JP2000047813A - Event signal generating device and electronic apparatus using the generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an event signal generating device which can be suitably used to a small electronic apparatus in particular. SOLUTION: A sorting means is contained in a main body 2 having the detecting means 5 and 6 which detect the acceleration or impacts of at least two directions and then sorts the movement patterns of the main body 2, based on those detected acceleration or impacts. A signal generating means generates the inherent event signals according to the sorted movement patterns of the main body 2. Thus, the movement patterns of the main body 2 are sorted, based on the acceleration or impacts of at least two directions and the inherent event signals can be generated according to the sorted patterns. Therefore, the conventional event signal generating devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel and a digitizer can be omitted and furthermore such obstacles as a cable can be eliminated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an event signal generator and an electronic device using the same, and more particularly, to various event signals for changing the internal operation state of an electronic device (particularly, a small electronic device). And an electronic device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art <What is an event?> An event is a task (minimum processing unit) in a computer.
It is understood that among the logical conditions necessary for the progress of "event", it is particularly "event". For example, a certain type of OS (operating system) defines a "click event", a "double click event", a "key down event", and the like. Here, a click event is an event that occurs when the left mouse button is pressed, a double-click event is an event that occurs when the button is pressed twice, and a key-down event is any key button on the keyboard Is an event that occurs when is pressed, and each event often exists for each object (eg, button object) on the screen.

<Use of Event> A program developer selects an appropriate event in consideration of a user interface, and describes a program for realizing a desired function in association with the event procedure. Now, assuming that, for example, a program for starting e-mail software is described in the click event of the YES button on the screen, in this case, the YES button is on-focused (the cursor is set) and the left mouse button is pressed. By clicking, you can run the program and launch your email software.

<Event-initiated development style> The development style of such a program is a so-called event-initiated development style, which is a general style irrespective of high-level or low-level language, but does not use program control ( In other words, even an electronic device (which is configured only with hardware logic) is the same in that the event-initiated concept is also adopted since an operation state inside the device changes when a certain switch is operated. Therefore, the “event” referred to in the present specification is applied not only to program control but also to an electronic device constituted only by hardware logic.

<Conventional Event Signal Generator> In general, all electronic devices are usually designed so that their internal operating states can be variously changed regardless of whether they are software parts or hardware parts. An event signal generator for appropriately generating various event signals and providing them to required parts is indispensable. As described above, a representative of the event signal generator is a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. They are,
This is one of the essential input devices in a personal computer. In addition, a touch panel, a digitizer, and the like are also event signal generators, and a voice input device is also one of the event signal generators.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned conventional event signal generators (for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a digitizer) are large in size,
Since it is necessary to connect with a cable, there is a problem that it is particularly difficult to apply to a small electronic device. Although the voice input device does not cause such a problem,
Since the accuracy of voice recognition is still not enough, and the control burden is quite large, for equipment that has a low-performance CPU and only a small amount of memory, such as small electronic equipment,
Naturally, it is not suitable because practically satisfactory recognition performance cannot be obtained.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an event signal generating device which is particularly suitable for use in small electronic equipment.

[0008]

An event signal generating apparatus according to claim 1 is provided in a main body having detecting means for detecting acceleration or impact in at least two directions, and is output from said detecting means in two or more directions. Classification means for classifying the pattern of movement of the main body based on the acceleration or impact of,
Signal generating means for generating a unique event signal according to the classified pattern.
3. An electronic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a main body having a detection unit for detecting acceleration or impact in at least two directions and an electronic circuit for changing an operation state in response to an event signal; Classifying means for classifying a pattern of movement of the main body based on acceleration or impact of a direction or more, and signal generating means for generating an event signal so as to change an operation state of the electronic circuit according to the classified pattern. , Is provided. An electronic device according to a third aspect is the electronic device according to the second aspect, wherein an operation state changed by the event signal is stored.
Storage means, and an interface for outputting the operation state stored in the first storage means to an external device and for storing a new operation state in the first storage means. It is characterized by the following. An electronic device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the second aspect, wherein a second storage unit that stores the classification content of the classification unit,
And an interface for outputting the classification contents stored in the storage means to an external device, and for storing the new classification contents in the second storage means.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, taking an example of an event signal generator applied to a small portable information terminal.

The "terminal" means a client-type information processing apparatus connected to a host computer or a main controller via a wired or wireless network or a mixed network of these (always or whenever necessary). It is a word, but is not limited to such a narrow meaning in this specification. Not only information equipment having such a function (client function) but also, for example, a telephone line or a LAN (local area network)
communication device that can be connected to the Internet through the Internet, etc., an electronic organizer that manages personal information, a portable electronic dictionary, an electronic device that records and plays back audio information, a portable electronic game (game) device, and a portable electronic game device. GPS
(Global Positioning System) It means various electronic devices such as receivers.

<Appearance of portable information terminal> In FIG.
Is a portable information terminal. The portable information terminal 1 includes a main body 2 having a small notebook size, a liquid crystal display 3 and a minimum number of operation buttons 4 (only one is shown in the figure, but a plurality may be provided). (N is 2
An electronic circuit including acceleration sensors 5 and 6 (detection means) for detecting accelerations in directions orthogonal to each other of the following integers; n = 2). For example, the liquid crystal display 3 includes several menu objects. It has a "top menu display function" for displaying 7 to 11 (also called a menu icon). In this display state, when an object is on-focused and clicked, a program associated with the menu is executed. is there. Here, although not particularly limited, 7 is a menu object for opening a telephone directory, 8 is a menu object for opening a calendar, 9 is a menu object for opening a memo pad, and 10 is a menu object for opening an e-mail record. The menu object 11 is a menu object for returning to the previous operation state, and the menu object on the black background (the menu 10 for e-mail in the figure) indicates that the focus is currently on.

<Acceleration Sensor> The two acceleration sensors 5 and 6 built in the vicinity of the upper end of the main body 2 are provided with different accelerations in n directions (here, n = 2) applied to the main body 2.
And acceleration in the Z-axis direction and acceleration in the X-axis direction, respectively).
And outputs a DC voltage that represents the magnitude of the acceleration when instantaneously moved and represents the direction of the acceleration by the polarity. The mounting positions of the acceleration sensors 5 and 6 are set near the upper end of the main body 2 as shown in the figure, for the reason that "the user has moved the portable information terminal 1 having the main body 2 having a small notebook size by hand. This is the position where the largest amount of motion is obtained in this case. "This position is a position where the acceleration applied to the acceleration sensors 5 and 6 is large, and therefore the output voltages of the acceleration sensors 5 and 6 are sufficiently large. Because there is. As shown in FIG. 2, the acceleration sensors 5 and 6 are housed in a cylindrical case 12, and an end surface 12a of the case 12 is provided with a linear mark 12b indicating the direction of sensing the acceleration. Inside the case 12, a sensor element 13 in which two piezoelectric materials (for example, piezoelectric ceramics) are attached is mounted in a cantilever state with one end fixed to a stay 14.
The deformation direction of the sensor element 13 is indicated by the longitudinal direction of the mark 12b.

The acceleration sensors 5 and 6 having such a structure are described.
Is generally referred to as a bimorph-type acceleration sensor. When an acceleration F is applied to the case 12 in the longitudinal direction of the mark 12b, the built-in sensor element 13 bends under its own weight (u is the size of the bend), One of the two piezoelectric materials extends and the other shrinks, and the piezoelectric effect generates a positive charge on the extension side and a negative charge on the contraction side. As a result, between the terminals 15 and 16 drawn from the two piezoelectric materials. , "A DC voltage in which the magnitude of the acceleration is represented by a voltage and the direction is represented by a polarity" can be generated. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the output characteristics of the acceleration sensors 5 and 6. Although there are some Lissajous characteristics, an almost linear relationship between the acceleration F and the output voltage V is recognized.

<Detection of magnitude and direction of acceleration> FIG.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of detection of the magnitude and direction of acceleration caused by an acceleration detection signal according to the present embodiment, and will be apparent from the following description.
Is used to detect the magnitude of the acceleration discretely (two steps for each of the positive and negative polarities in a simple example in the figure) by using the linear output characteristic of. In FIG. 4, L _H2 , L _H1 , L _H
L1 and L _L2 are threshold levels, respectively, and the magnitude relationship is L _H2 > L _H1 >0> L _L1 > L _L2 . Here, the region from L _H1 to L _L1 sandwiching “0” in the figure is a margin (so-called dead zone) for eliminating noise and the like. Even if the acceleration detection signal V within this range is detected, the noise is reduced. Is recognized. When the above four threshold levels are provided, the combination of the polarity and magnitude of the acceleration detection signal V of the acceleration sensors 5 and 6 can be classified into any of the following six patterns. Pattern: L _L1 ≧ V> L _L2 pattern: V ≧ L _H2 pattern: 0 ≧ V> L _L1 pattern: L _H2 > V ≧ L _H1 pattern: L _L2 ≧ V Pattern: L _H1 > V ≧ 0

The four patterns () excluding the pattern () in the dead zone are discrete information indicating the direction and magnitude of the acceleration, and the state of the acceleration is as follows. Pattern: Weak acceleration in the negative direction (negative polarity) (hereinafter "N
EG_LO ”) Pattern: Strong acceleration in the + direction (positive polarity) (hereinafter“ P
OS_HI ”) Pattern: Weak acceleration in the + direction (positive polarity) (hereinafter“ P
OS_LO ") Pattern: Strong acceleration in the negative direction (negative polarity) (hereinafter" N
EG_HI ")

<Electronic Configuration of Portable Information Terminal> FIG. 5 is an internal block diagram of the portable information terminal 1. Reference numeral 20 denotes an event signal generator, and 21 denotes a CPU (classifying means, signal generating means,
An electronic circuit), 22 is constituted by an EEPROM, and an electrically rewritable ROM (second storage means);
AM (first storage means), 24 is a display unit including a liquid crystal display (see reference numeral 3 in FIG. 1), 25 is a key input unit including operation buttons and a power switch (see reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1), 26 is For example, a communication unit (interface) using Ir (infrared). The event signal generator 20 (event signal generator) includes an acceleration sensor 5 in the X-axis direction and an acceleration sensor 6 in the Z-axis direction, and two amplifiers that individually amplify the output voltages of the acceleration sensors 5 and 6. Analog-to-digital converters (abbreviations: ADCs) 20c, 20a and 20b and analog-to-digital converters (abbreviations: ADCs) for converting the amplified output voltages into digital signals (acceleration detection signals), respectively;
0d. The CPU 21 stores an operation state (to be described later) relating to the generated event signal in the RAM 2 based on a program (classification content) stored in the ROM 22.
3 to control the display contents of the display unit 24 and the communication operation with an external information processing device performed via the communication unit 26, to execute the program stored in the ROM 22. rewrite. The operation state recorded in the RAM 23 is also output to an external information processing device via the communication unit 26, or a new write instruction is issued. Some of the tasks constituting the program include a signal from the key input unit 25 and an event signal generation unit 2.
It is an event-activated type that starts processing in response to a signal from 0.

<Pattern Classification Program> FIG.
This program is one of the programs executed in U21, and is composed of two signals (the Z-axis acceleration detection signal Vzn and the X-axis acceleration detection signal Vx) from the event signal generator 20.
n), the polarity (positive or negative) and the magnitude of the acceleration are evaluated and classified into the above four patterns (), and the internal signals (POS_HI, POS_LO, NEG_) corresponding to each classification are evaluated.
LO, NEG_HI). Hereinafter, this program is referred to as a “pattern classification program” for convenience. Here, the pattern classification program needs to constantly monitor the state of the two acceleration detection signals Vzn and Vxn from the event signal generator 20, so that the pattern classification program periodically (predetermined time interval Td) or simultaneously with other programs. Must be executed (so-called multitasking). First, before describing the operation of the pattern classification program, variables used in the program are listed below. Vxn: Variable for storing the value of the acceleration detection signal at time n in the X-axis direction Vxn-1: Variable for storing the value of the most recent acceleration detection signal before the time n Vxd: Vxn and Vxn-1 (Vxn-Vxn-
1) Variables for storing Vxd-1: previous Vxn (Vxn-1) and previous Vx
Vzn: a variable for storing the value of the acceleration detection signal at time n in the Z-axis direction Vzn: a variable for storing the value of the acceleration detection signal at time n in the Z-axis direction Variable for storing the value of the detection signal Vzd: the difference between Vzn and Vzn-1 (Vzn-Vzn-
Variables for storing 1) Vzd-1: previous Vzn (Vzn-1) and previous Vz
Variable for storing the difference from n-1 (Vzn-2)

The pattern classification program is executed in the order of execution. The block Z1 for determining the dead zone for the X-axis acceleration detection signal Vxn and calculating the acceleration, and the pattern classification block B2 (the subroutine program SUB_A in the figure, but for convenience of illustration). ) And, furthermore, although simplified by surrounding them with broken lines in the figure, Z including blocks similar to B1 and B2 described above.
It can be divided into an axial acceleration signal block B3.
That is, the pattern classification program executes the predetermined time interval T
B1, B2 and B3 are sequentially executed for each d, and B1 and B3
2 to determine the dead zone for the “X-axis acceleration detection signal Vxn” and classify the pattern (POS_HI, POS_LO, N
EG_LO and NEG_HI signals are generated), and in B3, a dead zone is determined for the “Z-axis acceleration detection signal Vzn”, and patterns are classified (POS_HI,
POS_LO, NEG_LO, and NEG_HI signals).

In the following, a description will be given of each block. In the block B1, first, of the two signals output from the event signal generator 20, the "X-axis acceleration detection signal Vx
n "is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 23 (S1).
Then, the sign bit of Vxn is examined to determine whether the polarity is positive or not (S2). For the positive electrode, then V
the absolute value of the acceleration of xn is determined whether or the absolute value of L _H1 to (S3), while it is judged that has entered the dead band in the following cases (S5), the polarity of if not positive (Vxn negative Is determined whether or not the absolute value of the acceleration of Vxn is equal to or less than the absolute value of L _L1 (S4). If not, it is determined that the vehicle is within the dead zone as described above, and the current value is obtained. The difference between the variable Vxn and the variable Vxn _-1 previously taken and stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 23 is calculated (S6).

Next, in the block B2 (see the subprogram: SUB_A in FIG. 7), first, the Vxn
And Vxd are both 0, that is, it is determined whether acceleration has not been detected and whether the current detection is plus or minus 0 (S11). It is determined that there is no substantial change in the “X-axis acceleration detection signal Vxn” output from the signal generator 20 (therefore, no acceleration in the X-axis direction is applied to the main body 2 of the portable information terminal 1), Previously acquired, RAM 23
Overwriting a variable Vxn _-1 stored predetermined in the memory area while overwriting the currently obtained Vxn, previously acquired, a variable Vxd _-1 stored in the currently obtained Vxd in a predetermined memory area of the RAM23 (S in FIG. 6
7) Then, the block B2 ends. On the other hand, step S1
When it is determined at 1 that Vxn is other than 0 or Vxd is other than 0, a substantial change occurs in the “X-axis acceleration detection signal Vxn” output from the event signal generator 20. (Therefore, the main body 2 of the portable information terminal 1)
Is accelerated in the X-axis direction).
The direction of the acceleration is determined based on Vxd (S12 or S1
6) Yes.

In this direction determination, first, “0 ≦ Vxd ₋₁ ,
In addition, it is determined whether or not Vxd <0 (the first condition) is satisfied (S12), and if the result is NO, “Vxd
_It is determined whether or not “ ₋₁ ≦ 0 and 0 <Vxd” (second condition) are satisfied (S16). The first condition is a condition for determining whether or not the direction of the acceleration is the positive direction. Specifically, the condition “0 ≦ Vxd ₋₁ ” indicates that the direction of the previous acceleration (positive or 0) This is for determining. The first condition “Vxd <0” is for determining the current acceleration including the direction. The second condition is a condition for determining whether or not the direction of acceleration is a negative direction. Specifically, the second condition is a condition “Vxd ₋₁ ≦
"0" is for determining the direction (negative or 0) of the previous acceleration. Note that the second condition “0 <Vx
"d" is also for determining the current acceleration including the direction.

When the first condition and the second condition are not satisfied (when both S12 and S16 are NO),
The direction of the acceleration is neither positive nor negative, that is, no substantial change occurs in the “X-axis acceleration signal” output from the event signal generation unit 20 (therefore, the main body 2 of the portable information terminal 1 has no X-axis direction). Acceleration is not applied)
And the variable Vxn _-1 acquired last time and stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 23
While overwriting xn, the variable Vxd- ₁ acquired last time and stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 23 is overwritten with the currently acquired Vxd (S7 in FIG. 6), and the block B2 ends. On the other hand, if the first condition is satisfied (YES in step S12) or if the second condition is satisfied (YES in step S16),
Since the direction of the instantaneously changed acceleration is the positive direction or the negative direction, the threshold value (positive direction:
L _H2 , negative direction: L _L2 ), and perform pattern classification (S13, S17) according to each direction, and perform POS_HI or POS_LO in the positive direction, and perform pattern classification in the negative direction. Generates a signal of NEG_HI or NEG_LO (S14, S15, S18, S19).

That is, the acceleration change in the X axis is in the positive direction,
POS_H if the absolute value of the threshold value L _H2 is exceeded.
While I is generated (see FIG. 4), if not exceeded, POS_LO is generated (see FIG. 4), and the acceleration change in the X-axis is in the negative direction, and the absolute value of the threshold value L _L2 is If it exceeds, NEG_HI is generated (see FIG. 4), and if it does not exceed, NEG_LO is generated (see FIG. 4). When the above pattern classification is completed, the variable Vxn- ₁ stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 23 is overwritten on the currently obtained Vxn, and the variable Vxn- ₁ obtained last time is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 23. The variable Vxd- ₁ is overwritten on the currently obtained Vxd (S7 in FIG. 6), and the block B2 ends. Thereafter, the block B3 is executed (the same processing as that of the above blocks B1 and B2 is executed for the Z-axis acceleration signal Vzn).

In the present embodiment, the determination of the dead zone, the calculation of the acceleration, and the pattern classification for the X-axis and Z-axis acceleration signals are performed in a software manner. Of course, it is not a problem.

<Method of Adding Event Signal to Portable Information Terminal> The portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment is in the form of a notebook as described above. That is, it is a square shape that can fit in the palm, and is thin and lightweight. Therefore,
When the portable information terminal 1 having such a shape is to be held by hand, the user should hold the portable information terminal 1 solely on the palm and sandwich both sides of the main body 2 with the thumb and other fingers, or press down with the thumb from above. In such a way of holding,
When a desired acceleration is to be applied to the portable information terminal 1, as shown in FIG. 8, it is performed by a combination of "tilting motion" or "swinging motion" with the wrist as a fulcrum, and the motion information is divided into a total of eight motion patterns. be able to. Note that the "back-and-forth movement" of moving the wrist in the Y-axis direction in the figure is not suitable as an event signal generation movement, and is excluded from the target movement here.

When the acceleration change F, which is subdivided by the combination of the above-mentioned "tilting movement" and "head swing movement", is classified according to specificity, as shown in FIG. Reciprocating motion (b) in the opposite direction, reciprocating motion in the tilting direction (c) and reciprocating motion in the opposite direction (d), circular motion (e) which can be said to be a mixed type of swing motion and tilting motion, The reciprocating motion can be divided into a continuous motion (f) that is repeated several times in a short time. Although other exercises are conceivable, they will not be described here for the sake of simplicity. Also,
For convenience of explanation, each exercise listed in FIG. 9 will be referred to as follows. Motion (a): Forward swing motion (X-axis direction: acceleration F is detected in the positive direction / Z-axis direction: small acceleration) Motion (b): Reverse swing motion (X-axis direction: Acceleration F is detected in the negative direction / Z Motion (c): Positive tilt motion (X-axis direction: Low acceleration / Z-axis direction: Acceleration F detected in positive direction) Motion (d): Reverse tilt motion (X-axis direction: Low acceleration / Z Axial direction: acceleration F is detected in the negative direction) Motion (e): circular motion (X-axis direction: high acceleration and Z-axis direction: high acceleration are detected alternately at a predetermined time interval ΔTa) Motion (f): continuous Tilt movement (Z-axis direction: acceleration F is detected continuously at a predetermined time interval (ΔTa))

FIG. 10 shows that the user performs a head swing motion.
When the acceleration F is detected as shown in FIG.
Output change 52 of Z-axis acceleration sensor 5 and X-axis acceleration
It is a figure which shows the output changes 50 and 51 of the sensor 6. This
Here, "forward swing movement" is a mobile information
A motion of shaking the head of the terminal 1 in the positive direction of the X-axis for a predetermined time.
In the interval ΔTa, the output 5 of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5
0, 51 changes greatly, and the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6
Force 52 hardly changes. Therefore, acceleration of the Z axis
The output 52 (Vzn) of the degree sensor 6 is substantially in the dead zone (L H₁
~ L_L1) And X-axis acceleration sensor
The output 50, 51 (Vxn) of the circuit 5 is the threshold L_H1Over
The mobile information terminal 1 performs a head swing motion.
You can judge what was done. In the case of reverse swing motion
Are the outputs 50, 51 (Vx
n) is L_L1Over the mobile information terminal 1
It can be determined that the swinging motion has been performed. In addition, detection
The output (Vxn) of the obtained X-axis acceleration is the low threshold L_H1
Exceeded only (see 50) or high threshold L_H2Beyond
By determining whether or not (see 51),
Motion can be determined in two levels. Reverse swing
Judgment of the motion is based on the fact that the output (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration is low.
Threshold L_L1Only over or high threshold L_L2Have you surpassed
The strength of the reverse swing motion
This can be done in two stages.

FIG. 11 shows that the user performs a tilting exercise,
The Z axis when the acceleration F is detected as shown in FIG.
Change 54 of the acceleration sensor 5 and the X-axis acceleration sensor
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an output change 53 of the circuit 6. Here,
The “original exercise” is performed by using the wrist as a fulcrum and
This is a motion of swinging up and down, and at a predetermined time interval ΔTa,
The output 54 (Vzn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6 is large.
Changes, the output 53 of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 (Vxn)
Hardly changes. Therefore, the acceleration
The output 53 (Vxn) of the circuit 5 is substantially in the dead zone (L H₁~
L_L1) And Z-axis acceleration sensor
-6 output 54 (Vzn) is the threshold L_H1Beyond
If the mobile information terminal 1 has been
Can be determined. In the case of reverse tilt movement,
The output 54 (Vzn) of the acceleration sensor 6 is L_L1Beyond
If there is, the portable information terminal 1 performs a reverse tilt movement
You can judge that. Further, the output 54 (Vzn) is low.
Threshold L_H1Only exceeded or high threshold L_H2Beyond
By judging whether the movement is positive or negative
This can be done in two stages. Conversely, judgment of reverse tilt movement
Means that the output 54 (Vzn) is low threshold L_L1Beyond only
Or high threshold L_L2By examining whether or not
Judgment of neck tilt movement can be made in two levels.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an output change 56 of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 5 and an output change 55 of the X-axis acceleration sensor 6 when a circular motion is performed. Here, the circular motion is a mixed type of a swing motion in which the head of the portable information terminal 1 is swung left and right with a wrist as a fulcrum and a tilt motion in which the head is swung up and down.
The output 56 (Vzn) of the axis acceleration sensor 6 is in the positive direction,
Alternatively, the maximum time in the negative direction and the maximum time in the positive direction or the negative direction of the output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 6 alternately appear at a predetermined time interval ΔTd. Therefore,
When the output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 exceeds the threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ), if the output 56 (Vzn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6 is in the dead zone, or When the output 56 (Vzn) of the acceleration sensor 6 of the axis exceeds the threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ), the state that the output 55 (Vxn) of the acceleration sensor 5 of the X axis is in the dead zone is determined for a predetermined time. Detected alternately at intervals (ΔTa)
Further, with a cycle twice (2ΔTa) of the predetermined time interval,
The output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 or the output 56 (Vzn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6 is a threshold L
If it is detected that the distance exceeds _H1 (or L _L1 ), it can be determined that a circular motion has been performed on the portable information terminal 1.
Further, although not shown, it is determined whether or not only the low threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ) has been exceeded or the threshold value L _H2 (or L _L2 ) has been exceeded, and in the predetermined time interval (ΔTd). By judging how many times the threshold value is exceeded, the rotational speed of the circular motion can be determined in two levels of strength. Furthermore, the output 5 of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6
6 (Vzn) and the rotation direction can also be detected by a pattern of the detection order of the polarity direction detected first of the output 55 (Vxn) of the output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 6. it can.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an output change 58 of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 5 and an output change 57 of the X-axis acceleration sensor 6 when a continuous swing motion is performed. here,
The continuous swing motion is a motion in which the portable information terminal 1 is shaken up and down in the Z-axis direction several times (for example, three times) at intervals of a predetermined time interval ΔTa with the wrist as a fulcrum. 58 (Vzn) greatly changes with periodic vibration, and the output 57 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5
Hardly changes. Therefore, the output 57 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 is substantially in the dead zone, and the output 58 (Vxn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6
If zn) periodically exceeds the threshold value L _H1 three times in succession, it can be determined that the portable information terminal 1 has performed a continuous tilting exercise. Further, although no distinction is made in the drawing, the determination of the continuous tilting movement is made by checking whether only the low threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ) has been exceeded or whether the high threshold value L _H2 (or L _L2 ) has been exceeded. Can be performed in two stages of strength. Furthermore, although not shown, when detecting a continuous swinging motion, Z
In a state where the output 58 (Vzn) of the acceleration sensor 6 of the axis is substantially in the dead zone, and the acceleration sensor 5 of the X axis
Can be determined by detecting that the output 57 (Vxn) exceeds the threshold value L _H1 three times in a row.

The predetermined time interval ΔTa in FIG. 10 is selected from various accelerations given to the portable information terminal 1 (a forward / reverse swing motion, a forward / reverse swing motion intentionally performed). And a detection cycle for extracting the acceleration associated with the continuous tilting movement), and a preferable value thereof is not particularly limited, but is approximately 0.15 to 0.5 seconds.
The settings can be changed as appropriate based on the programs (classification contents) executed by the CPU.

<Relationship between Event Signal and Internal Operation>
Now, from the above description, the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment
In FIG. 9, each of the exercises shown in FIG. 9 --- the forward swing motion (a), the reverse swing motion (b), the vertical swing motion (c),
By selectively giving the reverse tilt motion (d), the circular motion (e) and the continuous tilt motion (f) --- specific output changes can be obtained by both the X-axis and Z-axis acceleration sensors 5 and 6. It was revealed that by detecting the movement, it was possible to determine which exercise was given, and also to determine the level of the strength. Such a motion corresponds to, for example, a right mouse button click operation, a double click operation, or a depression operation of an arbitrary button on a keyboard in a conventional event signal generation device. Since the movement element can be a “trigger” of the portable information terminal 1, it may be associated with the internal operation of each of the portable information terminals 1 afterward.

For example, in the case of a program installed in software (stored in the RAM 23) for storing and managing document data by title (file name) and executed when browsing such data, the ROM 22 stores A table 221 shown in FIG. 14 that stores the detected pattern (operation state), the content of the event, and the control content of the CPU 21 in association with each other is stored. Shall be done. That is, in FIG. 14, the head swinging motion (a): “advance” event The forward line feed when weak, and the forward page feed when strong. Reverse swing motion (b): "Return" event Reverse feed forward if weak, reverse feed forward if strong. Positivity movement (c): "Return" event (*) Return to a higher level. Or cancel selection. Reverse tilt movement (d): "execution" event (*) For example, when an object being on-focused has a lower hierarchy, execution instruction processing such as moving to that hierarchy. Circular motion (e): "Move" event In the case of clockwise rotation, forward cursor movement, and in the case of counterclockwise rotation, backward cursor movement. Continuous swing movement (f): "Jump to top menu" event (*) However, the * mark indicates that strength is not distinguished. It is defined as

<Example of Operation of Portable Information Terminal> FIG. 15 is a state transition diagram of the portable information terminal 1 performed by making full use of these events. Portions 60 to 69 surrounded by ellipses schematically show the respective states. Arrow lines 70 to 79 connecting the ellipses schematically represent state transitions. In the display state 60 of the top menu, as shown in FIG. 1, a telephone directory menu 7, a schedule table menu 8, a memo pad menu 9, an e-mail menu 10, and a menu for returning to the previous operation state (that is, the marked display position). 11 etc. are liquid crystal displays 3
Is displayed in. Here, an appropriate menu is selected by detecting a “movement” event generated by giving the circular motion (e) and highlighting it. Then, the procedure registered in the menu is executed by detecting an “execution” event generated by giving the reverse tilt movement (d).

For example, in the electronic mail 60 in the display state of the top menu, the menu 10 is selected and given an on-focus by giving the portable information terminal 1 “circle motion (e)” (see FIG. 9E). When a reverse tilt motion (d) ”(see FIG. 9D) is given, the table 22
By referring to No. 1, an "execution" event signal is generated, and the procedure registered in the e-mail menu 10 (a procedure in which the e-mail software is activated and a code for displaying a transmission / reception list is described) is executed. In FIG. 15, the state transits to the electronic mail browsing state 64 through the arrow line 73. FIG. 16 shows the browsing state 64 of the e-mail.
Is an example of a display screen of the portable information terminal 1 in this example. In this example, a list of incoming mails is displayed for convenience. That is, reference numeral 80 denotes a line of items such as the serial number (No.) of the incoming mail, the subject, the sender's address, the date of sending, and the like. In the list column 81 below, the subject information for each incoming mail is displayed.

Here, the row of black-and-white inversion is an on-focus row. In this state, when the portable information terminal 1 is again given a “reverse tilt movement” (see FIG. 9D),
1, an "execution" event signal is generated, and this time, the state is changed to the lower hierarchy of the on-focus object (the black-and-white inverted line), that is, the display screen of the mail text of the serial number "2" (see FIG. 17). Will transition. Then, in the state of the display screen of the mail body, if, for example, “moving up and down” (see FIG. 9C) is given to the portable information terminal 1, a “return” event signal is generated by the table 221, Returning to the previous state, that is, returning to the incoming mail list display screen, and giving the portable information terminal 1 a “continuous swinging exercise” (see FIG. 9F), the “jump” event A signal is generated and the display returns to the top menu display screen.

<Summary> As described above, according to the portable information terminal 1 of the present embodiment, the X-axis and Z-axis acceleration signals are comprehensively evaluated and various movements of the portable information terminal 1 ( Movement) can be classified and discriminated,
Event signals associated with each exercise pattern can be selectively generated. Therefore, for example, a conventional event signal generator such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a digitizer can be eliminated, and obstructions such as cables can be eliminated.

Further, if an ultra-small (small enough to be incorporated in a wristwatch) acceleration sensor such as a bimorph-type acceleration sensor is used, it can be mounted on the portable information terminal 1 without any obstacle. Set the mounting position to the optimal position (the position where the maximum acceleration is obtained;
Near the upper end).

In addition to the application to the portable information terminal 1 as in the present embodiment, for example, a portable (and thus small) audio equipment 91 having a headset 90 as shown in FIG. Since the present invention can be easily applied to various types of small electronic devices having portability, an industrially advantageous effect that operability of all kinds of small electronic devices can be significantly improved can be obtained.

<Using an Impact Sensor Instead of an Acceleration Sensor> In the above embodiment, for example, a bimorph-type acceleration sensor having a linear output characteristic is used. Is a best mode for discretely detecting the acceleration. If only the presence or absence and the direction of acceleration application are detected, an impact sensor (detection means) having a structure as shown in FIG. 19 can be used. In FIG. 19, 100 is a case, 101 is a first fixed electrode, 102 is a second fixed electrode, 103 is a third fixed electrode, and 104 is between the first fixed electrode 101 and the second fixed electrode 102. The movable electrode also serving as a mass body located at 1
05 is a conductive spring member connecting between the movable electrode 104 and the third fixed electrode 103, 106 is a pull-up (or pull-down) resistor to the first potential V1, and 107 is a pull-up to the second potential (Or pull-down) resistor 108 is at ground potential.

According to this, in a steady state (state in which no impact is applied), the movable electrode 104 is connected to the first fixed electrode 10.
Since it is located almost in the middle between the first and second fixed electrodes 102 and is not in contact with any of the electrodes, the potentials of the terminals 109 and 110 are
Although they are equivalent to V1 and V2, respectively, when a downward impact (see a white arrow) in the drawing is applied, the movable electrode 104 also serving as a mass moves instantaneously downward against the rigidity of the spring member 105. To contact the second fixed electrode 102, a closed circuit of V2 → pull-up resistor 107 → second fixed electrode 102 → movable electrode 104 → spring member 105 → third fixed electrode 103 → ground potential 108 → V2 As a result, a potential lower than V2 by a voltage drop represented by the product of the current flowing through the circuit and the resistance value of the pull-up resistor 107 appears at the terminal 110.

When an upward impact (in the opposite direction of the white arrow) is applied, the movable electrode 104 also serving as a mass body instantaneously moves upward against the rigidity of the spring member 105, and , A closed circuit of V1 → pull-up resistor 106 → first fixed electrode 101 → movable electrode 104 → spring member 105 → third fixed electrode 103 → ground potential 108 → V1 is formed, as a result,
A potential lower than V1 by a voltage drop represented by the product of the current flowing through the circuit and the resistance value of the pull-up resistor 106 appears at the terminal 109.

Therefore, by monitoring the potentials of the two terminals 109 and 110, it is possible to determine whether or not an impact has been applied and the direction in which the impact has been applied, as described below. No impact: terminal 109 = V1, and terminal 110 = V2 impact (downward): terminal 109 = V1, and terminal 110 = V2- _E107 impact (upward): terminal 109 = V1- _E106 , and Terminal 110 = V2 where E ₁₀₆ is the voltage drop of pull-up resistor 106,
₁₀₇ is a voltage drop of the pull-up resistor 107.

[0044]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the event signal generator is provided in the main body having the detecting means for detecting acceleration or impact in at least two directions, and the acceleration in two or more directions outputted from the detecting means. Or classifying means for classifying the movement pattern of the main body based on the shock, and signal generating means for generating a unique event signal according to the classified pattern, so that acceleration or shock in at least two directions is provided. , The motion pattern of the main body is classified, and a unique event signal corresponding to the classified pattern can be generated. Therefore, for example, a conventional event signal generator such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a digitizer can be eliminated, and obstructions such as cables can be eliminated. According to the electronic device of the present invention, a main body including a detection unit for detecting acceleration or impact in at least two directions and an electronic circuit for changing an operation state in response to an event signal is output from the detection unit. Classifying means for classifying a movement pattern of the main body based on acceleration or impact in two or more directions, and signal generation for generating an event signal so as to change an operation state of the electronic circuit according to the classified pattern Means for classifying movement patterns of the main body based on acceleration or impact in at least two directions, and generating a unique event signal according to the classified pattern. Therefore, for example, an electronic device that does not require a conventional event signal generator such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a digitizer can be realized, and obstructions such as a cable can be eliminated, thereby facilitating the design of the electronic device. be able to. According to the electronic device of the third aspect, in the electronic device of the second aspect, the first storage unit that stores the operation state changed by the event signal, and the operation that is stored in the first storage unit. An interface for outputting a state to an external device and for storing a new operation state in the first storage means, so that an event such as information output to the external device can be performed, for example, This can be performed without using a conventional event signal generating device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a digitizer, and the usability can be improved. According to the electronic device of the fourth aspect, in the electronic device of the second aspect, the second storage means for storing the classification contents of the classification means, and the classification contents stored in the second storage means are stored in an external device. And an interface for outputting to the second device and storing the new classification contents in the second storage means, so that the movement pattern of the main body can be freely changed or added. In addition, the flexibility such as system improvement can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of an acceleration sensor.

FIG. 3 is an output characteristic diagram of an acceleration sensor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an output signal change state of an acceleration sensor.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a portable information terminal.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (part 1) of a pattern classification program.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (part 2) of the pattern classification program.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a basic exercise state (head swing / tilt exercise) of the portable information terminal.

FIG. 9 is an exercise state diagram of the portable information terminal associated with the event signal.

FIG. 10 is an output signal change state diagram of a forward swing motion (reverse swing motion) in the portable information terminal.

FIG. 11 is an output signal change state diagram of forward and backward motion (reverse and upward motion) in the portable information terminal.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a change state of an output signal of a circular motion on an X-axis and a Z-axis plane.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a change state of an output signal of a continuous swing motion.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing setting contents of a table.

FIG. 15 is a state transition diagram of the portable information terminal.

FIG. 16 is a screen display diagram of the portable information terminal in an electronic mail browsing state.

FIG. 17 is a screen display diagram of a mail text.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an application to a portable audio device.

FIG. 19 is a structural diagram of an impact sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5, 6 acceleration sensor (detection means) 2 main body 20 event signal generation unit (event signal generation device) 21 CPU (classification means, signal generation means, electronic circuit) 221 table (second storage means) 23 RAM (first Storage means) 26 Communication unit (interface)

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 24, 1998 (1998.12.
24)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 11 shows that the user performs a tilting exercise,
When the acceleration F is detected as shown in FIG.Xaxis
Output change 5 of acceleration sensor 53WhenZAxis acceleration
Output change 5 of circuit 64FIG. Here,
The “original exercise” is performed by using the wrist as a fulcrum and
This is a motion of swinging up and down, and at a predetermined time interval ΔTa,
The output 54 (Vzn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6 is large.
Changes, the output 53 of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 (Vxn)
Hardly changes. Therefore, the acceleration
The output 53 (Vxn) of the circuit 5 is substantially in the dead zone (L _H1~
L_L1) And Z-axis acceleration sensor
-6 output 54 (Vzn) is the threshold L_H1Beyond
If the mobile information terminal 1 has been
Can be determined. In the case of reverse tilt movement,
The output 54 (Vzn) of the acceleration sensor 6 is L_L1Beyond
If there is, the portable information terminal 1 performs a reverse tilt movement
You can judge that. Further, the output 54 (Vzn) is low.
Threshold L_H1Only exceeded or high threshold L_H2Beyond
By judging whether the movement is positive or negative
This can be done in two stages. Conversely, judgment of reverse tilt movement
Means that the output 54 (Vzn) is low threshold L_L1Beyond only
Or high threshold L_L2By examining whether or not
Judgment of neck tilt movement can be made in two levels.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing when performing circular motion, and an output change 5 6 of the acceleration sensor 6 of the output change 5 5 and Z-axis of the acceleration sensor 5 of the X-axis. Here, the circular motion is a mixed type of a swing motion in which the head of the portable information terminal 1 is swung left and right with a wrist as a fulcrum and a tilt motion in which the head is swung up and down.
The output 56 (Vzn) of the axis acceleration sensor 6 is in the positive direction,
Alternatively, the maximum time in the negative direction and the maximum time in the positive direction or the negative direction of the output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 alternately appear at a predetermined time interval ΔTa. Therefore,
When the output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 exceeds the threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ), if the output 56 (Vzn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6 is in the dead zone, or When the output 56 (Vzn) of the acceleration sensor 6 of the axis exceeds the threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ), the state that the output 55 (Vxn) of the acceleration sensor 5 of the X axis is in the dead zone is determined for a predetermined time. Detected alternately at intervals (ΔTa)
Further, with a cycle twice (2ΔTa) of the predetermined time interval,
The output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 or the output 56 (Vzn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6 is a threshold L
If it is detected that the distance exceeds _H1 (or L _L1 ), it can be determined that a circular motion has been performed on the portable information terminal 1.
Further, although not shown, it is determined whether only the low threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ) has been exceeded or the threshold value L _H2 (or L _L2 ) has also been exceeded, or the predetermined time interval (ΔT a ) By judging how many times the threshold value has been exceeded in the above, the rotation speed of the circular motion can be determined in two stages of high and low. Furthermore, the output 5 of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6
6 (Vzn) and the polarity direction detected first of the output 55 (Vxn) of the output 55 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 can detect the rotation direction also by the detection order pattern. it can.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 13 shows a state in which a continuous tilting movement is performed.
Is a diagram showing the output change 5 8 of the acceleration sensor 6 of the output change 5 7 and Z-axis of the acceleration sensor 5 of the X-axis. here,
The continuous swing motion is a motion in which the portable information terminal 1 is shaken up and down in the Z-axis direction several times (for example, three times) at intervals of a predetermined time interval ΔTa with the wrist as a fulcrum. 58 (Vzn) greatly changes with periodic vibration, and the output 57 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5
Hardly changes. Therefore, the output 57 (Vxn) of the X-axis acceleration sensor 5 is substantially in the dead zone, and the output 58 (Vxn) of the Z-axis acceleration sensor 6
If zn) periodically exceeds the threshold value L _H1 three times in succession, it can be determined that the portable information terminal 1 has performed a continuous tilting exercise. Further, although no distinction is made in the drawing, the determination of the continuous tilting movement is made by checking whether only the low threshold value L _H1 (or L _L1 ) has been exceeded or whether the high threshold value L _H2 (or L _L2 ) has been exceeded. Can be performed in two stages of strength. Furthermore, although not shown, when detecting a continuous swinging motion, Z
In a state where the output 58 (Vzn) of the acceleration sensor 6 of the axis is substantially in the dead zone, and the acceleration sensor 5 of the X axis
Can be determined by detecting that the output 57 (Vxn) exceeds the threshold value L _H1 three times in a row.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] FIG.

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A main body having a detecting means for detecting acceleration or impact in at least two directions, wherein a movement pattern of the main body is classified based on acceleration or shock in two or more directions outputted from the detecting means. An event signal generating apparatus, comprising: a classifying unit that generates a unique event signal according to the classified pattern. 2. A main body having detection means for detecting acceleration or impact in at least two directions, and an electronic circuit for changing an operation state in response to an event signal, and acceleration in two or more directions output from the detection means. Or classifying means for classifying a pattern of movement of the main body based on an impact, and signal generating means for generating an event signal to change an operation state of the electronic circuit according to the classified pattern. Electronic equipment characterized by the above. 3. A first storage means for storing an operation state changed by the event signal; outputting the operation state stored in the first storage means to an external device; 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising: an interface for storing a new operation state in the storage unit. 4. A second memory for storing the classification contents of said classification means.
Storage means, and an interface for outputting the classification contents stored in the second storage means to an external device, and for storing new classification contents in the second storage means. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: