JP2012169912A - Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile terminal which more appropriately controls a call state and does not allow a called party to hear an unnecessary sound, and a method of controlling the mobile terminal.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal 1 comprises: a call receiving part 2 and a call transmitting part 3 used in a call; a call receiving part sensor 5 which is provided in the vicinity of the call receiving part 2 and detects a state where a human body is close to the call receiving part 2; a call transmitting part sensor 6 which is provided in the vicinity of the call transmitting part 3 and detects a state where the human body is close to the call transmitting part 3; and a control part 7 which controls a call state based on a detection result obtained by the call receiving part sensor 5 and a detection result obtained by the call transmitting part sensor 6. The control part 7 controls to continue the call state when the call receiving part sensor 5 detects proximity between the human body and the call receiving part 2 but the call transmitting part sensor 6 does not detect proximity between the human body and the call transmitting part 3, and the control part 7 controls to suppress an output of the sound to the called party from the call transmitting part 3 when the call receiving part sensor 5 does not detect proximity between the human body and the call receiving part 2 but the call transmitting part sensor 6 detects proximity between the human body and the call transmitting part 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal and a control method thereof.

  When a telephone call is temporarily interrupted, a method is generally used to prevent sound leakage by covering the microphone with a hand so that the other party does not hear unwanted sounds. . However, such a method may not completely prevent sound leakage from the microphone unit.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile phone device capable of controlling audio mute on and mute off with a simple operation as a technique for preventing the other party from listening to unnecessary sounds when a call is interrupted in a telephone. Has been. The mobile phone device according to Patent Document 1 includes a contact detection unit beside the microphone. When the user brings a finger into contact with the contact detection unit, the mobile phone device mutes the sound input from the microphone. When the user releases the finger that has touched the contact detection unit, the sound mute described above is released. Thereby, the user can prevent the other party from listening to unnecessary sounds.

  Patent Document 1 also discloses an aspect in which audio mute is continued even after the user lifts his / her finger from the contact detection unit. In this case, when the user operates a key such as a call key, the audio mute is released.

  Further, Patent Literature 2 to Patent Literature 4 describe a technology of a telephone that is provided with a sensor that detects proximity to the ear in the vicinity of the earpiece of the telephone and places the call on hold when the sensor does not detect proximity of the ear. Has been. For example, in the telephone according to Patent Document 2, a sensor is provided in the vicinity of the speaker of the handset. This telephone is configured not to output the voice signal input from the microphone to the other party when the user separates the handset from the ear. That is, the call is set to the hold state. When the user has a handset in contact with his / her ear, the user can make a normal call by outputting a detection signal from the sensor. Even if the sensor is away from the ear for a short time (for example, 2 to 3 seconds), the call state is maintained.

JP 2007-81460 A JP 2001-036640 A JP 2000-278370 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-224986

  However, the mobile phone described in Patent Document 1 may have the following problems. As described above, the user switches on / off the sound mute depending on whether or not the finger is brought into contact with the contact detection unit of the mobile phone. In this case, in the state where the audio mute state is turned on, the hand operation that the user can perform is limited.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, there is also a technology in which a user makes a voice mute state by once touching and releasing a finger from the contact detection unit, and the user mutes the voice mute by operating a call key or the like. . However, when a user resumes a call, it is natural that the ear (face) is first brought close to the telephone, and performing a key operation when resuming a call is not a natural operation of the user. Furthermore, if the user operates an unnecessary button, the call may be disconnected.

  In addition, in the telephones according to Patent Documents 2 to 4, when the user removes his / her ear from the speaker (receiving unit), the call is set to a state such as holding. However, it is assumed that the user does not intend to put the call on hold and puts the handset away from the ear. In that case, calls are frequently placed on hold.

  Patent Document 2 also describes a technique in which a call is held for a short time after the user removes his ear from the speaker. However, since the call is held for a short time of about 2 to 3 seconds, the user must perform the operation while paying attention to the time during which the call is put on hold. In such a case, the user may experience discomfort such as frustration.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a mobile terminal that more appropriately controls a call state and does not let an other party hear an unnecessary sound, and a control method thereof. Objective.

  A portable terminal according to the present invention includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit used in a call, a receiving unit sensor provided in the vicinity of the receiving unit and detecting a state in which a human body is close to the receiving unit, and the vicinity of the transmitting unit And a control unit for controlling a call state based on a detection result by the reception unit sensor and a detection result by the transmission unit sensor, and detecting a state in which a human body is close to the transmission unit And the control unit detects the proximity of the human body and the receiver, and the transmitter sensor does not detect the proximity of the human body and the transmitter. When the call state is continued and the receiver sensor does not detect the proximity of the human body and the receiver, and the transmitter sensor detects the proximity of the human body and the transmitter, the transmitter Suppresses the output of sound to the other party.

  On the other hand, another mobile terminal according to the present invention includes a transmitter, a camera unit that captures an image in a videophone, a sensor that detects proximity to a human body, output of sound from the transmitter to a call partner, and A control unit that controls the output of video from the camera unit to the other party, and the control unit outputs sound from the transmitting unit to the other party when the sensor detects the proximity of a human body, and This is a portable terminal having a videophone function that suppresses the output of video from the camera unit to the other party.

  The portable terminal control method according to the present invention includes a receiver and transmitter used in a call, a receiver sensor provided in the vicinity of the receiver, and detecting a state in which a human body is close to the receiver, and the transmitter A transmitting part sensor provided in the vicinity of a speaking part and detecting a state in which a human body is close to the transmitting part, wherein the receiving part sensor is connected between the human body and the receiving part. Proximity is not detected, and when the transmitter sensor detects the proximity of the human body and the transmitter, output of sound from the transmitter to the other party is suppressed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile terminal and a control method for the mobile terminal that can more appropriately control the call state and not let the other party hear unnecessary sounds.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a mobile terminal according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example 1 of the mobile terminal according to the first exemplary embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment; 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control processing of a control unit according to the first exemplary embodiment; 6 is a chart showing an example of control processing based on pattern determination of a control unit according to the first exemplary embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a mobile terminal according to a second exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the portable terminal concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the portable terminal concerning Embodiment 3. FIG.

Embodiment 1
The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment includes sensors in the vicinity of the reception unit and the transmission unit, and controls the call state based on the detection result of each sensor. Thereby, the portable terminal can control the call state more appropriately, and can prevent the other party from hearing an unnecessary sound. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. The portable terminal 1 according to the present embodiment includes a receiver unit 2, a transmitter unit 3, a communication unit 4, a receiver unit sensor 5, a transmitter unit sensor 6, and a control unit 7. The mobile terminal 1 is a mobile terminal that allows a user to make a call, such as a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), and a smartphone.

The receiving unit 2 has a speaker or the like, and is a part where the user can hear the voice from the other party during a call. When voice information from the other party is input as an electrical signal from the control unit 7 to the receiver unit 2, the receiver unit 2 converts the electrical signal and outputs it as a voice to the user.

  The transmitter 3 has a microphone or the like. When the user speaks toward the transmitting unit 3, the transmitting unit 3 converts the sound into an electrical signal and outputs it to the control unit 7. Although not shown, the transmitter 3 may include an amplifier that amplifies the user's voice signal.

  The communication unit 4 includes an antenna, a wireless circuit, and the like, and has a function of performing a call by performing wireless connection to a base station, transmission / reception of wireless information, conversion of an electrical signal, and the like. When the communication unit 4 operates and the mobile terminal 1 is communicating, the communication unit 4 outputs an audio signal or the like from the other party to the control unit 7. In addition, the communication unit 4 converts the user's voice signal output from the control unit 7 (the voice signal spoken by the user toward the transmitter unit 3) and wirelessly transmits the signal to the base station. When the communication unit 4 is operating (the user is talking), the communication unit 4 outputs a signal indicating that the call is in progress to the control unit 7.

  The receiver sensor 5 is provided in the vicinity of the receiver 2, and a state where a human body (parts such as ears, fingers, hands, etc.) is in proximity to or in contact with the receiver 2 (hereinafter, both states are collectively referred to as “proximity”). Detect). Here, the reception unit sensor 5 is provided in the vicinity of the reception unit 2 so that it can detect a state in which the user's ear is close to the reception unit 2 during a call. For example, the receiver unit sensor 5 may be provided in the vicinity of the receiver unit 2 within a radius of 10 mm from the receiver unit 2.

  When the receiving unit sensor 5 detects a state in which a human body is close to the receiving unit 2, the receiving unit sensor 5 outputs a signal indicating that to the control unit 7. The receiver sensor 5 is switched between on and off under the control of the control unit 7.

  For example, when detecting that the distance from the human body is 120 mm or less, the receiver unit sensor 5 may detect that “the human body is close”. Alternatively, when it is detected that the distance from the human body is 150 mm or less, it may be detected that “the human body is close”.

  The receiver sensor 5 may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor. As the non-contact sensor, a change in capacitance may be detected, or infrared light reception may be detected. The contact sensor may be a resistance film type detecting capacitance or a capacitance type. The receiver sensor 5 may be an analog sensor or a digital sensor.

  When the reception unit sensor 5 is a non-contact sensor, when the user brings his ear close to the reception unit 2, the reception unit sensor 5 in the vicinity of the reception unit 2 detects that the user's ear has approached. In other words, the receiver sensor 5 detects that the user's ear has approached the receiver 2.

  When the reception unit sensor 5 is a contact sensor, when the user brings the ear into contact with the reception unit 2, the reception unit sensor 5 in the vicinity of the reception unit 2 detects that the user's ear is in contact. Accordingly, the receiver sensor 5 detects that the user's ear has approached the receiver 2.

  The transmitter unit 6 is provided in the vicinity of the transmitter unit 3, and detects the state in which a human body (parts such as ears, fingers, and hands) is close to the transmitter unit 3, similarly to the receiver unit sensor 5. Here, the transmitter unit 6 is provided in the vicinity of the transmitter unit 3 so that it is possible to detect a state in which the user's finger or palm is close to the transmitter unit 3 during a call. For example, the transmitter unit 6 may be provided within a radius of 10 mm from the transmitter unit 3 in the vicinity of the transmitter unit 3.

  When detecting a state in which a human body is close to the transmitter unit 3, the transmitter unit sensor 6 outputs a signal indicating that to the control unit 7. The receiver sensor 5 is also switched on and off under the control of the controller 7. Similarly to the receiver unit sensor 5, the transmitter unit sensor 6 may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor. Further, it may be an analog sensor or a digital sensor.

  For example, when detecting that the distance from the human body is 10 mm or less, or 5 mm or less, the transmitter unit 6 may detect that “the human body is close”. Alternatively, the transmitter sensor 6 may be a contact sensor, and may detect that “the human body has approached” when the transmitter sensor 6 detects contact with the human body.

  The control unit 7 controls the reception unit 2, the transmission unit 3, the communication unit 4, the reception unit sensor 5, and the transmission unit sensor 6. For example, when the user performs an operation to make a call on the mobile terminal 1, the control unit 7 controls the communication unit 4 to connect to the communication partner designated by the user. Further, the control unit 7 causes the user to output the voice of the other party from the receiver 2, and causes the user to output the voice of the user from the transmitter 3.

  Further, the control unit 7 performs control so that the reception unit sensor 5 and the transmission unit sensor 6 are switched on and off. The control unit 7 is an integrated circuit having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 1 includes an operation unit such as a button for a user to operate in a call, a power supply unit such as a battery that supplies power to each unit, a display unit such as a liquid crystal screen, and the like. May be provided.

  FIG. 2 is an example of the mobile terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, as the mobile terminal 1, a so-called smartphone having a large display screen is illustrated. The receiver 2 and receiver sensor 5 are provided in the upper part of the casing 100, and the transmitter 3 and transmitter sensor 6 are provided in the lower part of the casing 100. In the center of the housing 100, a display unit 8 composed of a touch panel or the like is provided. A control unit 7 is provided inside the housing 100.

  FIG. 3 is another example of the mobile terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, a so-called straight-type mobile phone is illustrated as the mobile terminal 1. The receiver 2 and receiver sensor 5 are provided in the upper part of the casing 101, and the transmitter 3 and transmitter sensor 6 are provided in the lower part of the casing 101. In the center of the housing 101, a display unit 8 constituted by a liquid crystal display or the like and an operation unit 9 constituted by buttons are provided. A control unit 7 is provided inside the housing 101.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control processing of the control unit 7 in accordance with the detection results of the receiving unit sensor 5 and the transmitting unit sensor 6.

  The control unit 7 determines whether or not the user is in a call using the mobile terminal 1 according to the signal output from the communication unit 4 (step S1).

  When the user is not in a call (No in step S1), the control unit 7 turns off the reception unit sensor 5 and the transmission unit sensor 6 (step S2).

  If the user is busy (Yes in step S1), the control unit 7 turns on the receiver sensor 5 and the transmitter sensor 6 (step S3). Then, the proximity of the human body to the reception unit 2 and the transmission unit 3 is detected by the reception unit sensor 5 and the transmission unit sensor 6 as described above.

  Then, the control part 7 acquires the detection result of the receiving part sensor 5 (step S4). Based on the signal from the receiver sensor 5, the controller 7 determines whether or not the receiver sensor 5 has detected the proximity of a human body.

  Next, the control part 7 acquires the detection result of the transmission part sensor 6 similarly to step S4 (step S5). Based on the signal from the transmitter sensor 6, the controller 7 determines whether or not the transmitter sensor 6 has detected the proximity of a human body.

  In accordance with the detection results obtained from the receiver sensor 5 and the transmitter sensor 6, the controller 7 determines whether the current receiver sensor 5 and transmitter sensor 6 are in any of four types of patterns (described later). (Step S6).

  Here, as a combination pattern of the detection result by the receiver sensor 5 and the detection result by the transmitter sensor 6, there are four patterns 1 to 4, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a chart showing an example of control processing performed by the control unit 7 in step S7 based on the pattern determined by the control unit 7 in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, details of the control performed by the control unit 7 in step S7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  “Pattern 1” in FIG. 5 corresponds to the control unit 7 when the receiver sensor 5 detects “proximity” of the human body in step S4 of FIG. 4 and the transmitter sensor 6 detects “non-proximity” of the human body in step S5. Is the pattern determined in step S6.

  “Pattern 2” is determined by the control unit 7 in step S6 when the receiver sensor 5 detects “proximity” of the human body in step S4 and the transmitter sensor 6 detects “proximity” of the human body in step S5. It is a pattern.

  “Pattern 3” is determined by the controller 7 in step S6 when the receiver sensor 5 detects “non-proximity” of the human body in step S4 and the transmitter sensor 6 detects “proximity” of the human body in step S5. Pattern.

  “Pattern 4” is obtained when the receiving unit sensor 5 detects “non-proximity” of the human body in step S4 and the transmission unit sensor 6 detects “non-proximity” of the human body in step S5. It is a pattern to determine.

  The control unit 7 controls voice output from the transmitting unit 3 to the other party according to the pattern determined in step S6 (step S7).

  In the case of pattern 1, the receiver sensor 5 detects the proximity of the human body and the receiver 2, and the transmitter sensor 6 does not detect the proximity of the human body and the transmitter 3. From this detection result, it is assumed that the user is in a call without bringing the ear close to the receiver 2 and the palm or the like close to the transmitter 3. In this state, it is desirable that the control unit 7 performs control so that the user can talk as it is.

  From the detection result of this pattern 1, the control unit 7 performs control to continue the call state. In other words, the control unit 7 outputs the voice from the other party for the receiver unit 2 and outputs the voice from the user to the other party for the transmitter unit 3 so that the user can make a normal call. Control as you can.

  In the case of pattern 2, the receiver sensor 5 detects the proximity of the human body and the receiver 2, and the transmitter sensor 6 also detects the proximity of the human body and the transmitter 3. From this detection result, it is assumed that the user closes the transmitter 3 with a palm or the like while keeping his ear close to the receiver 2 (the palm or the like is close to the transmitter 3). That is, it is assumed that the user is interrupting the call. In this state, it is desirable to prevent the voice from the microphone from being heard by the other party. Further, since the user's ear is close to the receiver 2, it is assumed that the user is willing to hear the voice from the other party. That is, it is not desirable that the voice from the receiver 2 is not output to the user.

  Here, “to prevent the voice from the microphone from being heard by the other party” means that the voice that the user speaks to the transmitter 3 does not reach the other party at all, or can be heard very small. It means to suppress the output of voice to the other party. Specifically, the control unit 7 lowers the gain of the amplifier provided in the transmission unit 3 or does not cause the communication unit 4 to output the user's voice signal output from the transmission unit 3 to the control unit 7, Such control is performed. Moreover, the control part 7 may control so that a holding sound may be played with respect to the other party.

  The control unit 7 controls only the transmitting unit 3 to the mute state according to the pattern determination (pattern 2). That is, the transmitter 3 is prevented from outputting voice to the other party, but the receiver 2 is made to output voice from the other party. For example, the receiving unit 2 outputs the voice from the other party at a volume substantially the same as that during a normal call. From this control, by performing a natural operation such as closing the transmitter 3 with a palm or the like without the user performing a holding operation, the mobile terminal 1 has an effect of preventing sound leakage to the other party. Furthermore, if the user wants to hear the voice of the other party, the natural operation of bringing the receiver 2 close to his / her ear also allows the user to keep listening to the voice from the other party.

  In the case of pattern 3, the receiver sensor 5 does not detect the proximity of the human body and the receiver 2. Further, the transmitter unit 6 detects the proximity of the human body and the transmitter unit 3. From this detection result, it is assumed that the user has released his / her ear from the receiver 2 and closed the call by closing the transmitter 3 with a palm or the like. That is, it is assumed that the user is interrupting the call. In this state, it is desirable that the control unit 7 prevents the voice from the microphone from being heard by the other party. Further, since the user's ear is away from the receiver 2, it is presumed that the user does not intend to hear the voice from the other party. That is, it is not always necessary to output the other party's voice from the receiver 2.

  The control unit 7 controls the receiving unit 2 and the transmitting unit 3 to the mute state in accordance with the pattern determination (pattern 3). That is, the output of the voice from the transmitter 3 to the other party is suppressed, and the voice from the other party is not output from the receiver 2. From this control, by performing a natural operation such as closing the transmitter 3 with a palm or the like without the user performing a holding operation, the mobile terminal 1 has an effect of preventing sound leakage to the other party. Furthermore, since the user removes the earpiece 2 from the ear, the voice from the earpiece 2 is also lost, which is more convenient when the user disconnects the phone and talks with the neighbor.

  In the case of the pattern 4, the receiver sensor 5 does not detect the proximity of the human body and the receiver 2. The transmitter unit 6 also does not detect the proximity of the human body and the transmitter unit 3. In this case, it is assumed that the user does not bring his ear close to the receiver 2 and does not block the transmitter 3. In other words, the user is considered to have temporarily placed the telephone. In this case, the user may want to resume the call immediately after performing some work with both hands in a short time. Or, forgetting to put on hold, the mobile terminal 1 may be placed, and the user may not be willing to go to work somewhere else and immediately resume the call. Therefore, in the case of this pattern, it is desirable that the control unit 7 performs an operation of continuing the call state for a predetermined time, and performs control so as to suppress the output of voice to the other party after the predetermined time has elapsed.

  When it is determined that the pattern is the pattern 4, the control unit 7 determines whether or not this state has continued for a predetermined time. Note that the “predetermined time” is a time during which a call is interrupted due to a task that the user can complete immediately, for example, a time of about 10 seconds to several tens of seconds.

  When the state of the pattern 4 has not continued for a predetermined time, the control unit 7 performs control to continue the call.

  When the state of the pattern 4 continues for a predetermined time, the control unit 7 controls the transmission unit 3 to be in the mute state. This prevents the other party from hearing excessive voice. At this time, the control unit 7 may control both the reception unit 2 and the transmission unit 3 to the mute state. From this control, when the user performs a short-time operation with both hands in the mobile terminal 1, there is an effect that the user does not feel discomfort such as frustration by continuing the call for a predetermined time. Furthermore, when the user forgets to put the mobile terminal 1 on hold and the portable terminal 1 is left unattended, the transmitter 3 is automatically muted so as not to continue to emit sound to the other party. Can do.

  By performing the above control, the control unit 7 can perform voice control of the call more appropriately according to the user's operation, and can prevent the other party from listening to unnecessary sounds. Once muted (patterns 2, 3, and 4), the user holds the mobile terminal 1 in the normal call position so that the user receives the receiver 2 again and brings the transmitter 3 to the mouth. Since it becomes pattern 1 immediately, there is no extra operation and the user can return to a normal call.

  As described above, the control unit 7 can appropriately control the call state by setting an appropriate threshold value for detecting whether or not the reception unit sensor 5 is close as described above. When the user uses the mobile terminal 1, when the voice of the other party can be heard loudly by the user, it may be possible to talk by releasing the mobile terminal 1 from the ear by a predetermined distance. For example, when the threshold value for detecting whether or not the mobile phone is close is relatively small (for example, 30 mm), the mobile phone 1 is moved slightly away from the ear even though the user does not intend to put the call on hold. No. 5 may not detect the proximity of the human body. As a result, the control unit 7 determines that the state that should originally be determined as the pattern 1 in the pattern determination of FIG. As a result, since the receiving unit 2 and the transmitting unit 3 are controlled to be in the mute state, the user cannot normally make a call.

  From the above, it is desirable that the threshold value for detecting whether or not the receiver unit 5 is close is set to 120 mm, 150 mm, or the like. That is, regarding the receiver sensor 5, it is desirable that the threshold value for detecting whether or not it is close is set to a value that detects the proximity of the human body when the user is talking normally. As this threshold value, a larger threshold value such as 200 mm may be set. In order to prevent the receiver sensor 5 from detecting an obstacle instead of the ear, the threshold value may be set to a relatively small value of about 100 mm.

  Regarding the transmitter unit 6 as well, as described above, the control unit 7 can appropriately control the call state by setting an appropriate threshold value for detecting whether or not it is close. When the user uses the mobile terminal 1, it is conceivable that the mobile terminal 1 is brought close to the mouth so that the other party can easily hear the user's voice. In such a case, for example, when the threshold value for detecting whether or not the mobile phone is close is about 40 mm, the mobile terminal 1 is moved close to the mouth even though the user does not intend to put the call on hold. The speech sensor 6 may detect the proximity of the human body. As a result, the control unit 7 determines that the pattern 1 should be determined as the pattern 2 in the pattern determination of FIG. As a result, since the transmitter 3 is controlled to be in the mute state, the user cannot normally make a call.

  From the above, it is desirable that the threshold value for detecting whether or not the transmitter unit 6 is close is set to 10 mm, 5 mm, or the like. That is, it is desirable that the threshold value for detecting whether or not the transmitter section 6 is close is set to a value that does not detect the proximity of the human body when the user is talking normally. When the user covers the transmitter 3 with a palm or the like, the transmitter sensor 6 detects proximity.

  Furthermore, when the transmitter 3 is muted only when the user closes the receiver sensor 5 with the intention of holding the transmitter, the transmitter sensor 6 may be a contact sensor.

  Note that the controller 7 controls only the transmitter 3 in the mute state in the pattern 2 of FIG. 5, and controls the receiver 2 and the transmitter 3 in the mute state in the pattern 3. However, the control unit 7 may control only the transmitting unit 3 in the mute state even in the pattern 3. The control unit 7 can also perform other controls in the pattern 2 and the pattern 3, such as suppressing the output of voice to the other party.

  In FIG. 4, the control unit 7 performs the determination process with the detection result of the receiver sensor 5 first and the detection result of the transmitter sensor 6 first. However, the order of the determination process may be reversed.

  Further, when the control unit 7 performs the control shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 7 may perform control to display that effect on the screen of the mobile terminal 1. For example, in the pattern 3 shown in FIG. 5, when the control unit 7 sets the receiving unit 2 and the transmitting unit 3 to the mute state, if the mute state of the transmitting unit 3 continues for 30 seconds, the control unit 7 Control is performed so that “Speaker and microphone are muted: 30 seconds” is displayed on the screen. By this display, the user can confirm the time set in the mute state. The control unit 7 can perform the same control with the other patterns shown in FIG.

Embodiment 2
The mobile terminal according to the present embodiment includes a display unit, and a part of the display unit serves as a receiver sensor according to the first embodiment during a call. Thereby, the sensor provided in the housing | casing of a portable terminal can be reduced from two pieces to one piece. Further, as in the first embodiment, the mobile terminal can more appropriately control the call state so that the call partner does not hear an unnecessary sound. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the description similar to that in Embodiment 1 is omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, a display unit 81 is a touch display or the like, and displays information such as a telephone address and time according to the control of the control unit 7. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a part of the display unit 81 is a contact sensor unit 50. The contact sensor unit 50 is a part of the display unit 81 located in the vicinity of the receiver unit 2. Here, the display unit 81 is provided in the vicinity of the receiver unit 2 so as to detect a state in which a human body is close to the receiver unit 2. For example, the display unit 81 may be provided within a radius of 10 mm from the receiver unit 2 in the vicinity of the receiver unit 2.

  The contact sensor unit 50 functions in the same manner as the reception unit sensor 5 described in the first embodiment when the user is in a call. The contact sensor unit 50 is configured by a resistive film type, capacitive type touch display, or the like, and can detect contact of a human body (ear, finger, hand, etc.). The contact sensor unit 50 operates as a display unit when the user is not in a call.

  FIG. 7 is an example of the mobile terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, a so-called smartphone having a large display screen is illustrated as the mobile terminal 1. The receiver unit 2 is provided in the upper part of the housing 102, the display unit 81 is provided in the center of the housing 102, and the transmitter unit 3 and the transmitter sensor 6 are provided in the lower part of the housing 102. Further, in the display unit 81, a portion that is in the vicinity of the receiver unit 2 and is assumed to be in contact with the ear during the user's call is the contact sensor unit 50. In FIG. 7, the upper 20 mm portion of the display unit 81 is the contact sensor unit 50.

  The control of the control unit 7 when the user talks using the mobile terminal 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the user is talking, the control unit 7 controls the contact sensor unit 50 to perform the control. The same processing as that of the reception unit sensor 5 of the first form is performed. By this control, the mobile terminal 1 of the present embodiment has the same effects as the mobile terminal 1 of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3
The portable terminal according to this embodiment includes a camera unit and can be used for videophone calls. When the user brings his / her finger close to the proximity sensor during a videophone call, the control unit of the mobile terminal suppresses output of audio from the transmitting unit to the other party and output of video from the camera unit to the other party. Thereby, the mobile terminal can appropriately control the audio and video of the videophone so that the other party does not provide unnecessary sound and video. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that descriptions similar to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. A mobile terminal 1 according to the present embodiment includes a receiver unit 2, a transmitter unit 3, a communication unit 4, a control unit 7, a display unit 8, a camera unit 10, and a proximity sensor 11. The mobile terminal 1 is a mobile terminal capable of making a videophone call using a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like.

  The communication unit 4 can make a normal telephone call and can also make a videophone call. The communication unit 4 outputs the video information input from the control unit 7 to the base station as radio, similar to the audio information. The communication unit 4 outputs the audio information and video information output from the base station to the control unit 7 as electric signals. When the user is making a videophone call, the communication unit 4 outputs a signal indicating that the videophone call is being made to the control unit 7.

  The display unit 8 is a liquid crystal display, a touch display, or the like, and displays information according to the control of the control unit 7. In a videophone, the display unit 8 acquires video information of the other party from the control unit 7 and displays it as a video.

  The camera unit 10 is for the user of the mobile terminal 1 to take a picture of himself / herself and send it to a videophone call partner. The video input from the camera unit 10 is output to the control unit 7 as video information of an electrical signal.

  The proximity sensor 11 is a non-contact sensor provided in the vicinity of the transmitter 3. The proximity sensor 11 is switched on and off under the control of the control unit 7. The specific type of the proximity sensor 11 is as described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is an example of the mobile terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. The receiver unit 2 and the camera unit 10 are provided in the upper part of the housing 103, the display unit 8 is provided in the center of the housing 103, and the transmitter unit 3 and the proximity sensor 11 are provided in the lower part of the housing 103.

  Control of the control unit 7 will be described. First, as described in step S1 of FIG. 4, the control unit 7 determines whether or not the user is currently in a videophone call based on the signal from the communication unit 4.

  When the user is not busy, the control unit 7 turns off the proximity sensor 11.

  When the user is talking on the videophone, the control unit 7 turns on the proximity sensor 11. Thereafter, the control unit 7 controls the call according to the detection result of the proximity sensor 11.

  For example, when the user brings a finger or the like close to the proximity sensor 11, the control unit 7 suppresses the sound output from the transmitter 3 to the other party and the video output from the camera unit 10 to the other party.

  As a specific example of “suppressing output of video to the other party”, the control unit 7 does not output the video information from the camera unit 10 to the communication unit 4, but transmits information indicating that the video is on hold to the communication unit 4. Output to. The communication unit 4 transmits the information to the call partner. As a result, the information indicating the hold is output on the screen of the mobile terminal or the like of the other party, and the video information from the camera unit 10 is not output. Here, the screen information seen by the call partner may be transmitted directly from the user's mobile terminal 1 to the call partner's mobile terminal or the like. You may make it display on the portable terminal etc. of the side.

  As another specific example of “suppressing output of video to a call partner”, there is a method of displaying video information from the camera unit 10 with a very small output to the call partner. Note that “suppressing the output of sound” is as described in the first embodiment.

  When the user releases a finger or the like that is close to the proximity sensor 11, the control unit 7 releases the above-described state. That is, the control unit 7 resumes the videophone call. As described above, the control unit 7 can control the videophone.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the reception unit sensor 5 and the transmission unit sensor 6 in the first and second embodiments may be a combination of a plurality of types of sensors. In the first to third embodiments, each sensor is off when not in a call or the like, but may be on in that case.

  In the third embodiment, the position of the proximity sensor 11 may be another place of the mobile terminal 1. For example, the proximity sensor 11 may be provided in the vicinity of the camera unit 10. Note that the mobile terminal 1 may include a contact sensor instead of the proximity sensor 11 that is a non-contact sensor. In that case, the control unit 7 performs the same control as in the third embodiment when the user touches the contact sensor with a finger or the like.

  Although the camera unit 10 is provided in the mobile terminal 1 in the third embodiment, the camera unit 10 may be a camera provided externally to the mobile terminal 1. Further, the camera unit 10 itself provided in the mobile terminal 1 may have the proximity sensor 11. In that case, when the user brings a finger or the like close to the camera unit 10, the proximity sensor 11 provided in the camera unit 10 detects the proximity as described above. The control unit 7 performs the same control as described above according to the detection. Alternatively, the camera unit 10 provided externally may have a proximity sensor 11.

  In addition, when a sensor is provided in the camera unit 10, if a user's finger or the like directly contacts the camera unit 10, the camera lens may be contaminated. For this reason, the sensor provided in the camera unit 10 is preferably a proximity sensor rather than a contact sensor.

  In the third embodiment, even after the finger or the like is removed from the proximity sensor 11, the control unit 7 performs control to suppress output of audio from the transmitter 3 to the other party and output of video from the camera unit 10 to the other party. You may continue. In this case, when the user operates a key such as a call key, the control unit 7 releases the control. When the display unit 8 is a touch panel, the control unit 7 may cancel the control by touching the display unit 8.

  Further, the mobile terminal 1 according to Embodiment 3 may be provided with a plurality of proximity sensors or contact sensors. In that case, when the user brings a finger or the like close to one of the plurality of sensors, the control unit 7 controls the output of audio and the output of video as described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile terminal 2 Reception part 3 Transmission part 4 Communication part 5 Reception part sensor 6 Transmission part sensor 7 Control part 8 Display part 9 Operation part 10 Camera part 11 Proximity sensor 50 Contact sensor part 81 Display part 100,101,102, 103 housing

Claims (6)

A receiver and transmitter used in a call;
A receiver unit provided in the vicinity of the receiver unit for detecting a state in which a human body is close to the receiver unit;
A transmitter unit provided in the vicinity of the transmitter unit for detecting a state in which a human body is close to the transmitter unit;
A control unit for controlling a call state based on a detection result by the receiver sensor and a detection result by the transmitter sensor;
The controller is
When the receiver sensor detects the proximity of the human body and the receiver, and the transmitter sensor does not detect the proximity of the human body and the transmitter, the call state is continued,
When the receiver sensor does not detect the proximity of the human body and the receiver, and the transmitter sensor detects the proximity of the human body and the transmitter, the sound from the transmitter to the other party is detected. Suppress the output of
Mobile device. When the receiver sensor detects the proximity of the human body and the receiver, and the transmitter sensor detects the proximity of the human body and the transmitter,
The control unit outputs sound from the receiver unit, and suppresses output of sound from the transmitter unit to the other party,
The mobile terminal according to claim 1. When the receiver sensor does not detect the proximity of the human body and the receiver, and the transmitter sensor does not detect the proximity of the human body and the transmitter,
The control unit continues the call state until a predetermined time elapses after the reception unit sensor and the transmission unit sensor detect the state, and after the predetermined time elapses, the control unit receives from the transmission unit. Suppress the output of sound to the other party,
The mobile terminal according to claim 1 or 2. The portable terminal further includes a display unit for displaying,
The earpiece sensor is a contact sensor that constitutes a part of the display unit.
The portable terminal as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3. The transmitter,
A camera unit for shooting video in a videophone;
A sensor that detects proximity to the human body;
A control unit for controlling the output of sound from the transmitting unit to the calling party and the output of video from the camera unit to the calling party;
With
The controller is
When the sensor detects the proximity of a human body, it suppresses output of sound from the transmitter to the other party and output of video from the camera unit to the other party,
A mobile terminal with a videophone function. A receiver and transmitter used in a call;
A receiver unit provided in the vicinity of the receiver unit for detecting a state in which a human body is close to the receiver unit;
A transmitter unit provided in the vicinity of the transmitter unit for detecting a state in which a human body is close to the transmitter unit;
A method for controlling a portable terminal comprising:
When the receiver sensor does not detect the proximity of the human body and the receiver, and the transmitter sensor detects the proximity of the human body and the transmitter, the sound from the transmitter to the other party is detected. Suppress the output of
Control method of mobile terminal.

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