JP2011118788A - Electronic apparatus and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the reduction in troublesomeness of operations by more smoothly performing determination of an indicated position and an operation for settling the position, on a display screen of an electronic apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus includes a multidirectional switch member allowing operations in many directions in a plane thereof and a control part 150 controlling processing based on operations of the multidirectional switch member. The multidirectional switch member includes one or more multidirectional keys operable to be depressed in front and rear directions in many directions in the plane and a printed circuit board for detecting depressing operations from the multidirectional keys. The control part 150 includes a canceling means 151 which, if continuous depressing operations of multidirectional keys are not performed for a first prescribed time, cancels processing based on following depressing operations of multidirectional keys. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device and a computer program.

  Many small electronic devices such as mobile phones and mobile PCs have various functions as well as simple functions such as telephone and e-mail transmission / reception. For example, an electronic device having a navigation function for smoothly moving between the current location and the destination on map data, an electronic device having a function of taking a picture with a small camera mounted, etc. are known. ing. When executing such a function, the cursor is often moved on the display screen when setting a destination on a map or selecting a desired photo from a number of taken photos. As an electronic device suitable for such an operation, for example, a button key including a center determination key and a surrounding selection switch is provided, and after pressing the surrounding selection switch to move the cursor, the confirmation key is pressed. A cellular phone that can determine the position of the cursor by pressing is known (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-309752 (abstract)

  However, the conventional electronic device has the following problems. That is, when the center selection key is pressed after operating the surrounding selection switches, there is a high possibility that the surrounding selection switches will be touched at the same time, thereby causing the cursor position to be shifted. In particular, such a problem is likely to occur when the center confirmation key has the same or slightly lower height than the surrounding selection switches. As described above, when the position of the cursor moves against the intention of the operator, the operator is forced to position the cursor again, and often feels troublesome in operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. On the display screen of an electronic device, the designated position is determined and the position is determined more smoothly, and the operational trouble is reduced. The purpose is to be able to.

  In one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described object, a multi-directional switch member that enables multi-directional operation in the plane, and a control unit that controls processing based on the operation of the multi-directional switch member. In order to detect one or two or more multi-directional keys that can be pressed in the front and back directions in the multi-direction on the multi-directional switch member, and a pressing operation from the multi-directional key. An electronic device comprising: a printed circuit board; and a cancel unit that cancels processing based on the subsequent multi-directional key pressing operation when the multi-directional key pressing operation is not performed for a first predetermined time in the control unit. It is.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the multi-directional key is a ring-shaped key, and the center of the multi-directional key is provided with a confirm key that can confirm the operation of the multi-directional key. The confirm key is canceled by the canceling unit. It is an electronic device that can be pressed even in a state.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the controller further cancels the cancel state when the multi-directional key or other key is pressed continuously for a second predetermined time in the cancel state by the cancel unit. An electronic device provided with a release means.

  One embodiment of the present invention also includes one or more multi-directional keys that can be pressed in the front and back directions in multiple directions within the plane, and a printed circuit board that detects a pressing operation from the multi-directional keys. In an electronic device comprising a direction switch member and a control unit that controls processing based on the operation of the multi-directional switch member, a computer program that can be installed in the memory of the control unit, and by executing it, The computer program causes the control unit to function as a canceling unit that cancels processing based on a subsequent multi-directional key pressing operation when the multi-directional key continuous pressing operation is not performed for a first predetermined time.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the controller further cancels the cancel state when the multi-directional key or other key is pressed continuously for a second predetermined time in the cancel state by the cancel unit. It is a computer program that functions as a means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, on the display screen of an electronic device, determination of an instruction | indication position and the determination operation of the said position can be performed more smoothly, and the troublesomeness on operation can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the multidirectional switch member shown in FIG. 1 is removed from the mobile phone and seen partially transparently from the front direction. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the multidirectional switch member shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the PCB. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state where the metal dome is removed from the PCB shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of specifying a contact area to each comb electrode group when a predetermined direction on the multidirectional key is pressed and an operation direction at that time. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a contact area to each comb electrode group when a predetermined direction on the multi-directional key is pressed and a method of specifying the operation direction at that time, and the direction shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which press-operates in a different direction. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a contact region to each comb electrode group when a predetermined direction on the multi-directional key is pressed and a method for specifying the operation direction at that time. FIG. 6 and FIG. It is a figure which shows the example which presses the direction different from the direction shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a situation in which an operation of pressing the left side (west side) of the multidirectional key shown in FIG. 2 is performed, the position of the cursor on the map displayed on the display unit is moved, and then the position of the cursor is confirmed. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which, when the multidirectional key illustrated in FIG. 2 is rotated, the cursor on the list displayed on the display unit is moved downward, and then the position of the cursor is determined. FIG. 11 is an exemplary hardware configuration diagram of a control unit provided in the main body of the mobile phone shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing a flow of processing for canceling processing based on the subsequent multi-directional key pressing operation when the multi-directional key pressing operation is not performed for the first predetermined time. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how the detection of the pressure is canceled in the initial operation area and the detection of the pressure is performed in the middle when the operation of tracing the multidirectional key along the circumferential direction is performed in the cancel state. FIG. FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart showing a flow of transition to a canceled state and subsequent cancellation of the canceled state in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of an electronic device and a computer program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a mobile phone will be described as an example of an electronic device. However, the electronic device is not limited to a mobile phone, and other types of devices such as an in-vehicle navigation device and a portable thin PC. It may be a portable device for music playback or a remote controller for operating these devices.

1. 1. First Embodiment 1.1 Structure of Multidirectional Switch Member FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile phone that is an example of an electronic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a mobile phone 1 that is an example of an electronic apparatus according to this embodiment includes a multidirectional switch member 2 that can be operated in multiple directions, and a display unit 3. The multi-directional switch member 2 includes a total of eight directions including four directions (hereinafter referred to as “reference direction”), and a direction between two adjacent reference directions (hereinafter referred to as “intermediate direction”). Each can be pressed in the direction. The multi-directional switch member 2 is a substantially circular switch member, and not only can be pressed in eight directions from the center thereof, but also can be pressed at the center portion. The operation of the multidirectional switch member 2 is preferably performed using, for example, the thumb T of the hand holding the mobile phone 1. The multi-directional switch member 2 is not limited to eight directions, and can be pressed and input in only four reference directions or in a plurality of directions including an arbitrary number of one or more intermediate directions in the four reference directions. Also good.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the multidirectional switch member shown in FIG. 1 is removed from the mobile phone and seen partially transparently from the front direction. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the multidirectional switch member shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multidirectional switch member 2 includes a thin, substantially disc-shaped elastic pressing member 11 and a substantially disc-shaped printed circuit board (PCB) 20 disposed on the back side thereof. The elastic pressing member 11 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermosetting elastomer, natural rubber or the like, and more preferably made of silicone rubber. The elastic pressing member 11 is in a non-contact state from the PCB 20 by the outer peripheral annular portion 11a fixed to the PCB 20 from the radially outer side to the inner side, the bent dome 11b that can be elastically bent in the front and back directions, and the bent dome 11b. And a drive plate 11c supported by the motor. A substantially central portion of the front side surface of the drive plate 11c is provided with a protruding portion 11d that protrudes in the front direction. The PCB 20 is preferably a glass epoxy circuit board in which a cloth knitted with glass fibers is impregnated with an epoxy resin. However, as the PCB 20, a circuit substrate in which a cloth knitted with carbon fiber is impregnated with PET resin, a polyimide substrate in which a polyimide film is laminated and bonded, a glass composite substrate, or a ceramic substrate made of alumina or the like may be employed. A confirmation key 13 is fixed to the protruding portion 11 d of the elastic pressing member 11. The confirmation key 13 can be preferably made of resin, metal, glass or the like. The top surface of the confirmation key 13 protrudes gently. A thin flange 13 a that protrudes radially outward from the main body of the confirmation key 13 is formed at the lower end of the confirmation key 13.

  Further, a ring-shaped multidirectional key 12 is fixed to the outside of the protrusion 11d of the drive plate 11c. The multidirectional key 12 is preferably made of the same material as the confirm key 13. The upper surface of the multidirectional key 12 is gently inclined downward from the outer peripheral portion thereof toward the confirmation key 13. A thin flange 12 a is formed at the lower end of the multidirectional key 12 so as to protrude radially outward from the main body of the multidirectional key 12. In addition, a thin protrusion 12 b that protrudes radially inward from the main body of the multidirectional key 12 is formed at the upper end of the multidirectional key 12. The flange 13a of the confirmation key 13 and the protruding portion 12b of the multidirectional key 12 are in a non-contact state with the multidirectional key 12 and the confirmation key 13, respectively, and partially overlap in the front and back directions. Furthermore, in the front and back direction of the flange 13a and the protrusion 12b, a space is formed in which the protrusion 12b can move in the pressed direction when the multidirectional key 12 is pressed down. A single presser 15 that protrudes toward the PCB 20 is formed at a substantially central portion of the back surface of the drive plate 11c. Further, a total of four pressing elements 16a, 16c, 16e, and 16g projecting toward the PCB 20 at 90 degree intervals at the vicinity of the outer periphery of the back surface (only the pressing elements 16c and 16g are visible in FIG. 3). Is formed. Hereinafter, when the pressers 16a, 16c, 16e, and 16g are collectively referred to, they are referred to as a presser 16. The pressers 15 and 16 are made of resin, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the area between the pressing element 15 and the pressing element 16 on the back surface of the driving plate 11c, a total of 8 pieces, one at a central angle of about 45 degrees from the center of the driving plate 11c. The contact elastic bodies 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g and 14h (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contact elastic bodies 14”) are fixed. The contact elastic bodies 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h are positioned between two contact elastic bodies 14 in which the respective pressers 16a, 16c, 16e, and 16g are adjacent in the circumferential direction. So that it is arranged. As shown in FIG. 3, the contact elastic body 14 has a substantially hemispherical shape, and is fixed to the back surface of the drive plate 11c so that the tip of the spherical surface faces the PCB 20 side. On the front side surface of the PCB 20, one metal dome 50 is disposed at a position facing the pressing element 15, and one metal dome 52, 54 is disposed at a position facing each of the pressing elements 16a, 16c, 16e, 16g. Has been. The configuration on the PCB 20 will be described in detail later. The contact elastic body 14 is fixed to the drive plate 11c in such a size that its tip position is lower than the tip positions of the pressers 15 and 16. This is because on the PCB 20, the metal domes 50, 52, 54, etc. with which the pressing members 15, 16 are in contact are higher than the electrode group (described later) with which the contact elastic bodies 14 are in contact.

  The contact elastic body 14 is made of a material having high flexibility so that it can be elastically deformed after contacting on the PCB 20. In addition, a conductive material is dispersed in the contact elastic body 14 in order to impart conductivity. Examples of the conductive material include carbon, metal, and the like, but carbon black that can easily manufacture a material having a small particle size (nano-level particles) and that can be easily handled is more preferable. Moreover, as a base material which comprises the elastic body 14 for contacts, a silicone rubber, a urethane resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, and natural rubber can be used, Among these, a silicone rubber is preferable. The mixing amount of the conductive material is preferably 5 to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the silicone rubber material and the conductive material, from the viewpoint of enhancing the conductivity and maintaining the elasticity of the silicone rubber. Is more preferably 15 to 35% by weight.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the PCB. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state where the metal dome is removed from the PCB shown in FIG.

  A PCB 20 shown in FIG. 4 is disposed opposite to the back side of the elastic pressing member 11 and detects that a pressing operation has been performed in response to pressing from the confirmation key 13 and the multidirectional key 12. In the PCB 20, positions corresponding to the back sides of the contact elastic bodies 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h are comb electrode groups 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, which are examples of contact electrode groups. , 21e, 21f, 21g, 21h (referred to collectively as “comb electrode group 21”). The comb-tooth electrode group 21 is configured by arranging a plurality of comb-shaped electrodes having a large number of teeth so as not to contact each other, and includes four reference directions (here, four directions of north, east, south, and west) The reference direction comb electrode groups 21a, 21c, 21e, and 21g arranged in the middle direction (here, northeast, southeast, southwest, It is divided into interdigital electrode groups 21b, 21d, 21f, and 21h for intermediate directions arranged in four directions in the northwest. When the contact elastic bodies 14 are pressed and brought into contact with each other from above each comb electrode group 21, the contact area between each comb electrode group 21 and each contact elastic body 14 increases according to the press, As a result, the electrical resistance between the electrodes constituting each comb electrode group 21 is reduced. That is, each contact elastic body 14 exhibits a variable resistance function capable of changing the electrical resistance between the electrodes constituting the comb electrode group 21.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the outside of the comb electrode group 21a and the outside of the comb electrode group 21b, the outside of the comb electrode group 21b and the outside of the comb electrode group 21c, the outside of the comb electrode group 21c and the comb electrode Outside the group 21d, outside the comb electrode group 21d and outside the comb electrode group 21e, outside the comb electrode group 21e and outside the comb electrode group 21f, outside the comb electrode group 21f and the comb electrode group 21g , The outer side of the comb electrode group 21g, the outer side of the comb electrode group 21h, the outer side of the comb electrode group 21h, and the outer side of the comb electrode group 21a are respectively a wiring 22, a wiring 23, a wiring 24, a wiring 25, The wiring 26, the wiring 27, the wiring 28 and the wiring 29 are connected. Also, the inside of the comb electrode group 21b and the inside of the comb electrode group 21c, the inside of the comb electrode group 21c and the inside of the comb electrode group 21d, the inside of the comb electrode group 21d and the inside of the comb electrode group 21e, The inside of the comb electrode group 21e, the inside of the comb electrode group 21f, the inside of the comb electrode group 21f, the inside of the comb electrode group 21g, the inside of the comb electrode group 21g, the inside of the comb electrode group 21h, and the comb teeth The inner side of the electrode group 21h and the inner side of the comb electrode group 21a are connected by a wiring 33, a wiring 34, a wiring 35, a wiring 36, a wiring 37, a wiring 38, and a wiring 39, respectively.

  One metal dome 50 is arranged at the center of the region surrounded by each comb electrode group 21 and at a position corresponding to the lower side of the pressing element 15. As described above, the upper surface position of the metal dome 50 is higher than that of the comb electrode group 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer peripheral end face of the metal dome 50 is electrically connected to an annular grounding electrode 61 formed on the PCB 20. Further, a circular electrode 62 is arranged inside the grounding electrode 61 so as not to contact either the grounding electrode 61 or the metal dome 50. When the confirmation key 13 is pressed toward the PCB 20, the presser 15 is pushed downward, and the metal dome 50 can be dented. As a result, the central portion of the metal dome 50 comes into contact with the electrode 62, thereby The electrode 61 and the electrode 62 are electrically connected. The inner side of the comb electrode group 21 a is connected to the ground electrode 61 by the wiring 40.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, each position corresponding to the outer side of the comb electrode groups 21a, 21c, 21e, and 21g on the PCB 20 and below the pressers 16a, 16c, 16e, and 16g, One metal dome 51, 52, 53, 54 is arranged. The upper surface positions of the metal domes 51, 52, 53, 54 are higher than that of the comb electrode group 21 as in the metal dome 50 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer peripheral end faces of the metal domes 51, 52, 53, 54 are electrically connected to annular electrodes 63, 65, 67, 69 formed on the PCB 20, respectively. Inside the annular electrodes 63, 65, 67, 69, circular earth electrodes 64, 66, 68, 70 are respectively connected to the annular electrodes 63, 65, 67, 69 and the metal domes 51, It arrange | positions so that it may not contact any of 52,53,54. When a certain direction of the multi-directional key 12 is pressed toward the PCB 20, a part of the pressers 16a, 16c, 16e, and 16g in the periphery of the direction is pressed downward, and the metal domes 51, 52, 53, and 54 are pushed. As a result, the central portions of the metal domes 51, 52, 53, and 54 are in contact with the grounding electrodes 64, 66, 68, and 70 immediately below the metal domes 51, 52, 53, and 54, and the grounding electrodes 64 and 66 are connected. , 68, 70 and the annular electrodes 63, 65, 67, 69 are electrically connected. Instead of the metal domes 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 described above, other types of mechanical switches such as resin emboss switches (for example, PET domes) and tactile switches may be used. In addition, mechanical switches such as metal domes 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 can be provided on the elastic pressing member 11 side.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the comb electrode group 21 a that is one of the reference direction comb electrode groups is an outer side when viewed from the center (the point where the electrode 62 is located) surrounded by the eight comb electrode groups 21. Hereinafter, it is composed of a comb-tooth electrode 71 on the inside (simply referred to as “outside”) and a comb-tooth electrode 91 on the inside (hereinafter simply referred to as “inside”) as viewed from the electrode 62. The comb-teeth electrode 71 and the comb-teeth electrode 91 are formed in an arrangement that meshes teeth alternately. The comb electrode group 21b, which is one of the comb electrodes for the intermediate direction, includes a half comb electrode 72 disposed on the outer side and closer to the comb electrode group 21a, and an outer comb line. It is comprised from the half comb-tooth electrode 74 arrange | positioned at the side near the electrode group 21c, and the comb-tooth electrode 92 arrange | positioned inside the half comb-tooth electrodes 72 and 74. As shown in FIG. The half comb-tooth electrode 72 and the like are electrodes having a size that is approximately half the length in the direction perpendicular to the teeth of the comb-tooth electrode 71 and the like. The same applies to the other half comb electrodes 74 and the like. The comb electrode group 21c, which is one of the reference direction comb electrode groups, has the same form as the comb electrode group 21a, and is composed of an outer comb electrode 75 and an inner comb electrode 93. The The comb electrode group 21d, which is one of the comb electrodes for the intermediate direction, has the same form as the comb electrode group 21b, and is a half comb tooth disposed on the outer side and near the comb electrode group 21c. The electrode 76, the half comb-tooth electrode 77 arrange | positioned in the outer side and the side close | similar to the comb-tooth electrode group 21e, and the comb-tooth electrode 94 arrange | positioned inside the half comb-tooth electrodes 76 and 77 are comprised. .

  The comb electrode group 21e, which is one of the reference direction comb electrode groups, has the same form as the comb electrode group 21a, and includes an outer comb electrode 78 and an inner comb electrode 95. The The comb electrode group 21f, which is one of the comb electrodes for the intermediate direction, has the same form as the comb electrode group 21b, and is a half comb tooth that is arranged on the outer side and close to the comb electrode group 21e. The electrode 79 includes a half comb electrode 80 disposed on the outer side and close to the comb electrode group 21g, and a comb electrode 96 disposed on the inner side of the half comb electrodes 79 and 80. . A comb-tooth electrode group 21g, which is one of the reference-direction comb-tooth electrode groups, has the same form as the comb-tooth electrode group 21a, and is composed of an outer comb-tooth electrode 81 and an inner comb-tooth electrode 97. The The comb electrode group 21h, which is one of the comb electrodes for the intermediate direction, has the same form as the comb electrode group 21b, and is a half comb tooth disposed on the outer side and closer to the comb electrode group 21g. The electrode 82 includes a comb electrode 73 disposed on the outer side and close to the comb electrode group 21a, and a comb electrode 98 disposed on the inner side of the half comb electrodes 82 and 73. .

  In this way, the four comb electrode groups 21a, 21c, 21e, and 21g, which are the comb electrodes for the reference direction, have a configuration in which the comb electrode on the outside and the comb electrode on the inside are engaged with each other, The four comb electrode groups 21b, 21d, 21f, and 21h, which are the comb electrodes for the intermediate direction, have a configuration in which two half comb electrodes on the outside and a comb electrode on the inside are engaged with each other. The sizes of the half comb electrodes 72, 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 73 are the comb electrodes 71, 75, 78, 81, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98. Is approximately half the size. The wiring 22, wiring 23, wiring 24, wiring 25, wiring 26, wiring 27, wiring 28, and wiring 29 described above are the comb-tooth electrode 71 and the half-comb electrode 72, the half-comb-tooth electrode 74, and the comb-tooth electrode. 75, a comb-tooth electrode 75 and a half-comb electrode 76, a half-comb electrode 77 and a comb-tooth electrode 78, a comb-tooth electrode 78 and a half-comb electrode 79, a half-comb electrode 80 and a comb-tooth electrode 81 The comb electrode 81 and the half comb electrode 82 are connected, and the half comb electrode 73 and the comb electrode 71 are connected to each other. Further, the wiring 33, the wiring 34, the wiring 35, the wiring 36, the wiring 37, the wiring 38 and the wiring 39 described above include the comb-tooth electrode 92 and the comb-tooth electrode 93, the comb-tooth electrode 93 and the comb-tooth electrode 94, Comb electrode 94 and comb electrode 95, comb electrode 95 and comb electrode 96, comb electrode 96 and comb electrode 97, comb electrode 97 and comb electrode 98, and comb electrode 98 Comb electrodes 91 are connected to each other.

  The half comb electrode 73, the comb electrode 71, the half comb electrode 72, and the annular electrode 63 are electrodes for detecting an input in the north (N) direction. The half comb electrode 74, the comb electrode 75, the half comb electrode 76, and the annular electrode 65 are electrodes for detecting input in the east (E) direction. The half comb electrode 77, the comb electrode 78, the half comb electrode 79, and the annular electrode 67 are electrodes for detecting an input in the south (S) direction. The half comb electrode 80, the comb electrode 81, the half comb electrode 82, and the annular electrode 69 are electrodes for detecting input in the west (W) direction. That is, among the comb electrode groups 21 on the PCB 20, the comb electrode group for the intermediate direction is not an electrode for detecting an input in each direction in the intermediate direction (northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest), but the intermediate It is comprised from the electrode for detecting the input of the reference direction of the both sides of a direction. When the metal domes 51, 52, 53, 54 are pushed in and the annular electrodes 63, 65, 67, 69 are electrically connected to the circular electrodes 64, 66, 68, 70, each comb tooth A function different from the function when the electrode group 21 is pressed can be exhibited.

1.2 Method of Specifying Operation Direction FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a contact region to each comb electrode group when a predetermined direction on the multidirectional key is pressed and a method of specifying the operation direction at that time. FIG. 6 to 8, the annular electrodes 63, 65, 67, 69 and the circular electrodes 64, 66, 68, 70 are not shown in order to avoid the complexity of the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the north direction on the multidirectional key 12 (upward direction in FIG. 6) is pressed toward the PCB 20, the contact elastic bodies 14a, 14b, and 14h are referred to as N, NE, and NW, respectively. The comb electrode group on the PCB 20 is contacted at three contact areas. Here, it is assumed that the areas of the three contact regions are substantially equal. The contact area N is an area in which the comb electrode 71 and the comb electrode 91 are in contact with each other so as to be connected. The contact region NE is a region that contacts the half comb electrodes 72 and 74 and the comb electrode 92 so as to connect each other. Further, the contact area NW is an area in which the half comb electrodes 73 and 82 and the comb electrode 98 are in contact with each other. Since the north direction is pressed, the contact elastic body 14 and the comb electrode group 21 are not in contact with each other in five directions other than the north direction, the northeast direction, and the northwest direction. The electric resistance value between the comb electrodes (or between the half comb electrodes and the comb electrodes) becomes smaller in inverse proportion to the area of the contact region. For this reason, when a constant current flows, the voltage value between the comb electrodes (or between the half comb electrodes and the comb electrodes) decreases in inverse proportion to the area of the contact region. If the point (corresponding to a numerical value linked to the measured value called the voltage value) is increased as the voltage value is smaller, 20 points are given to the voltage value in the north direction based on the contact areas N, NE, NW. For example, 5 points are assigned to the east voltage value based on the west direction and the west direction voltage value based on the contact area NW, respectively. In the south direction, the electric resistance value between the comb electrodes (or between the half comb electrodes and the comb electrodes) is infinite, and no points are given. As a result, as shown in Table 101, 20 points are given in the north direction, 5 points in the east direction, and 5 points in the west direction. When points in opposite directions are subtracted, only 20 points in the north direction remain. As a result, a combined vector 102 in the north direction is generated, and the pressing operation direction is determined as the north direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the north-east direction on the multi-directional key 12 (upper right direction in FIG. 7) is pressed toward the PCB 20, the contact elastic bodies 14b, 14c, 14a are NE, E, and It contacts the comb electrode group on the PCB 20 in three contact areas N. Here, it is assumed that the areas of the three contact regions are substantially equal. The contact region NE is a region that contacts the half comb electrodes 72 and 74 and the comb electrode 92 so as to connect each other. The contact area E is an area in which the comb electrode 75 and the comb electrode 93 are in contact with each other. Further, the contact region N is a region that contacts the comb electrode 71 and the comb electrode 91 so as to connect them. Since the total contact areas in the north and east directions are equal, the voltage values are also equal. Further, since the northeast direction is pressed, the contact elastic body 14 and the comb electrode group 21 are not in contact in five directions other than the northeast direction, the north direction, and the east direction. In the west and south directions, the electric resistance value between the comb electrodes (or between the half comb electrodes and the comb electrodes) is infinite, and no points are given. As a result, as shown in Table 105, for example, 15 points are given in the north direction and 15 points in the east direction, respectively. The points given in the north direction and the points given in the east direction are the same, and there is no difference. As a result, a composite vector 108 in the northeast direction is generated, and the pressing operation direction is determined as the northeast direction.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, when the eastward slightly northeast direction on the multidirectional key 12 is pressed toward the PCB 20, the contact elastic bodies 14 b, 14 c, 14 d, and 14 a are respectively NE, The comb electrode group on the PCB 20 is contacted in four contact areas E, SE, and N. Here, the ratio of the contact areas of the contact regions NE, E, SE, and N is assumed to be 10: 10: 8: 2. Since the direction of the pressing operation is slightly eastward in the east direction, the contact area N at a position greatly deviating from that direction is smaller than the other contact areas NE, E, and SE. In this example, if the point given to the voltage value between the comb electrode 75 and the comb electrode 93 is 10 points, the voltage value between the half comb electrodes 72, 74 and the comb electrode 92. The points given to is also 10 points. The points given to the voltage value between the half comb-tooth electrodes 76 and 77 and the comb-tooth electrode 94 are 8 points, and are given to the voltage value between the comb-tooth electrode 71 and the comb-tooth electrode 91. The points to be played are 2 points. In the west direction, the electric resistance value between the comb electrodes (or between the half comb electrodes and the comb electrodes) is infinite, and no points are given. As a result, as shown in Table 109, 7 points are given in the north direction, 19 points in the east direction, and 4 points in the south direction.

  Here, north and south are opposite directions. For this reason, the points given in the north direction and the points in the south direction are subtracted. On the other hand, although the point in the west direction is zero, in the actual calculation, the point in the west direction (zero point) is subtracted from the point in the east direction (19 points). Next, a north vector and a east vector having a magnitude corresponding to the difference between the north and south points are combined to generate a combined vector 112. As a result, the pressing operation direction is determined to be the direction of the composite vector 112, that is, the direction slightly to the northeast in the east direction.

  The composite vector 112 is a direction that does not completely match any of the reference direction (north, east, south, west) and the intermediate direction (northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest). By performing the vector calculation process as described above, it is possible to specify an arbitrary direction that does not match the eight directions set in advance in the multidirectional switch member 2 and its strength. One of the advantages is that when a so-called rotation operation in which the multi-directional key 12 is traced along the circumferential direction is performed, a change in vector that changes every moment can be detected in detail.

  On the other hand, if a vector having a direction that does not match any of the eight directions, such as the composite vector 112, is always recognized as the operation direction, the function of the key in any of the eight directions will be exhibited. Inconvenience occurs when For this reason, in cases other than the above-described rotation operation, it is preferable to determine which of the eight directions the combined vector 112 is within. For example, the multi-directional key 12 is divided into 8 regions each having a central angle of 45 degrees, and assigned to 8 directions of north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest. Since the composite vector 112 exists in the east region, the east direction is determined as the operation direction. As described above, when the operation direction is determined as any one of the eight directions depending on the region in which the composite vector generated when a plurality of directions on the multi-directional key 12 are pressed, the operation other than the rotation operation is performed. No problem.

1.3 Cursor movement status FIG. 9 shows an operation of pressing the left side (west side) of the multidirectional key shown in FIG. 2 to move the cursor on the map displayed on the display unit. It is a figure which shows the condition to decide, (9A) shows a mode that the left side of a multidirectional key is pressed, (9B) shows the condition where the cursor on the map displayed on a display part moves, respectively.

  For example, when the map P is displayed on the display unit 3 and the left side P of the multi-directional key 12 (blacked portion in FIG. 9 (9A)) is continuously pressed, the map is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 (9B). The position of the cursor 120 displayed above moves in the direction of the arrow (that is, the left side). This is synonymous even if the map image moves in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the cursor 120 (on the right side). If the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is stopped and the center key 13 is pressed, the position of the cursor 120 is determined. There is a possibility that the multidirectional key 12 may be touched almost simultaneously with the pressing of the confirmation key 13. However, as will be described later, if the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is not performed for a first predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds), the processing based on the subsequent pressing of the multidirectional key 12 is canceled. Therefore, when the operator continuously presses the multi-directional key 12 and then shifts to the pressing operation of the confirm key 13, the press operation of only the confirm key 13 is detected, and the multi-directional key is detected. The detection of the twelve pressing operations is cancelled. As a result, the risk that the position of the cursor 120 will move again is extremely low. Here, the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 can be defined as a pressing operation in which the interval between pressing operations of the multidirectional key 12 is less than the first predetermined time. The interval between the pressing operations can be set to a very short time compared to the first predetermined time (for example, when the first predetermined time is 0.5 seconds, the interval between the pressing operations is 0.1 second). .

  FIG. 10 shows that the cursor on the list displayed on the display unit is moved downward when the multi-directional key shown in FIG. 2 is traced along the circumferential direction (hereinafter also referred to as “rotation operation”). FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the position of the cursor is subsequently determined. FIG. 10A illustrates a state in which a multi-directional key is rotated, and FIG. 10B illustrates the position of the cursor on the list displayed on the display unit. Each situation is shown.

  For example, when the multi-directional key 12 is continuously pressed in the state where the list is displayed on the display unit 3 so as to trace clockwise (in the direction of the arrow F) along the circumferential direction, FIG. 10 (10B). As shown, the position of the cursor 130 displayed on the list moves downward. This is synonymous even if the image of the list moves in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the cursor 130 (upward). When the rotation operation of the multidirectional key 12 is stopped and the center key 13 is pressed, the position of the cursor 130 is determined. There is a possibility that the multi-directional key 12 may be touched almost simultaneously with the pressing of the confirmation key 13, but as described above, if the multi-directional key 12 is not continuously pressed for the first predetermined time, the subsequent multi-directional key 12 is touched. Since the process based on the pressing operation is canceled, the position of the cursor 130 does not move again.

1.4 Schematic Configuration of Control Unit FIG. 11 is an exemplary hardware configuration diagram of the control unit provided in the main body of the mobile phone shown in FIG.

  The control unit 150 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 151, a read-only memory (ROM) 152, a readable / writable memory (RAM) 153, a video RAM (VRAM) 154, and an electric or voltage operation to store data. A memory (EEPROM) 155 that can be erased or rewritten and an interface (I / F) 156 are provided. The controller 150 can be provided on the PCB 20 of the multidirectional switch member 2 or other than the PCB 20.

  The ROM 152 is a memory that stores read-only information such as a control program for the CPU 151. In addition to determining the operation direction (OS), various application software, and the direction of the pressing operation in this embodiment, the RAM 153 causes the CPU 151 to perform subsequent operations when the multi-directional key 12 is not continuously pressed for the first predetermined time. It is a readable / writable memory storing a computer program and the like necessary for functioning as canceling means for canceling processing based on the pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12.

  The computer program is installed in the mobile phone 1 via an external network, or an information recording medium is loaded into a slot (not shown) in the mobile phone 1, and the computer program stored in the information recording medium is You may make it store in RAM153 in the control part 150, or EEPROM155.

  The VRAM 154 is a memory for temporarily storing data when displaying various data on the display unit 3. The EEPROM 155 is also a memory in which data is temporarily written. The interface 156 is a part that receives a signal from the outside of the control unit 150 or transmits a signal to the outside. Here, “outside of the control unit 150” includes “outside of the mobile phone 1”.

  The CPU 151 also serves as canceling means for canceling the processing based on the subsequent pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 when the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is not performed for the first predetermined time. Here, the first predetermined time can be arbitrarily set at any time, but after the multi-directional key 12 is continuously pressed, the multi-directional key 12 is erroneously set when the confirm key 13 is subsequently pressed. In order to prevent malfunction due to contact, 0.05 to 1.0 seconds, and further 0.2 to 0.7 seconds are preferable.

  At least one of the ROM 152, the RAM 153, and the EEPROM 155, which are memories, is provided between the comb electrodes 71 and the comb electrodes 91 and the like when the contact elastic bodies 14 come into contact with the comb electrodes 21 ( Alternatively, it is possible to store a table or a mathematical expression describing the value of the point according to the voltage value between the half comb electrode 72 and the like and the comb electrode 92 and the like. Here, the “point” is interpreted in a broad sense so as to include a numerical value corresponding to an electric resistance value or a current value in addition to a numerical value corresponding to a voltage value. In addition, the point can be any numerical value other than the numerical values exemplified in Tables 101, 105, and 109 of FIGS.

1.5 Exemplary Flow of Moving Process FIG. 12 shows a flow of a process for canceling a process based on a subsequent multidirectional key pressing operation when the multidirectional key continuous pressing operation is not performed for the first predetermined time. It is an example of the flowchart which shows.

  The CPU 151 determines whether or not the detection of the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is not performed for the first predetermined time (step ST1). As a result of the determination, if the multidirectional key 12 is pressed before reaching the first predetermined time, the process of step ST1 is repeated. On the other hand, if the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is not performed for the first predetermined time, the CPU 151 cancels the processing based on the subsequent pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 (step ST2). The CPU 151 performs each process up to step ST1 and step ST2 as canceling means. However, the CPU 151 determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed by dividing each process into individual means. It is good also as a cancellation state setting means which makes a cancellation state by progress of a means and 1st predetermined time.

2. Second Embodiment 2.1 Structure of Multidirectional Switch Member Since the second embodiment of the electronic device includes a multidirectional switch member having the same form as that of the first embodiment, description of the multidirectional switch member is provided. Are omitted.

2.2 Schematic Configuration of Control Unit The configuration of the control unit of the mobile phone 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the configuration shown in FIG. The control unit 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a VRAM 154, an EEPROM 155, and an I / F 156. The controller 150 may be provided on the PCB 20 of the multidirectional switch member 2 or on any other than the PCB 20. In terms of such a configuration, the second embodiment and the first embodiment are common.

  The ROM 152 is a memory that stores read-only information such as a control program for the CPU 151. In addition to determining the OS, various application software, and the pressing operation direction in this embodiment, the RAM 153 causes the CPU 151 to perform the subsequent multidirectional key 12 if the multidirectional key 12 is not continuously pressed for the first predetermined time. Canceling means for canceling the processing based on the pressing operation, and pressing operation of the multi-directional key 12 or other keys (including the confirmation key 13) in the cancel state is continuously performed for a second predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). When this is done, it is a readable / writable memory storing a computer program and the like necessary for functioning as a cancel state canceling means for canceling the cancel state.

  In addition, the computer program for performing each of the above processes is separately stored in the RAM 153, and the CPU 151 reads the computer program to perform a process for canceling, and a process for canceling the cancel state thereafter. Anyway. The computer program is installed in the mobile phone 1 via an external network, or an information recording medium is loaded into a slot (not shown) in the mobile phone 1 and stored in the information recording medium. May be stored in the RAM 153 or the EEPROM 155 in the control unit 150.

  The VRAM 154 is a memory for temporarily storing data when displaying various data on the display unit 3. The EEPROM 155 is also a memory in which data is temporarily written. The interface 156 is a part that receives a signal from the outside of the control unit 150 or transmits a signal to the outside. Here, “outside of the control unit 150” includes “outside of the mobile phone 1”.

  The CPU 151 cancels the processing based on the subsequent pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 when the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is not performed for the first predetermined time, and in the cancel state, the multidirectional key 12 or When the other key pressing operation is continuously performed for the second predetermined time, it also serves as cancellation state cancellation means for canceling the cancellation state. Here, the second predetermined time can be arbitrarily set at any time, but since it needs to be in a state that can be detected early from the start of the operation, 0.05 to 1.0 seconds, and further 0.2 to 0.7 seconds is preferred.

2.3 Exemplary Flow of Movement Processing FIG. 13 shows that when an operation of tracing the multi-directional key along its circumferential direction is performed in the cancel state, the detection of the press is canceled in the initial operation region, and the press is performed from the middle. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that this detection is performed.

  In the cancel state, when an operation of first tracing the multidirectional key 12 along the circumferential direction (rotation operation in the direction of the arrow F) is performed, the multidirectional switch member 2 performs the process performed by the operation for a second predetermined time. ,Cancel. For example, when the multi-directional key 12 shown in FIG. 13 is traced clockwise from the 12 o'clock direction, until the second predetermined time elapses (in this example, from the 12 o'clock direction to the 3 o'clock direction). The process that should be performed by the operation is canceled. In FIG. 13, the rotation range in the canceled state is indicated by a white arrow F1. After the second predetermined time has elapsed (from the 3 o'clock direction), the cancel state is canceled and processing based on the tracing operation is performed. In FIG. 13, the rotation range in which the process is performed is indicated by a black arrow F2.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart showing a flow of transition to a canceled state and subsequent cancellation of the canceled state in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The CPU 151 determines whether or not the detection of the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is not performed for the first predetermined time (step ST11). As a result of the determination, if the multidirectional key 12 is pressed before the first predetermined time, the process of step ST11 is repeated. On the other hand, when the continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 is not performed for the first predetermined time, the CPU 151 cancels the processing based on the subsequent pressing operation of the multidirectional key 12 (step ST12). In such a cancel state, the CPU 151 detects that the multi-directional key 12 or other keys are continuously operated, and determines whether or not the operation time has reached the second predetermined time (step ST13). ). While the continuous operation time has not reached the second predetermined time, the cancel state is continued. On the other hand, when the continuous operation continues for the second predetermined time, the CPU 151 cancels the cancel state as a cancel state cancel unit (step ST14).

  The CPU 151 performs each process up to step ST11 and step ST12 as canceling means. However, the CPU 151 divides each process into means for performing each process separately to determine whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed. It is good also as a cancellation state setting means which makes a cancellation state by progress of a means and 1st predetermined time. In addition, the CPU 151 performs each process up to step ST13 and step ST14 as a cancel state cancellation unit, but the second predetermined time elapses for determining the elapse of the second predetermined time by dividing each process into individual units. Presence / absence determining means and cancel cancellation setting means for canceling the canceled state after the elapse of the second predetermined time may be used.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented with various modifications.

  For example, the multi-directional key 12 is a single ring-shaped key that can be pressed in multiple directions. Instead of this, four or eight keys are arranged in a ring at intervals, and each direction May be made pressable. Further, the confirmation key 13 is not an essential component, and may be a ring-shaped key or any other shape arranged outside the multidirectional key 12. The first predetermined time and the second predetermined time have been described as the same 0.5 seconds as an example, but each predetermined time may be set to a different time. Further, instead of the comb electrode group, a contact electrode group using a form other than the comb teeth, for example, a semicircular electrode, may be formed on the PCB 20.

  The present invention can be used for electronic devices, particularly small electronic devices.

1 Mobile phone (electronic equipment)
2 Multi-directional switch member 3 Display unit 12 Multi-directional key 13 Confirmation key (also serves as an example of other keys)
20 PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
150 control unit 151 CPU (cancellation means, cancel state cancellation means)
152 ROM (an example of memory)
153 RAM (an example of memory)
155 EEPROM (an example of memory)

Claims (5)

An electronic device including a multidirectional switch member that enables multidirectional operation in the plane, and a control unit that controls processing based on the operation of the multidirectional switch member,
The multi-directional switch member is
One or more multi-directional keys that can be pressed in the front and back directions in the multi-direction in the plane;
A printed circuit board for detecting a pressing operation from the multidirectional key;
With
The control unit
An electronic apparatus comprising: canceling means for canceling a process based on a subsequent pressing operation of the multidirectional key when a continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key is not performed for a first predetermined time. The multi-directional key is a ring-shaped key,
In the center of the multi-directional key, comprising a confirmation key that can confirm the operation of the multi-directional key,
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation key can be pressed even in a cancel state by the cancel unit. The controller is
The apparatus further comprises cancellation state cancellation means for canceling the cancellation state when the multi-directional key or other key is pressed continuously for a second predetermined time in the cancellation state by the cancellation means. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2. Multidirectional switch member having one or two or more multidirectional keys that can be pressed in the front and back directions in the multidirectional direction and a printed circuit board for detecting a pressing operation from the multidirectional key, and the multidirectional switch member A computer program that can be installed in the memory of the control unit of the electronic device comprising a control unit that controls processing based on the operation of the switch member,
By running it
The control unit
A computer program that functions as canceling means for canceling a process based on a subsequent pressing operation of the multidirectional key when a continuous pressing operation of the multidirectional key is not performed for a first predetermined time.   The controller is further caused to function as a canceling state canceling unit that cancels the canceling state when the multidirectional key or other key is pressed continuously for a second predetermined time in the canceling state by the canceling unit. The computer program according to claim 4.

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