JP2001298504A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the constitution of an operator installed in an equipment body in communication equipment in which performance data can be inputted by a smooth operation and which has various functions. SOLUTION: Number/character/pitch keys 2a to 2t are installed in the casing 1A of a portable telephone set 1. Numbers or characters are allocated to the number/character/pitch keys 2a to 2t at a normal mode and pitches are allocated at a performance mode according to the selected mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a communication device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a communication device suitable for inputting performance data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a favorite music is to be generated as a tone for incoming call (hereinafter referred to as an incoming melody) in a portable telephone, the incoming melody can be input by a telephone number or a numeral / character for character input. A method of inputting by operating a character button is known.

FIG. 25 is a view showing the appearance of a conventional mobile phone 1000, wherein (A) is a front view and (B) is a side view. As shown in FIG. 25, a conventional mobile phone 1000
In general, numeric / character buttons 102 arranged on a numeric keypad for inputting numbers such as "0" to "9" and characters such as hiragana, katakana, and alphabet, a power button 103a, a clear button 103b, and a memory button 1
03c, the memo button 103d, and the enter button 103e for inputting various setting operations, "▲ (on the cursor)"
Button 103f and "▼ (cursor down)" button 10
Communication function operation buttons 103e to 103k including 3g and the like are provided. If you want to create your own ringtone,
A menu selection screen is displayed on the display unit 104 by using the communication function operation buttons 103e to 103k and the number / character buttons 102 together, and by selecting a ringtone melody creation menu from the selectable processing menus, the original song Can be created and registered. When creating a song, select the length of the sound with the number / letter buttons 102 and select the pitch (pitch) with the “▲ (cursor up)” button 103 e or the “▼ (cursor down)” button 103 f of the communication function operation buttons. Select and press the “#” key or “>”
Press the key to enter the next sound. In this way, the note length and pitch (pitch) of each note are determined by pressing the button, and the music created by the memory button 103c is stored. The created music can be reproduced by pressing the enter button 103e.

[0004]

However, in the conventional method of inputting music in the mobile phone 1000, the pitch and the sound length are controlled by operating the numeric / character buttons 102 and the communication function operation buttons 103a to 103k arranged in a numeric keypad. Each is entered individually. In this case, since it is necessary to repeatedly check the input operation and the reproduction sound, the input is troublesome, and there are many input errors, and the input accuracy is lacking. Also, for a user who can play a musical instrument, inputting a song by an input operation different from that of playing the musical instrument when creating and inputting a song also makes the input operation feel cumbersome, and the user inputs the musical score information while enjoying the performance. It was far from

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device capable of smoothly performing performance data input operations.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the configuration of an operation element provided in a device main body in a communication device having various functions.

[0007]

The present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above object. In the following description of the means, a configuration corresponding to the embodiment will be exemplified by parentheses as an example. Reference numerals and the like are reference numerals and the like in the drawings described later.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mode selecting means for selecting an arbitrary mode from a plurality of modes (for example,
The control unit 8 shown in FIG. 5, S1 in FIG. 7, and S101 to S in FIG.
109) and a plurality of keys (for example, numbers / characters /
Data generating means (for example, the control unit 8 shown in FIG. 5, S3 in FIG. 7, S401 in FIG. 12, and S401 to FIG. 13 in FIG. 12) which generate data based on the operation of the keys.
S431), and allocating means for allocating a specific function to each of the plurality of keys according to the mode selected by the mode selecting means (for example, the control unit 8 shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7).
S2 in FIG. 9, S201 in FIG. 9 to S218 in FIG. 10, and S301 to S311 in FIG. 11, wherein the mode selection means includes a normal mode for executing communication processing and a performance mode for inputting performance data. When one of the keys is selected, the assigning means assigns the plurality of keys as character or numeric input keys when the normal mode is selected by the mode selecting means, and selects the performance mode by the mode selecting means. In this case, the plurality of keys are assigned as performance operators.

According to the communication device of the first aspect, the mode selection means selects one of a normal mode for executing communication processing from a plurality of modes and a performance mode for inputting performance data. Data is generated based on the operation of the key by a data generation unit composed of a plurality of keys, and a specific function is allocated to each of the keys according to a mode selected by the mode selection unit by an allocation unit. When the normal mode is selected, the keys are assigned as character or numeric input keys, and when the performance mode is selected,
The plurality of keys are assigned as performance operators.

[0010] Therefore, since the performance control of the musical instrument is formed in a communication device such as a mobile phone, the performance control is operated to play a normal musical instrument, so that the performance data can be input smoothly while enjoying the performance. it can. Also, when performing communication processing in the communication device, various functions can be assigned to the performance operator as an operator for inputting characters or numbers, or an operator of the communication processing function. The configuration of the child can be simplified.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, the data generation means includes a performance operator by the assignment means. The pitch, duration, timbre,
It is characterized in that performance data composed of velocity is generated (steps S408 to S431 shown in FIG. 13).

According to the communication apparatus of the present invention, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, the data generation means performs the performance for each key assigned as the performance operator by the allocation means. Performance data consisting of pitch, duration, tone, and velocity is generated according to the operation, so that performance data with various performance expressions added by normal performance operation can be generated, and the performance expression can be enriched. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mode selecting means for selecting an arbitrary mode from a plurality of modes (for example,
The control unit 8 shown in FIG. 5, S1 in FIG. 7, and S101 to S in FIG.
109) and a plurality of keys (for example, number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t in FIG. 15, switch group 3, drum set 2)
10), and data generating means (for example, the control unit 8 shown in FIG.
(S3 in FIG. 7) and allocating means for dividing the plurality of keys into a plurality of key areas according to a mode selected by the mode selecting means, and allocating different functions to each of the divided key areas (for example, The control unit 8 shown in FIG.
S501 to S515), wherein the mode selection means selects one of a normal mode for executing communication processing and a performance mode for inputting performance data,
When the normal mode is selected by the mode selecting means, the allocating means allocates a communication processing operation function or a character or numeral input function to each of the key areas, and selects the performance mode by the mode selecting means. In this case, a performance parameter having a different attribute is assigned to each key area.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the mode selection means selects one of a normal mode for executing a communication process from a plurality of modes and a performance mode for inputting performance data. Generating data based on an operation of the key by a data generating unit including a plurality of keys, and dividing the plurality of keys into a plurality of key areas according to a mode selected by the mode selecting unit by an assigning unit Then, a different function is assigned to each of the divided key areas. When the normal mode is selected, a communication processing operation function or a character or numeral input function is assigned to each of the key areas. When the performance mode is selected, the attributes are different for each of the key areas. Assign performance parameters.

Therefore, the operating elements provided in a communication device such as a cellular phone can be divided into a plurality of key areas, and performance parameters having different attributes can be assigned to each key area. Assign parameters to each key area, perform ensemble performance,
Melody and accompaniment can be played simultaneously,
Rather than the conventional mechanical monotonous musical tones, songs that can be expressed as rich in performance and enjoyable as music can be used as ringtones.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the third aspect, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selecting means,
Pitch information, timbre information, or rhythm information is selectively assigned to each of the key areas (FIG. 16).

According to the communication device of the fourth aspect, a musical tone having a pitch specified in the key area to which pitch information is assigned is generated by a tone specified in the key area to which tone color information is assigned, and the rhythm information is generated. Since the designated rhythm can be generated in the key area to which is assigned, the performance expression can be variously performed, and the music created by the communication device can be enjoyed as music.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the third or fourth aspect, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selecting means, the data generating means respectively selects the performance mode by the assigning means. It is characterized in that performance data including a pitch, a tone length, a timbre, and a velocity are generated in accordance with a pressing operation on each key to which a performance parameter is assigned.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, a sound is pressed in response to a pressing operation on each key to which a performance parameter is allocated by the allocation means. Since the performance data including the pitch, tone length, timbre, and velocity is generated, performance data to which various performance expressions are smoothly added can be generated by an easy performance operation, and the performance expressions can be enriched.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mode selecting means for selecting one of a performance mode for inputting performance data and a normal mode for executing communication processing (for example, the control unit 8 shown in FIG. 5). S1 in FIG. 7, S60 in FIG.
3), a touch display panel (for example, a touch display panel 301 shown in FIG. 19) that enables input of data by a touch operation and displays various data, and the above-described mode according to the mode selected by the mode selection unit. Control means for controlling the display contents of the touch display panel to be switched (for example, the control unit 8 shown in FIG. 5, S60 in FIG. 20)
4 to S617 of FIG. 21), and the control unit includes:
When the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, a performance operator of a predetermined musical instrument (FIG. 24) is displayed on the touch display panel, and a touch on the performance operator displayed on the touch display panel is performed. An operation is detected, and control is performed so as to generate performance data according to the touch operation (S615 to S616 in FIG. 21). When the normal mode is selected by the mode selection means, communication processing is performed. Is controlled to display the processing screen (FIG. 23).

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch display panel for enabling input of data by a touch operation and displaying various data, and a performance mode for inputting performance data by mode selection means; When either one of the normal mode for executing the communication process is selected, the control unit controls to switch the display content of the touch display panel according to the selected mode. The control means, when the performance mode is selected, displays a performance operator of a predetermined musical instrument on the touch display panel and detects a touch operation on the performance operator displayed on the touch display panel. Then, control is performed to generate performance data according to the touch operation, and when the normal mode is selected, control is performed so as to display a processing screen for executing communication processing.

Therefore, the touch display panel is mounted on the mobile phone, and the display content of the touch display panel is switched and displayed according to the selected mode. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a dedicated operation device according to the application. Therefore, the operation unit can be configured extremely simply. In the performance mode, the performance controls of the instrument are displayed on the touch display panel, and the performance data can be input by touching the displayed performance controls, so that the performance data can be input smoothly while enjoying the performance. it can. In particular, when the performance operators of a plurality of types of musical instruments are displayed so as to be selectable, it is effective because the user can select a good musical instrument and input performance data.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the sixth aspect, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, the control means responds to a touch operation on the touch display panel. Control to generate performance data including pitch, length, tone color, and velocity.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, the control means responds to a touch operation on the touch display panel to change a pitch, a sound duration, Since the performance data is controlled so as to generate tone data and velocity data, it is possible to generate performance data to which various performance expressions are smoothly added by an easy performance operation, thereby enriching the performance expressions.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A mobile phone will be described below as an embodiment of a communication apparatus according to the present invention with reference to FIGS.

[First Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a keyboard-instrument-type mobile phone 1 will be described. First, the configuration will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a mobile phone 1 includes numerals / characters / keys arranged in a keyboard shape on the surface of a housing 1A.
It has pitch keys 2a to 2t (performance operation input unit 2), a switch group 3 including various buttons 3a to 3k, and a display unit 4. A receiver (receiver unit) 6 is provided above the display unit 4, and numerals / characters / sounds. A microphone (transmitter) 5 is provided below the high keys 2a to 2t. A speaker 7 for outputting a musical sound and an earphone jack 15 for connecting an earphone are provided on the right shoulder of the housing 1A. An antenna 14 is provided at the upper part of the housing 1A so as to be extendable and retractable, so that the antenna 14 is pulled out when making a call. A power supply unit (not shown) such as a charge pack is provided on the back surface of the housing 1A. These components are connected to an electronic circuit (see FIG. 5) of a circuit board housed in the housing 1A, and the operation of each unit is controlled by a control unit 8 described later.

The number / character / pitch key as the performance operation input section 2 is composed of a plurality of keys (keys) 2a to 2t arranged in a keyboard shape. In the performance mode, it functions as a key for inputting a pitch, and in the normal mode, it functions as a key for inputting characters or numerals. The assignment to each key according to the input mode is assigned by the control unit 8 described later according to a mode-specific key assignment data table stored in a ROM (not shown) (see the key assignment process in FIG. 11).

FIG. 2 shows an example of a mode-specific key assignment data table set in the mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in the key assignment table for each mode, in the performance mode, "A2" is assigned to each of the keys 2a to 2t.
To "E4" are assigned. Here, "key number" in the data table indicates the order of arrangement of each key. In FIG. 1, key 2a is "key number; 1", key 2b is "key number; 2", and so on. Has been shaken.

In the normal mode, when the input mode is "Kanji / Hiragana", each key 2a, 2
c, 2d, 2f, 2h, 2i, 2k, 2m, 2o, 2
"A line", "KA line", "SA line", "TA line", "NA line", "HA line", "MA line", "YA line", "RA line" in p, 2r, 2t , "Wow", and "* <(cursor left)",
“#> (Cursor right movement)” is assigned respectively. When the input mode is "Katakana", each key 2 indicating a white key
a, 2c, 2d, 2f, 2h, 2i, 2k, 2m, 2
o, 2p, 2r, 2t have "a line", "ka line", "sa line", "ta line", "na line", "c line", "ma line", "ya line", "la line""Line","Wan", and "* <(cursor left movement)", "#> (cursor right movement)" are respectively assigned.

When the input mode is "alphanumeric", the keys 2a, 2c, 2d, 2f, 2h, 2i, 2
"1", "ABC" for k, 2m, 2o, 2p, 2r, 2t
2 "," DEF3 "," GHI4 "," JKL5 ",
“MNO6”, “PQRS7”, “TUV8”, “WX
YZ9 "," 0 ", and" * <(cursor left movement) ",
“#> (Cursor right movement)” is assigned respectively. When the input mode is “phone number”, each key 2 indicating a white key
a, 2c, 2d, 2f, 2h, 2i, 2k, 2m, 2
o, 2p, 2r, 2t are "1", "2", "3",
"4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9",
“0”, “* <(cursor left movement)”, and “#> (cursor right movement)” are assigned, respectively.

The input mode is switched by pressing the power button 3a.
Switching is performed sequentially by an operation for less than a second. In addition, in order to specify the timbre of a musical tone while the performance data (pitch and the like) is being input in the performance mode, the input mode can be switched to the alphanumeric mode, and the timbre number can be input numerically. In this case, a musical tone is emitted with a tone color corresponding to the input tone color number. The types of timbres that can be specified are the timbres of various musical instruments such as "grand piano", "organ", "trumpet", "flute", ... "bass drum" as shown in the timbre table of FIG. Indicates a tone color number corresponding to each tone color. As will be described later in detail, a sound source 9 built in the mobile phone 1 has a P corresponding to each tone.
When a tone generation instruction is input from the control unit 8, the tone generator generates a tone having a designated pitch based on the PCM waveform data corresponding to the designated tone number.
It is pronounced at a predetermined pitch and volume.

In the normal mode, it is also possible to input a performance operation by switching the input mode to the performance mode (pitch designation) while using the telephone.

Each number / character / pitch key 2a-2t
Have a built-in pressure-sensitive resistance element. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the strength of a key touch operation and the detected velocity level. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents the pressing force P, and the vertical axis represents the resistance value R of the pressure-sensitive resistance element. As shown in this graph, the pressure-sensitive resistance element has a resistance value R according to the pressing force.
Has a characteristic that changes linearly, and the velocity level increases as the resistance value of the pressure-sensitive resistance element decreases, that is, as the pressing force increases. In the present embodiment, this characteristic is used for expressing music. That is, when the control unit 8 detects a resistance value (velocity level) corresponding to the detected pressing force, it determines whether or not this resistance value falls below a predetermined sound generation threshold level R0 (the velocity level becomes equal to the sound generation threshold level R0). Is determined, and if determined to be lower, a tone generation instruction is output to the sound source 9 so as to generate a tone having a designated pitch at a volume corresponding to the detected resistance value (velocity level). .

Each of the number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t of the performance operation input unit 2 outputs a pressing signal to the control unit 8 and also controls the resistance value corresponding to the pressing force detected by the pressure-sensitive resistance element. Output to

The switch group 3 comprises a power button 3a, a clear button 3b, a memory button 3c, a memo button 3d, various communication function operation buttons 3e to 3k, and the like. 8 is output. Power on when power button 3a is operated for more than 1 second
/ OFF is switched, and when operated for less than one second, the input mode is switched each time the button is pressed.

The display unit 4 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Displ.)
ay) and the like, and displays the display data generated in accordance with the display instruction from the control unit 8. For example, in the normal mode, the telephone number of the caller is displayed when a call is received, or the telephone number or name input when registering the telephone number is displayed. In the performance mode, the title and the note data of the registered music are displayed.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the entire configuration of the mobile phone 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 1 includes a performance operation input unit 2, a switch group 3, a display unit 4, a microphone 5, a receiver 6, a speaker 7, a control unit 8, a sound source 9, a voice processing unit 10, and a performance data storage unit. 11, a transmission / reception data storage unit 12, a radio unit 13, and an antenna 14.

The control unit 8 executes each process in accordance with the key operation signal input from the switch group 3,
Controls the operation of each unit. That is, execution control is performed for a mode selection process (see FIG. 8), an input mode setting process (see FIGS. 9 to 11), a data generation process (see FIGS. 12 to 13), and the like. A processing program for executing each of these processes is stored in the form of a readable program code.
M (not shown), and the control unit 8 sequentially executes an operation according to the program code.

In the mode selection process (see FIG. 8), the control unit 8 accepts selection of a normal mode or a performance mode as a processing mode, and executes a process according to the selected mode. The normal mode includes a basic mode, an e-mail mode, and a memory mode.

Basic mode processing includes making a call, receiving a call, redialing, holding a call, receiving an incoming call, adjusting call volume, preventing erroneous operation, displaying a sender's name, displaying an answering machine, an interrupting call, and a caller / receiver. It includes processes such as number display, dial lock at power-on, call charge display, call duration display, display light on / off, ringtone alert, ringtone selection alert, calculator, date and time timer display, and the like. The details of each of these processes are the same as those of the conventional mobile phone, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The e-mail mode processing includes sending an e-mail message, registering an outgoing e-mail, retrieving and transmitting a registered message, resending an e-mail message, receiving an e-mail message, searching for a received e-mail, and editing a transmitted / received e-mail. , Transmission / reception mail deletion, incoming call transfer, and the like. The details of each of these processes are the same as those of the conventional mobile phone, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The memory mode processing includes registering / reading / erasing of a memory dial (telephone number, name, address of the other party),
Group registration / read / delete, registration information search (phone number, name, address, memo), voice recording / playback / deletion,
And the like. The details of each of these processes are the same as the processes applied to the conventional mobile phone, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Performance mode processing includes generation of musical tones by performance operations, registration / reproduction / deletion of performance data, editing of performance data, transmission / reception of performance data, setting / setting of musical tone parameters.
Including adjustment and other processing. Details of these processes will be described later.

Input mode setting processing (see FIGS. 9 to 11)
In, the control unit 8 switches the input mode according to an instruction input by a manual operation. That is, for example, when a pressing operation of the power button 3a for less than one second is detected, “kanji hiragana” → “katakana” → “alphanumeric” →
The input mode is sequentially switched in the order of “telephone number” → “performance mode (pitch)” to change the number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t.
Is assigned a character or pitch corresponding to each key. As described above, the input mode can be switched during the input operation, so that the address and the text of the e-mail can be input in various character types.

In the data generation process (see FIGS. 12 to 13), the control unit 8 generates and registers various data in the input mode set in the input mode setting process, and displays or displays the data on the display unit 4. The sound of the performance data
From the sound. For example, when creating document data of an e-mail, the input mode is switched while operating the power button 3a in less than one second, and the document data in which each character type of “Kanji Hiragana”, “Katakana”, and “alphanumeric” is combined Is registered in the transmission / reception data storage unit 12 as transmission data of the e-mail or transmitted to the outside.
Further, in the performance mode, the control unit 8 extracts the timbre, the pitch, the duration, and the velocity based on the performance operation on the numeral / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t, creates the performance data,
Registered in the performance data storage unit 11.

The sound source 9 is, for example, a PCM (Pulse Code Mod).
waveform ROM (Read Only Memorization) which is composed of a sound source and stores PCM waveform data of a predetermined tone color.
mory). When the pitch is designated by pressing the number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t, the control unit 8 stores the PCM waveform data corresponding to the designated pitch in the waveform data ROM.
And passes it to the audio processing unit 10. Voice processing unit 10
Performs D / A conversion of input PCM waveform data, cuts a signal in a frequency band higher than a predetermined frequency by a low-pass filter (LPF), removes noise, and outputs the signal to a speaker 7 via an amplifier. I do. The speaker 7 emits a musical tone having a predetermined tone and pitch output from the audio processing unit 10 at a predetermined volume. The tone to be emitted may be a single tone, or a plurality of tones may be emitted simultaneously.

The PCM waveform data stored in the waveform data ROM includes, for example, as shown in the tone color table of FIG.
Waveform data of tone colors of various musical instruments such as "grand piano", "organ", "trumpet", "flute", ... "bass drum" are stored.

The audio processing unit 10 includes an A / D converter, a D /
An A converter, an LPF, an amplifier, and the like are provided. The voice input from the microphone 5 during a call is converted into voice digital data by an A / D converter and output to the wireless unit 13.

The radio section 13 is composed of a modulation / demodulation circuit for modulating and demodulating voice data, modulates voice digital data input from the voice processing section 10 so as to be compatible with a communication system of a portable telephone, and controls the antenna 14. To the base station via When receiving the incoming signal transmitted from the base station by the antenna 14, the radio unit 13 provides an incoming detection signal to the control unit 8, demodulates the received voice data, and passes the demodulated voice data to the voice processing unit 10. In the audio processing unit 10, the demodulated audio digital data is converted into audio analog data by a D / A converter and output from the receiver 6 via an amplifier.

The performance data storage section 11 is constituted by a storage medium such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores performance data input by a performance operation in the performance mode and the title of the music. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data format of performance data.

As shown in FIG. 6, the performance data is composed of a plurality of pieces of note information composed of performance parameters such as a pitch, a long time, a tone number, and a velocity. Stored at the address. Also, a song name is registered at the head address of each song.
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, a song title "A" is stored at the head address "1", and note information of the song "A" is set after addresses "2" to "N". More specifically, the pitch "C3", the duration "50", the tone number "001", and the velocity "64" are stored in the address "2". Here, the unit of the sound duration is “ms”. Also,
The velocity corresponds to the strength of key depression in the range of the minimum value “0” to the maximum value “128”. The velocity level is reflected in the volume at the time of musical sound emission. Also, once a tone number is designated, it continues until it is designated again. In the case of a rest, the pitch is designated as "0" and the velocity is designated as "0" as shown in the address "5" as the note information, and the rest time is defined as the duration of the note.

The transmission / reception data storage unit 12 is constituted by a storage medium such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores transmitted or received mail data, incoming call history data, telephone number data, and the like. Further, the document data written by the data generation processing when the normal mode is set is also stored.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the entire process. While the power button 3a of the mobile phone 1 is turned on, the control unit 8 receives the selection of the processing mode and executes the mode selection process (step S).
1).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the mode selection process. In order to accept the selection of a mode, the control unit 8 displays an initial menu screen (not shown) in which a list of processing modes is selectably displayed on the display unit 4. Switch group 3
When either the play mode or the normal mode is selected by operating any of the keys, the control section 8 determines the selected mode. When the normal mode is selected (Step S101; Yes), a normal mode menu screen for selecting one of the basic (telephone) mode, the e-mail mode, and the memory mode is displayed on the display unit 4, and the basic (telephone) mode is displayed. ) Accept any of mode processing, e-mail processing, and memory mode processing.

When the basic (telephone) mode is selected (step S102), a basic (telephone) mode process is executed (step S103). In the basic (telephone) mode processing, normal telephone processing is executed, and the numeral / character / pitch key 2a
A telephone call is made to a telephone number input from ２2t, or a call received by the antenna 14 is answered and a telephone call process is performed. In the call processing, a call is made to the input telephone number, and when a response from the other party is detected, the call voice input from the microphone 5 is converted into an A / D signal by the voice processing unit 10.
The signal is converted, modulated in the radio unit 13, and transmitted to the base station via the antenna 14. When audio data of the other party is received from the antenna 14, the audio data is demodulated in the radio unit 13, D / A converted in the audio processing unit 10, and audio is output from the receiver 6. In addition, the communication function operation buttons 3e to 3
k, clear button 3b, memory button 3c, memo button 3d, etc., redial, answer hold, incoming call history transmission, call volume adjustment, erroneous operation prevention, sender name confirmation display, answering machine, interrupt phone, caller / Processing such as display of a recipient number, dial lock when the power is turned on, display of a call charge, display of a call time, display light on / off, notification of an incoming vibration, notification of a selection of a ring tone, a calculator, display of a date and time timer, and the like are executed.

When the e-mail mode is selected (step S104), an e-mail mode process is executed (step S105). In this e-mail mode processing, sending e-mail message, registering outgoing mail, searching and sending registration message, resending mail message, receiving mail message,
Processing such as searching for received mail, editing sent / received mail, deleting sent / received mail, and forwarding incoming calls is performed. That is, when an e-mail is received from the outside, the received e-mail is stored in the transmission / reception data storage unit 12, and the above various operations are executed in accordance with the operation of the communication function buttons 3e to 3k.

If the memory mode is selected (step S106), a memory mode process is executed (step S107). In this memory mode process, registration / read / deletion (telephone number, name, address), group registration / read / deletion, and registration information search of the memory dial are performed according to the operation of the memory button 3c, the clear button 3b, and the memo button 3d. (Phone number, name, address, memo writing), voice recording / playback / deletion, etc. are executed.

When the performance mode is selected in step S101 (step S101; No → step S108; Yes), a performance mode process is executed (step S109). In the performance mode processing, numbers / characters /
In accordance with performance data input by performance operations from the pitch keys 2a to 2t, generation of musical tones, registration / reproduction / deletion of performance data, editing of performance data, transmission / reception of performance data,
Processing such as setting / adjustment of musical tone parameters is executed.

In the above-described mode selection, a menu screen is displayed on the display unit 4 and a desired processing mode is selected from the selectable processing menus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a button for shifting to each mode may be provided in the switch group 3, and the mode may be selected by pressing the button.

As described above, when either the normal mode or the performance mode is selected, the control unit 8
Executes the input mode setting process (step S2 in FIG. 7 → FIG. 9).

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flow charts for explaining the input mode setting process. In the input mode setting process, the control unit 8 first sets the timer T to an initial value “0” and sets the mode step MS to an initial value “1” (step S201). Here, the timer T is for measuring the pressing time of the power button 3a. The mode step MS is an input mode identification flag.
There are five mode steps from "1" to MS = "5".

In the mode selection processing shown in FIG. 8, when the basic (telephone) mode of the normal mode is selected (Step S202; Yes → Step S203; Yes)
s) sets “4” to the mode step MS (step S204). If the e-mail mode of the normal mode is selected (step S205; Yes),
"1" is set in the mode step MS (step S2).
06). When the memory mode of the normal mode is selected (step S207; Yes), “3” is set to the mode step MS (step S208). When the performance mode is selected (step S202; No
→ Step S209; Yes) is the mode step MS
Is set to "5" (step S210).

When detecting the key operation signal of the power button 3a (step S211), the control section 8 starts counting the timer T (step S211). That is, every time a predetermined time elapses from the start of pressing the power button 3a, the timer T
Is incremented (T ← T + 1), and when the pressing of the power button 3a is released (Step S213; Yes), it is determined whether or not the timer T has counted one second or more (Step S214). If the value of the timer T is less than 1 second, that is, if the pressing time of the power button 3a is less than 1 second (Step S214; No), the value of the mode step MS is incremented (MS ← MS + 1;
If the value of the mode step MS becomes "6" as a result (step S215) (step S216; Yes)
s) The mode step MS is set to "1" (step S217).

As described above, every time the power button 3a is pressed for less than one second, the mode step MS is switched by the processing of steps S211 to S217. When the power button 3a is pressed for one second or longer (step S21).
4; Yes), the power is turned off (step S219).

If the power button 3a is not depressed, a key assignment process according to the value of the mode step MS is started (step S218). FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating key assignment processing. After any value in the range of “0 <MS ≦ 5” is set in the mode step MS by the processing of FIGS. 9 and 10 (step S301;
Yes), the key assignment mode is changed according to the value of the set mode step MS.

If the value of the mode step MS is "1" (step S302; Yes), the key assignment mode is set to "Kanji / Hiragana" (step S30).
3). If the value of the mode step MS is “2” (Step S304; Yes), the key assignment mode is set to “Katakana” (Step S305). If the value of the mode step MS is "3" (step S306; Y
es), the key assignment mode is set to “alphanumeric” (step S307). If the value of the mode step MS is "4" (step S308; Yes), the key assignment mode is set to "telephone number" (step S308).
309). If the value of the mode step MS is "5" (step S310; Yes), the key assignment mode is set to "performance mode (pitch)" (step S31).
1).

The characters, numbers, and pitches assigned to each key are stored in the key assignment data table for each mode described above (FIG. 2).
Reference).

After key assignment is performed for each input mode as described above, the data generation process is started next (step S3 in FIG. 7, FIGS. 12 to 13). 12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating the data generation process.

The control unit 8 first determines the value of the mode step MS, and if any value in the range of “0 <MS ≦ 4” is set (step S401; Yes),
The processing shown in steps S402 to S407 (processing for generating character / numerical data) is executed. If the value of the mode step MS is set to “5” (step S401; No), step S40 in FIG.
8 to execute the processing shown in step S431 (processing for generating performance data).

First, processing for generating character / number data will be described. Mode step MS is "1" to "4"
If any of the numbers / characters / pitch keys 2a to 2t of the key numbers 1 to n is turned on (step S402; Yes), the key assignment by mode shown in FIG. With reference to the data table, character data or numerical data of the input mode corresponding to the mode step MS is read (step S403), and the read character data or numerical data is sequentially written to the work memory W (step S404). The character data or numerical data written in the work memory W is read out and sequentially displayed on the display unit 4 (step S405).

For example, when it is desired to input "U" of Hiragana, the input mode is changed to "Kanji" by either selecting the normal mode e-mail mode or switching the input mode by operating the power button 3a. If "Hiragana" (mode step MS = "1") is set and the key 2a in FIG. 1 is repeatedly pressed three times, a row is displayed in the order of "A", "I", and "U" each time the pressing operation is performed. You can switch characters. When the ">" key 2t is depressed in the state switched to "U", the next character can be input.

The input processing of character data or numerical data in steps S402 to S405 is sequentially repeated, and when the input is completed (step S406; Ye)
s), reads out the character data or numerical data written in the work memory W and executes processing (registration, deletion, transmission, etc.) according to each function selection (step S407).

Next, a process for generating performance data will be described. When the mode step MS is set to “5” (Step S401; No → Step S40)
8; Yes), any one of key numbers 1 to n (numeric /
If the character / pitch keys 2a to 2t are turned on (step S409; Yes), the timer T is reset (T ← 0; step S410). If a tone color designation operation has been performed, that is, if a tone color number has been input (step S411; Yes), the designated tone color number is set with reference to the tone color table shown in FIG. 3 (step S412). If there is no operation for specifying the tone color (step S411; No), the specified tone color number (the tone color number designated by the previous designation operation or the preset tone color number) is continuously set (step S413). .

Then, the touch level (strength of pressing force) of the pressed key is detected by the pressure-sensitive resistance element, and the velocity level is determined (step S414).

The control unit 8 outputs a tone generation instruction to the sound source 9 based on the pitch, timbre, and velocity data set by the processing of steps S411 to S415 (step S415).

The control unit 8 measures the key press time from the time of the key operation using the timer T to measure the sound duration (T ← T + 1; step S416). Thereafter, when the key operation is turned off (step S417; Yes), the pitch, tone length, timbre, and velocity data determined by the processing of steps S411 to S416 are sequentially stored in the work memory M.
(Step S418), an instruction to mute the tone being generated is output to the sound source 9 (step S419), and the timer T is reset (step S420).

Thereafter, if the performance operation end instruction is not input (step S421; No), then the number / character /
The time until the pitch keys 2a to 2t are turned on is measured by the timer T as a rest time (T ← T + 1;
Step S422). Then any number / letter /
When the pitch keys 2a to 2t are turned on (step S4).
23; Yes), the measurement of the rest time length is stopped, and the rest time length is written into the work memory M (step S42).
4), the process proceeds to step S410.

As described above, the processing of steps S410 to S424 is repeated to change the pitch from the operation of the pitch key to the pitch,
The velocity and tone data are acquired, and the designated tone color number is written to the work memory M. Further, the time from when the pitch key is turned off to when the on operation is input again is determined as a rest, and the rest time length is determined and written into the work memory M.

Thereafter, when an instruction to end the performance operation is input (step S421; Yes), the mode step MS is changed and set to any one of "1" to "3" (step S425). Then, the input song name (character or numeric data) is written into the work memory M (step S426) and displayed on the display unit 4 (step S427).

Thereafter, when an instruction to register performance data is input (step S428), the data of the music title, pitch, long duration, tone number, and velocity set in the work memory M are shown in FIG. The data is transferred to the performance data storage unit 11 in a data format (step S429).

If an instruction to continue the performance mode is input (step S430; Yes), the mode step M
The setting of S is returned to “5” to accept the input of the pitch (step S431). If the performance mode is not continued (step S430; No), step S40 is left as it is.
Return to 1.

As described above, the portable telephone 1 forms the performance operator (keyboard in this case) of the musical instrument on the surface of the portable telephone 1, and when either the normal mode or the performance mode is selected, the selection is made. Keys (number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2)
A specific function is assigned to t). In the first embodiment, when the normal mode is selected, a plurality of keys of the performance operator are assigned as character or numeric input keys,
When the performance mode is selected, a plurality of keys of the performance operators are assigned to pitches as the performance operators of the musical instrument.

Therefore, it is possible to smoothly input the performance data while enjoying the performance with the performance operation of the normal musical instrument on the portable telephone, and register the input performance data. Further, since the performance operator can be assigned to multiple functions as an operator for character input and transmission / reception processing of a normal mobile phone, the configuration of the operator section can be simplified even in a mobile phone having various functions. .

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the performance operator is a keyboard, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be in the form of a performance operator of another musical instrument. For example, a performance control of a stringed instrument such as a guitar, a woodwind such as a clarinet, a brass such as a trumpet, a percussion such as a drum or a maraca, and a performance control of a percussion instrument such as a drum and maracas are provided, and the performance data is inputted by the performance of each instrument. You may be able to.

FIG. 14 shows a mobile phone 100 according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG.
(B) is an AA ′ sectional view.

The mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. 14 has an outer shape imitating the shape of a guitar, and is provided with a fret portion 100A and a body portion 100B to provide an external appearance. Fret part 10
A plurality of keys 2a to 2t capable of inputting numbers / characters / pitches in accordance with the input mode are arranged in a keyboard shape on the surface of 0A. The numeral / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t are arranged in the same order as the numeral / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t shown in FIG. 1, and the same key assignment according to the input mode is performed. An antenna 14 is provided on the fret portion 100A so as to be extendable and retractable, and the antenna 14 is pulled out when making a call.

The body section 100B includes a display section 4 and a switch group 3 including various buttons 3a to 3k. A receiver (receiver section) 6 is provided above the display section 4, and a microphone (transmitter section) is provided below the switch group 3. 5 are provided. Also, the body part 100
On the side of B, a speaker 7 for outputting a musical sound at each position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 14B and an earphone jack 15 for connecting an earphone are provided. Body part 100B
A power supply unit (not shown) such as a charge pack is provided on the back surface of the battery pack. Each of these components is connected to an electronic circuit (see FIG. 5) of a circuit board housed inside the body portion 100B,
The operation of each unit is controlled by the control unit 8.

In the mobile phone 100 having the external shape shown in FIG. 14, the above-described mode selection processing, input mode setting processing,
When the data generation process is performed and either the normal mode or the performance mode is selected, a plurality of numbers / characters / characters provided on the fret unit 100A are selected according to the selected mode.
When a specific function is assigned to each of the pitch keys 2a to 2t and the normal mode is selected, the characters (Kanji / Hiragana, Katakana, alphabet, "<", ">",
When the performance mode is selected, the pitch ("A2" to "E4") is assigned as a performance operator of the musical instrument when "*", "#") or numeral ("0" to "9") input keys are selected. Assign. Therefore, the number / letter / pitch keys 2a to 2t are regarded as musical performance operators, and the performance data can be smoothly input and registered while enjoying the performance by the performance operation of the keyboard musical instrument. Further, the number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t can be assigned to multi-functions as operators for character input and transmission / reception processing of a normal mobile phone, so that the operator section can be simplified.

In this modification, the shape of the housing of the mobile phone is imitated as a guitar, and when performance data is input, numerals / characters / sounds arranged in a keyboard instrument type provided on the fret portion 100A are provided. Although the pitch is specified by the high keys 2a to 2t, the present invention is not limited to this.
The fret portion 100A is divided into a plurality of frets, and six buttons are provided on each fret, and like the strings of the guitar,
A pitch corresponding to the position of the button may be assigned. In this case, since the pitch can be specified by the performance operation of the guitar, the performance data can be smoothly input and registered while enjoying the guitar performance.

[Second Embodiment] Next, FIGS.
A mobile phone 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When assigning keys in the performance mode, the mobile phone 200 of the present embodiment divides a plurality of keys into a plurality of key areas and assigns functions having different attributes to each of the divided key areas.

FIG. 15 shows a portable telephone 20 according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the 0 ’. In the following description, the same components as those of the mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of each component is omitted.

The mobile phone 200 shown in FIG. 15 has an outer shape imitating the shape of a guitar, and is provided with a fret portion 200A and a body portion 200B to provide an external appearance. A plurality of keys 2a to 2t capable of inputting numbers / characters / pitches in accordance with the input mode are arranged on the surface of the fret portion 200A in a keyboard shape. The number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t are arranged in the same order as the number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t shown in FIG. An antenna 14 is provided on the fret portion 200A so as to be extendable and retractable, and the antenna 14 is pulled out when making a call.

The body 200B includes a display unit 4, a switch group 3 including various buttons 3a to 3k, a receiver (receiver) 6 above the display unit 4, a drum set 210 below the switch group 3, and a microphone (not shown). A transmission unit 5 is provided.
A speaker 7 for outputting a musical sound and an earphone jack 15 for connecting an earphone are provided on a side surface of the body 200B (not shown). A power supply unit (not shown) such as a charge pack is provided on the back surface of the body unit 200B. These components are connected to an electronic circuit (see FIG. 5) of a circuit board housed inside the body portion 200B, and the control section 8 controls the operation of each section.

In the portable telephone 200 having such an appearance, the mode selection processing, the input mode setting processing, and the data generation processing are executed as in the first embodiment. The mobile phone 200 divides the number / letter / pitch keys 2a to 2t, the communication function operation buttons 3a to 3k, and the drum set 210 into three areas as a group A, a group B, and a group C, respectively. A function with a different attribute is assigned to each area.

FIG. 1 shows an example of assignment of functions to each key.
6 is shown. FIG. 16 shows an example of a mode-specific key assignment data table used in the second embodiment.

In the performance mode, the keys of group A, that is, the numbers / characters / pitch keys 2a to 2t are assigned "A2" to "E" respectively.
A pitch of "4" is assigned, and keys of group B, that is, communication function buttons 3a to 3k, are assigned an arbitrary timbre according to user settings. Each key of group C, that is, keys 2u to 2 of drum set 210 are assigned. An arbitrary rhythm is assigned to 2x according to a user setting.

Here, the assignment of the timbre to each key of the group B is arbitrarily selected and set by the user in the assignment process described later, and the selectable timbres are set in the timbre table shown in FIG. I have. The assignment of the rhythm to each key of the group C is arbitrarily selected and set by the user in an assignment process described later.
Selectable rhythms are set in the rhythm table shown in FIG.

The rhythm is a typical rhythm pattern of various rhythms of music such as "Waltz", "Rumba", "March", "Rock",..., "Tango" is a predetermined unit length (for example, one bar). And the waveform data R of the sound source 9
It is stored in the OM. For example, key 2 of the drum set
When "waltz" is assigned to u (bass drum), the musical tone of the waltz rhythm by the bass drum can be generated by pressing the key 2u during the performance operation. Until the next rhythm is designated, the rhythm pattern of the predetermined unit length may be repeatedly generated, or the rhythm pattern may be generated each time a key is pressed.

When the performance data is input, the rhythm pattern assigned to the keys of the group C is designated, the tone assigned to the keys of the group B is designated, and the performance operation is performed on the keys of the group A. The sound source 9 generates a musical tone of a specified rhythm pattern and generates a melody input by a performance operation with a specified tone color.

On the other hand, when the processing mode is selected and set to the normal mode, "Kanji Hiragana", "Katakana", "alphanumeric" , "Enter phone number (" 0 "~
As shown in FIG. 16, keys are assigned according to the respective input modes of "9"), and a mobile phone function is assigned to each of the keys of the B group and the C group. Here, the cellular phone function includes, for example, making a call, receiving a call, redialing, holding a call, receiving a call, transmitting a call history, adjusting a call volume, preventing erroneous operations, confirming the name of the sender, answering machine, interrupting call, and calling /
Recipient number display, dial lock at power-on, call charge display, call duration display, display light on / off, ringing vibration notification, ringtone selection notification, calculator, date / time timer display, sending mail, sending mail Register, search and send registered text, resend mail text, receive mail text, search received mail, edit sent / received mail, delete sent / received mail, transfer incoming calls, register / read memory dial / Deletion (other party's phone number, name, address), group registration / reading / deletion, registration information search (phone number, name, address, memo), voice recording / playback / deletion, etc. Note that the above-described processing contents are the same as the processing contents applied to the conventional mobile phone, and thus description thereof is omitted.

The functional configuration of the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the mobile phone 1 described in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description of each unit is omitted, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Will be appended. In the second embodiment, in addition to the processing executed in the mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment, a key assignment method when the play mode is set as the input mode is characterized. The process of assigning performance data will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the assignment processing. The control unit 8 performs the above-described mode selection processing (FIG. 7).
In step S1, FIG. 8), when it is determined that the performance mode is set (step S501; Yes),
Number / letter / pitch keys 2a to 2t, drum set 210
It is determined whether the operation group including the (performance operation input unit 2) and the switch group 3 is divided into a plurality of regions (step S).
502). If an instruction to divide the operator group into a plurality of regions is not input (step S502; No), a predetermined pitch number is assigned to a predetermined operator number (step S50).
3) A predetermined tone color number is assigned to a predetermined operator number (step S504). Here, the pitch number and the tone color number assigned to each operator number are set in advance in the mobile phone 200 in a manner to be assigned.

After that, when the assignment of the predetermined pitch number or the predetermined tone color number to each operator is completed (Step S)
505; Yes), and returns to step S501.

On the other hand, if an instruction to divide the group of operation elements into a plurality of areas is input in step S502 (step S502; Yes), the group of operation elements is divided into a plurality of areas (step S506). Here, as an example, A
Group, group B, and group C, and the number / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t are group A, and the communication function operation button 3a
Ｋ3k as group B, and each key 2u〜 of the drum set 210
Let 2x be Group C.

The control unit 8 assigns a pitch to each of the operators in the group A in the divided area (step S507). next,
If an instruction to assign an arbitrary tone color to each of the operators in the group B is input (step S508; Yes), the input arbitrary tone color number is assigned to the specified operator number (steps S509 to S510). . To specify a timbre, a plurality of timbre names set in the timbre table shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed in a list on the display unit 4 and selected from the list of displayed timbre names by operating the switch group 3. When the assignment of the timbre to each of the operators in the group B is completed (Step S511; Yes), the process returns to Step S501.

When an instruction to assign an arbitrary rhythm to each operator in the group C is input (step S512; Ye)
In step s), the input arbitrary rhythm number is assigned to the specified operator number (step S514). When designating a rhythm, for example, a plurality of rhythm names set in the rhythm table shown in FIG.
What is necessary is just to select from the rhythm names displayed in the list by operating the switch group 3. When the assignment of the rhythm number to each of the operators in the group C is completed (step S515;
Yes), and returns to step S501.

Thereafter, the data generation processing shown in FIG. 12 is executed based on the function assigned to each key to generate or register performance data. At the time of performance data generation, each function of the divided key area can be used at the same time,
When the rhythm pattern is designated by the keys of the group C, the timbre is designated by the keys of the group B, and the performance operation is performed on the keys of the group A, the tone generator 9 generates the musical tone of the designated rhythm pattern and The tone of the melody input by the performance operation is generated with the selected tone.

As described above, the portable telephone 200 according to the second embodiment divides a plurality of keys into a plurality of key areas when a performance mode is selected, and performs functions having different attributes for each key area. Assign. For example, if multiple keys are
It divides into three areas of group, group B and group C, assigns a pitch to each key of group A, assigns an arbitrary tone number to each key of group B, and assigns an arbitrary rhythm number to each key of group C Is assigned.

Therefore, each key of group A can input a performance operation as a pitch designation key, each key of group B can designate a timbre during performance as a tone color designation key, and each key of group C can be designated as a rhythm designation key. Since the rhythm can be specified during the performance, the timbre can be changed variously during the performance, and the accompaniment of an arbitrary rhythm can be performed. As described above, since the performance operators of a plurality of musical instruments can be assigned to the respective operators of the mobile phone 200 and formed, it is possible to input, register, and reproduce a thick piece of music.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of divisions of the key area is set to three groups A to C. However, the number of divisions may be any number as long as the key area is divided into a plurality. Numeric / character / pitch keys 2a to 2t which are arranged as a unit
Is used as one key area. However, the key area may be further divided into a plurality of areas and different functions may be assigned to the respective areas.
For example, a key area is divided by a white key and a black key, or “A
The key area may be divided at a predetermined pitch, such as the area of “2” to “C3” and the area of “C3 #” to “E4”.

In addition, the external shape of the mobile phone 200 and the arrangement of keys can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Third Embodiment] Next, FIG. 19 to FIG.
4, an example in which the present invention is applied to a stringed instrument type mobile phone 300 will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment.

The mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment includes a liquid crystal touch display panel (hereinafter, referred to as a touch display panel 301) over substantially the entire surface of a housing 300A, and a receiver is provided above the touch display panel 301. A (receiver) 6 and a microphone (transmitter) 5 are provided below. A speaker 7 for outputting a musical sound and an earphone jack 1 for connecting an earphone are provided on the right shoulder of the housing 300A.
5 are provided. An antenna 14 is provided at the upper part of the housing 300A so as to be extendable and retractable, and the antenna 14 is pulled out when making a call. Case 30
A power supply unit (not shown) such as a charge pack is provided on the back surface of 0A. Each of these components is connected to an electronic circuit (see FIG. 5) of a circuit board housed inside the housing 300A,
The operation of each unit is controlled by a control unit 8 described later.

In the following description, FIG. 1 and FIG.
The same components as those of the configuration of the mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the mobile phone 30
0 displays an initial display screen (see FIG. 22) in which a mode can be selected by a touch operation on the touch display panel 301, and a display required for communication processing on the touch display panel 301 in a normal mode functioning as a communication terminal. A screen (see FIG. 23) is displayed so that character data, numeric data, and the like can be input by a touch operation. In a performance mode functioning as a musical instrument, musical performance operators are displayed on the touch display panel 301 (see FIG. 23). The performance data can be input by touch operation.

The touch display panel 301 is provided so as to cover the display unit 4 composed of an LCD and the surface of the display unit 4, and performs a user's touch operation (operation of touching with a coordinate pointing tool such as a finger or an input pen). ) Is an input and display device that is integrally combined with a touch panel that senses the coordinates indicated by (1). The principle of reading the coordinates of the touch panel may be any of an electromagnetic induction system, a magnetostrictive system, a pressure-sensitive system, and the like. The touch display panel 301 displays an initial display screen (see FIG. 22), which will be described later, in accordance with a display instruction input from the control unit 8, and a display screen corresponding to a mode selected according to a touch operation on the initial display screen (see FIG. 24 (see FIG. 24). The coordinates of the touch operation on the display screen in each mode are detected, and a coordinate detection signal is output to the control unit 8.

The operation of mobile phone 300 will be described below. 20 to 21 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 illustrates an example of an initial display screen, and FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a display screen in a normal mode. 24 shows an example of a display screen in the performance mode.

First, upon detecting a touch operation on the power button 3a constantly displayed on the touch display panel 301, the control section 8 turns on the power and reads display data of the initial display screen from a ROM (not shown) (step S6).
01), an initial display screen is displayed on the touch display panel 301 (step S602).

In the initial display screen shown in FIG. 22, a character display area 301A is displayed above the touch display panel 301, and a mode confirmation button 301e, a cursor (up) button 301f, and a cursor (down) button are provided below the character display area 301A. A switch group including a button 301g, a power button 301a, and a mode selection button 301j is displayed.

Thereafter, when a mode selection instruction is input by touch operation of mode selection button 301j and selection is confirmed by touch operation of mode determination button 301e,
It is determined whether the normal mode is selected or the performance mode is selected (step S603). If the normal mode is selected (step S603; normal mode)
Executes the processing in the normal mode shown in steps S604 to S610, and if the performance mode is selected (step S603; performance mode),
617 (see FIG. 21) in the performance mode.

First, the processing in the normal mode will be described. When the normal mode is selected in step S603, the control unit 8 reads the display screen data of the normal mode from the ROM (step S604), and switches the display of the touch display panel 301 to the display screen of the normal mode (step S605). Further, operation element array data, which is display position information of each operation element in the normal mode, is read from the ROM (step S606) and assigned to each coordinate on the screen (step S607).

[0124] In the normal mode display screen shown in FIG.
A is displayed, and a mode confirmation button 301e, a mode selection button 301j, a cursor (up) button 301f, and a cursor (down) button 301 are displayed below the character display area 301A.
g, etc., and communication function operation buttons 301e to 301k are displayed, and a numeric / character key 301B arranged in a numeric keypad is displayed below the communication function operation buttons 301e to 301k. In addition, number / letter keys 30
Power button 301a, clear button 301 at the bottom of 1B
b, a memory button 301c and a memo button 301d are displayed.

When a touch operation is detected on the operation element displayed on the normal mode display screen (step S60)
8; Yes), the control unit 8 executes an input process according to the touch operation. In the input processing, the input mode setting processing and the data generation processing in the first embodiment are executed, and each time the power button 301a is operated, the character type that can be input with the number / character button 301B is changed, and a key corresponding thereto is assigned. Input numeric data or character data. The entered characters and numbers are displayed in the character display area 301.
A is displayed.

If the processing in the normal mode is to be continued (step S610; Yes), step S608 is executed.
And the input process corresponding to the touch operation on the normal mode display screen is repeated. When a communication function assigned to each button is designated, processing corresponding to the function is executed.

When the mode selection button 301j is pressed to change to the performance mode (step S610; No)
Returns to step S601, reads the initial display screen from the ROM, and switches the display on the touch display panel 301 to the initial display screen.

Next, the processing in the performance mode will be described. When the performance mode is selected while the initial display screen is displayed (step S603; performance mode), the control unit 8 reads a performance mode display screen (hereinafter referred to as a keyboard instrument display screen) from the ROM (step S603). S611),
The display on the touch display panel 301 is switched to the keyboard instrument display screen (step S612). Further, keyboard instrument operator array data, which is display position information of each operator, is read from the ROM (step S613) and assigned to each coordinate on the screen (step S614).

The keyboard instrument display screen shown in FIG. 24 includes a keyboard display / performance operation area 301E, a power button 301a, a mode selection button 301j, and a performance parameter setting area 30.
1C, a note display area 301D is displayed.

A plurality of key display portions are displayed in the keyboard display / performance operation area 301E. When any one of the key display portions is touched on (key pressing operation), a musical tone having a pitch corresponding to the touch position is set. The sound is started at the velocity corresponding to the tone and the pressing force, and is muted by touch-off (key release operation).

The performance parameter setting area 301C is an area in which operators for selectively designating various timbres, rhythms, sound effects, tempos, demo songs, and the like are arranged.

In the note display area 301D, the keyboard display
A pitch designated by a touch operation on the performance operation area 301E is displayed as a scale, or a musical score of a demo song is displayed.

When a touch operation is detected on the operator displayed on the keyboard instrument display screen (step S615; Ye)
s), the control unit 8 executes a tone data generation process according to the touch operation (step S616). In the tone data generation process, similarly to the data generation process in the performance mode in the first embodiment, the parameters (pitch, length, tone, velocity) of the performance data are extracted by the performance operation, and the performance data is generated and registered. I do.

Thereafter, if the processing in the performance mode is to be continued (step S617; Yes), step S6
Returning to 15, the data generation processing according to the touch operation on the keyboard instrument display screen is repeated.

When the mode selection button 301j is pressed and the mode is changed to the normal mode (step S617; N
o) Returning to step S601, the display data of the initial display screen is read from the ROM and the touch display panel 301 is read out.
Is switched to the initial display screen.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the touch display panel 301 is mounted on the cellular phone 300,
A display screen corresponding to the selected mode is displayed on the touch display panel 301, and controls corresponding to the selected mode are displayed on the touch display panel 301, and a display position of each control on the touch display panel 301. And performs an input process and a data generation process according to the mode.

Therefore, in the normal mode, the display on the touch display panel 301 is switched to a display screen on which operators required for communication processing are displayed, and used as an input / output device for character data and the like. Touch display panel 3 if in play mode
The display of 01 is switched to a musical instrument display screen displaying musical performance operators and used as an input / output device for performance data. As described above, the displayed controls are switched according to the application, so that the control section can be extremely simplified without providing a dedicated control on the main body of the mobile phone 300.

In the above-described embodiment, in the performance mode, the touch display panel 301 displays a plurality of keys, which are operators of a keyboard instrument. However, an operator section of another instrument may be displayed. Good. For example, an operation unit such as a guitar, a trumpet, a clarinet, a drum pad, or the like may be displayed so that performance data can be input by performing operation of each musical instrument.

Further, the mobile phone 20 according to the third embodiment is described.
For example, the assignment process described in the second embodiment may be applied to 0. That is, for example, each key (key) of the keyboard instrument displayed on the touch display panel 301 is divided into a plurality of areas, and group A is a pitch designation key, group B is a tone color designation key, and group C is a rhythm designation key. May be set.

Also in this case, the number of divisions of the key area is not limited to three, and it is sufficient if the area is divided into a plurality of areas, and keys having different attributes can be assigned to the respective areas. is there.

In addition, the shape of the mobile phone 300, the size of the touch display panel 301, and the like are arbitrary, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a mobile phone as an example of a communication apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and mobile phones having a communication function are not limited to this. It can also be applied to information terminals, game terminals, and the like.

[0143]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the performance control of the musical instrument is formed in a communication device such as a mobile phone, the performance control is operated to play a normal musical instrument. You can input performance data smoothly while enjoying the performance. Also, when performing communication processing in the communication device, various functions can be assigned to the performance operator as an operator for inputting characters or numbers, or an operator of the communication processing function. The configuration of the child can be simplified.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate performance data to which various performance expressions are added by a normal performance operation, thereby enriching the performance expressions.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to divide an operation element provided in a communication device such as a portable telephone into a plurality of key areas and to assign performance parameters having different attributes to each key area. Therefore, it is possible to assign ensemble performances and play melody and accompaniment at the same time by assigning the performance parameters of multiple types of instruments to each key area. Songs that are rich and enjoyable as music can be used as ringtones.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a tone having a pitch specified in a key area to which pitch information is assigned is generated by a tone specified in a key area to which tone color information is assigned, and rhythm information is assigned. Since the designated rhythm can be generated in the key area, various performance expressions can be realized, and the music created by the communication device can be enjoyed as music.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, performance data to which various performance expressions are smoothly added can be generated by an easy performance operation, and the performance expressions can be enriched.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the touch display panel is mounted on the mobile phone, and the display contents of the touch display panel are switched and displayed according to the selected mode. There is no need to provide a dedicated operator, and the operator unit can be configured extremely simply. In the performance mode, the performance controls of the instrument are displayed on the touch display panel, and the performance data can be input by touching the displayed performance controls, so that the performance data can be input smoothly while enjoying the performance. it can. In particular, when the performance operators of a plurality of types of musical instruments are displayed so as to be selectable, it is effective because the user can select a good musical instrument and input performance data.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, performance data to which various performance expressions are smoothly added can be generated by an easy performance operation, and the performance expressions can be enriched.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a mobile phone 1 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a key assignment data table for each mode.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a tone color table.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the strength of a key touch operation and the detected velocity level.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of the mobile phone 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data format of performance data.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating overall processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a mode selection process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an input mode setting process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an input mode setting process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a key assignment process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a data generation process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a data generation process.

FIG. 14 is a mobile phone 100 according to a modification of the first embodiment.
FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mobile phone 200 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode-specific key assignment data table according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rhythm table.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an assignment process.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a mobile phone 300 according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display screen.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in a normal mode.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in a performance mode.

FIG. 25 is a view showing the appearance of a conventional mobile phone.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 1A housing 2 Performance operation input part 2a-2t Numeric / character / pitch key 3 Switch group 3a Power button 3b Clear button 3c Memory button 3d Memo button 3e-3f Communication function operation button 4 Display part 5 Microphone 6 Receiver Reference Signs List 7 speaker 8 control unit 9 sound source 10 sound processing unit 11 performance data storage unit 12 transmission / reception data storage unit 13 wireless unit 14 antenna 15 earphone jack

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. Mode selection means for selecting an arbitrary mode from a plurality of modes; data generation means comprising a plurality of keys; and generating data based on operation of the keys; and selection by the mode selection means Assigning means for assigning a specific function to each of the plurality of keys in accordance with a mode to be performed.The mode selecting means includes a normal mode for executing communication processing and a performance mode for inputting performance data. When the normal mode is selected by the mode selecting means, the assigning means assigns the plurality of keys as character or numeric input keys, and the performance mode is selected by the mode selecting means. A communication device, wherein the plurality of keys are assigned as performance operators. 2. The data generating means according to claim 1, wherein when the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, a pitch and a tone length are determined according to a performance operation on each key assigned as a performance operator by the allocation means. 2. The performance data comprising tone, tone and velocity.
The communication device as described. 3. A mode selecting means for selecting an arbitrary mode from a plurality of modes; a data generating means comprising a plurality of keys; and generating data based on an operation of the keys; Allocating means for dividing the plurality of keys into a plurality of key areas according to a mode to be performed, and allocating different functions to each of the divided key areas, wherein the mode selecting means executes a communication process. Selecting one of a normal mode and a performance mode for inputting performance data; and when the normal mode is selected by the mode selection means, the assigning means performs communication processing for each of the key areas. When an operation function or a character or numeral input function is assigned and the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, an attribute is assigned to each key area. A communication device for assigning different performance parameters. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said assigning means selectively assigns pitch information, tone color information, or rhythm information to each of said key areas when said performance mode is selected by said mode selecting means. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The data generating means, when the performance mode is selected by the mode selecting means, a pitch and a sound in response to a pressing operation on each key to which a performance parameter is allocated by the allocating means. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein performance data including a length, a tone color, and a velocity is generated. 6. A mode selecting means for selecting one of a performance mode for inputting performance data and a normal mode for executing communication processing, and enabling input of data by touch operation and displaying various data. A touch display panel, and control means for controlling display contents of the touch display panel to be switched according to the mode selected by the mode selection means. The control means controls the performance by the mode selection means. When the mode is selected, a performance operator of a predetermined musical instrument is displayed on the touch display panel, and a touch operation on the performance operator displayed on the touch display panel is detected, and the touch operation is performed in response to the touch operation. In the case where the normal mode is selected by the mode selecting means. Communication device and controls to display the processing window for executing the communication process. 7. When the performance mode is selected by the mode selection means, the control means generates performance data including pitch, tone length, tone color, and velocity in response to a touch operation on the touch display panel. 7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the communication device is controlled to perform the communication.