JP2015073160A - Portable terminal and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a contact sensor from performing erroneous operation when there is a contact with an object.SOLUTION: A portable terminal comprises a calibration control unit (24) which determines temporarily not to execute a first calibration mode when it is determined that a predetermined value is exceed by a variation of difference between a first output value which is a latest detected physical value that does not exceed a first threshold and a second output value which is a physical value that does not exceed the first threshold and is detected a predetermined time before when the first output value is detected.

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal capable of executing a predetermined process according to a detection result of a contact sensor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for determining a process to be executed on a mobile terminal according to a detection result by a sensor provided in the mobile terminal. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, electrodes are arranged at both ends of a portable terminal using a capacitance sensor, and processing executed on the portable terminal depending on whether or not both electrodes are touched and the number of touched fingers. Techniques for determining are disclosed.

JP 2011-119959 A (released on June 16, 2011) JP 2012-23554 A (published February 2, 2012)

  Here, a sensor (contact sensor) that detects the value of a physical quantity that changes as a result of contact with an object as described in Patent Document 1 is used when the object is not in contact with a change in the surrounding environment. The value of the physical quantity may change. For example, in the case of a capacitance sensor, a value detected when an object is not in contact changes due to a temperature change around the sensor. As a result, the threshold value for determining whether or not an object has touched changes, so that the malfunction of the sensor (for example, the assumed process is not executed even though the user is touching the contact sensor). It becomes a factor. As a solution to such a problem, there is a technique of acquiring a physical quantity value when it is determined that an object is non-contact and calibrating a reference level to the physical quantity value. FIG. 11 is a graph showing calibration of a conventional reference level. As shown in FIG. 11, conventionally, the reference level is calibrated according to the value of the physical quantity acquired at regular intervals, and the threshold value is changed according to the calibrated reference level. However, the conventional technology has a problem that malfunction of the contact sensor cannot be sufficiently prevented. That is, in the conventional technique, when the threshold value is not exceeded, it is determined that the contact sensor and the object are not in contact with each other. Therefore, the above-described calibration processing is executed unless the physical quantity value exceeds the threshold value. In other words, when the physical quantity value does not exceed the above threshold value even though the object has contacted the contact sensor for some reason, the mobile terminal regards the change in the physical quantity value in the contact as the change in the physical quantity value due to the environmental change. It misrecognizes and performs the above-mentioned calibration process. As a result, there is a problem that the reference level and the threshold value are not set appropriately, and the touch sensor malfunctions.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal or the like that can prevent a malfunction of a contact sensor when an object is in contact.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided at a position where a hand of a user holding a housing touches to detect a value of a physical quantity that changes with contact of an object. A contact sensor that performs predetermined processing when the detected physical quantity value exceeds a first threshold value that is set based on a reference value that is the physical quantity value when the object is not in contact with the contact sensor. A portable terminal comprising: a process execution unit; and a first calibration unit that executes a first calibration mode that sets a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the detected first threshold value as the reference value. A first output value that is a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value, and a second value that is a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected a predetermined time before the first output value. The amount of change, which is the difference from the output value, is the predetermined value. A change amount determination means for determining whether or not the change amount is large; and when it is determined that the change amount is larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that the first calibration mode is not temporarily executed, and the predetermined amount is determined. Calibration control means for determining that the first calibration mode is to be continued if it is not determined to be greater than the value.

  In addition, in order to solve the above-described problem, a method for controlling a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention detects a value of a physical quantity that changes with contact of an object, and a user's hand holding a housing makes contact. When the value of the physical quantity detected by the contact sensor provided at the position exceeds the first threshold set based on the reference value that is the value of the physical quantity when the object is not in contact, Control of a portable terminal including: a contact process execution step for executing a process; and a first calibration step for executing a first calibration mode in which a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the detected first threshold is set as the reference value. A first output value that is a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the most recently detected first threshold, and the first threshold that is detected a predetermined time before the first output value. Second, which is the value of the physical quantity A change amount determining step for determining whether or not a change amount that is a difference from the force value is greater than a predetermined value; and when it is determined that the change amount is greater than the predetermined value, the first calibration mode And a calibration control step for determining that the first calibration mode is to be continued if it is not determined to be temporarily executed, and if it is not determined to be greater than the predetermined value.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of a contact sensor when an object is in contact.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a smart phone. It is the schematic which shows the external appearance of a smart phone. It is a graph which shows the change from 1st calibration mode to 2nd calibration mode. It is a graph which shows the calibration of the reference level in 2nd calibration mode. It is a graph which shows the change from 2nd calibration mode to 1st calibration mode. It is a graph which shows reset of a reference | standard numerical value difference. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the smart phone of Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 2nd calibration mode calibration process. It is a graph which shows the change from 2nd calibration mode to 1st calibration mode. It is a graph which shows a time-dependent change of the reaction level. It is a graph which shows the calibration of the reference level in the past.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In the embodiment described below, an example in which the present invention is applied to a smartphone will be described. The application example is not limited to a smartphone, and the present invention can be applied to any portable terminal that can execute a predetermined process in accordance with the detection result of the contact sensor. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in each embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof is omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the shape of the configuration described in each drawing and the dimensions such as length, size, and width do not reflect the actual shape and dimensions, but are changed as appropriate for the sake of clarity and simplification of the drawings. doing.

Embodiment 1
In one embodiment of the present invention, it will be described as follows based on FIGS. First, the external configuration of the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the smartphone 1. The smartphone 1 according to this embodiment includes a display unit 10 on at least one surface of the housing. Hereinafter, the surface provided with the display unit 10 is referred to as the “front” of the smartphone 1. In addition, the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment includes a contact sensor 11 described later at a position where a user's hand holding the smartphone 1 contacts the smartphone 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the smartphone 1 contacts each of two surfaces adjacent to the long side of the front (hereinafter, the two surfaces are referred to as “side surfaces” of the smartphone 1). A sensor 11 is provided. Note that the number of contact sensors 11 and the range in which the contact sensors 11 are provided are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2. For example, a plurality of contact sensors 11 may be provided on each of the side surfaces. The contact sensor 11 may be provided on the entire side surface.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the principal part structure of the smart phone 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration of the smartphone 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the smartphone 1 includes at least a contact sensor 11, a contact sensor control unit 12, a timer 13, and a control unit 14. In FIG. 1, some arrows are omitted in consideration of the visibility of the drawing.

  The contact sensor 11 is a sensor that detects contact of an object such as a user's hand. The contact sensor 11 is specifically a capacitance sensor, but is not limited to this example. The contact sensor 11 detects a value of a physical quantity (variable capacity of the capacitance sensor) corresponding to the type of the contact sensor 11 based on an instruction from the contact sensor control unit 12, and uses the detected value as the contact sensor control unit 12. Output to.

  The contact sensor control unit 12 operates the contact sensor 11 to acquire a physical quantity value corresponding to the type of the contact sensor 11. The contact sensor control unit 12 causes the timer 13 to measure a predetermined time for contact determination (hereinafter referred to as a contact determination cycle). Then, when the time measured by the timer 13 reaches the contact determination cycle, the contact sensor 11 is instructed to detect the substance amount. And if the value which the contact sensor 11 output is acquired, the said value (henceforth a reaction level) is output to the threshold value determination part 21 mentioned later. By adopting a configuration in which a value detected every predetermined time is obtained, current consumption can be reduced. Note that in the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment, the contact sensor control unit 12 acquires a physical quantity value from each of the contact sensors 11 provided on both side surfaces. Further, the contact sensor control unit 12 may output the result of processing the acquired value to the threshold determination unit 21. For example, when the contact sensor 11 is a capacitance sensor, the difference in capacitance when the object is not in contact may be output to the threshold determination unit 21. In this case, the specified difference is the reaction level. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the acquired value is output as a reaction level to the threshold value determination unit 21 will be described.

  Further, the contact sensor control unit 12 causes the timer 13 to measure a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as a calibration execution cycle) for executing the calibration process, which is different from the contact determination cycle. Then, when the time measured by the timer 13 reaches the calibration execution period, the contact sensor 11 is instructed to detect the capacitance. When the physical quantity value output by the contact sensor 11 is acquired, the physical quantity value (reaction level) is output to the first calibration unit 25 or the second calibration unit 26 described later. The contact sensor control unit 12 specifies whether to output the reaction level to the first calibration unit 25 or the second calibration unit 26 based on information output from the calibration control unit 24 described later.

  The timer 13 is a device for measuring the passage of time. The timer 13 measures either the contact determination cycle or the calibration execution cycle based on an instruction from the contact sensor control unit 12. When any one of the above cycles is measured, a message to that effect is output to the contact sensor control unit 12.

  The control unit 14 performs overall control of each unit included in the smartphone 1. The control unit 14 includes at least a threshold determination unit 21, a process execution unit 22 (contact process execution unit), a change amount specifying unit 23 (change amount determination unit), a calibration control unit 24 (calibration control unit), and a first calibration unit 25. (First calibration means) and a second calibration unit 26 (second calibration means).

  The threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the value of the physical quantity detected by the contact sensor 11 exceeds a contact threshold (first threshold) that is a threshold indicating that an object has contacted the contact sensor 11. Specifically, when the reaction level is supplied from the contact sensor control unit 12, the threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the reaction level exceeds the contact threshold. And when it determines with the said reaction level having exceeded the said contact threshold value, the information which shows that is supplied to the process execution part 22. FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reaction level does not exceed the contact threshold, the reaction level is supplied to the change amount specifying unit 23. The threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the reaction level has exceeded a stop threshold (second threshold) that is a threshold for stopping the second calibration mode. And when it determines with having exceeded the said stop threshold value, the fact is supplied to the calibration process part 24. FIG. In the smartphone 1 according to the present embodiment, the threshold determination unit 21 is supplied with the reaction level in each of the contact sensors 11 provided on both side surfaces, and determines that both of the above reaction levels have exceeded the contact threshold. , Information indicating that is supplied to the process execution unit 22.

  Here, the contact threshold used by the threshold determination unit 21 is determined based on a reference level (reference value) that is a reaction level when an object is not in contact with the contact sensor 11. Specifically, the contact threshold is determined so that the difference between the reference level and the contact threshold is always constant. That is, when the reference level is changed, the contact threshold is also changed so that the difference from the changed reference level becomes constant. When the contact sensor 11 is a capacitance sensor, the capacitance of the capacitor changes due to the contact of an object, and the contact threshold value is smaller than the reference level. In other words, “the reaction level exceeds the contact threshold value” means that the reaction level is a value lower than the contact threshold value. Note that the reference level and the contact threshold used in the threshold determination unit 21 are appropriately changed by the first calibration unit 25 or the second calibration unit 26.

  The process execution unit 22 executes a process associated with the contact of the user's hand with the contact sensor 11. Specifically, when the process execution unit 22 is supplied with information indicating that the reaction level exceeds the contact threshold from the threshold determination unit 21, the process execution unit 22 performs a process associated with the information (for example, a display screen lighting process). ). In addition, the process matched with the said information is not limited to the lighting process of a display screen.

  The change amount specifying unit 23 specifies the change amount of the reaction level in a predetermined time and determines whether or not an object has contacted the contact sensor 11. Specifically, when the reaction level (first output value) is supplied from the threshold determination unit 21, the change amount specifying unit 23 determines whether the change level specifying unit 23 has the reaction level (second output value) supplied immediately before the reaction level. Identify the difference (change). Then, it is determined whether or not the amount of change is greater than a predetermined value. When it is determined that the change amount is larger than the predetermined value, the change amount specifying unit 23 supplies information (contact detection information) indicating the fact and the first output value to the calibration control unit 24. On the other hand, when it is determined that the change amount is smaller than the predetermined value, the change amount specifying unit 23 supplies the first output value to the calibration control unit 24.

  Here, “whether or not the amount of change is greater than a predetermined value” means that “the cause of the change indicating the amount of change is the contact of an object with the contact sensor 11 or the surroundings of the contact sensor 11. Is it an environmental change? " That is, the change amount specifying unit 23 supplies the contact detection information to the calibration control unit 24 when it is determined that an object has contacted the contact sensor 11. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the change in the reaction level is due to contact with an object or due to a change in the environment around the contact sensor. When the time difference between the first output value and the second output value when specifying the change amount becomes longer than the contact determination cycle, the change amount may not be specified. In addition, the predetermined value is a value that can sufficiently distinguish a change amount based on a change in the environment around the assumed contact sensor 11 (temperature change) and a change amount indicating that the object has contacted, There is no particular limitation.

  The calibration control unit 24 determines whether to execute the first calibration mode or the second calibration mode. Specifically, when the contact detection information is supplied from the change amount specifying unit 23, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the first calibration unit 25 to stop the first calibration mode, and the second calibration unit 26. To start the second calibration mode. When the calibration control unit 24 is supplied with information indicating that the reaction level exceeds the stop threshold value from the threshold determination unit 21, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the second calibration unit 26 to stop the second calibration mode, and The first calibration unit 25 is instructed to start the first calibration mode. In addition, the calibration control unit 24 specifies the calibration mode currently being executed, and outputs information indicating the specified calibration mode to the contact sensor control unit 12. Here, when the contact sensor 11 is a capacitance sensor, “the first output value exceeds the stop threshold” means “the first output value exceeds the stop threshold”.

  The first calibration unit 25 and the second calibration unit 26 execute the first calibration mode and the second calibration mode, respectively. Details of these calibration modes will be described later.

  Next, details of the first calibration mode will be described. The first calibration mode is a mode in which the reaction level is set as a reference level when the reaction level detected by the contact sensor 11 does not exceed the contact threshold. Specifically, when the time measured by the timer 13 reaches the calibration execution period, the contact sensor control unit 12 acquires the reaction level using the contact sensor 11. Then, the contact sensor control unit 12 supplies the acquired reaction level to the first calibration unit 25. The 1st calibration part 25 specifies whether the supplied reaction level exceeds a contact threshold value. This contact threshold is the same as the contact threshold used in the threshold determination unit 21. When the contact threshold value is exceeded, the process is terminated without performing calibration of the reference level. On the other hand, when the contact threshold is not exceeded, the supplied reaction level is set as a new reference level. Then, the contact threshold value is changed so that the difference between the reference level before and after the change is equal to the difference between the contact threshold value before and after the change. Thereby, the difference between the reference level and the contact threshold is equal before and after the change. Finally, the reference level and contact threshold of the threshold determination unit 21 are changed to the changed reference level and contact threshold.

  Next, details of the second calibration mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a graph showing a change from the first calibration mode to the second calibration mode in the smartphone 1. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the calibration of the reference level in the second calibration mode in the smartphone 1. FIG. 5 is a graph showing a change from the second calibration mode to the first calibration mode in the smartphone 1. FIG. 6 is a graph showing resetting of the reference numerical value difference in the smartphone 1.

  First, the change from the first calibration mode to the second calibration mode will be described with reference to FIG. When the threshold value determination unit 21 determines that the value (reaction level) detected by the contact sensor 11 does not exceed the contact threshold value T1 set based on the reference level A1, the reaction level is supplied to the change amount specifying unit 23. Is done. Next, the change amount specifying unit 23 calculates a difference (change amount) between the supplied reaction level (first output value) and the reaction level (second output value) supplied immediately before the supplied reaction level. Identify. For example, when the reaction level P2 detected at time t2 is supplied, the amount of change V1 that is the difference from the reaction level supplied immediately before that, that is, the reaction level P1 detected at time t1 preceding the period C. Is identified. Then, it is determined whether or not the specified change amount is larger than a predetermined value. In this case, since the change amount V1 is smaller than the predetermined value, the first calibration mode is continued. On the other hand, when the reaction level P3 detected at time t3 is supplied, the change amount specifying unit 23 specifies a change amount V2 that is a difference from the reaction level P2 supplied at time t2. In this case, since the change amount V2 is larger than the predetermined value, the calibration control unit 24 determines to stop the first calibration mode. Thus, when the surrounding environment changes, the first calibration mode that is executed to calibrate the reference level following the change is not erroneously executed when the object is in contact. That is, since the reference level and the contact threshold set based on the reference level are not greatly changed, it is possible to accurately detect contact of an object that exceeds the contact threshold. As described above, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the contact sensor 11 when the object is in contact. Then, the calibration control unit 24 determines the start of the second calibration mode. As a result, the second calibration mode is executed by the second calibration unit 26.

  Next, reference level calibration in the second calibration mode will be described with reference to FIG. The second calibration mode specifies a reference numerical value difference D1 which is a difference between the reaction level (first output value) P3 and the reference level A1 when the second calibration mode is started, and the reaction level detected by the contact sensor 11 In this mode, the reference level is set so that the difference between the reference value and the reference level after calibration becomes the reference numerical value difference D1. Specifically, the second calibration unit 26 starts the second calibration mode and specifies the reference numerical value difference D1. When the time measured by the timer 13 reaches the calibration execution cycle (cycle from time t3 to time t4), the contact sensor control unit 12 acquires the reaction level P4 using the contact sensor 11. Then, the contact sensor control unit 12 supplies the acquired reaction level P4 to the second calibration unit 26. The second calibration unit 26 specifies whether or not the supplied reaction level P4 exceeds the contact threshold value T1. This contact threshold is the same as the contact threshold used in the threshold determination unit 21. If it is determined that the contact threshold T1 is exceeded, the reference level is not calibrated and the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the contact threshold value T1 is not exceeded, a new reference level A2 is set so that the difference from the supplied reaction level P4 becomes the reference numerical value difference D1. Then, the contact threshold T1 is changed to the contact threshold T2 so that the difference between the reference level before and after the change and the difference between the contact threshold before and after the change are equal. Thereby, the difference between the reference level and the contact threshold is equal before and after the change. Finally, the reference level and the contact threshold of the threshold determination unit 21 are changed to the changed reference level A2 and the contact threshold T2. Accordingly, the reference level can be calibrated following the change in the environment around the sensor after the second calibration mode is executed. In the second calibration mode, since the reference level is set so as to maintain the reference numerical value difference, the reference level and the contact threshold are not significantly changed. As described above, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the contact sensor 11 at the time of contact with an object while responding to a change in environment.

  Further, the calibration process in the second calibration mode may be performed as follows. The second calibration unit 26 sets the reaction level (first output value) when the second calibration mode is started as the pseudo reference level P3. If it is determined that the acquired reaction level P4 does not exceed the contact threshold value T1, the pseudo reference level is changed to P4. Then, the second calibration unit 26 specifies the pseudo reference level difference D2 before and after the change, and the difference between the reference level before and after the change and the contact threshold value before and after the change is equal to the pseudo reference level difference D2. The reference level A1 is changed to the reference level A2, and the contact threshold value T1 is changed to the contact threshold value T2.

  Next, the change of the calibration mode from the second calibration mode to the first calibration mode will be described with reference to FIG. When the reaction level detected by the contact sensor 11 is supplied to the calibration control unit 24 during execution of the second calibration mode, the calibration control unit 24 determines whether or not the reaction level exceeds the stop threshold R. FIG. In the case of the example, it is determined whether or not the stop threshold value R is exceeded. In the example of FIG. 5, the reaction level P5 detected at time t5 exceeds the stop threshold R. When the calibration control unit 24 specifies that the reaction level P5 exceeds the stop threshold value R, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the second calibration unit 26 to stop the second calibration mode. Further, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the first calibration unit 25 to start the first calibration mode. Since the first calibration mode described above is executed at time t6, the reaction level detected at time t6 becomes the reference level A3, and the difference between the reference level before and after the change and the contact threshold value before and after the change. Are set to be equal to each other. As described above, the first calibration mode can be resumed when there is a high possibility that the change in the reaction level with time is based on the environmental change around the sensor. Therefore, the calibration of the reference level suitable for the situation can be performed.

  Next, resetting of the reference numerical value difference in the second calibration mode will be described with reference to FIG. The contact sensor control unit 12 acquires the reaction level from the contact sensor 11 every contact determination period C regardless of whether the calibration mode is the first calibration mode or the second calibration mode. Further, even in the reaction level that is determined by the threshold determination unit 21 not to exceed (below) the contact threshold and is supplied to the variation specifying unit 23, the calibration mode is the first calibration mode or the second calibration. The amount of change is specified regardless of the mode. That is, also at time t7 and the like, the change amount specifying unit 23 specifies the change amount and determines whether or not the change amount is larger than a predetermined value. In addition, when the second calibration mode is executed, the change amount specifying unit 23 only changes in the direction in which the reaction level decreases with time, such as the change amount V2 of the reaction level from time t2 to t3. Instead, the amount of change in the direction in which the reaction level increases with the passage of time, such as the amount of change V3 in the reaction level from time t8 to t9, is also specified. In other words, when the second calibration mode is being executed, the change amount specifying unit 23 determines whether or not the absolute value of the change amount is greater than a predetermined value. Accordingly, there is a possibility that both the possibility that the reaction level will increase and the possibility that it will decrease with the passage of time depending on the presence / absence of contact of the object with the contact sensor 11, the strength of the contact, and the speed of contact. In certain situations, calibration of the reference level and contact threshold can be performed.

  Further, when the change amount specifying unit 23 determines that the change amount is larger than the predetermined value during execution of the second calibration mode, information indicating that (contact detection information) is sent via the calibration control unit 24. 2 is supplied to the calibration unit 26. And the 2nd calibration part 26 resets a reference | standard numerical value difference, and specifies a new reference | standard numerical value difference. In the example of FIG. 6, during execution of the second calibration mode, the change amount specifying unit 23 specifies a change amount V3 that is greater than a predetermined value, and as a result, the second calibration unit 26 resets the reference numerical value difference D1, and the time The difference between the reference level A2 at time t9 and the reaction level P6 detected at time t9 is specified as a new reference numerical value difference D3. Then, the second calibration unit 26 determines that the difference between the reaction level detected by the contact sensor 11 when the time measured by the timer 13 reaches the calibration execution period and the reference level after calibration is the reference numerical value difference D3. The reference level is set so that As a result, even if a relatively large reaction level change occurs within a range that does not exceed (below) the contact threshold, malfunction of the contact sensor 11 can be prevented.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and 8, the flow of the process in the smart phone 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the smartphone 1, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second calibration mode calibration processing. In addition, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is a flowchart after the first calibration mode is started.

  First, when the contact sensor control unit 12 specifies the contact detection time (YES in S1), that is, when the time measured by the timer 13 reaches the contact determination cycle, the contact sensor control unit 12 The value detected by the sensor 11 is acquired (S2). Then, the contact sensor control unit 12 outputs the acquired value (reaction level) to the threshold value determination unit 21. Subsequently, the threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the reaction level exceeds the contact threshold (S3). When it is determined that the reaction level exceeds the contact threshold (YES in S3), the threshold determination unit 21 supplies information indicating that fact to the process execution unit 22. And the process execution part 22 performs the process (for example, lighting process of a display screen) matched with the information which shows that the reaction level exceeded the contact threshold value (S4, contact process execution step).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reaction level does not exceed the contact threshold (NO in S3), the threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the reaction level is between the stop threshold and the reference level (S5). Specifically, the threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the reaction level is between the stop threshold and the reference level, in other words, whether or not the reaction level exceeds (exceeds) the stop threshold. When it is determined that the reaction level is between the stop threshold and the reference level (YES in S5), the threshold determination unit 21 supplies the fact to the calibration control unit 24, and the calibration control unit 24 performs the first calibration mode. (S6, first calibration step).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reaction level is not between the stop threshold and the reference level (NO in S5), the threshold determination unit 21 supplies the reaction level to the change amount specifying unit 23. And the variation | change_quantity specific | specification part 23 determines whether the variation | change_quantity of the reaction level is larger than a predetermined value (S7, variation | change_quantity determination step). Specifically, the change amount specifying unit 23 includes the supplied reaction level (first output value) and the reaction level (second output value) supplied immediately before the first output value, for example, before the contact determination period. The amount of change that is the difference between and is specified. Then, it is determined whether or not the amount of change is greater than a predetermined value. When it is determined that the change amount is smaller than the predetermined value (NO in S7), the change amount specifying unit 23 supplies the first output value to the calibration control unit 24, and the calibration control unit 24 sets the first calibration mode. Maintain (S6). Although not shown in FIG. 7, the calibration process in the first calibration mode will be described. First, when the time measured by the timer 13 reaches the calibration execution cycle, the contact sensor control unit 12 acquires the reaction level detected by the contact sensor 11. Then, the contact sensor control unit 12 supplies the acquired reaction level to the first calibration unit 25. Subsequently, the first calibration unit 25 calibrates the reference level. Specifically, the first calibration unit 25 determines whether or not the supplied reaction level exceeds a contact threshold value. If it is determined that the contact threshold is exceeded, the reference level is not calibrated and the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the contact threshold is not exceeded, the supplied reaction level is set as a new reference level. Then, the contact threshold is changed so that the difference between the reference level before and after the change is equal to the difference between the contact threshold before and after the change. Finally, the first calibration unit 25 changes the reference level and the contact threshold of the threshold determination unit 21 to the changed reference level and the contact threshold, respectively, and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the change amount is larger than the predetermined value (YES in S7), the change amount specifying unit 23 supplies the contact detection information indicating the fact and the first output value to the calibration control unit 24. When the contact detection information is supplied, the first calibration unit 25 is instructed to stop the first calibration mode, and the first calibration unit 25 receives the instruction and stops the first calibration mode (S8, calibration control). Step). Then, the calibration control unit 24 specifies a new reference numerical value difference (S9). That is, the difference between the first output value of the amount of change determined to be greater than the predetermined value and the reference level at the time when the amount of change is determined to be greater than the predetermined value is specified as a new reference numerical value difference. . Further, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the second calibration unit 26 to start the second calibration mode, and the second calibration unit 26 starts the second calibration mode in response to the instruction (S10).

  Subsequently, a second calibration mode calibration process is executed (S11). First, the second calibration unit 26 specifies a reference numerical value difference (S21). Specifically, a reference numerical value difference that is a difference between the response level (first output value) when the second calibration mode is started and the reference level is specified. The subsequent processing from step S22 to step S25 is the same as the processing from step S1 to step S4 described with reference to FIG. 7, and thus description thereof is omitted here. Subsequently, when it is determined that the reaction level does not exceed the contact threshold (NO in S24), the threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the reaction level is between the stop threshold and the reference level (S26). Specifically, the threshold determination unit 21 determines whether or not the reaction level is between the stop threshold and the reference level, in other words, whether or not the reaction level exceeds (exceeds) the stop threshold. When it is determined that the reaction level is between the stop threshold and the reference level (YES in S26), the second calibration mode calibration process is terminated, and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reaction level is not between the stop threshold and the reference level (NO in S26), the threshold determination unit 21 supplies the reaction level to the change amount specifying unit 23. And the variation | change_quantity specific | specification part 23 determines whether the variation | change_quantity of the reaction level is larger than a predetermined value (S27). The process in step S27 is the same as the process in step S7 described in FIG. Here, when the change amount specifying unit 23 determines that the specified change amount is larger than the predetermined value (YES in S27), a new reference numerical value difference is specified (S28). That is, the difference between the first output value of the amount of change determined to be greater than the predetermined value and the reference level at the time when the amount of change is determined to be greater than the predetermined value is specified as a new reference numerical value difference. . When it is determined that the specified change amount is smaller than the predetermined value (NO in S27), step S28 is omitted. Subsequently, when the contact sensor control unit 12 specifies the calibration time (YES in S29), that is, when the time measured by the timer 13 has reached the calibration execution cycle, the contact sensor control unit 12 The reaction level detected by the sensor 11 is acquired (S30). Then, the contact sensor control unit 12 supplies the acquired reaction level to the second calibration unit 26. Subsequently, the second calibration unit 26 calibrates the reference level based on the reference numerical value difference (S31). Specifically, the second calibration unit 26 determines whether or not the supplied reaction level exceeds a contact threshold value. If it is determined that the contact threshold is exceeded, the reference level is not calibrated and the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the contact threshold is not exceeded, a new reference level is set so that the difference from the supplied reaction level becomes a reference numerical value difference. Then, a new contact threshold value is set so that the difference between the reference levels before and after the change is equal to the difference between the contact threshold values before and after the change. Then, the second calibration unit 26 sets a reference level and a threshold value (S32). Specifically, the second calibration unit 26 changes the reference level and contact threshold of the threshold determination unit 21 to the changed reference level and contact threshold, respectively. Thereafter, the process returns to step S22. Here, the calibration time of S29 is monitored and the reference value is changed. However, when this control is not necessary, S30, S31, and S32 are not necessarily performed.

  Subsequently, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the second calibration unit 26 to stop the second calibration mode, and the second calibration unit 26 stops the second calibration mode in response to the instruction (S12). Furthermore, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the first calibration unit 25 to start the first calibration mode, and the first calibration unit 25 resumes the first calibration mode in response to the instruction (S13). Above, the process shown in FIG. 7 is complete | finished.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a smartphone 2 that does not include the second calibration unit 26 will be described. That is, when the change amount specified by the change amount specifying unit 23 is larger than a predetermined value, the calibration control unit 24 only determines to stop the first calibration mode. Therefore, in the second calibration mode, the reference level and the touch threshold are not calibrated.

  FIG. 9 is a graph showing a change from the second calibration mode to the first calibration mode in the smartphone 2. As shown in FIG. 9, when the change amount specifying unit 23 determines that the change amount V2 is larger than a predetermined value, the calibration control unit 24 instructs the first calibration unit 25 to stop the first calibration mode. Let Thereby, the malfunctioning of the contact sensor 11 at the time of contact of an object can be prevented. And the calibration control part 24 continues the stop state (2nd calibration mode) of a 1st calibration mode until the 1st output value supplied from the variation | change_quantity specific | specification part 23 exceeds the stop threshold value R. FIG. During the second calibration mode, the change amount specifying unit 23 may supply the reaction level supplied from the threshold determination unit 21 to the calibration control unit 24 as it is without specifying the change amount. Note that after the first calibration mode is resumed at time t5, the calibration in the first calibration mode described above is performed.

[Embodiment 3]
The following will describe still another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a smartphone 3 that performs determination by a plurality of determinations as to whether or not the threshold determination unit 21 has exceeded a threshold will be described. With this configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether the user actually grips the casing or whether the contact sensor 11 is erroneously detected due to an object other than the user's hand being touched. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the change over time of the reaction level in the smartphone 3. In the present embodiment, the viewpoint is changed as compared with what has been described so far. That is, FIG. 10 shows the level that reacted when the reference level was zero.

  A period p <b> 0 illustrated in FIG. 10 indicates a period in which no object is in contact with the contact sensor 11. The period p1 indicates a period until the reaction level reaches the contact threshold value T1. Here, when the reaction level reaches the contact threshold value T1 at time ta, the threshold determination unit 21 executes the first determination. That is, it is determined whether or not the reaction level continuously exceeds the contact threshold value T1 in the period p2. When it is determined that the contact threshold value T1 is continuously exceeded, the threshold value determination unit 21 performs the second determination. That is, it is determined whether or not the reaction level continuously exceeds the contact threshold value T1 in the period p3. When it is determined that the contact threshold value T1 is continuously exceeded, the threshold value determination unit 21 supplies information indicating that to the process execution unit 22 at time tb. Then, the process execution unit 22 executes a predetermined process at time tc.

  A subsequent period p4 indicates a period in which the reaction level continues and exceeds the contact threshold value T1. Here, when the reaction level reaches the non-contact threshold T4 indicating that the object has moved away from the contact sensor 11 at time td, the threshold determination unit 21 performs the third determination. That is, it is determined whether or not the reaction level continuously falls below the non-contact threshold value T4 in the period p5. When it is determined that the non-contact threshold value T4 is continuously decreased, the threshold value determination unit 21 performs the fourth determination. That is, it is determined whether or not the reaction level continuously falls below the non-contact threshold value T4 in the period p6. When it is determined that the non-contact threshold value T4 is continuously decreased, the threshold value determination unit 21 supplies information indicating that to the process execution unit 22 at time te. Then, the process execution unit 22 executes a predetermined process at time tf. The length of the period from the first determination to the fourth determination is not particularly limited. That is, since the period of each of the plurality of determination processes can be appropriately set according to the usage, the usability of the smartphone 3 can be improved.

[Example of software implementation]
The control blocks of the smartphones 1 to 3 (in particular, the threshold determination unit 21, the processing execution unit 22, the change amount specifying unit 23, the calibration control unit 24, the first calibration unit 25, and the second calibration unit 26) are integrated circuits (IC chips). ) Or the like, or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  In the latter case, the smartphones 1 to 3 include a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes each function, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which the program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by the computer (or CPU). Alternatively, a storage device (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program, and the like are provided. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU) reads the said program from the said recording medium and runs it. As the recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
The mobile terminal (smartphones 1 to 3) according to the first aspect of the present invention detects a physical quantity value that changes as a result of contact with an object, and is provided at a position where a user's hand holding the casing comes into contact. (11) and contact that executes a predetermined process when the detected value of the physical quantity exceeds a first threshold value that is set based on a reference value that is the value of the physical quantity when the object is not in contact. Process execution means (process execution section 22) and first calibration means (first calibration section 25) for executing a first calibration mode in which the detected physical quantity value not exceeding the first threshold is set as the reference value. A first output value that is a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value that has been detected most recently, and the first output value that is detected a predetermined time before the first output value. The value of the physical quantity that does not exceed one threshold Change amount determination means (change amount specifying unit 23) for determining whether or not a change amount that is a difference from the output value is larger than a predetermined value, and the change amount is determined to be larger than the predetermined value When it is determined that the first calibration mode is not temporarily executed, and if it is not determined that the first calibration mode is greater than the predetermined value, the calibration control means (calibration) determines that the first calibration mode is continuously executed. And a control unit 24).

  According to the above configuration, the first output value that is the value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the detected first threshold value, and the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected a predetermined time before the first output value. It is determined whether or not the amount of change, which is the difference from the second output value that is the value of, is greater than a predetermined value. Thereby, it can be accurately determined whether the change in the value of the physical quantity is due to the contact of the object or the change in the environment around the contact sensor. Here, it is further determined that the first calibration mode is not temporarily executed when the amount of change is larger than a predetermined value. That is, when it is determined that an object is in contact with the contact sensor, the calibration for setting the physical quantity value detected by the sensor as the reference value is not performed.

  Thus, when the surrounding environment changes, the first calibration mode executed to calibrate the reference value following the change is not erroneously executed when the object is in contact. That is, since the reference value and the first threshold value set based on the reference value are not greatly changed, it is possible to accurately detect the contact of the object exceeding the first threshold value. As described above, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the contact sensor when the object is in contact. In addition, after the determination that the object has touched, the first calibration mode is not temporarily executed, so that the predetermined calibration is possible regardless of how the user touches the contact sensor (contact strength, contact speed, etc.). Can be executed. In other words, the reactivity of the contact sensor for executing a predetermined process can be improved.

  The portable terminal according to aspect 2 of the present invention further includes second calibration means (second calibration unit 26) that executes a second calibration mode different from the first calibration mode in the aspect 1, and the calibration control means. Determines that the second calibration mode is executed instead of the first calibration mode when the change amount is larger than the predetermined value, and the second calibration mode is configured such that the change amount is the predetermined value. A reference numerical value difference that is a difference between the first output value determined to be larger than the reference value is specified, and the difference between the physical quantity value detected by the contact sensor becomes the reference numerical value difference. It may be a mode for setting a reference value.

  According to the above configuration, the second calibration mode is executed instead of the first calibration mode. Here, the second calibration mode specifies a reference numerical value difference that is a difference between the first output value and the reference value when it is determined to execute the mode. Then, the reference value is set so that the difference between the physical quantity value detected by the contact sensor and the reference value becomes the reference numerical value difference. Thereby, the reference value and the first threshold value are set according to the change in the value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value after the second calibration mode is executed. That is, the reference value can be calibrated following the change in the environment around the sensor after the second calibration mode is executed. In the second calibration mode, the reference value is set so as to maintain the reference numerical value difference, so that the reference value and the first threshold value are not greatly changed. As described above, the malfunction of the contact sensor can be prevented while responding to changes in the environment.

  In the mobile terminal according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above aspect 2, when the execution of the second calibration mode is determined, the second calibration means is a second between the reference value and the first output value. A new threshold value is set, and the calibration control means enters the second calibration mode when the physical quantity value acquired during the execution of the second calibration mode is between the reference value and the second threshold value. Instead, the resumption of the first calibration mode may be determined.

  According to the above configuration, when the physical quantity value approaches the reference value that is the physical quantity value when the object is not in contact, the second calibration mode is stopped and the first calibration mode is resumed. Here, when the value of the physical quantity approaches the reference value, there is a high possibility that an object such as a user's hand and the sensor are not in contact with each other. That is, the change over time in the value of the physical quantity in this state is likely to be a change due to the environment around the sensor. Therefore, the reference value suitable for the situation can be calibrated by restarting the first calibration mode.

  When the mobile terminal according to aspect 4 of the present invention newly determines in the aspect 2 or 3 that the amount of change is greater than the predetermined value during execution of the second calibration mode, the second calibration is performed. The means may set a difference between the first output value in the newly determined change amount and the reference value as a new reference numerical value difference.

  According to the above configuration, when it is determined that the change amount is a change amount that newly indicates contact with an object during execution of the second calibration mode, the first output value and the reference value at this time are Is the new reference numerical value difference. In the second calibration mode, the reference value is set so that the difference from the detected physical quantity value becomes the reference numerical value difference. Therefore, when this is applied to a change in the physical quantity value indicating contact with the object, The value and the first threshold value are greatly changed, causing a malfunction of the contact sensor. Therefore, when there is a change in the value of a physical quantity that indicates contact with an object, the reference numerical value difference is reset once, and a new reference numerical value difference is specified again, so that the reference value corresponding to the change and the It is possible to prevent the threshold value from being changed. Thereby, the erroneous detection of a contact sensor can be prevented.

  The portable terminal according to Aspect 5 of the present invention is the portable terminal according to any one of Aspects 2 to 4, wherein the change amount determination means has an absolute value of the change amount larger than a predetermined value during execution of the second calibration mode. It may be determined whether or not.

  Since the second calibration mode is executed in a state in which it is determined that the object is in contact, a change closer to the first threshold (such as causing the user's hand to touch the contact sensor more strongly) and a more standard It is necessary to determine whether or not the amount of change approaching the value (such as moving the user's hand away from the contact sensor) is greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, according to the calibration, during execution of the second calibration mode, it is specified whether or not the absolute value of the change amount in the change having a positive sign and the change having a negative sign is greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, the reference value and the threshold value can be calibrated in accordance with a change in the value of the substance amount assumed in the second calibration mode.

  The mobile terminal control method according to aspect 6 of the present invention is detected by a contact sensor provided at a position where a user's hand holding the casing comes into contact, which detects a physical quantity value that changes with contact of an object. When the physical quantity value exceeds a first threshold set based on a reference value that is the physical quantity value when the object is not in contact, a contact process execution step (S4) that executes a predetermined process And a first calibration step (S6) for executing a first calibration mode in which a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the detected first threshold value is set as the reference value. A first output value that is a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected most recently, and a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected a predetermined time before the first output value. It is the difference from a certain second output value A change amount determination step (S7) for determining whether or not the change amount is larger than a predetermined value; and when the change amount is determined to be larger than the predetermined value, the first calibration mode is temporarily set. A calibration control step (S8) for deciding not to execute, and determining that the first calibration mode is to be continuously executed if it is not determined to be larger than the predetermined value.

  The effect by the above configuration is the same as that of the first aspect described above.

  The mobile terminal according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the mobile terminal is realized by the computer by causing the computer to operate as each unit included in the mobile terminal. A control program and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can be used for a mobile terminal (smart phone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, etc.) capable of executing a predetermined process according to the detection result of the contact sensor.

  1-3 Smartphone (mobile terminal), 11 Contact sensor, 22 Process execution unit (contact process execution unit), 23 Change amount specifying unit (change amount determination unit), 24 Calibration control unit (calibration control unit), 25 First calibration Unit (first calibration unit), 26 second calibration unit (second calibration unit), S4 contact processing execution step, S6 first calibration step, S7 change amount determination step, S8 calibration control step

Claims (5)

A contact sensor provided at a position where a user's hand holding the casing comes into contact detects a value of a physical quantity that changes with contact of an object;
Contact processing execution means for executing predetermined processing when the detected value of the physical quantity exceeds a first threshold value set based on a reference value that is the value of the physical quantity when the object is not in contact;
A first calibration means for executing a first calibration mode for setting a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the detected first threshold value as the reference value;
A first output value that is a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected most recently, and a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected a predetermined time before the first output value. Change amount determination means for determining whether or not a change amount that is a difference from a certain second output value is greater than a predetermined value;
When it is determined that the amount of change is larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that the first calibration mode is not temporarily executed, and when it is not determined that the amount of change is larger than the predetermined value, the first And a calibration control means for determining that the calibration mode is to be continuously executed. A second calibration means for executing a second calibration mode different from the first calibration mode;
The calibration control means determines that the second calibration mode is executed instead of the first calibration mode when the amount of change is larger than the predetermined value.
The second calibration mode specifies a reference numerical value difference that is a difference between the first output value determined to be greater than the predetermined value and the reference value, and the physical quantity detected by the contact sensor. 2. The portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the reference value is set so that a difference from the reference value becomes the reference numerical value difference. When the execution of the second calibration mode is determined, the second calibration unit newly sets a second threshold value between the reference value and the first output value,
When the value of the physical quantity acquired during execution of the second calibration mode is between the reference value and the second threshold value, the calibration control means replaces the second calibration mode with the first calibration. The mobile terminal according to claim 2, wherein resumption of the mode is determined.   When it is newly determined that the amount of change is greater than the predetermined value during execution of the second calibration mode, the second calibration unit is configured to output the first output value at the newly determined amount of change 4. The portable terminal according to claim 2, wherein a difference from the reference value is a new reference numerical value difference. When the value of the physical quantity detected by the contact sensor provided at the position where the user's hand holding the casing comes into contact detects the value of the physical quantity that changes with the contact of the object, and the object is not in contact A contact process execution step for executing a predetermined process when a first threshold value set based on a reference value that is a value of the physical quantity is exceeded,
A first calibration step for executing a first calibration mode for setting the detected physical quantity value that does not exceed the first threshold as the reference value.
A first output value that is a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected most recently, and a value of the physical quantity that does not exceed the first threshold value detected a predetermined time before the first output value. A change amount determination step for determining whether or not a change amount which is a difference from a certain second output value is larger than a predetermined value;
When it is determined that the amount of change is larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that the first calibration mode is not temporarily executed, and when it is not determined that the amount of change is larger than the predetermined value, the first A calibration control step for determining to continue to execute the calibration mode.

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