JP2012009956A - Mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile terminal device which can perform excellent communication by means of an infrared ray.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal device 1 comprises a main display panel 21a, a main visible light source 21c for emitting a visible light, a light guiding plate 26 for guiding a visible light to the main display panel 21a, a main display infrared light source 21d for emitting an infrared ray, and a communication control unit 100a for performing infrared ray communication processing of making the main display infrared light source 21d emit an infrared ray signal based on external operation. Here, the main display infrared light source 21d is placed so that the infrared ray signal will be led to a main liquid crystal display panel by the light guiding plate 26. For example, a plurality of main visible light sources 21c are placed at a first side surface side of the guiding plate 26, and a plurality of main display infrared light sources 21d are placed at a second side surface side opposite of the first side surface of the guiding plate 26.

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and is particularly suitable for use in infrared communication.

  Conventionally, a portable terminal device having a function of communicating with an external device using infrared rays is known. In such a portable terminal device, for example, a light emitting / receiving unit that transmits and receives an infrared signal is provided in a part of the housing (for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in the conventional portable terminal device, since the radiation port of the infrared signal provided in the housing has a relatively small area, the radiation angle of the infrared signal emitted from the light emitting unit cannot be sufficiently expanded. For this reason, when data is sent to an external device having a relatively long distance using an infrared signal or the external device is remotely controlled, the infrared signal is hardly received by the external device. Therefore, the user needs to operate the portable terminal device so that the infrared signal can be easily received, such as accurately aligning the direction of the radiation port with the direction of the external device, which is not convenient.

  On the other hand, there is also a mobile terminal device that performs communication using a visible light source for illuminating a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel instead of an infrared signal (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2001-320458 A JP 2006-319408 A

  As described above, in the configuration in which visible light for communication is emitted from the display panel, the radiation angle of the visible light is widened, so that the user can perform communication simultaneously while viewing a predetermined screen on the display panel. It is. However, in this case, since visible light is modulated by communication, the screen may flicker, which may cause discomfort to the user. Even when the user does not look at the screen, the surroundings are brightened by visible light during communication, so that it is difficult to communicate in situations where it is necessary to keep the surroundings dark, such as when sleeping at night.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this subject, and it aims at providing the portable terminal device which can perform favorable communication using an infrared signal.

  A mobile terminal device according to a main aspect of the present invention is a mobile terminal device that communicates with an external device. The mobile terminal device is disposed on a display panel, a visible light source that emits visible light, and a back side of the display panel. A light guide plate that leads to the display panel; a first infrared light source that emits infrared light; and a communication control unit that performs infrared communication processing for causing the first infrared light source to emit the infrared light modulated according to an external operation. The first infrared light source is disposed so that the infrared light is guided to the display panel by the light guide plate.

  In the portable terminal device according to this aspect, the visible light source and the first infrared light source may be configured to be arranged on the same side surface side of the light guide plate.

  In the mobile terminal device according to this aspect, the light receiving element that receives infrared rays from the outside can be arranged on the same side as the visible light source and the first infrared light source. In this case, the light guide plate has a structure that reflects the infrared light from the first infrared light source to the display panel side and reflects the infrared light from the outside that has passed through the display panel to the light receiving element side. It is formed.

  In the mobile terminal device according to this aspect, the communication control unit may be configured to end the infrared communication process based on the fact that the next external operation is not performed for a certain time during the execution of the infrared communication process.

  The portable terminal device according to this aspect may further include a radiation window provided at a position different from the display panel, and a second infrared light source that emits infrared light to the outside through the radiation window. Here, the communication control unit causes the infrared light modulated according to an external operation to be emitted to the second infrared light source, and the light source emitting the infrared light is the first infrared light source or the second infrared light source. Switch to one of the light sources.

  The mobile terminal device according to this aspect may further include a charge detection unit that detects charging. Here, the communication control unit switches the light source that emits the infrared light to the first infrared light source when the charge detection unit detects the charging.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile terminal device that can perform good communication using an infrared signal.

It is a figure which shows the portable terminal device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the portable terminal device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display part which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the portable terminal device which concerns on embodiment. It is the optical control signal table of the infrared communication which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart of the infrared communication process which concerns on embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of bidirectional signal processing according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart of the time correction signal processing and operation signal processing which concern on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen display at the time of utilizing the infrared communication which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the portable terminal device which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the portable terminal device which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart of the infrared communication process which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the portable terminal device and rotation angle detection part which concern on embodiment. It is a flowchart of the infrared communication process which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the portable terminal device which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display part which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the portable terminal device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of First Embodiment>
FIG. 1A is a front view showing the mobile terminal device 1 in a state where the second cabinet 20 is set substantially vertically with respect to the first cabinet 10. FIG.1 (b) is a rear view which shows the portable terminal device 1 of the same state as Fig.1 (a). FIG. 2 is a side view showing the mobile terminal device 1 in the same state as FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal device 1 includes a first cabinet 10 and a second cabinet 20. The second cabinet 20 is rotatably connected to the first cabinet 10 by a hinge portion 30.

  A key operation unit 11 is provided on the front side of the first cabinet 10. The key operation unit 11 includes various keys such as a cursor key, a center key, a key for switching to various function modes, a call start key, a call end key, a number input key, and a character input key.

  On the front side of the second cabinet 20, a liquid crystal display panel (hereinafter referred to as a main display panel) 21 a of the main display unit 21 is disposed. A main display surface 21b is provided in front of the main display panel 21a, and the main display surface 21b faces the outside.

  On the back side of the second cabinet 20, a liquid crystal display panel (hereinafter referred to as a sub display panel) 23 a of the sub display unit 23 is disposed. A sub display surface 23b is provided in front of the sub display panel 23a, and the sub display surface 23b faces the outside.

  An infrared communication dedicated section (hereinafter referred to as a communication dedicated section) 24 is disposed on the upper portion of the second cabinet 20. The communication dedicated unit 24 includes an infrared light source (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated infrared light source) 24a dedicated to bidirectional infrared communication, a light receiving element (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated light receiving element) 24b, and a radiation window 24c. An infrared LED or the like is used as the dedicated infrared light source 24a, and the dedicated infrared light source 24a is disposed so as to emit light to the outside through the radiation window 24c. A photodiode or the like is used as the dedicated light receiving element 24b, and the dedicated light receiving element 24b is disposed so as to receive light from the outside through the radiation window 25. The dedicated infrared light source 24a corresponds to the second infrared light source of the present invention.

  The hinge part 30 includes a pair of rotating shafts 31 and a pair of bearing parts 32. The rotating shaft 31 extends from the connection side end of the second cabinet 20 to the left and right. The bearing portion 32 is formed at the connection side end portion of the first cabinet 10 and receives the rotation shaft 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 are folded so that the main display panel 21a and the key operation unit 11 face each other. Therefore, in the folded and closed state, the main display surface 21b and the key operation unit 11 are hidden from the outside.

  The second cabinet 20 can be opened to nearly 180 degrees by being rotated in the opening direction from a closed state (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 2). The hinge portion 30 has a click feeling at a position where the second cabinet 20 is opened to the end and a position where the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 are approximately 90 degrees (an angle position slightly larger than 90 degrees). As shown, a click mechanism (not shown) is provided. When the second cabinet 20 is opened, the main display panel 21a and the key operation unit 11 are exposed to the outside.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the main display unit 21. Since the sub display unit 23 has the same configuration as the main display unit 21, the description thereof is omitted. Here, the liquid crystal display panel of the sub display unit 23 is referred to as a sub display panel 23a, the visible light source is referred to as a sub visible light source 23c, and the infrared light source is referred to as a sub display infrared light source 23d. The sub-display infrared light source 21d corresponds to the first infrared light source of the present invention.

The main display unit 21 includes a main display panel 21a, a diffusion plate 25, a light guide plate 26, a reflection plate 27, a visible light source (hereinafter referred to as a main visible light source) 21c, and an infrared light source (hereinafter referred to as a main display infrared light source). .) 21d. The main display infrared light source 21d corresponds to the first infrared light source of the present invention.

  The main display panel 21a is a liquid crystal panel, for example, and has a vertically long rectangular shape. A diffusion plate 25 is disposed on the back side of the main display panel 21a. The diffusion plate 25 is a vertically long rectangular sheet, and a light guide plate 26 is disposed on the back side of the diffusion plate 25. The light guide plate 26 is a vertically long rectangular transparent plate, and is subjected to processing for changing the reflection direction of light such as grooving and dot printing on the back surface and performing irregular reflection. A reflector 27 is disposed on the back side of the light guide plate 26. The main display panel 21a, the diffusion plate 25, the light guide plate 26, and the reflection plate 27 are formed to have substantially the same size, and are stacked in this order.

  A main visible light source 21 c is disposed on the first side surface side of the light guide plate 26. A visible light LED or the like is used for the main visible light source 21c. A plurality of main visible light sources 21 c are arranged on a straight line along the first side surface of the light guide plate 26. A main display infrared light source 21d is disposed on the second side surface opposite to the first side surface. An infrared LED or the like is used as the main display infrared light source 21d. A plurality of main display infrared light sources 21 d are arranged on a straight line along the second side surface of the light guide plate 26. The main display infrared light source 21d is provided opposite to the main visible light source 21c with respect to the light guide plate 26, and the main visible light source 21c and the main display infrared light source 21d are arranged to face each other with the light guide plate 26 interposed therebetween. .

  In the main display unit 21, when the main visible light source 21c emits visible light, the visible light is applied to the first side surface of the light guide plate 26 and enters the light guide plate 26 from the first side surface. In the light guide plate 26, visible light travels while being reflected by the front and back surfaces of the light guide plate 26 and the reflection plate 27, and part of the visible light is emitted from the front surface of the light guide plate 26. The visible light from the light guide plate 26 enters the diffusion plate 25 and is diffused by the diffusion plate 25, then enters the main display panel 21a, and is uniformly emitted from the entire main display surface 21b.

  Similarly to the main visible light source 21c, the main display infrared light source 21d is also spread over the entire light guide plate 26 and emitted from the front surface of the light guide plate 26, and then diffused by the diffusion plate 25 to be displayed on the main display panel 21a. Is uniformly emitted from the entire main display surface 21b.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the mobile terminal device 1. FIG. 5 shows an optical control signal table for infrared communication.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal device 1 includes a CPU 100, a microphone 101, a voice encoder 102, a clock 103, a communication module 104, a memory 105, an optical decoder 106, and an infrared light source driving circuit 107 in addition to the above-described components. , A visible light source driving circuit 108, a video decoder 109, an audio decoder 110, a speaker 111, and an optical encoder 112.

  The microphone 101 converts an audio signal received from the outside into an electric signal and outputs it to the audio encoder 102. The audio encoder 102 converts the electrical signal from the microphone 101 into a signal that can be processed by the CPU 100 and outputs the signal to the CPU 100.

  The clock 103 measures time and outputs it to the CPU 100. The key operation unit 11 outputs a key signal to the CPU 100 when various keys are pressed.

  The dedicated light receiving element 24 b detects infrared rays from the outside, converts the infrared signals into electric signals, and outputs them to the optical encoder 112. The optical encoder 112 receives an electrical signal from the dedicated light receiving element 24b, converts it into a signal that can be processed by the CPU 100, and outputs the signal to the CPU 100.

  The communication module 104 converts an audio signal, an image signal, a text signal, etc. from the CPU 100 into a high frequency signal and transmits it to the base station via the antenna 104a. On the contrary, the high frequency signal received via the antenna 104a is converted into an audio signal, an image signal, a text signal, etc., and output to the CPU 100.

  The memory 105 includes a ROM and a RAM. The RAM temporarily stores data input by the key operation of the key operation unit 11. These data are read from the RAM as needed, or are collected as one piece of information and stored in the ROM.

  The ROM stores text data such as contact information, mail information, and memo information, and image data, audio data, text data, and the like captured from the outside via the communication module 104 in a predetermined file format. The ROM also stores a control program for operating the CPU 100 and an optical control signal table for infrared communication.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the optical control signal table for infrared communication includes a function item using infrared communication, an operation item operated by the function, a transmission target item in bidirectional communication, and a predetermined standard corresponding to the operation item. A light control signal is defined. Bidirectional communication and unidirectional communication are defined as function items.

  In bidirectional communication, the operation items include transmission in which the mobile terminal device 1 transmits data and the like to an external device, and reception in which the mobile terminal device 1 receives data and the like from the external device. Examples of objects to be transmitted by two-way communication include contacts and e-mails. Note that data is converted into an optical control signal based on a predetermined standard that defines transmission and reception of data, but since this conversion program is separately stored in the ROM, it is not defined in this table.

  In the unidirectional communication, a television, illumination, and a clock are included as external devices to be controlled by the mobile terminal device 1 through infrared communication. Operation items are listed for each of these external devices. For example, television operation items include channels 1, 2,... For channel switching operations, volume UP and volume DOWN for volume adjustment operations. Then, light control signals corresponding to the respective operation items are determined as signals C1, C2,.

  The optical decoder 106 shown in FIG. 4 receives the light control signal from the CPU 100, converts the light control signal into a signal that can be controlled by the infrared light source driving circuit 107, and outputs the signal to the infrared light source driving circuit 107. The infrared light source driving circuit 107 receives the converted light control signal and supplies a voltage signal corresponding to the light control signal to the dedicated infrared light source 24a, the main display infrared light source 21d, and the sub display infrared light source 23d. The dedicated infrared light source 24a, the main display infrared light source 21d, and the sub display infrared light source 23d blink in response to the voltage signal, and emit infrared light modulated based on the light control signal as an infrared signal.

  The visible light source driving circuit 108 supplies a voltage signal corresponding to the control signal from the CPU 100 to the main visible light source 21c and the sub visible light source 23c. The main visible light source 21c and the sub visible light source 23c emit visible light having an intensity corresponding to the voltage signal.

  The video decoder 109 converts the video signal from the CPU 100 into an analog or digital video signal that can be displayed on the main display panel 21a and the sub display panel 23a, and outputs the analog or digital video signal to the main display panel 21a and the sub display panel 23a. The main display panel 21a and the sub display panel 23a display images on the main display surface 21b and the sub display surface 23b according to the video signal.

The audio decoder 110 converts the audio signal from the CPU 100 into an analog audio signal that can be output from the speaker 111 and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 111. The speaker 111 reproduces the audio signal from the audio decoder 110 as audio.

  The audio decoder 110 receives an audio signal from the CPU 100, converts it into an analog audio signal that can be output from the speaker 111, and outputs the analog audio signal to the speaker 111. The speaker 111 reproduces the audio signal from the audio decoder 110 as audio.

  The CPU 100 includes a communication module 104, a video decoder 109, an audio decoder 110, an optical decoder 106, a visible light source driving circuit 108, and the like based on input signals from each unit such as the key operation unit 11, the microphone 101, the clock 103, and the dedicated light receiving element 24b. By outputting a control signal to each part of the above, call processing and processing of various function modes are performed. Further, the CPU 100 includes a communication control unit 100a and a display control unit 100b.

  The communication control unit 100 a reads an infrared communication light control signal table from the memory 105 or reads data from the light control signal table in response to an input signal from the key operation unit 11 or the clock 103.

  Then, the communication control unit 100a outputs data read from the table or the like or data input from the dedicated light receiving element 24b or the like to the display control unit 100b as necessary.

  Further, the communication control unit 100a converts the data into an optical control signal using an optical control signal table or a conversion program, and outputs the optical control signal to the optical decoder 106. As a result, the communication control unit 100a controls blinking of the infrared light source so as to modulate the infrared light according to the light control signal via the optical decoder 106 and the infrared light source driving circuit 107, and the modulated infrared light is converted into red as an infrared signal. The light is emitted from an external light source. Data is transmitted to the external device by the infrared signal. When the communication control unit 100a outputs an optical control signal to the optical decoder 106, an output destination of the optical control signal is designated. Thereby, the light source for infrared communication is switched to one of the main display infrared light source 21d, the sub display infrared light source 23d, and the dedicated infrared light source 24a.

  The communication control unit 100a receives the infrared signal from the dedicated light receiving element 24b and converts the infrared signal into data by a predetermined program or the like, thereby acquiring data from the outside.

  The display control unit 100b acquires data from the communication control unit 100a and the like, and outputs the data to the video decoder 109 as a video signal. Accordingly, the display control unit 100b displays function items and the like on the display surfaces 21b and 23b of the display panels 21a and 23a based on the video signal.

<Processing procedure of the first embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of infrared communication. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for transmitting and receiving data by bidirectional communication. FIG. 8A shows a flowchart for correcting the time of the clock by unidirectional communication. FIG. 8B shows a flowchart for operating an external device by unidirectional communication. FIG. 9 shows a display screen displayed on the main display surface 21b when using infrared communication.

  In step S101 in FIG. 6, the display control unit 100b displays an initial menu of operations shown on the screen 1 in FIG. 9 on the main display surface 21b. The initial menu includes functions generally used in the mobile terminal device 1. When the user presses the “3” number key or the cursor key to select infrared communication, the communication control unit 100a receives a key signal from the key operation unit 11 or the like.

  In step S102, the communication control unit 100a reads an infrared communication light control signal table from the memory 105, acquires a function item from the table, and outputs the function item data to the display control unit 100b. The display control unit 100b displays the function items on the main display surface 21b as shown in the screen 2 in FIG. When the user operates the key operation unit 11 and selects a function item, a key signal of the function item is input to the communication control unit 100a.

  When the bidirectional communication of the function item 1 shown in the screen 2 of FIG. 9 is selected, the communication control unit 100a determines YES in step S103 in determining whether the selected function item is bidirectional communication. In step S104, the infrared communication light source is switched to the dedicated infrared light source 24a, and then the bidirectional signal processing in step S105 is executed.

  Further, when the clock of the function item 4 is selected on the screen 2 of FIG. 9, the communication control unit 100a determines NO in Step S103. Next, in step S106, the communication control unit 100a determines YES in determining whether the selected function item is a clock. Then, after switching the infrared communication light source to the sub-display infrared light source 23d in step S107, the communication control unit 100a executes time correction signal processing in step S108.

  Furthermore, when the television or illumination of the function item 2 or 3 is selected on the screen 2 of FIG. 9, the communication control unit 100a determines NO in Step S103 and Step S106. Subsequently, in step S109, the communication control unit 100a switches the infrared communication light source to the main display infrared light source 21d, and executes the operation signal processing in step S110.

  In the bidirectional signal processing shown in FIG. 7, since the function item is bidirectional communication, in step S201, the communication control unit 100a obtains the data of the operation item corresponding to bidirectional communication from the optical control signal table of infrared communication. This is acquired and input to the display control unit 100b. The display control unit 100b displays the operation items for bidirectional communication on the main display surface 21b as shown in the screen 3 in FIG. When an operation item is selected by a user operation of the key operation unit 11, the communication control unit 100 a receives a key signal from the key operation unit 11.

  In step S202, the communication control unit 100a determines whether or not the selected operation item is a transmission in accordance with the key signal from the key operation unit 11. When transmission of the operation item 1 on the screen 3 in FIG. 9 is selected, the communication control unit 100a determines YES here, and proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when the reception of the operation item 2 on the screen 3 in FIG. 9 is selected, the communication control unit 100a determines NO here, and proceeds to step S209.

  In step S203, the communication control unit 100a acquires a transmission target item from the light control signal table for infrared communication, and outputs this to the display control unit 100b. As shown in the screen 4 in FIG. 9, the display control unit 100b displays the transmission target item on the main display surface 21b. On the other hand, when the key operation unit 11 is operated by the user and a transmission target item is selected, the communication control unit 100a acquires the selected transmission target data from the memory 105 or the like in step S204. The transmission target data is converted into an optical control signal by the standard program. Next, in step S205, the communication control unit 100a causes the infrared light modulated according to the light control signal to be emitted from the dedicated infrared light source 24a as an infrared signal.

After the transmission of the infrared signal, in step S206, an infrared signal indicating a transmission result indicating whether the infrared signal has been properly received by the external device is transmitted from the external device and received by the dedicated light receiving element 24b. The communication control unit 100a acquires the transmission result of the infrared communication based on the infrared signal from the dedicated light receiving element 24b. Next, in step S207, the communication control unit 100a determines whether transmission is an error based on the transmission result. If not properly received by the external device, the communication control unit 100a determines YES, returns to step S205, and retransmits the data to be transmitted. On the other hand, if the data to be transmitted is properly received by the external device, the communication control unit 100a determines NO in step 207, and outputs the transmission result data to the display control unit 100b. In step S208, the display control unit 100b displays the transmission result of successful transmission on the main display surface 21b as shown in the screen 5 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the dedicated light receiving element 24b receives the infrared signal in step S209, the communication control unit 100a acquires the infrared signal from the dedicated light receiving element 24b. In step S210, the communication control unit 100a converts the infrared signal into data using a predetermined standard program. Next, in step S208, the communication control unit 100a outputs the converted data to the display control unit 100b, and the display control unit 100b displays the data on the main display surface 21b.

  In the time correction signal processing shown in FIG. 8A, the selected function item is a clock. In step S301, the communication control unit 100a acquires an operation item corresponding to the timepiece from the light control signal table of infrared communication. Here, there is only one operation item for time adjustment, there is no other selection item, and it is not necessary for the user to select the operation item, and therefore the operation item is not displayed on the main display surface 21b.

  In step S <b> 302, the communication control unit 100 a acquires the current time from the input signal of the clock 103. In step S303, the communication control unit 100a converts the current time into a light control signal based on the light control signal T defined in the light control signal table. Next, in step S304, the communication control unit 100a emits infrared light modulated according to the light control signal from the sub display surface 21b as an infrared signal. Thereby, the timepiece around the mobile terminal device 1 receives the infrared signal, and the time of the timepiece is adjusted.

  In the operation signal processing shown in FIG. 8B, the selected function item is unidirectional communication excluding the clock. For example, as shown in screen 2 of FIG. 9, when two televisions are selected, in step S401, the communication control unit 100a acquires operation item data corresponding to the television from the optical control signal table of infrared communication. This is output to the display control unit 100b. As shown in the screen 6 of FIG. 9, the display control unit 100 b displays the operation items of the channels 1 to 10 and the volume UP and DOWN on the main display surface 21 b. Note that the arrangement of the channels on the main display surface 21 b corresponds to the arrangement of the number input keys on the key operation unit 11 so that the channels 1 to 10 are assigned to the number input keys 0 to 9 on the key operation unit 11. It is expressed as In addition, the UP and DOWN arrangement on the main display surface 21b is the character on the key operation unit 11 so that UP Δ and DOWN ▽ for adjusting the volume are respectively assigned to the character input keys * and # on the key operation unit 11. It is represented corresponding to the arrangement of the input keys * and #.

  In step S402, the communication control unit 100a determines whether or not the displayed operation item has been selected. If the operation item is not selected, the communication control unit 100a determines NO. In step S403, the communication control unit 100a determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the final operation. In this case, the communication control unit 100a acquires the time when the key signal from the key operation unit 11 is input from the clock 103 or the like, and temporarily stores the operation time in a RAM or the like. When the communication control unit 100a determines the passage of time, the communication control unit 100a obtains the latest time as the time of the last operation from the RAM, obtains the current time from the clock 103 or the like, and calculates the time difference between the time of the last operation and the current time. calculate. When the time difference is smaller than the predetermined time, the communication control unit 100a determines NO and waits for selection of an operation again. On the other hand, when the time difference is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the communication control unit 100a determines YES and ends the operation signal processing.

At the end of the operation signal processing, the communication control unit 100a outputs a signal indicating the end of the operation signal processing to the display control unit 100b. Upon receiving a signal from the communication control unit 100a, the display control unit 100b displays a display screen indicating the end of the operation signal processing on the main display surface 21b. The display screen indicating the end of the operation signal processing includes a message warning screen for inquiring whether or not the infrared communication can be ended, or an initial menu screen. For example, as shown in the screen 7 of FIG. 9, the display control unit 100b displays a warning “Is it OK to terminate infrared communication?” And answer items corresponding thereto, that is, characters “YES” and “NO”. It displays on the surface 21b. When YES of the answer item 1 is selected by operating the key operation unit and the communication control unit 100a obtains a key signal from the key operation unit 11, the communication control unit 100a outputs an end signal to the display control unit 100b, and the display control unit 100b displays an initial menu on the main display surface 21b. On the other hand, when the answer item 1 NO is selected, the communication control unit 100a starts the operation signal processing again and outputs the operation item signal to the display control unit 100b. The display control unit 100b displays the pre-warning screen, that is, the operation item screen shown in the screen 6 of FIG. 9 on the main display surface 21b.

  On the other hand, when an operation item is selected in step S402, the communication control unit 100a determines YES. Next, in step S404, the communication control unit 100a acquires a light control signal corresponding to the selected operation item from the light control signal table of infrared communication. In step S405, the communication control unit 100a causes the infrared light modulated according to the light control signal to be emitted from the main display surface 21b as an infrared signal. The infrared signal is received by the television, and the television is operated by the infrared signal transmitted from the mobile terminal device 1. In general, remote operation of a television or the like is continuously performed. Therefore, the process returns to step S402 again after the transmission of the infrared signal, and the communication control unit 100a waits for selection of the next operation item. .

  As described above, according to the mobile terminal device 1 of this embodiment, infrared signals emitted from the plurality of display infrared light sources 21d and 23d are radiated from the large display surfaces 21b and 23b of the display panels 21a and 23a. The radiation angle of the signal becomes wider. In addition, when infrared rays are emitted from a plurality of infrared light sources, the amount of infrared signal emitted from the display surface is increased. For this reason, since it becomes easy for an external device to receive an infrared signal, the user does not need to point the radiation port of the infrared signal toward the external device, and the operability is excellent.

  In addition, since the light guide plate 26 and the display panels 21a, 23a, etc. are shared as a part of the infrared communication transmission unit, an increase in the number of components can be suppressed, and cost reduction and size reduction can be realized.

  In addition, according to the mobile terminal device 1 of this embodiment, the display infrared light sources 21d and 23d are arranged on the opposite side of the visible light source 21c with the light guide plate 26 interposed therebetween. Even if it is not changed, the amount of visible light from the visible light source 21c is maintained.

  Moreover, according to the portable terminal device 1 of this embodiment, the type of infrared communication is switched by switching to the dedicated infrared light source 24a, the main display infrared light source 21d, or the sub display infrared light source 23d according to the type of infrared communication. A transmission unit suitable for is set. For example, when switching to the dedicated infrared light source 24a in two-way communication, since the radiation port for this light source is small, the infrared light radiated from here does not spread, and an infrared signal is received by an external device different from the infrared communication partner. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the mobile terminal device 1 of this embodiment, infrared rays that are invisible to human eyes are used for communication, so that the visible light is modulated without being illuminated by the backlight light during communication. Therefore, there is no flickering of light like visible light. Therefore, even in a dark place such as when sleeping at night, it is possible to communicate without worrying about the surrounding situation such as the presence of people around.

In addition, since different light sources are used for the light sources 21c and 23c for illuminating the display panels 21a and 23a and the light sources 21d and 23d for infrared communication, two functions of screen display and data transmission on the display panels 21a and 23a are used. Can be executed simultaneously.

  Further, in the mobile terminal device 1 of this embodiment, if the operation is not performed for a certain period of time during the execution of the infrared communication process (operation signal process) using the display infrared light sources 21d and 23d, the infrared communication process is ended, and the process As a display screen indicating the end of the screen, a screen asking whether to end or a screen of an initial menu are displayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the infrared communication function from being continued forgotten by the user. Furthermore, if the initial menu is displayed, the next function can be easily selected and the operability is excellent.

Second Embodiment
The mobile terminal device 1 of the second embodiment is different from the mobile terminal device 1 of the first embodiment in that the mobile terminal device 1 further includes a battery 12, a charging port 13, a power supply unit 113, and a charge detection unit 114. In addition, about the thing similar to the structure of 1st Embodiment among the structures of 2nd Embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a side view showing the mobile terminal device 1 in the same state as FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, a battery 12 is provided inside the first cabinet 10. The battery 12 is a secondary battery, and supplies power to the CPU 100 and each part of the mobile terminal device 1 other than the CPU 100. A charging port 13 is provided on the end face side of the first cabinet 10. The charging port 13 is a part connected to a wiring connector, and is connected to a charger, a power source, or the like via the wiring.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the mobile terminal device 1. As shown in FIG. 11, a power supply unit 113 is connected to the battery 12, and the power supply unit 113 is connected to the CPU 100. The power supply unit 113 converts the voltage of the battery 12 into a voltage having a magnitude required for each component and supplies the voltage to each component. In addition, the power supply unit 113 supplies the battery 12 with the power supplied via the charging port 13 that is an input unit of the external power supply, and charges the battery 12.

  The charge detection unit 114 is a sensor that detects charging of the mobile terminal device 1 and is connected to the CPU 100. Examples of the charge detection method include a method of detecting electricity flowing through the charging port 13 and a method of detecting that a button provided on the charging port 13 is pressed by a connector. When the charge detection unit 114 detects charging, the charge detection unit 114 outputs a detection signal to the CPU 100. The CPU 100 receives the detection signal from the charge detection unit 114 and determines that charging is in progress.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of infrared communication. Note that steps S501 to S508 are the same as steps S101 to S108 in FIG.

  In step S509, the communication control unit 100a determines whether or not the mobile terminal device 1 is being charged. If the mobile terminal device 1 is being charged, the communication control unit 100a determines YES, and switches the light source for infrared communication to the main display infrared light source 21d in step S510. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal device 1 is not being charged, the communication control unit 100a determines NO, and switches the light source for infrared communication to the dedicated infrared light source 24a in step S511.

  If the light source for infrared communication is switched to the main display infrared light source 21d or the dedicated infrared light source 24a, in step S512, the communication control unit 100a performs operation signal processing.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when light is emitted from the plurality of main display infrared light sources 21d, power consumption increases, but when the mobile terminal device 1 is being charged, the main display infrared light source 21d is switched. In this case, since power is supplied from the power source, the use time of the mobile terminal device 1 is not shortened by using infrared communication, and the convenience is excellent.

<Third Embodiment>
The mobile terminal device 1 of the third embodiment is different from the mobile terminal device 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a rotation angle detection unit 33. In addition, about the thing similar to the structure of 1st Embodiment among the structures of 3rd Embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the rotation angle detection unit 33. FIG.13 (b) is the elements on larger scale which show a part of portable terminal device of Fig.13 (a). As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the rotation angle detection unit 33 is disposed on the hinge unit 30. The rotation angle detector 33 detects the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20 relative to the first cabinet 10 when the second cabinet 20 is opened.

  The rotation angle detector 33 includes a magnet 34 and a magnetic sensor 35 as shown in FIG. The magnet 34 is fixed to the end surface of the rotating shaft 31, and the north pole and south pole of the magnet 34 are parallel to the magnetic sensor 35. The magnetic sensor 35 is disposed on the bearing portion 32 so as to face and oppose the magnet 34. When the second cabinet 20 is opened, the magnet 34 rotates together with the rotating shaft 31, and the direction of the magnetic lines of force with respect to the sensor surface changes. The magnetic sensor 35 reads the direction of the magnetic field lines, detects the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20 according to the direction of the magnetic field lines, and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 100. The CPU 100 receives the detection signal from the magnetic sensor 35 and obtains the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of infrared communication. First, in step S601, the display control unit 100b displays an initial menu on the main display surface 21b. When infrared communication is selected from the initial menu by a user operation on the key operation unit 11, the communication control unit 100a starts processing related to infrared communication.

  In step S602, the communication control unit 100a reads the light control signal table from the memory 105, acquires bidirectional communication and unidirectional communication as function items from the light control signal table, and outputs these data to the display control unit 100b. The display control unit 100b displays these two function items on the main display surface 21b.

  When a function item is selected in step S603, the communication control unit 100a determines whether or not the selected function item is bidirectional communication. In the selection of bidirectional communication, in step S604, the communication control unit 100a switches the light source for infrared communication to the dedicated infrared light source 24a, and performs bidirectional signal processing in S605.

  On the other hand, if the selected function item is not bidirectional communication in step S603, in step S606, the communication control unit 100a acquires a rotation angle signal of the second cabinet 20 from the rotation angle detection unit 33, and the rotation angle and a predetermined value are determined. Is compared with the threshold value.

  For example, after the function item is selected, the portable terminal device 1 is folded and closed or almost closed, and if the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20 is 0 degree or more and less than 45 degrees, the process proceeds to step S607. . Here, the communication control unit 100a switches the light source for infrared communication to the sub-display infrared light source 23d, and performs the clock signal processing in the next step S608.

  If the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20 is not less than 45 degrees and less than 120 degrees, in step S609, the communication control unit 100a switches the light source for infrared communication to the main display infrared light source 21d, and then in step S610. Perform TV operation signal processing.

  Further, if the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20 is 120 degrees or more, the communication control unit 100a switches the light source for infrared communication to the main display infrared light source 21d in step S611, and performs illumination operation signal processing in step S612. carry out.

  Note that the television operation signal processing and the illumination operation signal processing are the same as the operation signal processing shown in FIG. However, with regard to the operation signal processing of the television, the function item using infrared communication is automatically set to the television according to the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20, and therefore the operation item of the television is set in the operation signal processing. To be acquired. Similarly, in the illumination operation signal processing, since the function item is automatically set to illumination according to the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20, the illumination operation item is acquired in the operation signal processing.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, since the type of infrared communication is automatically set according to the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20, an operation for selecting a function item is unnecessary, and an external device can be simplified by infrared communication. Can be operated.

  In particular, even when the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20 is small and the mobile terminal device 1 is almost closed, an infrared signal indicating the current time is emitted from the sub display surface 23b exposed to the outside, and the time of the clock is adjusted. Is done. Accordingly, for example, the time of the clock is automatically adjusted using infrared communication while the portable terminal device 1 is not used, such as during sleep, so that the time for adjusting the time individually for each clock can be saved.

<Fourth embodiment>
The mobile terminal device 1 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the display units 21 and 23. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected about the thing similar to the structure of 1st Embodiment among the structures of 4th Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the mobile terminal device 1. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main display unit 21. Since the sub display unit 23 has the same configuration as the main display unit 21, the description thereof is omitted. Here, the light receiving element of the sub display unit 23 is referred to as a sub display light receiving element 23e.

  The main display unit 21 includes a main display panel 21a, a diffusion plate 25, a light guide plate 26, a main visible light source 21c, a main display infrared light source 21d, and a light receiving element (hereinafter referred to as a main display light receiving element) 21e. A photodiode or the like is used for the main display light receiving element 21e. On the first side surface side of the light guide plate 26, a main visible light source 21c, a main display infrared light source 21d, and a main display light receiving element 21e are arranged. A plurality of main visible light sources 21c, main display infrared light sources 21d, and main display light receiving elements 21e are provided, and are arranged one by one in this order. The light guide plate 26 is a vertically long rectangular transparent plate, and a groove is formed on the back surface. The groove 26 a extends in parallel with the first side surface and extends over the entire length of the light guide plate 26. The shape of the groove 26a in the plane perpendicular to the first side surface is a right triangle. The slope of the groove 26a including the hypotenuse of the right triangle faces the main display infrared light source 21d and the like. A plurality of grooves 26a are provided and are arranged at intervals.

  In the main display unit 21, when the main visible light source 21 c emits visible light, the visible light is irradiated toward the first side surface of the light guide plate 26 and enters the light guide plate 26 from the first side surface. In the light guide plate 26, visible light travels while being reflected by the front and back surfaces of the light guide plate 26, and part of the visible light is reflected by the grooves 26 a and exits from the front surface of the light guide plate 26. The visible light from the light guide plate 26 enters the diffusion plate 25 and is diffused by the diffusion plate 25, then enters the main display panel 21a, and is uniformly emitted from the entire main display surface 21b.

  Similarly to the main visible light source 21c, the main display infrared light source 21d is also spread over the entire light guide plate 26 and emitted from the front surface of the light guide plate 26, and then diffused by the diffusion plate 25 to be displayed on the main display panel 21a. Is uniformly emitted from the entire main display surface 21b.

  On the contrary, when infrared rays are incident on the main display surface 21b from the outside, the infrared rays sequentially pass through the main display panel 21a and the diffusion plate 25 and enter the light guide plate 26 from the front of the light guide plate 26. Infrared rays are reflected by the groove 26a of the light guide plate 26, etc., emitted from the first side surface of the light guide plate 26, and received by the main display light receiving element 21e. Thereby, the main display light receiving element 21e detects infrared rays from the outside, converts the infrared signals into electronic signals, and then outputs the infrared signals to the CPU 100 via the optical encoder 112. The CPU 100 obtains an infrared signal from the main display light receiving element 21e from the optical encoder 112.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the display infrared light sources 21d and 23d and the display light receiving elements 21e and 23e are arranged side by side on the first side surface of the light guide plate 26 in which the grooves 26a are processed. Infrared signals from 21d and 23d are emitted from the display surfaces 21b and 23b, and infrared signals from the outside can be detected by the display light receiving elements 21e and 23e via the display surfaces 21b and 23b. Thus, the display panels 21a and 23a and the light guide plate 26 constituting the display units 21 and 23 can be shared as a part of the configuration of the infrared communication unit. In addition, since infrared signals from the outside are received by a wide range of display surfaces 21b and 23b, infrared signals are easily received, and reception efficiency is increased.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above can be made to the embodiments of the present invention. .

  For example, in the first embodiment, the light source for infrared communication is switched according to the type (function item) of infrared communication, but in the case of bidirectional communication, the data type and data capacity of the transmission target and reception target are large. The light source for infrared communication can be switched according to the above.

  In the first embodiment, the display infrared light sources 21d and 23d are disposed on the opposite side of the visible light sources 21c and 23c with the light guide plate 26 interposed therebetween, but may be disposed on the same side as the visible light sources 21c and 23c. good. With such a configuration, there is no need for an arrangement space for the display infrared light sources 21d and 23d on the opposite side of the visible light sources 21c and 23c.

  Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, although it was set as the structure switched to the main display infrared light source 21d during charge of the portable terminal device 1, it is possible to switch to the sub display infrared light source 23d during charge of the portable terminal device 1. . Further, the dedicated infrared light source 24a may be used during charging. Furthermore, the user of the portable terminal device 1 can set in advance the light source used during charging.

  Furthermore, in 3rd Embodiment, although the classification of infrared communication was set to time correction, television operation, and illumination operation according to the rotation angle of the 2nd cabinet 20, it is not limited to this, The rotation angle of the 2nd cabinet 20 The threshold value and the type of infrared communication can be changed as appropriate. Further, the user can appropriately set the threshold value of the rotation angle of the second cabinet 20 and the type of infrared communication. Thereby, since the infrared communication function reflecting the user's intention can be used, convenience is improved.

Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the visible light sources 21c and 23c, the display infrared light sources 21d and 23d, and the display light receiving elements 21e and 23e are arranged in this order, but the order is not limited. Further, visible light sources 21c and 23c, display infrared light sources 21d and 23d, and display light receiving elements 21e and 23e.
May be different from each other, or may be one.

  In all the above embodiments, the communication dedicated unit 24 is provided in the upper part of the second cabinet 20, but the communication dedicated unit 24 may not be provided. In the fourth embodiment, the display infrared light sources 21d and 23d and the display light receiving elements 21e and 23e are also used for bidirectional communication.

  Moreover, in all the said embodiment, although the foldable portable terminal device 1 was used, it is not limited to this, The portable terminal device 1 which has formats other than folding types, such as a slide type, can also be used.

  In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable terminal device 21a ... Main display panel 21b ... Main display surface 21c ... Main visible light source 21d ... Main display infrared light source 21e ... Main display light receiving element 23a ... Sub display panel 23b ... Sub display surface 23c ... Sub visible light source 23d ... Sub display infrared light source 23e ... Sub display light receiving element 24a ... Dedicated infrared light source 26 ... Light guide plate 26a ... Groove 100a ... Communication control unit 100b ... Display control unit 114 ... Charge detection unit

Claims (6)

In portable terminal devices that communicate with external devices,
A display panel;
A visible light source that emits visible light;
A light guide plate disposed on the back side of the display panel and guiding the visible light to the display panel;
A first infrared light source that emits the infrared light;
A communication control unit that performs infrared communication processing for causing the first infrared light source to emit the infrared light modulated in accordance with an external operation;
The first infrared light source is arranged so that the infrared light is guided to the display panel by the light guide plate.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1,
The visible light source and the first infrared light source are disposed on the same side of the light guide plate,
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 2,
A light receiving element that receives infrared rays from the outside is disposed on the same side as the visible light source and the first infrared light source,
The light guide plate is formed with a structure that reflects the infrared light from the first infrared light source toward the display panel and reflects the infrared light from the outside that has passed through the display panel toward the light receiving element. ,
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The communication control unit terminates the infrared communication process based on the fact that the next external operation is not performed for a certain time during the execution of the infrared communication process.
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. In the portable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A radiation window provided at a different position from the display panel;
A second infrared light source that emits infrared light to the outside through the radiation window,
The communication control unit causes the infrared light modulated in accordance with an external operation to be emitted to the second infrared light source, and the light source that emits the infrared light is either the first infrared light source or the second infrared light source. Switch to
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. The mobile terminal device according to claim 5,
It further includes a charge detection unit that detects charge,
The communication control unit switches the light source that emits the infrared light to the first infrared light source when the charge detection unit detects the charge,
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned.

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