JP2013069163A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability of a multidirectional input unit.SOLUTION: A portable telephone includes: a substrate; a ring magnet formed in a ring shape and provided on the substrate so as to rotate around the central axis of the ring; two magnetic force sensors provided between the substrate and the ring magnet and used to output signals according to change in a magnetic field due to rotation of the ring magnet; a rotation determination unit 178 for determining a rotation direction of the ring magnet on the basis of the signals output from the magnetic force sensors; a coil provided between the substrate and the ring magnet; and a coil current control unit 180 for changing at least one of the strength and direction of current flowing through the coil.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a multidirectional input unit having a rotary operation type encoder is used as an input interface for receiving a user operation input. The portable electronic device performs control such as, for example, scrolling a display image in accordance with a user's rotation operation with respect to the multidirectional input unit.

  The multi-directional input unit includes a ring magnet formed in a ring shape in which N poles and S poles of magnets are alternately and continuously provided. The ring magnet is provided on the substrate so as to be rotatable around the center axis of the ring in response to the rotation operation of the user. The multi-directional input unit includes at least two MR (Magnetic Resonance) sensors that output a signal corresponding to a change in the magnetic field caused by the rotation of the ring magnet. The portable electronic device determines the rotation direction of the ring magnet, that is, the rotation direction of the rotation operation by the user, based on the signal output from the MR sensor.

  In such a multi-directional input unit, by providing a fixed magnet fixed to the N pole or S pole between the substrate and the ring magnet, a click feeling is given to the user when the multi-directional input unit is rotated. It is like that.

JP 2003-296006 A

  However, the prior art does not consider improving the operability of the multidirectional input unit.

  For example, the click feeling felt by the user when rotating the multidirectional unit is obtained by the attractive force and repulsive force generated between the fixed magnet and the ring magnet. For example, when a permanent magnet is used as the fixed magnet, the click feeling is fixed, and it is difficult to change the click feeling according to the user's preference.

  In addition, since the number of counts when the multidirectional input unit is rotated once is fixed by the number of N poles and S poles formed on the ring magnet, the count corresponding to one cycle of the multidirectional input unit is set by the user. It is difficult to change according to your preference. As a result, for example, when the number of counts per week is small, the multi-directional input unit must be rotated many times when it is desired to scroll the screen displayed on the display unit greatly. Absent.

  The disclosed technology has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to realize an electronic apparatus capable of improving the operability of a multidirectional input unit.

  In one aspect, an electronic device disclosed in the present application includes a substrate and a ring magnet formed on the substrate so as to be rotatable around a central axis of the ring. The electronic device includes at least two magnetic force sensors that are provided between the substrate and the ring magnet and output a signal corresponding to a change in a magnetic field accompanying the rotation of the ring magnet. The electronic device further includes a rotation determination unit that determines a rotation direction of the ring magnet based on a signal output from the magnetic sensor. The electronic device includes a coil provided between the substrate and the ring magnet. In addition, the electronic device includes a coil current control unit that changes at least one of the intensity and direction of the current flowing through the coil.

  According to one aspect of the electronic device disclosed in the present application, it is possible to realize an electronic device capable of improving the operability of the multidirectional input unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mobile phone. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a component configuration of the multidirectional input unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section of the multidirectional input unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile phone. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the mobile phone. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a basic configuration of a multidirectional input unit. FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the basic operation of the multidirectional input unit. FIG. 6C is a diagram for explaining a basic operation of the multidirectional input unit. FIG. 6D is a diagram for explaining a basic operation of the multidirectional input unit. FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit having a variable click feeling. FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit with a variable click feeling. FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit having an assist function. FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit having an assist function. FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 8 counts. FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 8 counts. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone at the time of 8 counts. FIG. 11A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit at 16 counts. FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 16 counts. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone at 16 counts. FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a multidirectional input unit at 32 counts. FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 32 counts. FIG. 14 is a flowchart and table showing the operation of the multidirectional input unit at 32 counts. FIG. 15A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit having an automatic rotation function. FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit having the automatic rotation function. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone during automatic rotation. FIG. 17A is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit having a function of stopping automatic rotation. FIG. 17B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit having a function of stopping automatic rotation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The disclosed technology is not limited by this embodiment. For example, in the following embodiments, a mobile phone will be described as an example of an electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any electronic device including a multidirectional input unit may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 110 and a display unit 120 provided in an opening formed in the housing 110. In addition, the mobile phone 100 includes a multidirectional input unit 150 provided at a lower portion of the display unit 120 and a front key module 170 surrounding the multidirectional input unit.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a component configuration of the multidirectional input unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section of the multidirectional input unit. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the multidirectional input unit 150 includes a substrate 152, a dome switch 156 provided on the substrate 152, and MR sensors 154 a and 154 b provided on the substrate 152. The dome switch 156 and the MR sensors 154 a and 154 b are covered with a rubber 153 provided on the substrate 152, and a pusher 153 a that presses the dome switch 156 is formed on the rubber 153.

  The multidirectional input unit 150 includes a ring-shaped base 158 provided on the rubber 153, a fixed magnet 160 provided on the base 158, and a coil 162 provided on the base 158. The multi-directional input unit 150 covers the operation button 164 for pressing the dome switch 156 via the pusher 153a, the ring magnet 166 provided concentrically with the base 158, the base 158 and the ring magnet 166. And an operating body 168. 2 shows an example in which one fixed magnet 160 and one coil 162 are provided on the base 158, but the present invention is not limited to this. The fixed magnet 160 and the coil 162 are provided in various modes as will be described below. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the MR sensor 154 and the coil 162 are shown in the same cross section. However, as will be described below, the MR sensor 154 and the coil 162 are not actually located in the same cross section.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone 100 of this embodiment includes an antenna 102, a wireless unit 104, a microphone 106, a speaker 108, and a voice input / output unit 112. In addition, the mobile phone 100 includes a memory 130, a display unit 120, a key control unit 138, and a processor 140.

  The wireless unit 104 performs wireless communication of various data such as voice and characters via the antenna 102. The voice input / output unit 112 is an input / output interface that inputs voice through the microphone 106 and outputs voice through the speaker 108.

  The memory 130 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132 that stores data for executing various functions of the mobile phone 100 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 134 that stores various programs for executing various functions. . The display unit 120 is an output interface such as a liquid crystal panel that displays various types of information such as characters and images. The key control unit 138 is an input interface that accepts an input operation using keys provided on the mobile phone 100.

  The processor 140 is an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes various programs stored in the ROM 132 or the RAM 134. The processor 140 controls the wireless unit 104, the voice input / output unit 112, the display unit 120, and the key control unit 138 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 132 or the RAM 134. The program executed by the processor 140 is not only stored in the ROM 132 or the RAM 134, but also recorded on a recordable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM or a memory medium, and read from the recording medium for execution. can do. In addition, the program is stored in a server connected via a network so that the program operates on the server, and a service is requested in response to a request from the mobile phone 100 connected via the network. It can also be provided to the mobile phone 100.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 100 includes a wireless control unit 170, a display control unit 172, an input control unit 174, a sensor signal detection unit 176, a rotation determination unit 178, and a coil current control unit 180.

  The wireless control unit 170 controls the wireless unit 104 to control wireless communication of various data such as voice and characters with the mobile phone of the communication partner via the base station. The display control unit 172 performs control for displaying various information such as characters and images stored in the memory 130 on the display unit. The input control unit 174 performs control to accept a user input operation input via the key control unit 138.

  The sensor signal detection unit 176 detects signals output from the MR sensors 154a and 154b. The rotation determination unit 178 determines the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 according to the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal. The coil current control unit 180 controls at least one of the magnitude and direction of the current flowing through the coil 162. Details of the sensor signal detection unit 176, the rotation determination unit 178, and the coil current control unit 180 will be described later. Each of these functional blocks shows an example of a process that is started when various programs stored in the memory 130 shown in FIG. 4 are executed by the processor 140 shown in FIG. .

  Next, the basic configuration and basic operation of the multidirectional input unit will be described. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a basic configuration of a multidirectional input unit. 6B to 6D are diagrams for explaining the basic operation of the multidirectional input unit.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the ring magnet 166 is formed in a ring shape with N poles and S poles provided alternately and continuously. A fixed magnet 160 fixed to the N pole and MR sensors 154a and 154b are provided below the ring magnet 166. In the present embodiment, the ring magnet 166 is provided with eight north and south poles, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the example of FIG. 6A, the MR sensor 154a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the MR sensor 154b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet. The fixed magnet 160 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166. Since the ring magnet 166 is rotated by a user's operation, for example, when the MR sensor 154b corresponds to the position of the N pole or S pole of the ring magnet, the fixed magnet 160 and the MR sensor 154a are connected to the N pole and S of the ring magnet 166. Corresponds to the middle position of the pole.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the fixed magnet 160 is fixed to the north pole, the click magnet is stable in a state where the north pole of the fixed magnet 160 and the south pole of the ring magnet are attracted as shown in FIG. 6A. Is obtained. In the example of FIG. 6A, when the user makes one turn of the ring magnet 166, an eight-click feeling corresponding to the number of S poles is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when the ring magnet 166 rotates and the north pole of the ring magnet 166 is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154a, the MR sensor 154a detects the north pole of the ring magnet 166 and detects L (Low). Output a signal. Subsequently, when the ring magnet 166 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6B and the middle of the N pole and S pole of the ring magnet 166 is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154a, the MR sensor 154a outputs the L signal. Keep the output of.

  On the other hand, when the ring magnet 166 further rotates and the south pole of the ring magnet 166 is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154a, the MR sensor 154a detects the south pole of the ring magnet 166 and outputs an H (High) signal. Output. Subsequently, when the ring magnet 166 rotates and the middle of the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet 166 is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154a, the MR sensor 154a holds the output of the H signal. In this way, the MR sensor 154a outputs H and L signals alternately and continuously according to the rotation of the ring magnet 166. The same applies to the MR sensor 154b.

  FIG. 6C shows the positional relationship between the N and S poles of the ring magnet 166 and the MR sensors 154a and 154b when the ring magnet 166 rotates clockwise. As shown in (1) of FIG. 6C, when the S pole of the ring magnet is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154a, the middle of the N pole and S pole of the ring magnet is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154b. . As shown in (2) of FIG. 6C, when the ring magnet 166 rotates and the middle of the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154a, it is directly above the MR sensor 154b. The S pole of the ring magnet is located. As shown in (3) of FIG. 6C, when the ring magnet 166 further rotates and the N pole of the ring magnet is positioned directly above the MR sensor 154a, the N of the ring magnet is directly above the MR sensor 154b. The middle of the pole and the S pole is located. As shown in (4) of FIG. 6C, when the ring magnet 166 further rotates and the middle of the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet is located directly above the MR sensor 154a, the MR sensor 154b is directly above. The N pole of the ring magnet is located at As described above, the positional relationship between the N and S poles of the ring magnet 166 and the MR sensors 154a and 154b repeats (1) to (4) in FIG. 6C.

  FIG. 6D shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154a and 154b when the ring magnet 166 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. When the ring magnet 166 is clockwise, as shown in (1) to (4) in the upper part of FIG. 6D, the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal as the ring magnet 166 rotates. The output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the L signal to the H signal. Subsequently, after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal, the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the H signal to the L signal. The rotation determination unit 178 determines the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 according to the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 6D, when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal and the output of the MR sensor 154b is the L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 rotates the ring magnet 166 clockwise. Judge that it is rotating.

  On the other hand, when the ring magnet 166 is counterclockwise, the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal as the ring magnet 166 rotates as shown in (1) to (4) in the lower part of FIG. 6D. After the change, the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the H signal to the L signal. Subsequently, after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal, the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the L signal to the H signal. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 6D, the rotation determination unit 178 causes the ring magnet 166 to rotate counterclockwise when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the L signal to the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154b is the H signal. Is determined to be rotating.

  Next, a multidirectional input unit with a variable click feeling will be described. FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit having a variable click feeling. FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit with a variable click feeling.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, a fixed magnet 160 fixed to the N pole, MR sensors 154a and 154b, and a coil 162 are provided below the ring magnet 166. The coil 162 is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic force when an alternating current is passed by the coil current control unit 180. In the example of FIG. 7A, the MR sensor 154a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the MR sensor 154b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet 166. The fixed magnet 160 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the coil 162 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166. Since the ring magnet 166 is rotated by the user's operation, for example, when the MR sensor 154b corresponds to the position of the N pole or S pole of the ring magnet, the fixed magnet 160, the coil 162, and the MR sensor 154a are N of the ring magnet 166. Corresponds to an intermediate position between the pole and the S pole.

  FIG. 7A shows an example in which current is passed by the coil current control unit 180 so that the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet. Since the fixed magnet 160 is fixed to the N pole, the N pole of the fixed magnet 160 and the S pole of the ring magnet 166 and the N pole of the coil 162 and the S pole of the ring magnet 166 are attracted as shown in FIG. 7A. It is stable in a state where it is present, and a click feeling is obtained.

  FIG. 7B shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154a and 154b and the current flowing through the coil 162 when the ring magnet 166 rotates counterclockwise. As shown in FIG. 7B, the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet while a current is passed through the coil 162 by the coil current control unit 180. For example, when the fixed magnet 160 is simply installed as shown in FIG. 6A. In comparison, the force that attracts the south pole of the ring magnet 166 becomes stronger. Further, the force that attracts the south pole of the ring magnet 166 can be changed by changing the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 162 by the coil current control unit 180. In other words, the coil current control unit 180 changes the click feeling generated by the magnetic pole of the coil 162 and the magnetic pole different from the magnetic pole of the coil 162 of the ring magnet 166 by changing the intensity of the current flowing through the coil 162. Can be made.

  Therefore, for example, the click feeling can be varied according to the preference of the user, and the operability of the multidirectional input unit can be improved. Although FIG. 7A shows an example in which the fixed magnet 160 is installed, the fixed magnet 160 may not be installed. In the case where the fixed magnet 160 is not installed, it is possible to set a feeling of clicking without causing a current to flow through the coil 162. On the other hand, by using together with the fixed magnet 160 which is a permanent magnet, a minimum click feeling can be obtained without passing an electric current through the coil 162.

  Next, a multidirectional input unit having an assist function will be described. FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit having an assist function. FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit having an assist function.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, a fixed magnet 160 fixed to the N pole, MR sensors 154a and 154b, and a coil 162 are provided below the ring magnet 166. The coil 162 is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic force when an alternating current is passed by the coil current control unit 180. In the example of FIG. 8A, the MR sensor 154a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the MR sensor 154b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet 166. The fixed magnet 160 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the coil 162 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166. Since the ring magnet 166 is rotated by the user's operation, for example, when the MR sensor 154b corresponds to the position of the N pole or S pole of the ring magnet, the fixed magnet 160, the coil 162, and the MR sensor 154a are N of the ring magnet 166. Corresponds to an intermediate position between the pole and the S pole.

  FIG. 8B shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154 a and 154 b when the ring magnet 166 rotates counterclockwise, and the current passed through the coil 162 by the coil current control unit 180. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes the coil 162 to An electric current is passed so as to become an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162 and rotates quickly. As a result, the rotation of the ring magnet 166 is assisted. In other words, the coil current control unit 180 generates a current that flows through the coil 162 in accordance with the rotation of the ring magnet 166 so that the magnetic pole of the coil 162 is different from the magnetic pole of the ring magnet 166 approaching the top of the coil 162. Control.

  According to this, there is no sense of resistance at the beginning of the rotation of the multi-directional input unit, and the user rotates the multi-directional input unit by automatically moving the ring magnet 166 to a predetermined position after being rotated to some extent. Can help. As a result, the operability of the multidirectional input unit can be improved. Further, the coil current control unit 180 does not stop energizing the coil 162 immediately after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal, and energizes the coil 162 after a predetermined time α has elapsed. To stop. According to this, it is possible to prevent the ring magnet 166 from rotating due to inertia.

  Next, an example in which 8 counts are detected while the multidirectional input unit makes one round will be described. FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 8 counts. FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 8 counts.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, a fixed magnet 160 fixed to the N pole, MR sensors 154a and 154b, and a coil 162 are provided below the ring magnet 166. The coil 162 is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic force when an alternating current is passed by the coil current control unit 180. In the example of FIG. 9A, the MR sensor 154a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the MR sensor 154b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet. The fixed magnet 160 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the coil 162 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166. Since the ring magnet 166 is rotated by the user's operation, for example, when the MR sensor 154b corresponds to the position of the N pole or S pole of the ring magnet, the fixed magnet 160, the coil 162, and the MR sensor 154a are N of the ring magnet 166. Corresponds to an intermediate position between the pole and the S pole.

  FIG. 9B shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154a and 154b when the ring magnet 166 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, and the current passed through the coil by the coil current control unit. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 9B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 Current is passed so that 162 is an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162 and rotates quickly. As a result, the rotation of the ring magnet 166 is assisted. Further, the coil current control unit 180 does not stop energizing the coil 162 immediately after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal so that the ring magnet 166 does not rotate due to inertia. Energization of the coil 162 is stopped after α has elapsed. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the L signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 A current is passed so that the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162 and rotates quickly. As a result, the rotation of the ring magnet 166 is assisted. Further, the coil current control unit 180 does not stop energizing the coil 162 immediately after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal so that the ring magnet 166 does not rotate due to inertia. Energization of the coil 162 is stopped after α has elapsed. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal. As described above, the rotation determination unit 178 rotates the ring magnet 166 according to the output of the MR sensor 154b when the N pole or the S pole of the ring magnet 166 is detected by the MR sensor 154a as the first count mode. Detect direction.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone at the time of 8 counts. First, the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S101). Here, the change in the output of the MR sensor 154b includes both a change from the L signal to the H signal and a change from the H signal to the L signal. The sensor signal detection unit 176 repeats the process of step S101 until a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S101, No). When a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (Yes at Step S101), the coil current control unit 180 starts to pass a current through the coil 162 (Step S102).

  Subsequently, the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal (step S103). The sensor signal detection unit 176 repeats the process of step S103 until it is detected that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal (No in step S103). When it is detected that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal (step S103, Yes), the coil current control unit 180 turns off the current flowing through the coil 162 after a predetermined time α has elapsed (step S103). S104).

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal (step S103, Yes), the sensor signal detection unit 176 checks the output of the MR sensor 154b (step S105). When the output of the MR sensor 154b is an L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise (step S106), and returns to the process of step S101. Further, when the output of the MR sensor 154b is an H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise (step S107), and returns to the process of step S101. Thus, the rotation determination unit 178 determines the rotation based on the output of the MR sensor 154b when the rising change of the MR sensor 154a is detected. Therefore, the rotation determination unit 178 detects 8 counts corresponding to the number of S poles of the ring magnet 166 while the ring magnet 166 makes one round.

  Next, an example in which 16 counts are detected while the multidirectional input unit makes one round will be described. FIG. 11A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit at 16 counts. FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 16 counts.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, MR sensors 154a and 154b and a coil 162 are provided below the ring magnet 166. The coil 162 is an electromagnet that generates a magnetic force when an alternating current is passed by the coil current control unit 180. In the upper example of FIG. 11A, the MR sensor 154a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the MR sensor 154b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet. The coil 162 is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166. Since the ring magnet 166 is rotated by the user's operation, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11A, for example, when the MR sensor 154a corresponds to the position of the N pole of the ring magnet 166, the MR sensor 154b Corresponding to the position between the pole and the S pole, the coil 162 corresponds to the position of the N pole of the ring magnet 166.

  FIG. 11B shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154a and 154b when the ring magnet 166 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, and the current passed through the coil 162 by the coil current control unit 180. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 11B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 Current is passed so that 162 is an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162 and rotates quickly. As a result, the rotation of the ring magnet 166 is assisted. Further, the coil current control unit 180 does not stop energizing the coil 162 immediately after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal so that the ring magnet 166 does not rotate due to inertia. Energization of the coil 162 is stopped after α has elapsed. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the L signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal.

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162 becomes an S pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162 becomes an S pole magnet, so that the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162 and rotates quickly. As a result, the rotation of the ring magnet 166 is assisted. In addition, the coil current control unit 180 does not stop energizing the coil 162 immediately after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal so that the ring magnet 166 does not rotate due to inertia. Energization of the coil 162 is stopped after α has elapsed. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 The current is passed so that the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162 becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162 and rotates quickly. As a result, the rotation of the ring magnet 166 is assisted. Further, the coil current control unit 180 does not stop energizing the coil 162 immediately after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal so that the ring magnet 166 does not rotate due to inertia. Energization of the coil 162 is stopped after α has elapsed. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal.

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162 becomes an S pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162 becomes an S pole magnet, so that the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162 and rotates quickly. As a result, the rotation of the ring magnet 166 is assisted. In addition, the coil current control unit 180 does not stop energizing the coil 162 immediately after the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal so that the ring magnet 166 does not rotate due to inertia. Energization of the coil 162 is stopped after α has elapsed. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the L signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal. Thus, the rotation determination unit 178 rotates the ring magnet 166 according to the output of the MR sensor 154b when the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet 166 are detected by the MR sensor 154a as the second count mode. Detect direction.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone at 16 counts. First, the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S201). Here, the change in the output of the MR sensor 154b includes both a change from the L signal to the H signal and a change from the H signal to the L signal. The sensor signal detection unit 176 repeats the process of step S201 until a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (No in step S201). When a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S201, Yes), the sensor signal detection unit 176 confirms the output of the MR sensor 154a (step S202).

  When the output of the MR sensor 154a is an L signal, the coil current control unit 180 starts to pass a current through the coil 162 so that the coil 162 becomes N pole (step S203). On the other hand, when the output of the MR sensor 154a is an H signal, the coil current control unit 180 starts flowing a current through the coil 162 so that the coil 162 becomes the south pole (step S204).

  Subsequently, the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not a change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (step S205). Here, the change in the output of the MR sensor 154b includes both a change from the L signal to the H signal and a change from the H signal to the L signal. The sensor signal detection unit 176 repeats the process of step S205 until a change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (step S205, No). When a change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (step S205, Yes), the coil current control unit 180 confirms the output of the MR sensor 154a (step S207). When the output of the MR sensor 154a is an L signal, the sensor signal detection unit 176 confirms the output of the MR sensor 154b (step S208). When the output of the MR sensor 154b is an L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise (step S209), and returns to the process of step S201. Further, when the output of the MR sensor 154b is an H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise (step S210), and returns to the process of step S201.

  On the other hand, if the output of the MR sensor 154a is an H signal in step S207, the sensor signal detection unit 176 checks the output of the MR sensor 154b (step S211). When the output of the MR sensor 154b is an H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise (step S212), and returns to the process of step S201. Further, when the output of the MR sensor 154b is an L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise (step S213), and returns to the process of step S201. As described above, the rotation determination unit 178 determines the rotation based on the output of the MR sensor 154b when the rising change and the falling change of the MR sensor 154a are detected. Therefore, the rotation determination unit 178 detects 16 counts corresponding to the number of S poles and N stations of the ring magnet 166 while the ring magnet 166 makes one round. In other words, the coil current control unit 180 alternately changes the coil 162 from the N pole and the S pole so that, for example, the number of the N poles and the S poles of the original ring magnet is counted according to the user's preference. be able to. As a result, the operability of the multidirectional input unit can be improved. In order to reduce current consumption, for example, as in step S206, when no operation is performed for a certain period of time, it is possible to stop the current flowing through the coil 162. This process may be performed at any position in FIG.

  Next, an example in which 32 counts are detected while the multidirectional input unit makes one round will be described. FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a multidirectional input unit at 32 counts. FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit at the time of 32 counts.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, MR sensors 154a and 154b and coils 162a and 162b are provided below the ring magnet 166. The coils 162 a and 162 b are electromagnets that generate a magnetic force when an alternating current is passed by the coil current control unit 180. In the uppermost example of FIG. 13A, the MR sensor 154a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the MR sensor 154b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet. . The coil 162a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the coil 162b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet 166. Since the ring magnet 166 is rotated by a user operation, as shown in FIG. 13A, the positional relationship among the N pole and S pole of the ring magnet 166, the MR sensors 154a and 154b, and the coils 162a and 162b is sequentially changed. .

  FIG. 13B shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154a and 154b when the ring magnet 166 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, and the current passed through the coils 162a and 162b by the coil current control unit 180. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 13B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 Current is passed so that 162b becomes an S pole magnet. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154a is the L signal when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the H signal to the L signal. .

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162a becomes an N-pole magnet. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal is the L signal. .

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 supplies a current so that the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the L signal to the H signal. .

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162a becomes an S-pole magnet. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating clockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal. .

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 13B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 The current is passed so that the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet. Then, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154a is the L signal when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the L signal to the H signal. To do.

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162a becomes an N-pole magnet. Then, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal. To do.

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162b becomes an S pole magnet. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154a is the H signal when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the H signal to the L signal. To do.

  In addition, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162a becomes an S-pole magnet. The rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 is rotating counterclockwise because the output of the MR sensor 154b is the L signal when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal. To do. Thus, the rotation determination unit 178 rotates the ring magnet 166 in the third count mode according to the output of the MR sensor 154b when the MR sensor 154a detects the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet 166. Is detected. In addition, the rotation determination unit 178 rotates the ring magnet 166 according to the output of the MR sensor 154a when the MR sensor 154b detects the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet 166 as the third count mode. Detect direction.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone at 32 counts. First, the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not a change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (step S301). Here, the change in the output of the MR sensor 154a includes both a change from the L signal to the H signal and a change from the H signal to the L signal. When a change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (Yes in step S301), the rotation determination unit 178 and the coil current control unit 180 determine the rotation direction according to Table 1 and control the current to the coil 162a (step S302). ).

  That is, if the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal is the H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is counterclockwise. . And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162a may become N pole. When the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the L signal to the H signal is the L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is clockwise. And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162a may become N pole. Further, when the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal is the H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is clockwise. And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162a may become a south pole. In addition, when the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154a changes from the H signal to the L signal is the L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is counterclockwise. . And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162a may become a south pole.

  On the other hand, when a change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is not detected (No in step S301), the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S303). Here, the change in the output of the MR sensor 154b includes both a change from the L signal to the H signal and a change from the H signal to the L signal. If no change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (No at Step S303), the sensor signal detection unit 176 returns to the process at Step S301. When a change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S303, Yes), the rotation determination unit 178 and the coil current control unit 180 determine the rotation direction according to Table 2 and control the current to the coil 162a (step S304). ).

  That is, when the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the L signal to the H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is clockwise. And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162b may become N pole. When the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the H signal to the L signal and the output of the MR sensor 154a is the H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is counterclockwise. . And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162b may become a south pole. In addition, when the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the L signal to the H signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is counterclockwise. . And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162b may become N pole. Further, when the output of the MR sensor 154b when the output of the MR sensor 154b changes from the H signal to the L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the rotation direction of the ring magnet 166 is clockwise. And the coil current control part 180 controls an electric current so that the coil 162b may become a south pole.

  As described above, the rotation determination unit 178 determines the rotation based on the output of the MR sensor 154b when the rising change and the falling change of the MR sensor 154a are detected. In addition, the rotation determination unit 178 determines the rotation based on the output of the MR sensor 154a when the rising change and the falling change of the MR sensor 154b are detected. Therefore, the rotation determination unit 178 detects 32 counts while the ring magnet 166 makes one round. Further, each time a change in the MR sensor 154a and the MR sensor 154b is detected, by controlling the currents of the two coils, 32 clicks can be obtained while the ring magnet 166 makes one turn. In other words, by mounting two coils and alternately changing the coils 162a and 162b from the N pole and the S pole, the number of clicks is increased according to the user's preference, for example, and the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet 166 are increased. Can be counted four times as many as. As a result, the operability of the multidirectional input unit can be improved.

Next, a multidirectional input unit having an automatic rotation function will be described. FIG. 15A is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a multidirectional input unit having an automatic rotation function. FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit having the automatic rotation function.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, MR sensors 154a and 154b and coils 162a and 162b are provided below the ring magnet 166. The coils 162 a and 162 b are electromagnets that generate a magnetic force when an alternating current is passed by the coil current control unit 180. In the uppermost example of FIG. 15A, the MR sensor 154a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the MR sensor 154b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet. . The coil 162a is provided corresponding to the position of the south pole of the ring magnet 166, and the coil 162b is provided corresponding to the position between the north pole and south pole of the ring magnet 166. Since the ring magnet 166 is rotated by a user's operation, as shown in FIG. 15A, the positional relationship among the N pole and S pole of the ring magnet 166, the MR sensors 154a and 154b, and the coils 162a and 162b is sequentially changed. .

  FIG. 15B shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154a and 154b when the ring magnet 166 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, and the current passed through the coils 162a and 162b by the coil current control unit 180. 15B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 Current is passed so that 162a becomes an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162a becomes an N-pole magnet, so that the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162a and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 passes the current so that the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162b and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162a becomes an S pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162a becomes an S pole magnet, and the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162a and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162b becomes an S-pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162b becomes an S pole magnet, and the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162b and rotates. As described above, the ring magnet 166 automatically rotates clockwise by controlling the currents of the coils 162a and 162b.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 15B, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 The current is passed so that the coil 162a becomes an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162a becomes an N-pole magnet, so that the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162a and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162b becomes a south pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162b becomes an S pole magnet, and the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162b and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162a becomes an S pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162a becomes an S pole magnet, and the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162a and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 passes the current so that the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162b and rotates. By controlling the currents of the coils 162a and 162b as described above, the ring magnet 166 automatically rotates counterclockwise. As described above, the coil current control unit 180 causes the current to flow through the coil 162a so that the magnetic pole of the coil 162a is different from the magnetic pole of the ring magnet 166 approaching the upper part of the coil 162a according to the rotation of the ring magnet 166. To control. In addition to this, the coil current control unit 180 controls the current flowing through the coil 162b so that the magnetic pole of the coil 162b is different from the magnetic pole of the ring magnet 166 approaching the upper portion of the coil 162b.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone during automatic rotation. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile phone when the multidirectional input unit 150 automatically rotates clockwise. First, the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not a rising change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (step S401). When the rising change of the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (Yes at Step S401), the coil current control unit 180 stops the current output to the coil 162a (Step S402). Then, the coil current control unit 180 starts current output to the coil 162b so that the coil 162b becomes N pole (step S403), and returns to the process of step S401.

  On the other hand, when the rising change of the output of the MR sensor 154a is not detected (No at Step S401), the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not the falling change of the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (Step S401). S404). When the falling change in the output of the MR sensor 154a is detected (step S404, Yes), the coil current control unit 180 stops the current output to the coil 162a (step S405). Then, the coil current control unit 180 starts current output to the coil 162b so that the coil 162b becomes the S pole (step S406), and returns to the process of step S401.

  In addition, when the falling change of the output of the MR sensor 154a is not detected (No in Step S404), the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not the rising change of the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (Step S404). S407). When the rising change in the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S407, Yes), the coil current control unit 180 stops the current output to the coil 162b (step S408). Then, the coil current control unit 180 starts current output to the coil 162b so that the coil 162a becomes the south pole (step S409), and returns to the process of step S401.

  In addition, when the rising change of the output of the MR sensor 154b is not detected (No at Step S407), the sensor signal detection unit 176 determines whether or not the falling change of the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (Step S407). S410). When the falling change of the output of the MR sensor 154b is detected (step S410, Yes), the coil current control unit 180 stops the current output to the coil 162b (step S411). Then, the coil current control unit 180 starts current output to the coil 162b so that the coil 162a becomes N pole (step S412), and returns to the process of step S401. When the falling change of the output of the MR sensor 154b is not detected (No at Step S410), the sensor signal detection unit 176 returns to the process at Step S401. In this way, by controlling the current flowing through the coils 162a and 162b by the coil current controller 180, the user can automatically rotate the multidirectional input unit without turning the multidirectional input unit with a finger. The operability can be improved.

  Next, the operation of the multidirectional input unit having a function of stopping automatic rotation will be described. 17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input unit having a function of stopping automatic rotation. FIG. 17A shows the outputs of the MR sensors 154a and 154b when the multidirectional input unit is rotated counterclockwise while the multidirectional input unit is automatically rotating clockwise, and the coil current control unit 180 performs coiling. This shows the current flowing through 162a and 162b.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, first, when the ring magnet 166 starts to rotate and the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the coil current control unit 180 Current is passed so that 162a becomes an N-pole magnet. As a result, the coil 162a becomes an N-pole magnet, so that the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162a and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 passes the current so that the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162b becomes an N-pole magnet, and the S-pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the N-pole of the coil 162b and rotates.

  Subsequently, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 causes a current to flow so that the coil 162a becomes an S pole magnet. . As a result, the coil 162a becomes an S pole magnet, and the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162a and rotates.

  Thereafter, if the multi-directional input unit 150 is rotating clockwise, the sensor signal detection unit 176 should detect that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the H signal to the L signal. However, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the H signal to the L signal, the rotation determination unit 178 causes the multi-directional input unit 150 to be detected by the user, for example. It is determined that it has been rotated counterclockwise. Thereafter, the coil current control unit 180 returns to the normal mode in which the multidirectional input unit 150 is not automatically rotated. As described above, the rotation determination unit 178 determines that the ring magnet 166 has rotated in the reverse direction when the ring magnet 166 is detected by the MR sensor 154b after the ring magnet 166 is detected by the one MR sensor 154b. To do. In particular, the rotation determining unit 178 detects the ring magnet when the ring magnet 166 is detected by the MR sensor 154b and not detected by the MR sensor 154a after the ring magnet 166 is detected by the other MR sensor 154a. It is determined that 166 has rotated in the reverse direction.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the sensor signal detection unit 176 detects that the output of the MR sensor 154b has changed from the L signal to the H signal, the coil current control unit 180 changes the coil 162a to an S pole magnet. Let the current flow. As a result, the coil 162a becomes an S pole magnet, and the N pole of the ring magnet 166 is attracted to the S pole of the coil 162a and rotates.

  Thereafter, if the multi-directional input unit 150 is rotating clockwise, the sensor signal detection unit 176 should detect that the output of the MR sensor 154a has changed from the H signal to the L signal. However, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the output change of the MR sensor 154a is not detected by the sensor signal detection unit 176 for a predetermined time β set in advance, the rotation determination unit 178 is, for example, the multi-directional input unit by the user. It is determined that the rotation of 150 has been stopped. Thereafter, the coil current control unit 180 returns to the normal mode in which the multidirectional input unit 150 is not automatically rotated. As described above, when the ring magnet 166 is detected by one MR sensor 154b, the rotation determining unit 178 does not detect the ring magnet 166 by the other MR sensor 154a until a predetermined time β has elapsed. Then, it is determined that the rotation of the ring magnet 166 has stopped.

  As described above, when the multi-directional input unit 150 is automatically rotated, the user rotates the multi-directional input unit in the reverse direction or the multi-directional input unit is stopped. Can be stopped. For example, when the user wishes to scroll the screen displayed on the display unit 120 greatly, the user first rotates the multidirectional input unit 150 a little to automatically rotate the multidirectional input unit 150. Then, when the target screen is displayed on the display unit 120, the target screen can be easily obtained by touching the multi-directional input unit 150 to stop the automatic rotation, or when the scroll is excessively scrolled, the reverse rotation is performed. Can be displayed. As a result, the operability of the multidirectional input unit 150 can be improved.

  Although the present embodiment has been described mainly with respect to the mobile phone 100, the present invention is not limited to this, and functions similar to those of the above-described embodiments can be achieved by executing a control program for an electronic device prepared in advance by a computer. Can be realized. That is, the control program for the electronic device is provided between the substrate, the ring magnet, and a ring magnet formed on the substrate so as to be rotatable around the central axis of the ring. An electronic apparatus comprising two magnetic force sensors that output a signal corresponding to a change in magnetic field accompanying the rotation of the ring magnet, and a coil provided between the substrate and the ring magnet is processed as follows. Is executed. That is, the control program for the electronic device causes the electronic device to determine the direction of rotation of the ring magnet based on a signal output from the magnetic force sensor, and to change at least one of the strength and direction of the current flowing through the coil. Execute the process. The control program for the electronic device can be distributed to the computer via a communication network such as the Internet. The control program for the electronic device can also be executed by being recorded on a memory, a hard disk, or other computer-readable recording medium provided in the electronic device, and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

100 Mobile phone 150 Multi-directional input unit 152 Substrate 154a, 154b MR sensor 160 Fixed magnet 162a, 162b Coil 166 Ring magnet 176 Sensor signal detection unit 178 Rotation determination unit 180 Coil current control unit

Claims (6)

A substrate,
A ring magnet formed in a ring shape and provided on the substrate so as to be rotatable around a central axis of the ring;
Two magnetic force sensors provided between the substrate and the ring magnet, for outputting a signal corresponding to a change in a magnetic field accompanying the rotation of the ring magnet;
A rotation determination unit that determines a rotation direction of the ring magnet based on a signal output from the magnetic sensor;
A coil provided between the substrate and the ring magnet;
A coil current controller that changes at least one of the intensity and direction of the current flowing through the coil;
An electronic device with The ring magnet is formed in a ring shape in which the N and S poles of the magnet are alternately and continuously formed.
The coil current control unit controls the current flowing through the coil so that the magnetic pole of the coil is different from the magnetic pole of the ring magnet approaching the top of the coil according to the rotation of the ring magnet. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ring magnet is formed in a ring shape in which the N and S poles of the magnet are alternately and continuously formed.
The rotation determination unit rotates the ring magnet according to the output of the second magnetic sensor when the first magnetic sensor of the two magnetic sensors detects the north pole or the south pole of the ring magnet. A first count mode for detecting
A second count mode for detecting a rotation direction of the ring magnet according to an output of the second magnetic sensor when the first magnetic sensor detects the N pole and the S pole of the ring magnet; When the N and S poles of the ring magnet are detected by one magnetic sensor, the output of the second magnetic sensor when the N and S poles of the ring magnet are detected, and when the N and S poles of the ring magnet are detected by the second magnetic sensor. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device has at least two count modes among a third count mode in which a rotation direction of the ring magnet is detected according to an output of the first magnetic sensor. Two coils are provided between the substrate and the ring magnet,
The coil current control unit has a magnetic pole different from a magnetic pole of a ring magnet approaching an upper portion of the first coil, according to the rotation of the ring magnet. In this way, the current that flows through the first coil is controlled, and the current that flows through the second coil so that the magnetic pole of the other second coil is different from the magnetic pole of the ring magnet approaching the top of the second coil. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device is controlled. The ring magnet is formed in a ring shape in which the N and S poles of the magnet are alternately and continuously formed.
The rotation determination unit detects the N pole or S pole of the ring magnet by the first magnetic sensor of one of the two magnetic sensors, and then detects the N pole or the pole of the ring magnet by the other second magnetic sensor. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the first magnetic sensor detects the N pole or the S pole of the ring magnet without detecting the S pole, it is determined that the ring magnet has rotated in the reverse direction. . The ring magnet is formed in a ring shape in which the N and S poles of the magnet are alternately and continuously formed.
The rotation determination unit is configured to detect the rotation of the other magnet until a predetermined time elapses after the first magnetic sensor of one of the two magnetic sensors detects the north pole or the south pole of the ring magnet. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the N magnetic pole or the S pole of the ring magnet is not detected by the two magnetic force sensor, it is determined that the rotation of the ring magnet is stopped.

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