JP2002132415A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic mobile type device that solves a problem to be required for switching an input mode operation to a complicated operation to enter data of Japanese characters, Kanji characters, and the special characters by using the electronic mobile type device with 10 trough 20 operation key buttons, which can also submit and receive Internet mail. SOLUTION: The present invention features a liquid crystal display unit for data entry operational keys, which is used for a mobile data terminal represented by a pocket telephone and installed data terminals represented by a personal computer and a telephone. The present invention also features that a user can identify operational keys in a dark environment with the liquid crystal display unit that displays characters, symbols, and numeric characters. This arrangement makes a user free to identify the operation keys in the dark environment.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information terminal such as a stationary telephone, a facsimile, a personal computer, etc., an information terminal for transmitting and receiving information by connecting to the Internet,
Mobile phones, PHS (Personal Handy Phone system),
The present invention relates to an electronic device of a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Note that in this specification, a portable information terminal is an electronic device that can be carried by a user and that can transmit and receive data and information indoors and outdoors via a wireless telephone, a wired telephone, or the Internet. Point.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A portable electronic device represented by a cellular phone has rapidly spread due to the establishment of an information communication network using a wireless communication line and the Internet, a reduction in call charges and a price of a main unit, and its convenience. are doing. In a mobile phone, a communication circuit, a display portion, operation keys, a sound input portion, a sound output portion, an antenna, and the like are integrally provided in a housing.

A portable electronic device represented by a portable telephone has a user's selection criterion not only in appearance and function but also in weight and length of continuous usable time. For this reason, various devices have been devised to reduce the weight of the portable electronic device and extend the usable time of one charge. As a result, potentially unwanted features have been removed where possible.

[0004]

In a portable electronic device capable of transmitting and receiving e-mail, the number of buttons is usually about 12 to 20. In order to input Japanese characters and special characters including kanji, hiragana, and katakana, it was necessary to switch the input mode of kanji, hiragana, and katakana and perform complicated operations.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and has as its object to provide a more convenient electronic device.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a portable information terminal typified by a portable telephone, which is a portable electronic device, and an information terminal typified by a personal computer or a stationary telephone. A liquid crystal display device is provided below a button for inputting information to the device. Characters (including letters, numbers, and pictograms) displayed on each button by the liquid crystal display device allow a user to identify the button.

Further, in each button, the direction of the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device can be switched according to the vertical and horizontal directions of the electronic device. Switching of the direction of the symbol is realized by reading out the image information of the symbol displayed in the vertical direction and the image information of the symbol displayed in the horizontal direction stored in the memory.

[0008] The liquid crystal display device used in the present invention is a passive matrix type or an active matrix type. The active matrix type is preferable, and the pixel portion is provided with a liquid crystal layer and a plurality of TFTs.

With the above configuration, the usability of the electronic device can be improved.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1A shows an example of a portable telephone which can be used in the present invention. 101 is a first panel in which the first display unit 104 is incorporated, and 102 is a second panel having buttons 106. The first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are connected to each other at a connection portion 103 using a hinge. And in the connection part 103,
The angle θ between the surface of the first panel 101 on which the first display portion 104 is provided and the surface of the second panel 102 on which the buttons 106 are provided can be arbitrarily changed. The antenna 109 is structured to be housed in the first panel 101, and can be extended from the first panel 101 when used. In this specification, the plurality of buttons 106 are collectively referred to as operation keys 115.

The first panel 101 has a first display unit 10
In addition to 4, an audio input unit 108 and an antenna 109 are provided. The second panel 102 is provided with a button 106, a power switch 107, and an audio output unit 105.

The button 106 is translucent. Button 1
A liquid crystal display device is provided below 06. The liquid crystal display device includes a pixel portion and a driver circuit (a source signal line driver circuit and a gate signal line driver circuit) for driving the pixel portion. The drive circuit, memory, and other circuits are inserted between the buttons.

Symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device can be recognized through light-transmitting buttons. FIG.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an example of the mobile phone illustrated in FIG. The printed circuit board 202 includes the first panel 101 and the second panel 101.
Of the panel 102 is provided inside the housing. Also,
A first display unit 104 is provided inside the first panel 101, and a second display unit 105 is provided inside the second panel 102.

FIG. 2 shows a second display section 105 of the example of the cellular phone shown in FIG. 1B. The second panel 102 includes a second display unit 110, buttons 106, and the like.

FIG. 2A shows a housing. The housing has a plurality of holes, and each hole is fitted with a translucent button. FIG. 2B illustrates a liquid crystal display device including a gate signal line driver circuit and a source signal line driver circuit. In this specification, a generic term including a source signal line driving circuit and a gate signal line driving circuit is referred to as a driving circuit. The housing is overlaid on the liquid crystal display device, and the display of the liquid crystal display device can be recognized through the light-transmitting button.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation key configuration showing an example of a portable telephone or a PDA using the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a transmission type liquid crystal display device is used.

In FIG. 3A, a printed circuit board 202 made of glass epoxy resin or ceramic is provided inside a housing 201, and a CP is used as a base band.
U (microprocessor), DSP (digital signal processor), various memories (flash memory and S
A signal processing circuit such as a RAM (RAM), and a transmission / reception circuit unit equipped with a mixer, a frequency synthesizer, and the like are formed.

On the printed circuit board 202, a liquid crystal display device 204 is provided on a surface opposite to the surface on which the above-described various circuits are formed. The liquid crystal display device 204 includes a substrate 212, a sealing material 221, a light guide plate 214, and a cover material 213. The liquid crystal display device 204 includes the substrate 2
12 is sealed. A backlight (not shown) is provided at an end of the light guide plate 214.

Button 2 recognizable from outside of housing 201
03 is translucent, and the liquid crystal display 204
Is provided. With such a configuration, symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 204 can be recognized through the light-transmitting buttons 203.

The liquid crystal display device 204 is connected to a wiring 206 formed on a substrate 212. Printed circuit board 202
The connection form between the circuit and the circuit of the substrate 212 is not particularly limited. For example, the wiring 206 and the circuit of the printed circuit board 202 may be connected using an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 210. .

The electrodes 209a and 209b and the diaphragm 208
And a flexible sheet 207 to which the diaphragm 208 is fixed. The diaphragm 208 is formed of an alloy containing aluminum or copper as a main component, and has conductivity. The diaphragm 208 is provided corresponding to the button 203. The electrodes 209a and 209b are connected to a circuit for detecting an input among the various circuits described above.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in a normal state, the diaphragm 208 is in contact with only one electrode 209a. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the user presses the button 203 in the direction of the arrow, the flexible sheet 207 is pressed.
And the diaphragm 208 are deformed, and the diaphragm 20 is deformed.
8 is in contact with both the electrodes 209a and 209b to establish conduction. In this way, input information is obtained by detecting the presence or absence of a button operation.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating an operation key configuration showing an example of a cellular phone or PDA using the present invention. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a reflective liquid crystal display device is used.

When a reflective liquid crystal display device is used, a plurality of electrodes 209a and 209b are formed on a substrate 212. The liquid crystal display device 204 and the wiring 206 are provided over the substrate 215. The light guide plate 214 is
2 and a substrate 215, and a front light (not shown) is provided at an end of the light guide plate.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in a normal state, the diaphragm 208 is in contact with only one electrode 209a. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the user presses the button 203 in the direction of the arrow, the flexible sheet 207 is pressed.
And the diaphragm 208 are deformed, and the diaphragm 20 is deformed.
8 is in contact with both the electrodes 209a and 209b to establish conduction. In this way, input information is obtained by detecting the presence or absence of a button operation.

Next, the connection configuration of the electrode 209b will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view. As shown in FIG. 5, an electrode 209b is provided on a substrate 212. Electrode 209
b is connected to the lead-out wiring 271, and the lead-out wiring 271 is connected to the FPC 273 at the connection part 274. The FPC 273 is connected to a circuit provided on the printed circuit board 202. Note that the FPC need not always be used, and a connector other than the FPC can be used.

It is also possible to detect the presence or absence of a button operation by using a touch panel without using a diaphragm.

As shown in FIG. 6, the touch panel has a first substrate 403 on which a first resistive film 401 made of a strip-shaped transparent conductive film is formed in a column direction, and a second resistive film made of a strip-shaped transparent conductive film. Second substrate 40 on which film 402 is formed in the row direction
4 overlap with a gap provided between the first substrate 403 and the second substrate 404. The second substrate 404 on which the second resistance film 402 is formed needs to have flexibility.

The first resistance films 401 arranged in the column direction include:
First FPC connected at first resistance film connection portion 407
A predetermined voltage is applied via 405. Further, a voltage different from the voltage applied to the first resistance film 401 is applied to the second resistance films 402 arranged in the row direction via the second FPC 406 connected at the second resistance film connection portion 408. .

The transparent button 409 is connected to the first resistive film 40.
The first and second resistive films 402 are provided on overlapping portions.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an operation key having a touch panel 410. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first resistor 401 and the second resistor 402 are not in contact in a normal state. Further, the first resistance film 401 or the second resistance film 40
2 is a circuit provided on the printed circuit board 202,
C and the like.

The liquid crystal display device 204 shown in FIG.
The figure shows a transmission type liquid crystal display device, and a liquid crystal display device 204.
Is composed of a liquid crystal display device 204, a light guide plate 214, and a cover member 206 formed on a substrate 212. Not limited to the transmission type liquid crystal display device, a reflection type liquid crystal display device (not shown) may be used.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the user presses a button 409 to apply pressure to the surface of the second substrate 404, one of the first resistance films 401 and the second resistance film 4 are pressed.
02 makes contact with one of them. Then, a voltage corresponding to the contact position is generated in one of the first resistance films 401 and one of the second resistance films 402 that are in contact. By measuring changes in the voltages of all the resistive films, the positions of the first resistive film 401 and the second resistive film 402 that are in contact with each other can be determined. Therefore, information on the position of the button 409 pressed by the user can be taken into the portable information terminal as electronic data.

FIG. 8 shows a part of a top view of a substrate 212 on which a light-transmitting button 203, a liquid crystal display device 204, and a wiring 206 are formed. A terminal 211 for connection is provided at an end of the substrate 212.

The controller and the memory provided on the printed board 202 may be formed on the board 212. FIG. 9 shows a top view of the substrate 212 when the controller and the memory are formed on the substrate 212.

The components already shown in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The wiring 206 is connected to the controller 215. The controller 215 is a clock signal (CLK) used to drive a driving circuit of the liquid crystal display device.
And a start pulse signal (SP). Further, the image information of the symbol stored in the memory 216 is read and input to the source signal line driving circuit of the liquid crystal display device.

The liquid crystal display device 204 includes a pixel portion 214,
A source signal line driver circuit 217 and a gate signal line driver circuit 218 are provided. The light-transmitting button 203 is provided over the pixel portion 214. The pixel portion 214 has a plurality of pixels 214, and each pixel has a liquid crystal layer (not shown) and a T
FT (not shown).

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG.
Have one. Note that the number of memories provided in the liquid crystal display device is not limited to this. The number of memories can be appropriately set by a designer.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 9 has a first memory 221, a second memory 222, a third memory 223,
A selection circuit 220 for reading out the image information of the symbol from the first to third memories. The first memory 221 stores numerical image information as symbols, the second memory 222 stores kana image information as symbols, and the third memory 223 stores alphabetic image information as symbols. Have been.

The first memory 221 has a first memory 221a for vertical display and a first memory 221b for horizontal display. The first memory 221a for vertical display stores image information of numbers in the vertical direction, and the first memory 221b for horizontal display stores image information of numbers in the horizontal direction.

The second memory 222 has a second memory 222a for vertical display and a second memory 222b for horizontal display. The second memory 222a for vertical display stores image information of vertical kana, and the second memory 222b for horizontal display stores image information of horizontal kana.

The third memory 223 has a third memory 223a for vertical display and a third memory 223b for horizontal display. The third vertical display memory 223a stores vertical kana image information, and the horizontal display third memory 223b stores horizontal kana image information.

For example, when it is desired to display the numbers vertically in the pixel section 214, the selection circuit 220 reads out the image information of the numbers in the vertical direction from the first memory 221a for vertical display.
The signal is input to the source signal line driver circuit 218.

It should be noted that only one symbol is not necessarily displayed in the pixel section 214. The image information of the plurality of symbols is 1 so that the plurality of symbols are displayed on the pixel portion 214.
It may be displayed on one pixel unit 214.

It is also possible to provide sensors in the first memory, the second memory, and the third memory, respectively.
In that case, the number is not limited and the designer can appropriately set the number.

The first to third memories may be flash memories or mask ROMs.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a mask ROM used for a memory included in the liquid crystal display device.

The mask ROM is provided with a plurality of addresses 240 in a matrix, and each address 240 is provided with a selection TFT 241. Selection TFT
The gate electrode 241 is connected to the scanning line 242. One of a source region and a drain region of the selection TFT 241 is connected to the read wiring 243, and the other is connected to one of two power sources.

One of the two power supplies is a high voltage side power supply (VD
D) and the other is a low voltage side power supply (GND). The power source to which the selection TFT 241 is connected at each address 240 is determined by the image information of the memory.

The gate electrode of the data reading TFT 244 is connected to the selection line 245. Data read TF
One of a source region and a drain region of T244 is connected to the read wiring 243, and the other is connected to the output line 246.

The selection timing signal output from the selection shift register 247 is amplified in the selection buffer 248 and input to each scanning line 242. Scan line 2
The selection TFT 241 in which the gate electrode is connected to 42 is
It is turned on by the selection timing signal and the power supply (GN
D or VDD) and the read wiring 243 are electrically connected.

Next, the read timing signal output from the read shift register 249 is amplified in the read buffer 250 and input to each select line 245. The data reading TFT 244 whose gate electrode is connected to the selection line 245 is turned on in order, and the potential of the power supply (GND or VDD) is input to the output line 246 through the reading wiring 243.

By performing the above operation at all the addresses 240, the image information stored in the memory can be read.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to the present invention. In the system shown in FIG.
The key input unit 522 includes a liquid crystal display device 523 and a key input detection unit 524. A keyboard interface unit 508 of the CPU 506 controls an image of a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 523 via a keyboard control circuit (controller) 520.

A signal from the key input detection unit 524 is input to the keyboard interface unit 508 via the input signal processing circuit 521, performs data processing inside the CPU 506, and outputs predetermined information to the control circuit 512. The information is displayed on the display device 513 or transmitted.

Other configurations of the external circuit include a power source 504 including a stabilized power source and a high-speed and high-precision operational amplifier, an audio processing circuit 502, an external interface port 505, a transmission / reception circuit 515, and the like. Also, the CPU 506
Has a built-in video signal processing circuit 507. Also,
A VRAM 511, a DRAM 509, a flash memory 510, and a memory card 503 are connected to the CPU 506. The information processed by the CPU 503 is output from the video signal processing circuit 507 to the control circuit 512 as a video signal (data signal). The control circuit 512 supplies a video signal and a clock to the display device 513. Specifically, the function of distributing the video signal to data corresponding to each pixel of the display device, and the function of converting the externally input horizontal synchronization signal and vertical synchronization signal to the start signal of the drive circuit and the timing of AC conversion of the built-in power supply circuit It has the function of converting to control signals.

As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic device of the present invention has a configuration in which a CPU centrally manages and controls a liquid crystal display device provided below a button.

Referring to FIG. 12, a keyboard control circuit (controller) 520 includes a source signal driving circuit clock signal (S-CLK), a start pulse signal (S-SP), and a gate signal driving circuit clock signal (S-CLK). G-CLK) and a mechanism for generating a start pulse signal (G-SP) will be described. Note that the controller shown in FIG. 13 outputs an S-SP having a cycle of 24 times the reference clock signal.

The controller comprises counter circuits 261, 2
62, and AND circuits 263 and 264. A reference clock signal (CLK) and a reset signal (R
es1) is input to the counter circuit 261, and four signals (out1 to 4) are output from the counter circuit 261 to the AN
The signal is input to the D circuit 263. out1 is a signal obtained by doubling the cycle of the reference clock signal, out2 is also 4 times, out3 is 8 times, and out4 is 1 time.
This is a signal multiplied by six.

Out1 is input to the source signal line drive circuit as S-CLK. The signal output from the AND 263 is input to the source signal line driver circuit as S-SP.

Further, out1 and the reset signal (Res)
2) is input to the counter circuit 262. Then, four signals (out 5 to 8) from the counter circuit 262 are ANDed.
The signal is input to the circuit 264. out5 is a signal obtained by doubling the cycle of out1, and out6 is quadrupled, and out
7 is a signal of 8 times, and out8 is a signal of 16 times.

Out5 is input to the gate signal line drive circuit as G-CLK. The signal output from the AND 264 is input to the gate signal line driver circuit as G-SP.

FIG. 13 shows a configuration of a pixel portion of a liquid crystal display device used in the present invention.

An example of a liquid crystal display device having a pixel portion on a substrate and a drive circuit for driving the pixel portion (however, before a liquid crystal material is sealed) is shown.

It should be noted that the driving circuit has a CMO as a basic unit.
5 illustrates an S circuit, and illustrates one pixel in a pixel portion.

In FIG. 13, n-channel TFTs 605 and 606 and p-channel TFTs 603 and 6 are provided on a substrate.
A drive circuit 601 composed of a TFT 04, a pixel TFT 607 composed of an n-channel TFT, and a pixel portion 602 composed of a storage capacitor 608 are formed. In this embodiment,
All the TFTs are formed of top gate type TFTs.

Although the pixel TFT 607 has a structure having two channel forming regions between the source region and the drain region (double gate structure), this embodiment is not limited to the double gate structure. A single gate structure in which one channel formation region is formed or a triple gate structure in which three channel formation regions are formed may be used.

The liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 13 is of a reflective type, and a pixel electrode connected to a drain region of a pixel TFT is a reflective electrode. As the material of the pixel electrode 610, it is desirable to use a material having excellent reflectivity, such as a film containing Al or Ag as a main component or a laminated film thereof. In addition, after forming the pixel electrode, it is preferable to increase the whiteness by adding a known process such as sandblasting or etching to make the surface uneven, prevent specular reflection, and scatter reflected light. .

Although FIG. 13 shows an example of a reflection type liquid crystal display device using a pixel electrode as a reflection electrode, a transmission type liquid crystal display device using a transparent conductive film as a pixel electrode instead of a reflection electrode is shown. It is also possible to use.

After obtaining the state shown in FIG. 13, an alignment film is formed on the pixel electrode, and a rubbing process is performed. In this example, before forming the alignment film, an organic resin film such as an acrylic resin film was patterned to form a columnar spacer at a desired position for maintaining the distance between the substrates. Instead of the columnar spacers, spherical spacers may be spread over the entire surface of the substrate.

Next, a counter substrate is prepared. Next, a coloring layer and a light-shielding layer are formed over the counter substrate, and then a planarizing film is formed. Next, a counter electrode made of a transparent conductive film was formed on at least the pixel portion over the flattening film, an alignment film was formed over the entire surface of the counter substrate, and rubbing treatment was performed.

Then, the stainless substrate on which the pixel portion and the drive circuit are formed and the fixed substrate are bonded together with an adhesive layer (in this embodiment, a sealing material). A filler is mixed in the adhesive layer, and the two substrates are bonded to each other at a uniform interval using the filler and the columnar spacer. afterwards,
A liquid crystal material is injected between the two substrates, and completely sealed with a sealant (not shown). A known liquid crystal material may be used as the liquid crystal material.

The pixel section of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 14 shows an example in which TFTs used for a pixel portion and a driving circuit of a liquid crystal display device are of an inverted stagger type. FIG. 14A is an enlarged top view of one of the pixels in the pixel portion. In FIG. 14A, a portion cut along a dotted line AA ′ is a cross section of the pixel portion in FIG. Corresponds to the structure. Note that in FIG. 14B, reference numeral 51 denotes a substrate having an insulating surface.

In the pixel section, the pixel TFT section is formed of an N-channel type TFT. A gate electrode 52 is formed on a substrate 51, on which a first insulating film 53a made of silicon nitride and a second insulating film 53b made of silicon oxide are provided. On the second insulating film, n + regions 54 to 56 as active layers, channel forming regions 57 and 58, an n− region 59 between the n + region and the channel forming region,
60 are formed. In addition, channel forming regions 57 and 58
Is protected by the insulating layers 61 and 62. After a contact hole is formed in the first interlayer insulating film 63 covering the insulating layers 61 and 62 and the active layer, a wiring 64 connected to the n + region 54 is formed, and a pixel made of Al or Ag is formed in the n + region 56. The electrode 65 is connected, and a passivation film 66 is further formed thereon. Reference numeral 70 denotes a pixel electrode adjacent to the pixel electrode 69.

In this embodiment, the pixel TFT in the pixel portion is
Has a double-gate structure, but a multi-gate structure such as a triple-gate structure may be used in order to reduce variation in off-state current. Further, a single gate structure may be used to improve the aperture ratio.

The capacitor portion of the pixel portion is formed by the capacitor wiring 71 and the n + region 56 using the first insulating film and the second insulating film as dielectrics.

The pixel section shown in FIG. 14 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above configuration.

Next, an example of a configuration of a driving circuit included in the liquid crystal display device will be described.

FIG. 15A shows a circuit configuration for performing analog driving. In the present embodiment, the source line driving circuit 9
0, a pixel portion 91 and a gate line driving circuit 92. Note that in this specification, a driver circuit is a general term including a source line driver circuit and a gate line driver circuit.

The source line driving circuit 90 includes a shift register 90a, a buffer 90b, and a sampling circuit (transfer gate) 90c. The gate line drive circuit 92 includes a shift register 92a, a level shifter 92
b, a buffer 92c is provided. If necessary, a level shifter circuit may be provided between the sampling circuit and the shift register.

The pixel section 91 has a plurality of pixels, each of which is provided with a TFT element.

The source line drive circuit 90 and the gate line drive circuit 92 can be formed entirely of p-channel TFTs or all n-channel TFTs.

Although not shown, a gate-side drive circuit may be further provided on the opposite side of the gate-side drive circuit 92 with the pixel portion 91 interposed therebetween.

In the case of digital driving, FIG.
As shown in (B), a latch (A) 93b and a latch (B) 93c may be provided instead of the sampling circuit.
The source-side drive circuit 93 includes a shift register 93a, a latch (A) 93b, a latch (B) 93c, a D / A converter 93d, and a buffer 93e. The gate-side drive circuit 95 includes a shift register 95a, a level shifter 95b, and a buffer 95c. If necessary, a level shifter circuit may be provided between the latch (B) 93c and the D / A converter 93d.

Although FIG. 15 shows only the configuration of the pixel portion and the driving circuit, a memory and a microprocessor may be formed.

In the electronic device of the present invention having the operation keys as described above, the type of the symbol displayed on the operation keys can be appropriately changed by the user. For example, FIG.
Usually, a number is shown as shown in the figure. When the user switches the display by operating the menu key or the like, FIG.
The display can be switched between hiragana display as shown in (B) and alphabetical display as shown in FIG. 16 (C).
If the liquid crystal display device provided for the operation keys is capable of color display, color information can be further provided. Then, lighting with the color according to the user's preference,
By changing the color of the lighting for each registered group together with the ringing tone at the time of the incoming call, it is also possible to enhance the distinctiveness at the time of the incoming call.

Next, FIG. 17 shows an example of an external view of an electronic device completed according to the present invention.

FIG. 17A shows the orientation of the symbols displayed on the first display portion 304 when the first panel 301 and the second panel 302 are arranged side by side, and The direction of the symbol displayed on the button 306 provided on the panel 302 indicates a case where the direction is the original direction as viewed from the user side.

FIG. 17B shows the orientation of the symbols displayed on the first display section 304 when the first panel 301 and the second panel 302 are arranged vertically, The direction of the symbol displayed on the button 306 provided on the panel 302 indicates a case where the direction is the original direction as viewed from the user side.

According to the electronic device of the present invention, the directions of the symbols displayed on the first display unit 304 and the directions of the symbols displayed on the buttons 306 provided on the second panel are adjusted in accordance with the user's convenience. 1A and the orientation shown in FIG.
It is possible to switch to the direction shown in FIG.

Although FIG. 17 illustrates the case where the direction of the image displayed on the display unit 304 is the same as the direction of the symbol displayed on the operation keys 306, the present invention is not limited to this. The direction of the image displayed on the display unit 304 and the direction of the symbol displayed on the operation keys 306 may be different. The symbols displayed by the operation keys shown in FIG. 17 are examples, and the electronic device of the present invention is not limited to these symbols.

The direction of the image displayed on the display unit 304 and the direction of the image such as the symbol displayed on the operation key 306 are determined by the first panel 301 of the first panel 301 in the connection unit 303.
May be automatically changed according to the angle θ between the surface having the display section 304 and the surface having the buttons 106 provided on the second panel 302.

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the brightness of the display of the operation keys can be switched. The button 106 shown in FIG. 18A has one or more black symbols displayed on a white background. The button 106 illustrated in FIG. 18B has one or more white symbols displayed on a black background.

Note that the buttons 106 for displaying in black or white have been described with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Button 106
May display a color other than white. For example, yellow display may be performed on a black background, green display on a white background, or black display on a blue background.

With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the electronic device itself.

Further, the mobile phone can be connected to the Internet to send and receive e-mails and search homepages. Character information other than voice is often input by operating the operation key with one hand. In that case,
Operate the operation keys with the dominant thumb or forefinger.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a use mode of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 2. Description of the Related Art In mobile phones that can be connected to the Internet, the size of a display unit has been increasing in order to increase the amount of image information that can be displayed on one screen and achieve higher definition. However, as the visibility of the screen has improved,
This makes it easier for the user to view the displayed information, and privacy cannot be maintained.

On the other hand, the arrangement of the operation keys 106 and the first display unit 104 of the portable telephone according to the present invention is such that the screen of the first display unit 104 is operated with the palm while operating the button 106 as shown in FIG. Because it can be obscured to some extent, privacy can be ensured. In addition, the user can have a sense of security.

Further, by using an image sensor or an area sensor built in the first display unit 104 and using the palm over the first display unit 104, the user can use the palm emblem (palm). Authentication can be performed. Authentication is performed by key operation with the button 106,
The display device with a built-in sensor reads the individual information of the palm of the user and performs an authentication operation. The authentication work is performed by comparing the individual information read by the sensor with the individual information stored in the built-in flash memory or nonvolatile memory.

Although FIG. 19 shows an example in which the button 106 is operated with the thumb, the same applies to the case where the button 106 is operated with the index finger as shown in FIG.

The present invention can be applied to a notebook computer in which a liquid crystal display device as shown in FIG. 21 is applied to a display device. A computer shown in FIG. 21A has a main body 1401 and a display portion 14 using a liquid crystal display device.
03, an image input unit 1402, and a keyboard unit 1404, and the present invention can be applied to the keyboard unit 1404. The size and number of keys in the keyboard section of an electronic device that emphasizes portability are limited, and by using the operation keys of the present invention, each key is provided with an information display function, so that input operations such as data can be performed. I can help.

The telephone shown in FIG. 21B may have a facsimile function.
411, a display unit 1412 for displaying a telephone number and the like, operation keys 1413, and the like. The present invention provides an operation key 1
413 can be applied, and even in such a stationary electronic device, the user's input operation can be supported and convenience can be improved.

FIG. 21 shows an example of an electronic device to which the present invention is applied. However, in addition, a keyboard of a desktop computer, a remote control of a television receiver or audio, a selection button of a vending machine, various production methods, etc. It can be applied to any electronic device such as a switch provided on a control panel of the device.

[0105]

(Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a portable information terminal represented by a portable telephone. In the drawings, the same numbers are used for those described above. The mobile phone illustrated in FIG. 22A includes an antenna 109, a sound input portion 108, a sound output portion 110, operation keys 115 including a plurality of light-transmitting buttons 106, and the like. The light-transmitting cover 121 is provided so as to overlap the display portion 120.

FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view of an example of the mobile phone shown in FIG. Antenna 109,
The display unit 120, the cover 121, the buttons 106, the printed circuit board 202, and the like are provided inside the housing 201. The housing 201 has a structure in which the light-transmitting cover 121 and the light-transmitting button 106 are incorporated.
The display of the liquid crystal display device 204 can be recognized through the button 21 and the button 106.

The liquid crystal display device 204 is provided inside the housing 201.
Is provided. The liquid crystal display device 204 includes a pixel portion and a driver circuit (a source signal line driver circuit and a gate signal line driver circuit) for driving the pixel portion. The drive circuit, memory, and other circuits are inserted between the buttons. The liquid crystal display device 204 used in this embodiment is a transmissive or reflective liquid crystal display device.

A symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 204 can be recognized through the translucent button 106. Button 106
The information of the symbol input to the electronic device by the
Displayed as 0.

This embodiment can be freely combined with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0111]

According to the electronic device of the present invention, a translucent button and a liquid crystal display device are provided as operation keys for inputting symbols, and the user operates the operation keys with the symbols displayed by the liquid crystal display device. Can be identified. With such a configuration, a limited number of operation keys can be effectively used, and the convenience of the user can be enhanced in combination with the multi-function of the operation keys.

Further, the user can appropriately change the direction of the electronic device and the direction of the symbol displayed on the operation key by the liquid crystal display device, thereby improving the operability.
With the above configuration, usability of the electronic device can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a portable electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of operation keys of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of operation keys of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of operation keys of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of operation keys of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a structure of a touch panel.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of operation keys of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of a liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a structure of a liquid crystal display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration of a mask ROM.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to the invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional structural view of a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 15 is a circuit block diagram.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of an operation key according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an external view of a portable electronic device of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of an operation key according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an operation mode of a portable electronic device using the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates an operation mode of a portable electronic device using the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of an electronic device.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a portable electronic device according to the present invention.

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G09G 3/36 G09G 3/36 H04M 1/23 H04M 1/23 DF term (reference) 5B020 CC12 DD02 DD26 DD30 5C006 AC21 AF00 AF44 AF51 BB16 BC16 EC01 EC05 FA03 FA55 5C080 AA10 BB05 CC01 DD01 EE23 FF11 JJ01 JJ02 JJ04 JJ06 5E501 AA02 AA03 AA04 AA20 AB02 AB03 AC42 BA03 BA05 CA04 CB02 FA05 FA13 FB24 FB28 FB34 GG07H07A07

Claims (16)

[Claims] An electronic device having a display unit and operation keys, wherein the operation keys include a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and the liquid crystal display device Wherein the symbol displayed on the electronic device is input to the electronic device. 2. An electronic device, comprising a display unit and operation keys, wherein the electronic device is a telephone, wherein the operation keys are provided on a light-transmitting button and below the button. An electronic device comprising a liquid crystal display device, wherein a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is input to the electronic device. 3. An electronic device having a display unit and operation keys, wherein the operation keys comprise a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button. The electronic device is characterized in that a symbol displayed on the electronic device is input to the electronic device, and a direction of the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is switched according to a vertical or horizontal direction of the electronic device. 4. An electronic device, comprising a display unit and operation keys, wherein the electronic device is a telephone. The operation keys are provided on a light-transmitting button and below the button. The electronic device comprises a liquid crystal display device, wherein a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is input to the electronic device, and a direction of the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is switched according to a vertical or horizontal direction of the electronic device. Electronic device. 5. An electronic device, comprising: a first panel provided with a display section; and a second panel provided with operation keys, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected. Wherein the operation keys include a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is input to the electronic device. Electronic device. 6. An electronic device, comprising: a first panel provided with a display unit; and a second panel provided with operation keys, and being a telephone. And the second panel are connected to each other, and the operation keys include a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is An electronic device input to the electronic device. 7. An electronic device, comprising: a first panel provided with a display section; and a second panel provided with operation keys, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected. The operation keys include a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is input to the electronic device, and the liquid crystal display device The direction of the symbol displayed on the electronic device is switched according to the vertical and horizontal directions of the electronic device. 8. An electronic device, comprising: a first panel provided with a display section; and a second panel provided with operation keys, and being a telephone. And the second panel are connected to each other, and the operation keys include a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and a symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device is An electronic device, wherein a direction of a symbol input to the electronic device and displayed on the liquid crystal display device is switched according to a vertical or horizontal direction of the electronic device. 9. An electronic device provided with an operation key, a controller, and a memory, wherein the operation key includes a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button. All the driving circuits of the operation keys are formed on the same substrate, and the controller reads out the information of the symbols input to the electronic device by the operation keys from the memory. The electronic device, wherein the symbol is displayed on the electronic device. 10. An electronic device provided with an operation key, a controller, and a memory, wherein the operation key includes:
It has a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and all the driving circuits of the operation keys are formed on the same substrate, and the controller operates the operation keys so that The information of the symbol input to the electronic device is read from the memory, the symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, and the direction of the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device depends on the length and width of the electronic device. An electronic device characterized by being switched over. 11. An electronic device provided with an operation key, a controller, and a memory, wherein the operation key comprises:
It has a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and all the driving circuits of the operation keys are formed on the same substrate and displayed on the liquid crystal display device. A symbol is input to the electronic device, and the memory stores two pieces of information in different directions of the symbol, and the controller reads the two pieces of image information from the memory, and the liquid crystal display device The direction of the symbol displayed on the electronic device is switched. 12. An electronic device provided with an operation key, a controller, and a memory, wherein the operation key comprises:
It has a light-transmitting button and a liquid crystal display device provided below the button, and all the driving circuits of the operation keys are formed on the same substrate and displayed on the liquid crystal display device. A symbol is input to the electronic device, and in the memory, a plurality of pieces of information of the symbol input to the electronic device by the operation keys are stored, and any one of the plurality of pieces of image information selected by the controller is stored. An electronic device, wherein one is read from the memory and the symbol is displayed on the pixel portion. 13. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the controller and the memory are formed on the same substrate. 14. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the memory is a flash memory or a mask ROM. 15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the symbol is a character, a number, or a pictogram. 16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal display device is of a transmission type or a reflection type.