JP2003084891A - Portable electronic input apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily execute a pressing operation by preventing erroneous pressing of a selection branch. SOLUTION: When a fingertip or the like approaches or contacts the selection branch Se once, the effect that the selection branch Se is selected is detected by a selection detection sensor 11, and the effect is visually or tactually expressed to an operator once by a selection expressing part 12. When the same selection branch Se is pressed in that state, its effect is detected by a selection operation detection part 13, and the event that the selection branch Se is pressed at that point of time for the first time is confirmed by a confirmation recognition part 14. The operator can confirm the selected selection branch Se before the operation is settled.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable electronic input device and a technique related thereto.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Portable electronic input devices for operating a push button to input a number or the like have been widely used. Taking a general mobile phone as an example of such a portable electronic input device, in this mobile phone, as shown in FIG. 12, when the push button 1 is pressed when the telephone number is input, the push operation is performed. The push button 1 is immediately recognized by an internal electronic circuit (not shown), and the number corresponding to the recognized push button 1 is displayed on the display unit 2 such as a liquid crystal panel.

[0003]

In the conventional portable telephone as shown in FIG. 12, since the push button (selection branch) 1 must be pushed while watching the display unit 2, the operator's line of sight is reduced. Since the push button 1 and the display unit 2 were repeatedly reciprocated, it was easy for the wrong number to be pressed.

There are individual differences in the size of the fingertip, and a person with a thick fingertip tends to make a mistake in pressing the push button 1.

In particular, in the conventional mobile phone, since the number is fixed when the push button 1 is pressed and operated, if the wrong number is pressed, the number must be canceled. The work for this was troublesome. Such a problem also applies to other portable electronic input devices such as a remote controller for remotely controlling various electric appliances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic input device which can easily push a selection branch and can prevent mistakes in pushing as much as possible.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems,
The invention according to claim 1 is a portable electronic input device capable of carrying out a predetermined operation and carried by an operator, wherein an operation panel having a plurality of selection branches and one of the selection branches is selected. A selection detection sensor for detecting that the selection detection sensor detects that the selection branch is selected by the selection detection sensor; A selection operation detection unit that detects that the selection branch in the state clearly selected has been operated, and the selection operation detection unit that has detected that the selection operation has been performed. Is provided as a definite input.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the portable electronic input device according to the first aspect, wherein the selection indicating section indicates that one of the selection branches is selected. To visually recognize.

Preferably, the selection clarification unit according to a second aspect switches the display size of each of the selection branches between enlargement and reduction.

Alternatively, preferably, the selection clarification unit according to a second aspect switches the selection branch between projecting and retracting.

Alternatively, preferably, the selection clarification unit according to claim 2 changes and switches the emission color of the backlight of each of the selection branches.

Alternatively, preferably, the selection clarification unit according to a second aspect switches the blinking of the backlight of each of the selection branches.

Alternatively, preferably, the selection indicating section according to the second aspect switches the display of the selection branch to another display section.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the portable electronic input device according to the first aspect, wherein the selection indicating section indicates that one of the selection branches is selected by an operator. It is a tactile recognition.

It is desirable that the selection clarification unit according to a fourth aspect performs the sudden switching of the selection branch.

Alternatively, preferably, the selective selection unit described in claim 4 drives the selective branch in vibration.

As the selection detection sensor, a non-contact type sensor using optical means, a distance sensor or the like, or a contact type sensor such as a push button switch, a piezoelectric member or a heat sensitive sensor is applied.

[0018]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION {First Embodiment} FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portable electronic input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing a portable telephone. .

This portable electronic input device is a portable telephone which communicates with other telephones (including other portable telephones) or the like through a telephone line by radio waves or the like.
As described above, when the operator's fingertip or the like comes close to any one of the plurality of selection branches Se in the operation panel 10 that displays a selection area showing individual numbers or the like for inputting a telephone number or the like. , A selection detection sensor 11 for detecting that the selection branch Se is selected, and the selection detection sensor 1
It is assumed that one of the selection branches Se is selected by 1 and the selection clarification section 12 that causes the operator to explicitly recognize that one of the selection branches Se is selected by a change in the morphology of the selection branch Se, and that the selection clarification section 12 is selected. The selection operation detection unit 13 that detects that the selection branch Se in the specified state has been pressed, and the selection branch when the selection operation detection unit 13 detects that one of the selection branches Se has been pressed. A confirmation recognizing unit 14 for recognizing that Se has been definitely input, and a confirmation recognizing unit 1.
The display unit 15 that displays information and the like of the selection branch Se that is definitely recognized in 4 and other telephones (other mobile phones are connected through the telephone line by radio waves or the like according to the information that is confirmed by the confirmation recognition unit 14). Communication circuit 1 for making calls etc.
6 and 6.

The operation panel 10 uses a dot-matrix type liquid crystal display, and as shown in FIG. 2, for inputting a telephone number or the like, and for giving a predetermined function instruction such as a call start or a call end. The shapes of various keys such as the function key, the asterisk key, and the sharp key are arranged and displayed in a matrix, and the displayed various keys function as a selection branch Se that is a pseudo operation button. Then, the size of the area occupied by the selection branch Se as these various keys in the liquid crystal display is changed under the control of the selection clarification unit 12 described later (see reference numeral Se1 in FIG. 2). Moreover, when the pseudo operation button as each selection branch Se is pressed, the pressing force at this time is transmitted to the selection operation detection unit 13 described later, so that it has flexibility.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the selection detection sensors 11 are arranged vertically and horizontally in the frame portion of the operation panel 10 corresponding to the selection branches Se arranged in a matrix in the operation panel 10. A transmissive photointerrupter is used, and light is emitted from a plurality of light emitting elements 11a to a plurality of light receiving elements 11b arranged to face each other, and when the light is blocked by a fingertip or the like, that effect is received. To detect. Light between each light emitting element 11a and each corresponding light receiving element 11b travels in a grid pattern as shown in FIG. 3, and each intersection point of the grid light corresponds to each selection branch Se. Will be placed. Further, the light emitting elements 11a and the light receiving elements 11b are arranged at positions slightly raised by a dimension d from the display surface of the operation panel 10 on which the selection branch Se is displayed. As a result, the selection detection sensor 11 detects that the fingertip or the like is located within the predetermined dimension d from the display surface displaying the selection branch Se at the time when the fingertip or the like is located at the intersection of the grid-like light. The light receiving element 11b is configured to perform photoelectric conversion and output a selection detection signal as an electric signal. In particular, the detection by the selection detection sensor 11 is always performed earlier than the detection by the contact-type selection operation detection unit 13, which will be described later, because the fingertip or the like is located within the distance d from the display surface of the selection branch Se. Will be seen.

The selection clarification unit 12 uses one of the selection branches Se.
When the selection detection sensor 11 corresponding to the detection unit 11 detects the proximity of a fingertip or the like, the size occupied by the area of the selection branch Se in the liquid crystal display is displayed in a large manner as indicated by reference numeral Se1 in FIG. 2 (that is, enlargement). Operation panel 1 to display)
Image display control is performed by the 0 dot matrix method.

The selection operation detecting unit 13 is of an autonomous return type, which is provided behind the flexible liquid crystal display as the operation panel 10, for example, one for each selection branch Se at the center of each selection branch Se. Multiple push button switches. That is, the selection operation detection unit 13 and the operation panel 10
And form a touch panel. Then, the operator presses one of the selection branches (pseudo operation buttons) Se in the flexible operation panel 10 with a fingertip or the like, and the pressing force is applied to the selection operation detection unit 13 via the operation panel 10. Once transmitted,
In the selection operation detection unit 13, the push button switch corresponding to the selection branch Se (reference numeral Se1 in FIG. 2) outputs a press detection signal as an electric signal.

The confirmation recognizing unit 14 recognizes and confirms which of the selection branches Se has been operated based on the pressure detection signal from the selection operation detecting unit 13, and then performs a process relating to the operated selection branch Se. For example, the telephone number is displayed on the display unit 2 and the telephone number is output to the communication circuit 16.

The display unit 2 is a general liquid crystal display, and displays the telephone number or the like which is operated by the operation panel 10 and confirmed by the confirmation recognition unit 14.

The communication circuit 16 wirelessly communicates with the regional relay station using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band.
A call is made to the telephone number recognized by the confirmation recognizing unit 14 to make a telephone connection.

In the portable electronic input device having the above structure,
The following operations are all regulated according to a software program stored in advance in the microcomputer chip (the same applies to the following embodiments).

When the operator makes a call, first, the fingertip or the like is brought close to the pseudo operation button as the selection branch Se displayed in the liquid crystal display as the operation panel 10.

At this time, each selection detection sensor 11 detects in step S01 in the flow chart shown in FIG. 4 whether or not a fingertip or the like is close to each selection branch Se, and when the fingertip or the like is close to the selection branch Se. , The selection detection sensor 11 corresponding to the selection branch Se to which the fingertip or the like is adjacent outputs a selection detection signal to the selection indicating unit 12.

In step S02, when the selection detection signal is given, the selection clarification unit 12 determines that the selection branch Se associated with the selection detection sensor 11 that has output the selection detection signal is selected. The selected branch Se
2 is controlled by the dot matrix method of the operation panel 10 so as to be displayed in an enlarged manner as compared with the case where it is not selected, as indicated by reference numeral Se1 in FIG.

At the next step S03, the operator looks at the operation panel 10 and enlarges the selection branch Se as shown in FIG.
Check if 1 is correct. If the enlarged selection branch Se1 is the selection branch intended by the operator, the selection branch Se1 is pressed with a fingertip or the like. here,
Since the operation panel 10 is composed of a flexible liquid crystal display, the pressing force at this time is transmitted to the selection operation detection unit 13 via the operation panel 10. Then, the selection operation detection unit 13 outputs a press detection signal corresponding to the selection branch Se1 to the confirmation recognition unit 14. In the confirmation recognition unit 14,
Based on the press detection signal from the selection operation detection unit 13, it is determined which selection branch Se (Se1) has been operated (step S04), and a process related to the operated selection branch Se, for example, a telephone number is input. It is displayed on the display unit 2. Then, when a predetermined function button (for example, a hook button) is pressed as a telephone number in the number string of the selection branch Se, the telephone number is output to the communication circuit 16. Then, the communication circuit 16 starts wireless communication with the regional relay station using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band, and makes a call to the telephone number to establish a telephone connection.

On the other hand, in step S03, when the enlarged and displayed selection branch Se1 is a selection branch which is not intended by the operator, the operator brings the fingertip or the like close to the other selection branch Se to perform the selection again. At this time, the process proceeds to step S05, and each selection detection sensor 11 detects whether or not a fingertip or the like is close to each selection branch Se, and selects a selection branch Se different from the selection branch Se1 that has been enlarged and displayed until then. It is determined that it has been performed, and the processing from step S02 is repeated.

As described above, in this embodiment, the operator does not push the selection branch Se suddenly as in the conventional case, but shows the operator that the selection branch Se is once selected by an enlarged display, Since the pushing operation is performed after the confirmation is performed in that state, it is possible to prevent the mistaken pressing of the selection branch Se at the time of finalizing the selection branch Se as much as possible, though it is an easy operation.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an operation panel 10 and a selection indicating section 12 of a portable electronic input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a selection diagram. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the shutter of the gate of the clarification unit 12.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation panel 10, a selection indicating section 12, and a selection operation detecting section 13. In this embodiment, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The portable electronic input device of this embodiment is
A button body is used as the selection branch Se, and the fact that the operator's fingertip or the like has approached each selection branch Se of the operation panel 10 with the selection detection sensor 11 (see FIG. 3) similar to that of the first embodiment. When it is detected, the button body as the selection branch Se projects outward so that the selection branch Se being selected can be visually and tactually recognized, and the button body (selection branch Se) is pressed in that state. It can be operated.

The selection branch Se is a button body for the operator to press with a fingertip or the like as described above, and as shown in FIG. 7, is formed in the shape of a hollow dish having a bottom surface open and having a flange 18a. There is. On the main surface 18b of the selection branch Se, numbers and symbols (for example, asterisk and sharp) for displaying the function of each selection branch Se are marked. As shown in FIG. 7, the selection branch Se is arranged such that the flange 18a is inserted inside the main body wall 19 of the operation panel 10, so that even if the button body as the selection branch Se tries to come out, Since 18a contacts a part 19a inside the main body wall 19, the selective branch Se is prevented from coming off.

As shown in FIG. 5, the selection clarification unit 12 urges the push button switch serving as the selection branch Se to be pushed and retracted by air pressure to clearly indicate that, and is arranged in the holding member 20 to be airtight. The air chamber 21 and the air chamber 2
1, the piezoelectric member 22 installed in the holding member 20 so as to change the pressure of the air, and each selection branch Se as shown in FIG.
Bag body 23 that is individually installed inside the push button switch (button body) as a base and has flexibility and airtightness, and a communication pipe for communicating the bag body 23 with the air chamber 21. 24, and a gate 25 for switching between opening and closing of each communication pipe 24 with respect to the air chamber 21 at a connection point between the communication pipe 24 and the air chamber 21.

As shown in FIG. 5, a piezoelectric member 22 is installed on the side of the air chamber 21, and the volume of the air chamber 21 changes as the piezoelectric member 22 expands and contracts by being electrically driven. Thereby, the air pressure sealed in the air chamber 21 is changed.

A flexible member such as rubber is used for the bag body 23, and when the air pressurized in the air chamber 21 is supplied through the communication pipes 24, the bag body 23 is filled with the air. Expands and pushes each button body serving as each selection branch Se outward, so that each button body Se projects.

The gate 25 is, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b),
Each communication pipe 24 includes a shutter 27 that individually opens and closes an inlet 26 connected to the air chamber 21. This shutter 27
Is a door portion 28 for opening and closing the entrance 26.
And a piezoelectric element 29 for opening and closing the door 28
When the piezoelectric element 29 is electrically controlled and contracts, the door 28 avoids the inlet 26 to open the inlet 26, while the piezoelectric element 29 is electrically controlled. The door portion 28 closes the entrance 26 when extending.

As shown in FIG. 7, the selection operation detecting portion 13 supports a fixed terminal 32 fixed to the substrate 31, a movable terminal 33 which can be contacted with and separated from the fixed terminal 32, and supports the movable terminal 33 at the lower end. Support 34 and an elastic body 35 such as a winding spring that urges the support 34 in a direction of floating from the substrate 31. Then, the support body 34 penetrates a part of the bag body 23 of the selection indicating portion 12 in an airtight manner, and the upper end portion 34a of the support body 34 can contact the button body as the selection branch Se. Then, when the button body as the selection branch Se is pushed, the upper end of the support body 34 is pressed downward by the selection branch Se and moves downward against the elastic body 35, whereby the movable terminal 33 is moved. Can contact the fixed terminal 32.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the portable electronic input device having the above structure,
When the operator makes a call, first, the fingertip or the like is brought close to the selection branch Se (button body) of the operation panel 10.

At this time, each selection detection sensor 11 detects whether or not a fingertip or the like is close to the button body as each selection branch Se, and when the fingertip or the like is close, the fingertip or the like is made close. The selection detection sensor 11 corresponding to the existing selection branch Se outputs a selection detection signal to the selection clarification unit 12.

Next, when the selection detection signal is given from the selection detection sensor 11, the selection clarification unit 12 temporarily expands the piezoelectric elements 29 of all the shutters 27, and then, FIG.
As described above, the inlet 26 of the communication pipe 24 is closed, and in this state, the piezoelectric member 22 is extended to pressurize the air in the air chamber 21. Then, when the inside of the air chamber 21 is sufficiently pressurized,
When the piezoelectric element 29 of the shutter 27 associated with the selection detection sensor 11 that outputs the selection detection signal is contracted,
The inlet 26 of the communication pipe 24 is opened as shown in (b). Then, the air pressurized in the air chamber 21 is supplied to the bag body 23 below the selected branch Se (button body) selected through one communication pipe 24. At this time, the bag body 23 expands,
The expanded bag body 23 pushes up the selection branch Se (button body) from the inner surface to project it outward.

Next, the operator looks at the operation panel 10 and confirms whether or not the selection branch Se (button body) protruding outward is the selection branch Se intended by the operator.

If the protruding selection branch Se is not the selection branch intended by the operator, the fingertip or the like is positioned near the other selection branch Se. Then, the selection detection sensor 11
, The selection detection sensor 11 associated with the selection branch Se to which the fingertip or the like is newly approaching outputs a selection detection signal to the selection indicating unit 12. At this time, the selective display unit 12 contracts the piezoelectric member 22 to reduce the pressure of the air in the air chamber 21, and also contracts the piezoelectric element 29 of the shutter 27 that has been elongated up to that time, thereby reducing the pressure in the state shown in FIG. Thus, the inlet 26 of the communication pipe 24 is opened. Then, the bag body 23 below the selection branch Se (button body) that has been protruding up to that point contracts, and thus the protruding selection branch Se (button body) descends like other selection branches Se. Next, the piezoelectric elements 29 of all the shutters 27
To block the inlets 26 of all the communication pipes 24, and then the piezoelectric member 22 is expanded in this state to expand the air chamber 21.
Pressurize the air inside. Then, when the inside of the air chamber 21 is sufficiently pressurized, the piezoelectric element 29 of the shutter 27 associated with the selection detection sensor 11 that newly outputs the selection detection signal is contracted, and as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the inlet 26 of the communication pipe 24 is newly opened. Then, the air pressurized in the air chamber 21 is supplied to the bag body 23 below the newly selected selection branch Se (button body) through the communication pipe 24, the bag body 23 is inflated, and the expanded bag is inflated. Body 23 is newly selected branch S
e (button body) is pushed up from the inner surface to be projected outward.

In this way, the operator pushes the selection branch Se with his fingertip or the like in a state where the protruding selection branch Se is the selection branch intended by the operator. Then, the selection branch S
The button body as e comes into contact with the upper end portion of the support body 34 and presses it downward, and the support body 34 moves downward against the elastic body 35, whereby the movable terminal 33 is fixed. To contact. The fixed terminal 32 of the selection operation detection unit 13 outputs a press detection signal corresponding to the selection branch Se to the confirmation recognition unit 14. The confirmation recognizing unit 14 determines which selection branch Se (button body) has been operated based on the press detection signal from the selection operation detection unit 13, and the selected selection branch S that has been operated.
A process related to e, for example, a telephone number is displayed on the display unit 2. Then, when a predetermined function button (for example, a hook button) is pressed as a telephone number in the number string of the selection branch Se, the telephone number is output to the communication circuit 16. Then, the communication circuit 16 starts wireless communication with the regional relay station using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band, and makes a call to the telephone number to establish a telephone connection.

Thus, also in this embodiment,
Instead of suddenly pressing the selection branch Se as in the conventional case, the operator is visually and tactually clarified that the selection branch Se (button body) is once projected by the protrusion of the selection branch Se. Since the operator performs the pushing operation after making a confirmation in that state, it is possible to prevent the mistaken pressing of the selection branch Se at the time when the selection branch Se is determined, though it is an easy operation.

{Third Embodiment} FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a portable electronic input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, elements having the same functions as those in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals. The portable electronic input device of this embodiment uses a button body as the selection branch Se, and the same selection detection sensor 11 as that of the first and second embodiments.
When it is detected that the operator's fingertip or the like has approached each of the selection branches Se of the operation panel 10 (see FIG. 3), the button body as the selection branch Se vibrates, so that the selection branch Se currently selected is selected. The button body (selection branch Se) can be pushed and operated in such a state that it can be recognized by touch.

As shown in FIG. 8, each selection branch Se is formed in a hollow dish shape with an open lower surface, as in the second embodiment, and the main wall 18 of the operation panel 10 is surrounded by the main surface 18b. A flange 18a is formed so as to enter the inside and prevent the selected branch Se (button body) from coming off from the main body wall 19.

As shown in FIG. 8, the selection clarification unit 12 uses the substrate 42.
Each selectable branch Se (button body) supported on the substrate 42
A plurality of piezoelectric members 41a capable of individually vibrating, and a piezoelectric member 41a of a selection branch Se (button body) to which the fingertips or the like are close when the selection detection sensor 11 detects the fingertips or the like. And a drive circuit 41b that individually outputs a drive current (FIGS. 9 and 10) to vibrate.

As shown in FIG. 8, the selection operation detector 13 detects the drive current (FIGS. 9 and 10) output from the drive circuit 41b to the piezoelectric member 41a, and the waveform of the drive current is the vibration of the piezoelectric member 41a. Whether the waveform is a steady waveform (FIG. 9) or a non-steady waveform (FIG. 10) is determined by waveform pattern matching, and when it is a non-steady waveform, it is determined that the selection branch Se has been pushed. To do.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the portable electronic input device having the above structure,
When the operator makes a call, first, the fingertip or the like is brought close to the selection branch Se (button body) of the operation panel 10.

At this time, each selection detection sensor 11 detects whether or not a fingertip or the like is close to the button body as each selection branch Se, and when the fingertip or the like is approached, the fingertip or the like is approached. The selection detection sensor 11 corresponding to the existing selection branch Se outputs a selection detection signal to the selection clarification unit 12.

When the selection detection sensor 11 receives a selection detection signal from one selection branch Se, the drive circuit 41b of the selection indicating section 12 has a piezoelectric member 4 of the selection branch Se.
The drive current (FIG. 9) is output to 1a and is vibrated to clearly indicate that fact. With this, the operator can recognize that the selection branch Se has already been selected by a tactile sensation by lightly touching the selection branch Se with a fingertip or the like.

At this time, when a fingertip or the like is newly brought close to another selection branch Se, the drive circuit 41b stops the vibration of the piezoelectric member 41a of the selection branch Se which has been vibrating up to that point. Then, when the fingertip or the like approaches another selection branch Se, the selection detection sensor 11 detects that fact, and based on this, the drive circuit 41b newly vibrates the piezoelectric member 41a of the another selection branch Se. .

Next, when the operator wants to confirm the already vibrating selection branch Se, the operator strongly presses the selection branch Se.
Then, the driving current of the steady waveform (FIG. 9) is given from the driving circuit 41b to prevent the vibration of the vibrating piezoelectric member 41a, and a counter electromotive force is generated in the piezoelectric member 41a. Then, the waveform of the drive current applied from the drive circuit 41b to the piezoelectric member 41a changes from the steady waveform (FIG. 9) to the non-steady waveform (FIG. 10). Therefore, the selection operation detection unit 13
Based on the signal of the waveform from, the definite recognition unit 14 recognizes that the given waveform is an unsteady waveform, and determines that the selection branch Se has been pushed.

Thus, also in this embodiment,
Rather than pressing the selection branch Se suddenly as in the conventional case, the operator is tactilely clarified by the vibration of the selection branch Se (button body) once that the selection branch Se is once selected, and in that state. Since the operation of the selection branch Se is settled when the selection branch Se is pushed, it is possible to prevent the mistaken pressing of the selection branch Se as much as possible even though it is an easy operation.

{Fourth Embodiment} The external appearance of the portable electronic input device of this embodiment is the same as that of the conventional one shown in FIG. 12, but the operator selects each selection branch Se. At this time, the color of the backlight of the selected branch Se changes.

The button body as each selection branch Se of the operation panel 10 is formed of, for example, a hollow hemispherical translucent industrial plastic as in the existing one, as shown in FIG.

Then, the selection clarification unit 12 selects each selection branch Se.
A pair of light emitting elements 45a and 45b of different colors installed inside the (button body) and the light emitting elements 45a and 45b.
And a drive circuit 46 for individually driving

For the first light emitting element 45a, for example, a yellow light emitting diode, and for the second light emitting element 45b, for example, a red light emitting diode or the like is used.

The drive circuit 46 drives the first light emitting element 45a to emit light and makes the second light emitting element 45b not emit light when each selection branch Se is not selected. Then, when each of the selection branches Se is selected, the first light emitting element 45a is made to emit no light and the second light emitting element 45b is driven to emit light.

Here, as the selection detection sensor 11 for detecting whether or not each selection branch Se is selected, as in the first to third embodiments, a non-contact type transmission photo sensor is used. Although optical means such as an interrupter may be used, in this embodiment, a contact-type push button switch 43 shared with the selection operation detection unit 13 is used.

That is, in this push button switch 43,
The movable terminal 47 arranged at the base end of the button body as the selection branch Se and the fixed terminal 5 on the substrate 49 fixed to the main body 50.
0 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the board, and the button body 13 is supported while being biased by a biasing means 51 such as a winding spring in a direction away from the substrate 49.

When the push button switch 43 of each selection branch Se is pressed for the first time, the selection branch Se is selected.
Is selected as the drive circuit 46 of the selection specifying unit 12.
Is recognized, and based on this, the drive circuit 46 controls the light emission of the light emitting elements 45a and 45b.

Furthermore, when the push button switch 43 is pressed again for the selected selection branch Se, the operation selection of the selection branch Se is confirmed and recognized by the confirmation recognition section 14. .

The rest of the configuration is similar to that of the first to third embodiments, and the explanation is omitted.

In the portable electronic input device having the above structure,
When each selection branch Se is in the non-selected state, the first light emitting element 45a is driven to emit light, while the second light emitting element 45a is driven.
b is off.

Here, when the operator makes a call, first, one of the selection branches Se (button body) of the operation panel 10 is pushed only once.

At this time, the push button switch 43 as each selection detection sensor 11 has the corresponding selection branch S.
A signal indicating that e has been pressed is transmitted to the drive circuit 46 (selection specifying unit 12). Then, the drive circuit 46 extinguishes the first light emitting element 45a that has been driven to emit light, and drives the second light emitting element 45b to emit light. As a result, the operator sees the light emission color of the backlight of the selection branch Se and recognizes that it is the light emission color of the second light emitting element 45b, thereby confirming that the selection branch Se has already been selected. Can be recognized.

Since the push button switch 43 functions not only as the selection detection sensor 11 but also as the selection operation detection unit 13, the signal from the push button switch 43 is also output to the confirmation recognition unit 14. However, the confirmation recognizer 14 does not judge this as an operation for confirmation because it is received only as the first signal.

Here, the selection branch S selected by the operator
There is a case where the operator sees the emission color of e and recognizes that the selection branch Se not intended by the operator is selected. In this case, the operator newly presses another selection branch Se.
Then, the drive circuit 46 turns off the second light emitting element 45b of the previously selected selection branch Se to drive the first light emitting element 45a to emit light, and at the same time, presses another selection branch Se that has been newly pressed. The first light emitting element 45a is turned off and the second light emitting element 45b is driven to emit light.

Next, when the operator wants to confirm the selection branch Se which has already been selected (that is, the emission color of the second light emitting element 45b), the selection branch Se is pushed again. At this time, the push button switch 4 as the selection operation detection unit 13
3 outputs a signal to that effect to the confirmation recognition unit 14. The confirmation recognizing unit 14 determines that the selection branch Se of the push button switch 43 that has been pressed at this time is confirmed.

Thus, also in this embodiment,
Instead of suddenly pressing the selection branch Se as in the conventional case, the operator is visually informed by the emission color of the selection branch Se (button body) that the selection branch Se is once selected.
Since the operation of the selection branch Se is fixed when the selection branch Se is pressed in that state, it is possible to prevent an erroneous pressing at the time of fixing the selection branch Se as much as possible even though it is an easy operation. .

{Fifth Embodiment} A portable electronic input device according to this embodiment has a temporary display on a display unit (see reference numeral 2 in FIG. 12) such as an existing liquid crystal panel as the selection indicating unit 12. The number or symbol of the selected selection branch Se is displayed as it is. At this point, the confirmation recognizing unit 14 does not recognize the selection branch Se relating to the displayed number or symbol as the selection branch Se relating to the confirmation operation.

Then, in that state, the same selection branch S
When e is pushed, the confirmation recognizer 14 confirms for the first time as the selection branch Se that has been operated.

In this embodiment, the selection detection sensor 11 may use the one described in any of the first, third and fourth embodiments, or Also, the selection operation detection unit 13 may use the one described in any of the first embodiment, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, instead of pressing the selection branch Se suddenly as in the conventional case, the fact that the selection branch Se is once selected is displayed as a selection clarification section 12 on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel (see FIG. (See reference numeral 2 in 12) so that the operation of the selection branch Se is confirmed when the push operation is performed in that state. It is possible to prevent the mistake in pushing the button.

In the above embodiment, the selection detection sensor 11 is an optical means such as a non-contact type transmission photointerrupter, a push button switch and a piezoelectric member 41.
Although a has been described as an example, any other heat-sensitive sensor, distance sensor, or the like may be used.

Further, the selection clarification unit 12 of the fourth embodiment
Are a pair of light emitting elements 45a, 45 having different emission colors.
b, and the light emitting element 45 is controlled by the drive control of the drive circuit 46.
The light emission color of each selection branch Se (button body) was changed by switching a and 45b, but only a single light emitting element is used for each, and the drive circuit 46 blinks the light emitting element at the time of selection. You may do it.

Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a mobile phone has been described as an example of a portable electronic input device.
In addition to this, a remote controller for electric appliances or PD
Any portable electronic input device such as A may be used.

[0085]

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 5, the selection detection sensor detects that any one of the selection branches of the operation panel is selected, and the selection detection sensor selects. The selection instructing unit visually operates that any one of the branches is selected, for example, visually as in claims 2 and 3, or tactilely as in claims 4 and 5. The selection operation detection unit detects that the selection branch in the state specified as being selected by the selection display section is operated, and that the selection branch is operated by this selection operation detection unit. When it is detected, the definite recognition section recognizes that the selected branch has been definitely input.Therefore, the selected branch is once selected instead of being operated suddenly as in the past. To the operator, and then In can be manipulated after the confirmation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous push at the time of finalizing the selection branch as much as possible even though the operation is easy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portable electronic input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the portable electronic input device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the selection detection sensor of the portable electronic input device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the portable electronic input device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of a portable electronic input device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a gate of a portable electronic input device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a selection branch and a selection indicating section of the portable electronic input device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a portable electronic input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram showing a drive current for driving the piezoelectric member of the portable electronic input device according to the third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram showing a drive current in a state of being disturbed by a back electromotive force when the piezoelectric member of the portable electronic input device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is pushed.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a portable electronic input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a general portable electronic input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Operation panel 11 Selection detection sensor 12 Selection clarification section 13 Selection operation detector 14 Confirmation recognition section 15 Display 16 Communication circuit 19 body wall 29 Piezoelectric element 31 substrate 41a Piezoelectric member 41b drive circuit 43 push button switch 45a light emitting element 45b light emitting element 46 Drive circuit Se selection branch

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Naoki Nishida             2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture               Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hideki Nagata             2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture               Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5B020 BB00 CC12 DD02 GG02 GG05                 5K023 AA07 BB11 GG10 HH06

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A portable electronic input device which is capable of carrying out a predetermined operation and carried by an operator, wherein an operation panel having a plurality of selection branches and one of the selection branches is selected. A selection detection sensor that detects a selection selection sensor, a selection indication unit that causes the operator to explicitly recognize that any one of the selection branches is selected by the selection detection sensor, and a selection selection unit A selection operation detection unit that detects that the selection branch in the state explicitly indicated is operated, and the selection operation is determined when the selection operation detection unit detects that the selection operation has been performed. A portable electronic input device including a confirmation recognition unit that recognizes that an input has been made. 2. The portable electronic input device according to claim 1, wherein the selection specifying unit causes an operator to visually recognize that any one of the selection branches is selected. A portable electronic input device characterized by: 3. The portable electronic input device according to claim 2, wherein the selection clarification unit enlarges or reduces the display size of each of the selection branches, switches between the sudden selection of the selection branches, and selects each of the selections. Change the emission color of the backlight of the branch or switch between blinking,
Alternatively, the portable electronic input device is characterized in that the display of the selection branch is switched to another display unit. 4. The portable electronic input device according to claim 1, wherein the selection specifying unit causes an operator to tactilely recognize that any one of the selection branches is selected. A portable electronic input device characterized by: 5. The portable electronic input device according to claim 4, wherein the selection clarification unit performs a rush / escape switching or vibration drive of the selection branch.