JP2015164252A - information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent reduction in sound pressure and sound quality of a sound that reaches a user regardless of a use state.SOLUTION: A subunit (3) is provided with a second speaker part (33) capable of outputting a sound in a state of having directivity. A speaker control part (16) for changing a maximum output sound volume of a sound output from the second speaker part (33) in accordance with a change in the relative positional relationship between a display surface (d1) of a first display part (26) of a main unit (2) and the second speaker part (33) of the subunit (3).

Description

  The present invention relates to an information terminal that presents various information such as images or sounds to a user.

  Conventionally, multiple functions such as telephone function, videophone function, digital camera function, digital video camera function, etc. have been combined into one unit, and the execution of these various functions has changed to the relative positional relationship between multiple units. Mobile terminals that perform automatically in response to this are distributed in the market.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, two positions provided in the first casing are based on the rotation positions around the first axis and the second axis with respect to the first casing of the second casing. A portable terminal (sweeper terminal) that switches functions of a sound output unit (a receiver (receiver) function, a loudspeaker (speaker) function, and a function disabled) is described. Patent Document 2 describes a mobile phone in which a unit including a camera unit and a speaker unit and a unit including a microphone unit and a speaker unit are rotatably attached to both ends. In the mobile phone of Patent Document 2, a camera imaging window and a microphone sound hole are provided on the surface opposite to the speaker sound hole of each unit, and each unit rotates 180 ° when an incoming call is received. OFF switches. Patent Document 3 describes a portable terminal including a rotating shaft portion including an apparatus main body portion and a video camera, and a flip portion including a video display portion and a speaker.

  Patent Document 4 describes a pivot that allows the display unit side body to be reversed. Further, Patent Document 5 describes a speaker device provided with means for changing the audible area of the speaker.

JP 2008-67228 A (published March 21, 2008) JP 2007-311981 A (published November 29, 2007) JP 2006-74764 A (published March 16, 2006) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-30226 (released February 2, 1999) JP 2001-25084 A (published January 26, 2001)

  However, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are provided between the first housing and the second housing constituting the mobile terminal (mobile phone) (between the two units, or the operation main body section and the flip section). The maximum output volume of sound output from the sound output unit (speaker, speaker unit) or the directivity state is not changed in accordance with the change in the relative positional relationship between In particular, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the functions of the two sound output units change according to the positional relationship, and in the invention described in Patent Document 2, the function is an ON / OFF function of a call.

  In the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, for example, when the mobile terminal is placed so that the sound output unit faces the placement surface, the sound output unit is blocked by the placement surface. However, in such a situation, it is not assumed that the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound reaching the user are suppressed. Therefore, in the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, depending on the usage status of the mobile terminal, there is a possibility that it is difficult for the user to hear the sound output from the sound output unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize an information terminal capable of preventing a reduction in sound pressure and sound quality of sound reaching a user regardless of usage conditions. It is.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information terminal according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first unit having a display surface, a second unit rotatable with respect to the first unit, and the second unit. A shaft part that is rotatable with respect to the first unit, and the second unit is provided with a second sound output part capable of outputting sound in a directional state. In response to a change in the relative positional relationship between the display surface of the first unit and the second sound output unit of the second unit, which is generated when two units rotate about the shaft portion as a rotation axis. And a change control means for changing a maximum output volume of the sound output from the second sound output unit or a directivity state of the sound.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent a decrease in sound pressure and sound quality of a sound reaching a user regardless of the usage state of the information terminal.

It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. (A)-(c) is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the said information terminal. (A) And (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the usage condition with which the said information terminal is assumed. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the said information terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the said information terminal. (A)-(c) is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiments, the information terminal is described as being applied to a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet having a display surface in a plate-shaped housing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an image or sound The present invention may be applied to all information terminals that present various types of information to the user.

  First, the outline | summary of the information terminal 1 is demonstrated using FIG. 2 and FIG. (A)-(c) of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the information terminal 1 which concerns on this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the information terminal 1 includes a main unit (first unit) 2, a subunit (second unit) 3, and a shaft portion (hinge) 4. Yes. The main unit 2 and the subunit 3 are coupled via the shaft portion 4, and the subunit 3 can be rotated around the rotation shaft 6 of the shaft portion 4 with respect to the main unit 2. It has become.

  The main unit 2 and the sub unit 3 are thin members in which various components constituting the information terminal 1 such as an electronic circuit, a camera module, or a display are accommodated and arranged. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the main unit 2 has, for example, a plate shape, and mainly includes the first display unit 26 and the opposite side of the display surface d1 of the first display unit 26. A first speaker unit (first sound output unit) 27 is provided on the rear surface r1 which is the front surface. These members are controlled by the control unit 21 described later.

  The first display unit 26 displays various images such as images resulting from the execution of various functions (application software) installed in the information terminal 1. As the first display unit 26, for example, an LCD (Liquid crystal display) is used.

  The first speaker unit 27 is a sound output unit (speaker) that can output sound in a non-directional state, and can provide a sound that can be easily heard by users around the information terminal 1. As the first speaker unit 27, for example, a flat panel speaker is used. Although the 1st speaker part 27 is provided in the back surface r1 and the vicinity (subunit 3 side) connected with the axial part 4, it is not restricted to this. You may arrange | position in any position of each side surface including the back surface r1, the 1st display part 26 side, and the side surface s1. However, considering the thinning of the information terminal 1, if the first speaker unit 27 is arranged on the side surface, the first speaker unit 27 needs to be designed to be small, and in this case, the quality as the sound output unit may be reduced. There is sex. Moreover, when the 1st speaker part 27 is arrange | positioned at the 1st display part 26 side, the occupation rate of the display surface d1 in the main unit 2 reduces. Considering these points, the first speaker unit 27 is preferably provided on the back surface r1 side.

  Next, the subunit 3 has, for example, a plate shape, and mainly includes a second display unit 32 and a receiver unit 34, and a camera on a back surface r2 that is a surface opposite to the display surface d2 of the second display unit 32. Part 31 and a second speaker part (second sound output part) 33. These members are controlled by a control unit 21 described later included in the main unit 2.

  Similar to the first display unit 26, the second display unit 32 displays various images. The receiver unit 34 is a sound output device that outputs the voice of the communication partner received via the antenna unit 22 described later, that is, a receiver.

  The second speaker unit 33 is a sound output unit (loudspeaker) that can output sound in a directional state, and can provide a sound that can be easily heard by a user facing the second speaker unit 33. As the 2nd speaker part 33, RS speaker (made by Pioneer Corporation) is used, for example. The camera unit 31 is an imaging unit that images a subject.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the second speaker unit 33 and the camera unit 31 may have any arrangement relationship as long as they are arranged on the back surface r2. Further, the second speaker unit 33 and the camera unit 31 may be disposed at any position on each side including the back surface r2, the second display unit 32 side, and the side surface s2. However, similarly to the first speaker unit 27, it is preferable that the information terminal 1 is provided on the back surface r2 in consideration of thinning of the information terminal 1 and prevention of a decrease in the occupation ratio of the display surface d2 in the subunit 3.

  The shaft portion 4 enables the subunit 3 to be rotated with respect to the main unit 2 around the rotation shaft 6. In FIG. 2A, the rotation shaft 6 of the shaft portion 4 is substantially orthogonal to the side surface s <b> 1 (upper end surface) of the main unit 2 and the side surface s <b> 2 (lower end surface) of the subunit 3 that faces the main unit 2. It is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the information terminal 1. For example, the shaft portion 4 is a second hollow boss projecting on the side surface s2 of the subunit 3 with respect to the first rotating shaft cylinder which is a hollow boss projecting on the side surface s1 of the main unit 2. It is comprised in the state which the rotating shaft cylinder fitted so that rotation was possible. In addition, electrical wiring or the like that enables communication between the main unit 2 and the subunit 3 is inserted into the shaft portion 4.

  Further, a position detection unit 5 shown in FIG. The position detector 5 detects the rotational position of the subunit 3 with respect to the main unit 2. For example, a rotary encoder is used as the position detection unit 5. The position detection unit 5 is, for example, in a state where the second normal direction h2 of the back surface r2 where the second speaker unit 33 is disposed substantially coincides with the normal direction of the back surface r1 where the first speaker unit 27 is disposed. The position of the second rotating shaft cylinder with respect to the first rotating shaft cylinder is detected as a rotation position of 0 degree. Next, the number of pulses is cumulatively added by the counter until the amount of rotation from that position reaches 180 degrees, and the rotational position (greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees) is detected each time. Finally, the position of the second rotating shaft cylinder in a state where the rotation amount is 180 degrees, that is, in a state where the second normal direction h2 substantially coincides with the first normal direction h1 of the display surface d1 of the main unit 2. Is detected as a rotation position of 180 degrees. By such detection, the position and rotation direction of the second rotating shaft cylinder with respect to the first rotating shaft cylinder can be detected. Then, the position detection unit 5 transmits rotational position information indicating the position and the rotation direction to the position determination unit 11.

  In this embodiment, a magnetic detector or the like may be used as the position detector 5 instead of the rotary encoder. Moreover, although the position detection part 5 demonstrated as what was provided in the axial part 4, not only this but the main unit 2 or the subunit 3 may be provided.

  Further, when the rotation amount of the subunit 3 relative to the main unit 2 is allowed to be a rotation amount exceeding 180 degrees, there is a risk of damaging the electrical wiring or the like inserted into the shaft portion 4. Therefore, it is preferable that a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation amount to 180 degrees and a click locking mechanism that holds the rotation limited state of the subunit 3 are provided inside the shaft portion 4. However, the rotation amount may be 180 degrees or more as long as the electrical wiring or the like is not damaged. Further, specific configurations of the shaft portion 4, the rotation limiting mechanism, and the click locking mechanism are disclosed in Patent Document 4.

  In addition, although the pivot currently disclosed by patent document 4 is employ | adopted as a structure of the axial part 4, it is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a shaft portion may be provided on the side surface s2 of the subunit 3, and a hole portion into which the shaft portion can be inserted may be provided on the side surface s1 of the main unit 2. Further, the main unit 2 may be provided with the shaft portion, and the subunit 3 may be provided with the hole portion.

  Further, the shapes of the main unit 2 and the subunit 3 do not have to be plate-like, and if the subunit 3 can be rotated with respect to the main unit 2 via the shaft portion 4, the surface thereof The shape can be appropriately changed in consideration of user operability and the like.

  Next, (a) and (b) of FIG. 3 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of usage modes assumed for the information terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the first display unit 26 and the second display unit 32 (display surfaces d1 and d2) are facing the same direction (in the case of the full liquid crystal mode for normal use) ) The user can visually recognize the first display unit 26 and the second display unit 32 and perform operations on the images displayed on the first display unit 26 and the second display unit 32. Further, in this use state, the rear surfaces r1 and r2 are not facing the user, but control is performed so that sound is output from the first speaker unit 27 that can output sound in a non-directional state. Is done. Therefore, even in this state, the user can listen to the sound from the information terminal 1 without stress.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, for example, when the user reproduces music or video (in the case of a speaker mode for music playback or video playback), the second speaker unit of the subunit 3 is used. The user rotates the subunit 3 relative to the main unit 2 so that 33 faces the user. When music or a moving image is reproduced, sound is output from the second speaker unit 33 that can output sound with directivity. Therefore, the user can listen to the sound output from the second speaker unit 33 facing the user.

  Thus, in the information terminal 1, the two modes can be switched according to the usage state.

  Next, an example of a specific configuration of the information terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the information terminal 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, first, the main unit 2 includes a control unit 21, an antenna unit 22, a transmission / reception unit 23, a battery unit 24, a power supply IC unit 25, a first display unit 26, a first speaker unit 27, and an operation input unit. 28 and a storage unit 29. The subunit 3 includes a camera unit 31, a second display unit 32, a second speaker unit 33, and a receiver unit 34. In addition, the accommodation arrangement | positioning of said each part in the main unit 2 inside and the subunit 3 is not limited to this. The description of the above-described configuration is omitted here.

  The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the information terminal 1 and includes a position determination unit 11 and a speaker control unit (change control unit) 12. The description of the position determination unit 11 and the speaker control unit 12 will be described later.

  The transmission / reception unit 23 transmits / receives various data such as audio data via the antenna unit 22. The power supply IC unit 25 controls the battery voltage to improve the power efficiency, and the battery unit 24 supplies power to each unit constituting the information terminal 1. The operation input unit 28 acquires an input user operation. Examples of the operation input unit 28 include a touch panel and an optical sensor provided to face the surface of the first display unit 26 opposite to the display surface d1. The storage unit 29 stores various control programs executed by the control unit 21. The storage unit 29 is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory.

  Next, a specific configuration of the control unit 21 will be described. Based on the rotational position information of the second rotating shaft cylinder transmitted from the position detector 5 (information indicating 0 degree or more and 180 degrees or less), the position determination unit 11 is the rear surface r1 (or display surface d1) of the main unit 2. ) To determine the position (orientation) of the second speaker unit 33. In the present embodiment, when the rotational position information indicates 0 degree, it is determined that the position (orientation) of the second speaker unit 33 is the back surface r1 side of the main unit 2, and the rotational position information is 180 degrees. Is determined, the position (orientation) of the second speaker unit 33 is determined to be on the display surface d1 side (front side) of the main unit 2. The position determination unit 11 transmits the position determination result to the speaker control unit 12.

  The speaker control unit 12 changes the maximum output volume of the sound output from the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 based on the position determination result transmitted from the position determination unit 11. In the present embodiment, when the position determination unit 11 determines that the position of the second speaker unit 33 is the rear r1 side, the sound is output from the first speaker unit 27 that can output a non-directional sound ( The first speaker unit 27 is turned on), and the output of sound from the second speaker unit 33 that can output sound having directivity is stopped (the second speaker unit 33 is turned off). On the other hand, when the position of the second speaker unit 33 is determined to be on the display surface d1 side, the sound is output from the second speaker unit 33 (the second speaker unit is turned on), and the sound is output from the first speaker unit 27. Is stopped (the first speaker unit is OFF). That is, the speaker control unit 12 selects one of the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 as a sound output unit that outputs sound based on the determination result of the position.

  The position determination unit 11 determines that the position of the second speaker unit 33 is the rear r1 side when the rotational position information indicates 0 degrees, and the display surface d1 side when the rotational position information indicates 180 degrees. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the rotation position information indicates 0 degree or more and 10 degrees or less, it may be determined as the back surface r1 side, and when the rotation position information indicates 170 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less, it may be determined as the display surface d1 side. When the angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 90 degrees, it may be determined as the back surface r1 side, and when the angle is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, it may be determined as the display surface d1 side. In addition, when the rotation position is 180 degrees, the position of the second speaker unit 33 may be determined to be on the display surface d1 side, and may be determined to be the back surface r1 side at other rotation positions. Conversely, when the rotational position becomes 0 degree, it is determined that the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the rear surface r1 side, and when the rotational position is other than that, it is determined that it is on the display surface d1 side. Good. That is, the position of the second speaker unit 33 so that the user who visually recognizes the display surface d1 (at a position facing the display surface d1) is not aware of the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound from the information terminal 1. It is only necessary to be able to determine whether is on the back surface r1 side or the display surface d1 side.

  In other words, the speaker control unit 12 is based on the determination result by the position determination unit 11, and the display surface d <b> 1 and the second speaker unit 33 that are generated when the subunit 3 rotates around the shaft 4 as the rotation shaft 6. In accordance with the change in the relative positional relationship, one of the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 is selected as the sound output unit. More specifically, the speaker control unit 12 has a first normal direction h1 (see FIG. 2B) of the display surface d1 and a second normal direction h2 of the back surface r2 (see FIG. 2B). ) And the position where the angle formed by the first normal direction h1 and the second normal direction h2 is 180 degrees due to the rotation of the subunit 3 by the shaft portion 4, The sound output source is switched from one sound output unit of the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 to the other sound output unit.

  In the present embodiment, the first speaker unit 27 that can output a non-directional sound according to the change in the relative positional relationship, and the second speaker that can output a sound having directivity. Although the method of selecting any one of the parts 33 is adopted, it is not limited to this. For example, the first speaker unit 27 is always in a state in which sound can be output, and a control method of operating or stopping the second speaker unit 33 on the assumption of the state may be employed. Further, it is not always necessary to completely stop the second speaker unit 33. When the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the rear surface r1 side, the maximum output volume is higher than that on the display surface d1 side. You can just lower it. That is, the speaker control unit 12 only needs to change the maximum output volume of the sound output from the second speaker unit 33 according to at least the change in the relative positional relationship. When the maximum output volume is set to 0 or a value that is regarded as 0, the output of sound from the second speaker unit 33 is in a stopped state. The speaker unit 33 can output sound. The first speaker unit 27 is similarly controlled.

  Next, a method for switching between the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 in the information terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the switching method.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, when the subunit 3 is rotated around the rotation shaft 6 of the shaft portion 4, the position detection unit 5 detects the rotation position of the second rotation shaft cylinder of the shaft portion 4, and A detection result (rotational position information) is transmitted to the position determination unit 11 (S1: rotational position detection step). Next, the position determination unit 11 determines the position (orientation) of the second speaker unit 33 based on the received detection result, and transmits the determination result to the speaker control unit 12 (S2: position determination step).

  Next, when the determination result that the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the display surface d1 side (front side) is received from the position determination unit 11, the speaker control unit 12 serves as a sound output unit that outputs sound. The second speaker unit 33 is selected (S3: speaker switching step). On the other hand, when the determination result that the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the rear r1 side is received from the position determination unit 11, the speaker control unit 12 selects the first speaker unit 27 as the sound output unit ( S4: Speaker switching step).

  Here, in S2, the position determination unit 11 determines whether the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the display surface d1 side (front surface side) or the back surface r1 side as described above. It is only necessary to prevent the user who visually recognizes the sound pressure and sound quality from the information terminal 1 from being lowered. For this reason, the speaker control unit 12 may switch between performing the process of S3 and the process of S4 when the rotational position is 0 degrees and 180 degrees, but the rotational position is 0. It may be performed at any position within a range greater than 180 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In addition, when the upper limit value of the rotation range of the subunit 3 is larger than 180 degrees, the switching may be performed at any position within the range up to the upper limit value.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the speaker control unit 12 outputs from the second speaker unit 33 that can output sound with directivity in accordance with at least the change in the relative positional relationship. Change the maximum output volume of the sound to be played. Therefore, when it is assumed that the second speaker unit 33 is in a usage state with a high probability of facing the user (in the case of S3), sound is output from the second speaker unit 33, and the probability is low (in the case of S4). It is possible to reduce (or stop) the maximum volume output of the sound of the second speaker unit 33. In this case, for example, sound is output from the first speaker unit 27 that can output sound in a non-directional state.

  Therefore, for example, when making a call or sending mail (when the user is holding the information terminal 1), the second speaker unit 33 faces the back r1 side, and the information terminal 1 is placed on a desk or the like. When performing music playback or video playback, the position of the subunit 3 relative to the main unit 2 is changed according to the usage status of the information terminal 1 such as the second speaker unit 33 facing the display surface d1 side. Can do.

  Further, when the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the display surface d1 side, a sound is output from the second speaker unit 33. Therefore, when the probability is high, it is possible to make it difficult for sound to leak around the user facing the second speaker unit 33, and it is possible for the user to easily hear the sound output from the information terminal 1. . On the other hand, when the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the rear r1 side, sound is output from the first speaker unit 27. Therefore, when the probability is low, it is possible to easily spread the sound around the information terminal 1, and it is possible to prevent the user facing the display surface d1 from becoming difficult to hear the sound output from the information terminal 1. .

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound reaching the user from being lowered regardless of the usage status of the information terminal 1.

  Here, the smart phone currently marketed consists of a single plate-shaped unit, and the speaker is provided in the back surface on the opposite side to a display surface. Therefore, when the smartphone is placed on a desk or the like, the speaker window is blocked, making it difficult to hear the sound. On the other hand, there is a speaker that has a difficulty in listening to sound by arranging speakers on the side surface. However, considering the thinning of the smartphone, it is necessary to reduce the size of the speaker when it is arranged on the side surface. Further, when the user is viewing the display surface, the speaker does not face the user. For this reason, even when the speaker is provided on the side, the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound reaching the user may be reduced.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the 1st speaker part 27 and the 2nd speaker part 33 are each arrange | positioned at the back surface r1 of the main unit 2, and the back surface r2 of the subunit 3. Therefore, when the information terminal 1 is thinned like, for example, a smartphone, a speaker having a larger size can be provided as compared with a configuration in which the speaker is arranged on the side surface. Therefore, the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound that reaches the user can be improved. Furthermore, with the arrangement of the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 as described above, it is not necessary to reduce the size of the display surfaces d1 and d2 with respect to the information terminal 1. Therefore, the display screen is easier to see and the convenience for the user can be improved.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  First, a specific configuration of the information terminal 1a according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the specific configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, the information terminal 1 a according to the present embodiment includes a main unit 2 a that does not include the first speaker unit 27 and a subunit that includes the second speaker unit 43 instead of the second speaker unit 33. 3a is different from the information terminal 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes 3a. The information terminal 1a according to the present embodiment is also different from the information terminal 1 according to the first embodiment in that a speaker control unit 42 is provided instead of the speaker control unit 12.

  The second speaker unit 43 is a sound output unit (loudspeaker) that can output sound in a directional state, and the directivity state of the sound output from the second speaker unit 43 is changed to the main unit of the subunit 3a. It has a configuration that can be changed according to the rotational position (change in the relative positional relationship) with respect to the unit 2a. More specifically, the second speaker unit 43 is located at a position where the first normal direction h1 (see FIG. 2B) and the second normal direction (see FIG. 2B) coincide. The sound directivity state is changed at any position in the range where the angle formed by the first normal direction h1 and the second normal direction h2 is 180 degrees by the rotation of the subunit 3a by the shaft portion 4. To do. The second speaker unit 43 has a configuration in which, for example, a plurality of speakers are arranged in an array.

  The speaker control unit 42 changes the directivity of the sound output from the second speaker unit 43 based on the determination result of the position of the second speaker unit 43 transmitted from the position determination unit 11. In the present embodiment, when the position determination unit 11 determines that the position of the second speaker unit 43 is the back surface r1 side, the position determination unit 11 has a wider directivity state than when the position determination unit 11 determines the display surface d1 side (front surface side). Sound is output from the second speaker unit 43. Further, when the position determination unit 11 determines the position of the second speaker unit 43 on the display surface d1 side, the sound from the second speaker unit 43 is narrower in the directivity state than when the position determination unit 11 determines the rear surface r1 side. Is output.

  The speaker control unit 42 changes the sound directivity state by changing the volume of each speaker constituting the second speaker unit 43, for example. For example, when outputting sound in an omnidirectional state, all the speakers of the second speaker unit 43 are turned on. On the other hand, when outputting sound in the narrowest directivity state, only the speaker arranged near the center of the second speaker unit 43 is turned ON. Note that it is not necessary to turn on all speakers when outputting sound in a non-directional state, and speakers arranged outside the vicinity of the center may be turned on when narrowing directivity. Further, the sound directivity state may be changed stepwise in accordance with the change in the relative positional relationship. In other words, the sound pressure and the sound quality of the sound reaching the user facing the display surface d1 are not limited regardless of the direction of the subunit 3a. In addition, although such a directivity control method is disclosed in Patent Document 5, it is not limited thereto.

  Next, a method for controlling the second speaker unit 43 in the information terminal 1a according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control method. Since S11 and S12 of FIG. 6 are the same as S1 and S2 of FIG.

  When the determination result that the position of the second speaker unit 43 is on the display surface d1 side (front side) is received from the position determination unit 11, the speaker control unit 42 from the second speaker unit 43 in a narrow directivity state. Output sound. (S13: Directivity control step). On the other hand, when the determination result that the position of the second speaker unit 33 is on the rear r1 side is received from the position determination unit 11, the speaker control unit 43 outputs sound from the second speaker unit 43 in a wide directivity state. Let (S14: Directivity control step).

  As in the first embodiment, the speaker control unit 42 may switch between performing the process of S13 and the process of S14 when the rotational position is 0 degree and 180 degrees. The rotation position may be performed at any position within the range of greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In addition, when the upper limit value of the rotation range of the subunit 3a is larger than 180 degrees, the above switching may be performed at any position within the upper limit value range.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the speaker control unit 42 changes the directivity state of the sound output from the second speaker unit 43 in accordance with the change in the relative positional relationship.

  Specifically, when the second speaker unit 43 is on the rear surface r1 side, that is, when it is assumed that the second speaker unit 43 is in a usage situation where the probability that the second speaker unit 43 faces the user is low, the case is not so. Thus, the sound can be output from the second speaker unit 43 with the sound directivity expanded. Therefore, in the case of the use situation, it is possible to easily spread the sound around the information terminal 1a, and the sound emitted from the information terminal 1a can be heard even by the user facing the second speaker unit 43. It can suppress becoming difficult to take. On the other hand, when the second speaker unit 43 is on the display surface d1 side, that is, when it is assumed that the second speaker unit 43 is in a usage situation with a high probability of facing the user, compared to the case where it is not so. The sound can be output from the second speaker unit 43 with the sound directivity narrowed. Therefore, in the case of the use state, it is possible to make it difficult for the sound to leak around the user facing the second speaker unit 43, and to make it easier for the user to hear the sound output from the information terminal. Can do. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound reaching the user from being deteriorated regardless of the usage status of the information terminal 1a.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the 1st speaker part 27 is not provided, a number of parts can be reduced and size reduction, thickness reduction, and weight reduction of the information terminal 1a can be achieved. Further, since the space saving is realized by the occupied space of the first speaker unit 27 in the main unit 2a, the occupied space can be effectively used such as housing and arranging other parts. If this point is not taken into consideration, the first speaker unit 27 may be provided in the main unit 2a.

  Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the maximum output volume of the second speaker unit 43 may be changed according to the rotational position. That is, the speaker control unit 42 determines the maximum output volume of the sound output from the second speaker unit 43 and the directivity of the sound output from the second speaker unit 33 according to the change in the relative positional relationship. At least one of the states can be changed. When the first speaker unit 27 is provided, the maximum output volume of the first speaker unit 27 can also be changed.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  (A)-(c) of FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the information terminal 1b which concerns on this embodiment. In the information terminal 1b according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C, a second speaker unit 33 is disposed instead of the second display unit 32 on the front surface f1 side of the subunit 3b. And only the camera part 31 is arrange | positioned at the back surface r2, and it differs from the information terminal 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. In addition, the camera part 31 may be arrange | positioned at the front f1 side, and the 2nd speaker part 33 may be arrange | positioned at the back r2 side. Moreover, in the information terminal 1a of Embodiment 2, you may use the subunit 3b instead of the subunit 3a. Furthermore, since the method for controlling the maximum output volume of the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 in the information terminal 1a is the same as in the first to third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, as in the first or second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound reaching the user from being lowered regardless of the usage status of the information terminal 1b.

[Embodiment 4]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals and explanation thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information terminal 1c according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the information terminal 1 c according to the present embodiment has a shaft so as to connect a side surface s <b> 4 extending in the longitudinal direction of the subunit 3 to a side surface s <b> 3 extending in the longitudinal direction of the main unit 2. Part 4 is provided. The rotating shaft 7 of the shaft portion 4 is substantially parallel to the short direction of the main unit 2 and the subunit 3. Therefore, in the information terminal 1c, unlike the information terminal 1 of the first embodiment, the subunit 3 can be rotated around the rotation shaft 7. Since the switching method of the first speaker unit 27 and the second speaker unit 33 in the information terminal 1c is the same as in the first and third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted. The information terminal 1c may include the main unit 2a of the second embodiment instead of the main unit 2. Further, instead of the subunit 3, the subunit 3a of the second embodiment or the subunit 3b may be provided.

  According to the present embodiment, as in the first to third embodiments, it is possible to prevent the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound reaching the user from being lowered regardless of the usage status of the information terminal 1c.

[Example of software implementation]
The control blocks of the information terminals 1, 1a to 1c (in particular, the position determination unit 11 of the control unit 21, the speaker control unit 12, and the position determination unit 11 of the control unit 21a, the speaker control unit 42) are integrated circuits (IC chips). It may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in the same manner, or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  In the latter case, the information terminals 1, 1a to 1c include a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software for realizing each function, and a ROM (Read CPU) in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by a computer (or CPU). Only Memory) or a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program, and the like. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
An information terminal (1, 1a to 1c) according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes a first unit (main unit 2, 2a) having a display surface (d1), and a second unit that is rotatable with respect to the first unit. A unit (subunits 3, 3a, 3b) and a shaft portion (4) that allows the second unit to rotate with respect to the first unit, and the second unit has directivity. A second sound output section (second speaker sections 33, 43) capable of outputting sound in a state is provided, and further, the second unit is generated by rotating the shaft section around the rotation shaft (6, 7). The maximum output of the sound output from the second sound output unit according to a change in the relative positional relationship between the display surface of the first unit and the second sound output unit of the second unit. Change at least one of volume and directivity of the sound And a change control means (speaker control unit 12, 42) for.

  According to the said structure, the 2nd unit provided with the 2nd sound output part can be rotated with respect to the 1st unit which has a display surface by the axial part. Therefore, the change control means may change at least one of the maximum output volume of the sound output from the second sound output unit and the directivity state of the sound according to the change in the relative positional relationship. It becomes possible.

  Further, the second sound output unit can output sound in a state having directivity. Therefore, in the relative positional relationship, for example, when it is assumed that the second sound output unit is highly likely to be used facing the user, a sound is output in a state having directivity, It is possible to increase the output volume. On the other hand, when it is assumed that the second sound output unit is in a usage state where the probability of facing the user is low, for example, the sound is output in an omnidirectional state or the maximum volume output of the sound is reduced. It becomes possible. Note that when the maximum volume output of the sound is lowered, the information terminal separately outputs a sound in an omnidirectional state, for example.

  As described above, the information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention can perform at least one of the maximum output volume of the sound and the directivity state of the sound according to the usage status of the information terminal by the control by the change control unit. Can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sound pressure and sound quality of the sound reaching the user from being lowered regardless of the usage status of the information terminal.

  Further, the information terminal (1, 1b, 1c) according to aspect 2 of the present invention is the first sound capable of outputting sound in the non-directional state to the first unit (main unit 2) in aspect 1. An output unit (first speaker unit 27) is provided, and the change control unit (speaker control unit 12) is further provided as a sound output unit that outputs sound according to the change in the relative positional relationship. Any one of the first sound output unit and the second sound output unit (second speaker unit 33) may be selected.

  According to the above configuration, the change control means selects one of the first sound output unit and the second sound output unit as the sound output unit that outputs sound according to the change in the relative positional relationship. . Therefore, the change control means selects the first sound output unit in the relative positional relationship, for example, when it is assumed that the second sound output unit is in a use state where the probability of facing the user is low. Thus, it is possible to output sound in an omnidirectional state. On the other hand, when it is assumed that the second sound output unit is in a usage state with high probability of facing the user, it is possible to select the second sound output unit and output sound in a directional state. It becomes.

  As described above, the information terminal according to one aspect of the present invention selects the sound output unit that causes the change control unit to output sound, so that the sound output from the information terminal can be changed according to the usage status of the information terminal. (That is, easy for the user to listen to).

  Furthermore, the information terminal (1, 1b, 1c) according to aspect 3 of the present invention is the back surface which is the surface opposite to the display surface (d1) of the first unit (main unit 2) in the aspect 2. (R1) is provided with the first sound output unit (first speaker unit 27), and the change control means (speaker control unit 12) includes a first normal direction (h1) of the display surface, From the position where the second normal direction (h2) of the surface (back surface r2) on which the second sound output unit (second speaker unit 33) of the second unit (sub units 3, 3b) is arranged coincides. The first unit is rotated at any position within a range in which an angle formed by the first normal direction and the second normal direction is 180 degrees by the rotation of the second unit by the shaft (4). The sound output of either the sound output unit or the second sound output unit From to the other sound output unit may perform the switching of the output source of the sound.

  According to the above configuration, the change control means can switch the output source of the sound depending on whether or not the second sound output unit is in a usage state in which the second sound output unit faces the user in the above range. It becomes.

  Furthermore, in the information terminal (1a) according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, the change control means (speaker control unit 42) includes the first normal direction (h1) of the display surface (d1), From the position where the second normal direction (h2) of the surface (back surface r2) on which the second sound output unit (second speaker unit 43) of the second unit (sub unit 3a) is arranged coincides with the above. The directivity of the sound at any position in the range where the angle formed by the first normal direction and the second normal direction is 180 degrees by the rotation of the second unit by the shaft (4). The state may be changed.

  According to the above configuration, for example, when it is assumed that the second sound output unit is in a usage state where the second sound output unit is highly likely to face the user, the change directing unit is more direct than the other case. The sound can be output from the second sound output unit in a state in which is narrowed. On the other hand, for example, when it is assumed that the probability that the second sound output unit faces the user is low, the change control means may cause the second sound output unit to output a sound with the directivity expanded. it can.

  Furthermore, the information terminals (1, 1a to 1c) according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the information terminal is operated by operating the computer as each unit included in the information terminal. An information terminal control program for realizing the above in a computer and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for information terminals in general that present various types of information such as images or sounds to users, in particular, portable information terminals such as smartphones.

1, 1a to 1c Information terminal 2, 2a Main unit (first unit)
3, 3a, 3b Sub unit (second unit)
4 Axis part 6, 7 Rotating shaft 12, 42 Speaker control part (change control means)
27 First speaker unit (first sound output unit)
33, 43 Second speaker unit (second sound output unit)
d1 display surface h1 first normal direction h2 second normal direction r1 back surface r2 back surface (surface on which the second sound output unit is arranged)

Claims (4)

A first unit having a display surface;
A second unit rotatable with respect to the first unit;
A shaft portion that allows the second unit to rotate with respect to the first unit;
The second unit is provided with a second sound output unit capable of outputting sound with directivity,
Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the display surface of the first unit and the second sound output unit of the second unit, which is generated when the second unit rotates about the shaft portion as a rotation axis. Information comprising: a change control means for changing at least one of a maximum output volume of the sound output from the second sound output unit and a directivity state of the sound according to a change. Terminal. The first unit is provided with a first sound output unit capable of outputting sound in a non-directional state,
The change control means further selects one of the first sound output unit and the second sound output unit as a sound output unit for outputting sound according to the change in the relative positional relationship. The information terminal according to claim 1. The first sound output unit is provided on the back surface of the first unit, which is the surface opposite to the display surface,
The change control means includes the shaft portion from a position where the first normal direction of the display surface and the second normal direction of the surface of the second unit on which the second sound output portion is arranged coincide. The first sound output unit and the second sound output unit at any position in the range where the angle formed by the first normal direction and the second normal direction is 180 degrees by the rotation of the second unit by The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein a sound output source is switched from one of the sound output units to the other of the sound output units.   The change control means includes the shaft portion from a position where the first normal direction of the display surface and the second normal direction of the surface of the second unit on which the second sound output portion is arranged coincide. The sound directivity state is changed at any position in the range where the angle between the first normal direction and the second normal direction is 180 degrees by the rotation of the second unit by The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein:

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