JP2008052429A - Portable electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide portable electronic equipment for preventing malfunction of a touch sensor in storing the equipment in a pocket. <P>SOLUTION: The portable electronic equipment 100 comprises a key operation unit KEY; a detection unit 120 detecting a contact; an input disabling unit KLS disabling an input to the operation unit KEY; and a control unit 110 controlling so as to disable a detection result from a detection unit when the input to the key operation unit KEY is disabled by the input disabling unit KLS. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable electronic device, and more particularly to a portable electronic device provided with a detection unit that detects contact as an operation input unit.

  Conventionally, various interfaces and configurations have been developed as operation input units for portable electronic devices. For example, there is a technique in which a rotary electronic input device is provided in a portable electronic device, and a cursor displayed on a display unit is moved according to the amount of rotation of the rotary dial input device (see Patent Document 1). However, since these conventional technologies use a “rotary dial” that involves physical and mechanical rotation, malfunctions and breakdowns are likely to occur due to mechanical wear, etc., and maintenance of the operation input unit is required. There were also problems such as short lifetime.

In view of this, a technique using a touch sensor as an operation input unit that does not involve physical and mechanical rotation has been proposed (see Patent Documents 2 and 3). In this proposed technology, a plurality of touch sensor elements are arranged in an annular shape, and contact detection from each touch sensor element is monitored. When continuous contact detection is detected, the touch detection element responds to the movement of the contact detection location. Thus, it is determined that an instruction to move the display position has occurred.
JP 2003-280792 A JP 2005-522797 JP2004-311196

  It is convenient that the touch sensor mounted on the portable electronic device is provided on the outer surface of the housing so that the user can operate the touch sensor immediately. A typical portable electronic device is a foldable mobile phone terminal, and users are often carried in clothes pockets or bags.

  The touch sensor detects an operation based on contact or proximity of a finger of a human body (user) or a dedicated pen, for example. Therefore, when it is accommodated in a pocket or bag of clothes, an erroneous detection of the touch sensor may occur by touching some object, and an operation unintended by the user may be erroneously input. Depending on the operation, there is a risk that an instruction to delete the information may be input by mistake.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems and is a portable electronic device including a touch sensor that detects contact as an operation input unit and a notification unit, and prevents the touch sensor from being erroneously detected or malfunctioned when the notification unit is activated. An object is to provide electronic equipment.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the portable electronic device according to the first invention is
A key operation unit;
A detection unit for detecting contact (for example, the display unit is provided with at least one contact sensor for detecting contact / proximity of an object such as a user's finger or pen provided on the outer surface of the device housing; At least one sensor element group is formed by a plurality of contact sensors arranged adjacently to each other along the periphery of the display unit, that is, continuously surrounding the display unit).
An input invalidation part for invalidating input to the key operation part;
(A control unit that executes predetermined processing based on signals from the detection unit and the key operation unit), and when the input to the key operation unit is invalidated by the input invalidation unit, the detection A control unit that controls to invalidate the detection result by the unit,
It is characterized by providing.

The portable electronic device according to the second invention is
When the invalidation of the input to the key operation unit is canceled by the input invalidation unit (that is, when the input invalidation unit is validated), the control unit controls to validate the detection result by the detection unit (that is, , Return to normal processing)
It is characterized by that.

A portable electronic device according to a third invention is
Flag information indicating whether the input to the key operation unit is invalid (that is, invalid or valid) (for example, a 1-bit variable, 1 is invalid, 0 is valid) .) Is further provided with a flag storage unit (flash memory, etc.)
The control unit is
Based on the flag information stored in the flag storage unit, it is determined whether or not the detection result by the detection unit is invalidated (that is, whether it is invalid or valid) (and the detection result by the detection unit based on the determination) Control to disable / enable
It is characterized by that.
For example, the detected numerical value is replaced with invalid data (a numerical value indicating non-contact such as release) before queuing.
Preferably, it is simple and easy as a control to replace the numerical value of the contact detection result of the detection unit during operation with a numerical value indicating non-contact regardless of whether it is contact or non-contact. It is.

A portable electronic device according to a fourth invention is
The detection unit includes a capacitive touch sensor that is driven by power supply.
It is characterized by that.

A portable electronic device according to a fifth invention is
While the input to the key operation unit is disabled by the control unit, power supply to the capacitive touch sensor is continued.
It is characterized by that.

  As described above, the solution of the present invention has been described as a device (apparatus). However, the present invention can also be realized as a method, a program, and a storage medium storing the program. It should be understood that these are included in the scope of the invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection / malfunction of the touch sensor. In particular, portable electronic devices are often housed in user's clothes pockets, bags, and the like, and erroneous detection / malfunction of the touch sensor in such a housing state can be effectively prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is applied to a mobile phone terminal as a typical example of the mobile electronic device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a mobile phone terminal to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone terminal 100 includes a control unit 110, a sensor unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit (flash memory or the like) 140, an information processing function unit 150, a telephone function unit 160, a key operation unit KEY, a speaker. SP, a communication unit COM that communicates by connecting to a CDMA communication network (not shown), and a key lock switch (input invalid unit) KLS that invalidates the input of the key operation unit and the sensor unit.

  Further, the sensor unit 120 uses a sensor element group including a plurality of sensor elements (for example, a contact sensor whose detection unit is provided on the outer surface of the device housing and detects contact / proximity of an object such as a finger) Corresponding to n, that is, the first sensor element group G1, the second sensor element group G2, and the nth sensor element group G3. The storage unit 140 includes a storage area 142, an external data storage area 144, and a sensor. It consists of a detection invalid section flag (not shown).

  The control unit 110 and the information processing function unit 150 are preferably configured by a calculation unit such as a CPU and a software module. Although not shown, a microphone, a radio module, a power supply, a power supply controller, and the like are also connected to the control unit 110. Note that a serial interface unit SI, which will be described later, an RFID module RFID connected to the control unit 110 via the serial interface unit SI, an infrared communication unit IR, a camera 180, a light 190, and the like are connected to the control unit 110. Here, it is omitted for simplification.

  The function of each block in the block diagram of FIG. 1 will be briefly described. The control unit 110 detects contact of an object such as a user's finger by the sensor unit 120, stores the detected information in the storage area 142 of the storage unit 140, and controls processing of the information stored by the information processing function unit 150. . Then, information corresponding to the processing result is displayed on the display unit 130. Further, the control unit 110 controls the telephone function unit 160 for the normal call function, the key operation unit KEY, and the speaker SP. The display unit 130 includes a sub display unit ELD and a main display unit (not shown) (a display unit provided at a position where the mobile phone terminal 100 is hidden in the closed state and exposed in the open state).

  When the key lock switch KLS is set to an invalid position (on), the control unit 110 controls the input / operation of the sensor unit 120 and the key operation unit KEY to be invalidated. That is, in the section set to the position (ON) indicating invalidity, the control unit 110 may replace the detection data output from the sensor unit 120 with a release or the sensor unit 120 because the detection data output from the sensor unit 120 may include a false detection. It controls itself so as not to use it by putting it in a sleep mode (details will be described later).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile phone terminal in which a sensor element is mounted on a housing. In addition to the closed state as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone terminal 100 can also be formed by opening and closing a hinge part (not shown), and the touch sensor part 170 is in the closed state. Is also provided at a position where it can be operated. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mobile phone terminal 100. The cellular phone terminal 100 includes a touch sensor unit 170 (in terms of appearance, a panel PNL described later with reference to FIG. 6 covering the sensor unit 120, that is, the sensor element groups G1 and G2), a camera 180, and a light 190. The mobile phone terminal 100 also includes a key lock switch KLS that is a mechanical slide switch. By sliding the key lock switch KLS, the user can invalidate, i.e., lock, the input of the touch sensor unit 170 as the operation unit. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the mobile phone terminal 100 in which the panel PNL is omitted for the explanation of the operation of the touch sensor, and only the arrangement around the sensor element and the sub display unit ELD is displayed. As illustrated, the sensor elements L1-L4 and R1-R4 are arranged side by side along the periphery of the sub display unit ELD. The sensor elements L1-L4 and R1-R4 constitute a first sensor element group G1 and a second sensor element group G2, respectively. The first sensor element group and the second sensor element group are arranged with the separation portions SP1 and SP2 therebetween. In contrast to the layout of the first sensor element group G1, the second sensor element group G2 has a line-symmetric layout with the display unit interposed therebetween and the direction in which the selection candidate items are arranged as a center line. In this configuration, an organic EL display is used for the sub display unit ELD. However, for example, a liquid crystal display can be used. In this configuration, a capacitive contact sensor is used as the sensor element, but a thin film resistance contact sensor or the like can also be used.

  In the mobile phone terminal 100 of FIG. 2, the sub display unit ELD displays information according to the use of the mobile phone terminal 100. For example, when the mobile phone terminal 100 is used as a music player, the sub-display unit ELD displays a song that can be played. A combination of a song name and an artist name is one item, that is, a “selection candidate item”. The user operates the touch sensor unit 170 as an operation input unit to change the capacitances of the sensor elements R1-R4 and L1-L4, and moves items and operation target areas displayed on the sub display unit ELD. Make a selection. At this time, if the touch sensor has a configuration in which sensor elements are arranged around the sub display unit ELD as shown in FIG. 2, it is not necessary to occupy a large mounting portion in the external housing of a small portable electronic device, and The user can operate the sensor element while viewing the display on the sub display unit ELD.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the touch sensor function of the mobile phone terminal 100 according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone terminal 100 includes a touch sensor driver block TDB, a touch sensor base application block TSBA, a device layer DL, an interrupt handler IH, a queue QUE, an OS timer CLK, and various applications AP. Here, the touch sensor base application block TSBA includes a base application BA and an application program interface API higher than the touch sensor driver, and the touch sensor driver block TDB includes a touch sensor driver TSD and a result notification unit NTF. The device layer DL includes a switching control unit SWCON, a switching unit SW, a serial interface unit SI, an infrared communication unit IR, an RFID, and a touch sensor module TSM, and the interrupt handler IH includes a serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and a confirmation unit CNF. Is provided.

  Next, the function of each block will be described with reference to the drawings. In the touch sensor base application block TSBA, whether or not to activate the touch sensor is exchanged between the base application BA and the touch sensor driver upper application program interface API. The base application BA is an application that is a base of the sub display unit display application AP1 that is an application for the sub display unit, the lock security application AP2 that is an application that locks the mobile phone terminal 100 for security protection, and other applications AP3. Yes, when a touch sensor activation is requested from the respective apps to the base application BA, the touch sensor driver upper application program interface API is requested to activate the touch sensor. The sub-display unit is a sub-display unit ELD shown in each drawing, and refers to a display unit surrounded by sensor elements in the mobile phone terminal 100 in this embodiment.

  In response to the activation request, the touch sensor upper application program interface API confirms whether or not the touch sensor can be activated in a block (not shown) that manages the activation of the application in the base application BA. That is, an application that has been set in advance such that the touch sensor cannot be activated, such as lighting of the sub-display unit ELD indicating that the application is being selected, or an application attached to the FM radio or other mobile phone terminal 100. Check for the presence of a flag indicating activation. As a result, when it is determined that the touch sensor can be activated, the touch sensor upper application program interface API requests the touch sensor driver to activate the touch sensor module. That is, power supply from the power source (not shown) to the touch sensor module TSM is actually started via the power controller (not shown).

  When the activation is requested, the touch sensor driver TSD requests the serial interface unit SI in the device layer DL to control to open a port with the touch sensor driver TSD in the serial interface unit SI.

  Thereafter, the touch sensor driver TSD outputs a signal having information on the sensing result of the touch sensor (hereinafter referred to as a contact signal) to the serial interface unit SI at a cycle of 20 ms by the internal clock of the touch sensor module TSM. To control.

  The contact signal is output as an 8-bit signal corresponding to each of the eight sensor elements R1-R4 and L1-L4. That is, when each sensor element detects contact, a signal corresponding to the sensor element that detected the contact is set with “flag: 1” indicating contact detection, and the contact signal is formed by these bit strings. Is done. That is, the contact signal includes information indicating “which sensor element” is “contact / non-contact”.

  The serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON in the interrupt handler IH takes out the contact signal output to the serial interface unit SI. Here, the confirmation unit CNF confirms the True / False of the extracted contact signal in accordance with the conditions set in advance in the serial interface unit SI, and puts only True signal data into the queue QUE (signal True). The type of / False will be described later.) The serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON also monitors other interrupt events of the serial interface unit SI during activation of the touch sensor, such as occurrence of pressing of the tact switch.

  When the detected contact is the first contact, the monitoring unit SIMON puts a signal indicating “press” into the queue QUE (queuing) before the contact signal. Thereafter, the contact signal is updated at a cycle of 45 ms by the OS timer CLK of the operation system, and if no contact is detected a predetermined number of times, a signal indicating “release” is put in the queue QUE. This makes it possible to monitor the movement of contact detection between sensor elements from the start of contact to release. Note that “first contact” refers to an event in which a signal having “flag: 1” is generated when there is no data in the queue QUE or when the latest input data is “release”. Through these processes, the touch sensor driver TSD can know the detection state of the sensor element in the section from “press” to “release”.

  At the same time, when the contact signal output from the touch sensor is a signal that satisfies the condition of “False”, the monitoring unit SIMON generates a pseudo-signal indicating “release” and puts it in the queue QUE. Here, the conditions to be False (false) are “when contact is detected by two discontinuous sensor elements”, “when an interrupt occurs during activation of the touch sensor (for example, sub-display by notification such as incoming mail) "When the ON / OFF state of the part ELD is changed)", "When a key press occurs while the touch sensor is activated", or "When a contact across a plurality of sensor element groups is detected" as described later. Is set.

  In addition, for example, when the monitoring unit SIMON detects contact with two adjacent sensor elements such as the sensor elements R2 and R3 at the same time, the monitoring unit SIMON corresponds to the element that detects the contact as in the case of detecting a single element. The contact signal flagged in the bit to be put is put in the queue QUE.

  The touch sensor driver TSD reads a contact signal from the queue QUE at a period of 45 ms, and determines an element that has detected contact based on the read contact signal. The touch sensor driver TSD considers the change in contact determined by the contact signal sequentially read from the queue QUE and the positional relationship with the detected element, and “contact start element”, “contact moving direction (right / Counterclockwise) "and" the number of elements moved from the press to the release (that is, the movement distance) ". The touch sensor driver TSD writes the determined result in the result notification unit NTF and notifies the base application BA to update the result.

  The contact moving direction and moving distance are determined by a combination of detection of adjacent sensor elements and detection of each sensor element, and various methods (determination rules) can be applied to this (details will be described later). To do). For example, when a contact transitions from one sensor element (for example, R2) to an adjacent sensor element (in this example, R2 and R3), one element (for one item in the sub display unit) is moved in that direction. Judged to be moving.

  As described above, when the update of the result is notified to the base application BA by the touch sensor driver TSD, the base application BA confirms the result notification unit NTF, and further improves the content of the information notified to the result notification unit NTF. Applications that require touch sensor results (such as the display unit display application AP1 for displaying the menu screen in the sub display unit and the lock security application AP2 for lock control).

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the components of the mobile phone terminal 100 according to the present invention, particularly the touch sensor unit 170. For convenience of drawing and explanation, only some components are shown and described. As shown in the figure, a donut-shaped panel PNL is arranged along the periphery of the display unit ELD made of organic EL elements. The panel PNL is preferably thin enough so as not to affect the sensitivity of the sensor element provided in the lower part. Under the panel PNL, eight capacitive elements L1-L4 and R1-R4 that can detect the contact / proximity of a human finger are arranged in a substantially ring shape. The left four sensor elements L1-L4 constitute a first sensor element group, and the right four sensor elements R1-R4 constitute a second sensor element group. A clearance (gap) is provided between adjacent sensor elements in each sensor element group so that adjacent sensor elements do not interfere with the contact detection function. Note that this clearance is not necessary when using a sensor element that does not interfere. Between the sensor element L4 located at one end of the first sensor element group and the sensor element R1 located at one end of the second sensor element group, a clearance larger than the clearance (for example, a length of twice or more). ) Is provided. Similarly to the separation portion SP1, the separation portion SP2 is provided between the sensor element L1 located at the other end of the first sensor element group G1 and the sensor element R4 located at the other end of the second sensor element group G2. Provide. Such separation portions SP1 and SP2 can prevent fingers from interfering with each other when the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 function separately.

  Between each sensor element, light emitting element LED1-4 which consists of organic EL as an alerting | reporting means is arrange | positioned. That is, the light emitting element LED1 between the sensor elements L1 and L2, the light emitting element LED2 between the sensor elements L3 and L4, the light emitting element LED3 between the sensor elements R1 and R2, and the sensor elements R3 and R4. A light emitting element LED4 is provided. When an event to be notified to the user occurs, the light emitting elements LED1-4 notify the user by performing a light emitting operation such as blinking (lighting / extinguishing), lighting, and luminance change in a predetermined pattern.

  Each sensor element of the first sensor element group G1 is arranged in an arc shape, and the center of the tact switch SW1 is arranged in the center of the arc, that is, in the lower part between the sensor elements L2 and L3. Similarly, the center of the tact switch SW2 is arranged at the center of the arc formed by the sensor elements of the second sensor element group G2, that is, at the lower part between the sensor elements R2 and R3 (see FIG. 6). In this way, by arranging the tact switch substantially at the center of the arrangement direction of the sensor element group that is a position not associated with the directionality, the direction instruction by the movement instruction operation with the direction of the finger by the user on the sensor element is possible. The user can easily grasp that the switch is an operation that is not directly related. If the tact switch is arranged at the end (for example, L1 or L4) instead of the center of the arrangement direction of the sensor element group, the movement operation by the touch sensor is continued to remind the directionality toward the end. Therefore, it is easy to give the user a misunderstanding that it is a “switch” that is pressed for a long time. On the other hand, if the tact switch is arranged in the center of the arrangement direction of the sensor element group as in the configuration of the present invention, such misunderstanding can be prevented and a more comfortable user interface can be provided. It is. Since the tact switch is arranged below the sensor element and is not exposed on the outer surface of the device, the number of operation parts exposed on the external appearance of the device can be reduced, and a smart impression that does not require complicated operation is obtained.

  In addition, when providing the above-mentioned "light emitting element" and "switch element" in places other than the panel PNL lower part, it is necessary to provide a through-hole separately in an apparatus housing | casing, but depending on the position which provides a through-hole, housing strength Reduction may occur. In this configuration, by disposing the “light emitting element” and “tact switch” below the panel PNL, it is not necessary to provide a new through hole, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in housing strength.

  For example, when the user sequentially traces the sensor elements L1, L2, L3, and L4 upward in a circular arc shape with a finger, the selection candidate item displayed in the display unit ELD (in this case, sound, display, data) , Camera) items displayed as selection target areas (inverted display, highlighting in another color, etc.) are sequentially changed to the upper one, or the selection candidate items are scrolled upward. When a desired selection candidate item is displayed as a selection target area, the user presses the tact switch SW1 through the panel PNL and the sensor elements L2 and L3 to make a selection decision, or presses the tact switch SW2. The display itself can be changed to another screen. That is, the panel PNL is flexible enough to press down the tact switches SW1 and SW2, or is attached to the device casing so as to be slightly tiltable, and also serves as a pusher for the tact switches SW1 and SW2. ing.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram for explaining data processing of contact detection by each sensor element in the mobile phone terminal of this embodiment. For simplicity of explanation, only the sensor elements R1-R4 are shown, but the same applies to the sensor elements L1-L4. A high frequency is applied to each of the sensor elements R1 to R4, and calibration is performed in consideration of a change in the stray capacitance, and the high frequency state at this time is set as a reference. Pre-processing unit 200a, pre-processing unit for R2 200b, pre-processing unit for R3 200c, pre-processing unit for R4 200d), when a change in high-frequency state based on a change in capacitance due to finger contact or the like is detected, Send to A / D converter 210 (A / D converter 210a for R1, A / D converter 210b for R2, A / D converter 210c for R3, A / D converter 210d for R4) and contact detection Is converted to a digital signal. The digitized signals are transmitted to the control unit 220, and the information held by the signals is stored in the storage unit 230 as a set of collected signals as a sensor element group. Thereafter, this signal is sent to the serial interface unit and the interrupt handler. The interrupt handler converts the signal into a signal that can be read by the touch sensor driver, and puts the converted signal in a queue. Note that the control unit 220 detects the direction when contact is detected by two or more adjacent sensor elements based on the information stored in the storage unit 230. Although FIG. 7 shows an example in which the control unit 220 and the storage unit 230 dedicated to sensor element detection are provided, these units may be shared with the control unit 110 and the storage unit 140 of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control unit of the mobile phone terminal shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit 110 includes an upper layer 112, a KLS driver 114, and a touch sensor driver 116. The KLS driver 114 reads the on (invalid) / off (valid) state of the key lock switch KLS, which is hardware. The key lock switch KLS is shown as being shared with the key lock unit of the key operation unit KEY (ten key, dial key, etc.) other than the sensor unit 120, but may be provided separately. However, there are many cases where portable electronic devices are provided with a slide type key lock mechanism, and it is preferable to use this as a lock mechanism of the sensor unit 120. The HW-IF unit in the touch sensor driver 116 also reads the on (invalid) / off (valid) state of the key lock switch KLS. After reading the on (invalid) / off (valid) state, the TSD processing unit 116A in the touch sensor driver 116 turns on / off a sensor detection invalid section flag (not shown) in the storage unit 140. The touch sensor module TSM converts the contact state with respect to the sensor elements L1-L4, R1-R4 constituting this into an electrical signal, and outputs data to an HW-IF (hardware interface) unit 116B in the touch sensor driver 116. . The HW-IF unit 116B queues the data output from the touch sensor module TSM in the queue QUE. The TSD processing unit 116A controls the touch sensor module TSM via the HW-IF unit 116B and extracts output data queued in the queue QUE. After the extracted output data is analyzed, it is converted into direction information and movement amount, and is notified to the upper application included in the upper layer 112. The HW-IF unit 116B refers to the sensor detection invalid section flag in the storage unit 140. If the sensor detection invalid section flag is on, the data output from the touch sensor module TSM is “released (non-contact state)”. The data after the replacement is queued in the queue QUE.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the control unit of the mobile phone terminal illustrated in FIG. As shown in the figure, when the key lock switch KLS is turned on (invalidated) manually by the user, the KLS driver 114 sets the device in a key input disabled state that does not accept any user operation from time T1 (step ST1). . At the same time, the HW-IF unit 116B also reads that the key lock switch KLS has been turned on (invalid) and starts invalidation processing (step ST2). The HW-IF unit 116B notifies the TSD processing unit 116A of the start of the invalidation process. Upon receiving this notification, the TSD processing unit 116A starts the invalidation process of the sensor detection in step ST3, and stores it. The sensor detection invalid section flag in the unit 140 is turned on. At time T2, the key lock switch KLS is turned off manually by the user, and the KLS driver 114 reads this to end the key input disabled state. The HW-IF unit 116B reads that the key lock switch KLS has been turned off, and completes the invalidation process (step ST7). Similarly, the HW-IF unit 116B notifies the TSD processing unit 116A that invalidation processing has started, and the TSD processing unit 116A that has received this notification turns off the sensor detection invalid section flag FLG to complete the invalidation processing (step ST8). ).

  Accordingly, the sensor detection invalid section [T1-T2] is set only while the sensor detection invalid section flag is on. In such a sensor detection invalid section [T1-T2], even if the touch sensor module TSM detects contact (step ST4) and transmits output data to the HW-IF unit 116B of the touch sensor driver 116, it represents contact. The signal is changed to a signal indicating “release” and then queued in the queue (step ST5). When the TSD processing unit 116A extracts and analyzes such a signal indicating “release” from the queue, it is “release” and is not used for determination of the moving direction or the moving amount, but the start point is reset and the release signal is reset. Is notified to the upper layer 112 (step ST6). That is, even when output data indicating that an object has touched the sensor element is received, all the data is queued as “release” and becomes “invalid”, and malfunction can be prevented.

  At time T2, the key lock switch KLS is turned off, the sensor detection invalid section [T1-T2] ends, and the touch sensor related processing returns to the normal state, that is, the state in which sensor detection is processed effectively. For example, when the first “contact detection” after release occurs as in step ST9 and the output data is queued (step ST10), the “starting point” is set based on the data (step ST11). . Then, when “contact detection” further occurs as in step ST12 and the output data is queued (step ST13), the “movement direction” is obtained based on the data, and the obtained movement direction is the upper layer 112. (Step ST14).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing only the processing of the KLS driver shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in step P10, it is determined whether or not the key lock switch KLS is on (valid). If the key lock switch KLS is on, the output data from the touch sensor module is output so that the data becomes invalid. The release is corrected (step P12). Then, the data corrected to the release is queued in the queue (step P14). It is possible to prevent malfunction of the sensor element as the operation input unit by appropriately switching between “sensor invalid process” and “sensor valid process” according to the setting state of the key lock switch KLS.

  Hereinafter, the response of the display unit to the operation of the sensor element will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 10B, FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating only a display unit mounted on a mobile phone terminal and sensor elements arranged side by side along the periphery thereof, and FIG. The figure which shows the sensor element detected with time transition, (c) is a figure which shows the position change of the operation target area | region of the sub display part ELD according to the detected sensor element. In (a) of these drawings, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In the display of the sub display unit ELD in (c), TI indicates the title of the item list displayed on the display unit, and LS1 to LS4 indicate items that are selection candidate items (for example, several scrollable lines). In addition, in the display unit of (c), an item in a state to be operated is placed on the item so that it can be identified as the current operation target area, or the item itself is highlighted. Highlight with. In these figures, the items displayed as the operation target area are hatched and highlighted. For convenience of explanation, “moving target” will be described using only the operation target region, but the sub-display unit operates on the same principle when moving (scrolling) the item itself.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the response of the sub display unit when the user traces on the sensor element. In FIG. 6A, when the sensor elements are continuously traced from the top to the bottom indicated by the arrow AR1, for example, using a contact means such as a finger, the control unit makes contact with the time transition shown in FIG. Detect. In this case, the sensor elements R1, R2, R3, and R4 are in this order. Since the detected continuous contact from R1 to R4 detects the contact with two or more of the adjacent sensor elements, the direction is detected, and depending on the number of times the adjacent sensor elements are transitioned and the direction thereof, The operation target area moves on the list displayed on the sub display unit ELD. In this case, as shown in (c), the operation target area moves downward by three items from the initial position item LS1 to the item LS4. Although the operation target area is represented by hatching, an area with a narrow hatching pitch is an initial position, and an area with a wide hatching pitch is a position after movement. As described above, according to this configuration, the “operation target area moves downward” on the display unit, like the user ’s “downward finger pointing operation”, the user can operate with his / her finger. You will feel as if you are moving the area freely. That is, the operation feeling as intended by the user can be obtained.

  Similarly, if the sensor elements are traced in the direction indicated by the arrow AR2 in FIG. 6A, the sensor elements L4, L3, L2, and L1 are in this order among the sensor elements as shown in FIG. In this case, since the contact is detected by the transition of three adjacent sensor elements from the top to the bottom as in the case of the arrow AR1, the operation target area is 3 from the item LS1 to the item LS4 in the downward direction as shown in (c). Move one minute.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a response of the sub display unit when the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 are continuously contacted beyond the separation part SP1. When the sensor elements are continuously traced from left to right as indicated by an arrow AR in (a), the control unit detects contact with the time transition shown in (b). In this case, the sensor elements L3, L4, and R1 are in this order. As shown in the figure, the number of sensor elements that detected contact in the first sensor element group is “2”, and that in the second sensor element group is “1”. Accordingly, since the number of sensor elements in which contact is detected in the first sensor element group is larger than that in the second sensor element group, the “first contact is detected by the first sensor element group G1. It becomes “valid”, and “second contact is invalid” detected by the second sensor element group G2. That is, in this case, the list selected in accordance with the number of times of changing the adjacent sensor element and its direction moves on the list displayed on the sub-display unit ELD, and the operation target area is as shown in (c). The item is moved upward by one item from the initial position item LS2 to the item LS1.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the sensor element detection state divided into 16 so as to determine not only a single element detection state but also a multiple element detection state in which two adjacent elements are further detected. is there. Although the configuration is almost the same as the configuration of FIG. 4, a tact switch is also provided between the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2. That is, a tact switch SW3 is newly provided between the sensor element L4 and the sensor element R1, and a tact switch SW4 is newly provided between the sensor element R4 and the sensor element L1. If the detection states of the eight sensor elements are managed one by one, the eight detection states can be managed. However, in the eight detection states, since the number of states, that is, state changes are small, it is not possible to perform very precise control. For example, in the case of the tact switch SW1 arranged across the sensor elements, when the tact switch SW1 is pressed, contact with the sensor elements L2 and L3 is detected first. There is a fear. That is, when the sensor elements L2 and L3 are detected in this order, the upward movement instruction is given regardless of the tact switch SW1 pressing operation for some determination instruction, and the operation target area is set to “1” upward. There is a possibility that the selection operation by depressing the tact switch SW1 is finalized after “displacement”, and an unintended item is instructed to be determined.

  In order to appropriately process the pressing process of the tact switch SW1-4, there is a method of holding the confirmation of the movement instruction until two or three detection state changes (movements) are detected in the 16 detection states. is there. A method of discarding the detection state (result) of the sensor element up to that point when the tact switch has been pressed can be considered, and will be described in detail below with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the movement confirmation process (that is, the hold process) in the 16 detection states, and this flowchart every time it is detected that any one detection state occurs in the queue QUE. Processing is performed by the touch sensor driver TSP. The first detected position (any one of 16 detected states) from the released state is set as the first reference point. From this reference point, the current detection position (detection state newly entered in the queue QUE), and the previous detection position (previous detection state remaining in the queue QUE), the movement distance (detection state) Transition). As shown in the figure, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the previous position has been released. If it is determined that it has been released (the previous data remaining in the queue QUE is “release”), the process proceeds to step S12, and whether or not the current detection position has been released (ie, newly entered) Whether or not the data is “release”). If it is determined that the current detection position has been released, the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step S14, where the reference point and the previous detection position are set as the current detection position.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the previous position has not been released (that is, if another detection has occurred and the current detection continues thereafter), the process proceeds to step S16, where the current detection position is It is determined whether or not it has been released (that is, whether or not the newly input signal is “release”). If it is determined that the current detection position is released, the reference point and the previous detection position are initialized (cleared), and the process ends (step S18). If it is determined in step S16 that the current detection position is not released, the distance between the previous detection position and the current detection position is calculated (step S20), and is the calculated distance 1 or 2? It is determined whether or not (step S22). If it is determined that the calculated distance is not 1 or 2 (that is, 3 or more), the sensor element is skipped and it is determined that the detection state is discontinuous (step S24), and the reference point is set to the current detection position. Set (step S26), proceed to step S36. If it is determined that the distance calculated in step S22 is 1 or 2, the distance between the current detection position and the reference point is calculated (step S28). In the calculation of the distance, the detection position for each sensor element is known by the signal put in the queue QUE. Therefore, any of the 16 detection states can be determined between the previous detection position and the current detection position. The touch sensor driver TSD determines whether there is a difference corresponding to the number.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the distance calculated in step S28 is 2 or 3 (step S30). If the condition is not satisfied (that is, 4 or more), the process proceeds to step S36 as an error, and the condition is satisfied ( If the distance is 2 or 3, the movement is confirmed (step S32). That is, the first touched position is set as the “reference point”, and then the “previous position” is updated when contact is continuously detected without being “released”, and finally the latest detected position “ Only when it is determined that “current position” is “moved 2 or 3” with respect to the reference point, it is determined that “there is movement”. Further, since the single element detection state and the multiple element detection state are continuously detected, it is determined that the movement is “2”. Therefore, on the sensor element, the sensor element is not used until the above “2 movement”. One finger is moved. The next reference point is set to a position that is moved by two in the movement direction from the previous reference point (step S34), and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, “previous detection position” is set to “current detection position” for the next process, and the process ends.

  When the tact switches SW1 to SW4 are pressed, the previous detection position and reference point set at the time of pressing detection are initialized (cleared). Next, a process when the tact switch in FIG. 12 is pressed will be described using the movement confirmation process in the flowchart. When the tact switch SW1 is pressed, if the detection state transitions in the order of “L2 detection state” and “L2-L3 detection state”, only one detection state transitions (moves / changes) at this time. Therefore, the movement is not fixed. When the finger is released after the tact switch SW1 is pressed, the detection state may transition in the order of “L2-L3 detection state” and “L3 detection state”. At this time, if the detection state until the tact switch is pressed is held, two detection states transition in the order of “L2 detection state”, “L2-L3 detection state”, and “L3 detection state”. Although the movement may be confirmed, as described above, since the past detection result is discarded when the tact switch SW1 is pressed, the erroneous detection when the finger is released is prevented. Therefore, when the tact switch is released, it is not erroneously recognized as a movement instruction of the sensor element.

  Alternatively, when the tact switch SW1 is released, the detection state may transition in the order of “L2 detection state” and “L2-L3 detection state”. Even if the detection result before the tact switch is pressed is discarded, the sensor element may be touched again when the tact switch is released. However, even in such a case, according to the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 13, only one detection state has been changed, so that it is erroneously recognized as a sensor element movement instruction when the tact switch is released. There is no.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the determination process when the process of the flowchart of FIG. 12 is applied to the contact from the sensor elements L1 to L4 of FIG. As shown in the figure, the detection state changes are “L1 detection”, “L1-L2 detection”, “L2 detection”, “L2-L3 detection” “L3 detection”, “L3-L4 detection”, “L4 detection”. It becomes. That is, the single element detection state, the multiple element detection state, and L1 to L4 are repeatedly detected. First, the first “L1 detection” is set to the reference point BP1 (S14). Next, when “L1-L2 detection” occurs, since the previous position is not “release” but “L1 detection”, the previous position is compared with the current position detected this time (S20). Here, it is validated because it is the movement of one frame from L1 to "L1-L2", and this time, the reference point and the current position are compared (S28). Here, since both the reference point and the previous position are set to the same L1, the movement amount is still one frame, and the movement is not confirmed at this stage, and the L1-L2 detection state of the current position is set to the previous position PP1. (S36).

  Further, if “L2 detection” occurs without “release” in the middle, the previous position is “L1-L2 detection”, so the previous position is compared with the current position CP1 detected this time (S20). . Here, the movement is one frame from L1-L2 to L2, which is valid because the determination condition “1 or 2?” Is satisfied. Next, the reference point is compared with the current position (S28). Since the reference point is set to the same L1 as in the L1 detection again this time, the positional relationship with L2 is two frames, so the movement amount is determined to be two frames (S30). Here, the movement is confirmed for the first time (S32). Then, for the next determination, the reference point BP2 is set to a point where two frames are shifted in the moving direction from “L1 detection”, that is, “L2 detection” (S34), and the previous position is set to the current position “L2 detection”. The setting process 1 is completed again.

  In this way, the touch sensor driver determines the movement “1” by detecting the transition of the detection state of two frames. That is, when the movement is confirmed in step S32, the movement direction component (the clockwise direction from L1 to L4, that is, the direction from SP2 to SP1) and the movement of “1” and the movement of “1” are stored in the result notification unit NTF. The update of the storage content is notified to the application, and the base application extracts the update content and notifies the sub display unit display application AP1 and the like. If the sub display unit display application AP1 is in use, a movement amount of “1” is given to the “direction from bottom to top” based on the movement direction component. The display of the part ELD is changed. Specifically, when the list display as shown in FIG. 10C is performed and the operation target area is located at LS4, the operation target area moves to LS3 based on the confirmation process 1. . By the way, in the same manner as in the determination process 1, the detection states of the second sensor element group R1-R4 are continuously detected as “R4-R3 detection” and “R3 detection” from the “R4 detection” state. Even when the transition is made, the touch sensor gives the sub-display unit display application AP1 via the base application information on the “direction from the bottom to the top” and the movement amount of “1” based on the movement direction component. On the screen display of the list display, the operation target area changes from the item LS4 to LS3 as in the operation in the first sensor element unit.

  Next, a case where the finger movement continues without “release” subsequent to the confirmation process 1 will be described. As in the case of the confirmation process 1, as shown in the confirmation process 2 in the figure, the detection state from the reference point BP2 is “L2-L3 detection” as the previous position PP2, and “L3 detection” is the current position CP2. Since the distance between the reference point BP2 and the current position CP2 is two frames, the movement “1” is further determined. That is, the movement of the total “2” is confirmed by both the confirmation process 2 subsequent to the confirmation process 1. Then, for further subsequent processing, the reference point is changed with “L3 detection” two frames ahead from the reference point BP2 “L2 detection” as a new reference point BP3.

  Similarly, as shown in the confirmation process 3 in the figure, the detection state advances two frames from the reference point BP3, and “L3-L4 detection” is set to the previous position CP3, and “L4 detection” becomes the current position CP3. At that time, since the distance becomes two frames, “1” movement is further confirmed, and a total of “3” movements are confirmed together with the confirmation processes 1 and 2. In this way, a total of “3” moves are notified to the application.

  As the display on the sub display part ELD, the sub display part display application AP1 is notified of the movement confirmation of “1” twice in the “direction from bottom to top” following the confirmation process 1. The operation target area changes from LS3 to LS1 that has moved "2" upward. Here, not only the detection of a single element detection state but also a detection state of a plurality of elements is detected and the detection state is subdivided, but the movement amount determined by the movement of two state transitions is “ As a result, in the case of a sensor element composed of four sensor elements as in the example, the movement confirmation of a maximum of “3” is finally performed. In other words, in the case where the number of sensor elements is four and the movement is confirmed only by single element detection, the final amount of movement is very approximate, but only the single element is accurately positioned. Even if it is not touched, a movement amount of “3” at the maximum can be ensured, and inaccurate operation by the user can be dealt with in a form that meets the user's wishes without causing any reaction. In this way, when an item is selected by the touch sensor and the tact switch is subsequently pressed, the key detection driver prompts the determination instruction by pressing the donut-shaped panel that is in contact with the touch sensor during operation. Since it can be given to an in-use application such as a sub display unit display application via the user interface, a more comfortable user interface with less finger movement for the user is provided.

  In the case of a sensor element group composed of “4” sensor elements, “3”, which is obtained by subtracting “1” for the sensor element that comes into contact first, is the maximum movement determination amount. Therefore, when displaying the selection items on the sub display unit ELD as a list, it is preferable that the sub display unit display application displays the selection items of “4” rows, which is the same number as the number of sensor elements “4”. By performing display control in this way, contact detection is first performed on the sensor elements L1 and R4 at the bottom (SP1 side), and when contact detection continues to the top (SP2 side), the movement of “3” is confirmed. Is supplied to the sub-display unit display application, the selection target area moves from the lowermost level (LS4) to the uppermost level (LS1). That is, since the maximum movement from the bottom to the top is the maximum movement from the bottom to the top on the display, the movement operation to the touch sensor coincides with the movement display on the sub display unit ELD. It is possible to provide a user interface that is very easy to grasp the operation content.

  Furthermore, since the first sensor element group and the second sensor element group are arranged in a symmetrical form with the sub display unit ELD interposed therebetween, the same operation instruction can be given regardless of which one is operated. In addition, since the end portions are arranged side by side, for example, when the contact detection state is shifted clockwise from the sensor element L1 to the detection state of the sensor element R4, the following is displayed on the sub display unit ELD. Such a display change occurs. That is, when the operation target area moves from the lowermost stage LS4 to the uppermost stage LS1 from the detection of L1 to the time point of L4, and subsequently the detection state transitions from R1 to R4, the operation target area changes from the uppermost stage LS1 to the lowermost stage LS4. Will return. As a result, the user can give an up / down direction when selecting a selection item or return the operation target area to the original position without removing the finger even once, which is highly comfortable for the user. A feeling of operation can be given.

  In addition, when the user carrying the mobile phone performs an operation in a place where vibration is likely to occur, there may be a case where the finger leaves the touch sensor for a moment during movement of the finger due to external vibration. In such a case, if a rough detection method that detects only movement by detecting only the number of sensor elements is used to detect movement, detection omissions are unlikely to occur, but not only single element detection but also multiple element detection In the case of a precise detection method that also detects the state, it is conceivable that even if the instruction is momentarily left, the detection state may be skipped because the finger continues to rotate. However, in step S22, “whether the distance between the previous position and the current position is 1 or 2” indicates that the continuous movement detection state is established even when two movements are made from the previous position, that is, even if one is skipped from the previous position. Because it can be handled, it can be as close as possible to the user's desired action even under vibration.

  In addition, since not only the distance 2 frames but also the 3 frames are valid in step S30, the movement also occurs when the finger is momentarily detached due to vibration or when the detection state is detected by a quick operation. Operation can be detected. In addition, when detecting the amount of movement for three frames, not only is the amount of movement “1” fixed as in the case of the next two frames, but the setting of the reference point for the next detection is the same as when moving two frames. Since only two frames are moved relative to the previous reference point, even when movement is confirmed by detecting three frames, an amount of movement confirmation of “n−1” obtained by subtracting 1 from the number n of sensor elements is secured. This makes it possible for the user to obtain a stable operation feeling of the same operation feeling regardless of how the user touches.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, functions included in each member, each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of means, steps, etc. can be combined or divided into one. Is possible. For example, in the embodiment, the sensor element layout provided in an annular shape has been described. However, sensor element groups arranged in a U shape may be arranged to face each other with the display unit interposed therebetween. Moreover, although the sensor element group was demonstrated in the Example of arrangement | positioning on either side, you may comprise in upper and lower 2 groups. Furthermore, in the embodiments, the description has been made with reference to a mobile phone terminal, but a mobile wireless terminal other than a telephone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a portable game machine, a portable audio player, a portable video player, a portable electronic dictionary, a portable electronic The present invention can be widely applied to portable electronic devices such as a book viewer. In the embodiment, the capacitance type contact sensor is used as the sensor element. However, the thin film resistance type described above, the optical method for detecting the contact based on the fluctuation of the amount of received light, and the contact by the attenuation of the surface acoustic wave. You may use the sensor element of the SAW system to detect, and the electromagnetic induction system sensor which detects a contact by generation | occurrence | production of an induced current. Some types of contact sensors use an indicator such as a dedicated pen other than a finger, but the principle of the present invention can also be applied to portable electronic devices equipped with such contact sensors. .

It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the mobile telephone terminal to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the mobile telephone terminal which mounted the sensor element in the housing | casing. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the touch sensor function of the mobile telephone terminal 100 by this invention. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the component of the mobile telephone terminal 100 by this invention. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the data processing of the contact detection by each sensor element in the mobile telephone terminal of a present Example. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of the control part of the mobile telephone terminal shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram explaining an example of the process sequence of the control part of the mobile telephone terminal shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows only the process of the KLS driver shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the response of the sub display part when a user traces on a sensor element. It is a figure explaining the response of a sub display part at the time of contacting the 1st sensor element group G1 and the 2nd sensor element group G2 beyond spacing part SP1. It is the conceptual diagram which divided and showed the sensor element detection state to 16. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the movement confirmation process (namely, holding | maintenance process) in 16 detection states. It is a figure explaining the determination process at the time of applying the process of the flowchart of FIG. 12 to the contact to the sensor elements L1 to L4 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 mobile phone terminal 110 control unit 112 upper layer 114 LED driver 116 touch sensor driver 116A TSD processing unit 116B HW-IF unit 120 sensor unit G1 first sensor element group G2 second sensor element group G3 nth sensor element group 130 Display section 140 Storage section 142 Storage area 144 External data storage area 146 Flag storage section 150 Information processing function section 160 Telephone function section 170 Touch sensor section 180 Camera 190 Light SP Speaker KEY Key operation section KLS Key lock switch DL Device layer LED1- 4 Light-emitting element 200 Pre-processing unit 210 A / D converter 220 Control unit 230 Storage unit AP Various applications AP1 Sub-display unit display application AP2 Lock security application AP3 Other application AP4 Radio application API Application pro Ram interface APIR Infrared communication application APRF RFID application application AUD Audio driver BA Base application MIC Microphone NTF Result notification unit OCD Open / close detection device PNL Panel PR Protocol PS Power supply PSCON Power supply controller QUE Queue RD Radio driver RFD RFID driver RFID RDID module RM Radio module EAP Earphone SI Serial interface unit SIMON Monitoring unit SP1, SP2 Separating unit SW Switching unit SW1-4 Tactile switch SWCON switching control unit TSBA Touch sensor base application block TSD Touch sensor driver TDB Touch sensor driver block TSM Touch sensor module CLK OS timer CNF confirmation unit COM Communication part DL Device layer ELD Display IH Interrupt handler IR Infrared communication unit IRD Infrared communication driver KSP Key scan port driver L1-L4 Sensor element R1-R4 Sensor element AR, AR1, AR2 Arrow LS1-4 Item BP1-BP3 Reference point PP1-PP3 Previous position CP1- CP3 Current position

Claims (5)

A key operation unit;
A detection unit for detecting contact;
An input invalidation part for invalidating input to the key operation part;
A control unit that controls to invalidate a detection result by the detection unit when an input to the key operation unit is invalidated by the input invalidation unit;
A portable electronic device comprising: The portable electronic device according to claim 1,
When the invalidation of the input to the key operation unit is canceled by the input invalidation unit, the control unit controls the detection result by the detection unit to be valid.
A portable electronic device characterized by that. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
A flag storage unit that stores flag information indicating whether or not input to the key operation unit is invalid;
The control unit is
Based on the flag information stored in the flag storage unit, determine whether to invalidate the detection result by the detection unit,
A portable electronic device characterized by that. The portable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The detection unit includes a capacitive touch sensor that is driven by power supply.
A portable electronic device characterized by that. The portable electronic device according to claim 4, wherein
While the input to the key operation unit is disabled by the control unit, power supply to the capacitive touch sensor is continued.
A portable electronic device characterized by that.

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