JP2002323950A - Information processor, information input device and information input method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience in operation when giving continuous instructions by a jog dial. SOLUTION: After rotating operation is performed in the state of performing pressing operation to a jog dial 10, a processing signal instructing the scroll of display contents on a display panel 2a is continuously outputted by an input operation control means 23.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information input apparatus, and an information input method for inputting a predetermined processing signal by operating a jog dial, and more particularly to information capable of simplifying the operation of the jog dial. The present invention relates to a processing device, an information input device, and an information input method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In some information processing apparatuses, such as portable small-sized computers (so-called palmtop computers), notebook computers, and mobile phones, jog dials for giving various processing instructions by rotating operation are sometimes provided.

[0003] The jog dial refers to a disk-shaped or roller-shaped rotary body provided on the side or front of the information processing apparatus, and a user of the information processing apparatus rotates this rotary body to obtain this information. A predetermined instruction is given to the processing device. As an instruction given by operating the jog dial, for example, a scroll instruction of the display content displayed on the screen is a typical example, and specifically,
For example, a scroll instruction of an address display on a mobile phone, a scroll instruction of an item selection display displayed on a display of a computer, and the like can be exemplified.

[0004] Generally, the jog dial is operated by, for example, rotating the jog dial with a finger, and an instruction given by the rotation operation differs depending on the rotation state (for example, the rotation direction, the presence or absence of rotation). It will be. For example, when a scroll instruction of the display content is given by operating the jog dial, the scroll of the display content is performed in the rotation direction only while the jog dial is being rotated, and the scroll is performed by the jog dial. Stop by stopping the rotation.

[0005] In addition, as an operation form of the jog dial,
In some cases, the jog dial is rotated while being pressed with a finger. In this case, the instruction content can be made different between when the jog dial is rotated while being pressed and when the jog dial is simply rotated.

[0006]

However, the conventional jog dial has a problem in that it is difficult to continuously give an instruction such as scrolling of the displayed contents.

That is, as described above, when an instruction such as scrolling of display contents is continuously given in the conventional jog dial, the jog dial must be continuously rotated. In general, the jog dial is arranged such that only a part of the jog dial is exposed to the outside of the information processing device, and the rotation operation of the jog dial is performed by rotating a portion of the jog dial exposed to the outside of the information processing device with a finger. It is performed by Therefore, the range in which the user can rotate the jog dial with his / her finger is only a part of the jog dial exposed to the outside of the information processing apparatus. Is also limited to the range of the jog dial exposed to the outside of the information processing device. Therefore, when continuously giving an instruction such as scrolling the display content in the conventional jog dial, the user rotates the jog dial by a certain amount, then temporarily releases the finger from the jog dial,
After changing the holding position of the jog dial, the user has to perform further rotation or sequentially rotate the jog dial with a plurality of fingers.

In the case of an operation mode in which the jog dial is rotated while being pressed, the operation of pressing the jog dial is released when the finger is released from the jog dial, so that the continuous rotation operation becomes more difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of improving the operational convenience when giving a continuous instruction by using a jog dial. And

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an information input device capable of improving the operational convenience when a continuous instruction is given by a jog dial.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an information input method capable of improving operational convenience when giving a continuous instruction by a jog dial.

[0012]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in an information processing apparatus for processing various kinds of information, a jog dial capable of rotating and depressing is provided. Input operation control means for continuously outputting a processing signal instructing a first process after the rotation operation is performed in a state where the operation is performed. A processing device is provided.

Here, the input operation control means keeps outputting the processing signal instructing the first processing after the rotation operation is performed in a state where the jog dial is pressed down. As a result, it is possible to improve the operational convenience when giving a continuous instruction using the jog dial.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the processing signal instructing the first processing is a jog dial in accordance with a rotation operation direction of the jog dial when the jog dial is continuously rotated at the first rotation speed. This is a signal corresponding to the difference between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal output from.

[0015] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, preferably, the jog dial can be continuously rotated by 360 ° or more. In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the pressing operation is an operation of pressing down the jog dial in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotational movement of the jog dial accompanying the rotation operation.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the input operation control means stops outputting the processing signal when the pressing operation on the jog dial is released.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the input operation control means performs a push-down operation after the jog dial is rotated in a first direction while the push-down operation is performed. When the rotation operation is performed in the second direction in the state where the processing is performed, the output of the processing signal is stopped.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the input operation control means performs a rotation operation in a first direction with the jog dial being pressed down, and further performs a push-down operation. Is performed, after the further rotation operation is performed in the first direction, the output of the processing signal instructing the second processing is continued.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the processing signal indicating that the second processing is to be performed is performed when the jog dial is continuously rotated at the second rotation speed in accordance with the rotational operation direction of the jog dial. This is a signal corresponding to the difference between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal output from the jog dial.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the first processing is a low-speed scroll of the display content, and the second processing is a high-speed scroll of the display content. In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, preferably, the first processing is scrolling of display contents.

Further, in an information input device for inputting a predetermined processing signal by operating a jog dial, a jog dial capable of rotating and pressing down, and a state in which the jog dial has been pressed down, There is provided an information input device comprising: input operation control means for continuously outputting a processing signal instructing a first process after a rotation operation is performed.

Here, the input operation control means keeps outputting the processing signal instructing the first processing after the rotation operation is performed while the jog dial is pressed down. As a result, it is possible to improve the operational convenience when giving a continuous instruction using the jog dial.

In the information input device of the present invention, preferably, the processing signal for instructing the first processing is a jog dial in accordance with a rotational operation direction of the jog dial when the jog dial is continuously rotated at the first rotation speed. This is a signal corresponding to the difference between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal output from.

Further, in the information input device of the present invention, preferably, the jog dial can be continuously rotated by 360 ° or more. In the information input device of the present invention, preferably, the pressing operation is an operation of pressing down the jog dial in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotational movement of the jog dial accompanying the rotation operation.

In the information input device of the present invention, preferably, the input operation control means stops outputting the processing signal when the operation of pressing down the jog dial is released.

In the information input device of the present invention, preferably, the input operation control means performs a push-down operation after the jog dial is rotated in the first direction while the push-down operation is performed. When the rotation operation is performed in the second direction in the state where the processing is performed, the output of the processing signal is stopped.

In the information input device of the present invention, preferably, the input operation control means performs a rotation operation in a first direction with the jog dial being pressed down, and further performs a push-down operation. Is performed, after the further rotation operation is performed in the first direction, the output of the processing signal instructing the second processing is continued.

In the information input device of the present invention, the processing signal for performing the second processing is preferably such that when the jog dial is continuously rotated at the second rotating speed, the processing operation is performed in accordance with the direction of rotation of the jog dial. This is a signal corresponding to the difference between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal output from the jog dial.

In the information input device of the present invention, preferably, the first processing is a low-speed scroll of the display content, and the second processing is a high-speed scroll of the display content. In the information input device according to the present invention, preferably, the first processing is scrolling of display contents.

Further, in the information input method of inputting a predetermined processing signal by operating a jog dial capable of rotating and pressing down, in the information input method, the rotating operation is performed while the pressing down operation is performed on the jog dial. After the execution, an information input method is provided in which the output of the processing signal instructing the first processing is continued.

By doing so, it is possible to improve the operational convenience when giving a continuous instruction using the jog dial.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 3 are external views illustrating the external configuration of a palmtop computer 1 as an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the palmtop computer 1, and FIG.
2 (b) is a front view (lower side view of the palmtop computer 1) in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 (a) is a left side view in FIG. FIG. 3B illustrates a right side view in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the connector 4 and the cable 5 illustrated in FIG.
Is omitted.

The palmtop computer 1 is, for example,
It is a portable personal computer configured to be sized to fit in the palm of a hand, and performs various types of information processing according to operations by a jog dial or the like described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the surface of the palmtop computer 1 is covered with a housing 6, and on the entire surface side, various kinds of information can be displayed and an input operation using an operation pen (not shown) can be performed. , A schedule button 3a for performing various operations, an address book button 3b, a scroll button 3c, a ToDo button 3d,
A memo pad button 3e and a power button 3f are provided.

The liquid crystal panel 2 is, for example, a liquid crystal display capable of monochrome or color display. The liquid crystal panel 2 may be provided with a backlight if necessary. Further, as exemplified in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel 2 includes, for example, a display panel 2a on which various information is displayed, and a touch panel 2b on which an input operation is performed by a not-shown operation pen or the like. Here, the touch panel 2b has, for example, a touch sensor that can detect at least a contact position and a contact trajectory when the tip of an operation pen or the like touches the touch panel 2b. As illustrated in FIG. In 2b, for example, an input area 2ba in which handwritten characters and the like are input with an operation pen or the like, and icons 2bb to 2bi for inputting various processes by contacting the tip of the operation pen or the like are arranged.

The schedule button 3a is, for example, a button that is depressed when starting schedule table software (software for performing schedule management), which is one of application software installed in the palmtop computer 1.

The address book button 3b is, for example, a button that is depressed when starting address book management software (software for performing address management), which is one of application software installed on the palmtop computer 1.

The scroll button 3c is, for example, a button that is pressed down when scrolling the display content displayed on the display panel 2a. ToDo button 3
d is, for example, a button that is pressed down when activating ToDo software (software that displays an item that must be done), which is one of application software installed in the palmtop computer 1.

The memo pad button 3e is, for example, a button that is depressed when starting memo pad software (software for performing memo input and memo output), which is one of application software installed in the palmtop computer 1. is there.

The power button 3f is, for example, a button that is pressed down when the power of the palmtop computer 1 is switched on and off. As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, a connector 4 to which a cable 5 is connected is electrically connected to a left side surface of the palmtop computer 1. A remote controller (not shown), an operation pen, and the like are connected to the other end of the cable 5.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, for example, an external memory medium insertion slot 8 and an infrared transceiver 7 are provided on the upper surface side of the palmtop computer 1.

The external memory medium insertion slot 8 is an insertion portion into which a recording medium such as a memory card (not shown) is inserted. In this recording medium, for example, predetermined content is recorded, and the palmtop computer 1
Outputs the content read from the recording medium using the liquid crystal panel 2, headphones (not shown), or the like. The infrared transmission / reception unit 7 is, for example, a transmission / reception port for performing infrared communication.

As shown in FIG. 2B, for example, an external connection terminal 9 is provided on the lower surface side of the palmtop computer 1. The external connection terminal 9 is, for example, a connection port to which a dedicated connection device (so-called cradle device) or a general-purpose connection cable (not shown) is connected so that information can be exchanged. The other end of the dedicated connection device or the general-purpose connection cable connected to the external connection terminal 9 is connected to, for example, a portable information terminal such as a PHS or a mobile phone, or a personal computer. It is configured to be able to download content from a distributed content distribution site, download content from a hard disk or the like of a personal computer, and the like. In addition,
This external connection terminal 9 has a data card type PHS
Or the like may be directly connected to download contents and the like.

When the palmtop computer 1 is provided with a rechargeable battery, the external connection terminal 9 may be provided with a charging terminal for supplying power to the rechargeable battery. The external connection terminal 9 is
It is preferable that the external connection terminal 9 be placed inside the palmtop computer 1 or to be covered with a cover (not shown) when the external connection terminal 9 is not used. This is to prevent the external connection terminal 9 from being inadvertently in contact with the outside and mechanically damaging the external connection terminal 9 or electrically damaging the internal data.

As shown in FIG. 3A, for example, a jog dial 10 is provided on the left side of the palmtop computer 1. Jog dial 10
Is a specific example of a rotary operation type electronic component with a push switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-203387, which is an information input device for inputting information by a rotation operation and a pressing operation. The jog dial 10 is configured, for example, when the palm of the palmtop computer 1 is held by the left hand with the liquid crystal panel 2 facing forward, and the thumb of the left hand is arranged. By operating the jog dial 10 configured as described above with the thumb of the left hand, various input operations on the palmtop computer 1 are performed.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, the jog dial 10 includes a rotary encoder unit 12 for performing a rotation operation, a push switch 13 for detecting a pressing operation of the rotary encoder unit 12, and a rotary encoder unit 12 and a push switch 13. The rotary encoder unit 1 has a contact mounting board 11 on which the rotary encoder unit 1 is mounted.
2 is attached to the palmtop computer 1 with a part of the housing 2 disposed outside the housing 6.

FIGS. 5 to 10 are configuration diagrams illustrating the configuration of the jog dial 10 in the present embodiment. here,
5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the jog dial 10, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the contact mounting board 11, and FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the jog dial 10. I have. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 illustrates a transmission diagram of FIG.

As described above, the jog dial 10 has, for example, the contact mounting board 11, the rotary encoder 12, and the push switch 13. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 10, the contact mounting board 11 is, for example, a substantially plate-shaped structure. As illustrated in FIG. 6, on the upper surface side of the contact mounting substrate 11, for example, a substrate recess 11 d in which the rotary encoder 12 is disposed, the rotary encoder 12
Guide rails 11ba and 11bb for movably holding the rotary encoder unit 12 at the time of pressing down operation, a pin-shaped projection 11c for holding a torsion coil spring 11i,
A substrate recess 11h in which the push switch 13 is arranged,
Holding wall 1 holding switch and push switch 13
1 g is constituted. As illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, a contact plate 11 e, which is an electrode formed of a conductor, is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate recess 11 d, and a conductor is formed on a side surface of the contact mounting substrate 11. The external connection terminal 11f is configured. Further, for example, the contact plate 11e and the external connection terminal 11f are electrically connected to each other, so that a processing signal accompanying the rotation operation of the rotary encoder unit 12 is output from the external connection terminal 11f. I have. Also, as exemplified in FIGS. 6 and 9, for example,
Leg portions 11aa, 1
The contact mounting board 11 is attached to the palmtop computer 1 by the legs 11aa and 11ab.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 and the like, the push switch 13 is, for example, an operation button 13a that is depressed in accordance with the operation of depressing the rotary encoder unit 12, and a processing signal indicating that the operation button 13a is depressed. Is provided for the connection terminal 13b. The push switch 13 is arranged in the substrate recess 11h, for example, with the side surface held by the switch holding wall 11g illustrated in FIG.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the rotary encoder 12 is, for example, a rotary encoder 12.
12a, a knob 12b for the user to perform a rotation operation, and a driving projection 12 for mechanically transmitting the push-down operation to the operation button 13a of the push switch 13.
a is mechanically connected, a case 12c holding the knob 12b from the inner surface side, a rotating body 12d housed in the case 12c, and rotating with the rotation operation of the knob 12b,
A screw 12e and a cylindrical shaft 12f for fixing the knob portion 12b to the rotating body 12d, a plurality of radially arranged on the lower surface side of the rotating body 12d (FIG. 10), a radial contact plate 12g and a contact plate 11
a plurality of resilient contact legs 12 arranged to be in electrical communication with
j, a plurality of elastic contact members 12i arranged to conduct with the elastic contact legs 12j, and one end is connected to the elastic contact member 12i, and the other end is connected to the radial contact plate 12g according to the rotation state of the rotating body 12d. It has two elastic contact legs 12h that come in contact with and separate from each other. Here, the two elastic contact legs 12h are, for example, in a state of being mutually independent from each other, via the elastic contact body 12i and the elastic contact leg 12j.
1e, the pulse signals input to the elastic contact legs 12h when the two elastic contact legs 12h come into contact with the radial contact plate 12g as separate signals as described later. 11f.

Further, the rotary encoder section 12 has, for example, a guide rail 11ba and a side face of the case 12c.
While being held at 11bb, it is arranged in the substrate recess 11d of the contact mounting substrate 11 illustrated in FIG. further,
As illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG.
A part of c is held by the torsion coil spring 11i, and the rotary encoder 12 is pressed by the elastic force of the coil spring 11i in the direction opposite to the pressing operation direction (B direction shown in FIG. 9 and the like). Becomes

Next, the electrical configuration of the palmtop computer 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the palmtop computer 1 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the palmtop computer 1 includes, for example, an information input device 20, a display panel 2a, a touch panel 2b, a schedule button 3a,
Address book button 3b, scroll button 3c, ToD
o button 3d, memo pad button 3e, power button 3f, central control means 31 for controlling the entire palmtop computer 1, information storage means 32 for storing various information, and display on the display panel 2a and the touch panel 2b. It has a liquid crystal panel display control means 33.

As exemplified in FIG. 11, the information input device 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes, for example, a jog dial 10 having a rotary encoder unit 12 and a push switch 13, which can perform a rotating operation and a pressing operation, a rotation detecting unit 21 for detecting the rotating operation of the jog dial 10, and detecting a pressing operation of the jog dial 10. The push-down detecting means 22 and the input operation control means 23 for continuously outputting a processing signal for performing the first processing after the rotation operation is performed in a state where the jog dial 10 is pressed down are performed. Have.

The central control means 31, the liquid crystal panel display control means 33, the rotation detection means 21, the push-down detection means 22, and the input operation control means 2 included in the information input device 20.
3 has, for example, a processor-centered configuration and operates according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) not shown.

The information storage means 32 stores and holds data, for example, and is capable of taking out the data as needed.
(Random Access Memory), ROM) and the like.

As exemplified in FIG. 11, for example, the rotary encoder 12 is connected to the rotation detecting means 21 and the push switch 13 is connected to the push-down detecting means 22 so as to be capable of transmitting processing information. . Specifically, for example, the external connection terminal 11f illustrated in FIG. 6 and the like is connected to the rotation detecting means 21 and the connection terminal 13b illustrated in FIG. Is done. Here, the connection between the external connection terminal 11f and the rotation detecting means 21 is performed, for example, by separating the separate pulse signals input from the two elastic contact legs 12h into two independent pulse signals (signal 1, signal 1). This is performed so that it can be supplied to the rotation detecting means 21 as 2). The details of these two pulse signals (signal 1 and signal 2) will be described later.

As exemplified in FIG. 11, for example,
The rotation detecting unit 21 and the pressing-down detecting unit 22 include an input operation control unit 23, the input operation control unit 23 includes a central control unit 31, and the central control unit 31 includes a touch panel 2b,
Schedule button 3a, address book button 3b, scroll button 3c, ToDo button 3d, memo pad button 3e, power button 3f, information storage means 32, liquid crystal panel display control means 33, and liquid crystal panel display control means 33
Are connected to the display panel 2a and the touch panel 2b so that information can be transmitted.

Next, the operation of the palmtop computer 1 in this embodiment will be described. First, the operation of the jog dial 10 and the output of the processing signal accompanying the operation will be described.

As exemplified in FIG. 5 and the like, the pressing operation and the rotating operation of the jog dial 10 include, for example, the pressing operation of the rotary encoder unit 12 in the B direction, and C1 and C2.
The rotation is performed in the C2 direction. Here, the rotary encoder unit 12 can perform a continuous rotation operation of, for example, 360 ° or more, and the pressing operation here means, for example, a rotary encoder unit accompanying the rotation operation of the rotary encoder unit 12. It is assumed that the operation is to push down the rotary encoder unit 12 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotational movement of the rotary encoder 12.

When the rotary encoder unit 12 is pushed down in the direction B, the power accompanying the pushing-down operation is mechanically applied to the push switch 13 via the driving projection 12a, for example.
Is transmitted to the operation button 13a. By transmitting the power to the operation button 13a in this manner, the operation button 1
The push switch 13 whose button 3a is pressed down and the operation button 13a is pressed down outputs a processing signal indicating that the operation button 13a is pressed down from the connection terminal 13b. Then, the processed signal output in this manner is input as a signal 3 to the push-down detecting means 22 illustrated in FIG.
A signal indicating that the 0-down operation has been performed is input to the input operation control unit 23.

When the knob 12b of the rotary encoder 12 is rotated in the direction C1 or C2,
The rotating body 12d fixed to the knob 12b by the screw 12e also rotates in the same direction. Here, FIG.
For example, a plurality of radial contact plates 12g are radially arranged on the rotating body 12d. Therefore, for example, with the rotation of the rotating body 12d, the elastic contact legs 12h repeat contact and non-contact (conduction, insulation) with the radial contact plate 12g, and the repetition of contact and non-contact is a pulse signal. As a result, the signal is output from the external connection terminal 11f via the elastic contact leg 12h, the elastic contact body 12i, the elastic contact leg 12j, and the contact plate 11e. In addition, as described above, the rotary encoder unit 12 has, for example, two elastic contact legs 12h.
The two elastic contact legs 12h contact the radial contact plate 12g at different positions. Therefore, the pulse signals input from these two elastic contact legs 12h and output from the external connection terminal 11f are two independent signals whose phases are shifted from each other, and thus output from the external connection terminal 11f. The two pulse signals are, as exemplified in FIG.
Signal 1 and signal 2 are input to the rotation detecting means 21.

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying the waveforms of the signal 1 and the signal 2 which are the pulse signals input to the rotation detecting means 21 in this way. Here, FIG. 12A illustrates the waveforms of the signal 1 and the signal 2 when the rotary encoder unit 12 is rotated clockwise (in the direction C1 in FIG. 5), and FIG. Rotate the mold encoder unit 12 counterclockwise (see FIG. 5).
2 illustrates the waveforms of the signal 1 and the signal 2 at the time of the C2 direction.

As shown in FIG. 12A, when the rotary encoder 12 is rotated clockwise, the signal 1 output from the rotary encoder 12 has a phase delayed by t1 with respect to the signal 2. It will be. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, when the rotary encoder unit 12 is rotated left, the signal 1 output from the rotary encoder unit 12 is:
The phase of the signal 2 is advanced by t2. Therefore, by detecting the phase difference between the signal 1 and the signal 2, the rotation direction of the rotary encoder unit 12 can be detected. The rotation detecting means 21 detects, for example, the rotation direction of the rotary encoder 12 by detecting the phase difference.
The rotation detecting means 21 which has detected the rotation direction of the control signal is input to the input operation control means 23.

Next, the processing operation of the input operation control means 23 in response to the operation of the jog dial 10 will be described. FIG.
3 to 17 are flowcharts for explaining the processing operation of the input operation control means 23 in response to the operation of the jog dial 10. Hereinafter, the processing operation of the input operation control means 23 will be described with reference to these flowcharts.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the entire processing operation of the input operation control means 23 in response to the operation of the jog dial 10. Step S1: In this step, for example, the operation state of the jog dial 10 is detected based on the processing signals input from the rotation detecting means 21 and the depression detecting means 22 illustrated in FIG. Specifically, for example, the rotation detecting unit 21
Of the rotation operation state (whether the rotation operation has been performed or the direction of the rotation operation performed) of the jog dial 10 based on the processing signal input from the CPU, and the jog dial based on the processing signal input from the press-down detection unit 22 The state of the push-down operation of No. 10 is detected.

Step S2: In this step, for example,
Processing is distributed according to the operation state of the jog dial 10 detected in step S1. Here, if the operation state of the jog dial 10 detected in step S1 is a pressing operation, the process proceeds to step S3. If the operation state of the jog dial 10 detected in step S1 is the release of the push-down operation, the operation proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 4. Jog dial 1 detected in step S1
If the operation state of 0 is rotation, the process proceeds to step S7.

Step S3: In this step, for example,
A push flag indicating that the push operation of the jog dial 10 has been performed is set.

Step S4: In this step, for example,
Stop timer processing. Here, the timer process is a process of continuously outputting, for example, a rotation signal similar to the signal output when the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated at a fixed time interval. This timer process will be described later.

Step S5: In this step, for example,
Push the down flag. Step S6: In this step, for example, the rotation flag indicating the rotation operation state of the jog dial 10 is set to 0. Note that the rotation flag is 0, for example, when the jog dial 10
This indicates a state in which the rotation operation is not performed.

Step S7: In this step, for example,
Processing associated with the rotation operation of the jog dial 10 is performed. FIG.
4 corresponds to step S7 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG.
6 is a flowchart for explaining details of FIG.

Step S10: In this step, for example, the rotation direction in the rotation operation of the jog dial 10 is detected. Here, the detection of the rotation direction is performed based on, for example, a processing signal input from the rotation detection unit 21.

Step S11: In this step, for example, the processing is distributed according to the rotation direction in the rotation operation of the jog dial 10 detected in step S10. Here, if the detected rotation direction is right, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the detected rotation direction is left, the process proceeds to step S13.

Step S12: In this step, for example, processing associated with the right rotation operation of the jog dial 10 is performed.

Step S13: In this step, for example, processing associated with the left turning operation of the jog dial 10 is performed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining details of step S12 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. Step S20: In this step, for example, the state of the push-down flag is confirmed.

Step S21: In this step, for example, the processing is distributed according to the state of the press-down flag confirmed in step S20. If it is determined in step S20 that there is a push-down flag, the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that there is no push-down flag, the process proceeds to step S22.

Step S22: In this step, for example, a processing signal output during normal jog dial processing is output to the central control means 31. Here, the processing signal output during normal jog dial processing is
For example, only while the rotation operation of the jog dial 10 is being performed, the two pulse signals (signal 1, signal 2) illustrated in FIG.
A rotation signal generated based on the signal 2),
More specifically, for example, it means a signal corresponding to a difference between two pulse signals (signal 1 and signal 2 illustrated in FIG. 12) output from the jog dial 10 in response to the rotation operation of the jog dial 10. Note that this step corresponds to, for example, processing when only a rotation operation is performed without performing a pressing operation of the jog dial 10.

Step S23: In this step, for example, the state of the rotation flag is checked. Step S24: In this step, for example, step S
According to the rotation flag confirmed at 23, the processing operation is distributed. Here, if the rotation flag is -1, the process proceeds to step S25. If the rotation flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S27. If the rotation flag is 1, the process proceeds to step S29. Here, when the rotation flag is −1, the state of the jog dial 10 immediately before is
It indicates that it was in the state of the left rotation operation,
Also, the rotation flag is set to 0 when the jog dial 10 just before is turned on.
Is a state of a non-rotational operation, and a rotation flag of 1 indicates that the state of the jog dial 10 immediately before was a state of a rightward rotation operation.

Step S25: In this step, for example, a timer process (FIG. 17A or 17B) described later is stopped. This step is performed, for example,
After the rotation operation is performed in the first direction in a state where the jog dial 10 is pressed down, the second operation is performed in a state where the jog dial 10 is pressed down.
Corresponds to the processing when the rotation operation is performed in the direction of.

Step S26: In this step, for example, the rotation flag is changed from -1 to 0. Step S27: In this step, for example, the rotation flag is changed from 0 to 1.

Step S28: In this step, for example, a normal timer process is started. Here, the normal timer processing means, for example, that a predetermined rotation signal is set so as to be in the same state as the case where the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated at the first rotation speed (low speed) in the timer processing. This is processing to output at intervals. The details will be described later. This step corresponds to, for example, a process performed when a rotation operation is performed with the jog dial 10 being pressed.

Step S29: In this step, for example, a high-speed timer process is started. Here, the high-speed timer processing means, for example, that a predetermined rotation signal is set so as to be in the same state as the case where the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated at the second rotation speed (high speed) in the timer processing. This is processing to output at intervals. The details will be described later. In this step, for example, a rotating operation is performed on the jog dial 10 in a state where the pressing operation is performed, and further a rightward rotating operation is performed while the pressing operation is performed. This corresponds to the processing in the case where

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the details of step S13 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. Step S30: In this step, for example, the state of the push-down flag is confirmed.

Step S31: In this step, for example, the processing is distributed according to the state of the press-down flag confirmed in step S30. If it is determined in step S30 that there is a push-down flag, the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that there is no push-down flag, the process proceeds to step S32.

Step S32: In this step, for example, a processing signal output during normal jog dial processing is output to the central control means 31. Here, the processing signal output during normal jog dial processing is
For example, only while the rotation operation of the jog dial 10 is being performed, the two pulse signals (signal 1, signal 2) illustrated in FIG.
A rotation signal generated based on the signal 2).
More specifically, for example, it means a signal corresponding to a difference between two pulse signals (signal 1 and signal 2 illustrated in FIG. 12) output from the jog dial 10 in response to the rotation operation of the jog dial 10. Note that this step corresponds to, for example, processing in a case where only a rotation operation is performed without performing a pressing operation of the jog dial 10.

Step S33: In this step, for example, the state of the immediately preceding rotation flag is checked. Step S34: In this step, for example, step S
According to the rotation flag confirmed in 33, the processing operation is distributed. Here, if the rotation flag is 1, the process proceeds to step S35. If the rotation flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S37. If the rotation flag is -1, the process proceeds to step S39. Here, when the rotation flag is −1, it indicates that the state of the jog dial 10 immediately before was the state of the left rotation operation, and when the rotation flag is 0, the state of the jog dial 10 is immediately before. Indicates that the operation is in a non-rotational operation state.
It is assumed that the state of 0 indicates the state of the rightward rotation operation.

Step S35: In this step, for example, the timer processing (FIG. 17A or 17B) is stopped. Note that, in this step, for example, after a rotation operation is performed in the first direction in a state in which the jog dial 10 is pressed down, a second operation is performed in a state in which the jog dial 10 is pressed down. This corresponds to the processing when the rotation operation is performed in the direction of No. 2.

Step S36: In this step, for example, the rotation flag is changed from 1 to 0. Step S37: In this step, for example, the rotation flag is changed from 0 to -1.

Step S38: In this step, for example, a normal timer process is started. Here, the normal timer processing means, for example, that a predetermined rotation signal is set so as to be in the same state as the case where the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated at the first rotation speed (low speed) in the timer processing. This is the process of outputting at intervals. The details will be described later. This step corresponds to, for example, a process performed when a rotating operation is performed on the jog dial 10 in a state where the pressing operation is performed.

Step S39: In this step, for example, a high-speed timer process is started. Here, the high-speed timer processing means, for example, that a predetermined rotation signal is set so as to be in the same state as the case where the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated at the second rotation speed (high speed) in the timer processing. This is processing to output at intervals. The details will be described later. In this step, for example, a rotating operation is performed on the jog dial 10 in a state where the pressing operation is performed, and further a leftward rotating operation is performed while the pressing operation is performed. This corresponds to the processing in the case where

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the above-described timer processing. Here, FIG.
FIG. 17B illustrates a normal timer process.
Exemplifies high-speed timer processing.

Step S40: In this step, for example, the input operation control means 23 outputs a rotation signal corresponding to the rotation direction of the jog dial 10 to the central control means 31. Specifically, for example, when the rotation operation on the jog dial 10 is a rightward rotation operation, a rotation signal output when the jog dial 10 is rotated rightward (for example, illustrated in FIG. 12A). A signal indicating a difference between the signal 1 and the signal 2 (a signal that rises at a predetermined interval) is output to the central control means 31 and the rotation operation on the jog dial 10 is performed by rotating the jog dial 10 in the left direction. In the case of the operation, a rotation signal output when the jog dial 10 is rotated to the left (for example, a signal indicating a difference between the signal 1 and the signal 2 illustrated in FIG. 12B (a signal rising at a predetermined interval) )
This signal is output to the central control means 31 when the signal rises.

Step S41: In this step, for example, it is determined whether or not a fixed time (ta) has elapsed since the rotation signal was output in step S40. Here, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the rotation signal, the process returns to step S40. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fixed time has not elapsed since the output of the rotation signal, the process remains at step S41. Thus, the input operation control unit 23 sends the central control unit 31 a signal corresponding to the difference between the two pulse signals output from the jog dial 10 in response to the rotation operation of the jog dial 10 (the signal rising at a constant time interval (ta)). ) Is output continuously.

Step S50: In this step, for example, the input operation control means 23 outputs a rotation signal to the central control means 31 according to the rotation direction of the jog dial 10. Specifically, for example, when the rotation operation on the jog dial 10 is a rightward rotation operation, a rotation signal output when the jog dial 10 is rotated rightward (for example, illustrated in FIG. 12A). A signal indicating a difference between the signal 1 and the signal 2 (a signal that rises at a predetermined interval) is output to the central control means 31 and the rotation operation on the jog dial 10 is performed by rotating the jog dial 10 in the left direction. In the case of the operation, a rotation signal output when the jog dial 10 is rotated to the left (for example, a signal indicating a difference between the signal 1 and the signal 2 illustrated in FIG. 12B (a signal rising at a predetermined interval) )
This signal is output to the central control means 31 when the signal rises.

Step S51: In this step, for example, it is determined whether or not a fixed time (tb) has elapsed since the rotation signal was output in step S50. Here, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the rotation signal, the process returns to step S50. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fixed time has not elapsed since the rotation signal was output, the process remains at step S51. Accordingly, the input operation control unit 23 sends a signal (a signal rising at a certain time interval (tb)) corresponding to the difference between two pulse signals output from the jog dial 10 to the central control unit 31 in response to the rotation operation of the jog dial 10. ) Is output continuously. Note that the certain time interval (tb) in this step is the same as that in step S4
1 (ta) is shorter than the predetermined time interval (ta).
> Tb).

Next, a processing operation performed by the central control means 31 in accordance with a processing signal input from the input operation control means 23 will be described. The central control means 31, for example, causes the liquid crystal panel display control means 33 to perform display on the display panel 2a and the touch panel 2b in accordance with the information read from the information storage means 32, as well as the input operation control means 23, the touch panel 2b, and the schedule button. 3a, address book button 3b, scroll button 3c, ToDo button 3
d, process information input from the memo pad button 3e and the power button 3f.

[0098] The following describes an example in which the address book button 3b has been pressed in advance and the address book is displayed on the display panel 2a. 18 and 19
FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example in which the address book is displayed on the display panel 2a in this manner.

The display of the address book on the display panel 2a is as follows.
For example, the central control means 31 causes the information storage means 32
, And sends the extracted address book information to the liquid crystal panel display control means 33, and the liquid crystal panel display control means 33
This is performed by displaying the address book information on the.

As shown in FIG. 18, the display panel 2a
The address book displayed to is, for example, a plurality of names 2a
a and telephone number 2ab corresponding to their name 2aa
The address book displays a cursor 2ac for selecting a specific name 2aa.

The central control means 31 receives, for example, the processing signal input from the input operation control means 23 (step S32 shown in FIG. 16, step S40 shown in FIG. 17, step S40 shown in FIG. 17).
An instruction corresponding to the content of the processing signal (operation signal indicating the operation state of the jog dial 10) output at 50 is given to the liquid crystal panel display control means 33. Upon receiving the instruction, the liquid crystal panel display control means 33 responds to the instruction by the display panel 2.
a is moved up and down (F shown in FIG. 18).
(1 and F2 directions), and after the cursor 2ac reaches the upper or lower part of the display panel 2a, the display content is scrolled.

For example, if the signal input to the central control means 31 is the processing signal output in step S32 shown in FIG. 16, the processing signal is, for example, the rotation of the jog dial 10 as described above. This is a processing signal indicating a rotation operation state (rotation direction, rotation speed) output only while the operation is being performed. Therefore, the central control means 31 to which the processing signal is input gives an instruction corresponding to the rotation operation state (rotation direction, rotation speed) indicated by the processing signal to the liquid crystal panel display control means 33, and the display panel 2a
Scroll the address book displayed in. Specifically, for example, when the jog dial 10 is rotated rightward at a low speed, the display content of the display panel 2a is scrolled in the F2 direction shown in FIG. 18 only during the rotation operation (FIG. 19).

For example, when the signal input to the central control means 31 is a processing signal output in the flow shown in FIG. 17A, the processing signal is continuously output as described above. Is a signal that indicates the normal rotation of the jog dial 10 and is output to the controller 10. For this reason, the central control means 31 to which the processing signal has been input gives the same instruction to the liquid crystal panel display control means 33 as when, for example, the jog dial 10 is continuously and normally rotated in the rotation direction indicated by the processing signal. Upon receiving this instruction, the liquid crystal panel display control means 33 continuously scrolls the address book displayed on the display panel 2a. Specifically, for example, when the jog dial 10 is rotated to the right, the display content of the display panel 2a is continuously scrolled at the normal speed in the F2 direction shown in FIG. 18 (FIG. 19). Here, the processing signal input from the input operation control means 23 to the central control means 31 is the same processing signal as when the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated in a normal manner. Can be performed without continuous rotation.

Further, for example, when the signal input to the central control means 31 is a processing signal output in the flow shown in FIG. 17B, the processing signal is continuously output as described above. Is a signal that indicates the high-speed rotation of the jog dial 10 and that is output to the controller 10. For this reason, the central control means 31 to which the processing signal has been input gives the same instruction to the liquid crystal panel display control means 33 as when, for example, the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated at a high speed in the rotation direction indicated by the processing signal. Upon receiving this instruction, the liquid crystal panel display control means 33 continuously scrolls the address book displayed on the display panel 2a. Specifically, for example, when the jog dial 10 is rotated to the right, the display content of the display panel 2a is continuously scrolled at a high speed in the F2 direction shown in FIG. 18 (FIG. 19). Here, the processing signal input from the input operation control means 23 to the central control means 31 is the same processing signal as when the jog dial 10 is continuously rotated at a high speed. Can be performed without continuous rotation.

By operating the jog dial 10 in a similar manner, for example, the input content to the input field 2ad in the display content as illustrated in FIG. 20 may be selected. In the case of the example of FIG. 20, the characters displayed in the input section 2ad are sequentially changed (for example, in alphabetical order) by the same operation of the jog dial 10. Specifically, for example, by operating the jog dial 10 as described above, the change speed and the change direction (for example, B, C, D, and E in the order of B, C, D, and E) of the characters displayed in the input field 2ad portion, B, A, Z, and Y).

As described above, in this embodiment, after the jog dial 10 is rotated while the jog dial 10 is pressed down, the input operation control means 23 instructs the scroll of the display content of the display panel 2a. To be output continuously, the jog dial 10
Without continuously rotating the jog dial 10
Can be given in the same manner as in the case where is continuously rotated, and it is possible to improve the operational convenience when giving continuous instructions with the jog dial 10.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the palmtop computer 1 has been described as an example of the information processing apparatus.
Other information processing devices, for example, a laptop computer, a mobile phone and the like may be configured to apply the present invention,
The present invention may be applied to other electronic devices such as a portable compact disc player and a portable radio.

Further, in this embodiment, after the rotation operation is performed on the jog dial 10 in a state where the pressing operation is performed, the processing signal for instructing the scroll of the display content of the display panel 2a is continuously output. Configuration, but with the jog dial 10 pressed down,
After the rotation operation is performed, another processing may be performed by the processing signal output by the input operation control unit 23.

[0109]

As described above, according to the present invention, the processing signal for instructing the first processing by the input operation control means after the rotation operation is performed in the state where the jog dial is pressed down. Is continued, it is possible to improve the operational convenience when giving a continuous instruction by the jog dial.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the external configuration of a palmtop computer.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an external configuration of a palmtop computer; Here, (a) illustrates the rear view in FIG. 1, and (b) illustrates the front view in FIG. 1, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an external configuration of a palmtop computer; Here, (a) illustrates the left side view in FIG. 1, and (b) illustrates the right side view in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a jog dial.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a contact mounting board.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a jog dial.

8 is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a palmtop computer.

FIG. 12 is a diagram exemplifying waveforms of a signal 1 and a signal 2 which are pulse signals input to the rotation detecting means. here,
(A) illustrates the waveforms of the signal 1 and the signal 2 when the rotary encoder is rotated clockwise (in the direction C1 in FIG. 5), and (b) rotates the rotary encoder counterclockwise (FIG. 5). 5 illustrates the waveforms of the signal 1 and the signal 2 at the time of the C2 direction).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the entire processing operation of the input operation control means in response to the operation of the jog dial.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating details of step S7 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of step S12 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating details of step S13 in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a timer process. Here, (a) illustrates a normal timer process, and (b) illustrates a high-speed timer process.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a state where an address book is displayed on a display panel.

FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a state where an address book is displayed on a display panel.

FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating a display example on a display panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Palmtop computer 2. Liquid crystal panel 2a
... Display panel, 10 ... Jog dial, 12 ... Rotary encoder unit, 13 ... Push switch, 23 ... Input operation control means

Claims (21)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus for processing various kinds of information, wherein: a jog dial capable of performing a rotation operation and a pressing operation; and the rotation operation is performed in a state where the pressing operation is performed on the jog dial. And an input operation control means for continuously outputting a processing signal for instructing the first processing, thereafter, an information processing apparatus comprising: 2. A processing signal for instructing the first processing is a first processing signal output from the jog dial according to a rotation operation direction of the jog dial when the jog dial is continuously rotated at a first rotation speed. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal is a signal corresponding to a difference between the pulse signal and the second pulse signal. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said jog dial is capable of continuous rotation operation of 360 ° or more. 4. The information according to claim 1, wherein the pressing operation is an operation of pressing down the jog dial in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of a rotational movement of the jog dial accompanying the rotation operation. Processing equipment. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input operation control unit stops outputting the processing signal when the pressing operation on the jog dial is released. 6. The input operation control means, in a state in which the push-down operation is performed on the jog dial, the rotation operation is performed in a first direction, and then the push-down operation is performed. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output of the processing signal is stopped when the rotation operation is performed in a second direction. 7. The input operation control means, wherein the rotary operation is performed in a first direction with the push-down operation performed on the jog dial, and the jog dial is further rotated with the push-down operation performed. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the further rotation operation is performed in the first direction, the output of the processing signal instructing the second processing is continued. 8. A processing signal indicating that the second processing is to be performed is a first processing signal output from the jog dial according to a rotation operation direction of the jog dial when the jog dial is continuously rotated at a second rotation speed. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the signal is a signal corresponding to a difference between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first processing is a low-speed scroll of the display content, and the second processing is a high-speed scroll of the display content. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first processing is a scroll of display contents.
An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 11. An information input device for inputting a predetermined processing signal by operating a jog dial, comprising: a jog dial capable of rotating and depressing operations; and An information input device, comprising: input operation control means for continuously outputting a processing signal instructing a first process after a rotation operation is performed. 12. The processing signal for instructing the first processing is a first processing signal output from the jog dial according to a rotation operation direction of the jog dial when the jog dial is continuously rotated at a first rotation speed. The information input device according to claim 11, wherein the signal is a signal corresponding to a difference between a pulse signal and a second pulse signal. 13. The information input device according to claim 11, wherein said jog dial is capable of a continuous rotation operation of 360 ° or more. 14. The information according to claim 11, wherein the pressing-down operation is an operation of pressing down the jog dial in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of a rotational movement of the jog dial accompanying the rotation operation. Input device. 15. The information input device according to claim 11, wherein the input operation control means stops outputting the processing signal when the pressing operation on the jog dial is released. 16. The input operation control means, in a state where the push-down operation is performed on the jog dial, after the rotation operation is performed in a first direction, and in a state where the push-down operation is performed 12. The information input device according to claim 11, wherein the output of the processing signal is stopped when the rotation operation is performed in a second direction. 17. The input operation control means, wherein the rotation operation is performed in a first direction in a state in which the push-down operation is performed on the jog dial, and further in a state in which the push-down operation is performed. 12. The information input device according to claim 11, wherein the output of the processing signal instructing the second processing is continued after the further rotation operation is performed in the first direction. 18. A processing signal indicating that the second processing is to be performed is a first processing signal output from the jog dial according to a rotation operation direction of the jog dial when the jog dial is continuously rotated at a second rotation speed. 18. The information input device according to claim 17, wherein the signal is a signal corresponding to a difference between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal. 19. The information input device according to claim 17, wherein the first processing is a low-speed scroll of the display content, and the second processing is a high-speed scroll of the display content. 20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first processing is scrolling of display contents.
0. An information input device according to item 0. 21. An information input method for inputting a predetermined processing signal by operating a jog dial capable of performing a rotation operation and a pressing operation, wherein the rotating operation is performed while the pressing operation is performed on the jog dial. An information input method, characterized in that the output of a processing signal instructing the first processing is continued after the processing is performed.