JP2013219566A - Portable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lower a risk of occurrence of hindrance to a telephone call due to covering of a user interface portion used for a telephone call with a hand or fingers.SOLUTION: A portable information terminal includes a user interface portion used to make a telephone call, a determination portion which determines whether the telephone call is being made, and one or more warning portions which warn that the user interface portion should not be covered when the determination portion determines that the telephone call is being made.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information terminal.

  Some portable information terminals have a call function such as a hands-free call or a videophone. Some portable information terminals have a mail function such as an e-mail and a short message service, an electronic notebook function such as a schedule book, a telephone book, and a memo pad, a Web browser function, etc. in addition to a call function. . Some portable information terminals include a large screen display or a touch panel.

  With the increase in functionality of such portable information terminals, the user may make a call while using a function other than the call function. Further, when using the video call function, the user may make a call while confirming the image of the other party, or may make a call while photographing this state with a camera built in the portable information terminal.

  Various techniques related to such a background are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for automatically changing a ringtone pattern of a mobile phone that performs a chord melody when an incoming call is received. More specifically, first, in this method, a chord melody is sounded from a speaker when an incoming call is received. This method divides the main melody and sub melody that compose the chord melody, and stores the main melody and sub melody formed so that the input signal to the speaker does not exceed the rated input of the speaker when the main melody and sub melody are superimposed. To remember. And this method is located around the sound hole portion of the speaker that guides the sound of the chord melody, and touches a shield that prevents the sound hole portion of the speaker, and this is detected by the touch sensor. And when this method receives a sensing signal that closes the speaker sound hole with a shield from the touch sensor at the time of incoming call, the ringing from the combined main melody and sub-melody chord melodies from the memory to the single main melody ringing. Change the sound pattern. And this method makes the input signal to the speaker of the changed main melody become the rated input of the speaker. In this way, depending on this method, it is possible to improve the clarity of the ringtone and to inform the user that the incoming call is in an established state.

  In addition, for example, in Patent Document 2, a public communication line is established by making a call to or receiving a call to a public communication line by performing wireless communication with a parent device wired to the public communication line, or by performing wireless communication. Describes a wireless telephone with a camera that directly makes and receives calls. More specifically, first, this apparatus recognizes an image of a subject. Then, this apparatus determines whether or not the recognized image is within a predetermined range of the display screen. The apparatus notifies that it is within the predetermined range when it is determined that it is within the predetermined range, and notifies that it is not within the predetermined range when it is determined that it is not within the predetermined range. In this way, depending on this apparatus, it is possible to quickly notify the user of deviations or lacks of the self-portrait from the display screen.

  Also, for example, in Patent Document 3, a receiver, a speaker, a camera directed to one side of the receiver, and a proper position corresponding to a proper position image that is a user's image in a state where the speaker faces the ear A position correction method for a telephone including a storage unit for storing information is described. More specifically, first, this method includes use-time position information corresponding to a use-time image that is a user's image taken by a camera when the user uses the handset, and appropriate position information stored by the storage unit. And compare. This method instructs the user to correct the position of the handset with respect to the ear based on the comparison result. Thus, according to this method, the position of the speaker can be easily adjusted to the position of the user's ear.

Japanese Patent No. 3481550 JP 2004-364089 A JP 2011-205256 A

  When a user of a portable information terminal makes a call while using a function other than the call function, the user may operate the portable information terminal while viewing the display. At that time, cover the microphone or speaker with a hand or finger. May end up. However, if the microphone or the speaker is covered during a call, it becomes difficult for the user and the other party to hear each other, and voice communication becomes difficult.

  The objective of this invention is providing the portable information terminal which solves the subject mentioned above.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a user interface unit used when making a call, a determination unit that determines whether or not a call is in progress, and a determination that a call is in progress And one or more warning sections that warn the user interface section not to be covered when the section determines.

  The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all necessary features of the present invention. Also, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the user interface used when making a call is covered with a hand or a finger, thereby reducing the risk of causing trouble in the call.

It is a figure which shows an example of the block configuration of the mobile telephone 100 which concerns on one Embodiment. It is an external appearance image figure of the mobile telephone of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the processing operation of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the processing operation of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the processing operation of this invention. It is an example of a display of a notification screen to a user. It is an example of a display of a notification screen to a user. It is an example of a display of a notification screen to a user. It is an example of a display of a notification screen to a user. It is an example of a display of a notification screen to a user.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are described below. However, this is not always essential for the solution of the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a block configuration of a mobile phone 100 according to an embodiment. The mobile phone 100 is a portable phone using wireless communication. The mobile phone 100 may be an example of the “portable information terminal” in the present invention.

  The mobile phone 100 includes a wireless communication transceiver 110, a voice input / output unit 120, a state detection unit 130, a display operation unit 140, a real time clock 150, a light emitting diode 160, a vibrator 170, a camera 180, a power supply 190, and a ROM (Read Only Memory). 200 and RAM (Random Access Memory). The microphone 121, the receiver 122, the speaker 123, and the camera 180 may be an example of the “user interface unit” in the present invention. The control unit 220 may be an example of the “determination unit” in the present invention. Moreover, the speaker 123, the touch panel 141, the light emitting diode 160, and the vibrator 170 may be examples of the “warning unit” and the “notification unit” in the present invention. The light emitting diode 160 may be an example of the “light emitting part” in the present invention. The state detection unit 130 may be an example of the “detection unit” in the present invention.

  The wireless communication transmission / reception unit 110 is a device for wirelessly transmitting / receiving data necessary for a call or communication.

  The audio input / output unit 120 includes a microphone 121, a receiver 122, and a speaker 123. The microphone 121 is a device that captures audio during a call. The receiver 122 is a device that outputs the voice of the communication partner received via the wireless communication transmitting / receiving unit 110. The speaker 123 is a device that outputs an alarm sound and the voice of the other party when the speakerphone function is used.

  The state detection unit 130 is a sensor that detects whether the audio input / output unit 120 is not covered.

  The display operation unit 140 includes a touch panel 141 and keys 142. The touch panel 141 is a display that detects a user operation with pressure. The key 142 is a button for each.

  The real time clock 150 has a time measuring function for measuring time in the terminal.

  The control unit 220 is a computer that performs a key reception determination process according to a user operation, a screen display control process, a process for responding to a setting change by a user operation, and the like. The controller 220 also controls the lighting of the light emitting diode 160 and the vibration of the vibrator 170. Image information captured by the camera 180 can be stored in the information storage unit 211 in the RAM 210. When a user operation is received from the touch panel of the display operation unit 140, the image captured by the control unit 220 is read from the information recording unit. Image information can also be displayed on the LCD screen. The ROM 200 stores a basic program for the mobile phone. The power supply 190 supplies power to each block of the mobile phone of the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is an appearance image of the mobile phone of the present invention. The touch panel 141 of the display operation unit 140 is disposed in the center of the front face of the terminal, and most terminal operations are performed via the touch panel 141. Also, three keys 142 are arranged at the bottom of the touch panel 141, and basic functions such as returning to the main menu screen are assigned to these keys. The receiver 122 arranged at the upper end of the front of the terminal is an audio output device used when making a voice call with the terminal placed on the ear. The camera 180 arranged on the right side of the receiver 122 can be used for taking an image when making a video call. A speaker 123 is arranged further in the back of the receiver 122 and near the back of the upper part of the terminal. The other party's voice when the speakerphone (hands-free) function is turned on or during a video call is output from the speaker 122. A microphone 121, which is a voice input device, is arranged at the lower end of the terminal. In this embodiment, a touch sensor capable of detecting whether these devices are not covered with a hand, a finger, or the like is disposed as the state detection unit 130 immediately next to the receiver 122 and the microphone 121.

  Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the present invention.

  When a call is started by a user's own call operation or an incoming call reception operation from a call partner, the portable information terminal first determines whether or not the video call mode is set in step S101. If the call is not a video call but an audio call, it is determined in step S103 whether or not the call is a speakerphone call. In the case of speakerphone call (speakerphone on), device setting control is performed to use the speaker 123 (S104). On the other hand, in the case of speakerphone call (speakerphone off), device setting control is performed so as to use the receiver 122 (S106). During the setting process in steps S105 and S106, confirmation of the setting state of the mute function on / off of the microphone and control of the microphone input volume setting according to the confirmation result are also performed.

  Here, although the determination result in step S101 is a video call, in order to perform user photographing with the camera 180, control is performed so as to perform a camera function validation process in step S102. In the video call, a camera 180 is used to capture a user's face image, and in order to confirm the other party's image on the touch panel 141 that is the main screen, the call style is such that the portable information terminal 100 is held in front. Therefore, since the other party's voice output is output from the speaker 123, the voice call is controlled by the speakerphone. Therefore, the process of step S104 is performed in the same manner as during a speakerphone call.

  In the case of a speakerphone call, in step S105 following step S104, the positions of the microphone 121 and the speaker 123 are guided by image display, and a guide screen that prompts the user to call attention is displayed. At the same time, the light-emitting diode 160 provided on the side of the microphone 121 is controlled to be lit for a predetermined time so that the user can more smoothly grasp the position of the built-in microphone 121. 4A, 4B, and 4C show examples of display screens when the voice call and the speakerphone are off.

  After the call is started, in step S108, the key input / call state and the input / output unit coverage state are appropriately checked. Further, it is determined from the detection information whether or not there is an operation for switching the speakerphone on / off or switching the mute on / off setting (S109). In addition, it is determined whether there is a change in the mode between video call and voice call (S110). Further, it is determined whether or not there is an end operation by pressing the end button of the user or disconnection of the call from the other party (S111). Further, it is determined whether input / output units such as the microphone 121, the receiver 122, the camera 180, and the like are not covered (S112).

  If a mode change is detected in step S109, the speakerphone is switched on / off (S104 or S106). When the mode change is a change from speakerphone off to on, as a control for performing guidance guidance by displaying the position guidance screen of the voice input / output unit and turning on the LCD at the microphone position even during a call. Yes. With this control, for example, when a user who has made a voice call with a speakerphone at the beginning of the call switches to a call with a speakerphone from the middle, the position of the voice input / output unit can be correctly grasped. In this way, it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as accidentally covering the microphone 121 and preventing conversation from being established.

  In addition, when it is detected in step S112 that the input / output unit is covered, the user is notified of the covered state. For example, when a microphone covering state is detected during a voice call using a speakerphone, the notification screen in FIG. 4D is displayed. In addition, when the camera cover state is detected during the video call, the notification screen of FIG. 4E is displayed (detailed explanation is omitted in this embodiment, but the camera cover state in step S112 is omitted). Detection is possible without analysis of an additional device by analyzing the camera image).

  In this embodiment, the notification by the screen display has been described as an example. However, the notification of the camera cover detection and the guidance display to prevent the cover are generated by an alarm sound, a recorded / synthetic voice such as “Please pay attention to the microphone position”, LCD flashing, vibrator vibration, etc. can be used together.

  According to the present invention, when a user performs communication using the voice input / output unit and the image input / output unit, the user can receive a guidance notification of the position of the voice input / output unit. It is possible to reduce the risk of covering with hands and fingers and hindering the call. In addition, in the case where the state detection unit is provided in the present invention, even if the user inadvertently covers the voice input / output unit, a warning is received from the terminal, and the erroneous operation state is shortened. Therefore, the risk of communication errors can be reduced. Furthermore, since the location of the correct voice input / output unit can be confirmed by the position guidance function of the voice input / output unit, the user can use the call function with peace of mind.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The execution order of each process such as operation, procedure, step, and stage in the apparatus shown in the claims, specification, and drawings is not clearly specified as “before”, “prior”, or the like. . It should also be noted that the output of the previous process can be realized in any order unless it is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for the sake of convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Mobile phone 110 Wireless communication transmission / reception part 120 Audio | voice input / output part 121 Microphone 122 Receiver 123 Speaker 130 State detection part 140 Display operation part 141 Touch panel 142 Key 150 Real time clock 160 Light emitting diode 170 Vibrator 180 Camera 190 Power supply 200 ROM
210 RAM
211 Information storage unit 220 Control unit

Claims (7)

A user interface part used when making a call;
A determination unit for determining whether or not a call is in progress;
A portable information terminal comprising: one or more warning units that warn the user interface unit not to be covered when the determination unit determines that a call is in progress. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the one warning unit displays a message to warn the user interface unit not to be covered. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the one warning unit outputs a voice to warn the user interface unit so as not to cover the user interface unit. The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one warning unit emits light so as to warn the user interface unit so as not to cover the user interface unit. The portable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one warning unit vibrates to warn the user interface unit so as not to cover the user interface unit. The portable information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a light emitting unit that is provided in the vicinity of the user interface unit and emits light when the determination unit determines that a call is in progress. A detection unit for detecting when the user interface unit is covered;
7. The notification unit according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the user interface unit is covered when the detection unit detects that the user interface unit is covered. Mobile information terminals.

Images