JP2009277574A - Portable terminal unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability of key operation during TV viewing and navigation in a portable terminal unit. <P>SOLUTION: This portable terminal unit 1 has a first keyboard panel 19 having a plurality of keys 3, a second keyboard panel 2 having a key 4 arranged in a position overlapping with at least two or more of keys 3 among the plurality of keys 3 by being installed in a position overlapping with the first keyboard panel 19, and a control part for detecting input of the key 4 of the second keyboard panel 2 based on input of the plurality of keys 3 of the first keyboard panel 19. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or a wireless terminal having a key input device.

  While mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones have become more multifunctional, the types and number of keys such as numeric keys, cross keys, soft keys, side keys, and QWERTY keys have increased. When the per key size is reduced, there is a problem that the operability of the key deteriorates. Therefore, in a mobile terminal device, one key has a plurality of functions, and it is generally performed differently depending on the operation mode.

  In addition to this, in the future, the functions of mobile terminals will further diversify, and usage other than the handheld state, for example, the use in a stationary state or a fixed state for operating TV video viewing and navigation functions will increase. Improvement of key operability in various scenes is required.

  For example, in the information terminal, when the keyboard panel is replaced, software automatically determines which key is pressed corresponding to the position of each key after replacement, without making a large-scale hardware change. A keyboard that can be replaced is known (see Patent Document 1).

Also, in notebook / PC keyboards, where two key points for weight reduction and portability are important, a function conversion sheet with a mechanical structure should be used to expand the function key functions and make them easier to use. It is known (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-295730 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-065927

  However, the above-described conventional key conversion changes the display or function of one key switch, and the key size is small without changing, so that the operability of key operations such as TV viewing and navigation is poor.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of key operations when watching a TV or navigating a mobile terminal device or the like.

  In order to achieve the above object, a mobile terminal device of the present invention is attached to a first keyboard panel having a plurality of keys and a position overlapping the first keyboard panel. A second keyboard panel having a key to be disposed at a position overlapping at least two or more keys, and a key of the second keyboard panel based on an input of the plurality of keys of the first keyboard panel And a control unit for detecting the input.

  With this configuration, the keys on the second keyboard panel are larger than the keys on the first keyboard panel, so that the operability of key operations such as TV viewing and navigation is improved.

  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus including: a portable terminal device including: a first keyboard panel having a plurality of keys; and a control unit that detects input of the plurality of keys on the first keyboard panel. A fixed base having a second keyboard panel having a key that is arranged at a position overlapping at least two or more keys of the plurality of keys by being attached to a position overlapping with one keyboard panel; The control unit detects an input of a key on the second keyboard panel based on an input of the plurality of keys on the first keyboard panel.

  With this configuration, the keys on the second keyboard panel are larger than the keys on the first keyboard panel, so that the operability of key operations at the time of deferment such as TV viewing or navigation is improved.

  According to the portable terminal device of the present invention, since the keys of the second keyboard panel are larger than the keys of the first keyboard panel, the operability of key operations such as TV viewing and navigation is improved.

  In addition, according to the electronic device of the present invention, the key of the second keyboard panel is larger than the key of the first keyboard panel, so that the operability of the key operation at the time of stationary such as TV viewing or navigation is improved. improves.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal device 1 is attached to a first keyboard panel 19 having a plurality of keys 3 and a position overlapping the first keyboard panel 19, so that at least one of the plurality of keys 3. A key conversion sheet 2 that is a second keyboard panel having keys 4 to be arranged at positions overlapping two or more keys 3. Further, the mobile terminal device 1 detects an input of the key 4 of the key conversion sheet 2 that is the second keyboard panel based on the input of the plurality of keys 3 of the first keyboard panel 19 (not shown). Is provided.

  The mobile terminal device main body 1 is, for example, a mobile phone, but may be a mobile terminal that operates the key 3 in a handheld state such as a mobile personal computer (mobile PC), a PDA (Personal-Digital-Assistant), or a portable navigation (PND). Good.

  The key conversion sheet 2 that is the second keyboard panel converts the small key 3 of the first keyboard panel 19 of the portable terminal device 1 into the operation of the large key 4, and as shown in FIG. It has a plate-like structure that is fixed or arranged on the key 3 of one first keyboard panel 19. The key conversion sheet 2 as the second keyboard panel has keys 4. When the key conversion sheet 2 is fixed or arranged on the first keyboard panel 1 and the key 4 is pressed, at least two or more second conversion panels 2 are provided. 1 has a structure in which the key 3 of the keyboard panel 19 is pressed. For this reason, the key 4 of the key conversion sheet 2 that is the second keyboard panel can be larger in size than the key 3 of the first keyboard panel 19. That is, it can be said that the second keyboard panel 2 has a function of converting the plurality of keys 3 of the first keyboard panel 19 into the large-sized keys 4. Here, the first keyboard panel 19 is a mechanical key (button), and the sense when it is pressed can be recognized with a finger.

  Next, the structure of the second keyboard panel 2 will be described. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view when the second keyboard panel 2 is placed on the main body of the mobile terminal device 1. The following shows an example of converting the two keys 3a and 3b to the key 4c. The key 4c is arranged so as to overlap the upper parts of the two keys 3a and 3b of the first keyboard panel 19, and is structured such that when the key 4c is pressed, the keys 3a and 3b are pressed. FIG. 2B is a sectional view showing a state where the key 4c is pressed. The two keys 3a and 3b are detected to have the same input by a control unit (not shown). For this reason, if one of the keys 3a and 3b is pressed by the user pressing the key 4c, the portable terminal device 1 performs the same function regardless of which key 3a or 3b is pressed. It has become. By doing in this way, even when the end of the large key 4c is pressed, the key operation can be surely executed, and the operability of the key is improved.

  Further, the key 4 is coupled to the main body of the second keyboard panel 2 by the movable connection portion 5. The movable connecting portion 5 is composed of a sheet made of flexible plastic or rubber so that the key 4 can move independently of the main body of the second keyboard panel 2 simultaneously with the coupling function.

  Further, when the key 4 is pressed, the key of the second keyboard panel 2 is prevented from moving up and down with respect to the surface of the first keyboard panel 19 or the key 3 of the main body of the mobile terminal device 1. 4 has a protrusion 6 in the vicinity of the periphery of the substrate 4. By arranging the protrusion 6 between the plurality of keys 3a, 3b, 3d, 3e of the first keyboard panel 19 or between the gaps, a key other than the keys 3a, 3b is pressed when the key 4c is pressed. It becomes possible to prevent this. That is, it is possible to prevent the control unit from detecting an erroneous input when the key 4 is pressed.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the second keyboard panel 2 and the keys 4c of the second keyboard panel 2 as viewed from above. The key 4c has a size that overlaps the keys 3a and 3b of the first keyboard panel 19 indicated by broken lines. The key 4c may be larger than the size including the keys 3a and 3b, but does not cover the key keys 3d and 3e adjacent to the keys 3a and 3b. Alternatively, the key 4c may be smaller than the size including the keys 3a and 3b, but is arranged at a position where both the keys 3a and 3b overlap.

  The key 4 c is coupled to the frame 7 of the second keyboard panel 2 by the four movable connections 5. The movable connecting portion 5 is made of a material such as elastic rubber or a flexible plastic sheet, and the key 4c can be moved up and down. By pressing the key 4c, the keys 3a and 3b can be moved. It becomes possible to press.

  The key 4 and the frame 7 and the projection 6 of the second keyboard panel 2 are made of a hard material such as a plastic material. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, by arranging the protrusion 6 at the connection portion of the frame 7 with the movable connection portion 5, when the key 4c is pressed, a key other than the keys 3a and 3b is pressed. Can be prevented. That is, it is possible to prevent the control unit from detecting an erroneous input when the key 4 is pressed.

  FIG. 4 is a view of the portion of the second keyboard panel 2 excluding the key 4c and the movable connecting portion 5 as seen from the back side. The protrusions 6 are arranged in four directions on the outside of the key 4c, so that the key 3d and the key 3e can be prevented from being pressed when the key 4c is pressed.

  In the case of the structure of the first keyboard panel 19 and the second keyboard panel 2 shown in FIG. 3, the control unit has a plurality of keys 3 a, 3 b, 3 d, 3 e of the first keyboard panel 19. Of these, the keys 3d and 3e arranged next to the keys 3a and 3b arranged at positions overlapping the keys 4c of the second keyboard panel 2 may not be detected. In this way, it is possible to prevent the control unit from detecting an erroneous input when the key 4 is pressed. Alternatively, the key input is not detected for at least some of the keys 3d and 3e arranged next to the keys 3a and 3b arranged at positions overlapping the keys 4c of the second keyboard panel 2. However, it is possible to reduce the detection of an erroneous input by the control unit.

  FIG. 5 shows a structural diagram of the second keyboard panel 2 using the movable connection sheet 8 instead of the movable connection portion 5. The movable connection sheet 8 is a thin sheet made of an elastic soft material such as rubber, and the portion of the key 4 swells in a convex shape as shown in FIG. The key 4 and the frame 7 of the second keyboard panel 2 are fixed using an adhesive 9 or the like as shown in FIG. Since the movable connecting sheet 8 is soft and elastic, it deforms when the key 4 is pressed, but returns to its original convex shape when the key 4 is released. The use of the movable connecting sheet 8 has advantages that the key can be easily pressed and the movable connecting sheet can be integrally formed, as compared with the structure of FIG.

  Next, an example using the second keyboard panel 2 having the key 4 will be described.

  The mobile phone has a built-in TV reception function, and this key 4 is used when watching the TV by placing it on a desk or the like. For TV viewing, complicated key operations are not required, and channel selection, volume adjustment, etc. are sufficient, and at the same time, large buttons that are easy to operate are preferable.

  In the above TV viewing, for example, the key 3a and the key 3b are provided with a volume up function. The keys 3a and 3b have the same function, and when the controller 4 detects that one of the keys 3a and 3b is turned on by pressing the key 4c, the volume can be increased. Thereby, the volume can be increased with the large key 4c, and the operability of the key operation is improved.

  FIG. 6 shows the second keyboard panel 2 when the key 4 overlapping the upper part of the dial buttons of the mobile phone or the 2, 3, 5 and 6 keys of the numeric keypad is assigned as the start / end button of the navigation function, for example. An example of usage The specific structure of the second keyboard panel 2 can be manufactured, for example, in the same manner as in FIGS. Thereby, since the navigation function can be started / finished with the large key 4c, the operability of the key operation is improved.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a method for fixing the second keyboard panel 2 to the main body of the mobile terminal device 1. The second keyboard panel 2 can be fixed to the main body of the mobile terminal device 1 using the fixing claws 10. For example, when the mobile phone is used as a mobile phone, the second keyboard panel 2 becomes an obstacle, so the second keyboard panel can be removed from the main body 1 of the mobile terminal device 1. That is, the second keyboard panel 2 is detachable from the main body of the mobile terminal device 1 using the fixing claws 10. Further, since the second keyboard panel 2 can be attached and detached, it can be stored in a bag or the like when it is not necessary. In addition, it can also be made removable using a magnet etc. instead of the nail | claw 10 for fixation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the key conversion can be performed without using the hinge 11 to remove the second keyboard panel 2 from the main body. By using the hinge 11, when using the first keyboard panel, the second keyboard panel 2 can be placed on the top, and when using the second key, the second keyboard panel 2 can be removed.

  As described above, the use of the second keyboard panel 2 improves the operability of the key operation because the keys are large even when the conventional mobile phone uses functions such as a stationary state such as a TV or navigation.

  Moreover, since the function display of the key can be greatly described on the surface of the large key, the key can be easily seen by the user, and the operability of the key operation is further improved.

  Further, the second keyboard panel can be realized at a lower cost than electronic paper or a touch screen.

  Furthermore, since the second keyboard panel uses a translucent material, the light transmitted from the first keyboard panel of the mobile terminal device passes through the second key. The function display becomes easier to see.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 shows an example of the second keyboard panel 2 of the second embodiment. Since parts other than the second keyboard panel 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The second keyboard panel 2 includes a key 4c made of a hard material such as plastic and a flexible sheet 12 having flexibility. When the upper part of the key 4c is pressed with a finger, one or more of the keys 3a and 3b are pressed. The keys 3d and 3e on the outside of the keys 3a and 3b of the main body of the mobile terminal device 1 can be prevented from malfunctioning even if they are accidentally pressed through the flexible sheet by disabling the key operation. .

  Since the second keyboard panel of the second embodiment has a simpler structure than that of the first embodiment, there is an advantage that the number of parts can be reduced and it can be manufactured at a low cost.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the mobile terminal device 20 according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the mobile terminal device 20 according to the third embodiment, the first keyboard panel 19 of the main body has QWERTY keys 14 used in a mobile PC or the like. On the other hand, the second keyboard panel 2 has dial keys or numeric keypads 13 conventionally used in mobile phones. The second keyboard panel 2 having the keys 13 and the main body of the mobile terminal device 20 are connected by a hinge 11. And when using as a mobile phone, it operates using the key 13 of a dial key or a numeric keypad as shown in FIG. 10 (a), and when using as a mobile PC, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), it is QWERTY. The array key 14 is used. In the portable terminal device 20 according to the third embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first or second embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows a specific example in which the QWERTY layout key 14 is converted into the numeric keypad 13 layout. Two of the QWERTY array keys 14 are converted into one numeric keypad. Here, for example, the vertical arrangement of the QWERTY keys such as the “E” key, “D” key, and “C” key of the QWERTY key is “Q” key, “W” key, “E” key, They are arranged obliquely with respect to the horizontal arrangement of the “R” key, “T” key, “Y” key and the like. Therefore, in order to arrange the numeric keys so that the vertical arrangement and the horizontal arrangement are substantially perpendicular to each other, the structure of the second keyboard panel 2 must be devised as described below.

  FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional structure of the second keyboard panel in a portion where the “D” key and the “F” key in the QWERTY array keys are converted to the “2” key of the numeric keypad. As shown in FIG. 12, the second keyboard panel (QWERTY layout key) of the mobile terminal device 20 according to the third embodiment is such that the protrusion 6 avoids the key (tenkey) of the first keyboard panel. There is a portion that is bent in the middle and is substantially parallel to the first keyboard panel or the second keyboard panel. Further, in the portion where the protrusion 6 is substantially parallel to the first keyboard panel or the second keyboard panel, the key of the second keyboard panel is thin. With this structure, the QWERTY key of the second keyboard panel can be arranged at a position shifted from the numeric keypad of the first keyboard panel. That is, the center of the numeric keypad “2” can be shifted from the center position of “D” and “F”. Furthermore, although the position of the numeric key “2” is overlapped with the “S” key or the “G” key, the numeric key “2” is configured to press only “D” and “F”. The “key” and “G” key are not accidentally pressed. By devising the above structure, it is possible to arrange the numeric keys so that the vertical arrangement and the horizontal arrangement are substantially perpendicular.

  In general, when a QWERTY key is mounted on the portable terminal device 20, the size is very small. For example, it is assumed that the operation is performed using a thumb nail or the like. Was inconvenient. Therefore, if it can be converted into a large dial key or numeric keypad as in the third embodiment, the operability of the key operation is remarkably improved.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 13 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a navigation system that is an electronic apparatus including the mobile terminal device 21 and the fixed base 15 according to the fourth embodiment.

  The details of the second keyboard panel 2 are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The mobile terminal body 1 of FIG. 13 has a GPS function in addition to the function as a mobile phone, and can use a navigation function. When used as in-vehicle navigation, it is used by being fixed to an in-vehicle fixing base 15 including the second keyboard panel 2 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), after the mobile phone body 1 is attached to the in-vehicle fixing base 15, the second keyboard panel 2 is placed on the dial key or numeric keypad of the mobile phone, Convert to navigation key 4.

  In this way, the mobile terminal device 21 can be used as an in-vehicle navigation system.

  The in-vehicle fixing base 15 has a power line 16 and can be supplied with power or charged from a battery of the automobile.

  The second keyboard panel 2 may be coupled to the main body of the mobile terminal device 21, but the second keyboard panel 2 is always carried around when coupled to the fixed base 15 as in the present embodiment. It is convenient because it is not necessary.

  In the above description, the navigation function fixing base has been described. However, a music or TV viewing fixing base can be realized with the same configuration.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 14 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a navigation system that is an electronic device including the mobile terminal device 22 and the fixed base 15 of the fifth embodiment.

  The details of the second keyboard panel 2 are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Similar to the fourth embodiment, the mobile terminal device 22 has a built-in GPS function in addition to the function as a mobile phone, and a navigation function can be used. When used as in-vehicle navigation, it is used by being fixed to an in-vehicle fixing base 15 including the second keyboard panel 2 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (b), the mobile terminal device 22 is attached by being inserted between the in-vehicle fixing base 15 and the second keyboard panel 2.

  The fixed base 15 and the portable terminal device 22 have a fixed determination function. As shown in FIG. 12, an activation switch 17 is provided on the back surface of the second keyboard panel 2. Here, the activation switch is, for example, a protrusion. On the other hand, a fixed determination function is assigned to one of 19 keys 3 on the first keyboard panel of the mobile terminal device 22. When the portable terminal device 22 is inserted into the in-vehicle fixing base 15, the key 18 assigned with this fixing determination function is pressed by the activation switch 17 such as the protrusion.

  When the key 18 to which the above-described fixing determination function is assigned is assigned as the navigation activation key 18, the navigation can be automatically activated by fixing the mobile terminal device 22 to the in-vehicle fixing base 15.

  As described above, the navigation system that is an electronic device including the mobile terminal device 22 and the fixed base 15 can be used as an in-vehicle navigation system that has higher operability of key operation than that of the fourth embodiment.

  According to the present invention, since the keys of the second keyboard panel are larger than the keys of the first keyboard panel, the operability of key operations such as TV viewing and navigation is improved. Useful.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the keys of the second keyboard panel are larger than the keys of the first keyboard panel, the operability of the key operation during stationary viewing such as TV viewing or navigation is improved. It is useful as an electronic device.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing of the 2nd keyboard panel of Embodiment 1 of this invention The detailed block diagram of the 2nd keyboard panel of Embodiment 1 of this invention The block diagram seen from the back surface of the 2nd keyboard panel of Embodiment 1 of this invention Schematic configuration diagram of a second keyboard panel using the movable connection sheet of Embodiment 1 of the present invention The figure which shows the usage example of the key conversion sheet of Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure which shows an example of the fixing method of the key conversion sheet | seat of Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the fixing method using the hinge of the key conversion sheet of Embodiment 1 of this invention Schematic configuration diagram of the key conversion sheet of Embodiment 2 of the present invention Schematic configuration diagram of a mobile terminal device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The figure explaining the conversion from the QWERTY array key to the array of the numeric keypad in the mobile terminal device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing explaining the conversion from the QWERTY array key to the array of a numeric keypad in the portable terminal device of Embodiment 3 of this invention Schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1, 20, 21, 22 Mobile terminal device 19 First keyboard panel 2 Second keyboard panel (key conversion sheet, etc.)
3, 4, 18 keys 5 Movable connecting part 6 Protruding part 7 Frame of second keyboard panel (key conversion sheet, etc.) 8 Movable connecting sheet 9 Adhesive 10 Fixing claw 11 Hinge 12 Flexible sheet 13 Keyboard panel of mobile phone arrangement 14 QWERTY keyboard panel 15 Vehicle mount 16 Power line 17 Start switch

Claims (14)

A first keyboard panel having a plurality of keys;
A second keyboard panel having a key that is disposed at a position overlapping at least two or more keys of the plurality of keys by being attached at a position overlapping the first keyboard panel;
A control unit that detects an input of a key of the second keyboard panel based on an input of the plurality of keys of the first keyboard panel;
A mobile terminal device comprising: The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the second keyboard panel has a protrusion at a position that does not overlap any key position of the plurality of keys of the first keyboard panel. The control unit is configured to control at least some of the plurality of keys of the first keyboard panel, the keys arranged next to the keys arranged at positions overlapping the keys of the second keyboard panel. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein key input is not detected. The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second keyboard panel is detachable. The first keyboard panel is a keyboard panel having a QWERTY key,
The second keyboard panel is a keyboard panel having dial buttons.
The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second keyboard panel is made of a translucent material. A first keyboard panel having a plurality of keys;
A control unit for detecting input of the plurality of keys of the first keyboard panel;
A portable terminal device having
A fixed base having a second keyboard panel having a key that is arranged at a position overlapping at least two or more keys of the plurality of keys by being attached at a position overlapping the first keyboard panel; ,
With
The control unit detects an input of a key of the second keyboard panel based on an input of the plurality of keys of the first keyboard panel;
Electronics. The portable terminal device is
A vehicle navigation unit for performing vehicle navigation;
The electronic device according to claim 7. The fixed base is
A fixed detection unit for detecting that the portable terminal device is fixed to the fixed base;
The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle navigation unit activates vehicle navigation when the fixed detection unit detects that the portable terminal device is fixed to the fixed base. The said 2nd keyboard panel has a projection part in the position which does not overlap the position of any key of the said several keys of the said 1st keyboard panel. The electronic device described. The control unit is configured to control at least some of the plurality of keys of the first keyboard panel, the keys arranged next to the keys arranged at positions overlapping the keys of the second keyboard panel. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein input of a key is not detected. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the second keyboard panel is detachable. The first keyboard panel is a keyboard panel having a QWERTY key,
The second keyboard panel is a keyboard panel having dial buttons.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 7 to 12. The electronic device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the second keyboard panel is made of a translucent material.

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