JP5945983B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a key input unit including a plurality of keys.

In general, in an electronic device such as a mobile phone, it is possible to approximate the key layout and operation of a normal personal computer by connecting a portable external keyboard, but this external keyboard can be used anytime and anywhere. In order to be usable, a relatively large external keyboard had to be carried.
Therefore, conventionally, the display unit of the mobile communication terminal device is configured by a display unit (touch screen) with a touch panel, and alphabet keys and the like are arranged on the touch screen (input display unit) in a standard key arrangement, that is, 10 A technique is known in which a QWERTY key array is arranged in a matrix of columns × 3 rows (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-135707 A

  However, in the above-described portable communication terminal device of the prior art, a QWERTY key layout is obtained by storing alphabet keys for all characters in a touch screen (input display unit) limited in size due to the characteristics of carrying. To do this, the key size for one character is reduced, making it difficult to operate the key and increasing the number of misoperations. Therefore, every time a character is entered, the key position must be visually checked and entered carefully. Therefore, the operation speed becomes slow and problems such as the inability to efficiently create sentences occur.

  An object of the present invention is to allow an input operation to be suitably performed by using an input display unit functioning as an input unit in addition to a display unit in combination with an existing key input unit.

An electronic apparatus according to the present invention is an electronic apparatus having a key input unit including a plurality of keys, and an input display unit that functions as an input operation detection unit in addition to the display unit is used in combination with the key input unit. A character type determining unit that selectively determines a character type to be allocated and arranged across the input display unit from among a plurality of character types, and the input unit by the specifying unit. when the combination with the key input unit to perform input operation is designated, the character type of the key group that is determined by the character type determining means, the key input unit and the input display so that particular key sequence Input control means for performing input control for allocating and allocating across units, and external connection means to which an external device is connected, and the designation means includes the input display unit on the external connection means. When connected as part device, an electronic apparatus, characterized in that the input display section equipped with a specifies that to perform an input operation in conjunction with the key input unit.

  According to the present invention, in addition to the display unit, an input display unit that functions as an input unit can be used in combination with an existing key input unit to suitably perform an input operation, which is highly practical.

The block diagram which showed the basic component of the mobile telephone applied as an electronic device. (1)-(3) is the external view of a mobile telephone, and is the figure which showed the state which changed the direction in the state which opened two housing | casings (an operation part housing | casing, a display part housing | casing). The figure for demonstrating designation | designated condition memory | storage part CA. The flowchart which showed the outline | summary of the whole operation | movement of a mobile telephone. 6 is a flowchart for explaining in detail key assignment processing (step A12 in FIG. 4). (1), (2) is the figure which illustrated the case where it applies to a slide type cellular phone as a modification of a 1st embodiment. (1)-(3) is the figure which illustrated the case where it applied to the two-way open (W open) type mobile phone as a modification of 1st Embodiment. (1), (2) is a diagram specifically showing the key arrangement in the two-way open (W open) type mobile phone shown in FIG. (1) to (3) exemplify a case in which one case is applied to a cycloid type mobile phone that can be rotated by ± 90 ° in a state where the two cases are opened as a modification of the first embodiment. Figure. The block diagram which showed the component of the mobile telephone in 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which showed the component of the external apparatus (input display part) 20 in 2nd Embodiment. In the second embodiment, when the input display unit 20 as an external device is connected to the mobile phone, the alphabet key group is allocated and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 of the mobile phone. The figure which showed the state. In the second embodiment, when the input display unit 20 as an external device is connected to the mobile phone, the 50-sound key group of kana characters straddles the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 of the mobile phone. The figure which showed the state by which allocation arrangement was carried out. The flowchart which showed the operation | movement outline | summary of the mobile telephone in 2nd Embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment exemplifies a case where the present invention is applied to a mobile phone as an electronic device, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing basic components of the mobile phone.
The mobile phone is a foldable type mobile phone in which two cases (operation unit case and display case) are foldably attached. Voice call function, e-mail function, Internet connection function (Web access function), text Has a creation function. This text creation function is a function for creating a kana-kanji mixed sentence by converting character string data (unconverted character string data) input with romaji or kana characters into kana-kanji.

  The central control unit 1 operates by supplying power from a power supply unit 2 including a secondary battery, and controls the overall operation of the mobile phone according to various programs in the storage unit 3. The central control unit 1 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like. The storage unit 3 is an internal memory such as a ROM or a RAM, and has a program area and a data area. The program area implements the present embodiment in accordance with operation procedures shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described later. A program is stored for this purpose. In addition, the data area of the storage unit 3 temporarily stores flag information, timer information, and various types of information necessary for the operation of the mobile phone, as well as a designated condition storage unit CA, which will be described later.

  The key input unit 4 includes, for example, a touch screen (input detection unit) 4b stacked on a display screen (display unit) 4a using high-definition liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display unit is configured to function as an input unit in addition to the display unit. Although not shown, various touch keys such as a cross key (decision key and cursor key) and numeric keys / character keys are provided. With dial input, text input, command input, etc. The central control unit 1 performs various processes such as a transmission process and a sentence data creation process as processes corresponding to the key operation signal from the key input unit 4. The key input unit 4 is not limited to a soft key using a touch screen (input display unit), and may be configured by a push button type key (hard key).

  The input display unit 5 includes, for example, a touch screen in which a touch panel (operation detection unit) 5b is stacked on a display screen 5a (display unit) using a high-definition liquid crystal or organic EL. It functions as an input unit in addition to the display unit, and constitutes the main screen of this mobile phone. Thus, in the first embodiment, the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 are provided as two touch screens, and the central control unit 1 uses the input display unit 5 together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation. If it is specified that an input operation is performed in combination with the key input unit 4, a predetermined key group (for example, alphabet key group) is determined. The key group is assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 so as to have a specific key arrangement (for example, QWERTY key arrangement).

  The wireless communication unit 6 includes a wireless unit, a baseband unit, a demultiplexing unit, and the like. For example, the wireless communication unit 6 transmits / receives data to / from the nearest base station during a call function, an e-mail function, or an Internet connection function. When the call function is activated, a signal is received from the receiving side of the baseband unit, demodulated into a received baseband signal, and output to the central control unit 1, the central control unit 1 communicates via the audio signal processing unit 7 The sound is output from the speaker SP. When the input voice data from the call microphone MC is supplied from the voice signal processing 7 via the central control unit 1, the wireless communication unit 6 encodes the transmission baseband signal and then transmits the transmission to the baseband unit. And transmit from the antenna AT. The application processing related unit 8 stores information related to application processing such as a call function, an e-mail function, an Internet connection function, and a text creation function, and performs control related to the processing.

  The acceleration sensor 9 is used as a designation means for designating that an input operation is performed by using the input display unit 5 together with the key input unit 4, and detects the attitude (orientation) of the mobile phone with respect to the direction of gravity. Or detecting a swing operation of a mobile phone. The acceleration sensor 9 is constituted by, for example, a three-axis type acceleration sensor (three-axis direction vibration sensor) and detects acceleration components in three axis directions (X, Y, and Z directions) orthogonal to each other. At this time, the central control unit 1 determines the orientation of the mobile phone based on the acceleration components in the X direction (left-right direction) and the Y direction (up-down direction), for example, in the three-axis direction. The direction in which the mobile phone is shaken is detected, and the magnitude of acceleration (vibration) corresponding to the swing operation of the mobile phone is detected.

  The style detection unit 10 is used as a designating unit that designates that the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation. For example, it has a configuration in which a magnet and a magnetic force sensor are arranged at various locations in each housing. The central control unit 1 discriminates the current style of the mobile phone from the detection result of the magnetic force sensor constituting the style detection unit 10 (in the case of a folding type mobile phone, whether it is an open style or a closed style, which will be described later). I have to.

2 (1) to 2 (3) are external views of the mobile phone, and show a state in which the directions are changed in a state where two housings (an operation unit housing and a display unit housing) are opened.
The cellular phone opens and closes an operation unit housing (first housing) 11 including a key input unit 4 and a display unit housing (second housing) 12 including an input display unit 5 via a hinge unit 13. It is configured to be possible (foldable). FIG. 2 (1) shows an open style in which the operation unit casing 11 and the display unit casing 12 are folded, and the operation unit casing 11 and the display unit casing 12 are in the vertical state. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 (1), the key input unit 4 provided in the operation unit casing 11 includes a pair key (uppercase / lowercase key) of “A / a”, a clear key of “CLR”, In addition to the power key “PWR” and the numeric keys “0” to “9”, a “*” key and a “#” key are allocated and arranged.

  2 (2) and 2 (3) show an open style in which the operation unit housing 11 and the display unit housing 12 are in a horizontal state, and FIG. 2 (2) shows the operation unit housing 11 in the figure. When it is located on the left side, (3) is a diagram showing a case where the display unit housing 12 is located on the left side in the drawing. Hereinafter, the state of FIG. 2 (1) will be referred to as a vertical open style, the state of (2) will be referred to as a first horizontal open style, and the state of (3) will be referred to as a second horizontal open style. The acceleration sensor 9 can detect the posture of the mobile phone by distinguishing between a first lateral state shown in FIG. 2 (2) and a second lateral state shown in FIG. 2 (3). 2 (2) and 2 (3), the opening of the operation unit casing 11 and the display unit casing 12 is approximately 180 °, and the mobile phone is placed on a flat surface. Further, the operation unit casing 11 and the display unit casing 12 are in a substantially flat state.

  In the first horizontal open style shown in FIG. 2 (2), the key input unit 4 of the operation unit housing 11 has 15 alphabet keys as a predetermined key group, 5 rows × vertical. They are allocated and arranged in a predetermined arrangement (QWERTY key arrangement) in a matrix of 3 rows. The input display unit 5 of the display unit housing 12 has predetermined remaining alphabet keys and other symbol keys (+ key, − key,? Key, @ key) in a matrix form of 5 columns × 3 rows. Assigned (QWERTY key array).

  That is, each character key of “Q, W, E, R, T” is allocated and arranged in the first line of the key input unit 4 of the operation unit casing 11, and “A, S, Character keys “D, F, G” are assigned and arranged, and character keys “Z, X, C, V, B” are assigned and arranged in the third row. On the other hand, the character keys “Y, U, I, O, P,” are assigned and arranged on the first line of the input display unit 5 of the display unit housing 12, and “H, J” are arranged on the second line. , K, L, @ ”are assigned and arranged, and in the third line, character keys such as“ N, M, −,?, + ”Are assigned and arranged.

  Here, an empty area (an area other than the key assignment area) of the input display unit 5 of the display unit housing 12 is an area in which character data input by operating the above-described alphabet keys or the like is displayed. Yes. In the illustrated example, the upper free space in the key display area, shows a case where "Hello" as a romaji / kana conversion data is displayed. In the illustrated example, the size of each key allocated to the input display unit 5 of the display unit casing 12 is larger than the size of each key allocated to the key input unit 4 of the operation unit casing 11. However, the key size of both keys is not limited to this, and may be arbitrary. Of course, they may be the same size or one key size. May be approximately 2/3 size, 4/3 size, 1/2 size, etc. compared to the other.

  Also, in the second horizontal open style shown in FIG. 2 (3), each character key of “Q, W, E, R, T” is allocated and arranged on the input display unit 5 of the display unit housing 12. In the second line, character keys “A, S, D, F, G” are assigned and arranged, and in the third line, character keys “Z, X, C, V, B” are assigned and arranged. Has been. On the other hand, each character key of “Y, U, I, O, P,” is allocated and arranged in the first line of the key input unit 4 of the operation unit housing 11, and “H, J” is arranged in the second line. , K, L, @ ”are assigned and arranged, and in the third line,“ N, M, −,?, + ”Keys are assigned and arranged.

  Even in this case, in the illustrated example, each size allocated to the input display unit 5 of the display unit casing 12 is larger than the size of each key allocated to the key input unit 4 of the operation unit casing 11. Although the case where the key size is smaller (in the case of approximately 1/3 size) is shown, both key sizes are not limited to this, and may be of course the same size, or one of them. The key size may be approximately 2/3 size, 4/3 size, 1/2 size, etc. compared to the other.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the designated condition storage unit CA.
The designation condition storage unit CA stores designation conditions for designating that the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation. The “designation condition”, “content”, “setting” The configuration includes an item “flag”. “Specified condition” indicates the type of the specified condition, and includes “input mode”, “style and posture”, “shake”, and “handwritten pattern”. “Content” corresponding to this “specified condition” indicates specific content for specifying that an input operation should be performed in combination with the key input unit 4, and corresponds to “input mode” in the illustrated example. As the “content”, “text mode” indicating a state in which a sentence can be input is set.

  Further, as “content” corresponding to “style and posture” of “specified condition”, “horizontal open style” indicating the first and second horizontal open styles described above is set and further corresponds to “swing”. “Content” is set to “vertical swing operation” indicating that the mobile phone has been swung twice in the vertical direction within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and “content” corresponding to “handwritten pattern” ”Indicates a case where a“ check mark ”indicating that a check mark (V-shaped mark) has been input by handwriting is set in the input display unit 5.

  “Setting flag” indicates which “specified condition” is valid, “1” indicates a currently valid “designated condition”, and “0” indicates a currently invalid “designated condition”. ing. In the illustrated example, “1” is set in the “setting flag” corresponding to the “specified condition” of the “input mode”, which indicates that the “input mode” is the currently valid condition. However, the “setting flag” corresponding to a plurality of “specified conditions” is not limited to one “specified condition”, and “1” may be set. In that case, either one of the conditions may be satisfied, OR (logical sum) may be regarded as a condition, and AND (logical product) that must satisfy all the conditions may be regarded as a condition. May be. Further, the “content” and “setting flag” in the designated condition storage unit CA are arbitrarily set by a user operation, but the “designating condition” and “content” are fixed and only the “setting flag” is set. May be settable.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, each function described in these flowcharts is stored in the form of a readable program code, and operations according to the program code are sequentially executed. Further, it is possible to sequentially execute the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via a transmission medium such as a network. The same applies to other embodiments described later. In addition to the recording medium, an operation peculiar to the present embodiment can be executed using a program / data supplied externally via a transmission medium.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the overall operation of the mobile phone.
First, when a power-on operation for turning on the power is performed (YES in step A1), the central control unit 1 executes an initialization process, and the key input unit 4 of the operation unit housing 11 is displayed in FIG. After executing the process of assigning and arranging various keys as shown (step A2), it enters a standby state for operations and incoming calls (steps A3, A5, A7, A9, A11). In this state, when a setting operation for setting arbitrary information is performed (YES in step A3), a setting process corresponding to the setting operation is executed (step A4), and then the process returns to step A3 described above. In this case, if it is a setting operation for the designated condition storage unit CA, a setting process is performed in which arbitrary information is set in the “content” or the “setting flag” is rewritten.

  Further, when an incoming call is detected (YES in step A5), a call process for enabling a call is performed (step A6), and then the process returns to step A3 described above. When the power-off operation is performed (YES in step A7), the power-off process is performed (step A8), and this flow ends. However, when other operations are performed (YES in step A9). ) After performing processing according to the operation such as outgoing processing and text creation processing (step A10), the processing returns to step A3 described above. For example, at the time of executing the text creation process, character string data (unconverted character string) that has been input with romaji or kana characters by operating a character key assigned across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 Data) is converted into Kana-Kanji and a kana-kanji mixed sentence is created. At that time, the input data and the converted data are displayed in an empty area ((an area other than the key display area)) of the input display section 5. Is done.

  On the other hand, in a standby state such as an operation or an incoming call, a designated condition detection timing, that is, whether or not a designated condition for designating that an input operation is performed using the input display unit 5 in combination with the key input unit 4 is determined. When the timing for detection (for example, 0.5 seconds) is reached (YES in step A11), the process proceeds to a key assignment process described later (step A12). The specified condition detection timing is not limited to 0.5 seconds and is arbitrary.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the key assignment process (step A12 in FIG. 4).
First, the central control unit 1 refers to the designated condition storage unit CA (step B1), selects the “designated condition” in which the “setting flag” is “1” (step B2), and the “designated condition”. "Is discriminated (step B3). If the “set flag” is “1” and the “specified condition” is “on mode” (YES in step B4), the input mode is detected (step B5), the input mode detected last time and the input detected this time. By comparing with the mode (step B6), it is checked whether the mode is changed to the specific mode or, for example, the mode is changed to the “text mode” in which text data can be input (step B7). Here, if the mode is not changed to the specific mode, that is, if the “designated condition” is not satisfied (NO in step B7), the current state is left as it is without changing the contents of the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5. Return to step A3 in FIG. 4 to maintain. Here, the input mode detected last time is compared with the input mode detected this time, but it is also possible to check whether the mode is changed to the “text mode” only by the input mode detected this time.

  On the other hand, when the input mode is changed by operating a specific key (for example, a mode switching key) on the key input unit 4, if the change is to the specific mode, that is, the “text mode” (YES in step B7), it is determined that the input display unit 5 is used in combination with the key input unit 4 to satisfy the specification condition for specifying that the input operation is performed, the process proceeds to step B8, and the alphabet key group Are assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 so that the QWERTY key arrangement becomes. In this case, for example, even if the alphabet key group or the like has an allocation arrangement straddling the state as shown in FIG. 2 (2), the allocation arrangement straddling the state as shown in FIG. 2 (3) is made. You may do it. At that time, the orientation (orientation) of the mobile phone is detected from the output result of the acceleration sensor 9, and according to the orientation, the assigned allocation as shown in FIG. 2 (2) is performed, or as shown in FIG. 2 (3). It is good to perform such allocation allocation across the board. When the specified condition is satisfied in this way, the existing numeric keypad or the like previously assigned to the key input unit 4 is changed to an alphabet key.

  If the “setting flag” is “1” and the “specified condition” is “style and posture” (YES in step B9), the style is detected from the output result of the style detection unit 10 (step B10) and specified. If it is an open style (YES in step B11), the attitude (orientation) of the mobile phone is detected from the output result of the acceleration sensor 9 (step B12). ), Whether it has been changed to a specific posture or, for example, changed to a horizontal state (step B13). If it is not changed to a specific style (open style) (NO in step B11), or if it is changed to a specific style (open style) but not changed to a specific posture (sideways state) (NO in step B13), this is a case where the “designated condition” is not satisfied. Therefore, in order to maintain the current state without changing the contents of the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5, step A3 in FIG. Return to.

  Further, in a specific style (open style), if the orientation (direction) of the mobile phone is the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 are in a specific orientation (sideways state) (YES in step B13), the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to determine that the specification condition for specifying that the input operation is to be performed, the process proceeds to step B8 described above so that the alphabet key group becomes the QWERTY key array. The alphabet key group is assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5. In this case, it is allocated and arranged according to the posture (orientation) of the casing. That is, in the first horizontal state, the alphabet key group and the like are allocated and arranged as shown in FIG. 2 (2), and in the second horizontal state, the alphabet key group and the like are arranged in FIG. 3) The allocation allocation is as shown in 3).

  Also, if the “setting flag” is “1” and the “specified condition” is “swing” (YES in step B14), the direction and number of times the mobile phone is swung are detected from the output result of the acceleration sensor 9. (Step B15), in addition to the current detection result, the previous detection result for a plurality of times is referred to, and the mobile phone has been moved a specific number of times in a specific direction. It is checked whether it has been shaken (step B16). Here, if a specific swing operation is not performed (NO in step B14), this is a case where the “specified condition” is not satisfied, so that the current contents of the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 are not changed. In order to maintain the state as it is, the process returns to step A3 in FIG. When a specific swing operation is performed (YES in step B14), it is determined that a specification condition for specifying that the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform the input operation is satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to step B8 described above, and the alphabet key group is assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 so that the alphabet key group has the QWERTY key arrangement.

  Further, if the “setting flag” is “1” and the “specified condition” is “handwritten pattern” (YES in step B17), the pattern input by handwriting on the input display unit 5 is detected (step B18), and this time In addition to the detection result, a plurality of previous detection results are referenced to check whether the handwritten pattern is a specific pattern, for example, a check mark (step B19). Here, when the handwriting input is not performed or when the handwritten pattern is not a specific pattern (check mark) (NO in step B19), the “designating condition” is not satisfied. In order to maintain the current state as it is without changing the contents of the input display unit 5, the process returns to step A3 in FIG.

  Further, when the handwritten pattern is a specific pattern (check mark) (YES in step B19), the specification condition for specifying that the input display unit 5 is used in combination with the key input unit 4 to perform the input operation is satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to step B8 described above, and the alphabet key group is allocated and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 so that the alphabet key group has the QWERTY key arrangement.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the central control unit 1 is designated to perform an input operation using the input display unit 5 in combination with the key input unit 4, a predetermined key group is a specific key. Since the key group is assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 so as to form an array, the input display unit 5 can be used jointly with the key input unit 4, It is not necessary to consolidate all of the key group into the key input unit 4, and by distributing it to the input display unit 5, it becomes possible to increase the key size, type with both hands, As a result, the key is easy to see and the practicality is enhanced.

  When it is specified that the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation, the central control unit 1 uses an existing key (such as a numeric keypad) that is assigned in advance to the key input unit 4. Since the key is changed to a key (alphabet key) belonging to a predetermined key group, the function of the key can be switched without performing a key switching operation.

  The character key group (alphabetic key group) for inputting a predetermined character type is a standard key layout (QWERTY key layout, that is, a key layout that can input all types of alphabet keys). Since it is allocated and arranged across the input unit 4 and the input display unit 5, it is equivalent to a key layout of a normal personal computer or the like, and a great improvement in operability can be expected.

  Since the character data input by operating the character keys assigned across the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 is displayed in the empty area of the input display unit 5, the input display unit 5 is input. It can be made to function simultaneously as a display part with an operation detection part, and it becomes unnecessary to prepare a special display part separately.

  When the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation, the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other. 4 and the input display unit 5 can be used as one keyboard, and a great improvement in operability can be expected.

  Since the key input unit 4 is provided in the operation unit casing (first casing) 11 constituting the mobile phone, and the input display unit 5 is provided in the display unit casing (second casing) 12, the folding type By simply changing the mobile phone to an open style, the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 can be adjacent to each other, and can be used like a single keyboard.

  When a specific input mode (text mode) is detected, the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to specify that an input operation is performed. Can be used together with the key input unit 4.

  When a specific posture (orientation) of the mobile phone is detected based on the acceleration sensor 9, the input display unit 5 is used in combination with the key input unit 4 to specify that an input operation is performed. When the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 are in the horizontal state, the input display unit 5 can be used together with the key input unit 4.

  When a specific positional relationship (open style) is detected based on the style detection unit 10 that detects the positional relationship between a plurality of housings (the operation unit housing 11 and the display unit housing 12), the input display unit 5 is pressed. Since the input operation is specified in combination with the input unit 4, the input display unit 5 can be used together with the key input unit 4 by using an open style.

  When a specific swing operation (operation to swing two reciprocations in the vertical direction) is detected based on the acceleration sensor 9, the input display unit 5 is used in combination with the key input unit 4 to specify that the input operation is performed. Therefore, for example, the input display unit 5 can be used together with the key input unit 4 by swinging twice in the vertical direction.

  When the input operation detection unit constituting the input display unit 5 detects that a specific handwritten pattern (for example, a check mark) is input, the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation. Therefore, the input display unit 5 can be used together with the key input unit 4 by handwriting a specific handwritten pattern (check mark).

  The key input unit 4 is configured by an input display unit that functions as an input operation detection unit in addition to the display unit, for example, a touch panel (touch screen). Therefore, the contents of the key input unit 4 can be changed as necessary. Can be changed.

  It is specified that the input display unit 5 is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation based on an arbitrarily set specified condition among a plurality of specified conditions stored in the specified condition storage unit CA. Therefore, designation according to the user's request becomes possible.

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the present invention is applied to a folding type mobile phone is illustrated, but the type of the mobile phone is not limited to this. For example, two cases (operation unit case 11, display Or a slide type mobile phone that is slidably attached to the housing 12), or a two-way open (W open) type mobile phone that can be opened in two directions, vertical and horizontal. In addition, the mobile phone may be a cycloid type mobile phone that can rotate the display unit housing 12 by ± 90 ° in a state where the display unit housing 12 is opened with respect to the operation unit housing 11.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where the present invention is applied to a slide type mobile phone as a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6A shows a state in which the operation unit casing 11 and the display unit casing 12 are closed (overlapped state), and the display unit casing 12 is superimposed on the operation unit casing 11. In the state, the key input unit 4 provided in the operation unit housing 11 is covered with the display unit housing 12, but the input display unit 5 provided in the display unit housing 12 is all of them. Is exposed. On the input display unit 5, a predetermined key group such as a numeric keypad is allocated and arranged in a matrix of 3 rows x 5 rows. In this case, the predetermined key group includes “A / a” pair key (uppercase / lowercase switching key), “CLR” clear key, “PWR” power key, “0” to “9” numeric keypad, “*” Key, “#” key.

  FIG. 6B shows a state in which the operation unit housing 11 is pulled out by sliding one of the operation unit housing 11 and the display unit housing 12. The key input unit 4 includes “7” and “8” corresponding to the lower two rows of the key group such as the numeric keypad shown in FIG. 6A (keys of horizontal 3 columns × vertical 5 rows). ”,“ 9 ”,“ 0 ”,“ * ”,“ # ”keys (for example, push button type keys) are fixedly arranged. The key input unit 4 is not limited to a push button type key (hard key), and may be configured by a soft key using a touch screen (input display unit).

  Here, the input display unit 5 of the display unit housing 12 is operated by a slide operation in a state in which a key group such as a numeric keypad is allocated and arranged in three horizontal rows and five vertical rows as shown in FIG. When a part of the operation unit housing 11 is pulled out, that is, a part of the operation unit housing 11 is pulled out from a state where the operation unit housing 11 and the display unit housing 12 are closed (overlapped state). When the state is detected by the style detection unit 10, the keys for the upper three rows are enlarged to approximately twice the size and allocated and arranged in a matrix of 3 rows x 3 rows. That is, the keys “A / a”, “CLR”, and “PWR” are enlarged and arranged on the first line, and the keys “1”, “2”, and “3” are enlarged and arranged on the second line. In the third row, the keys “4”, “5”, and “6” are enlarged and arranged.

  As described above, in the slide type mobile phone, when the operation unit housing 11 is pulled out by a slide operation, that is, when a change in style is detected by the style detection unit 10, the input display unit 5 is used as the key input unit 4. Can be used in conjunction with

  Further, in a slide type mobile phone, when a part of a key group such as a numeric keypad is provided in the key input unit 4, the remaining keys of the key group are allocated and arranged on the input display unit 5. As a result, the key size in the key input unit 4 can be increased, each key in the input display unit 5 can be enlarged and enlarged accordingly, and the key group in the input display unit 5 can be enlarged. Since it is not necessary to arrange all of the above, it is possible to secure a large free space in the input display unit 5.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating a case where the present invention is applied to a two-way open (W open) type mobile phone as a modification of the first embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams specifically showing key arrangements when applied to a two-way open (W open) type mobile phone.
The operation unit casing 11 and the display unit casing 12 have a rectangular shape as a whole, and when the operation unit casing 11 and the display unit casing 12 are closed as shown in FIG. (2) shows a vertically open state in which the display unit housing 12 is opened in the vertical direction (long side direction) of the operation unit housing 11, and (3) shows the horizontal direction (short) of the operation unit housing 11. A laterally open state in which the display unit housing 12 is opened in the side direction is shown. FIG. 8 (1) shows a case where the vertically opened mobile phone shown in FIG. 7 (2) is used in a state in which the mobile phone is changed to a horizontal orientation (the operation unit housing 11 and the display unit housing 12 are in a horizontally long state). It is the figure which showed the key arrangement | positioning state. FIG. 8 (2) shows a case where the horizontally open mobile phone shown in FIG. 7 (3) is used as it is (the operation unit housing 11 and the display unit housing 12 are in the vertical orientation). It is the figure which showed the key arrangement state.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8 (1), a push button type key is fixedly arranged in the key input unit 4 provided in the operation unit casing 11. That is, the key input unit 4 has a pair key, a clear key, a power key, a numeric keypad, a * key, and a # key. Further, a part of the alphabet key group is allocated and arranged in each of these keys in a QWERTY key arrangement. Has been. Note that two types of function names corresponding to each key are printed on these key tops, and the alphabetical characters are horizontal when the operation unit casing 11 is vertically long. As shown in (), it is printed so as to be upright (vertical) when changed to landscape. The key input unit 4 is not limited to a push button type key (hard key), and may be configured by a soft key using a touch screen (input display unit).

  In this case, as in the case of the specified condition “style and posture” in the first embodiment described above, the vertically open state is detected based on the style detection unit 10 and the horizontal state is detected based on the acceleration sensor 9. Thus, the remaining keys of the alphabet group are allocated and arranged on the input display unit 5 of the display unit housing 12 as shown in FIG. In other words, the character keys “Y, U, I, O, P,” are assigned and arranged on the first line of the input display unit 5, and “H, J, K, L, @ are displayed on the second line. “N”, “M, −,?, +” Keys are allocated and arranged in the third row.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), when a horizontally opened mobile phone is used in a vertically oriented state, a pair key (uppercase / lowercase switching key) provided in the key input unit 4, a clear key, Further, a part of the alphabet key group is assigned and arranged in the QWERTY key arrangement to the power key, the numeric keypad, the * key, and the # key. Note that, on these key tops, two types of function names corresponding to each key are printed vertically. In this case, as in the case of the designation condition “style and posture” in the first embodiment described above, the laterally open state is detected based on the style detection unit 10, and the vertical state is determined based on the acceleration sensor 9. By detecting, the remaining keys of the alphabet group are allocated and arranged on the input display unit 5 of the display unit housing 12 as shown in FIG. That is, a “P” key, which will be described later, is allocated and arranged on the first line of the input display section 5, and each character key of “R, T, Y, U, I, O” is allocated on the second line. In the third row, the keys “F, G, H, J, K, L” are assigned and arranged, and in the fourth row, “V, B, N, M, @, /” are assigned. Assign and arrange each key. The keys arranged in the first line are the remaining keys that could not be displayed in the second line. Other symbols and the like may be appropriately allocated to other vacant rows (columns).

  8 (1) and 8 (2), the key input unit 4 is configured by a push button type key (hard key), but may be configured by a soft key by a touch screen (input display unit). In this case, as in the case of the designation condition “style and posture” of the first embodiment described above, the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 are shown in FIG. It may be configured to control whether to perform the key assignment over the span as shown in FIG. 8 (1) or the key assignment over the span as shown in FIG. 8 (2).

  In this way, when a part of the alphabet key group is provided in the key input unit 4, the remaining keys of the key group are allocated and arranged on the input display unit 5. Key size can be increased, and it is not necessary to arrange all alphabet keys in the input display section 5, so that a large free area (area other than the key display area) in the input display section 5 Can be secured.

9 (1) to 9 (3) show, as a modification of the first embodiment, the display unit housing 12 can be rotated by ± 90 ° in a state in which the display unit housing 12 is opened with respect to the operation unit housing 11. It is the figure which illustrated the case where it applies to a cycloid type cellular phone.
FIG. 9A shows a normal open state in which the display unit housing 12 is opened with respect to the operation unit housing 11, and FIG. 9B shows that the display unit housing 12 is + (plus) in the normal open state. ) Is rotated 90 degrees in the direction, and the rectangular input display unit 5 is in a horizontally long state. (3) is a case where the display unit housing 12 is rotated 90 degrees in the-(minus) direction in a normal open state. It is the figure which showed the case where the rectangular input display part 5 was made into the landscape state. Even in this case, the key assignment arrangement is performed according to the direction of the input display unit 5, but at that time, when a part of the predetermined key group is provided in the key input unit 4, The remaining keys in the key group may be assigned to the input display unit 5 and arranged.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the user can arbitrarily select a designated condition desired from a plurality of “designated conditions” in the designated condition storage unit CA. However, the “designated conditions” are not limited to a plurality. There may be one. Of course, the swing operation is not limited to the swing operation for two reciprocations in the vertical direction, and the handwritten pattern is not limited to the check mark.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the operation unit casing 11 including the key input unit 4 and the display unit casing 12 including the input display unit 5 are integrally attached is illustrated. In the second embodiment, when an input display unit as an external device is connected or approached to a mobile phone having a key input unit, the external device (input display unit) is used together with the key input unit 4 to perform an input operation. Therefore, a predetermined key group is assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit). Here, in both the embodiments, the same or the same names are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the features of the second embodiment. .

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment.
The mobile phone according to the second embodiment is a straight-type mobile phone with a full-touch screen, and the entire mobile phone has a rectangular flat plate shape. Similar to FIG. 1, the cellular phone has a power supply unit 2, a storage unit 3, a key input unit 4, a wireless communication unit 6, an audio signal processing unit 7, and an application processing related unit 8 with the central control unit 1 as the core. In addition, the second embodiment further includes an external device connection unit 15 and a short-range communication unit 16. The key input unit 4 is configured by a touch screen, and various keys are allocated and arranged.

  The external device connection unit 15 is configured to have a connector, for example, and is connected directly to the external device (input display unit) 20 side or indirectly through a cable or the like. A state in which key assignment data can be transmitted to the input display unit 20 and a state in which key input data corresponding to the operation key can be received from the external device (input display unit) 20 It becomes. The short-range communication unit 16 is a non-contact type short-range communication unit such as a non-contact IC card, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or infrared communication, and receives device identification information from the external device (input display unit) 20 side. Thus, the central control unit 1 detects a state in which the external device (input display unit) 20 is approaching. Here, when the distance from the communicable area of the external device connection unit 15, that is, the external device (input display unit) 20, is, for example, within 20 cm, the central control unit 1 is connected to the external device (input display unit) 20. The approach is detected.

  Thus, in a state where the mobile phone and the external device (input display unit) 20 are close to each other, the central control unit 1 uses the short-range communication unit 16 to assign keys to the external device (input display unit) 20. Data is transmitted and key input data corresponding to the operation keys is received from the external device (input display unit) 20. When the mobile phone and the external device (input display unit) 20 are close to each other as described above, a connection state in which data can be transmitted / received to / from the external device (input display unit) 20 is established.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing components of the external device (input display unit) 20 in the second embodiment.
The external device (input display unit) 20 is an electronic device provided with a touch screen (input display unit), and is configured in the shape of a rectangular flat plate as in a mobile phone, and is substantially the same size and size as the mobile phone. ing. The external device (input display unit) 20 includes a power source unit 22, a storage unit 23, a touch screen (input display unit) 24, a portable connection unit 25, and a short-range communication unit 26 with the central control unit 21 as a core. . The central control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the external device (input display unit) 20 according to various programs in the storage unit 23. The central control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), Memory etc. are provided.

  The mobile connection unit 25 is connected to the external device connection unit 15 on the mobile phone side directly or via a cable, and the central control unit 21 is connected via the mobile connection unit 25 while being connected to the mobile phone. To exchange data with a mobile phone. The short-range communication unit 26 is a non-contact type short-range communication means such as a non-contact IC card, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or infrared communication, and transmits device identification information to the mobile phone or assigns a key from the mobile phone. For example, the mobile phone receives data for operation or transmits key input data corresponding to the operation key to the mobile phone.

12 and 13, when an external device (input display unit) 20 is connected to a mobile phone, a predetermined key group is assigned across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 of the mobile phone. It is the figure which showed the state arrange | positioned.
FIG. 12 (1) shows a state in which the alphabet key group is arranged in the key input unit 4 of the mobile phone in the horizontal state (horizontal state), and in this state, the external device in the horizontal state (horizontal state) When both are connected by connecting the (input display unit) 20 via the external device connection unit 15, as shown in FIG. 12 (2), the alphabet key group becomes the key input unit 4 and the external device (input). The display unit 20 is allocated and arranged.

  In this case, the external device (input display unit) 20 is also assigned with a numeric keypad and the like. Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (2), it is arranged larger than the key size assigned in the key input unit 4 before connecting the external device (input display unit) 20, and the same size as that key. Are assigned and arranged across the external device (input display unit) 20. FIG. 13 shows a case where the kana character 50-sound key group is allocated and arranged in place of the alphabet key group.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment.
First, when the central control unit 1 performs a power-on operation to turn on the power (YES in step C1), the central control unit 1 executes an initialization process, and the key input unit 4 of the operation unit casing 11 Various keys such as numeric keys and function keys are assigned and arranged (step C2). Here, if any operation is performed (step C3), it is checked whether the operation is an operation for instructing the arrangement of alphabet keys (step C4). If the operation is not the instruction operation (NO in step C4), the power-off operation is performed. A check is made (step C5). Now, when a power-off operation is performed (YES in step C5), the power-off process is performed (step A6), and then this flow ends. When other operations are performed (NO in step C5) ) After performing a process according to the operation such as a transmission process and a text creation process (step C7), the process returns to the above-described step C3. When an operation for instructing the arrangement of alphabet keys is performed (YES in step C4), in place of the various keys allocated and arranged in the key input unit 4 by the above-described initialization process, FIG. As shown in FIG. 13 (1), alphabet keys are assigned and arranged in a QWERTY key array (step C8).

In this state where the alphabet key group is arranged in the key input unit 4 (YES in step C9), it is checked whether it is detected that the external device (input display unit) 20 is connected to the external device connection unit 15. (Step C10), or the proximity communication unit 16 checks whether the approach of the external device (input display unit) 20 is detected (step C11). Now, when the external device (input display unit) 20 is connected to the external device connection unit 15 (YES in step C10), the switching flag for indicating switching between the alphabet key group and the kana 50-note key group is referred to. It is checked whether the switching flag is “1” (step C12). This switching flag is arbitrarily set by a user operation in advance. Here, when the value is “1”, the alphabet key group is designated as an assignment target. Assume that a group is designated as an assignment target.
Here, a numeric keypad portion is also allocated and arranged using an empty space other than the alphabet key group.

  If the switching flag is “1” (YES in step C12), the alphabet key group is assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 as shown in FIG. (Step C13). In this case, when the mobile phone transmits key assignment data to the external device (input display unit) 20 via the external device connection unit 15, the external device (input display unit) 20 side receives the received data for key assignment. Assign and place alphabet keys based on In this way, each key arranged across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 is obtained by enlarging the key having the size shown in FIG. It has become.

  If the switching flag is “0” (NO in step C12), the 50-note key group of kana characters straddles the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 as shown in FIG. Are allocated and arranged (step C14). In this case, when the mobile phone transmits key assignment data to the external device (input display unit) 20 via the external device connection unit 15, the external device (input display unit) 20 side receives the received data for key assignment. Based on the above, 50 tone keys are assigned and arranged. In this way, each key arranged across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 is obtained by enlarging the key having the size shown in FIG. It becomes. Here, as shown in FIG. 13 (2), the 50 sound keys in the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 are divided into two blocks, respectively.

Further, when the proximity (connection) of the external device (input display unit) 20 is detected by the short-range communication unit 16 on the mobile phone side, that is, device identification information transmitted from the external device (input display unit) 20 is received. When it is recognized that this is a specific external device (input display unit) 20 (YES in step C11), the switching flag is referred to and it is checked whether the switching flag is “1” (step C12). If the switching flag is “1” (YES in step C12), the alphabet key group is assigned and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 as shown in FIG. (Step C13). If the switching flag is “0” (NO in step C12), the kana 50-note key group is assigned across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 as shown in FIG. Arrange (step C14).
Further, when an incoming call is detected (YES in step C15), a call process for enabling a call is performed (step C16), and the process returns to the above-described step C3.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the mobile phone performs an input operation using the external device (input display unit) 20 together with the key input unit 4 when the external device (input display unit) 20 is connected. For this purpose, a predetermined key group is allocated and arranged across the key input unit 4 and the external device (input display unit) 20 on the mobile phone side, so that the external device (input display unit) 20 is connected to the mobile phone. As a result, the external device (input display unit) 20 can be used jointly with the key input unit 4, and as a result, the key size can be increased, or typing with both hands can be performed. As a whole, the key is easy to see, and the practicality is high.

  The short-range communication unit 16 on the mobile phone side transmits key assignment data from the short-range communication unit 15 to the external device (input display unit) 20 when the proximity of the external device (input display unit) 20 is detected. Or a key input signal corresponding to the operation key is received from the external device (input display unit) 20, so that the key operation is possible even if the mobile phone and the external device (input display unit) 20 are separated from each other. Therefore, operability can be improved, such as typing in a natural posture.

  When the external device (input display unit) 20 is connected, the keys arranged in the key input unit 4 before being connected are enlarged and rearranged, so that the key size can be increased. The operability can be improved.

  In the above-described second embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a straight-type mobile phone with a full-touch screen has been described, but a biaxial hinge-type mobile phone may be used. That is, the operation unit housing provided with the key input unit 4 and the display unit housing provided with the input display unit 5 are attached to be openable and closable (foldable), and the front and back sides of the display unit housing are reversed. In a two-axis hinge type mobile phone mounted so as to be rotatable by 180 ° so that the external display device is in a view-style state in which the input display unit 5 is exposed with the operation unit housing and the display unit housing closed. (Input display unit) 20 may be connected or approached.

  In the second embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an external device (input display unit) 20 in the horizontal state (horizontal state) is connected to or approached to the mobile phone in the horizontal state (horizontal state). However, the external device (input display unit) 20 in the portrait orientation (portrait state) may be connected to or approached to the mobile phone in the portrait orientation (portrait state). In this way, when connected in a vertically oriented state, the allocation arrangement across the keys may be, for example, as shown in FIG. Note that the external device (input display unit) 20 in the vertical orientation may be connected to or approached to the mobile phone in the horizontal orientation.

  In the second embodiment described above, the external device (input display unit) 20 is an electronic device including a touch screen (input display unit). However, the external device (input display unit) 20 is not limited thereto. For example, it may be another mobile phone, a digital camera, a music player, or the like.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the alphabetical key group is arranged in the standard QWERTY key arrangement, and the hiragana input 50-note key group is arranged on the key input unit 4 and the input display unit 5 so that they are arranged in order. Arranged and arranged across, but not limited to alphabet key group and 50-sound key group, numeric keypads for numerical input are arranged in ascending order, and other German and other foreign language character key groups The key arrangement may be arranged so as to be a standard key arrangement, and not only a character key but also a symbol key group, a figure key group, etc. are arranged so as to become a specific key arrangement. You may make it allocate and arrange.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a folding type, a slide type, a two-way open (W open) type, and a cycloid type mobile phone has been described. May be.
In the above-described embodiment, the mobile phone is exemplified as the electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any electronic device such as a PDA, a digital camera, a music player, or a multifunction device thereof may be used.

  The “apparatus” and “machine” shown in each of the above-described embodiments may be separated into a plurality of cases by function, and are not limited to a single case. In addition, each step described in the above-described flowchart is not limited to time-series processing, and a plurality of steps may be processed in parallel or separately.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central control part 3 Memory | storage part 4 Key input part 5 Input display part 9 Acceleration sensor 10 Style detection part 11 Operation part housing | casing 12 Display part housing | casing 13 Hinge part 15 External apparatus connection part 16 Short-distance communication part 20 External apparatus (input) Display section)
21 Central control unit 24 Touch screen (input display unit)
25 Mobile connection unit 26 Short-range communication unit

Claims (3)

An electronic device having a key input unit with a plurality of keys,
A designation means for designating an input operation to be performed in combination with the key input unit, in addition to the display unit, an input display unit that functions as an input operation detection unit;
Character type determining means for selectively determining a character type to be allocated and arranged across the input display unit from among a plurality of character types,
When possible to perform an input operation of the input display unit in combination with the key input unit is designated by the designation unit, a character type of keys that are determined by the character type determining means, the specific key sequence Input control means for performing input control for allocating and arranging across the key input unit and the input display unit,
An external connection means to which an external device is connected;
With
The specifying means specifies that when the input display unit is connected to the external connection unit as an external device, the input display unit is used together with the key input unit to perform an input operation.
An electronic apparatus comprising: The external connection means is an approach detection unit that detects a state in which the input display unit as an external device is approaching,
When it is detected by the approach detection unit that the input display unit is approaching, it further comprises communication means for transmitting and receiving data by short-range communication with the input display unit,
The designation means, when the approach detection unit detects that the input display unit is approaching, causes the input display unit to be used together with the key input unit to perform an input operation. Specify
Wherein the input control means when possible to perform an input operation of the input display unit in combination with the key input unit is designated by the designation unit, a key for the input display unit via the communication means Send data for assignment, or receive a key input signal corresponding to the operation key from the input display unit,
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, which is configured as described above.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of character types include at least a key group composed of alphabets and a key group composed of kana characters.

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