JP2000069535A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic equipment by which the user can conduct diversified operations simply without taking much time and labor. SOLUTION: A notch is provided at a part of a multi-function key (1st key) 6, and a decision/setting key (2nd key) 7 used in relation to the operation of the multi-function key 6 is arranged at the notched part. Since the user can easily and surely operate the keys, this invention is useful for the electronic equipment requiring diversified operations.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having many functions, which is provided with a key (so-called multi-function key) which is also used for pressing a plurality of keys in different directions of a single pressed portion. In particular, it is used in electronic devices having many functions such as mobile phones.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic devices including mobile phones have been provided with various functions. The electronics are
In consideration of portability, in order to reduce the number of operation keys, there is an increasing number of multi-function keys provided with keys for performing different processing in different directions by pressing in different directions.

In particular, portable telephones have been reduced in size and weight due to portability and usability, and multi-function keys have been increasingly used. Hereinafter, description will be made using an example of a mobile phone.

FIG. 5 shows a conventional portable telephone. As described above, the mobile phone has an antenna unit 101 for transmitting and receiving communication,
A speaker unit 102 for outputting sound, a display unit 103 for visually displaying various states, messages, memos, etc., a key group 104 including ten keys for dialing, a microphone unit 105 for inputting sound, The multi-function key 106 includes a decision / setting key 107 for deciding a set item and shifting to a setting mode, and a clear key 108 for clearing the set item.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction key 106 can detect pressing in four directions (this is merely an example, and can be pressed in two or more directions). Just do it.) In other words, by pressing the position indicated by the triangle mark and the vicinity thereof, processing corresponding to each can be performed. Thus, a plurality of operations can be performed with one key. In addition, since the related processing is covered by the single multi-function key 106, the processing can be performed smoothly.

For example, when using the redial function provided in a mobile phone, pressing one of the upper and lower triangular marks causes the telephone number stored for outgoing / incoming, the processing time, the telephone number, and the like. One set of corresponding names (when registered in advance or sent from the other party) (pre-registered, no name is displayed if there is no transmission from the other party)
The set can be called in order for each operation of the call and the triangle. If the called telephone number is a calling one, the operation of the enter / set key 107 causes
Decision and selection are made and then transmitted to the telephone network by, for example, operating a call key, so that the caller can communicate with the other party.

When using / setting various functions of the mobile phone, the set special keys (which may be shared with the multi-function key 106) are operated to shift the mobile phone to various function setting modes. After that, by pressing one of the left and right triangles or one of the upper and lower triangles of the multi-function key 106, the setting mode is switched or the setting contents are changed. After that, if the set contents are to be registered, the enter / set key 107 is pressed. Further, if the user wants to delete without registering, the user presses the clear key 108.

As described above, the multi-function key 1
06 and the related determination / setting key 107 were mostly used in a single process.

[0009]

However, the multi-function key and the related decision / setting key are provided separately, and when performing the operation, the position of the multi-function key and the decision / setting are set. Both the position of the key and the key had to be checked, and the operability was poor.

Conversely, a method is also conceivable in which the function of the determination / setting key is also used at the operable position (triangular mark position) of the multi-function key. Therefore, the method of using the multi-function key and the enter key in this way may be inconvenient.

Further, if the multi-function key and the determination / setting key are simply arranged close to each other, a malfunction may occur due to a mistouch or the like.

[0012] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that allows a user to perform various operations with simple operations without trouble.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a first key unit in which pressing of a plurality of locations is determined as different input processes,
At least one second part in which a part of the first key portion is disposed at a position where the non-pressable position is cut off.
And a key part.

Further, in the electronic device according to the present invention, the pressing of a plurality of points is determined as different input processes.
A key portion and at least a second key portion in which a part of the first key portion is cut off at a position where the portion cannot be pressed, and a portion of the key portion is disposed. The processing to be executed is related to the processing assigned to the second key unit.

Further, the second key portion is provided with a structure for guiding an operation.

Further, the first key and the second key portion are arranged substantially on the same line.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a portable telephone among electronic devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an antenna unit 1 for transmitting and receiving communication, a speaker unit 2 for outputting sound, a display unit 3 for visually displaying various states, messages, memos, and the like, a numeric keypad for dialing, and the like. Key group 4, a microphone unit 5 for inputting voice, a multi-function key 6, a decision / setting key 7 for deciding a set item and shifting to a setting mode, and a clear key 8 for clearing the set item. Has become.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, a part of the enter / set key 7 is inserted into a part of the multi-function key 6. That is, the multi-function key 6 cuts out a part of the place other than the operable position and arranges a part of the enter / set key 7. Further, a decision / setting key 7 is arranged in the upper left direction of the multi-function key 6.

Next, the operation of the present configuration will be described with reference to a specific operation example. As an example, a case where a telephone directory function provided in a mobile phone is used will be described.

First, by pressing the triangular mark 6a of the multi-function key 6, it becomes possible to search for a telephone number registered in the main body in advance. By inputting the upper and lower triangular marks 6b of the multi-function key 6, the registered name and the corresponding telephone number can be called as one set in the registered order. Then, by repeatedly operating the triangular marks 6b and 6d in the same direction, the registered data can be read in the forward order. In addition, data can be read in the reverse order by operating the inverted triangle mark 6d, and continuous reading can be performed in the reverse order.

If these triangle marks 6b and 6d are continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the mode shifts to the high-speed search mode, and only a plurality of names are displayed on the display unit 3 at a time, so that high-speed search can be performed.

If special settings are made for the called telephone number (partner), the user's finger that is operating is slid while touching the multi-function key 6, and from the cutout of the multi-function key 6, the enter key is set. Lead to 7. Then, the operation of the determination / setting key 7 is prompted to allow the user to easily perform the determination operation. The operation of the enter / set key 7 sets / cancels an incoming call rejection mode (mode for rejecting an incoming call at this telephone number) or a mode for receiving a call with a specific ringing tone for the other party of the called telephone number. can do.

However, during the high-speed search, the desired party is flashed once, and then the enter / set key 7 is operated, and then the enter / set key 7 is operated again to shift to the special setting mode.

Next, as another example, a case where a kanji used for a name or the like is input will be described. Here, the case where the name used in the telephone directory is directly input will be described.

First, by pressing the triangular mark 6c of the multi-function key 6, the mode shifts to the kanji input mode. In this mode, the text of the text message can be created.

Next, a character is input using a ten-key hiragana assigned to the key group 4 in advance. When characters that can be converted to kanji are input, the upper and lower triangular marks 6b and 6d of the multifunction key 6 are operated to convert the characters into desired kanji. Then, when the desired conversion is completed and displayed, the user slides the finger that has operated the multi-function key 6 as it is, and operates the enter / set key 7. Thereby, the input kanji is determined.

By repeating this operation, Chinese characters can be input.

For example, when it is desired to input and display "red", a description will be given with reference to FIG.

The triangle 6c of the multi-function key 6
(Kanji input mode: Fig. 2a) → "A" of key group 4
Is operated, and the key of the key group 4 in which "?" Is registered is operated → (FIG. 2B) → the down triangle 6d of the multi-function key 6 is operated → (FIG. 2C) →
Repeat the downward triangle 6d of the multi-function key 6 to operate → (FIG. 2d) → operate the enter / set key 7 →
(FIG. 2e).

In this manner, input can be performed. As shown here, the operation of the multi-function key 6 and the operation of the enter / set key 7 are related, and the operability is further improved by configuring as in the present invention.

As another example, there is a transition to various mode settings, which will be described.

First, the enter / set key 7 is operated. Then, the mode is shifted to the various mode selection state, and the various modes can be selected by the upper and lower triangular marks 6b and 6d of the multi-function key 6. When the enter / set key 7 is operated in a state where a desired mode is selected, the mode is shifted to the mode setting and various settings can be performed.

More specifically, this will be described with reference to FIG. When the enter / setting key 7 is operated, the mode shifts to various mode selection states of “mail menu” setting or “function menu” setting (FIG. 3A). It becomes possible to select (FIGS. 3a and 3b). When the enter / setting key 7 is operated in a state where a desired mode is selected, the setting mode (“mail message” setting mode,
The mode shifts to the "ringtone selection" setting mode), and various settings can be made.

As described above, the multi-function key 6
And the determination / setting key 7 associated therewith are often used continuously in a single process. With the configuration of the present invention, the operation of the finger can be performed smoothly and the operability is improved.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG.

In this embodiment, the inclined portion 7a of the enter / set key 7 enters a part of the multi-function key 6. The inclined portion 7a is formed by providing a recess in a part of the main body. Also, enter / set key 7
Such a configuration may be provided in itself. The operated portion of the enter / set key 7 is arranged at a concave position of the inclined portion 7a. That is, the inclined portion 7a has an inclined surface that descends from the multi-function key 6 toward the enter / set key 7.

Therefore, a part of the multi-function key 6 is cut off by the inclined portion 7a.

The operation of the user's finger (guidance) can be smoothly performed by the inclined portion 7a having such a configuration, and the enter / set key can be operated during another operation due to the fall of the inclined portion.
It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation during an undesired operation. That is, if the user intends, the user can easily operate the determination / setting key by using the inclined portion, and if the user does not intend, the device may malfunction if operated against the notch and the inclined portion. Can be held down.

In place of the inclined portion, a guide for guiding and a block for preventing malfunction may be used, since the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0041]

According to the structure of the present invention, a key for deciding the selection is inserted in a part of the multi-function key for selecting various functions and setting states, so that a key to be used continuously is searched for. Thus, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can be handled by a user with a smooth operation without any problem.

Since the key to be determined is used as a setting key for triggering transition to various functions and setting states, a part of the multi-function key is arranged. This also improves operability.

Further, since the inclined portion is provided around the determination / setting key, the user can guide the operating finger without being confused, and touches the determination / setting key by mistake, thereby preventing malfunction. Less to do.

Further, since the enter / set key is arranged in the upper left direction of the multi-function key, when the user operates with the left thumb, both keys can be arranged on the line on which the thumb moves, thereby improving the operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the status of the display unit (name registration) according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the state of the display unit (mode selection) according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile phone according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional mobile phone.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Antenna part 2 Speaker 3 Display part 4 Key group part 5 Microphone 6 Multifunction key (1st key) 7 7a Inclined part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuyuki Utsu 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tatsuhiko Abe 2-chome Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No.5-5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5G006 CB00 LC02 LE01 5K011 AA09 JA01 KA12 5K067 AA26 AA34 BB04 EE02 KK17

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A first key portion in which pressing of a plurality of locations is determined as different input processing, and a portion of the first key portion in which a non-pressable position is cut off, At least one second arranged
An electronic device comprising: a key unit. 2. A first key portion in which pressing of a plurality of portions is determined as different input processes, and a portion of the first key portion in which a non-pressable position is cut off, And at least a second key portion in which is disposed, wherein a process executed by operating the first key portion is related to a process assigned to the second key portion. . 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said second key portion has a structure for guiding an operation.
An electronic device according to claim 2. 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first key and said second key portion are arranged substantially on the same line.