change that changes when a distance between the electrodes changes according to a pressing force applied thereto. Is a device using an electrostatic capacitance change type device for detecting the capacitance.

The detection output from the pressure sensor 12 is A / D
The signal is supplied to the conversion unit 13, where the signal is converted into a digital signal, and is notified to the CPU 11. And CP
U11 is based on the detected magnitude of the pressing force on the operation key 2, the correspondence table between the magnitude of the predetermined pressing force and the function, and the correspondence table between the magnitude of the pressing force and the characteristic in each function. The function is selected and the characteristics are adjusted and changed. These correspondence tables are formed in the PROM 15 in this embodiment.

As described above, the functions and characteristics are switched by using only one operation key 2.
If the user (operator) cannot be properly informed of what function the operation key 2 is pressed to perform in the music player, the user cannot use the music player. In some cases, it is difficult for the user to switch to the desired function or characteristic.

Therefore, as described above, the LCD 3, L
The tone selection signal emitted from the ED 4, the vibrator 5, or the headphones notifies the user of the selected state of the function and the invitation to select the characteristic of the function of the music player of this embodiment. That is, the sound reproducer of this embodiment has the LC
Through the D3, the LED4, the vibrator 5, and the tone signal, the audio player of this embodiment can determine which of the functions such as the playback mode, the volume up mode, the volume down mode, and the standby mode has a pressing force corresponding to any of the functions. The user is notified whether the operation key 2 has been pressed.

Further, the audio player of this embodiment is
By CD3, LED4, vibrator 5, or tone signal, for example, in the volume up mode,
The user is informed of the current level of the characteristic (the selected state of the characteristic) in the function being executed, for example, by notifying which level the volume is currently at.

Next, the process of switching functions and characteristics according to the magnitude of the pressing force will be specifically described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a function switching process and a function characteristic switching process performed in the audio player according to this embodiment. 3, the horizontal axis represents time (t), and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the pressing force detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor 12, that is, the pressing amount (p).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the range from the pressing amount 0 to the pressing amount p0 is a dead zone for preventing chattering. In addition, after the pressing amount P0, the thresholds (thresholds) p1, p2, p3, p4,
p5, ... are set. The thresholds p1, p2, p3,
Each of p4, p5,... is assigned a function that can be executed in the music player or a characteristic of the selected function after the function is selected.

When a function is mainly selected, a pressing force is applied to the operation key 2 and the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 becomes equal to the magnitude of the predetermined pressing force (as described above). Thresholds p1, p2, p3, p
LCD for notifying the function assigned to the threshold value that exceeds each of 4, p5,.
3. The display mode of the LED 4, the mode of vibration of the vibrator 5, and the mode of the tone signal generated by the tone signal generating unit 34 are changed.

When the magnitude (the amount of pressing) of the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 returns to the initial value (a state in which the operation key 2 is not pressed), the pressing force is applied to the operation key 2. After that, the maximum value of the pressing force p before returning to the non-pressed state is determined as the determined pressing force, and the function assigned to the determined pressing force is executed.

In the music player of this embodiment, after a pressing force is applied to the operation keys 2, the operation keys 2
When the magnitude of the pressing force applied to is smaller than the pressing amount p0, that is, when the pressure returns to the dead zone, the function is determined to be determined. In other words, in FIG. 3, when the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 decreases to the dead zone, as indicated by the determination unit k on the right side, this is regarded as a determination operation.

Therefore, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, a pressing force is applied to the operation key 2, and the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 changes from the pressing amount p1, the pressing amount p2, the pressing amount p3, and the pressing amount p4. → Each time a threshold value is exceeded, such as the pressing amount p5, LC for notifying the function assigned to the threshold value
D3, the display of the LED 4, the vibration of the vibrator 5, the notification mode by the tone signal, and the like are changed.

The user indicates on the LCD 3 and the LED 4 that the user has applied the pressing force to the operation key 2 to the pressing amount to which the desired function is assigned, and the vibration and the sound of the vibrator 5 are emitted. When it is known from the tone signal, the pressing operation on the operation key 2 is stopped to select the function assigned to the maximum value of the pressing force reached by the pressing force on the operation key 2. Function.

Therefore, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 is reduced to the dead zone immediately after the pressing amount p5 is exceeded. The playback device determines that the function assigned to the pressing amount p5 is the function selected by the user,
The function assigned to the pressing amount P5 is executed.

Similarly, when the pressing amount applied to the operation key 2 falls to the dead zone immediately after exceeding other thresholds such as the pressing amount p4 and the pressing amount p3, the pressing amount p4,
A function assigned to another threshold value such as the pressing amount p3 is selected by the user and determined to be a determined function, and the function assigned to the threshold value is executed.
In this way, the function can be switched simply by pressing the operation key 2.

Then, as described above, the selection of the function for determining the selected function is performed by lowering the pressing force on the operation key 2 to the dead zone, but similarly, the operation is performed through the operation key 2. Adjusting and changing the characteristics of the selected function does not require a confirmation operation.

For example, when adjusting the volume, a pressing force is applied to the operation key 2 and the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 is, for example, as shown in FIG. .., the characteristic assigned to each threshold value is determined to be determined, and the adjustment is changed so as to become the characteristic.

That is, when the magnitude of the pressing force on the operation key 2 exceeds the threshold value p1 in FIG. 3, the volume is increased by a predetermined amount, and when the magnitude exceeds the threshold value p2, the volume is further increased by a predetermined amount. Then, the sound volume is increased every time the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold value without performing the fixing operation. In this way, after selecting a function, the characteristic of the function can be adjusted and changed only by pressing the operation key 2.

As described above, when the function is switched only by pressing the operation key 2 or when the characteristic of the function is switched, the display of the LCD 3 and the LED 4, the vibration of the vibrator 5, and the emission of the tone signal are performed. Operation key 2 by sound
Is clearly notified to the user.

That is, when the function is switched or the characteristic of the function is switched, as described above, the information is displayed on the LCD 3, the display color and the luminance of the LCD 3 are changed, and the luminance of the LED 4 is changed. The change of the display color by the combination of the LEDs 4, the change of the vibration pattern of the vibrator 5, the change of the vibration amount, the change of the sound pressure of the tone signal output from the headphones 50 to the user, the change of the frequency of a single sound, or a plurality The change in the pressing force on the operation key 2 is notified by the change in the frequency of the sound source combined with.

Next, in the music player of this embodiment, a specific example of switching functions (selection) mainly by pressing the operation key 2 and a specific example of switching characteristics (change of adjustment). Will be described. First, a description will be given of a function selection execution process mainly performed by pressing the operation key 2.

In the music player of this embodiment,
For example, power-on, selection of a basic function, selection of a function mode, and the like can be performed by pressing the operation key 2. In this case, FIG.
As described above, when the operation of pressing the operation key 2 is started and then the stop of the operation is detected, it is assumed that the selected function is determined.

FIG. 4 shows the C of the music player of this embodiment.
6 is a flowchart for explaining processing at power-on and processing at the time of selecting and executing a basic function, which is executed in the PU 11. In FIG. 4, step S10
1. Step S102 corresponds to the process at the time of power-on,
The processing after step S103 corresponds to the processing when the basic function is selected.

That is, when the power of the music player of this embodiment is off, the CP of the music player is
U11 monitors the output signal from the A / D converter 13, that is, the magnitude of the pressing force from the user applied to the operation key 2 which is the detection output from the pressure-sensitive sensor 12, and It is in a waiting state until a pressing force is applied (step S101). In this embodiment, in step S101, it is determined whether or not a pressing force exceeding the dead zone shown in FIG. I try to judge.

In the determination processing of step S101, when it is determined that the user has pressed the operation key 2 beyond the dead zone and applied a pressing force larger than the pressing unit 1,
The CPU 11 turns on the power to the music player of this embodiment by supplying power to each unit,
The standby mode is entered to receive an instruction input from the user (step S102).

Then, C of the music player of this embodiment is
The PU 11 waits for the operation key 2 to be operated by the user (step S103). In step S103, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined that the pressing force of the pressing unit 1 or more is applied to the operation key 2 beyond the dead zone, the CPU 11 first selects the function selection mode. It notifies that it can be executed (step S104). That is, the user is notified that the function selection mode is currently selected.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 has decreased to the dead zone (whether or not the unit has become a fixed unit) (step S105). In the determination process of step S105, when it is determined that the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 has not decreased to the dead zone, the CPU 11 further applies a pressing force by the user, and the CPU 11 applies the pressing force applied to the operation key 2. It is determined whether the pressure has exceeded the next threshold (step S106).

If it is determined in step S106 that the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 has exceeded the next threshold value, the CPU 11 of the music player performs processing for notifying the user of the next function mode. (Step S10
7), repeat the processing from step S105. Also,
In the determination processing of step S106, when it is determined that the pressing force on the operation key 2 does not exceed the next threshold, the processing from step S105 is repeated.

In the determination process of step S105, when it is determined that the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 has decreased to the dead zone, that is, when it is determined that the fixing operation has been performed, the CPU 11 notifies immediately. Transition to the function mode is made (step S108). That is, the process of step S108 is a process of executing the selected and confirmed function.

As described above, in the music player of this embodiment, the power of the music player can be turned on, such as pressing the operation key when the power is off and turning on the power. Then, after the power is turned on, when the power is on, the operation key 2 is pressed → a function selection mode (further pressing) → a music playback mode (further pressing) → a double speed playback mode (further pressing) → a stop (further pressing) → Basic functions such as power off, function selection mode, music playback mode, double speed playback mode, stop,
By selecting each power-off mode and stopping the pressing at the target mode, the function can be executed.

In the music player of this embodiment, when the function selection mode is selected, some of the function modes can be selected and executed. That is, when the operation key 2 is pressed after selecting and confirming the function selection mode, the volume increase mode (further press) → volume decrease mode (further press) → skip feed mode (further press) → skip return mode (further press).
→ Return to the power-on state. Thus, the selection and execution of each adjustment mode can be performed only by pressing the operation key 2.

In this case, step S1 shown in FIG.
In a manner similar to the processing from 03 to step S108, selection and execution of each function mode (adjustment mode) in the function selection mode can be performed. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a process in the case where the music player of this embodiment further selects a selectable function mode after the function selection mode is set.

That is, when the user presses the operation key 2 to select and confirm the function selection mode, the CPU 11 of the music player according to this embodiment determines that the operation key 2 is further operated. Wait (step S201). When it is determined in step S201 that a dead zone has been voiced and that a pressing force of one or more pressing units has been applied to the operation key 2, the CPU 11 first notifies that the next function mode can be selected (step S202). ). In this embodiment, as described above, it is notified that the volume increase mode can be selected.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 has decreased to the dead zone (whether or not the unit has become a fixed unit) (step S203). In the determination processing of step S203, when it is determined that the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 has not decreased to the dead zone, the CPU 11 further applies the pressing force by the user, and the CPU 11 applies the pressing force applied to the operation key 2. Amount is press unit 1
It is determined whether or not the value exceeds the next threshold value for the pressing amount (step S204).

If it is determined in step S204 that the pressing force on the operation key 2 has exceeded the next threshold value, the CPU 11 of the music player notifies the user of the next selectable function mode. (Step S205), and the processing from Step S203 is repeated. Also, in the determination processing of step S204, when it is determined that the pressing force on the operation key 2 does not exceed the next threshold, the processing from step S203 is repeated.

In the determination processing of step S203, when it is determined that the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 has decreased to the dead zone, that is, when it is determined that the fixing operation has been performed, the CPU 11 notifies immediately before. The function is executed (Step S206).

As described above, selection and execution of various modes can be instructed by changing the pressing force on the operation key 2. In addition to the modes described here,
The other modes can also be selected and executed by simply pressing the operation key 2 to execute the selected function mode.

Next, a description will be given of a case in which the operation of the operation key 2 is pressed to change the characteristics of the selected function, for example, in the case of volume adjustment. Here, a case where volume adjustment is performed will be described as an example. In the case of volume adjustment or the like, unlike the case of selecting and executing a function, it is not necessary to perform a confirmation operation.

The pressing force applied to the operation key 2 increases,
Each time a predetermined threshold is exceeded, control is performed so that the volume is raised or vice versa. That is, as described above, the function selection decision processing by pressing the operation key 2 and stopping the pressing is performed, and the audio player of this embodiment is set to the volume increasing mode.

Then, in the volume increase mode, the operation key 2
Press → Volume 3dB up execution (press further) → Volume 3
Execution of dB up (further pressing) → execution of volume 3 dB up (further pressing) → maximum volume (however, if the maximum volume is reached in the middle, stop volume up there). As described above, in the volume increase mode, the pressing force on the operation key 2 is increased, and the sound pressure of the emitted sound is gradually increased.

Further, as described above, the function selection decision processing by pressing and stopping the pressing of the operation key 2 is performed, and the sound reproducer of this embodiment is set to the volume reduction mode. Then, in the volume reduction mode, the operation key 2 is pressed → volume 3d.
Execute B down (further press) → Execute volume 3 dB down (further press) → Execute volume 3 dB down (further press)
→ Mute (However, if the sound is muted on the way, stop the volume down.) As described above, in the sound volume reduction mode, the pressing force on the operation key 2 increases, and the sound pressure of the emitted sound gradually decreases.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing in the volume increasing mode of CPU 11 of the music reproducing apparatus according to this embodiment. As described above, by pressing the operation key 2 to set the volume increase mode, C
The PU 11 monitors the output signal from the A / D conversion unit 13, that is, the magnitude of the pressing force from the user applied to the operation key 2 which is the detection output from the pressure-sensitive sensor 12, and determines the magnitude in advance. The process waits until a pressing force equal to or greater than the threshold value is applied (step S301).

In the determination processing of step S301, when it is determined that the user has applied a pressing force exceeding the predetermined pressing unit 1 to the operation key 2 beyond the dead zone, the current volume is set to the maximum volume. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S302). If it is determined in the determination processing of step S302 that the volume is not the maximum volume,
The PU 11 controls, for example, the audio amplifier 35 to increase the volume by 3 dB (step S303), and thereafter repeats the processing from step S301.

In the determination processing of step S301, when it is determined that a predetermined press is not applied to the operation key 2, and when it is determined in the determination processing of step S302 that the volume is the maximum volume, , The processing from step S301 is repeated. Step S30
If it is determined in the determination processing of 2 that the volume is the maximum volume, the processing shown in FIG.
For example, it is of course possible to immediately enable the volume reduction mode.

In the volume increase mode, for example,
The volume may be increased from the volume 0, or the volume may be increased from a predetermined volume level. Of course, as described above, the volume may be increased from the immediately preceding volume level.

Further, when performing not only the adjustment of the volume but also the adjustment of the characteristics of the selected function, such as the adjustment of the brightness and the hue, a definite operation such as once stopping the pressing operation on the operation key 2 is performed. Instead, the characteristics can be automatically changed each time the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Therefore, as described above, only by pressing the operation key 2, an instruction to execute a function selection and an instruction to change the characteristic of the function after the function selection has been executed are received, and the selection and execution of the function are performed. Can be adjusted.

In the case of selecting and executing a function, as described above, when it is detected that the pressing operation on the operation key 2 is stopped after the pressing operation is started, the selection operation is performed by the pressing operation. Since the determined function is regarded as finalized, the intended function can be selected reliably and easily, and the function can be executed.

As a result, the selection and execution of various functions and the adjustment and modification of the characteristics of the functions can be performed only by pressing the single operation key 2, so that the user can use the music player of this embodiment. In contrast to this, it is possible to quickly select and execute a target function and adjust and change the characteristics of a function with a simple operation without performing a complicated operation.

The above-described example of selecting a function and the example of changing and adjusting the characteristic of a function are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. When instructing the selection and execution of other various functions,
The operation can be performed by pressing the operation key 2 and stopping the operation. Also, when an instruction to adjust or change the characteristics of other various functions can be given by pressing the operation key 2.

Further, for example, in the case of selecting and executing a function, a hierarchical structure is formed as in the case of the above-described function selecting mode, and a function can be further selected and executed in the mode selected and executed first. It can also be configured.

The functions and characteristics assigned to the pressing amount corresponding to the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 are as follows:
When the amount of pressing on the operation key 2 increases and the function or characteristic assigned to the amount of pressing changes, this is generated by the LCD 3, the LED 4, the vibrator 5, and the tone signal generating unit 34 to emit sound. The user is properly notified by the tone signal. This allows
A pressing operation on the operation key 2 can be performed easily and appropriately.

Note that, in this embodiment, the LED
3. In accordance with the tone signal generated by the LCD 4, the vibrator 5, and the ton signal generator 34, information corresponding to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 is reported, but is not limited thereto. is not.

The notification may be performed using at least one of the LED 3, the LCD 4, the vibrator 5, and the tone signal generated by the ton signal generator 34. Alternatively, the notification may be made using two or three of the tone signals generated by the LED 3, the LCD 4, the vibrator 5, and the ton signal generator 34.

Further, in the case of the audio reproducer of this embodiment, the recording memory of the music data uses the data memory 17 mounted on the audio reproducer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to use an external semiconductor memory such as a so-called memory card by making it detachable.

Although the example shown in FIG. 3 is an example in which the pressing unit 1 is set to be linear (linear), the pressing unit may be set wider, for example, as the pressing force is increased. In the case of FIG. 3, the fixed unit is set to the dead zone. For example, the fixed unit is set at another position, for example, three press units 1 lower than the current press force. Is also good.

As described above, by adjusting the sensitivity related to the pressing operation on the operation key 2, it is possible to realize a sound reproducing apparatus in which the function can be selected more easily and the adjustment of the characteristic of the function can be changed.

Next, a specific example of a method of detecting the pressing force (the pressing amount) on the operation key 2 will be described. The pressing force detection processing described below is performed by the CPU of this embodiment.
This is the process performed in step S11. That is, as described above, the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 is detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor 12. The magnitude of the pressing force detected here is converted into an electric signal, and is notified to the CPU 11 as digital data through the D / A converter 13. The process of detecting the pressing force is performed by the D / A converter 13.
This is performed by the CPU 11 based on the detection output from the CPU.

[Method of sampling at predetermined intervals]
First, as a first method, a description will be given of a pressing force detection processing method for detecting the magnitude (amount of pressing) of a pressing force on an operation key by sampling at predetermined time intervals. That is, the CPU 11 of the present embodiment controls the D / A conversion unit 1 at every predetermined sampling time.
The pressing force from 3 is sampled. The highest value among the sampled pressing amounts is held in a register managed by the CPU 11.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of sampling at predetermined intervals. For example, operation key 2
When it is detected that the pressing of the
1 initializes a pressing amount of a register managed by itself. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, predetermined sampling times (sampling timings) t1, t2, t3,.
Each time, the detection output from the D / A conversion unit 13 is sampled, and the value indicating the magnitude of the pressing force in the register managed by the CPU 11 is updated.

Every time sampling is performed, a value indicating the magnitude of the pressing force of the register is compared with a value indicating the magnitude of the sampled pressing force, and the larger value is held in the register. When the value indicating the magnitude of the pressing force stored in this register exceeds a predetermined threshold,
It is assumed that the pressing of the determined pressing force is performed on the operation key 2.

In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, the amount of pressing increases as the detection is repeated, such as sampling times t1, t2, t3,..., And the magnitude of the newly sampled pressing force Will be updated to the register. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, the magnitude of the pressing force exceeds the predetermined thresholds p0, p1, p2,... At each sampling time t1, t2, t3,. At each point in time, it is determined that a predetermined pressing force has been applied to the operation key 2.

Therefore, each of the thresholds p0, p1, p2,.
By assigning feature characteristics to each of the
It is made possible to make adjustments and changes to the characteristics of the functions described above.

Further, by using this method, when the pressing force on the operation key 2 falls to the dead zone, a value indicating the magnitude of the pressing force held in the register is determined. By doing so, the above-described function can be selected and executed. In other words, the function is selected and executed by setting the maximum amount of pressing from the start of pressing the operation key 2 until the pressing force decreases to the dead zone to the determined pressing force. Can be.

In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, the magnitude of the pressing force sampled at the sampling time t6 is detected as the largest pressing force, and at the sampling time t8, the pressing force decreases to the dead zone. Since it is detected, the pressing amount at the sampling time t6 is detected as the determined pressing amount, and the function assigned to the pressing amount p5 at the sampling time t6 is selected and executed.

[Method of Considering Change Speed of Pressing Amount] Next, a description will be given of a method of detecting a pressing force that also considers the changing speed of the magnitude of the pressing force on the operation key 2. That is, the CPU 11 prepares a predetermined timer. This timer can be realized by the clock circuit 18 of the music player of this embodiment.

The CPU 11 outputs the detection output of the magnitude of the pressing force from the D / A converter 13 to the initial value (at the time of no pressing).
When a predetermined dead zone is exceeded to prevent chattering, a timer is started. And the CPU 11
Detects the magnitude Vst of the pressing force at the time point st when the timer is started, and detects the magnitude Ved of the pressing force at the time point ed when the timer times out.

By subtracting the magnitude Vst of the pressing force from the magnitude Ved of the pressing force, it is possible to detect the amount of change in the magnitude of the pressing force during a predetermined time from the time point st to the time point ed. If the amount of change is larger than a predetermined value, for example, the operator of the operation key 2 considers that a large change is desired, and takes a large mode to proceed.
That is, when the pressing operation on the operation key 2 is quickly increased, the change is regarded as a large change, and when the pressing operation on the operation key 2 is gradually increased, the change is regarded as a small change.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the amount of change in the magnitude of the pressing force per unit time from the time point st to the time point ed. In the case of FIG. 8A, the change in the pressing force on the operation key 2 per unit time from the time point st to the time point ed is small, and the pressing force on the operation key 2 is set to increase gradually. In the case of FIG. 8B, the change in the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 per unit time from the time point st to the time point ed is large, and the pressing force applied to the operation key 2 is increased rapidly.

When the pressing force on the operation key 2 is gradually increased as shown in FIG. 8A, the notification of the change in the function or characteristic assigned to the pressing force is relatively slowly. Go and make sure that the function is selected and executed slowly and definitely, or that the characteristics can be adjusted slowly. As a result, it is possible to surely perform the function selection and the adjustment of the characteristics without any mistake.

When the pressing force on the operation key is sharply increased as shown in FIG. 8B, the notification of the change of the function or characteristic assigned to the pressing force is switched, for example, at high speed. Thus, a target function or characteristic is notified so that the target function can be quickly selected and executed, or the target characteristic can be quickly adjusted. As a result, it is possible to quickly execute the function selection and change the characteristic adjustment.

[Method using two timers]
A pressing force detection processing method using a timer for detecting the acceleration of the pressing operation and a so-called ring timer for sampling the pressing force will be described. The audio player is provided with a first timer and a second timer (ring timer) for performing sampling. Both of these two timers can be realized by the clock circuit 18 mounted on the audio player of this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a pressing force detection processing method using these two timers. CPU
11 starts the first timer at a time point st when the detection output from the D / A converter 13 exceeds a predetermined dead zone for preventing chattering from an initial value (a time point when no pressure is applied).

The CPU 11 sends the D / A converter 13 at each timing (each time a ripple carry is output) provided by the second counter for sampling as used in the above-described method of sampling at predetermined intervals. Is sampled, and the difference from the magnitude of the pressing force at the previous sampling point is calculated. That is, in FIG. 9, when the pressing amount V2 is detected, V2-
When V1 is performed and the pressing amount V3 is detected, V3
The difference is detected sequentially, such as performing -V2.

Here, since the second timer provides timing for sampling, for example, the second timer is 1/1 of the time to be measured by the first timer.
It is possible to provide a timing sufficiently smaller than the time measured by the first timer, such as an order of 100 (one hundredth).

When the difference in the magnitude of the obtained pressing force is smaller than a predetermined value, the CPU 11 determines that the pressing force desired by the user has been reached,
Stop the first timer. In the case of the example of FIG. 9, if V10−V9 is performed at time ed, the difference value becomes negative, and if it becomes smaller than the predetermined value V, the first timer is stopped at this time ed. Will be.

That is, in FIG. 9, V2-V1, V
3-V2, V4-V3, V5-V4, V6-V5, V7
In the case of −V6, V8−V7, and V9−V8, all of the obtained values (differences) become positive values, while V1
When the difference between the pressing forces is obtained from 0-V9, the difference becomes a negative value, so that it is possible to determine that the pressing force V9 is the pressing force desired by the user.

By dividing the obtained pressing force by the time provided by the first timer, that is, the time from when the first timer is operated to when it is stopped,
The amount of change in the pressing force per unit time is determined.

In the above-described method in which the changing speed of the pressing amount is taken into consideration, when the operation key 2 is pressed down so that the pressing force suddenly increases, a large change occurs. Is defined unambiguously as a small change if it is made to grow slowly.

On the other hand, in the case of this method,
If the user applies a desired pressing force to the operation key 2 slowly, it is considered that the user has the intention to select the mode at the intermediate point of all the modes in detail, and the mode at the intermediate point is not changed. By displaying the information in a short time, the time of the notification of each mode at the waypoint can be made longer to facilitate selection.

If the user applies a desired pressing force quickly, it is assumed that the user intends to quickly reach the latter half of all modes, and the latter half of all modes Is displayed in a short time, and the display time in the latter half point mode can be extended to facilitate selection.

As described above, various methods for detecting the pressing force can be used. Then, from the point in time when the magnitude of the predetermined pressing force is reached,
May be used by switching. For example,
By switching from a certain amount of pressing, up to a predetermined mode, if the pressing force on the operation key 2 is quickly increased by the above-described detection processing method, the operation is performed quickly, and thereafter, the above-described operation is performed. The detection processing of the pressing force can be performed in a form that is easy for the user to use, for example, by performing the operation more faithfully by the detection processing method.

As described above, it is possible to set a plurality of input patterns for one operation key, which conventionally has only two states of ON and OFF. It is possible to select or execute a function to be performed, or to adjust or change the characteristics of the selected and executed function such as volume adjustment.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to a music reproducing apparatus having only the operation keys 2, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the present invention can be applied to an electronic device provided with a plurality of operation keys for receiving a pressing operation as shown in FIG.

The portable telephone terminal shown in FIG. 10 includes an antenna 61, a speaker (receiver) 62, an LCD 63, a key operation unit 64 including a plurality of operation keys, a microphone (transmitter) 65, and a headphone terminal 66. It is. In the mobile phone terminal shown in FIG. 10, for example, an external semiconductor memory (so-called memory card) is detachable, and music data distributed via the Internet or the like is stored in the attached external semiconductor memory, for example, and reproduced. It is something that can be done.

In this case, the reproduced music data can be listened to by the headphones 70 connected to the headphone terminal 66. In the case of the mobile phone terminal shown in FIG. 10, for example, the selection and execution of various functions for the music playback function, the change of the characteristics of the selected function, and the like are performed with one operation key. Can be. For example, this can be realized by giving predetermined operation keys the same function as the above-mentioned operation key 2 of the music player.

Further, a function selection execution key and a function characteristic adjustment change key are separately provided, and when the function is selected and executed, the former is pressed, and when the function characteristic is adjusted or changed, the former is pressed. Alternatively, the latter can be pressed. That is, a plurality of operation keys may have the same function as the operation key 2 of the music player of the embodiment described above. In this case, more various information can be input relatively easily.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described music player and portable telephone terminal. For example, PDA (Personal)
Digital information assistants (PDAs), information processing devices such as personal computers, various audio devices, VTRs (Video
Tape Recorder) and DVD (Digital)
The present invention can be applied to visual devices such as Versatile Disk players, other audio / visual devices, and various other electronic devices. That is, the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices including operation keys for performing a pressing operation.

[0148]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of states (functions and characteristics) can be assigned to one operation key for performing a pressing operation, so that a complicated operation is required. Instead, various information can be input only by pressing the one operation key. Also,
Since there is no need to provide a plurality of operation keys, downsizing of the electronic device can be realized.

Conventionally, when performing an operation of changing an output level such as a volume with one operation key, or when inputting a number with one key, a repetitive operation or a so-called long press is performed. Need to take time and effort,
Although it may take time, it is only necessary to apply a pressure once to obtain a desired result by the user.

Also, when a plurality of functions are selected and executed, it can be performed by pressing only one operation key.

The pressing of the operation keys is visually,
By changing the auditory and sensible (vibration, smell, etc.) notification modes, it is possible to easily and accurately perform an input intended by the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a music playback-only machine to which an embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an external appearance of the music playback-only device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a process of detecting a pressing force on an operation key performed in the music playback device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the music playback device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
9 is a flowchart for explaining a process of turning on power and executing a function selection executed only by pressing the operation key.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a function selection execution in a function selection mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of adjusting and changing a characteristic of a function.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a method of detecting a pressing force on an operation key.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a detection processing method of a pressing force applied to an operation key.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting a pressing force on an operation key.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a mobile phone terminal as an example of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Music playback device itself, 2 ... Operation keys, 3 ... LCD,
4 ... LED, 5 ... vibrator, 11 ... CPU, 12 ...
Pressure sensor, 13 A / D converter, 14 MMU (memory management unit), 15 PROM (program ROM), 16 RAM, 17 data memory, 1
8 Clock circuit, 19 Interface, 20 Connection terminal, 21 Drive circuit, 22 CPU bus, 31 Audio data decoder, 32 D / A converter, 33 Mixer, 3
4: Tone signal generator 35: Audio amplifier 36
... headphone jack, 50 ... headphones

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A pressing operation receiving means for receiving a pressing operation, a pressing force detecting means for detecting a magnitude of a pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means, and a pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting means. An electronic apparatus comprising: a function switching control unit that switches a function to be executed according to a magnitude of a pressure. 2. A pressing operation receiving means for receiving a pressing operation, a pressing force detecting means for detecting a magnitude of a pressing force applied to the pressing operation receiving means, and a pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting means. An electronic apparatus comprising: a characteristic switching control unit configured to switch a characteristic of a function being executed according to a magnitude of a pressure. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a notifying unit that notifies a user of information corresponding to the magnitude of the pressing force detected by the pressing force detecting unit. Electronic equipment characterized by the above. 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein said notifying means is a display element for displaying information for notifying information corresponding to the magnitude of the detected pressing force. Electronic equipment. 5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein said notifying means is a sounding element for generating a sound for notifying information according to the magnitude of the detected pressing force. And electronic equipment. 6. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein said notifying means is a vibrating element for generating vibration for notifying information corresponding to the magnitude of the detected pressing force. And electronic equipment. 7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the function switching control unit sets the detection output from the pressing force detection unit to a predetermined magnitude from a point in time when the detection output has reached a predetermined magnitude. An electronic apparatus wherein a maximum value of a pressing force up to a time point when the pressure is reduced is set as a determined magnitude of the pressing force, and a function determined according to the determined magnitude is executed. 8. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein said characteristic switching control means is configured to execute said characteristic switching control means each time a detection output from said pressing force detection means exceeds one of a plurality of predetermined thresholds. An electronic device characterized by switching to a characteristic associated with an exceeded threshold value. 9. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the notifying means changes the notifying mode according to a degree of a change in a detection output from the pressing force detecting means at a predetermined time interval. And electronic equipment. 10. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the notifying means includes a time from a change start point of the pressing force to a change end point, and a time from the change start point of the pressing force to the change end point. An electronic device characterized by changing a notification mode based on a pressure change amount.