JP2009015862A - Portable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely prevent malfunction in a mobile telephone or the like without needing a surplus operation such as set/release of key operation invalidation mode. <P>SOLUTION: The portable electronic device comprises a capacitance sensor 30 provided in a planer form on at least a part of a surface of a case body of the portable electronic device or in the vicinity of the surface; a means which inspects whether a capacitance change detected by the sensor 30 is caused within a predetermined area range or not; and an input signal generation means which generates an operation input signal corresponding to a detected site of the capacitance change when the capacitance change is caused within the predetermined area range, and does not generate the operation signal corresponding to the detected site of the capacitance change when the capacitance change is caused out of the predetermined area range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable electronic device (hereinafter referred to as “mobile phone or the like”) such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook personal computer or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile phone or the like having a malfunction prevention function for preventing a key from touching a human body or an object when carrying it in a bag or pocket.

As conventional mechanisms or functions for preventing the malfunction, for example, the following (1) to (3) are known.
(1) A function for setting or canceling a key operation invalid mode according to a predetermined key operation. For example, if a specific key is kept pressed for 5 seconds in the key operation valid mode, the mode is switched to the key operation invalid mode. On the other hand, if the specific key is kept pressed for 5 seconds in the key operation invalid mode, the key operation valid mode is restored. It is a function to do.
(2) A foldable mobile phone. It is a mechanism in which all keys are stored in the case body by folding. Compared with the above (1), there is an advantage that an operation for setting / releasing the key operation invalid mode is unnecessary.
(3) A foldable mobile phone in which some keys are exposed even when folded. This is a mobile telephone that enables setting / cancellation of the key operation invalid mode in the same manner as in the above (1) with respect to keys that are always exposed.

  A user interface that has the same key input function as a conventional one, and also has an input function as a touch pad by configuring a keypad using a key mat with a capacitance sensing plate on the bottom side An apparatus (a user interface apparatus such as a mobile telephone) is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-196856.

The functions (1) and (3) require an extra operation for setting / canceling the key operation invalid mode. Forgetting the setting operation results in a malfunction or normal operation without performing the release operation. There are problems such as trying to input.
The mechanism (2) cannot be applied to a non-folding type apparatus. Moreover, even if it is a foldable type | mold apparatus, when handling it without folding, there exists a malfunction that a malfunction prevention function cannot be exhibited.

  The present invention does not require an extra operation such as setting / canceling the key operation invalid mode in a mobile telephone or the like, and can reliably prevent malfunctions regardless of whether it is a folding type or a non-folding type. The purpose is to do.

The configuration of the present invention is shown in the following [1] to [ 2 ].
[1] A portable electronic device that operates in response to an operation input signal,
Impedance sensing means provided in a planar shape on at least a part of the surface of the case or the vicinity of the surface of the portable electronic device;
An area inspection means for determining whether or not the area detected by the impedance sensing means falls within a predetermined area range corresponding to a fingertip contact or proximity area;
When the area inspection means determines that it falls within a predetermined area range, a portable electronic device is characterized in that an operation input signal corresponding to the impedance detection site is generated, and the detection site is displayed on the display .
[2] A portable electronic device that operates in response to an operation input signal,
Impedance sensing means provided in a planar shape on at least a part of the surface of the case or the vicinity of the surface of the portable electronic device;
An area inspection means for determining whether or not the area detected by the impedance sensing means falls within a predetermined area range corresponding to a fingertip contact or proximity area;
When the area inspection means simultaneously determines that each of a plurality of parts falls within a predetermined area range, an operation input signal corresponding to the impedance detection part is generated, and a process corresponding thereto is performed. Type electronic device.

The impedance sensing means, for example, there may be mentioned a capacitive sensing means is not limited to capacitive sensing means. Known impedance sensing means such as means for sensing resistance change may be used as appropriate. A specific example of the capacitance sensing means will be described in detail in the section of the embodiment.
The impedance sensing means is provided in a planar shape on all or part of the surface of the case body of the portable electronic device or the vicinity of the surface. The planar shape includes not only a planar shape but also a curved shape such as along the surface of the case body. The impedance sensing means may be in the form of a plate or a flexible film.
The predetermined area range is, for example, an area range on the order of a human fingertip. When the predetermined area range is about the area of a human fingertip, the input signal generation means can generate the operation input signal when the human fingertip touches. When the impedance sensing means is a capacitance sensing means, the same change as that in the case of contact is detected even when the impedance sensing means is close to about 1 mm. Hereinafter, this case is also referred to as “contact”.
The specific area to be set as the predetermined area range is determined according to the function of the operation input signal generated by the input signal generation means, for example .

In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
A keypad having a plurality of keys;
The impedance sensing means is a capacitance sensing means provided below the keypad.
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.
The plurality of keys are, for example, a numeric keypad and a small number of function keys when the portable electronic device is a mobile phone. The impedance sensing means may be provided only below the keypad, or may be provided wider than the keypad.
FIG. 4A shows an example in which the impedance sensing means 31 (32) is provided below the keypad 21 (22).

In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
A key input processing unit that enables key input from the keypad only when the input signal generation unit generates an operation input signal;
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.
Let us consider a case where the predetermined area range is an area range about the fingertip of a person.
When a key is pressed with a fingertip, the input signal generating means generates an operation input signal. Therefore, in this case, key input is valid.
On the other hand, when the key is accidentally pressed when it is carried in a pocket or the like, the impedance detection means generally has a larger area for detecting the change than the human fingertip, so the input signal generation means Does not generate operation input signals. Therefore, in this case, key input is invalidated. That is, malfunction is prevented.

In the previous Symbol of the configuration, further,
A keypad having a plurality of keys;
Key input processing means for validating key input from the keypad only when an operation input signal generated by the input signal generating means is based on an impedance change generated at a predetermined portion of the impedance sensing means;
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by having.
For example, the case of a mobile phone will be described.
The mobile phone is previously provided with impedance sensing means over the entire area where the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger come into contact when a person holds the phone in a normal manner. When the user purchases the mobile telephone, for example, each part where the little finger and middle finger of the user come into contact is determined and set as the predetermined part. Then, the user can validate the key input by holding so that the little finger and the middle finger are in contact with each other and the index finger and the ring finger are not in contact with each other. That is, a dial operation or the like can be performed. On the other hand, another person who lacks knowledge about the predetermined part set as described above can hold the mobile phone in a normal manner, and thus cannot activate key input, and thus illegally use the phone. I can't do that either.
As the number of the predetermined portions increases, the predetermined area range naturally becomes a wide area range. For example, when the contact portion between the little finger and the middle finger is the predetermined portion, the predetermined area range is an area range of about two fingertips.

In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
The impedance sensing means is provided on the side surface instead of the upper surface of the case body provided with the keypad.
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.
FIG. 4B shows an example in which the impedance sensing means 31 (32) is provided on the side surface instead of the upper surface of the case body provided with the keypad 21 (22).

In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
An operation input means for setting the predetermined part to one or more desired parts of the impedance sensing means;
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.
For example, the apparatus is configured to enter a mode for performing the above-mentioned setting by performing a predetermined key operation while pressing a predetermined portion (= a predetermined portion known only to the user) that has been set. This function is similar to the password change function.

In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
An operation input means for selecting and setting one or more of the plurality of candidate parts of the impedance sensing means as the predetermined part;
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.

In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
It further has a key mat on which a plurality of key top characters are drawn,
The impedance sensing means is provided below the key mat,
The operation input signal generated corresponding to each part where the key top character is drawn is a signal indicating the key top character of the part.
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.
In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
A plurality of key top characters are drawn on the impedance sensing means, and the operation input signals generated corresponding to the portions where the key top characters are drawn are signals indicating the key top characters of the portions. is there,
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.

In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
The impedance sensing means is a capacitance sensing means.
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.
In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
The portable electronic device is a mobile phone;
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.
In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
The portable electronic device is a personal digital assistant (PDA);
It may be a portable electronic device according to claim.
In the previous Symbol of the configuration,
The portable electronic device is a notebook computer;
It is good also as a portable electronic device characterized by this.

[1] is a portable electronic device that operates in response to an operation input signal, and includes impedance sensing means provided in a planar shape on at least a part of the surface of the case body of the portable electronic device or in the vicinity of the surface. An area inspection means for determining whether or not the area detected by the impedance sensing means falls within a predetermined area range corresponding to a fingertip contact or proximity area; and when the area inspection means falls within a predetermined area range. If it is determined, since the portable electronic device is characterized in that an operation input signal corresponding to the detected part of the impedance is generated and the process of showing the detected part on the display is performed, the area inspection means is within a predetermined area range. When it determines with entering, the operation input signal corresponding to the detection site | part of the said impedance can be produced | generated, and the process which shows a detection site | part on a display can be performed.

[2] is a portable electronic device that operates in response to an operation input signal, and impedance sensing means provided in a planar shape on at least a part of the surface of the case body of the portable electronic device or in the vicinity of the surface. , An area inspection means for determining whether or not the area detected by the impedance sensing means falls within a predetermined area range corresponding to a contact or proximity area with a fingertip, and the area inspection means for each of a plurality of parts simultaneously. Since it is a portable electronic device characterized by generating an operation input signal corresponding to the detected part of the impedance and performing a process corresponding to it when it is determined that it falls within the predetermined area range, the area inspection means simultaneously When it is determined that each of the plurality of parts falls within the predetermined area range, an operation input signal corresponding to the detected part of the impedance is generated and It is possible to perform processing corresponding to.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the portable electronic device of the present invention is embodied as a mobile phone will be described with reference to the drawings.
[A] First embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 7):
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view (a) of the mobile phone according to the first and second embodiments, and a schematic cross-sectional view (b) of the main configuration of the BB line portion in the external view (a). In FIG. 2, members indicated by reference numerals in parentheses are different members in the first and second embodiments, and the reference numerals indicated in parentheses are for the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing FIG. 2B in the case of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the positional relationship between the impedance sensing means (capacitance sensor) and the keypad. FIG. 4A shows an example in which impedance sensing means (capacitance sensors 31 and 32) are provided below the keypad 21. ) Shows an example in which impedance sensing means (capacitance sensors 31, 32) are provided in a part different from the keypads 21, 22. 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing processing procedures for generating an operation input signal in accordance with the detection result by the impedance sensing means (capacitance sensor).

  2 (a) and 4 (a) (b), the mobile phone illustrated in FIG. 2 is a numeric keypad or function keys 21a, 21b,. , Etc., various members such as a voice input device (microphone) 72, a voice output device (earpiece) 71, an antenna 50, etc., which are integrally assembled inside or outside the case. Yes. A battery (not shown) is detachably provided. In FIG. 4B, illustration of members is omitted as appropriate, for example, illustration of a liquid crystal display and a numeric keypad is omitted. For example, FIG. 4B shows a keypad and impedance sensing means ( This is because it is intended to explain the positional relationship with the (capacitance sensor).

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the keypad 20 includes a key mat 21 and a flexible substrate 22, and impedance sensing is performed between the key mat 21 and the flexible substrate 22. Capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32) which is a specific example of the means is sandwiched and bonded by adhesive layers 11 and 13. The configuration shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3 is an example of a configuration in which a capacitance sensor is provided below the keypad as shown in FIG. In the configuration in which the capacitance sensor is provided in a part different from the keypad, a configuration different from the configuration shown in FIG. 2B or FIG. 3 is adopted. Further, even when a capacitance sensor is provided under the keypad as shown in FIG. 4A, it is not always necessary to configure as shown in FIG. 2B or FIG. Of course, as long as the capacitance sensor can be positioned, it may be adopted appropriately. Further, when the electrostatic capacitance sensor is sandwiched between the key mat 21 and the flexible substrate 22, the adhesive layers 11 and 13 are not necessarily interposed, and the key mat 21 and the flexible substrate 22 are not necessarily interposed. Needless to say, a configuration in which the capacitance sensor can be sandwiched between the two may be adopted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 3, a key group such as numeric keys 21a, 21b, and function keys is provided on the upper surface of the key mat 21, and the key mat 21 is associated with these key groups on a flexible substrate. Metal contacts 22a, 22b, and so on are provided, respectively. When the user presses a desired key, the pressing force applied to the key is transmitted to the metal contact directly below via the capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32), whereby the metal contact transmits an electric signal to the key. Output to the pad interface circuit 201. That is, a key press is detected.
In order to give a click feeling (metal knock feeling) when the key is pressed, a protrusion is provided at the lower center part of each key such as the numeric keypads 21a and 21b, and the corresponding parts such as the electrostatic capacitance sensors 31 and 32 located in the middle A hole may be formed and the protrusion may be penetrated to the metal contacts 22a, 22b and the like.

  The capacitance sensor 30 includes a first plate 31 and a second plate 32, and is bonded and integrated by the adhesive layer 12. Striped electrodes (eg, ITO electrodes) are formed on both plates 31 and 32, respectively, and the first plate 31 is formed such that the striped electrodes form an orthogonal direction (= form a grid). And a second plate 32 is provided. When a human body part such as a fingertip contacts (or approaches), the capacitance between the electrode of the first plate 31 and the electrode of the second plate 32 near the contact (or proximity) part changes, Output to the capacitance interface 301. That is, a change in capacitance is detected. Such a configuration shows an example of a capacitance sensor, and it is needless to say that a capacitance sensor having a configuration other than the above may be adopted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the circuit of the mobile phone encodes an electrical signal (speech signal) input from the speech input device 72 and supplies the encoded electrical signal to the wireless interface circuit 82 and data (speech) provided from the wireless interface circuit 82 Data and the like; data is omitted for data other than audio data) and is output as an electric signal (audio signal) to the audio output device 71 to be output from the codec circuit 81 and the codec circuit 81. The data is converted into an electrical signal and output from the antenna 50, and the electrical signal received by the antenna 50 is converted into data (audio data or the like; explanation of data other than the audio data is omitted) to be converted into a codec circuit 81. A wireless interface circuit 82 that outputs to a codec circuit 81 A controller 83 for controlling such an operation of over face circuit 82, a memory 84 for use as needed controller 83. The codec circuit 81, the radio interface circuit 82, the controller 83, and the memory 84 constitute a conventionally known mobile telephone circuit 80.

In addition to the codec circuit 81 and the wireless interface circuit 82, the controller 83 receives electrical signals (press detection signals) generated by pressing the keys 21 a, 21 b, etc. of the keypad 20 in the keypad interface circuit 201. It is converted into (press detection data) and input. In addition, a change in capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 30 in response to contact (or proximity) of a human body is converted into data by the capacitance sensor interface circuit 301 and input to the controller 83. .
Hereinafter, these input processes will be described with reference to flowcharts.

(1) Flow chart of FIG.
When it is time to take in data from the capacitance sensor 30 (YES in S01), detection data from the capacitance sensor 30 is taken in (S02), and the area detected by the capacitance sensor 30 (contact of a human body or the like) Alternatively, it is checked whether or not the area where the change in electrostatic capacitance is detected due to proximity is within a predetermined range (in the illustrated example, a predetermined value a or more and a predetermined value b or less) (S03).

  As a result, if it falls within the predetermined range (YES in S03), an operation input signal is generated (S05). On the other hand, if it is out of the predetermined range (NO in S03), no operation input signal is generated (S07). In the present specification, the “operation input signal” means an operation input signal corresponding to detection by the capacitance sensor 30, and does not include a signal corresponding to key press.

  Next, it is checked whether or not an operation input signal is generated (S11). If it is generated (YES in S11), processing corresponding to the operation input signal is executed (S21). It is assumed that the processing in step S21 (processing according to the operation input signal) is determined in advance. As this process, for example, a process for enabling / disabling key input (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and a capacitance change detection part (for example, the position of the center of gravity in the detected area) are displayed on the liquid crystal display 60. A process (refer to FIG. 10) that is indicated by a pointer or is stored (plotted) as a component (coordinate) of a trajectory can be given.

  As a result of the processing as described above, the user is effective only when the user is in contact with any part of the area where the capacitance sensor 30 is provided in a predetermined area such as a fingertip. Input can be made. In other words, when the mobile phone is put in a pocket or the like, most of the capacitance sensor 30 is in contact with clothes or the like. Since the detection area exceeds b, no operation input signal is generated, and therefore processing (S21) to be executed in accordance with the operation input signal is not performed. That is, malfunction is prevented.

(2) Flow chart of FIG.
Steps S01 to S11 are the same as those in FIG. The threshold values a and b may be the same as or different from those in FIG.
In FIG. 6, when the operation input signal is generated (YES in S11), the key input is validated (S31). If no operation input signal is generated (NO in S11), the key input is invalidated (S33).

  Therefore, the user can perform key input effectively only when the user touches any part of the region where the capacitance sensor 30 is provided with a predetermined area such as a fingertip. For example, in the configuration in which the capacitance sensor 30 is arranged below the keypad 20, when the key is pressed with a fingertip or the like (predetermined area), the key input is valid, but the key is put in a pocket. When some keys are accidentally pressed at times, the operation input signal is not generated because the detection area by the capacitance sensor 30 exceeds the b. Is also invalidated. That is, malfunction is prevented.

(3) Flow chart of FIG.
Steps S01 to S11 and steps S31 to S33 are the same as those in FIG. The threshold values a and b may be the same as or different from those in FIG. 5 or FIG.
In FIG. 7, when an operation input signal is generated (YES in S11) and the operation input signal is based on detection of a change in capacitance at a predetermined portion of the capacitance sensor 30 ( If YES in S13, the key input is validated (S31).
Even when an operation input signal is not generated (NO in S11) or an operation input signal is generated (YES in S11), the operation input signal is based on detection of a change in capacitance at a predetermined site. If not (NO in S13), the key input is invalidated (S33).

  In the flowchart of FIG. 7, key input can be performed effectively only when a specific area within the area where the capacitance sensor 30 is provided is in contact with a predetermined area such as a fingertip. Is. For example, by previously setting a part where the user's little finger and middle finger contact as the specific part (the predetermined part), the user's little finger and middle finger are in contact with the capacitance sensor 30, and Key input is effective only when the thumb, index finger, and ring finger are separated from the capacitance sensor 30.

  The specific part (= predetermined part) may be determined for each mobile phone before shipment from the factory, but may be determined appropriately by the user at the time of purchase. In such a case, one or more arbitrary sites may be determined as the specific site, and one or more desired sites may be selected from among several candidate sites. May be. Since a process of determining a desired part as a specific part or selecting a desired part from a plurality of candidates is known, the description thereof is omitted.

[B] Second embodiment (FIGS. 2, 8 to 10):
The mobile phone according to the first embodiment has a configuration including a keypad having a key and a capacitance sensor. However, the mobile phone according to the second embodiment does not have a keypad having a key. Instead, it has a key mat with characters similar to those on the key top. Hereinafter, configurations different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing, and description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile telephone according to the second embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view (a) of the mobile phone according to the first and second embodiments, and a schematic cross-sectional view (b) of the main configuration of the BB line portion in the external view (a). In FIG. 2, members indicated by reference numerals in parentheses are different members in the first and second embodiments, and the reference numerals indicated in parentheses are for the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing FIG. 2B in the case of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for generating an operation input signal according to the detection result by the impedance sensing means (capacitance sensor).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the mobile telephone according to the second embodiment does not have a keypad having keys, and instead of the keypad, a key mat 210 on which key top characters 210a, 210b, etc. are drawn. Is provided. Also, since there is no key, there is no metal contact on the flexible substrate 220 as a matter of course, and therefore there is no circuit for extracting an electrical signal from the flexible substrate 220 (see FIG. 8).

This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Steps S01 to S11 are the same as the flowchart of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. Note that the threshold values a and b may be the same as or different from those in any of FIGS.

  In FIG. 10, when the operation input signal is generated (YES in S11), processing determined according to the detection part of the sensor detection signal that has generated the operation input signal is performed.

  For example, if the sensor detects a human contact at a part where the key top character “5” is drawn, it is processed as if a numerical value “5” was input. Also, when the sensor detects a human body contact at the same time at the part where the key top letter “F” is drawn and the part where the key top letter “5” is drawn, it is called “F”. It is processed as if the numerical value “5” was input under the function input. In order to be able to perform the process as in the latter case, the threshold values a and b need to be determined as such.

  On the other hand, as a process of step S41 when the sensor detects a human body contact in a region where no key top character is drawn, for example, a detection part of a capacitance change (for example, the position of the center of gravity in the detected region) Can be indicated by a pointer on the liquid crystal display 60 or accumulated (plotted) as a component (coordinate) of a locus.

  As a result of the processing as described above, the user is effective only when the user is in contact with any part of the area where the capacitance sensor 30 is provided in a predetermined area such as a fingertip. Input can be made. In other words, when the mobile phone is put in a pocket or the like, most of the capacitance sensor 30 is in contact with clothes or the like. Since the detection area exceeds b, an operation input signal is not generated, and therefore processing (S41) to be executed according to the operation input signal is not performed. That is, malfunction is prevented.

  Each of the first and second embodiments described above is an example in which the present invention is embodied as a mobile phone, but the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone. For example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), The present invention can also be applied to portable electronic devices such as notebook computers.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone of embodiment. FIG. 3B is an external view (a) of the mobile phone according to the first and second embodiments, and a schematic cross-sectional view (b) of a main constituent part of the BB dashed line portion in the external view (a). The typical perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows FIG.2 (b) in the case of 1st Embodiment. The positional relationship between the capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32) and the keypad 20 (21, 22) is shown. (A) shows the capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32) below the keypad 20 (21, 22). (B) shows an example in which the capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32) is provided in a different part from the keypad 20 (21, 22). The flowchart which illustrates the process sequence which produces | generates an operation input signal etc. according to the detection result by the electrostatic capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32). The flowchart which illustrates the process procedure different from FIG. 5 which produces | generates an operation input signal etc. according to the detection result by the electrostatic capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32). 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure different from that in FIGS. 5 and 6 for generating an operation input signal in accordance with the detection result by the capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32). The block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone of 2nd Embodiment. The typical perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows FIG.2 (b) in the case of 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence which produces | generates an operation input signal etc. according to the detection result by the electrostatic capacitance sensor 30 (31, 32).

Explanation of symbols

20 Keypad 21 Keymat 22 Keypad flexible substrate 21a, 21b Key 22a, 22b Metal contact 30 Capacitance sensor (impedance sensing means)
31 Capacitance Sensor First Plate 32 Capacitance Sensor Second Plate 11, 12, 13 Adhesive Layer

Claims (14)

A portable electronic device that operates in response to an operation input signal,
Impedance sensing means provided in a planar shape on at least a part of the surface of the case or the vicinity of the surface of the portable electronic device;
An area inspection means for examining whether the impedance change detected by the impedance sensing means is a change occurring within a predetermined area range;
When it is determined that the area inspection means is a change occurring within a predetermined area range, an operation input signal is generated, and when it is determined that the change is generated outside the predetermined area range, an operation input signal is not generated. Input signal generating means;
A portable electronic device comprising: In claim 1,
A keypad having a plurality of keys;
The impedance sensing means is a capacitance sensing means provided below the keypad.
A portable electronic device. In claim 2,
A key input processing unit that enables key input from the keypad only when the input signal generation unit generates an operation input signal;
A portable electronic device. In claim 1, further,
A keypad having a plurality of keys;
Key input processing means for validating key input from the keypad only when an operation input signal generated by the input signal generating means is based on an impedance change generated at a predetermined portion of the impedance sensing means;
A portable electronic device comprising: In claim 4,
The impedance sensing means is provided on the side surface instead of the upper surface of the case body provided with the keypad.
A portable electronic device. In claim 4 or claim 5,
An operation input means for setting the predetermined part to one or more desired parts of the impedance sensing means;
A portable electronic device. In claim 4 or claim 5,
An operation input means for selecting and setting one or more of the plurality of candidate parts of the impedance sensing means as the predetermined part;
A portable electronic device. A portable electronic device that operates in response to an operation input signal,
Impedance sensing means provided in a planar shape on at least a part of the surface of the case or the vicinity of the surface of the portable electronic device;
An area inspection means for examining whether the impedance change detected by the impedance sensing means is a change occurring within a predetermined area range;
When the area inspection means determines that the change has occurred within the predetermined area range, an operation input signal corresponding to the detection site of the impedance change is generated and determined to have occurred outside the predetermined area range. In the case, the operation input signal is not generated;
A portable electronic device comprising: In claim 8,
It further has a key mat on which a plurality of key top characters are drawn,
The impedance sensing means is provided below the key mat,
The operation input signal generated corresponding to each part where the key top character is drawn is a signal indicating the key top character of the part.
A portable electronic device. In claim 8,
A plurality of key top characters are drawn on the impedance sensing means, and the operation input signals generated corresponding to the portions where the key top characters are drawn are signals indicating the key top characters of the portions. is there,
A portable electronic device. In any one of Claim 1, Claim 4-Claim 10,
The impedance sensing means is a capacitance sensing means.
A portable electronic device. In any one of Claims 1-11,
The portable electronic device is a mobile phone;
A portable electronic device. In any one of Claims 1-11,
The portable electronic device is a portable information terminal;
A portable electronic device. In any one of Claims 1-11,
The portable electronic device is a notebook computer;
A portable electronic device.

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