JP2006245898A - Portable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable information terminal capable of carrying out a blind touch readily. <P>SOLUTION: A cellular phone 1 comprises an operation part 2 including a plurality of keys, a five-key 21 disposed at the center of the operation part 2, and a plurality of surrounding ten-keys 22 disposed adjacent to the five-key 21 so as to surround the five-key 21. Further, the cellular phone 1 has a radial first guide groove 26 extending from the five-key 21 to the surrounding ten-keys 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information terminal, and more particularly to a portable information terminal having an operation unit including a plurality of keys.

  In recent years, functions of portable information terminals have increased. For example, some mobile phones have a camera function, a WEB operation function, a dictionary function, etc. in addition to a telephone function. Under such circumstances, the operation of the portable information terminal is complicated, and accordingly, the number of keys for inputting characters, symbols, etc. tends to increase.

  On the other hand, in order for the operator of the portable information terminal to perform quick and easy input to the portable information terminal, it is effective to perform a blind touch that recognizes and hits the key as a finger without visually confirming the key. It is. In the situation where the number of keys increases as described above, there is a need for a portable information terminal having an operation unit that facilitates blind touch.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a conventional mobile phone. Referring to FIG. 16, a conventional mobile phone 90 realizes a display unit 91 for displaying information and specific functions such as turning on / off the power, calling a mail function, and setting / canceling manner mode. A function key unit 92 having function keys for inputting, and a numeric keypad unit 93 having a numeric keypad for mainly inputting numbers. In addition to the functions described above, the function key unit 92 may be provided with a four-way key 94 having a function such as moving an image displayed on the display unit. In the numeric keypad 93, numeric keys are arranged in 4 rows and 3 columns. A protrusion 95 is formed on the 5 key for inputting the numeral 5. The operator recognizes the position of the 5 key by touching the protrusion 95 with a finger. Furthermore, since the positions of other keys can be estimated based on the positions of the five keys, an operator who is accustomed to the operation can perform a blind touch.

On the other hand, the shape of a key for further facilitating blind touch has been studied. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, it has been proposed to give different uneven shapes to the keys arranged on the numeric keypad 93 of the mobile phone 90 for each row or column. This facilitates blind touch by storing the cross-sectional shape of each row or column. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, it has been proposed to form protrusions 95 at different positions for each numeric keypad arranged on the numeric keypad 93 of the mobile phone 90. Furthermore, it has been proposed to give different external shapes to each numeric keypad. Thereby, the blind touch becomes easy by recognizing the position and outer shape of the projection of each numeric keypad with the sense of a finger (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-163731 A JP-A-8-195798

  However, in the configuration of the conventional mobile phone shown in FIG. 16, the operator needs to search for the position of the 5 key with the sense of a finger. Further, for keys other than the 5 keys, it is necessary to make a keystroke while estimating based on the position of the 5 keys. Therefore, it is difficult to perform blind touch unless the operator is quite familiar with the operation. Further, in the configuration of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the row or column of the numeric keypad can be recognized by the sense of a finger, but the key cannot be specifically specified. Furthermore, if different irregularities are formed in both rows and columns, the key can be specified, but in this case, the surface shape of the key becomes complicated. Therefore, it is necessary to memorize the complicated surface shape of the key and recognize it with the sense of a finger. Therefore, it cannot be said that even the configuration of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 has made the blind touch sufficiently easy. In the configuration of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, it is necessary to accurately grasp the position of the protrusion on the upper surface of each key. Further, in the configuration of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the shape of each key is memorized, and the entire surface of each key is recognized as a finger, so that it is possible to accurately grasp which part is missing. There is a need to. Therefore, it cannot be said that blind touch has become sufficiently easy.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal capable of easily performing a blind touch.

  A portable information terminal according to the present invention is a portable information terminal having an operation unit including a plurality of keys. This portable information terminal includes a central key disposed in the central portion of the operation unit, and a plurality of peripheral keys disposed adjacent to the central key so as to surround the central key. Furthermore, it has the 1st radial guide part from a center key to a surrounding key.

  According to the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to guide the finger to the center key and the surrounding key without visually confirming by having the radial first guide portion from the center key to the surrounding key. As a result, blind touch becomes easy.

  Preferably, the portable information terminal has a second guide part surrounding the central key, and the second guide part is connected to the first guide part.

  By having the second guide portion, it becomes easy to confirm the center key by finger sensation. Furthermore, since the second guide unit is connected to the first guide unit, the finger can be smoothly guided from the center key to the surrounding keys.

  Preferably, the portable information terminal further includes a shift switch for switching the input mode of the operation unit. In the first input mode switched by the shift switch, at least one of the center key and the surrounding keys functions as a numeric keypad for inputting numbers. Furthermore, in the second input mode switched by the shift switch, at least one of the center key and the surrounding keys functions as a function key for realizing a specific function.

  In portable information terminals, it is often necessary to input numbers, and a numeric keypad is often provided. On the other hand, function keys are also necessary to realize various functions of the portable information terminal. By switching and using the numeric keypad and function keys with a shift switch, it becomes possible to configure a multifunctional portable information terminal without increasing the number of keys. As a result, it is possible to reduce the space required for arranging the keys in the portable information terminal, and to reduce the size of the portable information terminal. Moreover, it becomes possible to enlarge each key and to make it easy to press the key.

  Preferably, in the portable information terminal, each of the surrounding keys positioned at the top, bottom, left and right of the center key is constituted by a cross key in which the surrounding keys positioned at the top, bottom, left and right are integrated.

  Accordingly, the blind touch is further facilitated by the presence of a key whose size and shape are significantly different from those of other keys. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced and the mobile information terminal can be easily assembled, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the mobile information terminal.

  Preferably, the portable information terminal further includes a display unit for displaying an image including numbers, characters, and symbols. By switching the input mode by the shift switch, the cross key functions as a four-way key for moving the image displayed on the display unit up, down, left and right.

  In a portable information terminal, it is often necessary to move an image up, down, left, and right on a display unit, such as moving a cursor or scrolling a screen. By making the above-mentioned cross key usable as a four-way key having such a function, a portable information terminal having such a function can be provided without increasing the number of keys.

  Preferably, in the portable information terminal, the surface of the surrounding key has an inclined surface so that the thickness changes toward the center key.

  Thereby, based on the combination of the guide portion and the inclination, it becomes easier to grasp the position of the center key and which key is the surrounding key touched by the finger. As a result, blind touch is further facilitated.

  Preferably, in the portable information terminal, when at least a part of the operation unit functions as a numeric keypad having a numeric keypad, the center key is a key for inputting the numeral 5, and the surrounding keys are numerals 1, 2, 3 Contains keys for entering 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 0.

  In general, the numeric keypad has a key for inputting the number 5 in the center, and the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 0 are often arranged so as to surround it. . Therefore, by arranging the keys in the same manner, it is possible to grasp the position of each key without storing the key arrangement again. As a result, blind touch is further facilitated.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the portable information terminal of the present invention, it is possible to provide a portable information terminal capable of easily performing a blind touch.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a cellular phone as a portable information terminal according to Embodiment 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing the mobile phone of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view (side view) showing the mobile phone of the first embodiment. 4 is a schematic sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the structure of the mobile telephone of Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated.

  Referring to FIG. 1, mobile phone 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes an operation unit 2 and a display unit 3. Referring to FIG. 2, the operation unit 2 mainly includes a numeric keypad 2A having a numeric keypad for inputting numbers and a function key unit 2B having function keys for realizing a specific function. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a 5 key 21 for inputting the numeral 5 as a center key is arranged at the center of the operation unit 2. A peripheral numeric key 22 for inputting numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 as peripheral keys is arranged adjacent to the 5 key 21 so as to surround the 5 key 21. The numeric keypad layout in the numeric keypad 2A is a standard numeric keypad layout that is generally employed. And the 1st guide groove 26 as a 1st guide part is radially formed so that it may reach from the 5 key 21 to the circumference | surroundings numeric keypad 22. Further, a second guide groove 27 as a second guide portion is formed so as to surround the 5 key 21. The second guide groove 27 is connected to the first guide groove 26.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of keys for inputting the numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8 among the surrounding numeric keys 22 positioned on the top, bottom, left, and right of the 5 key 21. Referring to FIG. 6, the keys for inputting the numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8 among the surrounding numeric keys 22 located on the upper, lower, left and right sides of the five keys are indicated by the cross numeric key 23 as an integrated cross key. It is configured.

  Next, the blind touch in the mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Referring to FIG. 1, the operator who puts his finger on the operation unit 2 recognizes the first guide groove 26 and the second guide groove 27 by his finger sense. Then, the position of the 5 key 21 can be easily confirmed by being guided by the first guide groove 26 and the second guide groove 27. Next, when a desired key is to be pressed, the operator slides his / her finger in an approximate direction from the stored key array. At this time, it is guided by the first guide groove 26 and the second guide groove 27 so that the desired key can be reliably reached and the key can be hit. Here, since the numeric keypad portion 2A has a standard numeric keypad layout, the operator can recognize the approximate direction for causing the finger to reach a desired key without storing the key layout again. By repeating this, blind touch can be easily performed even if the operator is not familiar with the operation of the mobile phone 1.

  Further, as described above, the guide groove has a simple configuration in which the second guide groove 27 is formed so as to surround the 5 key 21 and the first guide groove 26 is formed radially therefrom. ing. Therefore, it does not require a great effort to memorize this, and can be grasped intuitively. In particular, an intuitive operation is possible by combining with the standard numeric keypad arrangement described above. In addition, the operator can recognize which key the finger is touching by grasping the direction in which the first guide groove 26 is formed in the surrounding keys with the sense of a finger without going through the 5 keys. can do. As described above, according to the mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment, a blind touch can be easily performed even if the operator is not familiar with the operation of the mobile phone 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a part or all of the first guide groove 26 is adjacent to the opposite side of the 5 key 21 from the 5 key 21 through the peripheral numeric key 22 and viewed from the peripheral numeric key 22. It may be formed so as to reach the key. As a result, not only the 5 key 21 and the surrounding numeric keypad 22, but also a key located on the outer periphery can be touched easily to perform a blind touch. In addition, if the first guide groove 26 is formed at least toward the two peripheral numeric keys 22 having different directions as viewed from the 5 key 21, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. It is preferable to form four heading toward the peripheral numeric keypad 22 for inputting, or four heading toward the peripheral numeric keypad 22 for inputting 1, 3, 7, 9. Further, it is more preferable that eight lines toward all the surrounding numeric keys 22 are formed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a cellular phone as a portable information terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing the mobile phone according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the usage state of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, mobile phone 1 of the second embodiment basically has the same configuration as mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. However, mobile phone 1 according to the second embodiment is different from mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment in that shift switch 4 for switching the input mode of operation unit 2 is provided. Further, on the surface of each key arranged in the operation unit 2, a display indicating the function of each key in the first input mode switched by the shift switch 4 is arranged, and the second switched by the shift switch 4. A shift display 24 indicating functions in the input mode is also arranged.

  Here, since the input operation is often performed with the thumb, the shift switch 4 is disposed at a position where it can be pressed with a finger other than the thumb as shown in FIG. Or as shown in FIG. 10, you may arrange | position in the position which can be pressed down with the back of a palm. Specifically, it is arranged on the side surface of the casing of the mobile phone 1. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of facilitating the operation of the shift switch 4, the shift switch 4 is preferably arranged on either one of the left and right side surfaces as viewed from the axis connecting the operation unit 2 and the display unit 3, and more preferably Is arranged on the side surface of the operation unit 2, particularly on the side surface of the numeric keypad unit 2A.

  Furthermore, the cross keypad 23 functions as a four-way key that is a function key for moving the image displayed on the display unit 3 up, down, left, and right by switching the input mode by the shift switch 4. Specifically, by pressing the upper, lower, left, and right portions of the cross keypad 23, the cursor or the like can be moved up, down, left, or right. Furthermore, the image may be scrolled up, down, left and right by pressing the upper, lower, left and right portions of the cross keypad 23. Further, it is possible to select an image representing a predetermined function displayed on the display unit 3 by operating the cross keypad 23 functioning as a four-direction key, and further select the five keys by switching with the shift switch 4. It may be made to function as an execution key that is a function key for executing the function.

  Next, the operation of the mobile phone 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. The blind touch of each key arranged on the operation unit 2 is the same as in the first embodiment. As for the operation of the shift switch 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the mobile phone 1 can be held with the left hand and the shift switch 4 can be operated with the middle finger or the ring finger of the left hand. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the mobile phone 1 may be held with the right hand, and the shift switch 4 may be operated with the palm of the right hand. Further, when the shift switch 4 is disposed on the side surface opposite to the case of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 across the operation unit 2, the operation with the right hand and the left hand is reversed to that of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. Thus, the shift switch 4 can be operated. By operating in this way, the position of the shift switch 4 can be grasped with the sense of a finger or palm, and the blind touch including the operation of the shift switch 4 can be easily performed.

  The shift switch 4 may be configured to switch the input mode only while it is operated, or may be configured to switch the input mode each time it is operated. Further, the input mode switched by the shift switch 4 is not limited to the first input mode and the second input mode. For example, the three input modes from the first input mode to the third input mode are switched. May be. Further, it may be configured such that four or more input modes can be switched. In this case, the input mode can be sequentially switched every time the shift switch 4 is operated.

  Further, a key in which all of the eight peripheral numeric keys 22 surrounding the 5 key 21 as the central key are integrated may be arranged so as to surround the 5 key 21. In this case, the key functions as an eight-way key which is a function key capable of moving the image displayed on the display unit 3 in the diagonal direction as well as up / down / left / right by switching the input mode with the shift switch 4. You can also.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11: is a schematic perspective view which shows the mobile telephone as a portable information terminal of Embodiment 3 which is one embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing the mobile phone according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view (side view) showing the mobile phone according to the third embodiment. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. The configuration of the mobile phone according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Referring to FIGS. 11 to 15, mobile phone 1 of the third embodiment basically has the same configuration as mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. However, the cellular phone 1 according to the third embodiment has a slope 22A on the surface so that the surface of the peripheral numeric keypad 22 as the peripheral key arranged in the operation unit 2 is reduced in thickness toward the five keys as the central key. This is different from the mobile phone 1 of the first embodiment. Here, the thickness means a distance from the surface opposite to the surface on which the operation unit 2 is formed in the casing of the mobile phone 1 to the upper surface of the peripheral numeric keypad 22.

  Since the mobile phone 1 has such a configuration, the position of the 5 key 21 is grasped and a finger is touched based on the combination of the first guide groove 26 and the second guide groove 27 and the above-described inclination 22A. It becomes easier to understand which key the surrounding numeric keypad 22 is. As a result, the blind touch is further facilitated by performing the same operation as in the first embodiment.

  11 and 12, the slope 22A described above may be provided not only on the surrounding numeric keypad 22, but also on a key adjacent to the opposite side of the 5 key 21 as viewed from the surrounding numeric keypad 22. Thereby, even when a finger touches a key other than the 5 key 21 and the surrounding numeric keypad 22, it becomes easier to grasp the position of the 5 key and the key that touches the finger.

  In addition, the above-described inclination 22A is not limited as long as the operator can recognize the inclination by the touch of a finger. For example, the casing of the mobile phone 1 on which the key is arranged is inclined so that the same effect can be obtained. May be. Further, the slope 22A may be smooth or may be stepped.

  In the first to third embodiments, the cellular phone has been described as an example of the portable information terminal. However, the portable information terminal of the present invention is not limited to this, and is a PDA (personal data assistant), a notebook personal computer. It may be a computer or a digital camera capable of communication.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where the guide groove is provided as an example of the guide portion has been described. However, the guide portion of the present invention only needs to be recognizable by the operator's sense of a finger. There may be a portion where the surface roughness of the key is changed, or a portion where the material is changed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The portable information terminal of the present invention can be particularly advantageously applied to a portable information terminal having an operation unit including a plurality of keys.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a mobile phone as a mobile information terminal according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing the mobile phone of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view (side view) showing the mobile phone of the first embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the IV-IV line of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the VV line of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the key for inputting the numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8 among the surrounding ten keys located in the up, down, left and right of 5 keys. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a mobile phone as a mobile information terminal according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing a mobile phone according to a second embodiment. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of a mobile phone according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a usage state of the mobile phone according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a mobile phone as a mobile information terminal according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view (front view) showing a mobile phone according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view (side view) showing a mobile phone according to a third embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which follows the XIV-XIV line | wire of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the XV-XV line | wire of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of a structure of the conventional mobile telephone. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of a structure of the conventional mobile telephone. It is a schematic sectional drawing which follows the XVIII-XVIII line of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of a structure of the conventional mobile telephone. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the operation part of the conventional mobile telephone. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the operation part of the conventional mobile telephone.

Explanation of symbols

  1 mobile phone, 2 operation section, 2A numeric keypad section, 2B function key section, 3 display section, 4 shift switch, 21 center key (5 keys), 22 perimeter keys (peripheral numeric keys), 22A tilt, 23 cross key (cross keypad) ), 24 shift display, 26 first guide groove, 27 second guide groove.

Claims (7)

A portable information terminal having an operation unit including a plurality of keys,
A central key arranged in the central part of the operation unit;
A plurality of surrounding keys arranged adjacent to the center key so as to surround the center key;
A personal digital assistant having a first radial guide from the center key to the surrounding keys. A second guide surrounding the central key;
The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second guide unit is connected to the first guide unit. A shift switch for switching the input mode of the operation unit;
In the first input mode switched by the shift switch, at least one of the center key and the surrounding keys functions as a numeric keypad for inputting numbers,
3. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein in the second input mode switched by the shift switch, at least one of the center key and the surrounding keys functions as a function key for realizing a specific function. Information terminal.   The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the peripheral keys positioned above, below, left, and right of the central key is configured by a cross key that integrates each of the peripheral keys positioned above, below, left, and right. Information terminal. It further includes a display unit for displaying an image including numbers, letters, and symbols,
The portable information terminal according to claim 4, wherein the cross key functions as a four-way key for moving the image displayed on the display unit up, down, left, and right by switching the input mode using the shift switch.   The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the surface of the peripheral key has an inclination on the surface so that the thickness changes toward the center key. When at least a part of the operation unit functions as a numeric keypad having a numeric keypad,
The center key is a key for inputting the number 5;
The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding keys include keys for inputting numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 0.

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