JP2010153989A - Telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a telephone set facilitating input through an operating key during a call. <P>SOLUTION: When approach or contact of a face to a detection region sandwiched between a microphone 41 and a speaker 42 is detected during a call, arrangement of image keys is changed from a state shown in Fig.3a to that shown in Fig.3b. Concretely, the arrangement of the image keys required for a call, namely a hold key 81, an OFF key 74, a volume up key 82, and a volume down key 83, is changed closer to the microphone 41, and an instruction input through the image keys is controlled as the same instruction before the arrangement change. Generally, a mouth is apart from a portion near the microphone 41, thus facilitating input through the operating key during a call. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a call device.

The next patent document 1 relates to a mobile phone terminal, and is provided with a touch panel 1 for recognizing contact with a part of the body in the vicinity of a speaker 5 and is in a call when the touch on the touch panel 1 is recognized. It is described that all the key operations are invalidated, and when the non-contact on the touch panel 1 is recognized, only the key operations necessary for the call are enabled as the call is interrupted.
JP 2002-135369 (paragraph "0006" etc.)

  However, in Patent Document 1 described above, when a touch is recognized on the touch panel 1, all key operations are invalidated as being in a call, so that an erroneous operation can be prevented, but a key operation necessary for a call is desired. In some cases, it was necessary to bother part of the body from the touch panel 1 to cause the touch panel 1 to recognize a non-contact state. In other words, it is inconvenient to operate the keys provided on the touch panel 1 during a call.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a call device that allows easy input from an operator during a call.

  In order to achieve this object, a communication device according to claim 1 is provided with a casing, sound emitting means for emitting the voice of the other party from a sound outlet provided in the casing, and the sound emission thereof. A sound collecting means for collecting a sound to be transmitted to a call partner from a sound collecting opening formed in the housing at a predetermined interval from a sound emitting opening of the means; a sound collecting opening of the sound collecting means; An operation element that is provided in the casing and is input between the sound outlets of the sound means and inputs a predetermined instruction, and is connected to a communication device used by the communication partner In the meantime, at least a part of the area occupying from the sound emission opening to the sound collection opening is used as a detection area, and a detection means for detecting an approaching state or a contact state of the face with respect to the detection area, and the detection means When the face approaching state or contact state is detected, the operation element Changing means for changing the arrangement to the vicinity of the sound collection port, and a control means for controlling the instruction input from the operator whose arrangement has been changed by the changing means as the same instruction as that before the arrangement change. Yes.

  The call device according to claim 2 is the call device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the operation elements are provided, and the changing unit inputs an instruction related to a call among the plurality of operation elements. The arrangement of the operation element is changed to the vicinity of the sound collection port.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the communication device according to the second aspect, wherein the input from an operator other than the operator that inputs an instruction related to the call is invalidated. One invalid means is provided.

  The communication device according to claim 4 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication device is provided in the housing so as to occupy a predetermined area from the sound emission opening to the vicinity of the sound collection opening. A display means for displaying an image showing an operation element, wherein the detection means uses the display area of the display means as a detection area, detects that the indicator approaches or contacts the image showing the operation element, The changing means changes the display position of the image indicating the operation element to the vicinity of the sound collection port.

  The communication device according to claim 5 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation element is configured by a push button type, and the changing means is located near the sound collection port. The instruction assigned to the arranged operator is changed to an instruction related to a call.

  The communication device according to claim 6 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the time measuring means for measuring the time since the instruction from one operator is inputted, and the time measuring means Second invalidation means for invalidating the instruction input from the one operation element when an instruction from another operation element is input before the predetermined time elapses. .

  The communication device according to claim 7 is a determination for determining whether an instruction from one operator and an instruction from another operator are input simultaneously in the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. And a third invalidating unit for invalidating each of the instructions input from the one operator and the other operator when it is determined that the inputs are simultaneously input by the determining unit. .

  The communication device according to claim 8 is the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection unit detects the detection by the hands-free mode in which the communication with the other party can be performed without gripping the casing. Mode switching means for switching to the hands-free mode when the approaching state or contact state of the face to the region is not detected.

  According to the communication device of the first aspect, after the line is closed, at least a part of the area occupying from the sound emission opening to the sound collection opening is set as the detection area, and the face approaching state or When the contact state is detected, the position of the operation element provided between the sound collection opening and the sound emission opening is changed to the vicinity of the sound collection opening, and input from the changed operation element The instruction is controlled to be the same instruction as the instruction before the arrangement change. Even when the face is in an approaching state or a contact state with respect to the detection area during a call, the mouth and the vicinity of the sound collecting mouth are generally separated from each other. Therefore, there is an effect that input from the operator during a call is easy.

  According to the communication device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device of the first aspect, the arrangement of the operation elements for inputting instructions related to the call among the plurality of operation elements is Since the position is changed to the vicinity, changing the arrangement of all the control elements to the vicinity of the sound collection opening prevents the operation elements from being concentrated near the sound collection opening. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring.

  According to the call device according to claim 3, in addition to the effect produced by the call device according to claim 2, an input from an operator other than an operator that inputs an instruction related to a call among a plurality of operators is performed. Since it is invalidated, there is an effect that an instruction other than an instruction related to a call is not input, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  According to the communication device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display area of the display means is set as a detection area, and the operator displays an image on the display means. Since the change of the arrangement of the operation elements is performed by changing the display position, there is an effect that the arrangement change of the operation elements can be simplified.

  According to the communication device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the operation element is configured by a push button type, and the change of the arrangement of the operation element is Since the instruction assigned to the operation element arranged in the vicinity of the sound collection port is changed to an instruction related to a call, the arrangement of the operation element can be easily changed. is there.

  According to the communication device according to claim 6, in addition to the effect of the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, before a predetermined time elapses after an instruction from one operator is input, When an instruction from another operator is input, the instruction input from one operator is invalidated. It takes a certain amount of time to operate different intended controls. In other words, when different operators are operated in a very short time, it is highly likely that the operation on one operator is an erroneous operation, and the instruction input from the one operator is invalidated. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring.

  According to the communication device according to claim 7, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an instruction from one operator and an instruction from another operator are simultaneously input. If it is determined that the instruction has been made, each of the instructions input from one operator and another operator is invalidated. In this case, since there is a high possibility that an instruction from one of the operators is an erroneous operation, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring by invalidating the instruction from any of the operators. .

  According to the communication device of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the communication device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the approaching state or the contact state of the face to the detection region is not detected, the housing is It is possible to switch to a hands-free mode in which a call can be made with the other party without holding the body. For example, when the ear that presses the sound outlet is changed, the approach state or contact state of the face to the detection area is not detected even during a call, but in this case, by switching to the hands-free mode, There is an effect that the call can be continued without omission.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of a communication device (child device 31 to be described later), FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the communication device, FIG. 3 shows an example of a key arrangement on the front surface of the communication device, and FIGS. Processing will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of a slave unit 31 which is an example of a communication device of the present invention and a multi-function peripheral device (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) 1 having the master unit of the slave unit 31. It is the shown perspective view. An LCD 39 and a touch panel 40 are disposed on the front surface of the slave unit 31 of the present embodiment, and the user performs various settings and various controls of the slave unit 31 by performing input operations using the touch panel 40.

  When the handset 31 is in a call from a standby state (waiting for an incoming call or outgoing call), an input operation in a detection area of the touch panel 40 that is held by the user with a hand or is likely to come into contact with the face Is disabled, and the input position of the input operation related to the call is changed to the vicinity of the microphone 41 where the possibility of erroneous operation is low.

  The MFP 1 and the slave unit 31 are each configured to be capable of wireless communication 300 (see FIG. 2) and configured to be able to talk to each other. Moreover, the subunit | mobile_unit 31 has the speakerphone mode (hands-free mode) which can talk, even if a user does not hold the subunit | mobile_unit 31 by hand.

  First, the external configuration of the MFP 1 (master unit) will be described. The MFP 1 has various functions such as a telephone function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function. The telephone line network 100 (FIG. 2) is used to perform a telephone call using the telephone function and data transmission using the facsimile function. Connected). A scanner 21 for reading a document when the facsimile function, the scanner function, or the copy function is executed is disposed above the MFP 1.

  A printer 22 composed of a so-called inkjet printer is built in the housing of the MFP 1 as an apparatus for printing an image on a recording sheet. The printer 22 includes a print head that ejects ink, a paper feeding device, and a recovery device, and performs color printing.

  An operation panel 6 is provided on the top surface of the MFP 1, and includes an operation key 15, an LCD 16, a microphone 23 (see FIG. 2), and a speaker 24 (see FIG. 2). The operation key 15 is provided with various buttons such as numeric buttons for inputting a telephone number.

  When the MFP 1 is connected to an external device (not shown) via the telephone line network 100 (see FIG. 2) so that a call can be made, the voice emitted from the user is converted into a sound signal by the microphone 23, and the telephone line network It is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via 100. Also, a warning sound at the time of error occurrence, a ringing tone corresponding to an incoming call from an external device (not shown) via the telephone line network 100, or an external device (not shown) is transmitted from the speaker 24. Sound based on the sound signal is pronounced.

  Next, the external configuration of the slave unit 31 will be described. An LCD 39 is provided on the front surface of the housing 49 of the slave unit 31, and a touch panel 40, which is a kind of input device, is provided on the display surface of the LCD 39. The LCD 39 displays the operation procedure of the handset 31, the state of a call, and numeric buttons for inputting a telephone number.

  When an image displayed on the LCD 39 (for example, a key formed by an image (hereinafter referred to as “image key”)) is touched with a finger by a user, the touch panel 40 disposed on the display surface of the LCD 39 is touched by the finger. It will be touched by. On the touch panel 40, when the contact (or approach) of a finger is detected, the touched (approached) position is specified. The CPU 32 (see FIG. 2) executes each process corresponding to an image (for example, an image key) displayed at the position of the finger according to the position of the finger detected by the touch panel 40.

  As described above, a general push button type key is not provided on the front surface of the slave unit 31 of the present embodiment. Instead, an image key is displayed on the LCD 39 and the image key is pressed. The touch panel 40 detects whether or not. Therefore, the display position of the image key, the name of the image key, and the function thereof can be easily changed according to the standby state, the state of the telephone call, or the input operation by the user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the projected capacitive touch panel 40 is used among touch panels having various systems (such as a resistance film system and an infrared system). The capacitive touch panel uses the fact that when the fingertip and the touch panel approach (or touch), the finger and the touch panel are electrostatically coupled, and the capacitance between the finger and the touch panel changes. It is a thing. Since the capacitance-type touch panel detects this change in capacitance, it can be detected that the finger is approaching the touch panel in addition to whether the finger is in contact with the touch panel.

  In addition, the projection type is a method of finely dividing an area for detecting contact (or approach) of a finger or the like, for example, like a grid, in order to detect a change in capacitance simultaneously at a plurality of locations within the touch panel 40. In each region, an electrode pattern for detecting the approach (or contact) of a finger is provided. Each divided area is referred to as a detection area.

  A microphone 41 (a sound collection port of the microphone 41) is provided on the front surface of the housing 49 of the slave unit 31 and below the LCD 39 and the touch panel 40. When the MFP 1 is connected to an external device (not shown) via the telephone line network 100 (see FIG. 2) so that a call can be made, the voice emitted from the user is converted into a sound signal by the microphone 41, and the MFP 1 and the telephone It is transmitted to an external device (not shown) via the line network 100.

  A speaker 42 (sound outlet of the speaker 42) is provided on the front surface of the housing 49 of the slave unit 31 and above the LCD 39 and the touch panel 40. The speaker 42 converts an input sound signal into a sound and generates a sound. The speaker 42 generates a warning sound when an error occurs or a call according to an incoming call from an external device (not shown) via the telephone network 100. Sound, sound based on a sound signal transmitted from an external device (not shown), etc. are generated. Therefore, the user can make a call with an external device (not shown) using the handset 31.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the electrical configuration of the MFP 1 (master unit) and the slave unit 31 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 1 and the slave unit 31. First, the MFP 1 will be described.

  The MFP 1 mainly includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, operation keys 15, LCD 16, wireless communication control circuit 19, scanner 21, printer 22, microphone 23, speaker 24, NCU 26, and modem 27.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus line 28. The operation key 15, LCD 16, wireless communication control circuit 19, scanner 21, printer 22, microphone 23, speaker 24, NCU 26, modem 27, and bus line 28 are connected to each other via an input / output port 29.

  The CPU 11 controls the functions of the MFP 1 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 12 and the RAM 13, or various signals transmitted and received via the wireless communication control circuit 19 or the NCU 26, and the input / output port 29. It controls each connected unit.

  The ROM 12 is a non-rewritable memory that stores a control program executed by the MFP 1. The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory, and is a memory for temporarily storing various data when each operation of the MFP 1 is executed.

  The wireless communication control circuit 19 has a wireless communication antenna 20, executes a wireless communication 300 with the wireless communication control circuit 37 of the handset 31, and performs data communication and sound with the handset 31. This is a known circuit that enables transmission and reception of signals and the like.

  The NCU 26 is connected to the telephone line network 100 and controls the transmission of a dial signal to the telephone line network 100 and the response of a calling signal from the telephone line network 100. The modem 27 modulates the image data instructed to be transmitted by the facsimile function into a signal that can be transmitted to the telephone line network 100 and transmits it via the NCU 26, or a signal input from the telephone line network 100 via the NCU 26. Is demodulated into image data that can be displayed on the LCD 16 or recorded by the printer 22.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slave unit 31 will be described. The subunit | mobile_unit 31 has mainly CPU32, ROM33, RAM34, the radio | wireless communication control circuit 37, LCD39, the touchscreen 40, the microphone 41, and the speaker 42. FIG. The CPU 32, ROM 33, RAM 34, wireless communication control circuit 37, LCD 39, touch panel 40, microphone 41, and speaker 42 are connected to each other via a bus line 45.

  The CPU 32 controls each unit connected by the bus line 45 according to fixed values and programs stored in the ROM 33 and RAM 34 or various signals transmitted and received via the wireless communication control circuit 37. The ROM 33 is a non-rewritable memory that stores various control programs executed by the slave unit 31. Each program that executes display update processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 to be described later, standby key operation execution processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5A, and busy key operation execution processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. Stored in the ROM 33.

  The ROM 33 is provided with a key layout memory 33a. The key arrangement memory 33a includes an image of each image key displayed on the LCD 39 during standby, a display position of each image key, an image of each image key displayed on the LCD 39 during a call, and a display position of each image key. Are stored in the memory. The CPU 32 changes (switches) the image key displayed on the LCD 39 and its display position depending on whether it is on standby (waiting for an incoming call or outgoing call) or on a call.

  The RAM 34 is a rewritable memory for temporarily storing various data. The RAM 34 is provided with an input hold memory 34a. The input hold memory 34a is a memory for storing information (hereinafter referred to as “key information”) indicating an image key on which an input operation is performed when the user performs an input operation during a call. . For example, the input hold memory 34a stores the name of the image key, the key number (key code) associated with the image key, and the like as key information.

  The wireless communication control circuit 37 includes a wireless communication antenna 38, performs wireless communication 300 with the wireless communication control circuit 19 of the MFP 1, and transmits / receives data communication and sound signals to / from the MFP 1. It is a known circuit that enables

  Next, an example of the key arrangement of the image keys displayed on the LCD 39 of the slave unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A shows a key arrangement of image keys displayed on the LCD 39 (hereinafter referred to as “waiting” for incoming or outgoing calls (waiting) or when the user is looking away from the handset 31 during a call). FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of “ordinary key arrangement”. FIG. 3B shows a key arrangement of image keys displayed on the LCD 39 (hereinafter referred to as “for erroneous operation prevention” when the user is in a call and the user touches (or approaches) the handset 31 with his / her face. FIG.

  First, a normal key arrangement will be described. When waiting or when the user is looking away from the handset 31 during a call, the image keys are displayed on the LCD 39 in a normal key arrangement as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, in order from the upper end to the lower end of the LCD 39, an information display area 70, a cross key 71, an external line key 72, an internal line key 73, an off key 74, and a dial key 75 composed of numbers and symbols. The answering machine key 78 and the power off key 79 are mainly displayed.

  In the information display area 70, an operation procedure, a status of the slave unit 31, a message, and the like are displayed according to an input operation. The cross key 71 is a key for selecting an item to be set when performing various settings and various controls, and the outside line key 72 is a key for making an outside line call or receiving an incoming call. The extension key 73 is a key for making an extension call with the MFP 1, and the disconnect key 74 is a key for canceling the call or interrupting various settings.

  The dial key 75 is composed of 12 keys, a numeric key from 0 to 9, a star (*) key 76, and a number symbol (#) key 76, for inputting a telephone number and a tone signal. It is a key for inputting. The answering machine key 78 is a key for turning on or off the answering machine function, and the power off key 79 is a key for turning off the power of the slave unit 31.

  In general, when waiting or when the user moves the handset 31 away from the face during a call, the user can easily perform an input operation using the touch panel 40 while checking the display on the LCD 39. It is.

  Therefore, since it is unlikely that an unintended input operation (erroneous operation) such as an image key being touched unintentionally by the user will be performed, the input operation in all areas of the detection area of the touch panel 40 is valid. Of the detection areas of the touch panel 40, an area in which an input operation is valid is referred to as an operation valid area, and even in the detection area of the touch panel 40, an area in which an input operation is invalid is referred to as an operation invalid area. Called.

  Next, a key arrangement for preventing erroneous operation will be described. When a call is in progress and the user makes a face contact (or approach) the handset 31, as shown in FIG. 3B, the image keys are displayed on the LCD 39 with a key arrangement for preventing erroneous operation. The In addition, in the touch panel 40 in the figure, the hatched portion indicates an operation invalid area, and the other portions indicate an operation effective area.

  Specifically, the information display area 70, the cross key 71, the external line key 72, the internal line key 73, and the cut key 74 are arranged in order from the upper end to the lower end of the LCD 39 in the same manner as in FIG. Then, the dial key 80 in which a part of the keys is changed to another key, the hold key 71, the off key 74, the volume up key 82, and the volume down key 83 are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, in this key layout for preventing erroneous operation, the dial key 80 displays only the numeric keys 1 to 9, and does not display the numeric key 0. Further, in place of the star (*) key 76, the hold key 81 is displayed instead of the star (*) key 76, and the number symbol (#) key 77 is displayed. Instead of the number symbol (#) key 77, a cut key 74 is displayed. Further, a volume up key 82 is displayed instead of the answering key 78 at the position where the answering key 78 is displayed, and instead of the power off key 79 at the position where the power off key 79 is displayed. A small volume key 83 is displayed.

  The hold key 81 is a key for holding a call, and the volume up key 82 and the volume down key 83 are keys for adjusting the reception volume. The user can increase the reception volume by one step by touching the volume up key 82 and can decrease the reception volume by one step by touching the volume low key 83.

  In the operation effective area of the touch panel 40, only image keys that are likely to be operated with the user touching (or approaching) the face of the child device 31, that is, only keys related to calls are displayed. . Specifically, a hold key 81, a cut key 74, a volume up key 82, and a volume down key 83 are displayed. On the other hand, an image key (for example, star (*) key 76, number symbol (#) key 77, etc.) that is likely to be operated with the handset 31 away from the user's face or not used during a call. A key (for example, the power-off key 79) is displayed in the operation invalid area or is not displayed.

  In general, when a call is in progress and the user touches (or approaches) the face of the handset 31, the user performs an input operation using the touch panel 40 while confirming the display on the LCD 39 in the same posture. Is difficult to do.

  Therefore, when the user performs an input operation with the posture as it is, there is a high possibility that an unintended input operation (erroneous operation) is performed. In addition, there is a high possibility that an unintended input operation (erroneous operation) is performed, for example, the user touches the image key without intention. Therefore, in this case, the detection area of the touch panel 40 is limited to the area near the microphone 41 where the user's face is unlikely to touch (or approach) and the user is less likely to hold it by hand. Input operation is enabled. In other words, the input operation in the area where the erroneous operation is likely to be performed in the detection area of the touch panel 40 is invalidated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation during a call, and to prevent an unintended process from being executed due to the erroneous operation.

  In addition, as described above, when a call is in progress and the user is touching (or approaching) the face of the handset 31, the input operation is enabled in the area (operation effective area) during the call. Image keys that are highly likely to be operated are arranged. Since this operation effective area is an area near the microphone 41, the position of the image key can be confirmed by moving, for example, only the eyes while the user holds the handset 31 during a call. Therefore, since an input operation related to a call can be easily performed during a call, it is possible to further suppress an erroneous operation during the call.

  Also, for example, if the user can configure the image keys to be displayed in the operation effective area, the user has determined the key arrangement, so that the user remains in the posture holding the handset 31 during a call. You can operate without moving your eyes. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform an input operation related to a call during a call, and to further suppress an erroneous operation during the call.

  Next, display update processing executed by the CPU 32 of the slave unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing display update processing of the slave unit 31. This display update process is a process for changing the key arrangement of image keys displayed on the LCD 39 or setting an operation valid area or an operation invalid area in the touch panel 40 in accordance with standby or a call. This display update process is a process that is repeatedly executed after the main power supply of the slave unit 31 is turned on until the main power supply is shut off.

  In this display update process, first, the input hold memory 34a of the RAM 34 is cleared (S1). Next, the key arrangement of the image keys displayed on the LCD 39 is set to a normal key arrangement (see FIG. 3A) (S2). Then, the entire detection area of the touch panel 40 is set as the operation effective area, the key input of all the image keys is enabled (S3), and it is determined whether a call is started with an external device (not shown) ( S4).

  If the call is not started in the process of S4 (S4: No), the standby key operation execution process is executed (S5), and then the process returns to S4, and the above-described processes of S4 to S5 are repeated. . Although details will be described later (see FIG. 5A), the waiting key operation execution processing is performed when the user is waiting or when the user is away from the handset 31 during a call. This is a process for acquiring an input operation performed by the above and executing a process according to the input operation.

  On the other hand, in the process of S4, when a telephone call is started (S4: Yes), it is determined whether the touch panel 40 is pressed (S6). Specifically, it is determined whether there is a region where contact (or approach) is detected in the entire detection region of the touch panel 40, and when contact (or approach) is detected in any region When the touch panel 40 is determined to be pressed and no contact (or approach) is detected, it is determined that the touch panel 40 is not pressed.

  In the process of S6, when the touch panel 40 is not pressed (S6: No), it is a case where the user has not yet touched (or approached) the handset 31 after starting the call. That is, it is a case where the user is moving the handset 31 away from the face. In this case, the process proceeds to S12.

  On the other hand, when the touch panel 40 is pressed in the process of S6 (S6: Yes), it is a case where the user touches (or approaches) the face of the handset 31 after the start of the call, and is displayed on the LCD 39. The key arrangement of the image key is set to a key arrangement for preventing erroneous operation (see FIG. 3B) (S7). Next, only the area near the microphone 41 in the detection area of the touch panel 40 is set as an operation effective area (see FIG. 3B), and the other areas are set as operation invalid areas, and keys necessary for a call are set. Only the input is validated (S8).

  More specifically, when the above-described processing of S7 is executed and the key arrangement for preventing erroneous operation is set, an image key related to a call (for example, the hold key 81, the volume up key 82, etc.) is located near the microphone 41. Is displayed. When the process of S8 is executed, the key input operation becomes valid only in the detection area near the microphone 41 in the detection area of the touch panel 40. Therefore, when the processes of S7 and S8 are executed, only the image keys necessary for the call are valid.

  Next, a key operation execution process during a call is executed (S9). Although details will be described later (refer to FIG. 5B), the key operation execution processing during a call is during a call and the user touches (or approaches) the face of the handset 31. This is a process for acquiring an input operation performed by the user and executing a process corresponding to the input operation.

  When the process of S9 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the touch panel 40 is pressed (S10), and if the touch panel 40 is pressed (S10: Yes), it is determined whether or not the call is ended (S11). . In the process of S11, when a call is in progress (S11: No), the process returns to the process of S9, and the processes of S9 to S11 described above are repeated. On the other hand, when the call is ended (S11: Yes), the process returns to S1, and the above-described processes of S1 to S11 are repeated.

  In the process of S10, when the touch panel 40 is not pressed (S10: No), it is a case where the user lifts his face from the handset 31 during a call. In this case, the process proceeds to S12. In the process of S12, the call mode is changed to the speakerphone mode (S12), and the key arrangement of the image keys displayed on the LCD 39 is set to the normal key arrangement (see FIG. 3A) (S13).

  As described above, the speakerphone mode is a mode in which a user can talk without holding the handset 31 by hand. When the handset 31 is set to the speakerphone mode, the state is continued until the touch panel 40 detects approach (or contact) again.

  Next, the entire detection area of the touch panel 40 is set as an operation effective area, key input of all image keys is validated (S14), and it is determined whether the touch panel 40 is pressed (S15).

  In the process of S15, when the touch panel 40 is pressed (S15: Yes), the user has moved the handset 31 away from the face so far, but the user touches the face (or approaches) the handset 31. This is the case. Therefore, in this case, the speakerphone mode is terminated (S16), and the process proceeds to S7.

  On the other hand, in the process of S15, when the touch panel 40 is not pressed (S15: No), it is a case where the user keeps the handset 31 away from the face. In this case, a waiting key operation execution process is executed (S5), and it is determined whether the call has ended (S17).

  In the process of S17, when a call is in progress (S17: No), the process returns to S15, and the processes of S15 to S17 described above are repeated. On the other hand, when the call is finished (S17: Yes), the speakerphone mode is finished (S18), the process returns to S1, and the above-described processes of S1 to S17 are repeated.

  By the display update process of the flowchart of FIG. 4 described above, the key arrangement of the image keys displayed on the LCD 39 is prevented when the user is in a call and the user touches (or approaches) the face of the handset 31. Key arrangement (see FIG. 3B). Therefore, an image key necessary for a call can be displayed near the microphone 41. During a call, only the area near the microphone 41 in the detection area of the touch panel 40 can be set as an operation effective area, and the other area can be set as an operation invalid area.

  Of the detection area of the touch panel 40, the area near the microphone 41 is less likely to be touched (or approached) by the user's face during a call and is less likely to be held by the user's hand. It is possible to prevent erroneous operation during a call, such as touching without intention. Of the detection area of the touch panel 40, the area near the microphone 41 can confirm the position of the image key by moving, for example, only the eyes while the user holds the handset 31 during a call. Therefore, since an input operation related to a call can be easily performed during a call, it is possible to further suppress an erroneous operation during the call.

  Further, when a call is in progress and the user is looking away from the handset 31, the call mode of the handset 31 can be set to the speakerphone mode. Therefore, for example, when the user changes (holds) the hand holding the handset 31, the speakerphone mode is set, so that the call can be continued without omission even when the handset 31 is handed over. In addition, the telephone call can be continued without omission during the period until the user contacts (or approaches) the handset 31 after the start of the telephone call.

  Next, the waiting key operation execution process (S5) executed by the CPU 32 of the slave unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing the standby key operation execution process (S5) of the slave unit 31. This standby key operation execution process (S5) acquires an input operation performed by the user when waiting (waiting for an incoming call or outgoing call) or when the user is away from the handset 31 during a call. And a process for executing a process according to the input operation.

  In the standby key operation execution processing, first, it is determined whether the image key is pressed (S21). More specifically, when the touched (or approached) area of the touch panel 40 is detected on the display screen of the image key displayed on the LCD 39, the image key is pressed. Judging that it was done.

  If the image key is pressed in the process of S21 (S21: Yes), it is determined whether a plurality of image keys are pressed simultaneously (S22). If a plurality of image keys are pressed simultaneously (S22: Yes), there is a high possibility of an erroneous operation. Therefore, all input of the image keys pressed simultaneously is invalidated (S24), and this standby key operation execution processing is terminated. To do.

  On the other hand, when only one image key is pressed in the process of S22 (S22: No), the process corresponding to the pressed image key is executed (S23), and this standby key operation execution process is executed. finish. For example, if the answering machine key 78 is pressed, the answering machine function is switched from on to off or from off to on.

  If the image key is not pressed in the process of S21 (S21: No), the process of S22 to S24 is skipped without doing anything, and this standby key operation execution process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5 (b), the busy key operation execution process (S9) executed by the CPU 32 of the slave unit 31 will be described. FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing (S9) the key operation execution process during call of the slave unit 31. In the call key operation execution process (S9), when a call is in progress and the user is touching (or approaching) the face of the handset 31, an input operation performed by the user is acquired and This is a process for executing a process according to an input operation.

  In the on-call key operation execution process, first, it is determined whether a valid image key has been pressed (S31). More specifically, of the detection areas of the touch panel 40, the area where finger contact (or approach) is detected is within the operation effective area and is on the display screen of the image key displayed on the LCD 39. In this case, it is determined that the image key is effectively pressed.

  In the process of S31, when a valid image key is pressed (S31: Yes), it is determined whether a plurality of image keys are pressed simultaneously (S32). On the other hand, when a valid image key has not been pressed (S31: No), each process of S32 to S35 is skipped and the process proceeds to S37.

  If a plurality of image keys are pressed at the same time in the process of S32 (S32: Yes), there is a high possibility of an erroneous operation. Therefore, all input of the image keys pressed at the same time is invalidated (S36), and the process proceeds to S37. Transition. On the other hand, if only one image key is pressed in the process of S32 (S32: No), the pressed image key is the image key indicated by the key information stored in the input hold memory 34a of the RAM 34. It is determined whether they are the same (S33).

  In the process of S33, when the pressed image key is different from the image key indicated by the key information stored in the input hold memory 34a (S33: No), the image key determined to be pressed in the process of S31 is selected. The key information shown is stored in the input hold memory 34a (S34), and counting of the waiting time (for example, 3 seconds) is started (S35).

  The waiting time is a waiting time from when an image key is pressed until execution of processing corresponding to the image key is started. That is, here, when no key information is stored in the input hold memory 34a, a valid image key is pressed, or before the above-described waiting time elapses after a valid image key is pressed. When another valid image key is pressed, the key information of the pressed image key is stored in the input hold memory 34a.

  On the other hand, in the process of S33, when the pressed image key is the same as the image key indicated by the key information stored in the input hold memory 34a (S33: Yes), it does not wait for the waiting time to elapse. (S37 is skipped), the process proceeds to S38.

  Next, it is determined whether a standby time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed (S37). If the standby time has not elapsed (S37: No), the processing of S38 to S39 is skipped, and this call is in progress. The key operation execution process is terminated. On the other hand, when the standby time has elapsed (S37: Yes), processing corresponding to the image key indicated by the key information stored in the input hold memory 34a is executed (S38).

  For example, if the image key indicated by the key information stored in the input hold memory 34a is the volume high key 82, the reception volume is set one step larger. Then, the input hold memory 34a is cleared (S39), and the call key operation execution process is terminated.

  The input operation performed by the user when a call is in progress and the user is touching (or approaching) the face of the handset 31 by the key operation execution process during the call in the flowchart of FIG. As well as processing according to the input operation. Further, when a plurality of valid image keys are pressed simultaneously, all the input of the image keys pressed simultaneously can be invalidated.

  If the user is in a call and the user is touching (or approaching) the face of the handset 31, it is difficult for the user to perform an input operation using the touch panel 40 in the same posture. Misoperations such as pressing at the same time are likely to occur. Therefore, when a plurality of image keys are pressed simultaneously, it is considered that one input is a correct operation and all the remaining inputs are erroneous operations. In such a case, the input of a plurality of image keys pressed simultaneously is invalidated, so that it is possible to reliably prevent an unintended process from being executed due to an erroneous operation.

  Even if a valid image key is pressed, the process corresponding to the image key is not started until a waiting time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses. For example, the input operation can be canceled and a correct input operation can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unintended process from being executed due to an erroneous operation.

  If a new valid image key is pressed during the standby time, the most recently pressed valid image key input is invalidated, and the newly pressed image key input is valid. When an incorrect input operation is performed, the user can use the device without canceling the input operation.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the handset 31 is an example of a call device, but a receiver (regardless of wired or wireless) is provided in the MFP 1 (master), and an LCD and a touch panel are provided in the handset. The same control as that of the slave unit 31 may be performed so that erroneous operation during a call in the handset of the MFP 1 may be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the projected capacitive touch panel 40 is used, but the detection method is not limited. For example, a touch panel in which finger contact is detected by a pressure sensor may be used, or a touch panel in which finger approach (or contact) is detected by infrared rays or an electric field may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the LCD 39 and the touch panel 40 are arranged on the front surface of the handset 31, and various image keys are arranged. Instead, the handset 31 is like a general handset. A push button type key may be arranged on the front surface, and the touch panel 40 may be arranged on the surface (upper surface) of the button type key or around the key.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the LCD 39 and the touch panel 40 are provided on the front surface of the slave unit 31, and the slave unit 31 is in a standby state (waiting for an incoming call or outgoing call) or depending on whether a call is in progress. The arrangement of the image keys is changed by changing part of the image keys displayed on the LCD 39. However, when a push button type key is arranged on the front surface of the handset 31 like a general handset, it is difficult to change the key arrangement. In such a case, the key arrangement is changed. Only the function associated with the key is changed without changing it. By doing this, it is equivalent to changing the key arrangement, so even if the various keys provided on the handset 31 are push button type keys, the key arrangement can be easily changed. can do.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a plurality of valid image keys are pressed simultaneously, all the input of the plurality of simultaneously pressed image keys is invalidated. However, the valid image keys are within a predetermined time (for example, 0. 0). When a plurality of presses are made within 5 seconds, all the input of the image keys pressed simultaneously may be invalidated. Even when valid image keys are pressed in order, if the input interval is fast and it is difficult (or impossible) to input by a normal input operation, it is considered an erroneous operation. In such a case, it is possible to reliably prevent an unintended process from being executed due to an erroneous operation by invalidating all input of a plurality of pressed image keys.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the call device is the cordless child device 31 has been described, but the call device is not limited to the child device 31. The call device may be anything as long as it is configured to be able to make a call. For example, the call device may be a receiver connected to the MFP 1 (master unit) by wire, a mobile phone, or a wireless device such as a transceiver.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a slave unit that is an example of the communication device of the present invention and an MFP that includes the master unit of the slave unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of MFP and a subunit | mobile_unit. (A) is an image diagram showing an example of a key arrangement of image keys displayed on the LCD when waiting or when the user is looking away from the handset during a call, (b) FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a key arrangement of image keys displayed on the LCD when a call is in progress and the user is touching (or approaching) the face of the child device. It is a flowchart which shows the display update process of a subunit | mobile_unit. (A) is a flowchart showing a key operation execution process during standby of the slave unit, and (b) is a flowchart showing a key operation execution process during call of the slave unit.

Explanation of symbols

31 Slave unit (an example of a communication device)
32 Example of control means 39 LCD (example of display means)
40 Touch panel (an example of detection means)
41 Microphone (example of sound collection unit)
42 Speaker (example of sound emission part)
49 Examples of housings 71 to 83 Image keys (examples of controls)
S6 An example of detecting means S7 An example of changing means S8 An example of first invalidating means S12 An example of mode switching means S32 An example of judging means S34 An example of second invalidating means S35 An example of timing means S36 An example of third invalidating means

Claims (8)

A casing, a sound emitting means for emitting the voice of the other party through a sound outlet provided in the casing, and a predetermined interval from the sound outlet of the sound emitting means; A sound collecting means for collecting the sound to be transmitted to the other party from the sound collecting opening, and a sound collecting opening of the sound collecting means and a sound emitting opening of the sound emitting means, provided in the housing. In a communication device provided with an operator for inputting a predetermined instruction,
While the communication device used by the other party is closed and the line is closed, at least a part of the area occupying from the sound emission opening to the sound collection opening is used as a detection area, or the approaching state of the face to the detection area or Detecting means for detecting a contact state;
Changing means for changing the arrangement of the operation element to the vicinity of the sound collection port when the approaching state or the contact state of the face with respect to the detection region is detected by the detection means;
A call device comprising: control means for controlling an instruction input from an operator whose arrangement has been changed by the changing means as the same instruction as that before the arrangement change. A plurality of the operating elements are provided,
2. The call device according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit is configured to change a position of an operator that inputs an instruction related to a call among the plurality of operators to the vicinity of the sound collection port.   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a first invalidating unit that invalidates an input from an operator other than the operator that inputs an instruction related to the call among the plurality of operators. Telephone device. Display means for displaying an image showing the operation element provided in the housing so as to occupy a predetermined area from the sound emission opening to the vicinity of the sound collection opening;
The detection means uses the display area of the display means as a detection area, detects that the indicator has approached or contacted the image showing the operation element,
4. The call device according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit changes a display position of an image indicating the operation element to a vicinity of the sound collection port. 5. The operation element is configured by a push button type,
The said change means changes the instruction | indication currently allocated to the operation element arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the said sound-collecting mouth into the instruction | indication relevant to a telephone call, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Telephone device. A time measuring means for measuring the time from when an instruction from one operator is inputted,
Second invalidation means for invalidating an instruction input from the one operation element when an instruction from another operation element is input before the time counted by the time measurement means passes a predetermined time. The communication device according to claim 1, comprising: Determining means for determining whether an instruction from one operator and an instruction from another operator are input simultaneously;
And a third invalidating means for invalidating each of the instructions input from the one operation element and the other operation element when it is determined by the determination means that they are simultaneously input. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A hands-free mode in which the user can talk to the other party without gripping the housing;
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode switching unit configured to switch to the hands-free mode when a face approaching state or a contact state with respect to the detection area is not detected by the detecting unit. The communication device described.

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