JP2007207107A - Portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable terminal for changing function assignment related to input operation and improving the operability in accordance with each request of a variety of users. <P>SOLUTION: The portable terminal is provided with an operation part 13 equipped with a plurality of keys 14 for input operation and a control unit for controlling a terminal main body according to the input by the key 14. The terminal is provided with: an operation part cover 20 which is composed freely detachably from the terminal main body 10, arranged at a prescribed position opposite to the operation part 13, and has at least one operation part 21 opposite to at least one of the plurality of keys 14 composed of a structure or material so that the keys 14 can be pressed; and a conversion table for holding corresponding information indicating correlation between the keys 14 of the operation part and the respective functions to be performed by the control unit in accordance with a layout of each operation part 21 on the operation part cover 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Degital Assistant), and more particularly to a technique for a user input operation.

  Mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones and PDAs are provided with operation keys such as push-down buttons and touch panels in order to accept various input operations from users.

  Further, for example, the electronic device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a foldable standard keyboard (QWERTY keyboard) in order to improve the operability of the portable terminal device, and when this keyboard is folded, the keyboard It has been proposed to accept operations with push-down buttons arranged on the side, and accept operations with a keyboard when not folded.

In addition, in a portable terminal device provided with an operation unit such as a touch panel, the button function is displayed as characters or figures in each button area allocated on the display screen, and the corresponding display area is pressed with a finger or the like. Thus, a predetermined input is received.
JP 2005-505173 A

  Conventionally, in mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, the shape, arrangement, and number of keys provided in the operation unit, and the functions executed by the mobile terminal device at the time of key input have designed each terminal. Predetermined by the designer's design.

  On the other hand, each user of the mobile terminal device purchases and uses an optimal mobile terminal device in consideration of his / her preference and necessity. However, while there are various preferences and needs for each user, there is no significant difference in the design and operational functions of each mobile terminal device. In other words, since it is impossible to provide a large number of different types of terminals according to the requirements of all users from the viewpoint of cost and the like, the manufacturers of mobile terminal devices are the most demanded among all users. We only offer devices that are designed to meet specific specifications that are likely to be large.

  As a result, for mobile terminal device users, the actual situation is that the design and functions of the mobile terminal devices that are actually used are not necessarily the most suitable for their preferences and needs. .

  In other words, if a large number of keys are arranged on the operation unit of the terminal, input operations corresponding to various functions can be provided to the user, but the functions actually used by each user are often limited. If the number of keys arranged in the operation unit is too large, it takes time to search for the target key and the operability is poor. Actually, it is particularly usable because there are various user environments such as users who mainly use e-mail, users who mainly view web pages, and users who mainly make calls. In the case of a terminal having many types of functions, it cannot be said that there is no problem in the operability of the current portable terminal device. However, if a terminal is designed to meet the needs of a specific user, it will be difficult for other users to use, so it is inevitable that demand will decrease.

  If a technique such as Patent Document 1 is adopted, two types of keyboards can be used properly, but the user's requirements are various, and therefore, the two types of switching alone cannot sufficiently meet the various requirements. When an operation unit such as a touch panel is provided, various functions can be assigned to each button area. However, when a touch panel is used, it is inevitable that the touch panel is relatively expensive. For example, it becomes very difficult for a user such as an elderly person who has difficulty in recognizing the contents of the display screen or a visually handicapped person. End up.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal device that can change the assignment of functions related to input operations and improve operability in accordance with various requests of various users.

  The mobile terminal device of the present invention is a mobile terminal device including an operation unit including a plurality of keys for input operation, and a control unit that executes control of the terminal body according to input by the keys of the operation unit, It is configured to be detachable with respect to the terminal main body, and at least one operation location facing at least one of the plurality of keys is capable of depressing the key while being arranged at a predetermined position facing the operation unit. Corresponding information indicating the correspondence between the keys of the operation unit and the functions executed by the control unit according to the layout of each operation location on the operation unit cover and the operation unit cover made of structure or material The conversion table is provided.

  According to this configuration, it is assumed that this terminal is used in a state in which the detachable operation unit cover is disposed at a predetermined position facing the operation unit. Therefore, when the user presses the operation portion provided on the operation unit cover with a finger or the like, at least one key located at a position facing the operation portion cover can be pressed through the operation unit cover. In the conversion table, correspondence information representing the correspondence between the keys of the operation unit and the functions executed by the control unit is held according to the layout (position, size, etc.) of each operation portion on the operation unit cover. Has been. For this reason, by changing the correspondence information on the conversion table, it is possible to change the correspondence between each operation location on the operation unit cover and the function executed when it is operated. In addition, since the operation unit cover is detachable, if a plurality of types of operation unit covers are prepared in advance, the operation unit cover can be exchanged as required, and can be adapted to the user's preferences and needs. It is possible to assign an arbitrary function to a button (operation part) at an arbitrary position. In other words, each user selects the operation unit cover according to his / her preference and necessity, and the correspondence information according to his / her preference and necessity is stored on the conversion table, so that it is optimal for each user. Since a user interface is provided, operability is greatly improved.

  In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, in the first invention, a cover identifying unit for distinguishing the type of the operation unit cover is provided on the terminal body, and the conversion table is provided for each of a plurality of types of operation unit covers. A plurality of sets of correspondence information associated with each other, and the control unit selects and uses one set of correspondence information from the conversion table according to an identification state of the cover identification unit. To do.

  According to this configuration, the type of the operation unit cover to which the cover identification unit on the terminal body is actually attached is distinguished. In addition, a plurality of sets of correspondence information associated with the types of operation unit covers are stored in advance on the conversion table. The set of correspondence information that is actually used is automatically selected according to the detected type of the operation unit cover. Therefore, correspondence information suitable for the newly installed operation unit cover can be used simply by replacing the operation unit cover mounted on the terminal body by the user.

  Further, in the second invention, the portable terminal device of the present invention is provided with an authentication unit that holds identification information that can distinguish at least the type of the operation unit cover on the operation unit cover, and the cover identification unit on the terminal body Is characterized by reading the identification information held by the authentication unit on the operation unit cover and distinguishing the type of the operation unit cover.

  According to this configuration, since the authentication unit provided on each operation unit cover holds the identification information for distinguishing the type, the cover identification unit on the terminal body reads the identification information from the authentication unit. The type of the operation unit cover can be recognized. As a specific authentication unit, for example, it is conceivable to use an IC tag, that is, an RFID.

  In the mobile terminal device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the authentication unit on the operation unit cover includes a key of the operation unit and a control unit according to a layout of each operation location on the operation unit cover. Correspondence information representing the correspondence relationship with each function to be executed is held, and the cover identification unit on the terminal body reads the identification information and correspondence information held by the authentication unit on the operation unit cover, and performs the conversion The table stores correspondence information read by the cover identification unit from the authentication unit in association with identification information of the operation unit cover.

  According to this configuration, since the authentication unit on the operation unit cover holds correspondence information suitable for the operation unit cover, even if there is no suitable correspondence information yet in the conversion table on the terminal body. By registering the correspondence information read from the authentication unit of the operation unit cover in the conversion table, an appropriate function can be assigned to each operation location on the newly installed operation unit cover using the appropriate correspondence information. .

  In the portable terminal device of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, at least one operation location on the operation unit cover is larger than one key and has at least one An operation location is simultaneously arranged at a position facing a plurality of keys on the operation unit, and the correspondence information on the conversion table includes one of the operation units associated with each operation location on the operation unit cover. Or, a correspondence relationship between a plurality of keys and each function executed by the control unit is maintained, and the control unit is provided with a simultaneous press detection unit that checks whether or not inputs from a plurality of keys are simultaneously received within a predetermined time. When the control unit receives inputs from a plurality of keys at the same time within a predetermined time, the control unit selects and executes one function associated with the combination of the plurality of input keys according to the correspondence relationship. Characterized in that it.

  According to this configuration, it is assumed that a combination of a plurality of keys is associated with at least one operation location on the operation unit cover. That is, since the size of the corresponding operation location is larger than one key, a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed when the user presses the operation location. Therefore, it can be considered that the corresponding operation location is pressed only when a plurality of keys are pressed simultaneously in the corresponding combination. In this way, by allowing a correspondence relationship between a combination of a plurality of keys and one operation location, the position and size restrictions on each operation location are greatly reduced, and the operation unit cover can be arranged with a more flexible layout. It is possible to configure each of the above operation locations.

  In the mobile terminal device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, on the surface of the operation unit cover that faces the operation unit, the operation protrusion protrudes toward each key of the operation unit at each operation location. Is formed.

  According to this configuration, since the operation protrusion exists at each operation location of the operation unit cover, it is possible to more easily press the key that faces the pressed operation location.

  In the portable terminal device of the present invention according to the first aspect, the surface of the operation unit cover facing the operation unit faces a position shifted from each key of the operation unit around each operation point. It is characterized in that a protective protrusion protruding in the manner is formed.

  According to this configuration, since there is a protective projection around each operation location of the operation unit cover, even when a deflection occurs not only in a specific operation location but also around the operation location, It is possible to prevent a peripheral key irrelevant to the corresponding operation location from being pressed, which is useful for preventing erroneous operation.

  According to the present invention, by changing the correspondence information on the conversion table, it is possible to change the correspondence between each operation location on the operation unit cover and a function executed when the operation location is operated. In addition, since the operation unit cover is detachable, if a plurality of types of operation unit covers are prepared in advance, the operation unit cover can be exchanged as required, and can be adapted to the user's preferences and needs. It is possible to assign an arbitrary function to a button (operation part) at an arbitrary position. In other words, each user selects the operation unit cover according to his / her preference and necessity, and the correspondence information according to his / her preference and necessity is stored on the conversion table, so that it is optimal for each user. Since a user interface is provided, operability is greatly improved.

One embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1A is a front view showing the appearance of the mobile terminal device in the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a rear view showing the appearance of the mobile terminal device in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the portable terminal device shown in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the correspondence between each button and function. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of the operation unit. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main part of the control system in the mobile terminal device shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing main operations in the mobile terminal device shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main operations in the mobile terminal device shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an apparatus used when downloading a function selection table. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of registration processing performed using the apparatus shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the present invention is applied to a mobile phone terminal as shown in FIG. Of course, the present invention may be applied to an apparatus such as a PDA. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body of the mobile terminal device 10 is configured in a general foldable structure, and displays an operation unit 11 used for a user to perform an input operation and various information. And a display unit 15 for doing so.

  The operation unit 11 includes a fixed input unit 12 and a variable input unit 13. The fixed input unit 12 includes a large number of buttons, each of which is assigned a fixed function, like the operation unit of a general terminal.

  The variable input unit 13 includes a plurality of operation locations in which function assignments can be changed. Actually, a large number of relatively small body-side buttons 14 are arranged on the body (housing side) of the mobile terminal device 10. Further, a button cover 20 as shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the variable input unit 13 so as to cover a large number of body-side buttons 14. The mobile terminal device 10 is used with the button cover 20 attached.

  The button cover 20 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with six operation locations 21 (1), 21 (2), 21 (3), 21 (4), 21 (5), and 21 (6). In addition, the characters “home” are printed at the operation location 21 (1), the characters “navigation” are printed at the operation location 21 (2), and the characters “friend” are printed at the operation location 21 (3). The characters “TV” are printed at the operation location 21 (4), the characters “record” are printed at the operation location 21 (5), and the characters “play” are printed at the operation location 21 (6). Is printed. Further, these operation portions 21 (1) to 21 (6) are each provided with an independently depressible cover-side button 23.

  When the user presses one of the cover-side buttons 23 in the operation locations 21 (1) to 21 (6) with the button cover 20 attached to the variable input unit 13, the position facing the cover-side button 23 One or a plurality of body-side buttons 14 existing in the screen are pressed. That is, the user operates the main body side button 14 via the cover side button 23.

  As will be described later, the correspondence between each operation location 21 on the button cover 20 and the function assigned to the main body side button 14 can be changed, and the simultaneous operation for a plurality of combinations of the main body side buttons 14 and one Functions can also be associated. Accordingly, the position and size of each operation location 21 arranged on the button cover 20 can be freely determined, and the number of operation locations 21 arranged on the button cover 20 can be increased or decreased as necessary. Necessary functions can be assigned to the respective operation locations 21.

  Further, since the button cover 20 is configured to be detachable from the main body of the mobile terminal device 10, when a plurality of button covers 20 are prepared in advance, the user actually uses the mobile terminal device 10. The button cover 20 attached to the can be replaced.

  An authentication unit 22 is provided on the button cover 20 to enable identification of the type. As a specific authentication unit 22, for example, it is assumed that a barcode or an IC tag (RFID) is used. On the main body side of the mobile terminal device 10, a cover provided on the back side of the mobile terminal device opposite to the front surface on which the operation unit 11 and the display unit 15 are provided from the authentication unit 22 of the button cover 20 that is actually attached. By reading information by the identification unit 16, it is possible to determine whether or not the button cover 20 is attached and to automatically recognize the type of the button cover 20 attached. In addition, as the cover identification part 16, it is assumed that the camera which can read a barcode, and IC tag reader are mounted in the portable terminal device 10, for example.

  2 and FIG. 3 show specific structures related to the variable input unit 13 and the button cover 20 on the mobile terminal device 10, which are provided on the operation terminal 21 on the button cover 20 and the mobile terminal device 10. A specific example of the correspondence between each main body side button 14 and each assigned function is shown in FIG.

  As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the button cover 20 has a U-shaped cross section, a thin plate-like portion 20c that covers the variable input unit 13 from above, and a portable terminal. In order to fix to the housing 11a of the apparatus 10, it has a mounting projection 20b provided at the periphery. That is, the button cover 20 is fixed to the housing 11a by fitting the mounting convex portion 20b into the concave portion 11b provided in the housing 11a. The button cover 20 can be made of a material such as plastic. In FIG. 3A, the concave portion 11b is provided in a groove shape in the longitudinal direction of both side surfaces of the mobile terminal device 10, and the button cover 20 is slid along the concave portion 11b by sliding the mounting convex portion 20b of the button cover 20 along the concave portion 11b. It fixes to the portable terminal device 10. 3A, since the concave portion 11b provided in the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal device 10 can fix the mounting convex portion 20b with a line instead of a point, the button cover 20 is more firmly attached. It can be fixed to the mobile terminal device 10. In FIG. 3 (b), the button cover 20 is carried by inserting the mounting convex portion 20b of the button cover 20 into the concave portion 11b on the front surface of the portable terminal device 10, and engaging the concave portion 11b with the mounting convex portion 20b to lock it. It is fixed to the terminal device 10. If it is the structure of FIG.3 (b), the recessed part 11b and the convex part 20b for mounting | wearing will be provided in multiple places (for example, at least 2 places of each four corners of the button cover 20) in the front of the portable terminal device 10 and the button cover 20. In this case, since the button cover 20 can be fixed to the mobile terminal device 10, it is possible to easily attach the button cover 20 to the mobile terminal device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each operation location 21 provided on the button cover 20 is provided with a cover-side button 23 that can be deformed or displaced in the thickness direction by pressing. In addition, a pressing protrusion 24 provided so as to be integrated with each cover-side button 23 protrudes from the cover back surface 20a side toward the housing 11a side. Each pressing protrusion 24 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and the surface of the pressing protrusion 24 is formed in a curved surface so that the pressing target button 31 (some of the body-side buttons 14) can be easily pressed. ing.

  In addition, it is possible to prevent the pressing non-target buttons 32 (some of the body-side buttons 14) that are not associated with any of the operation locations 21 (1) to 21 (6) from being erroneously operated by pressing the button cover 20. In order to do this, a protective protrusion 25 protruding from the cover back surface 20a of the button cover 20 is provided at a position facing the peripheral part of each non-pressed button 32. The protective projection 25 is made of a rigid body.

  Each of the protective protrusions 25 may be configured as a protective protrusion 25A formed so as to protrude from the periphery of the cover-side button 23 as shown in FIG. You may comprise as the protrusion 25B for protection formed so that it might protrude from 20a.

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that 25 body-side buttons 14 to which numbers 1 to 25 are assigned are provided in the variable input unit 13. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (1) is arranged at a position facing the 2nd and 7th body side buttons 14, and the cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (2). Is arranged at a position facing the main body side buttons 14 of No. 4, 5, 9, and 10, and a cover side button 23 of the operation part 21 (3) is arranged at a position facing the main body side button 14 of the thirteenth. The cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (4) is disposed at a position facing the 16th and 21st body side buttons 14, and the cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (5) is the 18th and 23rd. The cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (6) is disposed at a position facing the main body side button 14 and is disposed at a position facing the main body side button 14.

  Therefore, for example, the function selection table 40 as shown in FIG. 4 may be used to associate the operation of each main body button 14 with the function to be executed. In the function selection table 40 shown in FIG. 4, a function for calling a predetermined telephone number (friend) in response to an operation on the 13th body side button 14, that is, an operation on the cover side button 23 at the operation location 21 (3). Is assigned to the second and seventh body-side buttons 14, that is, the operation of the cover-side button 23 of the operation location 21 (1) is assigned a function of calling a predetermined telephone number (home). , The TV tuner activation function is assigned to the simultaneous operation of the 16th and 21st body side buttons 14, that is, the operation of the cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (4), and the 18th and 23rd body side The TV broadcast recording menu display function is assigned to the simultaneous operation of the buttons 14, that is, the operation of the cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (5). The TV broadcast playback menu display function is assigned to the simultaneous operation of the main body side button 14, that is, the operation of the cover side button 23 of the operation location 21 (6), and the fourth, fifth, ninth and tenth functions are assigned. A GPS activation function is assigned to the simultaneous operation of the main body side button 14, that is, the operation of the cover side button 23 at the operation location 21 (2).

  In order to realize input control related to the variable input unit 13 illustrated in FIG. 1, a control element as illustrated in FIG. 6 is provided in the mobile terminal device 10. That is, as a control element, a button cover detection unit 51, a button cover management unit 52, a multiple button simultaneous press detection unit 53, a multiple button simultaneous press pattern management unit 54, a function selection unit 55, and a function execution unit 56 (1 ) To 56 (n).

  The button cover detection unit 51 is a detector that detects the authentication unit 22 on the button cover 20 shown in FIG. 1, detects whether the button cover 20 is attached, and what kind of button it is. Identification information indicating whether the cover 20 is attached is detected.

  The authentication unit 22 on the button cover 20 can be realized by a shape such as a protrusion provided on the button cover 20 itself or the presence or absence of an opening, in addition to using a barcode or an IC tag. In that case, the button cover detection unit 51 may be configured by a button or an optical sensor, and the presence or absence of a protrusion on the button cover 20 or the presence or absence of an opening may be detected.

  The button cover management unit 52 is provided to distinguish and manage a plurality of types of button covers 20. That is, the plurality of types of button covers 20 may be different in the position and size of each operation location 21 formed, the number of operation locations 21, and the like, and thus are suitable for the type of button cover 20 that is actually attached. It is necessary to use the function selection table 40 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the button cover management unit 52 notifies the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54 of a number representing the specific function selection table 40 suitable for the type of the button cover 20 detected by the button cover detection unit 51. When the user purchases the mobile terminal device 10, the button cover management unit 52 is registered with information representing the correspondence relationship between the respective types of the various button covers 20 and the numbers of the function selection table 40 suitable for them. ing.

  The multiple button simultaneous pressing detection unit 53 is a processing unit that detects an input operation to each of a large number of main body side buttons 14 provided in the variable input unit 13, and the plurality of main body side buttons 14 are simultaneously pressed within a predetermined time. In such a case, it is possible to recognize the combination of the main body side buttons 14 pressed simultaneously.

  The multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54 is a storage circuit and holds a plurality of types of function selection tables 40 as shown in FIG. The multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54 has a function of additionally registering a new function selection table 40. The multiple button simultaneous press pattern management unit 54 selects a specific function selection table 40 that matches the number notified from the button cover management unit 52, and uses the selected function selection table 40 to select the multiple button simultaneous press detection unit 53. Process the signal output from. That is, it identifies which function execution condition on the function selection table 40 corresponds to the button operation detected by the multiple button simultaneous pressing detection unit 53.

  The function selection unit 55 uses the specific function selection table 40 selected from the plurality of function selection tables 40 on the multiple button simultaneous press pattern management unit 54 as input from the multiple button simultaneous press detection unit 53. A process for selecting a function to be executed is performed accordingly.

  The n function execution units 56 (1) to 56 (n) correspond to processing for realizing various functions provided in the mobile terminal device 10 that is started in response to an input operation from the user. Specifically, the control unit (microprocessor) is configured as n programs that are executed in order to realize each of the n functions. That is, in each of the function execution units 56 (1) to 56 (n), for example, a program for realizing various functions shown in each item of “function contents” on the function selection table 40 shown in FIG. Is provided.

  Therefore, when an input operation is performed on the variable input unit 13 of the mobile terminal device 10, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the components shown in FIG. Next, the process shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

  When the user depresses the main body side button 14 via any one of the operation portions 21 on the button cover 20, the above-described multiple button simultaneous pressing detection unit 53 detects this input operation in step S11.

  When an input operation is detected in step S11, the process proceeds to the next step S12, and the above-described multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54 identifies on the function selection table 40 whether there is a function execution condition corresponding to the current input operation. .

  When the function execution condition corresponding to the input operation is found on the function selection table 40, the process proceeds from step S12 to the next step S13, and the function selection unit 55 refers to the corresponding item on the function selection table 40. Then, a process corresponding to the function indicated in the “function content” column is selected from the n function execution units 56 (1) to 56 (n), and the selected process is activated.

  In step S14, processing selected from the n function execution units 56 (1) to 56 (n) is executed by the microprocessor, and the corresponding function is realized.

  On the other hand, when the button cover 20 attached to the mobile terminal device 10 is replaced, the process shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Next, the process shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

  When the new button cover 20 is attached to the mobile terminal device 10, the process proceeds to step S21, where information is read from the authentication unit 22 on the button cover 20 to which the above-described button cover detection unit 51 is attached, and the button cover 20 Recognize that is attached. Further, the button cover detection unit 51 recognizes the type of the button cover 20 based on the information read from the authentication unit 22, and the button cover management unit 52 is a number representing a specific function selection table 40 suitable for the button cover 20 mounted this time. Is sent to the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54.

  However, the specific function selection table 40 suitable for the button cover 20 mounted this time does not always exist on the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54. Accordingly, the button cover management unit 52 checks whether or not the corresponding function selection table 40 exists on the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54 in step S22.

  If the function selection table 40 suitable for the button cover 20 exists on the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54, the process proceeds to step S24, and if not, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, the information of the necessary function selection table 40 is downloaded from a specific location, and this content is associated with the type of the button cover 20 mounted this time, and newly added to the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54. sign up.

  In step S 24, the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54 and the function selection unit 55 use the specific function selection table 40 selected according to the number notified from the button cover management unit 52 to perform an input operation on the main body side button 14. The correspondence relationship with the function to be executed is grasped, and any one of the function execution units 56 (1) to 56 (n) is selected and activated.

  When executing step S23 shown in FIG. 8, it is necessary to prepare the data of the function selection table 40 prepared in advance somewhere. For example, the data is stored in the authentication unit 22 on each button cover 20 or the like. When the device is mounted, it is assumed that a necessary function selection table 40 is held on each button cover 20 and the function selection table 40 is downloaded from the button cover 20 to the main body of the mobile terminal device 10. it can.

  Further, when a large number of function selection tables 40 adapted to various types of portable terminal devices 10 and various types of button covers 20 are to be centrally managed, a system as shown in FIG. It is conceivable to execute processing as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, this system includes a personal computer 100, an IC tag reading unit 110, a communication network 120, and a management server 130.

  The personal computer 100 is a device prepared for downloading information of the function selection table 40 required by the mobile terminal device 10, and software for downloading and table registration is incorporated therein.

  The IC tag reading unit 110 reads information on an IC tag (RFID: not shown) incorporated in the main body of the mobile terminal device 10 and information on the IC tag incorporated in the authentication unit 22 of the button cover 20. Device. The IC tag reading unit 110 is connected to the personal computer 100. Note that the IC tag reading unit 110 may be a device that receives wireless signals from nearby IC tags and reads the information, or a device that communicates with the mobile terminal device 10 via a predetermined wired interface. There may be.

  The management server 130 stores a large number of function selection tables 40 suitable for each of various types of button covers 20, and each function selection table 40 is associated with the type of the button cover 20 and the type of the mobile terminal device 10. It is managed.

  The personal computer 100 is connected to the management server 130 via a communication network 120 such as the Internet. Then, the specific function selection table 40 required by the mobile terminal device 10 is downloaded from the management server 130. Actually, the personal computer 100 executes processing as shown in FIG.

  In step S <b> 31, the personal computer 100 uses the IC tag reading unit 110 to read information on the IC tag provided in the main body of the corresponding mobile terminal device 10, that is, identification information on the terminal main body.

  In step S <b> 32, the personal computer 100 uses the IC tag reading unit 110 to read the IC tag information, that is, the cover type information, from the authentication unit 22 of the button cover 20 attached to the corresponding mobile terminal device 10.

  In step S <b> 33, the personal computer 100 transmits the combination of the main body identification information read in step S <b> 31 and the cover type information read in step S <b> 32 to the management server 130 via the communication network 120. In this case, the management server 130 extracts the specific function selection table 40 suitable for the combination of the received information from the accumulated many function selection tables 40 from its own storage device, and uses the extracted function selection table 40 as the extracted function selection table 40. The data is transmitted to the personal computer 100 via the communication network 120.

  In step S 34, the personal computer 100 receives the data of the function selection table 40 transmitted from the management server 130.

  In step S <b> 35, the function selection table 40 received by the personal computer 100 in step S <b> 34 is registered in the multiple button simultaneous pressing pattern management unit 54 on the mobile terminal device 10 in association with the corresponding type of button cover 20. Actually, the personal computer 100 and the mobile terminal device 10 may be connected via a predetermined communication interface, and the data of the corresponding function selection table 40 may be transferred from the former to the latter, or a record such as a memory card. Data of the function selection table 40 may be transferred from the personal computer 100 to the mobile terminal device 10 using a medium.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by changing the correspondence information on the conversion table, the correspondence between each operation location on the operation unit cover and the function executed when it is operated can be changed. Can do. In addition, since the operation unit cover is detachable, if a plurality of types of operation unit covers are prepared in advance, the operation unit cover can be exchanged as required, and can be adapted to the user's preferences and needs. It is also possible to assign an arbitrary function to a button (operation part) at an arbitrary position. In other words, each user selects the operation unit cover according to his / her preference and necessity, and the correspondence information according to his / her preference and necessity is stored on the conversion table, so that it is optimal for each user. Since the user interface is provided, the operability of the mobile phone terminal and the PDA can be greatly improved.

FIG. 1A is a front view showing the appearance of the mobile terminal device in the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a rear view showing the appearance of the mobile terminal device in the embodiment. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of portable terminal device shown in FIG. FIG. 3A is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ in FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is another example of a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ in FIG. 2. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of the correspondence of each button and a function. It is sectional drawing which shows the structural example of an operation part. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the control system in the portable terminal device shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main operations in the mobile terminal device shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing main operations in the mobile terminal device shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the apparatus used when downloading a function selection table. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of registration processing performed using the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Portable terminal device 11 Operation part 11a Case 11b Recessed part 12 Fixed input part 13 Variable input part 14 Main body side button 15 Display part 20 Button cover 20a Cover back surface 20b Wearing convex part 21 Operation part 22 Authentication part 23 Cover side button 24 Press Projection 25, 25A, 25B Protection projection 31 Button to be pressed 32 Button not to be pressed 40 Function selection table 51 Button cover detection unit 52 Button cover management unit 53 Multiple button simultaneous press detection unit 54 Multiple button simultaneous press pattern management unit 55 Function Selection unit 56 Function execution unit 100 Personal computer 110 IC tag reading unit 120 Communication network 130 Management server

Claims (7)

A mobile terminal device including an operation unit including a plurality of keys for input operation, and a control unit that executes control of the terminal body according to input by the keys of the operation unit,
It is configured to be detachable with respect to the terminal main body, and at least one operation location facing at least one of the plurality of keys is capable of depressing the key while being arranged at a predetermined position facing the operation unit. An operation unit cover made of structure or material;
In accordance with the layout of each operation location on the operation unit cover, a conversion table that stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the keys of the operation unit and the functions executed by the control unit;
A portable terminal device characterized by comprising: The mobile terminal device according to claim 1,
On the terminal body, a cover identifying unit that distinguishes the type of the operation unit cover is provided,
The conversion table holds a plurality of sets of correspondence information associated with each of a plurality of types of operation unit covers,
The control unit selects and uses one set of correspondence information from the conversion table according to the identification state of the cover identification unit.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 2,
On the operation unit cover, an authentication unit that holds identification information that can distinguish at least the type of the operation unit cover is provided.
The cover identification unit on the terminal body reads the identification information held by the authentication unit on the operation unit cover, and distinguishes the type of the operation unit cover.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 3.
The authentication unit on the operation unit cover holds correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the keys of the operation unit and the functions executed by the control unit, according to the layout of each operation location on the operation unit cover.
The cover identification unit on the terminal body reads the identification information and the correspondence information held by the authentication unit on the operation unit cover,
The conversion table stores correspondence information read by the cover identification unit from the authentication unit in association with identification information of the operation unit cover.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
At least one operation location on the operation unit cover is larger in size than one key, and at least one operation location is simultaneously disposed at a position facing a plurality of keys on the operation unit,
The correspondence information on the conversion table holds the correspondence between one or more keys of the operation unit associated with each operation location on the operation unit cover and each function executed by the control unit. ,
When the control unit is provided with a simultaneous press detection unit that checks whether or not inputs from a plurality of keys are simultaneously received within a predetermined time, and the control unit receives inputs from a plurality of keys simultaneously within a predetermined time Includes selecting and executing one function associated with a plurality of input key combinations according to the correspondence relationship.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1,
On the surface of the operation unit cover that faces the operation unit, an operation projection that protrudes toward each key of the operation unit is formed at each operation location.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1,
On the surface of the operation unit cover that faces the operation unit, a protective projection that protrudes toward a position shifted from each key of the operation unit is formed around each operation point.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned.

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