JP2004177993A - Mobile terminal with pressure sensor, and program executable by mobile terminal with pressure sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to enjoy operating a mobile terminal or browsing content. <P>SOLUTION: As an information input means of the mobile terminal (the mobile terminal with a pressure sensor) 10, a pressure sensor built-in grip part 11 having a built-in pressure sensor capable of detecting pressure by pressing is disposed. When the user using the mobile terminal holds and grasps the mobile terminal, pressure by the grasping operation is applied to the pressure sensor, a signal indicating intensity of the pressure is supplied from the pressure sensor to an CPU in the mobile terminal, and the CPU performs information processing corresponding to the signal. For example, when pressure is applied, content corresponding to the intensity of the applied pressure is displayed, and a kind of information is selected and transmitted from an IrDA part 17 in response to the intensity of the applied pressure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable terminal such as a portable telephone and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), and a program executable by the portable terminal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs have information input means (also referred to as operation means in this specification) such as buttons, dials, touch pens, mice, and keyboards. In addition, a user who uses a portable terminal can input a document and give an instruction for information processing. For example, as information input means, there are known input buttons described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 below, and an input pen described in Patent Literature 3 below.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-109987 (FIG. 5)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-152368 (FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-51782 A (FIG. 2)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there is a problem in that most of such information input means has a very bland user interface as a result of pursuing operability. Further, the conventional information input means has a problem that only binary input of ON / OFF can be mainly performed.
[0005]
In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a portable terminal with a pressure sensor and a portable terminal with a pressure sensor that enable the user to operate the portable terminal, browse contents, transmit information from the portable terminal, etc. while having fun. It is intended to provide an executable program.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to the present invention has, as information input means, a pressure sensor that measures the intensity (pressure value) of the pressure applied to the portable terminal.
With this configuration, a user using the mobile terminal with the pressure sensor can input information by applying pressure to a predetermined portion of the mobile terminal. Thereby, the way of enjoying each content executed on the mobile terminal and the way of enjoying the operation of the mobile terminal are widened.
[0007]
Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the pressure sensor measures the intensity of the pressure, the pressure sensor outputs a measurement result as a signal.
With this configuration, the information input using the pressure sensor can be supplied as a processable signal to the inside of the portable terminal with the pressure sensor.
[0008]
Further, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention has a processing means capable of performing information processing in accordance with a signal supplied from the pressure sensor.
With this configuration, the mobile terminal with the pressure sensor can perform a process according to the input information using the pressure sensor.
[0009]
Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the correspondence between the signal supplied from the pressure sensor and the information processing by the processing means is set, and the processing means performs the information processing according to the intensity of the pressure according to the correspondence. It is configured to perform.
With this configuration, for example, the intensity of the pressure applied to the pressure sensor can be classified and detected in a plurality of stages, and different signals can be supplied to the inside of the mobile terminal with the pressure sensor according to each stage. It becomes.
[0010]
Further, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprises a display means capable of outputting image information by information processing according to the intensity of the pressure.
With this configuration, various images can be displayed according to the signal supplied from the pressure sensor.
[0011]
Further, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprises an audio output unit capable of outputting audio information by information processing according to the intensity of the pressure.
With this configuration, various sounds can be output according to the signal supplied from the pressure sensor.
[0012]
Further, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprises an information transmitting means capable of selectively transmitting information by the information processing according to the pressure intensity.
With this configuration, it is possible to selectively transmit information according to a signal supplied from the pressure sensor.
[0013]
Further, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprises storage means capable of storing a program enabling information processing by the processing means.
With this configuration, it is possible to read out the program from the storage unit as necessary and shift to the pressure input mode using the pressure sensor.
[0014]
Further, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprises a storage unit capable of storing a program for setting a correspondence between a signal supplied from the pressure sensor and information processing by the processing unit.
With this configuration, it is possible to read out the program from the storage unit as needed and perform the processing with reference to information processing according to the user's input.
[0015]
Furthermore, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprises a wireless communication unit that enables image information or audio information to be obtained from outside.
With this configuration, it is possible to connect to an external network such as the Internet and download various image information or audio information.
[0016]
Further, the present invention according to the above-mentioned invention, further comprises a wireless communication unit capable of acquiring a program from outside.
With this configuration, it is possible to connect to an external network such as the Internet and download various programs.
[0017]
Furthermore, in the present invention according to the above invention, the pressure sensor is disposed at a position where the pressure generated by the gripping operation can be detected when the mobile terminal is gripped and gripped with the hand. .
With this configuration, the user can apply pressure to the pressure sensor by holding and gripping the mobile terminal.
[0018]
Further, in the present invention according to the above invention, one pressure sensor is disposed on each of one side surface of the portable terminal and the other side surface opposite to the one side surface.
With this configuration, it is possible to dispose the pressure sensor on the side surface of the portable terminal that does not hinder operations other than the application of pressure and that is easy for the user to hold and grasp the portable terminal.
[0019]
In order to achieve the above object, a program executable by the mobile terminal with a pressure sensor according to the present invention has, as information input means, a pressure sensor for detecting pressure, and a signal when the pressure sensor detects pressure. A program executable by a mobile terminal with a pressure sensor configured to output
It is configured so that information processing can be performed according to the signal output from the pressure sensor.
With this configuration, the mobile terminal with a pressure sensor can perform processing according to various pressure application modes.
[0020]
Further, according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to be able to perform information processing according to the intensity of pressure in accordance with the correspondence between the signal supplied from the pressure sensor and the information processing to be performed.
With this configuration, for example, the intensity of the pressure applied to the pressure sensor can be classified and detected in a plurality of stages, and different signals can be supplied to the inside of the mobile terminal with the pressure sensor according to each stage. It becomes.
[0021]
Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the image information is displayed from the display means or the audio information is output from the audio output means in accordance with the signal.
With this configuration, various images can be displayed and various sounds can be output according to the operation signal supplied from the pressure sensor.
[0022]
Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the information transmitting means can selectively transmit information in accordance with a signal.
With this configuration, it is possible to selectively transmit information according to a signal supplied from the pressure sensor.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of a portable terminal with a pressure sensor and a program executable by the portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view and a side view of a mobile terminal with a pressure sensor according to the present invention. The mobile terminal 10 (mobile terminal 10 with a pressure sensor) shown in FIG. 1 includes a grip unit 11 with a built-in pressure sensor, a display unit 12, an operation unit (push button) 13, a mouthpiece 14, an earpiece 15, an antenna 16, an IrDA ( An Infrared Data Association (infrared interface) section 17 is provided.
[0024]
The grip section 11 with a built-in pressure sensor includes a pressure sensor (a pressure sensor 27 to be described later) inside, and is a place where the outside is protected by rubber or a plastic material. The pressure can be applied to the pressure sensor disposed inside by pressing using the part, and the pressure sensor can detect the intensity (pressure value) of the applied pressure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a grip with a built-in pressure sensor is applied to the portable terminal with a pressure sensor of the present invention. Is illustrated.
[0025]
Also, in FIG. 1, one grip section 11 with a built-in pressure sensor is arranged on one side surface of the portable terminal 10 and on the other side surface opposing the one side surface. In this way, when the mobile terminal performs an operation of gripping and gripping with the hand, the pressure generated by the gripping operation can be detected by the pressure sensor, or at a position that does not interfere with other operations and display browsing, Preferably, a pressure sensor is provided. In addition, the pressure sensor built-in grip part 11 can be arranged at an arbitrary position.
[0026]
FIG. 1 illustrates a case in which a mobile phone is used as the mobile terminal 10 with a pressure sensor according to the present invention. The mobile terminal 10 is, like a conventional mobile phone, a liquid crystal display (LCD). ), Operation means 13 for inputting information, a mouthpiece 14 with a built-in microphone for voice input, and a receiver with a built-in speaker for voice output. It has an opening 15, an antenna 16 for enabling communication, and an IrDA unit 17 for enabling wireless transmission and reception of data using infrared rays. Note that a PDA or the like can be used as the mobile terminal 10 with a pressure sensor according to the present invention.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to the present invention. The mobile terminal 10 shown in FIG. 3 includes a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, an antenna 16, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, and a transmission / reception unit. 24, an audio input unit 25, an audio output unit 26, a pressure sensor 27, an A / D conversion unit (analog / digital conversion unit) 28, and an IrDA interface 29. Among them, the display means 12, the operation means 13, and the antenna 16 are the same as those shown in FIG. 1, the pressure sensor 27 is the same as that provided inside the pressure sensor built-in grip part 11 shown in FIG. 29 is the same as the IrDA unit 17 shown in FIG.
[0028]
The CPU 21 is a unit that performs main control in the mobile terminal 10 and operation control of each unit. Further, the ROM 22 and the RAM 23 are information storage means, a program operating on the mobile terminal 10, image information (still image information and moving image information) displayed using the display means 12, and audio output using the audio output means 26. This is a means for storing information. The transmission / reception means 24 is a means for communicating with a communication base station or an external device via the antenna 16, and enables transmission and reception of a call and data. The sound input means 25 is a microphone for sound output, and the sound output means 26 is a speaker for sound output. The A / D converter 28 is a unit that converts an analog signal output from the pressure sensor 27 by detecting a pressure into a digital signal.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to the internal configuration of the portable terminal with pressure sensor 10 shown in FIG. Normally, the user of the portable terminal 10 can input information from the operation unit 13 such as a push button, or can input an operation instruction from the voice input unit 25 by voice using a function such as voice recognition. However, the present invention allows a user to grip the grip section 11 with a built-in pressure sensor and input information using the pressure sensor 27.
[0030]
For example, when the CPU 21 displays image information related to predetermined content using the display unit 12, the CPU 21 shifts to a pressure input mode in which a pressure sensor can be used in conjunction with the display of the content. In the pressure input mode, the CPU 21 monitors a signal supplied from the pressure sensor 27 via the A / D converter 28.
[0031]
<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a case where ON / OFF (presence or absence of an input) is detected by the pressure sensor 27 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the content on the display screen changes due to the application of pressure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the CPU 21 reads out predetermined image information ([A]: image of a round face) from a memory such as the ROM 22 or the RAM 23, displays the read image information on the display unit 12, and shifts to a pressure input mode in which input by the pressure sensor 27 is enabled. I do.
[0032]
For example, the user using the mobile terminal 10 grasps and presses the grip section 11 with a built-in pressure sensor while looking at the display screen of [A], and applies pressure to the internal pressure sensor 27. The pressure sensor 27 detects this pressure and outputs it as an analog signal. This analog signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 28 and supplied to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 constantly monitors whether or not the intensity of the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the intensity of the pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, another image information ([B]: crushed) is stored in the memory. The image of the face is read and displayed on the display unit 12.
[0033]
In addition, the pressure applied to each of the pressure sensors 27 arranged on both the left and right sides is detected, and, for example, of the pressure sensors 27 arranged on both side surfaces of the mobile terminal 10, when only the right side is pressed and only the left side is pressed. And different image information ([C] when the right side is pressed: an image where the right side of the face is crushed, and [D] when the left side is pressed: the left side of the face is crushed) (Displayed image) on the display unit 12. The series of images [A] to [D] allows the user to perform an operation of compressing an image on the display screen.
[0034]
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the pressure is applied using the pressure sensor 27, and the case where the pressure equal to or less than the predetermined threshold is applied is determined. It is possible to detect an ON / OFF input that turns ON and turns OFF others. In addition to the change of the display screen, for example, it is also possible to change the sound by applying pressure or to perform other basic operations.
[0035]
<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, information transmitted to a communication partner terminal (communication partner terminal) using the IrDA unit 17 (IrDA interface 29) with reference to the intensity of pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27. Will be described.
[0036]
First, the mobile terminal 10 performs a predetermined pre-communication stage process, and establishes an IrDA link with a communication partner terminal that performs communication using the IrDA unit 17. Then, the fact that transmission of information by IrDA is enabled is displayed on the display screen, and the mode shifts to the pressure input mode. When a pressure is applied to the pressure sensor 27 by the user, the CPU 21 detects the intensity of the applied pressure based on a signal supplied from the A / D converter 28. Then, the setting information stored in the memory such as the ROM 22 or the RAM 23 is read, and information corresponding to the strength of the pressure is transmitted to the communication partner terminal via the IrDA interface 29 based on the description of the setting information. .
[0037]
FIG. 5 is a correlation diagram showing the relationship between the intensity of pressure and the information transmission pattern according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the above setting information, for example, a correlation as shown in FIG. 5 is set. FIG. 5 shows the pressure intensity on the vertical axis, and the type of information transmitted from the IrDA interface 29 to the communication partner terminal according to the pressure intensity on the vertical axis. I have. According to this correlation diagram, it is possible to classify the information transmitted via the IrDA interface 29 into three stages according to the intensity of the pressure.
[0038]
The pressure sensor 27, when detecting the pressure that is less than the predetermined strength P ₂ at a pressure intensity P ₁ or more predetermined time or more, IrDA interface 29 the telephone number to the communication partner terminal through the (own number) Send. Further, the pressure sensor 27, when detecting the pressure that is less than the predetermined strength P ₃ at a pressure intensity P ₂ or more predetermined time or more, further, communicate through the IrDA interface 29 partner terminal to the mail address (mail Address). Further, the pressure sensor 27, when detecting the intensity P ₃ or more pressure in the pressure a predetermined time or more, further, sensitive personal information to the correspondent terminal via the IrDA interface 29 (address, company name, notes Character information, video information such as photos).
[0039]
That is, by changing the pressure at which the user grips the grip section 11 with a built-in pressure sensor, the pattern of information transmitted to the communication partner terminal can be changed as follows.
The first step (intensity P ₁ or P less than ₂ pressure): (intensity P ₂ or more _and less than P ₃ of pressure) transmitting the second stage the telephone number: phone number and sending the e-mail address third stage (pressure strong the _{P 3} or more): phone number, e-mail address, send the sensitive personal information [0040]
The information transmitted via the IrDA interface 29 can be set other than the above, and the pressure intensity, the number of classifications, and the like can be arbitrarily set. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the information transmitted through the IrDA interface 29 is changed according to the strength of the pressure is described. However, the present invention can be applied to other operations. is there.
[0041]
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to refer to the intensity of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 27 and perform a process according to the intensity of the pressure. Become.
[0042]
The present invention can also be realized by storing a program executable by the CPU 21 of the mobile terminal 10 in a memory such as the ROM 22 or the RAM 23 and executing the program by the CPU 21. In addition, it is also possible to externally acquire the program according to the present invention or content (image information or audio information) that changes according to the application of pressure by the pressure sensor 27 from the outside by the transmission / reception unit (wireless communication unit) 24. Further, the pressure sensor according to the present invention can be used for basic operations (normal operations performed on the mobile terminal 10, such as sending and receiving a mail, etc.) on the mobile terminal 10. It is also possible to perform various processes according to the conditions.
[0043]
In addition, a power generation unit that converts pressure into electricity is arranged inside the grip unit 11 with a built-in pressure sensor of the mobile terminal 10, and when pressure is applied to the grip unit 11 with a built-in pressure sensor, the pressure is converted into electricity. It is also possible to be able to charge. As a result, it is possible to generate power in-house, generate electricity from the pressure applied to the grip section 11 with a built-in pressure sensor, and perform various operations of the portable terminal 10 using the electricity.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a mobile terminal can use a pressure sensor capable of detecting the intensity of pressure applied to the mobile terminal as information input means of the mobile terminal. The way of enjoying each content and how to enjoy the operation of the mobile terminal will be expanded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view and a side view of a portable terminal with a pressure sensor of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a state where a grip with a built-in pressure sensor is applied to the portable terminal with a pressure sensor of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which content on a display screen is changed by application of pressure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Correlation diagram showing the relationship between the pressure intensity and the information transmission pattern in the second embodiment of the present invention.
10 Mobile terminal (mobile terminal with pressure sensor)
11 grip section with built-in pressure sensor 12 display means 13 operating means (push button)
14 mouthpiece 15 earpiece 16 antenna 17 IrDA unit 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 transmission / reception means (wireless communication means)
25 voice input means 26 voice output means 27 pressure sensor 28 A / D conversion means 29 IrDA interface

Claims (17)

A mobile terminal with a pressure sensor having a pressure sensor as an information input means for measuring the intensity of pressure applied to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein when the pressure sensor measures the intensity of the pressure, the measurement result is output as a signal. The mobile terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 2, further comprising a processing unit capable of performing information processing according to the signal supplied from the pressure sensor. A correspondence between the signal supplied from the pressure sensor and the information processing by the processing unit is set, and the processing unit performs the information processing according to the strength of the pressure according to the correspondence. The mobile terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 3, which is configured. The portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 4, further comprising a display unit capable of outputting image information by the information processing according to the intensity of the pressure. The mobile terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 4, further comprising a voice output unit capable of outputting voice information by the information processing according to the strength of the pressure. The portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 4, further comprising an information transmitting unit that can selectively transmit information by the information processing according to the pressure intensity. The portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a storage unit capable of storing a program enabling the information processing by the processing unit. 8. The storage device according to claim 4, further comprising a storage unit configured to store a program for setting a correspondence between the signal supplied from the pressure sensor and the information processing performed by the processing unit. 9. Mobile terminal with pressure sensor. The portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a wireless communication unit that enables the image information or the audio information to be acquired from outside. The portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 8, further comprising a wireless communication unit that enables the program to be acquired from outside. The pressure sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed at a position where a pressure generated by the gripping operation can be detected when the mobile terminal grips and grips the mobile terminal with a hand. A mobile terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 1. 13. The portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 12, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged on one side surface of the portable terminal and on one side surface of the portable terminal opposite to the one side surface. As an information input means, a program that has a pressure sensor that detects pressure, the pressure sensor is a program that can be executed by a mobile terminal with a pressure sensor configured to output a signal when the pressure is detected,
A program executable by a mobile terminal with a pressure sensor that performs information processing according to the signal output by the pressure sensor. The mobile phone with a pressure sensor according to claim 14, wherein the information processing according to the intensity of the pressure can be performed according to a correspondence relationship between the signal supplied from the pressure sensor and the information processing to be performed. A program that can be executed by a terminal. 16. The portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 14 or 15, wherein display of image information from a display unit or output of audio information from an audio output unit can be performed according to the signal. program. 17. The program executable by the portable terminal with a pressure sensor according to claim 14, wherein information can be selectively transmitted from an information transmitting unit in accordance with the signal.

Images